bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Benefit From Adjuvant Pertuzumab by 80-Gene Signature in the APHINITY (BIG 4-11) Trial
Authors: Krop Ian E. , Mittempergher Lorenza , Paulson Joseph N. , Andre Fabrice , Bonnefoi Herve , Loi Sherene , Loibl Sibylle , Gelber Richard D. , Caballero Carmela , Bhaskaran Rajith , Dreezen Christa , Menicucci Andrea R. , Bernards Rene , van ’t Veer Laura J. , Piccart Martine J.
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

At the primary analysis, the APHINITY trial reported a statistically significant but modest benefit of adding pertuzumab to standard adjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab in patients with histologically confirmed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive early-stage breast cancer. This study evaluated whether the 80-gene molecular subtyping signature (80-GS) could identify patients within the APHINITY population who derive the most benefit from dual anti-HER2 therapy.

METHODS

In a nested case-control study design of 1,023 patients (matched event to control ratio of 3:1), the 80-GS classified breast tumors into functional luminal type, HER2 type, or basal type. Additionally, 80-GS distinguished tumor subtypes that exhibited a single-dominant functional pathway versus tumors with multiple activated pathways. The primary end point was invasive disease-free survival (IDFS). Hazard ratios (HRs) were evaluated by Cox regression. After excluding patients without appropriate consent and those with missing data, 964 patients were included.

RESULTS

The 80-GS classified 50% (n = 479) of tumors as luminal type, 28% (n = 275) as HER2 type, and 22% (n = 209) as basal type. Most luminal-type tumors (86%) displayed a single-activated pathway, whereas 49% of HER2-type and 42% of basal-type tumors were dual activated. There was no significant difference in IDFS among different conventional 80-GS subtypes (single- and dual-activated subtypes combined). However, basal single-subtype tumors were significantly more likely to have an IDFS event (hazard ratio, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.12 to 2.54]) compared with other subtypes. HER2 single-subtype tumors displayed a trend toward greater beneficial effect on the addition of pertuzumab (hazard ratio, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.27 to 1.16]) compared with all other subtypes.

CONCLUSION

The 80-GS identified subgroups of histologically confirmed HER2-positive tumors with distinct biological characteristics. Basal single-subtype tumors exhibit an inferior prognosis compared with other subgroups and may be candidates for additional therapeutic strategies. Preliminary results suggest patients with HER2-positive, genomically HER2 single-subtype tumors may particularly benefit from added pertuzumab, which warrants further investigation.
Comparative Gene Signature of Nociceptors Innervating Mouse Molar Teeth, Cranial Meninges, and Cornea
Authors: Sotelo-Hitschfeld Pamela , Bernal Laura , Nazeri Masoud , Renthal William , Brauchi Sebastian , Roza Carolina , Zimmermann Katharina
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

The trigeminal ganglion (TG) collects afferent sensory information from various tissues. Recent large-scale RNA sequencing of neurons of the TG and dorsal root ganglion has revealed a variety of functionally distinct neuronal subpopulations, but organ-specific information is lacking.

METHODS:

To link transcriptomic and tissue-specific information, we labeled small-diameter neurons of 3 specific subpopulations of the TG by local application of lipophilic carbocyanine dyes to their innervation site in the dental pulp, cornea, and meninges (dura mater). We then collected mRNA-sequencing data from fluorescent neurons. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed and subjected to downstream gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and ion channel profiling was performed.

RESULTS:

A total of 10,903 genes were mapped to the mouse genome (>500 reads). DEG analysis revealed 18 and 81 genes with differential expression (log2 fold change > 2, P
adj < .05) in primary afferent neurons innervating the dental pulp (dental primary afferent neurons [DPAN]) compared to those innervating the meninges (meningeal primary afferent neurons [MPAN]) and the cornea (corneal primary afferent neurons [CPAN]). We found 250 and 292 genes differentially expressed in MPAN as compared to DPAN and to CPAN, and 21 and 12 in CPAN as compared to DPAN and MPAN. Scn2b had the highest log2 fold change when comparing DPAN versus MPAN and Mmp12 was the most prominent DEG when comparing DPAN versus CPAN and, CPAN versus MPAN. GSEA revealed genes of the immune and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system for the DPAN versus MPAN comparison, cilium- and ribosome-related genes for the CPAN versus DPAN comparison, and respirasome, immune cell- and ribosome-related gene sets for the CPAN versus MPAN comparison. DEG analysis for ion channels revealed no significant differences between the neurons set except for the sodium voltage-gated channel beta subunit 2, Scn2b. However, in each tissue a few ion channels turned up with robust number of reads. In DPAN, these were Cacna1b, Trpv2, Cnga4, Hcn1, and Hcn3, in CPAN Trpa1, Trpv1, Cacna1a, and Kcnk13 and in MPAN Trpv2 and Scn11a.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study uncovers previously unknown differences in gene expression between sensory neuron subpopulations from the dental pulp, cornea, and dura mater and provides the basis for functional studies, including the investigation of ion channel function and their suitability as targets for tissue-specific analgesia.
Three Episodes of Postanesthesia Paradoxical Vocal Cord Motion Disorder in the Same Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Xianren , Zhang Xiaopeng
Published: January 2024

