bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Total Vitamin A, β-carotene, and Retinol Intake and the Risk of Diabetes in Chinese Adults with Plant-based Diets
Authors: Su Lei , He Jingjing , Liu Zhaoyan , Wu Shangling , Chen Peiyan , Li Keji , Fang Aiping
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Epidemiologic evidence regarding the role of dietary vitamin A in the development of diabetes is limited and inconsistent. This study was to explore the association between vitamin A intake and diabetes risk in Chinese adults.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among 17 111 adults (8537 men and 8577 women) who participated in the China Health and Nutrition Survey between 1989 and 2015. Dietary intakes were assessed by 3 consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls combined with a household food inventory. Diabetes was determined by self-reported diagnosis, diabetes medication use, or additional criterion in 2009 of fasting blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c. We analyzed the association of vitamin A intake (total, β-carotene, retinol) with diabetes risk using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

A total of 519 men and 531 women developed diabetes during a median of 11 years of follow-up. Higher dietary total vitamin A intakes were associated with a lower risk of diabetes in both men (quintile 5 [Q5] vs Q1: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.49-0.97, P-trend = 0.079) and women (Q5 vs Q1: HR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45-0.89; P-trend = 0.039). An inverse relation with diabetes risk was observed for dietary intakes of β-carotene (Q5 vs Q1: HR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.97) and retinol (Q5 vs Q1: HR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39-0.85) among men, but not women. Dose-response analyses showed the association of dietary intakes of total vitamin A, β-carotene, and retinol with diabetes risk in men was L-shaped (P-nonlinearity = 0.043), reverse J-shaped (P-nonlinearity = 0.001), and linear, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that adequate intake of vitamin A may help protecting against diabetes, especially for men.
Industry Payments to Physicians Are Kickbacks. How Should Stakeholders Respond?
Authors: Mitchell Aaron , Sarpatwari Ameet , Bach Peter B.
Published: July 2022

Payments from the pharmaceutical industry to US physicians are common. In determining which payments rise to the level of an illegal kickback under the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General (OIG) has stated in nonbinding guidance that influencing or “swaying” physician prescribing is key. OIG has highlighted as a compliance standard the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Code on Interactions with Health Professions, which stipulates that permissible payments are those that do not interfere with prescribing. However, recent evidence has shown that most payments influence physician prescribing, driving higher prescription drug costs by increasing use of brand-name and low-value drugs. This evidence implies that many payments that are currently commonplace could be subject to prosecution under AKS. Given that these payments increase costs to patients and the health care system, there is a public interest in curtailing them. This article proposes a range of actions available to stakeholders—including industry, providers, regulators, and payers—to mitigate the cost-increasing effect of industry payments to physicians.
Active muscle stiffness is reduced during rapid unloading in muscles from TtnΔ112-158 mice with a large deletion to PEVK titin
Authors: Hurley Kathryn L. , Bassett Jordan R. , Monroy Jenna A.
Published: July 2022

Evidence suggests that the giant muscle protein titin functions as a tunable spring in active muscle. However, the mechanisms for increasing titin stiffness with activation are not well understood. Previous studies have suggested that during muscle activation, titin binds to actin, which engages the PEVK region of titin, thereby increasing titin stiffness. In this study, we investigated the role of PEVK titin in active muscle stiffness during rapid unloading. We measured elastic recoil of active and passive soleus muscles from TtnΔ112-158 mice characterized by a 75% deletion of PEVK titin and increased passive stiffness. We hypothesized that activated TtnΔ112-158 muscles are stiffer than wild-type muscles as a result of the increased stiffness of PEVK titin. Using a servomotor force lever, we compared the stress–strain relationships of elastic elements in active and passive muscles during rapid unloading and quantified the change in stiffness upon activation. The results show that the elastic modulus of TtnΔ112-158 muscles increased with activation. However, elastic elements developed force at 7% longer lengths and exhibited 50% lower active stiffness in TtnΔ112-158 soleus muscles than in wild-type muscles. Thus, despite having a shorter, stiffer PEVK segment, during rapid unloading, TtnΔ112-158 soleus muscles exhibited reduced active stiffness compared with wild-type soleus muscles. These results are consistent with the idea that PEVK titin contributes to active muscle stiffness; however, the reduction in active stiffness of TtnΔ112-158 muscles suggests that other mechanisms compensate for the increased PEVK stiffness.
Effects of thermal acclimation on the proteome of the planarian Crenobia alpina from an alpine freshwater spring
Authors: Ebner Joshua Niklas , Wyss Mirjam Kathrin , Ritz Danilo , von Fumetti Stefanie
Published: July 2022

