bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative RNA splicing in tumour heterogeneity, plasticity and therapy
Authors: Öther-Gee Pohl Sebastian , Myant Kevin B.
Published: January 2022

Alternative splicing is a process by which a single gene is able to encode multiple different protein isoforms. It is regulated by the inclusion or exclusion of introns and exons that are joined in different patterns prior to protein translation, thus enabling transcriptomic and proteomic diversity. It is now widely accepted that alternative splicing is dysregulated across nearly all cancer types. This widespread dysregulation means that nearly all cellular processes are affected – these include processes synonymous with the hallmarks of cancer – evasion of apoptosis, tissue invasion and metastasis, altered cellular metabolism, genome instability and drug resistance. Emerging evidence indicates that the dysregulation of alternative splicing also promotes a permissive environment for increased tumour heterogeneity and cellular plasticity. These are fundamental regulators of a patient's response to therapy. In this Review, we introduce the mechanisms of alternative splicing and the role of aberrant splicing in cancer, with particular focus on newfound evidence of alternative splicing promoting tumour heterogeneity, cellular plasticity and altered metabolism. We discuss recent in vivo models generated to study alternative splicing and the importance of these for understanding complex tumourigenic processes. Finally, we review the effects of alternative splicing on immune evasion, cell death and genome instability, and how targeting these might enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Continuous Catalytic Hydrogenation of a Key Intermediate of Riluzole Using a Micropacked-bed Reactor
Authors: Si Yang , Ming Weixing , Liu Song , Wei Wei , Ji Lu , Gong Dangsheng , Wang Jing , Zuo Cuncun , Huang Haofei , Yan Dongmao
Published: January 2022

A continuous selective catalysis of 4-(Trifluoromethoxy)aniline, a key intermediate in the preparation of riluzole, was studied using a micropacked-bed reactor (µPBR) packed with Pt/BAC catalysts. The effects of technological parameters such as solvent types, gas flow rates and liquid flow rates were investigated. It was indicated that the continuous hydrogenation process exhibited higher efficiency, selectivity and safety with less energy consumption compared to the traditional batch reduction process. The newly developed reactor system demonstrated a sustained and stable catalytic performance after 20 h running.
Synthesis and Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Activity of an Iron Porphyrin Complex Bearing a Hydroquinone Moiety
Authors: Kosugi Kento , Imai Maho , Kondo Mio , Masaoka Shigeyuki
Published: January 2022

An iron porphyrin complex bearing a hydroquinone moiety at the meso position was newly designed and synthesized. Electrochemical analysis revealed that it catalyzes CO2 reduction at a lower overpotential compared with an iron complex without a hydroquinone moiety. Experimental and theoretical investigation suggested that a hydroquinone moiety at the meso position stabilizes the coordination bond between the metal center and CO2 via a hydrogen bond interaction with the latter in the secondary coordination sphere.
Experimental-analytical approach to assessing mechanosensitive cartilage blood marker kinetics in healthy adults: dose-response relationship and interrelationship of nine candidate markers
Authors: Herger Simon , Vach Werner , Liphardt Anna-Maria , Nüesch Corina , Egloff Christian , Mündermann Annegret
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To determine the suitability of selected blood biomarkers of articular cartilage as mechanosensitive markers and to investigate the dose-response relationship between ambulatory load magnitude and marker kinetics in response to load. 

Methods: Serum samples were collected from 24 healthy volunteers before and at three time points after a 30-minute walking stress test performed on three test days. In each experimental session, one of three ambulatory loads was applied: 100% body weight (BW); 80%BW; 120%BW. Serum concentrations of COMP, MMP-3, MMP-9, ADAMTS-4, PRG-4, CPII, C2C and IL-6 were assessed using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A two-stage analytical approach was used to determine the suitability of a biomarker by testing the response to the stress test (criterion I) and the dose-response relationship between ambulatory load magnitude and biomarker kinetics (criterion II). 

Results. COMP, MMP-3 and IL-6 at all three time points after, MMP-9 at 30 and 60 minutes after, and ADAMTS-4 and CPII at immediately after the stress test showed an average response to load or an inter-individual variation in response to load of up to 25% of pre-test levels. The relation to load magnitude on average or an inter-individual variation in this relationship was up to 8% from load level to load level. There was a positive correlation for the slopes of the change-load relationship between COMP and MMP-3, and a negative correlation for the slopes between COMP, MMP-3 and IL-6 with MMP-9, and COMP with IL6. 

Conclusions: COMP, MMP-3, IL-6, MMP-9, and ADAMTS-4 warrant further investigation in the context of articular cartilage mechanosensitivity and its role in joint degeneration and OA. While COMP seems to be able to reflect a rapid response, MMP-3 seems to reflect a slightly longer lasting, but probably also more distinct response. MMP-3 showed also the strongest association with the magnitude of load.
Hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine among health care practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Almojaibel Abdullah A. , Ansari Khalid , Alzahrani Yahya A. , Alessy Saleh A. , Farooqi Faraz A. , Alqurashi Yousef D.
Published: January 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major public health crisis worldwide. In less than 12 months since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak, several different COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and deployed mostly in developed countries since January 2021. However, hesitancy to accept the newly developed vaccines is a well-known public health challenge that needs to be addressed. The aim of this study was to measure willingness and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines among health care practitioners' (HCPs) in Saudi Arabia.  

Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online self-reported survey was conducted among HCPs in Saudi Arabia between April 4th to April 25th 2021 using snowball sampling. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify the possible factors affecting HCPs’ willingness and hesitancy to receive COVID-19 vaccines.  

Results: Out of 776 participants who started the survey, 505 (65%) completed it and were included in the results. Among all HCPs, 47 (9.3%) either said “no” to receive the vaccine [20 (4%)] or were hesitant to receive it [27 (5.3%)]. Of the total number of the HCPs, 376 (74.5%) already received the COVID-19 vaccine, and 48 (9.50%) were registered to receive it. The main reason of agreement to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was “wanting to protect self and others from getting the infection” (24%).  

Conclusion: Our findings have shown that hesitancy toward receiving COVID-19 vaccines among HCPs in Saudi Arabia is limited and therefore may not be a serious issue. The outcomes of this study may help to understand factors that lead to vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia and help public health authorities to design targeted health education interventions aiming to increase uptake of these vaccines.
An empirical examination of customer advocacy influenced by engagement behaviour and predispositions of FinTech customers in India
Authors: Nayak Kini Archana , Basri Savitha
Published: January 2022

Background: The extensive adoption and usage of emerging technologies furthered by the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has reduced direct face to face communications. New FinTech (financial technology) apps and technologies are flooding the Indian digital payments market and competitors are striving hard to attract and retain their customers. Especially when customer engagement behaviours (CEBs) are digital in nature, it is essential to gauge the intrinsically driven customer motivations which drive a positive CEB. The objective of this paper was to empirically test the influence of customer-based antecedents such as emotions, moral identity, self-concept, communal focus, perceived cost and perceived benefits on non-transactional experiential customer engagement behaviours (CEBs) and CEB’s effect on customer advocacy in the FinTech industry.

Methods: Data from 380 financial app users in south India were gathered by administering a survey that captured customer predispositions, CEBs, and customer advocacy. Structural equation modelling (SEM) using smart PLS (partial least squares) 3.0 was applied to test the theoretical model.

Results: Results indicate that CEB fully mediates the relationship between self-concept and customer advocacy. The positive CEBs get formed through customer predispositions leading to referral/advocacy behaviours.

Conclusions: This paper provides directions for FinTech practitioners, marketers, technologists, and academicians to devise marketing strategies customized to customer needs and factors. This is one of the first research studies to demonstrate and empirically validate the CEB model for the FinTech industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Implementation of the Frailty Care Bundle (FCB) to promote mobilisation, nutrition and cognitive engagement in older people in acute care settings: protocol for an implementation science study
Authors: Naughton Corina , Cummins Helen , de Foubert Marguerite , Barry Francis , McCullagh Ruth , Wills Teresa , Skelton Dawn A , Dahly Darren , Palmer Brendan , Murphy Aileen , McHugh Sheena M. , O'Mahony Denis , Tedesco Salvatore , O Sullivan Bridie
Published: January 2022

Background: Older people are among the most vulnerable patients in acute care hospitals. The hospitalisation process can result in newly acquired functional or cognitive deficits termed hospital associated decline (HAD).  Prioritising fundamental care including mobilisation, nutrition, and cognitive engagement can reduce HAD risk.

Aim: The Frailty Care Bundle (FCB) intervention aims to implement and evaluate evidence-based principles on early mobilisation, enhanced nutrition and increased cognitive engagement to prevent functional decline and HAD in older patients.

Methods: A hybrid implementation science study will use a pragmatic prospective cohort design with a pre-post mixed methods evaluation to test the effect of the FCB on patient, staff, and health service outcomes.  The evaluation will include a description of the implementation process, intervention adaptations, and economic costs analysis. The protocol follows the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI).

The intervention design and implementation strategy will utilise the behaviour change theory COM-B (capability, motivation, opportunity) and the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS). A clinical facilitator will use a co-production approach with staff. All patients will receive care as normal, the intervention is delivered at ward level and focuses on nurses and health care assistants (HCA) normative clinical practices.

The intervention will be delivered in three hospitals on six wards including rehabilitation, acute trauma, medical and older adult wards.

Evaluation: The evaluation will recruit a volunteer sample of 180 patients aged 65 years or older (pre 90; post 90 patients). The primary outcomes are measures of functional status (modified Barthel Index (MBI)) and mobilisation measured as average daily step count using accelerometers. Process data will include ward activity mapping, staff surveys and interviews and an economic cost-impact analysis.

Conclusions: This is a complex intervention that involves ward and system level changes and has the potential to improve outcomes for older patients.
Assessment of the credit risk of Poland based on sovereign credit default swap spreads during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Czech Maria
Published: January 2022

Motivation: SCDS contracts, based on treasury bonds, are used to assess credit risk. Observation of changes in these instruments provides information on the current economic situation of individual countries. By correlating them with the economic assessment of individual countries, SCDS indicate the risk level of bankruptcy of a given country and thus play an informative role on the global financial market.