Postanesthesia paradoxical vocal cord motion disorder (PVCMD) is often benign. However, if not recognized, PVCMD can lead to unnecessary treatments. Our patient had 3 different surgeries over a period of 20 months. The first episode of PVCMD occurred after a shoulder surgery, and the patient was reintubated. PVCMD was correctly diagnosed and treated successfully with reassurance after an ulnar nerve decompression. The third episode of PVCMD occurred after a cervical fusion surgery. Prevertebral edema from surgery further compromised the airways. Our case demonstrates the challenges of identifying and managing perioperative PVCMD, especially when surgical complications confound the airway management.
Metabolic and Perceptual Responses to Constant Heart Rate Exercise at Vigorous Intensities in Women
Authors: GUSTAVE DJADMANN , MITCHINSON CLARA J. , SUCCI PASQUALE J. , BENITEZ BRIAN , KWAK MINYOUNG , LANPHERE KATHRYN R. , CLASEY JODY L. , BERGSTROM HALEY C.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study quantified the metabolic demands (oxygen uptake (V̇O2)), power output adjustments, changes in the V̇O2/power output ratio, and perceptual responses (rating of perceived exertion (RPE)) during constant heart rate (HR) exercise performed within the vigorous intensity range (77%–95% HRpeak).

Methods

Twelve women (mean ± SD age, 22 ± 4 yr) performed a graded exercise test to exhaustion to determine peak parameters, and three randomly ordered, constant HR trials to exhaustion or for 60 min at the lower (HRL = 77% HRpeak), middle (HRM = 86% HRpeak), and higher (HRH = 95% HRpeak) end of the vigorous intensity range. Time course of changes and patterns of responses were examined for V̇O2, power output, V̇O2/power output, and RPE for the composite and for each subject.

Results

Across the HRL (time to exhaustion (T
lim) = 56.3 ± 9.9 min), HRM (51.8 ± 13.5 min), and HRH (27.2 ± 17.7 min) trials, V̇O2 and power output decreased quadratically (P < 0.05) relative to the initial value from 10% to 100% of T
lim, whereas the V̇O2/power output increased quadratically from 20% to 100% T
lim, and RPE increased linearly from 50% to 100% T
lim. The V̇O2 and RPE, collapsed across time, for HRL (54.3% ± 3.3% V̇O2peak, 11 ± 1.5 RPE) were lower than HRM (64.9% ± 4.5% V̇O2peak, 14 ± 1.7 RPE), and both were lower than HRH (80.1% ± 4.1% V̇O2peak, 17 ± 1.4 RPE). None of the 12 subjects at HRL, 6 at HRM, and 7 at HRH were within the vigorous V̇O2 range.

Conclusions

The HRL was not sufficient to meet the desired metabolic intensity for vigorous exercise, whereas the middle to higher end of the range elicited a V̇O2 within the prescribed range of only ~50%–60% of the subjects. This study indicated that exercise held constant at a percentage of HRpeak cannot consistently be used to prescribe a desired metabolic stimulus.
National health insurance contribution to family planning program funding in Indonesia: A fund flow analysis
Authors: Wahdi Amirah Ellyza , Sutanto Edward , Setyawan Althaf , Astrini Yufan Putri , Adani Nadhila , Mardani Halimah , Maulana Nirwan , Pattnaik Anooj , Trihono Trihono , Wilopo Siswanto Agus
Published: January 2024

Background Launched in 2014, Indonesia’s national health insurance system (JKN) aimed to provide universal health coverage, including contraceptive services, to its population. We aim to evaluate the contribution of JKN to the overall spending for the family planning program in Indonesia. Methods Data from the Indonesian Demographic Health Survey, Survey on Financial Flows for Family Planning, Indonesia Motion Tracker Matrix, World Population Prospect, and Indonesian ministries’ budget accountability reports were entered into the CastCost Contraceptive Projection Tool to define budgetary allocation and spending for the family planning program at the national level in 2019. Results Indonesia’s family planning program in 2019 was financed mostly by the national budget (64.0%) and out-of-pocket payments (34.6%). There were three main ministries responsible for family planning financing: the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) (35.8%), the Ministry of Finance (26.2%), and the Ministry of Health (2.0%). Overall, JKN contributed less than 0.4% of the funding for family planning services in Indonesia in 2019. The majority of family planning spending was by public facilities (57.3%) as opposed to private facilities (28.6%). Conclusion JKN’s contribution to funding Indonesia’s family planning programs in 2019 was low and highlights a huge opportunity to expand these contributions. A coordinated effort should be conducted to identify possible opportunities to realign BKKBN and JKN roles in the family planning programs and lift barriers to accessing family planning services in public and private facilities. This includes a concerted effort to improve integration of private family planning providers into the JKN program.
Philibert de Naillac, Master of Rhodes: 1396‒1421
Authors: Luttrell Anthony
Published: January 2024

