bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of balanced pulse pairs based on a dual-chip coupling structure
Authors: You Jin , Pan Pan , Cui Pengwei , Liu Qinghai , Zha Shenlong , Zhang Lihua
Published: July 2023

An asymmetric Mach–Zehnder interferometer (AMZI) is an essential device
to generate pulse pairs in quantum key distribution systems. An AMZI
based on a dual-chip coupling structure in a silica-on-silicon planar
light wave circuit platform is proposed, which includes
a variable optical splitter (VOS), a delay line (DL), and a
directional coupler (DC). The AMZI chip is divided into a VOS-DL part
and a DC part, and the two parts are independently manufactured and
then coupled. Since the DC part occupies the smallest area of the AMZI
chip and is most sensitive to manufacturing errors, separate
production can reduce the process difficulty and fabrication errors.
In the experiment, balanced pulse pairs with a delay time of
402 ps are obtained in the condition of single photon
transmission, and the excess loss is 0.8 dB. This dual-chip
coupling structure can improve the yield and reduce the manufacturing
cost when producing large chips.
In-band full-duplex multiband mobile fronthaul network based on analog radio-over-fiber and tandem SSB modulation
Authors: Yang Hang , Shi Taixia , Chen Yang
Published: July 2023

An in-band full-duplex multiband mobile fronthaul network is proposed based on analog radio-over-fiber and tandem single-sideband (TSSB) modulation. Two optical carriers with a wavelength spacing of 50 GHz in accordance with international telecommunication union dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) standards are employed in each distributed unit (DU): one is used to carry two different radio frequency (RF) vector signals at 3 and 10 GHz, while the other is used to carry a vector signal at 15 GHz and a single-tone signal at 15 GHz. At the DU, a parallel TSSB modulation is applied, which eliminates the cross talk of TSSB modulation through two dual-polarization binary phase-shift keying (DP-BPSK) modulators. This allows the two vector signals carrying different data to be distributed on both sides of the optical carrier. At the active antenna unit (AAU), different RF vector signals centered at 3, 30, and 60 GHz, each carrying distinct information, can be generated by selecting either one DWDM channel or two adjacent DWDM channels in a group. By utilizing the spacing between the two DWDM optical carriers, millimeter-wave signals can be generated without the need for additional electronic upconversion devices in the AAU. In the uplink, a DP-BPSK modulator is used to receive the signal of interest while canceling self-interference. Simulation results demonstrate the performance of the proposed system. After transmitting 25 km through single-mode fiber and compensating for dispersion using corresponding dispersion-compensating fiber, the downlink and uplink achieve error vector magnitudes of less than 9% and 2%, respectively, when the receiving optical power is 6 dBm.
Effect of rotational Raman response on ultra-flat supercontinuum generation in gas-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Sabbah Mohammed , Belli Federico , Brahms Christian , Travers John C.
Published: July 2023

We experimentally and numerically investigate flat supercontinuum generation in gas-filled anti-resonant guiding hollow-core photonic crystal fiber. By comparing results obtained with either argon or nitrogen we determine the role of the rotational Raman response in the supercontinuum formation. When using argon, a supercontinuum extending from 350 nm to 2 µm is generated through modulational instability. Although argon and nitrogen exhibit similar Kerr nonlinearity and dispersion, we find that the energy density of the continuum in the normal dispersion region is significantly lower when using nitrogen. Using numerical simulations, we find that due to the closely spaced rotational lines in nitrogen, gain suppression in the fundamental mode causes part of the pump pulse to be coupled into higher-order modes which reduces the energy transfer to wavelengths shorter than the pump.
Rapid design of hybrid mechanism metasurface with random coding for terahertz dual-band RCS reduction
Authors: Xing Wentao , Si Liming , Dong Lin , Zhang Hang , Ma Tianyu , Sun Houjun , Bao Xiue , Ding Jun
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a hybrid mechanism metasurface (HMM) employing 1-bit random coding is proposed to achieve polarization-insensitive and dual-wideband monostatic/bistatic radar cross section (RCS) reduction under a wide range of incident angles. The anisotropic unit cell is designed by the combination of the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm and Python-CST joint simulation, which facilitates the rapid acquisition of the desired unit cell with excellent dual-band absorption conversion capability. The unit cell and its mirrored version are used to represent the units "0" and "1", respectively. In addition, the array distribution with random coding of the units "0" and "1" is optimized under different incident angles, polarizations and frequencies, which enables better diffusion-like scattering. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed coding HMM can effectively reduce the monostatic/bistatic RCS by over 10 dB within the dual-band frequency ranges of 2.07-3.02 THz and 3.78-4.71 THz. Furthermore, the specular and bistatic RCS reduction performances remain stable at oblique incident angles up to 45° for both TE and TM polarizations.
Integrated microcavity optomechanics with a suspended photonic crystal mirror above a distributed Bragg reflector
Authors: Kini Manjeshwar Sushanth , Ciers Anastasiia , Monsel Juliette , Pfeifer Hannes , Peralle Cindy , Wang Shu Min , Tassin Philippe , Wieczorek Witlef
Published: July 2023