Aim: The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the level of credit risk in Poland. This aim will be achieved by determining the level and the dynamics of changes of SCDS spreads, and by identifying the determinants of changes in the level of SCDS spreads before and after the pandemic. The study hypothesises that as a result of the supply and demand shocks caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19, the level of Polish SCDS spreads increased due to macroeconomic factors.

Results: The results of the study confirmed that due to the panic, Poland’s credit risk increased dynamically in the first stage of the Covid-19. However, over time, the level of credit risk in Poland decreased. Nevertheless, the reduction in Poland’s credit risk is accompanied by an increase in public debt, with a simultaneous deterioration in macroeconomic indicators. This evidence suggests that SCDS spreads are not capable of reflecting the foundations of the economy during uncertainty. The results of this study indicate that the fundamental determinants of credit risk changes occurred before and during the pandemic. However, the results showed that the magnitude of their impact on credit risk is different. Multiple linear regression analysis also showed that during the Covid-19, macroeconomic factors showed a significantly higher degree of correlation with credit risk compared to non-economic factors directly related to the effects of the pandemic.
The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the institutional change in developing countries
Authors: Legiędź Tomasz
Published: January 2022

Motivation: The Covid-19 pandemic is having a critical impact on economies, especially in developing countries. Such a serious external shock affects the distribution of economic rents, thus leading to potentially large institutional changes. Naturally, in the short term we are dealing with an economic crisis and a restriction of civil liberties in both autocratic and democratic countries, however, it is not known what the dynamics of institutional changes will be in the longer run.

Aim: The main purpose of the article is to answer if the Covid-19 pandemic becomes a turning point that will determine the institutional system in developing countries for the next few decades. The first part of the article outlines the theory of institutional change, with particular emphasis on the role of external shocks. The next section presents studies on the socioeconomic impact of two major epidemics: The Black Death and the Great Influenza Pandemic. The third part conducts an assessment as to what extent the current pandemic may affect institutions in developing countries, by reference to the example of two countries: Tunisia and Cambodia. The analysis is conducted from the perspective of the new institutional economics.

Results: If we look at the experiences from previous pandemics, current events and refer to the literature on the theory of institutional change, we can conclude that significant institutional changes caused by Covid-19 are unlikely. The process of institutional change is characterized by a specific complexity and changing dynamics. Nonetheless, it is the internal factors, reflecting the actions of people trying to maximize the benefits, which are the main cause of change in an institutional system. Therefore, the Covid-19 pandemic is more likely to strengthen the endogeneity of the process of institutional change, rather than change its course.
The role of capital adequacy standards in creating financial safety of the bank: the evaluation and analysis of the survey results
Authors: Pyka Irena , Nocoń Aleksandra , Muszyński Mateusz
Published: January 2022

Motivation: After the global financial crisis, banks’ financial safety has been considered as a public good and put under closer control and supervision. The prudential regulations of credit institutions which are the main subject of the study, have been significantly tightened. Although the minimum level of banks’ own funds, set adequately to the risk, had been a fundamental indicator of banks’ financial safety since the end of 1980s, after the global financial crisis the quality of this capital has changed and the scope of its regulation has been increased. By respecting the new prudential standards of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision at the international level, financial safety of the banks has been additionally put under the macro-supervision. The concern about the overregulation of the banking system raises many controversies, what justifies conducting research on this subject.

Aim: The main purpose of the article is to identify changes in the bank’s strategies of creating financial safety after the global financial crisis, considering macro- and micro-prudential regulations, aimed at strengthening the level and quality of bank capital, based on the results of the conducted research.

Results: The results of the empirical research indicate that there is a strong belief among management staff in commercial banks in Poland that the increase in the level and structure of the own funds in credit institutions rises their financial safety. The results confirm the intensification of the process of implementing Basel regulations in commercial banks in Poland.
Emissaries from other worlds: Asteroids, science and mythology in The Color Out of Space and the film Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds
Authors: Cánepa Laura , Mello Jamer
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we suggest a speculative comparison between the short story The Color Out of Space (Howard Phillips Lovecraft, 1927) and the documentary film Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds (Werner Herzog and Clive Oppenheimer, 2020). We explore the similarities between Herzog’s specific interest in extreme phenomena of Nature and Lovecraftian Cosmicism. We observe that both authors have, to a certain extent, compatible views on the relationship between humans and nature: Herzog and Lovecraft seem to be interested in identifying and investigating humanity’s difficulty in coping with their insignificance when facing catastrophic events caused by indifferent Nature; both chose the same kind of landscape (iced lands, volcanic areas) and extreme natural phenomena (like meteorite falls); and they show a particular interest in characters connected to scientific experiences, and obsessed (even sometimes driven to madness) with the mysteries of nature. Our analysis does not suggest a direct influence of Lovecraft on Herzog, but a productive coincidence that can shed light on the film Fireball and its possible Lovecraftian resonances.
Twórcza resocjalizacja.
Authors: Konopczyński Marek
Published: January 2022