Philibert de Naillac belonged to the nobility of Berri. He entered the military-religious order of the Hospital and by 1374 held the Commandery of Lureil in the Priory of Auvergne; in 1390 he became Prior of Aquitaine and was due to travel to Rhodes. Apparently in 1395 he again left for Rhodes where, probably on 6 May 1396, he was elected Master. Soon after he led a Hospitaller contingent into the Black Sea and up the Danube to Nikopolis to join a crusade which on 25 September 1396 was defeated by the Turks; Naillac escaped, rescuing Sigismund of Hungary from captivity or death. Subsequently the Hospitallers defended Constantinople and the Morea against the Turks, built the large “Naillac” tower in Rhodes harbour, and in 1406/1407 constructed a castle at Bodrum on the Anatolian mainland opposite Kos. Meanwhile the Hospital’s holy warfare at sea included the semi-piratical corso. Naillac’s administrative tasks and visitations were extensive in both East and West. The Hospital's manpower and money reaching Rhodes were seriously reduced by defections provoked by the papal schism, and in 1409 the Master travelled to Pisa where a council elected a new pope with Naillac guarding the conclave.  He continued to work for a settlement and in 1417 he again guarded the conclave at Constance where the schism was largely ended. The schism within the Hospital itself was also slowly eliminated. In 1420 Naillac returned to Rhodes where he held a chapter general which passed important legislation. He died in 1421 after a lengthy rule which, not without some dubious aspects, did much to preserve the Hospitaller order.
Bernhart Jähnig. Zum Innenleben des Deutschen Ordens in Preußen. Quellen und Darstellungen zur Geschichte Westpreußens 45. Münster: Nicolaus-Copernicus-Verlag, 2021
Authors: Baranov Alexander
Published: January 2024

412 + XX S., zahlr. Abb., Karten u. Tafeln. ISBN: 978-3-924238-60-5.
Producción científica en Scopus sobre salud financiera: periodo 2011-2022
Authors: Tito-Betancur Madona , Carranza Esteban Renzo Felipe , Tapullima-Mori Calixto , Turpo Chaparro Josué , Mamani-Benito Oscar
Published: January 2024

Introducción: La salud financiera, determinada en buena parte por el salario, está estrechamente relacionada a la salud global del individuo y su familia. Por ello se tuvo como objetivo evaluar la producción científica sobre salud financiera en la base de datos Scopus: periodo 2011 - 2022.
Método: Scoping review en la que se analizaron manuscritos publicados en revistas indexadas en la base de datos Scopus entre los años 2011 - 2022. Para la búsqueda se utilizó descriptores tales como financial obligations, financial inclusion, family economy, financial education, financial literacy, financial wellness y financial stress. Se realizó una síntesis narrativa.
Resultados: Se incluyeron 6 940 manuscritos, de los cuales el 82,0% eran artículos originales. Se observó un crecimiento constante del número de artículos a lo largo del periodo de estudio, especialmente a partir de 2016, con un incremento del 860% en 2022 (n = 1429) respecto a 2011 (n=165). Estados Unidos fue el país con mayor producción científica. Las revistas con mayor número de publicaciones fueron Sustainability (Suiza) y el Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning (EEUU). Entre los descriptores de mayor impacto se encuentran la inclusión financiera a través del uso de la tecnología, estrés financiero, educación financiera y salud financiera.
Conclusiones: La investigación sobre salud financiera ha tenido un aumento significativo. El nuevo conocimiento sobre el tema es impulsado por autores e instituciones de Estados Unidos en su mayoría, y finalmente, se evidencian tendencias de estudio relacionadas a la inclusión y educación financiera.
Restoration of Discoloured Incisors with Ceramic Veneers: A Workflow Case Report
Authors: Albino Luis Gustavo Barrote , Chaves Eduardo Trota , Pereira de Lima Verônica , Lima Giana da Silveira
Published: January 2024

This case reports the treatment of two discoloured incisors with feldspar ceramic veneers using an integrated work approach, and the active participation of a dental technician. The patient presented an upper left central incisor with a composite restoration, and a lateral incisor with discolouration after trauma and endodontic treatment. Planning was developed in collaboration with the technician, the decision was to perform ceramic veneers on the discoloured teeth. Central incisor previous restoration was included in preparation, and lateral preparation was limited to create enough space for the veneer. This case highlights the importance of communication between patient, clinician, and technician to achieve excellent results in restorative dentistry.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Feldspar ceramic veneers might be a good option for masking light and mediumly discoloured substrates.
Bleaching Complications: ‘Greening’ in a Post-crowned Tooth
Authors: Feng Qingmei Joy , Kelleher Martin
Published: January 2024

This article describes the management of a patient who experienced an unexpected and unattractive ‘greening’ of an anterior tooth following a course of bleaching. It examines the reasons for this phenomenon and describes a method for disguising the discolouration in a minimally invasive manner that can be carried out in general practice.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important that multiple post-operative complications are managed in a minimally invasive way whenever possible.
I am a BACN Nurse
Authors: Brown Sharron
Published: January 2024

In this article BACN member and aesthetic nurse, Sharron Brown, considers what it really means to be a member of the BACN
Genetic investigation of the ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A gene as putative target in Angelman syndrome
Authors: Manoubi Wiem , Mahdouani Marwa , Hmida Dorra , Kdissa Ameni , Rouissi Aida , Turki Ilhem , Gueddiche Neji , Soyah Najla , Saad Ali , Bouwkamp Christian , Elgersma Ype , Mougou-Zerelli Soumaya , Gribaa Moez
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Angelman syndrome (AS) is caused by maternal chromosomal deletions, imprinting defects, paternal uniparental disomy involving chromosome 15 and the ubiquitin-protein ligase UBE3A gene mutations. However the genetic basis remains unclear for several patients.

AIM

To investigate the involvement of UBE3A gene in AS and identifying new potential genes using exome sequencing.