Species' acclimation capacity and their ability to maintain molecular homeostasis outside ideal temperature ranges will partly predict their success following climate change-induced thermal regime shifts. Theory predicts that ectothermic organisms from thermally stable environments have muted plasticity, and that these species may be particularly vulnerable to temperature increases. Whether such species retained or lost acclimation capacity remains largely unknown. We studied proteome changes in the planarian Crenobia alpina, a prominent member of cold-stable alpine habitats that is considered to be a cold-adapted stenotherm. We found that the species' critical thermal maximum (CTmax) is above its experienced habitat temperatures and that different populations exhibit differential CTmax acclimation capacity, whereby an alpine population showed reduced plasticity. In a separate experiment, we acclimated C. alpina individuals from the alpine population to 8, 11, 14 or 17°C over the course of 168 h and compared their comprehensively annotated proteomes. Network analyses of 3399 proteins and protein set enrichment showed that while the species' proteome is overall stable across these temperatures, protein sets functioning in oxidative stress response, mitochondria, protein synthesis and turnover are lower in abundance following warm acclimation. Proteins associated with an unfolded protein response, ciliogenesis, tissue damage repair, development and the innate immune system were higher in abundance following warm acclimation. Our findings suggest that this species has not suffered DNA decay (e.g. loss of heat-shock proteins) during evolution in a cold-stable environment and has retained plasticity in response to elevated temperatures, challenging the notion that stable environments necessarily result in muted plasticity.
A Friendly UV-Responsive Fluorine-Free Superhydrophobic Coating for Oil-Water Separation and Dye Degradation
Authors: Ren Fangyuan , He Rui , Ren Jinping , Tao Furong , Yang Huanhuan , Lv Hongshui , Ju Xiuqin
Published: July 2022

Due to increasing environmental pollution, benign responsive materials are of great importance in the field of oil/water separation. Here, a fluoride-free UV-responsive material for oil/water separation material and dye degradation was prepared. Environmentally friendly and low cost cellulose, silicon dioxide (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and stearic acid (SA) were used to fabricate the superhydrophobic coating. The coated cotton fabric can be obtained by simple dip-coating, and its wettability can transition from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic under UV irradiation. The responsive surface of the coated cotton fabric can be applied for the effective separation of heavy or light oil/water mixtures, water-in-oil emulsions and oil-in-water emulsions. In addition, the UV-responsive coated cotton fabric can realize the degradation of methyl blue after UV irradiation, which may provide a new prospect for the development of intelligent materials.
Boosting the Corrosion Inhibition of Q235 Steel by Incorporating Multi-responsive Montmorillonite-based Composite Inhibitor into Epoxy Coating
Authors: Xing Xuteng , Sui Yating , Zhao Hantuo , Yuan Miao , Chu Xiaomeng , Liu Shaojie , Tang Erjun
Published: July 2022

Montmorillonite (MMT), a natural silicate mineral with layered structure, can be used as a nanocontainer for loading 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) corrosion inhibitor. The obtained 8-HQ intercalated MMT (8HQ-MMT) by ion exchange was confirmed by various techniques. The release test shows that the prepared 8HQ-MMT is an acid-/alkali-/salt- multi-responsive composite corrosion inhibitor. In addition, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of Q235 steel in 3.5%NaCl + 1.0 g/L 8HQ-MMT solution released at 48 h can reach 56.16%. The epoxy coating mixed with 2 wt % 8HQ-MMT composite corrosion inhibitor can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of coating, and especially for endowing self-healing ability to a certain extent.
A crescendo of competent coding (c3) contains the Standard Genetic Code
Authors: Yarus Michael
Published: July 2022