Artykuł stanowi zarys podstaw autorskiej koncepcji twórczej resocjalizacji społecznej jako alternatywnej perspektywy poznawczej w obszarze nauk społecznych, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem nauk pedagogicznych. Jego celem jest ukazanie różnic między klasycznie rozumianą pedagogiką resocjalizacyjną a twórczą resocjalizacją społeczną w wymiarze teoretycznym i metodologicznym, jak i metodycznym. Tekst w możliwie zwięzły sposób wskazuje podobieństwa i różnice pomiędzy tradycyjnie postrzeganym i realizowanym procesem resocjalizacji, traktowanym jako korekta, psychokorekta i socjokorekta, a procesem resocjalizacji rozumianym jako zmiana tożsamości poprzez rozwój potencjałów osobowych i społecznych jednostek nieprzystosowanych.
La dirección artística en el flamenco. Experiencias Desde mi ventana
Authors: Rojas Ángel
Published: January 2022

El artículo propone un recorrido por el proceso de creación del espectáculo Desde mi ventana¸ protagonizado por el bailaor flamenco Farruquito. Propone, en base a distintos momentos (el encargo, el reto, el proceso, la experiencia, la maduración, la obra), una reflexión acerca de cómo la experiencia personal del director se imbrica con las demandas del intérprete para producir un espectáculo final. En virtud de las claves de comprensión y planificación, la exposición de la idea, los procesos comunicativos, la actividad de acompañamiento del artista, el descubrimiento mutuo y la confección del diseño, se propone un orden escénico donde el espacio, la dinámica y los límites interpretativos permiten un acercamiento directo a la obra.
Tiempo de ceniza (1961) de Carlos Murciano: entre el compromiso y la renovación del lenguaje en un poeta de Arcos de la Frontera
Authors: Álava Carrascal María Eugenia
Published: January 2022

No fue hasta 1983 cuando Carlos Murciano (Arcos de la Frontera, 1931) se dedicó exclusivamente a la literatura. Su trayectoria literaria es, sin embargo, muy amplia, aunque en este trabajo solo haremos referencia a la lírica. Acumula más de treinta títulos en verso, siendo el primero El alma repartida (1954) y el último Sonetos para ella (Ars Poética, 2018). En 1970 obtuvo el Premio Nacional de Poesía por Este claro silencio, siendo su máximo galardón. Participó en la fundación, junto a su hermano mayor Antonio, de la revista de poesía Alcaraván (1949), fruto de un grupo de amigos gaditanos que conformaron lo que con el tiempo se ha llamado «Escuela de Arcos de la Frontera». Con semejante trayectoria de galardones, de participación en la vida cultural española y de extensa obra poética, sorprende que esté al margen del canon de los poetas del medio siglo tradicionalmente generado a raíz de antologías con afán historicista. Quizás esa exclusión recalcitrante sea una condición compartida por varios poetas andaluces, como a menudo tuvieron que reivindicar desde antologías propias y orientadas hacia Andalucía como tema. Pero, fundamentalmente, su poesía es de corte tremendamente personalista y está atravesada de principio a fin por una tensión irresoluble entre el yo y los otros, entre el tiempo histórico y el tiempo estático de la conciencia y, como tal, es una poesía meditativa que escapa a las catalogaciones estancas y que a menudo sorprende por clara y otras veces por conceptista y esteticista en exceso. Presentaremos una breve trayectoria del recorrido de la obra de Murciano a través de las antologías para detenernos en Tiempo de ceniza (1961). El fin último del trabajo es determinar las claves estéticas de la poesía de Murciano y, en particular, del poemario seleccionado como ejemplo de esa tensión entre compromiso e introspección
Reducing omission of eye drops during hospital admission
Authors: Ho Charlotte S , Ting Darren SJ , Gogi Devina
Published: January 2022

Background/aims

Chronic ophthalmic conditions, such as glaucoma and dry eye disease, are frequently encountered debilitating eye conditions that can lead to substantial reduction in vision and quality of life. However, there is ongoing evidence to suggest that topical ophthalmic therapy is inappropriately omitted on admission to hospital. The primary aim of this audit was to investigate the trust adherence to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on the prescribing standard of eye drops during hospital admission. The secondary aim was to raise awareness and ensure successful compliance with national standards to reduce unintentional omission of eye drops on admission and subsequent complications.

Method

Electronic medical records of all medical and surgical adult inpatients were studied prospectively on two different occasions. The quality of documentation of eye drops in clerking notes, the length of time taken between the admission and prescription of eye drops, and the accuracy of the prescription were examined. Following the initial audit, interventions focusing on clinician education were implemented. This includes highlighting the importance of eye drops in all departmental mandatory introductory sessions and putting up posters on all the wards as prompts. The same data collection method was used in the reaudit.

Results

In the initial audit, 64 (mean age 81.8±8.9 years) patients with regular prescriptions for eye drops were identified; 38 (59.4%) patients had eye drops for dry eye disease only, 20 (31.3%) patients had eye drops for glaucoma only, and six (9.4%) patients had eye drops for both. In the reaudit, 57 (mean age 76.7±15.3 years) patients were identified; 42 (73.7%) patients had eye drops for dry eye disease only, 10 (17.5%) patients had eye drops for glaucoma only, and five (8.8%) patients had eye drops for both. Following the intervention, there was a significant improvement in documentation of ocular diagnosis and eye drops on clerking notes from 41% to 65% (P=0.008), and eye drop reconciliation within 24 hours of admission improved from 45% to 75% (P=0.0008). All patients (100%) received the correct eye drop prescription before and after the intervention.