METHODS

We established a cohort study in 50 patients referred to Farhat Hached University Hospital between 2006 and 2021, with a strong suspicion of AS and absence of chromosomal aberrations. The UBE3A gene was screened for mutation detection. Two unrelated patients issued from consanguineous families were subjected to exome analysis.

RESULTS

We describe seven UBE3A variants among them 3 none previously described including intronic variants c.2220+14T>C (intron14), c.2507+43T>A (Exon15) and insertion in Exon7: c.30-47_30-46. The exome sequencing revealed 22 potential genes that could be involved in AS-like syndromes that should be investigated further.

CONCLUSION

Screening for UBE3A mutations in AS patients has been proven to be useful to confirm the diagnosis. Our exome findings could rise to new potential alternative target genes for genetic counseling.
Inetetamab combined with pyrotinib and chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer brain metastasis: A case report
Authors: Dou Qing-Qing , Sun Ting-Ting , Wang Guo-Qiang , Tong Wei-Bing
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is an advanced breast disease that is difficult to treat and is associated with a high risk of death. Patient prognosis is usually poor, with reduced quality of life. In this context, we report the case of a patient with HER-2-positive BCBM treated with a macromolecular mAb (inetetamab) combined with a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).

CASE SUMMARY

The patient was a 58-year-old woman with a 12-year history of type 2 diabetes. She was compliant with regular insulin treatment and had good blood glucose control. The patient was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma of the right breast (T3N1M0 stage IIIa, HER2-positive type) through aspiration biopsy of the ipsilateral breast due to the discovery of a breast tumor in February 2019. Immunohistochemistry showed ER (-), PR (-), HER-2 (3+), and Ki-67 (55-60%+). Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, i.e. , the AC-TH regimen (epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel-paclitaxel, and trastuzumab), was administered for 8 cycles. She underwent modified radical mastectomy of the right breast in November 2019 and received tocilizumab targeted therapy for 1 year. Brain metastasis was found 9 mo after surgery. She underwent brain metastasectomy in August 2020. Immunohistochemistry showed ER (-) and PR. (-), HER-2 (3+), and Ki-67 (10-20%+). In November 2020, the patient experienced headache symptoms. After an examination, tumor recurrence in the original surgical region of the brain was observed, and the patient was treated with inetetamab, pyrotinib, and capecitabine. Whole-brain radiotherapy was recommended. The patient and her family refused radiotherapy for personal reasons. In September 2021, a routine examination revealed that the brain tumor was considerably larger. The original systemic treatment was continued and combined with intensity-modulated radiation therapy for brain metastases, followed by regular hospitalization and routine examinations. The patient’s condition is generally stable, and she has a relatively high quality of life. This case report demonstrates that in patients with BCBM and resistance to trastuzumab, inetetamab combined with pyrotinib and chemotherapy can prolong survival.

CONCLUSION

Inetetamab combined with small molecule TKI drugs, chemotherapy and radiation may be an effective regimen for maintaining stable disease in patients with BCBM.
Carrimycin in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia combined with pulmonary tuberculosis: A case report
Authors: Yang Fu-Yu , Shao Lei , Su Jie , Zhang Zhen-Meng
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is prevalent in immunocompromised populations, including patients with hematologic malignancies, human immunodeficiency virus infections, and chronic diseases. Effective treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) combined with PTB is lacking. These patients show an extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, studies should establish efficient treatment options to improve patient survival and prognosis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old male with pain in the right side of his chest and a fever for 4 d visited the outpatient department of our hospital. Peripheral blood smear revealed 54% blasts. Following bone marrow examinations, variant APL with TNRC18-RARA fusion gene was diagnosed. Chest computed tomography scan showed bilateral pneumonitis with bilateral pleural effusions, partial atelectasis in the lower lobes of both lungs, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid gene X-Pert test was positive, indicative of PTB. Carrimycin, ethambutol (EMB), and isoniazid (INH) were administered since he could not receive chemotherapy as the WBC count decreased continuously. After one week of treatment with carrimycin, the patient recovered from fever and received chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was very effective and his white blood cells counts got back to normal. After being given five months with rifampin, EMB and INH and chemotherapy, the patient showed complete remission from pneumonia and APL.

CONCLUSION

We report a case of PTB treated successfully with carrimycin with APL that requires chemotherapy.
Global well-posedness for the radial, defocusing, nonlinear wave equation for 3 < p < 5
Authors: Dodson Benjamin
Published: January 2024

abstract: In this paper we continue the study of the defocusing, energy-subcritical nonlinear wave equation with radial initial data lying in the critical Sobolev space. In this case we prove scattering in the critical norm when $3<p<5$.
The density hypothesis for horizontal families of lattices
Authors: Fra̧czyk Mikołaj , Harcos Gergely , Maga Péter , Milićević Djordje
Published: January 2024