The Standard Genetic Code (SGC) can arise by fusion of partial codes evolved in different individuals, perhaps for differing prior tasks. Such code fragments can be unified into an SGC after later evolution of accurate third-position Crick wobble. Late wobble advent fills in the coding table, leaving only later development of translational initiation and termination to reach the SGC in separated domains of life. This code fusion mechanism is computationally implemented here. Late Crick wobble after C3 fusion (c3-lCw) is tested for its ability to evolve the SGC. Compared with previously studied isolated coding tables, or with increasing numbers of parallel, but nonfusing codes, c3-lCw reaches the SGC sooner, is successful in a smaller population, and presents accurate and complete codes more frequently. Notably, a long crescendo of SGC-like codes is exposed for selection of superior translation. c3-lCw also effectively suppresses varied disordered assignments, thus converging on a unified code. Such merged codes closely approach the SGC, making its selection plausible. For example: Under routine conditions, ≈1 of 22 c3-lCw environments evolves codes with ≥20 assignments and ≤3 differences from the SGC, notably including codes identical to the Standard Genetic Code.
Μια εικόνα ισούται με χίλιες…ιστορίες
Authors: Παπαηλία Άρτεμις
Published: July 2022

Η παρούσα διατριβή επικεντρώνεται στα βιβλία χωρίς λόγια, ένα νεωτερικό λογοτεχνικό είδος, με ελάχιστο ή καθόλου λεκτικό κείμενο, στο οποίο η εικόνα αποτελεί το κύριο αφηγηματικό μέσο κατασκευής του νοήματος της ιστορίας. Η διατριβή εστιάζει σε δύο άξονες. Κατ’ αρχάς, μελετά τα βιβλία χωρίς λόγια, για να οριοθετήσει αυτή τη νέα ειδική κατηγορία στον χώρο της Παιδικής Λογοτεχνίας αλλά και να διερευνήσει τους τρόπους με τους οποίους ο οπτικός λόγος, ως μοναδικό σημειωτικό μέσο, μπορεί να δημιουργήσει μια αποτελεσματική αφήγηση, χρησιμοποιώντας μια ποικιλία εικονογραφικών στρατηγικών. Δεύτερον, διερευνά το «πορτρέτο» του εννοούμενου παιδιού-αναγνώστη που υπονοείται στα βιβλία χωρίς λόγια, και, επομένως, τα απαιτούμενα «προσόντα» του πραγματικού αναγνώστη, τις δυσκολίες που ενδέχεται να αντιμετωπίσει και, εν τέλει, τα οφέλη που μπορεί να αποκομίσει από την ανάγνωση των βιβλίων χωρίς λόγια. Η μελέτη διαρθρώνεται σε τέσσερα μέρη, το πρώτο από τα οποία είναι αφιερωμένο αφενός στην οριοθέτηση του θεωρητικού πλαισίου σχετικά με τα βιβλία χωρίς λόγια και αφετέρου στη θεωρία της αισθητικής ανταπόκρισης του Wolfang Iser, από την οποία πηγάζει η έννοια του εννοούμενου αναγνώστη. Στο δεύτερο μέρος, παρουσιάζεται η μεθοδολογία της έρευνας. Στο τρίτο μέρος, πραγματοποιείται η ανάλυση του δείγματος με βάση τις εξής κατηγορίες: πλοκή, χαρακτήρες, σκηνικό-διεικονικότητα και περικείμενο των βιβλίων. Για τη διευκόλυνση της μελέτης, τα βιβλία χωρίσθηκαν στις εξής υπο-κατηγορίες: α) βιβλία (σχεδόν) χωρίς λόγια, β) βιβλία εννοιών χωρίς λόγια, γ) πολυ-αφηγήματα χωρίς λόγια, δ) βιβλία - παιχνίδια χωρίς λόγια και ε) κόμικς χωρίς λόγια. Η εργασία ολοκληρώνεται στο τέταρτο μέρος με την παράθεση των συμπερασμάτων της έρευνας. Συγκεκριμένα, από τις αναλύσεις του δείγματος διαπιστώνεται ότι το βιβλίο χωρίς λόγια, είναι ένα είδος δι-ηλικιακό που απευθύνεται σε εννοούμενους αναγνώστες όλων των ηλικιών, από προ-αναγνώστες μέχρι και ενήλικες αναγνώστες. Ο κάθε τύπος βιβλίου χωρίς λόγια, θέτει διαφορετικές προκλήσεις στο αναγνωστικό του κοινό και «κατασκευάζει» έναν εννοούμενο αναγνώστη με συγκεκριμένα προσόντα.
The STArgardt Remofuscin Treatment Trial (STARTT): design and baseline characteristics of enrolled Stargardt patients
Authors: Dhooge Patty P.A. , Möller Philipp T. , Boon Camiel J.F. , Lotery Andrew J. , Herrmann Philipp , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Klein Wolfgang , Fsadni Mario G. , Wheeler-Schilling Thomas H. , Jungmann Oliver , Müller Hans , Holz Frank G. , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Peters Tobias M. , Stingl Katarina , Hoyng Carel B. ,   Soraprazan Consortium
Published: July 2022

Background: This report describes the study design and baseline characteristics of patients with Stargardt disease (STGD1) enrolled in the STArgardt Remofuscin Treatment Trial (STARTT).