Increasing the interaction between light and mechanical resonators is an ongoing endeavor in the field of cavity optomechanics. Optical microcavities allow for boosting the interaction strength through their strong spatial confinement of the optical field. In this work, we follow this approach by realizing a sub-wavelength-long, free-space optomechanical microcavity on-chip fabricated from an (Al,Ga)As heterostructure. A suspended GaAs photonic crystal mirror is acting as a highly reflective mechanical resonator, which together with a distributed Bragg (DBR) reflector forms an optomechanical microcavity. We demonstrate precise control over the microcavity resonance by change of the photonic crystal parameters. We find that the microcavity mode can strongly couple to the transmissive modes of the DBR. The interplay between the microcavity mode and a guided resonance of the photonic crystal modifies the cavity response and results in a stronger dynamical backaction on the mechanical resonator compared to conventional optomechanical dynamics.
Quantum illumination based on cavity-optomagnonics system with Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Du Cheng-Zhang , Wang Da-Wei , Zhao Cheng-Song , Yang Junya , Zhou Ling
Published: July 2023

Quantum illumination is a quantum optical sensing technique, which employs an entangled source to detect low-reflectivity object immersed in a bright thermal background. Hybrid cavity-optomagnonics system promises to work as quantum illumination because a yttrium iron garnet (YIG) sphere can couple to microwave field and optical field. In this paper, we propose a scheme to enhance the entanglement between the output fields of the microwave and optical cavities by considering the intrinsic Kerr nonlinearity of the YIG. We investigate the difference between intrinsic Kerr nonlinearity and optomagnonical parametric-type coupling on improving entanglement. Our result show that the large value optomagnonical parametric-type coupling does not mean the large entanglement, nevertheless, the large value of Kerr nonlinearity does monotonously improve the entanglement for our group of parameters. Consequently, under feasible parameters of current experiment, the signal-to-noise ratio and probability of detection error can be improved after considering the magnon Kerr nonlinearity.
Interdimensional radial discrete diffraction in Mathieu photonic lattices
Authors: Vasiljević Jadranka M. , Jovanović Vladimir P. , Tomović Aleksandar Ž. , Timotijević Dejan V. , Žikic Radomir , Belić Milivoj R. , Jović Savić Dragana M.
Published: July 2023

We demonstrate transitional dimensionality of discrete diffraction in radial-elliptical photonic lattices. Varying the order, characteristic structure size, and ellipticity of the Mathieu beams used for the photonic lattices generation, we control the shape of discrete diffraction distribution over the combination of the radial direction with the circular, elliptic, or hyperbolic. We also investigate the transition from one-dimensional to two-dimensional discrete diffraction by varying the input probe beam position. The most pronounced discrete diffraction is observed along the crystal anisotropy direction.
Signal processing integrated with fiber-optic Vernier effect for the simultaneous measurement of relative humidity and temperature
Authors: Wang Yu , Yuan Weihao , Yan Yaxi , Lian Zhenggang , Chen Daru , Lau Alan Pak Tao , Yu Changyuan , Lu Chao
Published: July 2023

A novel inline Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) for simultaneous relative humidity (RH) and temperature monitoring is proposed. The sensing probe consists of a section of hollow core Bragg fiber (HCBF) spliced with a single-mode fiber pigtail. The end-face of the HCBF is coated with Chitosan and ultraviolet optical adhesive (UVOA), forming two polymer layers using a well-designed fabrication process. The surfaces of the layers and splicing point will generate multiple-beam interference and form Vernier-effect (VE) related envelopes in the reflection spectrum. A signal processing (SP) method is proposed to demodulate the VE envelopes from a complicated superimposed raw spectrum. The principle of the SP algorithm is analyzed theoretically and verified experimentally. The sensor’s RH and temperature response are studied, exhibiting a high sensitivity of about 0.437 nm/%RH and 0.29 nm/∘C, respectively. Using a matrix obtained from experiment results, the simultaneous RH and temperature measurement is achieved. Meanwhile, the simple fabrication process, compact size and potential for higher sensitivity makes our proposed structure integrated with the SP algorithm a promising sensor for practical RH and temperature monitoring.
Measurement of linear shear through optical vortices in digital shearing speckle pattern interferometry
Authors: Tang Xin , Zhong Ping , Zheng Xinli , Ye Xin , Du Shuai , Yang Xutong
Published: July 2023

Digital shearing speckle pattern interferometry (DSSPI) is a powerful interferometric technique used to visualize the slope contours undergoing static and dynamic deformations. Precise determination of the shear amount is crucial for quantitative analysis in DSSPI. However, accurately measuring the shear amount is often challenging due to factors such as optical device dimensions, deflections, aberrations, and misalignments. In this paper, we propose a novel method utilizing optical vortices deflection in pseudo-phase for shear measurement. This method eliminates the need for attaching calibration objects and replacing the light source, making it applicable to inaccessible or fragile samples. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method in determining shear amounts in DSSPI. The method can be easily automated and integrated into existing setups, offering broader application prospects.
Π-ML: a dimensional analysis-based machine learning parameterization of optical turbulence in the atmospheric surface layer
Authors: Pierzyna Maximilian , Saathof Rudolf , Basu Sukanta
Published: July 2023