abstract: We prove the density hypothesis for wide families of arithmetic orbifolds arising from all division quaternion algebras over all number fields of bounded degree. Our power-saving bounds on the multiplicities of non-tempered representations are uniform in the volume and spectral aspects.
Something Beautiful out of the Darkness
Authors: Ward Jesmyn , Bradley Regina N.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Originally from the Gulf Coast community of DeLisle, Mississippi, Jesmyn Ward is unapologetically steeped in a southern Black literary tradition that amplifies the complicated realities of being Black in the South. Ward is a MacArthur Fellow and two-time National Book Award winner for her novels Salvage the Bones (2011) and Sing, Unburied, Sing (2017). She writes across a variety of genres, including fiction, essays, and a memoir, Men We Reaped (2013). In an interview with Regina N. Bradley ahead of the release of her novel Let Us Descend (2023), Ward discussed the importance of the Gothic in writing about the Black South, how grief is central to her writing, and why writing helps her confront and understand Mississippi's racially turbulent history.
Specters of the Mythic South: How Plantation Fiction Fixed Ghost Stories to Black Americans
Authors: Pirok Alena
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The author challenges the notion of southern ghost stories as inherently subversive. Beginning with the stories in late nineteenth-century plantation fiction, this essay explores how wealthy white southerners used the genre to redeem and remake the region's past and present. White authors' claims of fraternity with largely nameless and faceless Black contacts are central to the story and reveal how these ghost stories helped to suppress reality, in favor of mythic tales. A comparison of the planation ghost stories and ghost stories accurately attributed to Black southerners shows that rather than faithfully recording the stories or making room for the oppressed to speak, white writers of planation ghost stories made a mockery of their Black neighbors and denied their post-emancipation agency. The roots of today's southern ghost stories are vastly more diverse, and significantly less empowering, than the celebrated Southern Gothic tales.
Theoretical and experimental study on the radiative properties of Parachlorella kessleri: considering the effect of internal microstructure
Authors: Li Xingcan , Jiang Miao , Lv Chenghao , Xie Bowei
Published: January 2024

A microalgal cell model with multiple organelles considering both the irregular overall shape and internal microstructure was proposed. The radiative properties of Parachlorella kessleri during the normal phase, starch-rich phase, and lipid-rich phase were calculated by the discrete dipole approximation method in the visible wavelengths. The accuracy of the model is verified with experimental measurements. The results showed that the theoretical calculation of the established microalgal cell model is more accurate than those of the equal volume spheres, such as the homogeneous sphere and the coated sphere, with the errors of the scattering cross-section reduced by more than 10.7%. The calculated scattering phase function of the multi-component model is basically in good agreement with the experimental results. Compared to the normal growth phase, the lipid enrichment during the lipid-rich phase leads to a sharp increase in the scattering cross-section by three to four times, while the absorption cross-section remains stable. Remarkably, in the starch-rich phase, the abundant production of starch results in a reduction of two to three times in the absorption cross-section compared to the normal growth phase, while the scattering cross-section varies little. The results can provide basic data and theoretical support for the design and optimization of photobioreactors.
Two-dimensional transmissive structural colors for high-security information encryption
Authors: Yan Jing , Guo Jin , Qu Ke , Li Ruo-Zhou
Published: January 2024

Structural colors produced from nanostructures have attracted much attention due to their promising advantages of long-term stability and high resolution. Many nanostructures like metasurfaces have been demonstrated to generate color information in the transmission or reflection mode. Here, a strategy of combining polarization-insensitive and polarization-sensitive transmissive structural color is proposed to realize convenient and diverse encrypted pattern designs. A two-dimensional metasurface, whose polarization characteristics are determined by the size of a nanobrick unit, is embedded inside an optical cavity to produce transmissive structural color. The polarization-insensitive transmissive structural color exhibits a wide color gamut and high excitation purity in all polarization states, while the polarization-sensitive transmissive structural color maintains the similar color appearance in x-direction polarization but appears nearly black in y-direction polarization. Combining these two transmissive structural colors can achieve diverse images designed at different polarizations instead of simply hiding the image in a specific polarization state. An image of “flower and flowerpot” using the generated colors is visually illustrated, which shows that the proposed transmissive structural colors would have great potential in the areas of security information encryption.
Point cloud holographic encryption display system involving 3D face recognition and air-writing
Authors: Ji Jia-Hui , Zhao Yu , Bu Jing-Wen , Zhang Tao , Zhu Li Ming , Huang Yuan
Published: January 2024

In this study, we proposed a holographic identity verification encryption system that integrates face recognition, air-writing, and the multiple point cloud gridding encryption (M-PCGE) method to ensure multi-level security for objects. The experimental results show that the M-PCGE algorithm proposed in this paper achieves image encryption and decryption quickly with a high degree of restoration, and the security is verified.
Development of an integrated dual-modality 3D bioluminescence tomography and ultrasound imaging system for small animal tumor imaging
Authors: Su Shih-Po , Yang Yuan-Zhen , Chiang Huihua Kenny
Published: January 2024

Ultrasound (US) is a valuable tool for imaging soft tissue and visualizing tumor contours. Taking the benefits of US, we presented an integrated dual-modality imaging system in this paper that achieves three-dimensional (3D) bioluminescence tomography (BLT) with multi-view bioluminescence images and 3D US imaging. The purpose of this system is to perform non-invasive, long-term monitoring of tumor growth in 3D images. US images can enhance the accuracy of the 3D BLT reconstruction and the bioluminescence dose within an object. Furthermore, an integrated co-registered scanning geometry was used to capture the fused BLT and US images. We validated the system with an in vivo experiment involving tumor-bearing mice. The results demonstrated the feasibility of reconstructing 3D BLT images in the tumor region using 3D US images. We used the dice coefficient and locational error to evaluate the similarity between the reconstructed source region and the actual source region. The dice coefficient was 88.5%, and the locational error was 0.4 mm when comparing the BLT and 3D US images. The hybrid BLT/US system could provide significant benefits for reconstructing the source of tumor location and conducting quantitative analysis of tumor size.
Strain measurement with adaptive local feature extraction method based on special fiber OFDR system
Authors: Lv Yuejuan , Xiao XiangPeng , Li Hao , Ai Ke , Yan Zhijun , Sun Qizhen
Published: January 2024