Conclusions

Education is effective in promoting adherence to national guidelines and reducing the incidence of inappropriate omission of eye drops on admission to hospital.
DESPERDÍCIO NAS CADEIAS AGROALIMENTARES NO CONTEXTO DA ECONOMIA CIRCULAR
Authors: Ouro Salim Omar , Guarnieri Patrícia , Demo Gisela
Published: January 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender o estado da arte na Economia Circular (EC) do desperdício de alimentos, por meio de revisão da literatura internacional. Para o levantamento das informações, foi utilizada a técnica da revisão sistemática de literatura (RSL), fundamentada no protocolo de Cronin, Ryan & Coughlan (2008), utilizando o recorte temporal dos últimos dez anos, 2010 a 2020. Esta RSL foi realizada em cinco bases: Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Taylor & Francis e Emerald. As etapas foram descritas e, ao final, foram analisados 50 artigos. Os resultados apontam para um crescente interesse dos pesquisadores, principalmente na Europa, focados em tentativas de implementar modelos circulares que visem mitigar o desperdício alimentar, e que a transição para esses modelos é essencial devido ao esgotamento dos recursos naturais e externalidades socioeconômicas negativas. Por fim, sugere-se uma agenda de pesquisa para avanços de estudos na temática.
Literature review on fermentation factors of restaurant organic waste affecting feed quality
Authors: Andriani Yuli , Hutapea Anggi Adrian , Zidni Irfan , Lili Walim , Wiyatna Muhamad Fatah
Published: January 2022

The high level of public consumption, balanced with the increasingly dense population globally, makes food waste more and more. Food waste is the second-largest contributor to waste in the world. Moreover, the lack of food waste management makes this condition even worse. This food waste can be found, one of which is in restaurants, school canteens, food courts, and others. Fermentation is the process of breaking down complex substances into simpler ones. A fermentation process can help process food waste into various products such as liquid organic fertilizer, compost, biogas, and raw material for fish feed. Through the fermentation process, food waste can be used as an alternative fish feed with high nutritional content to benefit fish cultivators. Fish need many nutrients for their bodies, with food waste that has been processed will meet the dietary needs of fish. The cultivators will benefit more from the cost of feed and the sale of fish that can meet consumer needs.Moreover, the demand for the fish market is increasing every year. Several factors play a role in the success of the food waste fermentation process and the quality of the resulting product to be converted into fish feed raw materials. These factors include incubation time, pH acidity, and microbial factors that can accelerate the spoilage of fish feed raw materials.Keywords:Fermentation,Restaurant wasteFish feedFactorsQuality of feed IngredientsLiterature review on fermentation factors of restaurant organic waste affecting feed quality
Microhabitat association and population status of the Luwuk introduced Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni Koumans, 1933) population
Authors: Serdiati Novalina , Gani Abdul , Wahyudi Deddy , Moore Abigail Mary , Ndobe Samliok
Published: January 2022

The Banggai cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni is the Indonesian national marine ornamental fish mascot, and an object of national and international conservation concern. The endemic population of this species is limited to the Banggai Archipelago in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia and a few nearby islands in North Maluku. In addition, introduced populations have become established, mainly along ornamental fish trade routes. The National Action Plan for Banggai Cardinalfish Conservation (NAP-BCFC) calls for monitoring and management of all P. kauderni populations. A survey of the Luwuk introduced P. kauderni population was carried out in October 2021.   Data were collected at three sites with established P. kauderni populations: the ferry harbour, public harbour (Teluk Lalong) and a recreational area on the nearby coast (Kilo 5). P. kauderni were recorded by microhabitat association and size class (recruits, juveniles, adults). Data collected were compared with data from previous surveys where available. With the exception of one group in a sea anemone at Kilo 5, all P. kauderni were associated with Diadema sea urchins (D. setosum at all sites; D. savignyi at Kilo 5). At Kilo 5 P. kauderni the population structure indicates the possible capture of market-sized juveniles. Overall abundance was also lower compared to the polluted but unfished harbours. The proportion of recruits was significantly negatively correlated with the ratio of adult P. kauderni to Diadema urchins. The results will inform regional legislation currently in preparation to support sustainable management of P. kauderni populations, habitat and microhabitat in Central Sulawesi, as well as contributing to NAP-BCFC targets.Keywords:Banggai cardinalfishEndangered speciesDiademaMicrohabitat,MonitoringOrnamental fisheryLocal regulation
Direct electric-field reconstruction of few-cycle mid-infrared pulses in the nanojoule energy range
Authors: Kugel Tobias , Okazaki Daiki , Arai Ko , Ashihara Satoshi
Published: January 2022