Turbulent fluctuations of the atmospheric refraction index, so-called optical turbulence, can significantly distort propagating laser beams. Therefore, modeling the strength of these fluctuations (C
n
2) is highly relevant for the successful development and deployment of future free-space optical communication links. In this Letter, we propose a physics-informed machine learning (ML) methodology, Π-ML, based on dimensional analysis and gradient boosting to estimate C
n
2. Through a systematic feature importance analysis, we identify the normalized variance of potential temperature as the dominating feature for predicting C
n
2. For statistical robustness, we train an ensemble of models which yields high performance on the out-of-sample data of R2 = 0.958 ± 0.001.
Sub-cycle pulse revealed with carrier-envelope phase control of soliton self-compression in anti-resonant hollow-core fiber
Authors: Savitsky I. V. , Voronin A. A. , Stepanov E. A. , Lanin A. A. , Fedotov A. B.
Published: July 2023

The influence of the carrier-envelope phase (CEP) of a pump pulse on the multioctave supercontinuum (SC) generation in a gas-filled anti-resonant hollow-core fiber (AR HCF) by soliton self-compression (SSC) has been explored. We have shown an octave-wide third harmonic generation (THG) in the visible-to-near-infrared range during the pulse compression down to a sub-cycle duration. The CEP of a multi-cycle pump pulse provides control of interference between the third harmonic (TH) and the SC that indicates the coherent synthesis of a sub-cycle pulse with a duration of about 0.4 optical cycles and a peak power of more than 2 GW at the fiber output.
Passive superresolution imaging of incoherent objects
Authors: Frank Jernej , Duplinskiy Alexander , Bearne Kaden , Lvovsky A. I.
Published: July 2023

The need to observe objects that are smaller than the diffraction limit has led to the development of various superresolution techniques. However, most such techniques require active interaction with the sample, which may not be possible in multiple practical scenarios. The recently developed technique of Hermite–Gaussian imaging (HGI) achieves superresolution by passively observing the light coming from an object. This approach involves decomposing the incoming field into the Hermite–Gaussian basis of spatial modes and measuring the amplitude or intensity of each component. From these measurements, the original object can be reconstructed. However, implementing HGI experimentally has proven to be challenging, and previous achievements have focused on coherent imaging or parameter estimation of simple objects. In this paper, we implement interferometric HGI in the incoherent regime and demonstrate a three-fold improvement in the resolution compared to direct imaging. We evaluate the performance of our method under different noise levels. Our results constitute a step towards powerful passive superresolution imaging techniques in fluorescent microscopy and astronomy.
Scalable low-latency optical phase sensor array
Authors: Sun Zhanghao , Pai Sunil , Valdez Carson , Milanizadeh Maziyar , Melloni Andrea , Morichetti Francesco , Miller David A. B. , Solgaard Olav
Published: July 2023

Optical phase measurement is critical for many applications, and traditional approaches often suffer from mechanical instability, temporal latency, and computational complexity. In this paper, we describe compact phase sensor arrays based on integrated photonics, which enable accurate and scalable reference-free phase sensing in a few measurement steps. This is achieved by connecting multiple two-port phase sensors into a graph to measure relative phases between neighboring and distant spatial locations. We propose an efficient post-processing algorithm, as well as circuit design rules to reduce random and biased error accumulations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our system in both simulations and experiments with photonics integrated circuits. The proposed system measures the optical phase directly without the need for external references or spatial light modulators, thus providing significant benefits for applications including microscope imaging and optical phased arrays.
Highly efficient on-chip erbium–ytterbium co-doped lithium niobate waveguide amplifiers
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Luo Qiang , Zheng Dahuai , Wang Shuolin , Liu Shiguo , Liu Hongde , Bo Fang , Kong Yongfa , Xu Jingjun
Published: July 2023

The ability to amplify optical signals is of paramount importance in photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Recently, lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) has attracted increasing interest as an emerging PIC platform. However, the shortage of efficient active devices on the LNOI platform limits the development of optical amplification. Here, we report an efficient waveguide amplifier based on erbium and ytterbium co-doped LNOI by using electron beam lithography and an inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching process. We have demonstrated that signal amplification emerges at a low pump power of 0.1 mW, and the net internal gain in the communication band is 16.52 dB/cm under pumping of a 974 nm continuous laser. Benefiting from the efficient pumping facilitated by energy transfer between ytterbium and erbium ions, an internal conversion efficiency of 10% has been achieved, which is currently the most efficient waveguide amplifier under unidirectional pumping reported on the LNOI platform, to our knowledge. This work proposes an efficient active device for LNOI integrated optical systems that may become an important fundamental component of future lithium niobate photonic integration platforms.
Lipidomic QTL in Diversity Outbred mice identifies a novel function for α/β hydrolase domain 2 (Abhd2) as an enzyme that metabolizes phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin
Authors: Price Tara R. , Stapleton Donnie S. , Schueler Kathryn L. , Norris Marie K. , Parks Brian W. , Yandell Brian S. , Churchill Gary A. , Holland William L. , Keller Mark P. , Attie Alan D.
Published: July 2023