The optical fiber distributed strain sensor based on the optical frequency domain reflectometer (OFDR) preserves its dominant position in short-distance measurement fields with high spatial resolution, such as biomedical treatment, soft robot, etc. However, owing to the weak intensity of the Rayleigh backscattered signal (RBS) in the single-mode fiber (SMF) and complex computation, the large strain changes cannot be precisely and rapidly demodulated by the traditional cross-correlation method. In this work, the OFDR with backscattering enhanced optical fiber (BEOF) is proposed and demonstrated for fast and large strain measurement. By enhancing the RBS amplitude, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is improved, resulting in a higher similarity between the reference signal and test signal, which is beneficial for the expansion of the strain measurement range. Moreover, the adaptive local feature extraction and matching (ALFEM) algorithm is presented and demonstrated, which replaces the traditional cross-correlation method for strain demodulation and fast measurement. On account of the enhancement ratio of BEOF, the dominant characteristic data segment can be extracted from whole wavelength data. In the experiments, the enhancing ratio of BEOF is designed as 10, resulting in the spatial resolution reaches 400µm and the strain measurement range is greatly increased to 4800µɛ. Further, the effectiveness of the ALFEM algorithm has been verified, in which the strain demodulation time is approximately 25% of that of the traditional method. This scheme fully exploits the enhancement characteristic of the BEOF and is also applicable to the systems based on other types of BEOF, different strain changes and sensing distances.
Fabrication of large-area photonic crystal-modified X-ray scintillator imager for optical coding imaging
Authors: Li Zhenjiang , Shi Hao , Li Beining , Yang Shumin , Zhao Jun , He You , Wang Yong , Wu Yanqing , Xue Chaofan , Tai Renzhong
Published: January 2024

The limited pattern area of periodic nanostructures limits the development of practical devices. This study introduces an X-ray interference lithography (XIL) stitching technique to fabricate a large-area (1.5 cm × 1.5 cm) two-dimensional photonic crystal (PhC) on the YAG: Ce scintillator, which functions as an encoder in a high numerical aperture optical encoding imaging system to effectively capture high-frequency information. An X-ray imaging experiment revealed a substantial 7.64 dB improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) across a large field of view (2.6 mm × 2.6 mm) and achieved comparable or superior image quality with half the exposure dose. These findings have significant implications for advancing practical applications of X-ray imaging.
Modelling disease mitigation at mass gatherings: A case study of COVID-19 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Authors: Grunnill Martin , Arino Julien , McCarthy Zachary , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Coudeville Laurent , Thommes Edward W. , Amiche Amine , Ghasemi Abbas , Bourouiba Lydia , Tofighi Mohammadali , Asgary Ali , Baky-Haskuee Mortaza , Wu Jianhong
Published: January 2024

The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the first major multi-continental sporting Mass Gathering Event (MGE) of the post COVID-19 era to allow foreign spectators. Such large-scale MGEs can potentially lead to outbreaks of infectious disease and contribute to the global dissemination of such pathogens. Here we adapt previous work and create a generalisable model framework for assessing the use of disease control strategies at such events, in terms of reducing infections and hospitalisations. This framework utilises a combination of meta-populations based on clusters of people and their vaccination status, Ordinary Differential Equation integration between fixed time events, and Latin Hypercube sampling. We use the FIFA 2022 World Cup as a case study for this framework (modelling each match as independent 7 day MGEs). Pre-travel screenings of visitors were found to have little effect in reducing COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations. With pre-match screenings of spectators and match staff being more effective. Rapid Antigen (RA) screenings 0.5 days before match day performed similarly to RT-PCR screenings 1.5 days before match day. Combinations of pre-travel and pre-match testing led to improvements. However, a policy of ensuring that all visitors had a COVID-19 vaccination (second or booster dose) within a few months before departure proved to be much more efficacious. The State of Qatar abandoned all COVID-19 related travel testing and vaccination requirements over the period of the World Cup. Our work suggests that the State of Qatar may have been correct in abandoning the pre-travel testing of visitors. However, there was a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations within Qatar over the World Cup. Given our findings and the spike in cases, we suggest a policy requiring visitors to have had a recent COVID-19 vaccination should have been in place to reduce cases and hospitalisations.
Diffusive mediator feedbacks control the health-to-disease transition of skin inflammation
Authors: Sudo Maki , Fujimoto Koichi
Published: January 2024