Methods: In total, 87 patients with genetically confirmed STGD1 were randomized in a double-masked, placebo-controlled proof of concept trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 20 milligram oral remofuscin for 24 months. The primary outcome measure is change in mean quantitative autofluorescence value of an 8-segment ring centred on the fovea (qAF8). Secondary efficacy variables are best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA), mesopic microperimetry (mMP),  spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), reading speed on Radner reading charts, and patient-reported visual function as assessed by the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25) and Functional Reading Independence (FRI) Index.

Results: Mean age of participants was 35±11 years with 49 (56%) female. Median qAF8 value was 438 Units (range 210-729). Median BCVA and LLVA in decimal units were 0.50 (range 0.13-0.80) and 0.20 (range 0.06-0.63), respectively. The median of the mean retinal sensitivity with mMP was 20.4 dB (range 0.0-28.8). SD-OCT showed median central subfield retinal thickness of 142 µm (range 72-265) and median macular volume of 1.65 mm3 (range 1.13-2.19). Compared to persons without vision impairment, both reading performance and patient-reported visual function were significantly lower (p<0.001, one sample t-test). Mean reading speed was 108±39 words/minute with logRAD-score of 0.45±0.28. Mean VFQ-25 composite score was 72±13. Mean FRI Index score 2.8±0.6.

Conclusions: This trial design may serve as reference for future clinical trials as it explores the utility of qAF8 as primary outcome measure. The baseline data represent the largest, multi-national, STGD1 cohort to date that underwent standardized qAF imaging, reading speed assessment and vision-related quality of life measures which all contribute to the characterization of STGD1.

EudraCT registration: 2018-001496-20 (09/05/2019)
Non-cognitive Values: A Warrant of the Rationality and Responsibility of Science
Authors: Lekka-Kowalik Agnieszka
Published: July 2022

Although the presence of cognitive values in science has been accepted for half a century, until recently it was claimed that the presence of non-cognitive values threatened the rationality and objectivity of science and it was a sign of a scientist’s weakness. This view appeared to be correct when cognitive and non-cognitive values were treated dichotomously, and science was seen as a set of theories and procedures. The analysis of science as a social practice shows however that this dichotomy cannot be maintained and that the scientist, when planning and conducting research, makes assumptions which include value judgments encompassing certain non-cognitive values. Ignoring the presence of non-cognitive values does not secure objectivity and rationality of science. On the contrary, since they are constitutive elements of scientific research, pretending that they do not work in research exposes science to ideologization. Rational subordination of science to them becomes a vehicle and a warrant of not only rationality but also objectivity and social responsibility of science. This in turn allows us to restore the proper place of science in culture.
Metabolomics in Periodontal Disease - A Mini Review
Authors: Siddiqui Arif , Deepa D Deepa D , Mehrotra Shalabh , Sharma Anjali
Published: July 2022

Periodontitis is the most common oral disease. It is a chronic disease that is characterised by the destruction of the tissues. It is caused by multifactorial aetiology. Variation in host metabolism and microbes results in the development of periodontitis. Saliva provides us with a protective role of lubrication, neutralizing the pH, mineralising the bones and fighting microbes in a diseased oral cavity. We need to identify metabolites in saliva to know the aetiology and stage of periodontitis. Some metabolites may help in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis. Various classes of the biochemicals like amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, nuclear peptides, dipeptides are changed in periodontitis. Most importantly, there is an increase in the levels of protease, glycosidase and lipase activity in chronic periodontal disease that forms the most favourable time for the growth of bacteria. There is a deficiency in contempered screening methods. Therefore, we should understand the arising need for metabolites for better diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis.
An overview of rabbit diseases and their current vaccination protocols
Authors: Westcott Stacey
Published: July 2022