We and others have previously shown that genetic association can be used to make causal connections between gene loci and small molecules measured by mass spectrometry in the bloodstream and in tissues. We identified a locus on mouse chromosome 7 where several phospholipids in liver showed strong genetic association to distinct gene loci. In this study, we integrated gene expression data with genetic association data to identify a single gene at the chromosome 7 locus as the driver of the phospholipid phenotypes. The gene encodes α/β-hydrolase domain 2 (Abhd2), one of 23 members of the ABHD gene family. We validated this observation by measuring lipids in a mouse with a whole-body deletion of Abhd2. The Abhd2KO mice had a significant increase in liver levels of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Unexpectedly, we also found a decrease in two key mitochondrial lipids, cardiolipin and phosphatidylglycerol, in male Abhd2KO mice. These data suggest that Abhd2 plays a role in the synthesis, turnover, or remodeling of liver phospholipids.
Prioritization of surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anesthesia care in India over seven decades: A systematic analysis of policy documents
Authors: Shetty Ritika , Zadey Siddhesh , Jindal Anushka , Iyer Himanshu , Dubey Sweta , Jesudian Gnanaraj , Smith Emily R. , Staton Catherine A. , Fitzgerald Tamara N. , Vissoci Joao Ricardo Nickenig
Published: July 2023

Improving access to surgical care in India requires policy-level prioritization of surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anesthesia (SOTA) care. We quantified SOTA care prioritization in the last seven decades by analyzing India’s national policy and programmatic documents. Forty documents of national importance over seven decades (1946–2017) were screened for a set of 52 surgical and 6 non-surgical keywords. The number of mentions per keyword was used as a proxy for surgical prioritization. For thematic analysis, surgical mentions were further classified into five domains: Infrastructure, Workforce, Service Delivery, Financing, and Information Management. The total number of mentions was 4681 for the surgical keywords and 2322 for non-surgical. The number of mentions per keyword was 90.02 for surgical keywords and 387 for non-surgical. The older committee reports showed relatively higher SOTA care prioritization compared to the years after 2010. Among the domains, Service Delivery (897) had the maximum number of mentions followed by Infrastructure (545), Workforce (516), Financing (98), and Information Management (40). National Health Policy 2017, the most recent high-level policy, grossly neglected SOTA care. SOTA care is inadequately prioritized in Indian national health policies, especially in the documents after 2010. Concerted efforts are necessary to improve the focus on financing and information management. Prioritization can be improved through a stand-alone national plan for SOTA care along with integration into existing policies.
Species relationships within the genus Vitis based on molecular and morphological data
Authors: Péros Jean-Pierre , Launay Amandine , Peyrière André , Berger Gilles , Roux Catherine , Lacombe Thierry , Boursiquot Jean-Michel
Published: July 2023

The grape genusVitisL. includes the domesticatedV.vinifera, which is one of the most important fruit crop, and also close relatives recognized as valuable germplasm resources for improving cultivars. To resolve some standing problems in the species relationships within theVitisgenus we analyzed diversity in a set of 90 accessions comprising most ofVitisspecies and some putative hybrids. We discovered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SANGER sequences of twelve loci and genotyped accessions at a larger number of SNPs using a previously developed SNP array. Our phylogenic analyses consistently identified: three clades in North America, one in East Asia, and one in Europe corresponding toV.vinifera. Using heterozygosity measurement, haplotype reconstruction and chloroplast markers, we identified the hybrids existing within and between clades. The species relationships were better assessed after discarding these hybrids from analyses. We also studied the relationships between phylogeny and morphological traits and found that several traits significantly correlated with the phylogeny. The American clade that includes important species such asV.ripariaandV.rupestrisshowed a major divergence with all other clades based on both DNA polymorphisms and morphological traits.
Nationwide implementation of personalized outcomes forecasts to support physical therapists in treating patients with intermittent claudication: Protocol for an interrupted time series study
Authors: Sinnige Anneroos , Kittelson Andrew , Rutgers Katrien M. , Marcellis Laura H. M. , van der Wees Philip J. , Teijink Joep A. W. , Hoogeboom Thomas J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Shared decision-making is the cornerstone of patient-centered care. However, evidence suggests that the application of shared decision-making in physical therapy practice is limited. To elicit shared decision-making and thereby potentially improve patient outcomes for patients with intermittent claudication, we developed a decision support system. This decision support system provides personalized outcomes forecasts that visualize the estimated walking distance of an individual patient. We hypothesize that personalized outcomes forecasts can support physical therapists in personalizing care to the needs and priorities of the individual patient to improve therapy outcomes.

Research objectives

The primary aim is to evaluate the impact of personalized outcomes forecasts for patients with intermittent claudication to optimize personalized treatment. Second, this study aims to evaluate the process of implementation.