The spatiotemporal dynamics of inflammation provide vital insights into the understanding of skin inflammation. Skin inflammation primarily depends on the regulatory feedback between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. Healthy skin exhibits fading erythema. In contrast, diseased skin exhibits expanding erythema with diverse patterns, which are clinically classified into five types: circular, annular, arcuate, gyrate, and polycyclic. Inflammatory diseases with expanding erythema are speculated to result from the overproduction of pro-inflammatory mediators. However, the mechanism by which feedback selectively drives the transition from a healthy fading erythema to each of the five types of diseased expanding erythema remains unclear. This study theoretically elucidates the imbalanced production between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators and prospective treatment strategies for each expanding pattern. Our literature survey showed that eleven diseases exhibit some of the five expanding erythema, thereby suggesting a common spatiotemporal regulation underlying different patterns and diseases. Accordingly, a reaction-diffusion model incorporating mediator feedback reproduced the five observed types of diseased expanding and healthy fading patterns. Importantly, the fading pattern transitioned to the arcuate, gyrate, and polycyclic patterns when the productions of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators were lower and higher, respectively than in the healthy condition. Further depletion of anti-inflammatory mediators caused a circular pattern, whereas further overproduction of pro-inflammatory mediators caused an annular pattern. Mechanistically, the bistability due to stabilization of the diseased state exhibits circular and annular patterns, whereas the excitability exhibits the gyrate, polycyclic, arcuate, and fading patterns as the threshold of pro-inflammatory mediator concentration relative to the healthy state increases. These dynamic regulations of diffusive mediator feedback provide effective treatment strategies for mediator production wherein skins recover from each expanding pattern toward a fading pattern. Thus, these strategies can estimate disease severity and risk based on erythema patterns, paving the way for developing noninvasive and personalized treatments for inflammatory skin diseases.
The era of the ARG: An introduction to ancestral recombination graphs and their significance in empirical evolutionary genomics
Authors: Lewanski Alexander L. , Grundler Michael C. , Bradburd Gideon S.
Published: January 2024

In the presence of recombination, the evolutionary relationships between a set of sampled genomes cannot be described by a single genealogical tree. Instead, the genomes are related by a complex, interwoven collection of genealogies formalized in a structure called anancestral recombination graph(ARG). An ARG extensively encodes the ancestry of the genome(s) and thus is replete with valuable information for addressing diverse questions in evolutionary biology. Despite its potential utility, technological and methodological limitations, along with a lack of approachable literature, have severely restricted awareness and application of ARGs in evolution research. Excitingly, recent progress in ARG reconstruction and simulation have made ARG-based approaches feasible for many questions and systems. In this review, we provide an accessible introduction and exploration of ARGs, survey recent methodological breakthroughs, and describe the potential for ARGs to further existing goals and open avenues of inquiry that were previously inaccessible in evolutionary genomics. Through this discussion, we aim to more widely disseminate the promise of ARGs in evolutionary genomics and encourage the broader development and adoption of ARG-based inference.
Effect of a brief psychological intervention for common mental disorders on HIV viral suppression: A non-randomised controlled study of the Friendship Bench in Zimbabwe
Authors: Simms Victoria , Abas Melanie A. , Müller Monika , Munetsi Epiphania , Dzapasi Lloyd , Weiss Helen A. , Chibanda Dixon
Published: January 2024

Background

For people living with co-morbid HIV and common mental disorders (CMD), it is not known whether a brief psychological intervention for CMD can improve HIV viral suppression.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in eight primary care clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe, enrolling adults with co-morbid HIV and CMD. Six clinics provided the Friendship Bench (FB), a brief psychological intervention for CMD based on problem-solving therapy, delivered by lay counsellors. Two clinics provided enhanced usual care (EUC). The primary outcome was viral non-suppression after six months (viral load ≥400 copies/mL). Data were analysed using a difference-in-difference approach with linear regression of cluster-level proportions, adjusted for baseline viral non-suppression (aDiD). The secondary outcome was presence of CMD measured by the Shona Symptom Questionnaire.

Results

In FB clinics, 407/500 (81.4%) participants had viral load results at baseline and endline: 58 (14.3%) had viral non-suppression at baseline and 41 (10.1%) at endline. In EUC clinics, 172/200 (86.0%) had viral load results at baseline and endline: 22 (12.8%) were non-suppressed at baseline and 26 (15.1%) at endline (aDiD = -7.3%; 95%CI 14.7% to -0.01%; p = 0.05). Of the 499 participants virally suppressed at baseline, the FB group had lower prevalence of non-suppression at endline compared to the EUC group (2.9% vs 9.3%; p = 0.002). There was no evidence of a difference in endline viral non-suppression by group among the 80 participants with non-suppression at baseline (53.5% vs 54.6%; p = 0.93). The FB group was less likely to screen positive for CMD at endline than the EUC group (aDiD = -21.6%; 95%CI -36.5% to -6.7%; p = 0.008).