Amid the increasing potential of ultrafast mid-infrared (mid-IR) laser
sources based on transition metal doped chalcogenides such as Cr:ZnS,
Cr:ZnSe, and Fe:ZnSe lasers, there is a need for direct and sensitive
characterization of mid-IR mode-locked laser pulses that work in the
nanojoule energy range. We developed a two-dimensional spectral
shearing interferometry (2DSI) setup to successfully demonstrate the
direct electric-field reconstruction of Cr:ZnS mode-locked laser
pulses with a central wavelength of 2.3 µm, temporal duration of
30.3 fs, and energies of 3 nJ. The reconstructed electric field is in
reasonable agreement with an independently measured intensity
autocorrelation trace, and the quantitative reliability of the 2DSI
measurement is verified from a material dispersion evaluation. The
presented implementation of 2DSI, including a choice of nonlinear
crystal as well as the use of high-throughput dispersive elements and
a high signal-to-noise ratio near-IR spectrometer, would benefit
future development of ultrafast mid-IR lasers and their
applications.
High-speed silicon microring modulator at the 2  µm waveband with analysis and observation of optical bistability
Authors: Shen Weihong , Zhou Gangqiang , Du Jiangbing , Zhou Linjie , Xu Ke , He Zuyuan
Published: January 2022

Recently, significantly raised interests have emerged for the 2 µm waveband as an extended new window for fiber optic communication. Much research progress has been made on the photonic integrated circuits for the 2 µm waveband, especially on the CMOS-compatible silicon-on-insulator wafer. In this work, a silicon integrated microring modulator (MRM) with record high-speed performances at the 2 µm waveband was demonstrated. An L-shaped PN junction was specially designed for 2 µm to achieve a high modulation efficiency with

V

π

L

of

0.85
 
V
·
cm

. The measured 3 dB bandwidth is 18 GHz, supporting up to 50 Gbps signaling at 2 µm. Additionally, optical bistability induced by the thermo-optical effect and nonlinear effects was analyzed theoretically and observed experimentally in the 2 µm MRM for the first time to our knowledge. Nonlinear coupled mode theory and the Runge–Kutta method were used to simulate the behaviors of bistability in the 2 µm MRM. The simulation and experimental results indicate that, when the MRM is launched by a high optical power, the distorted resonant spectrum under an optical bistable state deteriorates the modulation efficiency and signal performances. This work breaks the record of high-speed silicon MRM at 2 µm, drawing a promising prospect for the silicon photonic integration and high-speed interconnection at the 2 µm waveband, and it provides the referenceable analysis of optical bistability, which guides the design and experimental investigation of 2 µm MRM.
Compact electro-optic modulator on lithium niobate
Authors: Pan Bingcheng , Cao Hongyuan , Huang Yishu , Wang Zong , Chen Kaixuan , Li Huan , Yu Zejie , Dai Daoxin
Published: January 2022

Fast electro-optic modulators with an ultracompact footprint and low power consumption are always highly desired for optical interconnects. Here we propose and demonstrate a high-performance lithium niobate electro-optic modulator based on a new

2
×
2

Fabry–Perot cavity. In this structure, the input and reflected beams are separated by introducing asymmetric multimode-waveguide gratings, enabling

TE

0

−

TE

1

mode conversion. The measured results indicate that the fabricated modulator features a low excess loss of

∼
0.9
  
dB

, a high extinction ratio of

∼
21
  
dB

, a compact footprint of

∼
2120
  

μm

2

, and high modulation speeds of 40 Gbps OOK and 80 Gbps PAM4 signals. The demonstrated modulator is promising for high-speed data transmission and signal processing.
Augmented Reality-Systeme zur Unterstützung der Workflow-Ausführung – Entwicklung und praktische Anwendung einer Taxonomie
Authors: Damarowsky Johannes , Kühnel Stephan , Seyffarth Tobias , Sackmann Stefan
Published: January 2022

Die Ausführung von Workflows ist in vielen Anwendungsfeldern zunehmend mit einer Verarbeitung von Kontextinformationen verbunden. Dies ermöglicht es, den Nutzern die richtige Information zur richtigen Zeit zur Verfügung zu stellen, um die Workflow-Ausführung optimal zu unterstützen. Ein aktueller Ansatz, um eine kontextsensitive Unterstützung zu realisieren sind Augmented Reality-Systeme. Diese verarbeiten Kontextinformationen und liefern notwendige und hilfreiche Workflow-Informationen immersiv und intuitiv, um den Nutzer zu unterstützen und zu entlasten. Da sich die technischen Implementierungen in diesem Feld sehr unterschiedlich ausgestalten, wird in diesem Beitrag eine Taxonomie entwickelt, die es ermöglicht, Augmented Reality-Systeme einheitlich zu systematisieren. Mit dem resultierenden einheitlichen Vokabular bietet die Taxonomie eine praktisch nutzbare Grundlage, um state-of-the-art Augmented Reality-Systeme zu klassifizieren, Trends und Forschungslücken in der Literatur zu identifizieren sowie die Entwicklung neuer Augmented Reality-Systeme methodisch zu unterstützen. Für die Entwicklung der Taxonomie wurden insgesamt 142 Augmented Reality-Systeme analysiert, mit speziellem Hinblick auf die bereitgestellte Workflow-Unterstützung. Die wahrgenommene Nützlichkeit der Taxonomie wurde durch eine Befragung von Augmented Reality-System und Workflow-Management-Experten evaluiert. Zudem werden zwei neuartige Augmented Reality-Systeme, die innovative Ansätze für die Unterstützung der Workflow-Ausführung darstellen, als praktische Beispiele der Anwendung der Taxonomie vorgestellt.
Follow-up assessment of patients with Pure Neural Leprosy in a reference center in Rio de Janeiro—Brazil
Authors: Pitta Izabela Jardim Rodrigues , Hacker Mariana de Andrea Vilas-Boas , Andrade Ligia Rocha , Spitz Clarissa Neves , Vital Robson Teixeira , Sales Anna Maria , Antunes Sergio Luiz Gomes , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Jardim Marcia Rodrigues
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Pure Neural Leprosy (PNL) is a rare clinical form of leprosy in which patients do not present with the classical skin lesions but have a high burden of the disability associated with the disease. Clinical characteristics and follow up of patients in PNL are still poorly described in the literature.