Methods

This study uses a prospective interrupted time series (ITS) design. Participating physical therapists are divided into four clusters. Every month of the study period, a new cluster will be invited to begin using the decision support system. We aim to include data of 11,250 newly referred patients for physical therapy treatment. All therapists associated with a network of specialized therapists (Chronic CareNet) and patients treated by these therapists are eligible to participate. The decision support system, called the KomPas, makes use of personalized outcomes forecasts, which visualize the estimated outcome of supervised exercise therapy for an individual patient with intermittent claudication. Personalized outcomes forecasts are developed using a neighbors-based approach that selects patients similar to the index patient (a.k.a. neighbors) from a large database. Outcomes to evaluate impact of implementation are patients’ functional and maximal walking distance, quality of life and shared decision-making. Process evaluation will be measured in terms of utilization efficacy, including the outcomes dropout rate and reasons to (not) use the personalized outcomes forecasts. Data will be routinely collected through two online systems: the Chronic CareNet Quality system, and the website logs of the decision support system. Additionally, observations and semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a small subset of therapists.

Ethics

Formal medical ethical approval by the Medical Research Ethics Committees United ‘MEC-U’ was not required for this study under Dutch law (reference number 2020–6250).
Epidemiology of malaria, schistosomiasis, and geohelminthiasis amongst children 3–15 years of age during the dry season in Northern Cameroon
Authors: Nkemngo Francis N. , W. G. Raissa Lymen , Nebangwa Derrick N. , Nkeng Asongha M. , Kengne Alvine , Mugenzi Leon M. J. , Fotso-Toguem Yvan G. , Wondji Murielle J. , Shey Robert A. , Nguiffo-Nguete Daniel , Fru-Cho Jerome , Ndo Cyrille , Njiokou Flobert , Webster Joanne P. , Wanji Samuel , Wondji Charles S.
Published: July 2023

Background

The double burden of malaria and helminthiasis in children poses an obvious public health challenge, particularly in terms of anemia morbidity. While both diseases frequently geographically overlap, most studies focus on mono-infection and general prevalence surveys without molecular analysis. The current study investigated the epidemiological determinants of malaria, schistosomiasis, and geohelminthiasis transmission among children in the North Region of Cameroon.

Methodology

School and pre-school children aged 3–15 year-of-age were enrolled from three communities in March 2021 using a community cross-sectional design. Capillary-blood samples were obtained, and each was examined for malaria parasites using rapid-diagnostic-test (RDT), microscopy, and PCR while hemoglobin level was measured using a hemoglobinometer. Stool samples were analyzed for Schistosoma mansoni, S. guineensis, and soil-transmitted-helminthiasis (STH) infections using the Kato Katz method, and urine samples were assessed for the presence of S. haematobium eggs (including hybrids) using the standard urine filtration technique.

Result

A malaria prevalence of 56% (277/495) was recorded by PCR as opposed to 31.5% (156/495) by microscopy and 37.8% (186/495) by RDT. Similarly, schistosomiasis was observed at prevalence levels of up to 13.3% (66/495) overall [S. haematobium (8.7%); S. mansoni (3.8%); mixed Sh/Sm (0.6%); mixed Sh/Sm/Sg (0.2%). Both infections were higher in males and the 3–9 year-of-age groups. A high frequency of PCR reported P. falciparum mono-infection of 81.9% (227/277) and mixed P. falciparum/P. malariae infection of 17.3% (48/277) was observed. Malaria-helminths co-infections were observed at 13.1% (65/495) with marked variation between P. falciparum/S. haematobium (50.8%, 33/65); P. falciparum/S. mansoni (16.9%, 11/65) and P. falciparum/Ascaris (9.2%, 6/65) (χ2 = 17.5, p = 0.00003). Anemia prevalence was 32.9% (163/495), categorically associated with P. falciparum (45.8%, 104/227), Pf/Sh (11.5%, 26/227), and Pf/Sm (3.9%, 9/227) polyparasitism.

Conclusion

Polyparasitism with malaria and helminth infections is common in school-aged children despite periodic long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) distribution and regular school-based praziquantel (for schistosomiasis) and albendazole (for STH) campaigns. Co-existence of Plasmodium parasites and helminths infections notably Schistosoma species among children may concurrently lead to an increase in Plasmodium infection with an enhanced risk of anemia, highlighting the necessity of an integrated approach for disease control interventions.
Client-centered counseling and facilitation in improving modern contraceptive uptake in urban slum of Karachi Pakistan
Authors: Fazal Zoha Zahid , Zeeshan Noor ul Huda , Moin Ghazal , Bachlany Alishan , Shafiq Yasir , Muhammad Ameer
Published: July 2023

Background

Population growth in Pakistan necessitates the implementation of comprehensive family planning (FP) initiatives. The adoption of modern contraceptives, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), and permanent family planning methods in the country is challenging and has yet to reach an optimal level. These challenges are deeply rooted in the lack of informed decision-making, as well as demographic and maternal obstetric history. Interventions tailored according to women’s needs can address the challenges faced by FP programs. This paper presents the findings of the implementation of a client-centered counseling and facilitation approach in an urban slum in Karachi, Pakistan. Such an approach has the potential to inform women and help them make better decisions regarding their health.

Methods

In Rehri Goth, a slum located in Karachi, client-centered counseling along with facilitation at the facility was implemented to encourage the adoption of any modern contraceptive methods, with a specific emphasis on promoting the use of LARCs and permanent methods (where needed) among married women of reproductive age (MWRA). This approach was integrated into the existing Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) services established in 2014. During the routine delivery of services, data were collected on various aspects including demographic characteristics, obstetric history, motivation to adopt LARCs, and reasons for refusal.