Conclusion

People living with co-morbid HIV and CMD may benefit from receiving a low-cost mental health intervention to enhance viral suppression, especially if they are already virally suppressed. Research is needed to understand if additional adherence counselling could further improve viral suppression.
Perceptions toward Ebola vaccination and correlates of vaccine uptake among high-risk community members in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Perera Shiromi M. , Garbern Stephanie Chow , Mbong Eta Ngole , Fleming Monica K. , Muhayangabo Rigobert Fraterne , Ombeni Arsene Baleke , Kulkarni Shibani , Tchoualeu Dieula Delissaint , Kallay Ruth , Song Elizabeth , Powell Jasmine , Gainey Monique , Glenn Bailey , Mutumwa Ruffin Mitume , Mustafa Stephane Hans Bateyi , Earle-Richardson Giulia , Fukunaga Rena , Abad Neetu , Soke Gnakub Norbert , Prybylski Dimitri , Fitter David L. , Levine Adam C. , Doshi Reena H.
Published: January 2024

The tenth Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak (2018–2020, North Kivu, Ituri, South Kivu) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was the second-largest EVD outbreak in history. During this outbreak, Ebola vaccination was an integral part of the EVD response. We evaluated community perceptions toward Ebola vaccination and identified correlates of Ebola vaccine uptake among high-risk community members in North Kivu, DRC. In March 2021, a cross-sectional survey among adults was implemented in three health zones. We employed a sampling approach mimicking ring vaccination, targeting EVD survivors, their household members, and their neighbors. Outbreak experiences and perceptions toward the Ebola vaccine were assessed, and modified Poisson regression was used to identify correlates of Ebola vaccine uptake among those offered vaccination. Among the 631 individuals surveyed, most (90.2%) reported a high perceived risk of EVD and 71.6% believed that the vaccine could reduce EVD severity; however, 63.7% believed the vaccine had serious side effects. Among the 474 individuals who had been offered vaccination, 397 (83.8%) received the vaccine, 180 (45.3%) of those vaccinated received the vaccine after two or more offers. Correlates positively associated with vaccine uptake included having heard positive information about the vaccine (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06–1.60), the belief that the vaccine could prevent EVD (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09–1.39), and reporting that religion influenced all decisions (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25). Ebola vaccine uptake was high in this population, although mixed attitudes and vaccine delays were common. Communicating positive vaccine information, emphasizing the efficacy of the Ebola vaccine, and engaging religious leaders to promote vaccination may aid in increasing Ebola vaccine uptake during future outbreaks.
Engaging Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Africa: Lessons from the Canadian Red Cross supported programs
Authors: Idriss-Wheeler Dina , Ormel Ilja , Assefa Mekdes , Rab Faiza , Angelakis Christina , Yaya Sanni , Sohani Salim
Published: January 2024

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will not be achieved if health care worker shortages, estimated to increase to 18 million by 2030, are not addressed rapidly. Community-based health systems, which pivot to effective engagement of community health workers (CHW), may have an essential role in linking communities with health care facilities and reducing unmet health services needs caused by these shortages. The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) has partnered with different National Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies and Ministries of Health in Africa in the implementation of programs where CHWs contributed to the provision of various health services. This study reports on key findings (i.e., beneficiaries reached, CHWs engaged, programs implemented, intervention outcomes) and lessons learned from CRC supported CHW programs in Africa over the last 15 years (2007–2022). Qualitative methodology was employed to conduct document analysis on 17 sets of reports from each CRC-supported community health worker project in Africa over the past 15 years. Focus was on identifying challenges, facilitators, and lessons learned. CRC supported projects have trained over 9000 CHWs, benefiting nearly 7.5 million people across Africa. Key success factors include adaptability and agility in programming and project management, and considering contextual factors (political, social, and cultural systems). Investing in essential training for CHWs, staff, and volunteers is crucial, alongside employing an evidence-based approach to inform all aspects of programming and implementation. Additionally, projects prioritizing protection, gender and inclusion (PGI) while leveraging existing community structures and partnerships important for successful implementation. Despite challenges (i.e., weak health systems, lack of political commitment, insufficient funding, inadequate training) CHWs are recognized as crucial in promoting community-based health, improving access to care, addressing disparities, and contributing to achieving (UHC). Their unique position within communities enables them to provide culturally appropriate and localized primary health care- particularly in remote, resource limited and poverty-stricken regions.
Deletion of the lipid droplet protein kinase gene affects lipid droplets biogenesis, parasite infectivity, and resistance to trivalent antimony in Leishmania infantum
Authors: Ribeiro Juliana Martins , Silva Paula Alves , Costa-Silva Héllida Marina , Santi Ana Maria Murta , Murta Silvane Maria Fonseca
Published: January 2024

The Lipid Droplet Protein Kinase (LDK) facilitates lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis, organelles involved in various metabolic and signaling functions in trypanosomatids. As LDK’s function has not been previously explored in Leishmania spp., we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate LDK-knockout lines of Leishmania infantum to investigate its role in this parasite. Our findings demonstrate that LDK is not an essential gene for L. infantum, as its deletion did not impede parasite survival. Furthermore, removing LDK did not impact the growth of promastigote forms of L. infantum lacking LDK. However, a noticeable reduction in LDs occurred during the stationary phase of parasite growth following LDK deletion. In the presence of myriocin, a LD inducer, LDK-knockout parasites displayed reduced LD abundance during both logarithmic and stationary growth phases compared to control parasites. Moreover, an infection analysis involving THP-1 cells revealed that 72 h post-infection, LDK-knockout L. infantum lines exhibited fewer infected macrophages and intracellular amastigotes than control parasites. LDK-knockout L. infantum lines also displayed 1.7 to 1.8 -fold greater resistance to trivalent antimony than control parasites. There were no observed alterations in susceptibility to amphotericin B, miltefosine, or menadione in LDK-knockout L. infantum lines. Our results suggest that LDK plays a crucial role in the biogenesis and/or maintenance of LDs in L. infantum, as well as in parasite infectivity and resistance to trivalent antimony.