Objective

This paper aims to describe the clinical, electrophysiological and histopathological characteristics of PNL patients, as well as their evolution after multidrug therapy (MDT).

Methods

Fifty-two PNL patients were selected. Clinical, nerve conduction studies (NCS), histopathological and anti-PGL-1serology were evaluated. Patients were also assessed monthly during the MDT. At the end of the MDT, all of the patients had a new neurological examination and 44 were submitted to another NCS.

Results

Paresthesia was the complaint most frequently reported by patients, and in the neurological examination the most common pattern observed was impairment in sensory and motor examination and a mononeuropathy multiplex. Painful nerve enlargement, a classical symptom of leprosy neuropathy, was observed in a minority of patients and in the motor NCS axonal injuries, alone or in combination with demyelinating features, were the most commonly observed. 88% of the patients did not present any leprosy reaction during MDT. There was no statistically significant difference between the neurological examinations, nor the NCS pattern, performed before and after the MDT.

Discussion

The classical hallmarks of leprosy neuropathy are not always present in PNL making the diagnosis even more challenging. Nerve biopsy is an important tool for PNL diagnosis as it may guide therapeutic decisions. This paper highlights unique characteristics of PNL in the spectrum of leprosy in an attempt to facilitate the diagnosis and management of these patients.
Lab-scale characterization and semi-field trials of Wolbachia Strain wAlbB in a Taiwan Wolbachia introgressed Ae. aegypti strain
Authors: Liu Wei-Liang , Yu Hui-Ying , Chen Yu-Xuan , Chen Bo-Yu , Leaw Shiang Ning , Lin Cheng-Han , Su Matthew-P. , Tsai Ling-Shan , Chen Yi , Shiao Shin-Hong , Xi Zhiyong , Jang Anna C-C , Chen Chun-Hong
Published: January 2022

Dengue fever is one of the most severe viral diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, with traditional approaches of disease control proving insufficient to prevent significant disease burden. Release of Wolbachia-transinfected mosquitoes offers a promising alternative control methodologies; Wolbachia-transinfected female Aedes aegypti demonstrate reduced dengue virus transmission, whilst Wolbachia-transinfected males cause zygotic lethality when crossed with uninfected females, providing a method for suppressing mosquito populations. Although highly promising, the delicate nature of population control strategies and differences between local species populations means that controlled releases of Wolbachia-transinfected mosquitoes cannot be performed without extensive testing on specific local Ae. aegypti populations. In order to investigate the potential for using Wolbachia to suppress local Ae. aegypti populations in Taiwan, we performed lab-based and semi-field fitness trials. We first transinfected the Wolbachia strain wAlbB into a local Ae. aegypti population (wAlbB-Tw) and found no significant changes in lifespan, fecundity and fertility when compared to controls. In the laboratory, we found that as the proportion of released male mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia was increased, population suppression could reach up to 100%. Equivalent experiments in semi-field experiments found suppression rates of up to 70%. The release of different ratios of wAlbB-Tw males in the semi-field system provided an estimate of the optimal size of male releases. Our results indicate that wAlbB-Tw has significant potential for use in vector control strategies aimed at Ae. aegypti population suppression in Taiwan. Open field release trials are now necessary to confirm that wAlbB-Tw mediated suppression is feasible in natural environments.
Intraarterial anti-leptin therapy via ICA protects ipsilateral CA1 neurons subjected to ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Benbenishty Amit , Schneiderman Jacob
Published: January 2022

Background

Brain reperfusion following an ischemic event is essential for tissue viability, however, it also involves processes that promote neuronal cell death. We have recently shown that local expression of the hormone leptin in cardiovascular organs drives deleterious remodeling. As cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) lesions derive expression of both the leptin hormone and its receptor, we hypothesized that blocking leptin activity in the injured brain area will reduce the deleterious effects of IR injury.

Methods

C57BL6 male mice underwent bilateral common carotid artery and external carotid artery ligation. The right hemisphere was reperfused after 12 minutes, followed by intraarterial injection of either a low-dose leptin antagonist or saline solution via the ipsilateral ICA. The left common carotid artery remained ligated. Fifteen IR/leptin antagonist-injected and fourteen IR/saline-injected mice completed the experiment. Five days after surgery brains were collected and samples of the hippocampal CA1 region were analyzed for cell viability (H&E) and apoptosis (TUNEL and caspase3), for neuroinflammation (Iba1), and for signaling pathways of pSTAT3 and pSmad2.