Results

A total of N = 3079 eligible MWRA received client-centered counseling, and 60.3% accepted modern contraceptive methods after counseling. Furthermore, 32.5% of these MWRA adopted LARCs or permanent methods. Factors explaining reluctance to adopt any method by MWRA despite specialized counselling were: age >25 years (AOR:1.28, 95% CI:1.08–1.51), no formal education (AOR:1.58, 95% CI:1.36–1.89), having no decision making role at household (AOR:1.60, 95% CI:1.36–1.89), the desire of female or male progeny (AOR:1.86, 95% CI:1.59–2.25) and age of youngest alive ≥3 years (AOR:1.50, 95% CI:1.22–1.84). Factors explaining adoption of short-term methods instead of LARCs or permanent method were: being resident in high under-five mortality clusters (AOR:1.56, 95% CI:1.14–2.14), maternal age > 25 years (AOR:1.88, 95% CI: 1.47–2.40), no decision-making role (AOR:11.19, 95% CI:8.74–14.34), no history of abortions (AOR:2.59, 95% CI:1.79–3.75), no female child (AOR:1.85, 95% CI:1.30–2.65) and ≤ 2 children (AOR:1.74, 95% CI:1.08–2.81).

Conclusion

Considering the obstacles mothers face when it comes to accessing extended contraception, public health officials can devise effective strategies that empower MWRA to make well-informed and empowered choices regarding their families and reproductive health.
Towards a Swiss health study with human biomonitoring: Learnings from the pilot phase about participation and design
Authors: Morand Bourqui Réjane , Nusslé Semira Gonseth , von Goetz Natalie , Veys-Takeuchi Caroline , Zuppinger Claire , Boulez Yoanne , Bühler Nolwenn , Chapatte Laurence , Currat Christine , Dousse Aline , Faivre Vincent , Franco Oscar H. , Virzi Julien , Bourqui-Pittet Martine , Bochud Murielle
Published: July 2023

Background

A large-scale national cohort aiming at investigating the health status and determinants in the general population is essential for high-quality public health research and regulatory decision-making. We present the protocol and first results of the pilot phase to a Swiss national cohort aiming at establishing the study procedures, evaluating feasibility, and assessing participation and willingness to participate.

Methods

The pilot phase 2020/21 included 3 components recruited via different channels: a population-based cross-sectional study targeting the adult population (20–69 years) of the Vaud and Bern cantons via personal invitation, a sub-study on selenium in a convenience sample of vegans and vegetarians via non-personal invitation in vegan/vegetarian networks, and a self-selected sample via news promotion (restricted protocol). Along with a participatory approach and participation, we tested the study procedures including online questionnaires, onsite health examination, food intake, physical activity assessments and biosample collection following high-quality standards.

Results

The population-based study and the selenium sub-study had 638 (participation rate: 14%) and 109 participants, respectively, both with an over-representation of women. Of altogether 1349 recruited participants over 90% expressed interest in participating to a national health study, over 75% to contribute to medicine progress and help improving others’ health, whereas about one third expressed concerns over data protection and data misuse.

Conclusions

Publicly accessible high-quality public health data and human biomonitoring samples were collected. There is high interest of the general population in taking part in a national cohort on health. Challenges reside in achieving a higher participation rate and external validity. For project management clear governance is key.
The relationship between wellness and training and match load in professional male soccer players
Authors: Oliveira Rafael Franco Soares , Canário-Lemos Rui , Peixoto Rafael , Vilaça-Alves José , Morgans Ryland , Brito João Paulo
Published: July 2023

The aims of this study were to: (i) analyse the within-microcycle variations in professional soccer players; (ii) analyse the relationships between wellness and training and match load demands; (iii) analyse the relationships between match-day (MD) demands and wellness during the following day (MD+1); and (iv) analyse the relationships between MD and wellness during the day before match-play (MD-1). Thirteen professional soccer players (age: 24.85±3.13 years) were monitored daily over 16-weeks for wellness and training and match-play intensity. The daily wellness measures included fatigue, quality of sleep, muscle soreness, mood and stress using a 1–5 scale. Internal intensity was subjectively measured daily using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the multiplication of RPE by session duration (s-RPE). While external intensity was quantified utilising high-speed running, sprinting, and acceleration and deceleration metrics. Data was analysed from each training session before (i.e., MD-5) or after the match (i.e., MD+1). Repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman ANOVA was used to analyse the aims (i) where Spearman correlation was applied to analyse the relationships between the aims (ii) and (iii) between sleep quality and training intensity. The main results for aim (i) showed that MD+1 presented the lowest values for wellness variables (p < 0.05). While MD-1 presented the lowest internal and external load values (for all variables), with MD presenting the highest values (p < 0.05). Regarding aim (ii), the main result showed significant large negative correlations between fatigue and s-RPE (r = -0.593; p = 0.033). Considering aim (iii), significant small to very large negative correlations were found for sleep quality, fatigue and muscle soreness with all internal and external variables (p < 0.05). Lastly, the main results for aim (iv) showed large negative correlations for fatigue and session duration; fatigue and s-RPE; muscle soreness and session duration; muscle soreness and s-RPE; and muscle soreness and decelerations (p < 0.05, for all). The main conclusions were that MD had an influence on wellness and internal and external training intensity, notably MD-1 and MD+1 were most affected. In this regard, a tendency of higher internal and external intensity on MD was associated with lower wellness measures of sleep quality, muscle soreness and fatigue on MD+1.
PTEX helps efficiently traffic haemoglobinases to the food vacuole in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Jonsdottir Thorey K. , Elsworth Brendan , Cobbold Simon , Gabriela Mikha , Ploeger Ellen , Parkyn Schneider Molly , Charnaud Sarah C. , Dans Madeline G. , McConville Malcolm , Bullen Hayley E. , Crabb Brendan S. , Gilson Paul R.
Published: July 2023