Rabbits have become a popular household pet, and it is important that veterinary professionals are able to educate pet owners on their healthcare needs, and in particular on up to date vaccination protocols. The main problematic viral diseases that rabbits can be vaccinated against are of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD) and myxomatosis. While the original strain of RVHD, a type of calicivirus, has been present in the UK for decades, a variant of this disease first reported in France in 2010 has become a concern for many veterinary professionals and pet owners.
CPD article: Diet in canine dermatology part 1: nutrition for skin health and support
Authors: Groves Ellie
Published: July 2022

Nutrition has a very important role to play in supporting skin and coat health, both in healthy dogs and in those with skin conditions. Key nutrients include protein — which composes 95% of each hair within the coat — omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, zinc, and different vitamins. These nutrients play different roles within the skin, and dietary intake of some or all of them may need to be considered in an individual patient. The role of each of these nutrients will be explored, along with the potential benefits of nutritional modification as part of a multimodal management approach in the support of patients with skin conditions. The article will also look at the role of supplements, and review the latest knowledge about how manipulation of the microbiome may play a role in patients with atopy.
How can we all make a difference in promoting healthy leadership in the veterinary profession?
Authors: Langridge Jenny
Published: July 2022

Everyone can develop their leadership qualities. Veterinary Women In Leadership was set up to support women in leadership, hosting in-person and online events, supporting networking and offering access to mentoring programmes.
Effect of secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor on early tendon-to-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a rat model
Authors: Wu Yongmao , Shao Yan , Xie Denghui , Pan Jianying , Chen Huabin , Yao Juncheng , Liang Jiarong , Ke Haolin , Cai Daozhang , Zeng Chun
Published: July 2022

Aims

To verify whether secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) can promote early tendon-to-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

In vitro: the mobility of the rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) treated with SLPI was evaluated by scratch assay. Then the expression levels of osteogenic differentiation-related genes were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) to determine the osteogenic effect of SLPI on BMSCs. In vivo: a rat model of ACL reconstruction was used to verify the effect of SLPI on tendon-to-bone healing. All the animals of the SLPI group and the negative control (NC) group were euthanized for histological evaluation, micro-CT scanning, and biomechanical testing.

Results

SLPI improved the migration ability of BMSCs and upregulated the expression of genes related to osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro. In vivo, the SLPI group had higher histological scores at the tendon-bone interface by histological evaluation. Micro-CT showed more new bone formation and bone ingrowth around the grafted tendon in the SLPI group. Evaluation of the healing strength of the tendon-bone connection showed that the SLPI group had a higher maximum failure force and stiffness.

Conclusion

SLPI can effectively promote early tendon-to-bone healing after ACL reconstruction via enhancing the migration and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):503–512.
Optimal frequency selection for accuracy improvement in binary defocusing fringe projection profilometry
Authors: Zhu Jiangping , Feng Xiaoyi , Zhu Changhui , Zhou Pei
Published: July 2022

The binary defocusing fringe projection profilometry (FPP) technique
has demonstrated various advantages for high-speed and high-accuracy
three-dimensional (3D) surface measurement. However, higher fringe
frequency does not necessarily give better measurements in binary
defocusing FPP. To improve the 3D geometry measurement accuracy, this
paper proposes an optimal frequency selection approach by analyzing
the phase error distribution under different defocusing degrees. The
phase error is analyzed theoretically based on the multi-frequency
temporal phase unwrapping process, and the associated relationship
with fringe frequency, system defocusing degree, noise, and other
influencing factors is established. Meanwhile, optimal fringe
frequency in a specific system is selected by the theoretical model
combined with the validation of simulation experiments. Finally, the
measurement accuracy could be effectively enhanced by the generated
binary fringe patterns of optimal frequency. Both simulations and
experiments verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed
method.
Detection and imaging of distant targets by near-infrared polarization single-pixel lidar
Authors: Chen Yafeng , Yin Kaixin , Shi Dongfeng , Yang Wei , Huang Jian , Guo ZIjun , Yuan Kee , Wang Yingjian
Published: July 2022