Results

The right hemisphere hippocampal CA1 region subjected to IR and saline injection exhibited increased apoptosis and necrosis of pyramidal cells. Also, increased density of activated microglia/macrophages was evident around the CA1 region. Comparatively, leptin antagonist treatment at reperfusion reduced apoptosis and necrosis of pyramidal cells, as indicated by increased number of viable cells (p < 0.01), and reduced TUNEL (p < 0.001) and caspase3-positive cells (p<0.05). Furthermore, this treatment reduced the density of activated microglia/macrophages (p < 0.001) in the CA1 region. Signaling pathway analysis revealed that while pSTAT3 and pSmad2-positive cells were found surrounding the stratum pyramidal in saline-treated animals, pSTAT3 signal was undetected and pSmad2 was greatly reduced in this territory following leptin antagonist treatment (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Inhibition of leptin activity in hemispheric IR injury preserved the viability of ipsilateral hippocampal CA1 neurons, likely by preventing apoptosis and local inflammation. These results indicate that intraarterial anti-leptin therapy may have clinical potential in reducing hemispheric brain IR injury.
Independent effect of gestational weight gain and prepregnancy obesity on pregnancy outcomes among Saudi women: A sub-cohort analysis from Riyadh mother and baby cohort study (RAHMA)
Authors: Fayed Amel , Wahabi Hayfaa A. , Esmaeil Samia , Elkouny Roaa , Elmorshedy Hala , Bakhsh Hanadi
Published: January 2022

Background

Gestational weight gain (GWG) and prepregnancy obesity are garnering more attention as determining factors of pregnancy outcomes when it comes to the wellbeing of both the mother and her baby. This study was conducted to describe the pattern of GWG among participants of Riyadh Mother and Baby Multicenter Cohort Study (RAHMA) and to investigate the detrimental effects of excessive GWG and prepregnancy obesity on pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

RAHMA is a multicentre cohort study conducted in three hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participants were categorized according to the Institute of Medicine into inadequate, adequate, and excessive GWG, and stratified by body mass index (BMI) into under/normal weight, overweight, and obese. To examine the independent effect of maternal prepregnancy obesity and GWG, a multivariate regression model was used and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) for each outcome were calculated.

Results

A total of 7029 participants were included in this study; 31.8% had adequate GWG, 25.9% had excessive GWG and 42.3% had inadequate GWG, while 29.7% had normal BMI, 33.3% were overweight, 34.8% were obese, and 2.2% were underweight. Excessive GWG was independently associated with increased risk of hypertensive events, (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.20–2.63). Obesity was associated with higher risk of gestational diabetes (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.76–2.53), hypertensive events (AOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.48–3.01), and delivery by emergency caesarean section (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.35–1.97). Infants of obese women had increased odds of macrosomia (AOR 3.11, 95% CI 1.94–4.99) and lower odds of low birth weight (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.53–0.88).

Conclusion

In comparison to excessive GWG, which increases the risk of hypertensive events during pregnancy, prepregnancy obesity is associated with more adverse outcomes including GDM, hypertensive events in pregnancy and emergency CS.
Comparison of longitudinal trends in self-reported symptoms and COVID-19 case activity in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Maharaj Arjuna S. , Parker Jennifer , Hopkins Jessica P. , Gournis Effie , Bogoch Isaac I. , Rader Benjamin , Astley Christina M. , Ivers Noah M. , Hawkins Jared B. , Lee Liza , Tuite Ashleigh R. , Fisman David N. , Brownstein John S. , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren
Published: January 2022

Background

Limitations in laboratory diagnostic capacity impact population surveillance of COVID-19. It is currently unknown whether participatory surveillance tools for COVID-19 correspond to government-reported case trends longitudinally and if it can be used as an adjunct to laboratory testing. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether self-reported COVID-19-like illness reflected laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case trends in Ontario Canada.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed longitudinal self-reported symptoms data collected using an online tool–Outbreaks Near Me (ONM)–from April 20th, 2020, to March 7th, 2021 in Ontario, Canada. We measured the correlation between COVID-like illness among respondents and the weekly number of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases and provincial test positivity. We explored contemporaneous changes in other respiratory viruses, as well as the demographic characteristics of respondents to provide context for our findings.

Results

Between 3,849–11,185 individuals responded to the symptom survey each week. No correlations were seen been self-reported CLI and either cases or test positivity. Strong positive correlations were seen between CLI and both cases and test positivity before a previously documented rise in rhinovirus/enterovirus in fall 2020. Compared to participatory surveillance respondents, a higher proportion of COVID-19 cases in Ontario consistently came from low-income, racialized and immigrant areas of the province- these groups were less well represented among survey respondents.

Interpretation

Although digital surveillance systems are low-cost tools that have been useful to signal the onset of viral outbreaks, in this longitudinal comparison of self-reported COVID-like illness to Ontario COVID-19 case data we did not find this to be the case. Seasonal respiratory virus transmission and population coverage may explain this discrepancy.