A key element of Plasmodium biology and pathogenesis is the trafficking of ~10% of the parasite proteome into the host red blood cell (RBC) it infects. To cross the parasite-encasing parasitophorous vacuole membrane, exported proteins utilise a channel-forming protein complex termed the Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins (PTEX). PTEX is obligatory for parasite survival, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that at least some exported proteins have essential metabolic functions. However, to date only one essential PTEX-dependent process, the new permeability pathways, has been described. To identify other essential PTEX-dependant proteins/processes, we conditionally knocked down the expression of one of its core components, PTEX150, and examined which pathways were affected. Surprisingly, the food vacuole mediated process of haemoglobin (Hb) digestion was substantially perturbed by PTEX150 knockdown. Using a range of transgenic parasite lines and approaches, we show that two major Hb proteases; falcipain 2a and plasmepsin II, interact with PTEX core components, implicating the translocon in the trafficking of Hb proteases. We propose a model where these proteases are translocated into the PV via PTEX in order to reach the cytostome, located at the parasite periphery, prior to food vacuole entry. This work offers a second mechanistic explanation for why PTEX function is essential for growth of the parasite within its host RBC.
Novel integrated computational AMP discovery approaches highlight diversity in the helminth AMP repertoire
Authors: Irvine Allister , McKenzie Darrin , McCoy Ciaran J. , Graham Robert L. J. , Graham Ciaren , Huws Sharon A. , Atkinson Louise E. , Mousley Angela
Published: July 2023

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are immune effectors that are key components of the invertebrate innate immune system providing protection against pathogenic microbes. Parasitic helminths (phylum Nematoda and phylum Platyhelminthes) share complex interactions with their hosts and closely associated microbiota that are likely regulated by a diverse portfolio of antimicrobial immune effectors including AMPs. Knowledge of helminth AMPs has largely been derived from nematodes, whereas the flatworm AMP repertoire has not been described.

This study highlights limitations in the homology-based approaches, used to identify putative nematode AMPs, for the characterisation of flatworm AMPs, and reveals that innovative algorithmic AMP prediction approaches provide an alternative strategy for novel helminth AMP discovery. The data presented here: (i) reveal that flatworms do not encode traditional lophotrochozoan AMP groups (Big Defensin, CSαβ peptides and Myticalin); (ii) describe a unique integrated computational pipeline for the discovery of novel helminth AMPs; (iii) reveal >16,000 putative AMP-like peptides across 127 helminth species; (iv) highlight that cysteine-rich peptides dominate helminth AMP-like peptide profiles; (v) uncover eight novel helminth AMP-like peptides with diverse antibacterial activities, and (vi) demonstrate the detection of AMP-like peptides from Ascaris suum biofluid. These data represent a significant advance in our understanding of the putative helminth AMP repertoire and underscore a potential untapped source of antimicrobial diversity which may provide opportunities for the discovery of novel antimicrobials. Further, unravelling the role of endogenous worm-derived antimicrobials and their potential to influence host-worm-microbiome interactions may be exploited for the development of unique helminth control approaches.
A 14th century CE Brucella melitensis genome and the recent expansion of the Western Mediterranean clade
Authors: Long George S. , Hider Jessica , Duggan Ana T. , Klunk Jennifer , Eaton Katherine , Karpinski Emil , Giuffra Valentina , Ventura Luca , Prowse Tracy L. , Fornaciari Antonio , Fornaciari Gino , Holmes Edward C. , Golding G. Brian , Poinar Hendrik N.
Published: July 2023

Brucellosis is a disease caused by the bacteriumBrucellaand typically transmitted through contact with infected ruminants. It is one of the most common chronic zoonotic diseases and of particular interest to public health agencies. Despite its well-known transmission history and characteristic symptoms, we lack a more complete understanding of the evolutionary history of its best-known species—Brucella melitensis. To address this knowledge gap we fortuitously found, sequenced and assembled a high-quality ancientB. melitensisdraft genome from the kidney stone of a 14th-century Italian friar. The ancient strain contained fewer core genes than modernB. melitensisisolates, carried a complete complement of virulence genes, and did not contain any indication of significant antimicrobial resistances. The ancientB. melitensisgenome fell as a basal sister lineage to a subgroup ofB. melitensisstrains within the Western Mediterranean phylogenetic group, with a short branch length indicative of its earlier sampling time, along with a similar gene content. By calibrating the molecular clock we suggest that the speciation event betweenB. melitensisandB. abortusis contemporaneous with the estimated time frame for the domestication of both sheep and goats. These results confirm the existence of the Western Mediterranean clade as a separate group in the 14thCE and suggest that its divergence was due to human and ruminant co-migration.
Recursos físicos y digitales disponibles para la enseñanza del español para fines específicos en el ámbito turístico, médico y jurídico
Authors: Martínez del Castillo Sergio , Apostolov Yordan Todorov
Published: July 2023

El presente trabajo pretende analizar la situación de los recursos físicos y digitales enfocados a la enseñanza del Español para Fines Específicos (EFE) y, más específicamente, del discurso turístico, médico y jurídico. Tras la confección de una base de datos compuesta por 543 recursos, en la que encontramos recursos en formato físico como manuales de lengua, diccionarios o cuadernos de actividades y recursos propios de la Enseñanza de Lenguas Asistida por Ordenador (ELAO) como los blogs, la gamificación o los MOOC, se ha llevado a cabo un análisis cuantitativo para comparar la disponibilidad total de recursos para la enseñanza de Español para Fines Específicos en los campos del turismo, la medicina y el derecho. Este análisis pone de manifiesto múltiples fenómenos, de los que destacamos que no todos los ámbitos dentro del EFE cuentan con los mismos tipos de recursos; que la disponibilidad y cantidad de estos varía en función del ámbito y de la tipología textual; que la novedad en los recursos físicos ha descendido durante los últimos años; y que se observa que, de forma generalizada, el campo de la medicina, de entre los tres ámbitos estudiados, cuenta con el mayor número de recursos en los distintos tipos de recursos analizados. Por lo tanto, concluimos que es necesario que los recursos físicos se actualicen, pues hallamos cada vez menos en la actualidad y que, en líneas generales, se requiere una mayor cantidad de materiales para la ELAO, especialmente en el ámbito del derecho, pues no encontramos un gran número de recursos digitales en aplicaciones, blogs y MOOC. También cabe destacar que, si bien algunos ámbitos carecen de ciertos tipos de recursos para la ELAO, como ocurre con los MOOC en el caso del ámbito del turismo, se produce una cierta compensación entre los físicos y los digitales en cada ámbito. Asimismo, consideramos necesario destacar la preferencia por la adaptación de los recursos de ELE a EFE, frente a la creación de nuevos estrictamente destinados al mundo profesional. Por último, relacionamos brevemente la variación diatópica y la ELAO, ya que la falta de consideración hacia la misma puede suponer un obstáculo para la enseñanza-aprendizaje del EFE. Debido al vacío existente de investigaciones en este campo, abogamos por más estudios sobre el EFE en otros ámbitos como el español de los negocios.
Las construcciones de los verbos pseudocopulativos de cambio: un análisis de su tratamiento en materiales docentes de español LE/L2
Authors: Cheikh-Khamis Fátima
Published: July 2023

La heterogeneidad de configuraciones sintácticas y valores semánticos que los verbos de cambio en español pueden expresar no son fáciles de determinar. Su compleja naturaleza lingüística hace que su clasificación y delimitación suponga un reto descriptivo, tanto en español L1 como español LE/L2. La falta de consenso explicativo en estudios lingüísticos y gramáticas de español L1 tiene efectos en el modo en que se tratan los verbos pseudocopulativos de cambio en materiales docentes de español LE/L2. Para analizar el alcance de esta influencia en esta investigación se presenta un cuestionario de diez criterios basados en la reflexión de las necesidades pedagógicas de contenidos gramaticales de difícil adquisición. Esta herramienta sirve de diagnóstico del tratamiento de los verbos pseudocopulativos de cambio en un corpus de materiales docentes que contiene 35 títulos entre manuales y gramáticas de español LE/L2. Este análisis ofrece resultados cuantitativos y cualitativos sobre el grado de adecuación de los materiales docentes analizados a la enseñanza de las construcciones de verbos pseudocopulativos y evidencia las dificultades explicativas que estos entrañan. Las conclusiones que se extraen del análisis crítico del corpus de manuales y gramáticas del español EL/L2 permiten concluir que estos materiales no coinciden en el número de verbos que constituyen el grupo de verbos pseudocopulativos de cambio, usan un lenguaje complejo y términos subjetivos en la descripción de su funcionamiento, lo cual la hace poco funcional. No ofrecen una explicación rigurosa de la posibilidad de combinación de un término con más de un verbo y no vinculan su significado con su sentido metafórico. Su explicación no se acompaña de recursos visuales o representaciones graficas que faciliten su procesamiento y, en algunos casos, no se integran con otros contenidos funcionales, léxicos, gramaticales o pragmáticos de la unidad didáctica en la que aparecen. En lo relativo a la práctica formal, se ha observado un tratamiento muy desigual, lo cual refuerza la visión global de falta de homogeneidad en el tratamiento de estos verbos. Ante estos hallazgos, se hace necesario un replanteamiento de la instrucción de los verbos pseudocopulativos de cambio. Se sugiere una aproximación teórica al funcionamiento de las construcciones de estos predicados desde la Lingüística Cognitiva para facilitar su caracterización, posterior procesamiento y mejora de la enseñanza de estos verbos y sus construcciones.