Single-pixel imaging (SPI) is a new technology with many applications and prospects. Polarization detection technology can improve the detection and identification ability of the imaging system. A near-infrared polarization SPI lidar system is designed to realize detection and polarization imaging of outdoor long-range targets. The depth, intensity, linear polarization, and polarization degree images of typical remote targets are obtained. The results show that the polarization image contains many details and contour information of the target, and the intensity image contains brightness and reflectivity information. Intensity and polarization information complement each other. The characteristics of intensity and polarization images at different spatial frequencies are analyzed for the first time, to our knowledge, by taking advantage of the Fourier modulation mode. We found that the proportion of high-frequency information in the polarization image is much higher than that of the intensity image. The sampling strategy of collecting only low-frequency components is applicable in intensity imaging but needs further improvement in polarization imaging. The polarization SPI lidar system can enrich the target information acquired, improve imaging contrast, and have significant application value for target detection and identification in complex backgrounds.
Wide frequency band expansion of permittivity normal modes
Authors: Chen Parry Y. , Greenberg Yakov , Sivan Yonatan
Published: July 2022

Normal modes are valuable tools for modeling electromagnetic resonators, since all their electromagnetic properties can be extracted from a small set of modes. To extend the utility of normal modes to open systems, a set of modes was developed where permittivity is designated to be the eigenvalue. However, these modes, also known as generalized normal modes, are defined at only a single frequency, which limits their utility for spectral applications. In this paper, we present a simple way to extend the validity of permittivity modes to neighboring frequencies. This enables the evaluation of spectral lineshapes and scattering of short pulses from open nanophotonic structures using knowledge of the generalized normal modes at only a single frequency.
Estimating pixel-level uncertainty in ocean color retrievals from MODIS
Authors: Zhang Minwei , Ibrahim Amir , Franz Bryan A. , Ahmad Ziauddin , Sayer Andrew M.
Published: July 2022

The spectral distribution of marine remote sensing reflectance, Rrs, is the fundamental measurement of ocean color science, from which a host of bio-optical and biogeochemical properties of the water column can be derived. Estimation of uncertainty in these derived properties is thus dependent on knowledge of the uncertainty in satellite-retrieved Rrs (uc(Rrs)) at each pixel. Uncertainty in Rrs, in turn, is dependent on the propagation of various uncertainty sources through the Rrs retrieval process, namely the atmospheric correction (AC). A derivative-based method for uncertainty propagation is established here to calculate the pixel-level uncertainty in Rrs, as retrieved using NASA’s multiple-scattering epsilon (MSEPS) AC algorithm and verified using Monte Carlo (MC) analysis. The approach is then applied to measurements from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua satellite, with uncertainty sources including instrument random noise, instrument systematic uncertainty, and forward model uncertainty. The uc(Rrs) is verified by comparison with statistical analysis of coincident retrievals from MODIS and in situ Rrs measurements, and our approach performs well in most cases. Based on analysis of an example 8-day global products, we also show that relative uncertainty in Rrs at blue bands has a similar spatial pattern to the derived concentration of the phytoplankton pigment chlorophyll-a (chl-a), and around 7.3%, 17.0%, and 35.2% of all clear water pixels (chl-a ≤ 0.1 mg/m3) with valid uc(Rrs) have a relative uncertainty ≤ 5% at bands 412 nm, 443 nm, and 488 nm respectively, which is a common goal of ocean color retrievals for clear waters. While the analysis shows that uc(Rrs) calculated from our derivative-based method is reasonable, some issues need further investigation, including improved knowledge of forward model uncertainty and systematic uncertainty in instrument calibration.
Low-cost, minimalistic line-scanning confocal microscopy
Authors: Jennings Christian M. , King Jason B. , Parekh Sapun H.
Published: July 2022

Confocal microscopy provides optical sectioning that is invaluable for many applications, most notably imaging into thick samples. However, the high cost of commercial confocal microscopes limits uses to specialized research and clinical settings. We present a minimalistic line-scanning confocal microscope costing less than $6,500 with optical performance comparable to a commercial laser scanning system. The optical sectioning and imaging performance are shown through measurement of the axial line-spread function and imaging of biological samples of varying thickness. Comparison is made to commercial widefield and confocal microscopes. The low cost of goods and optical sectioning capability of this microscope will allow the use of confocal microscopy in additional research and educational settings.
Surface plasmon resonance gas sensor with a nanoporous gold film
Authors: Zhang Chenglong , Liu Ziwei , Cai Chen , Yang Zehao , Qi Zhi-Mei
Published: July 2022

This work demonstrates an optical gas sensor based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of nanoporous gold (NPG) thin films. The NPG films are prepared by a sputtering-dealloying combined method, and they can support the propagating surface plasmon mode and adsorb a large number of gaseous molecules; the interaction of the internal plasmon field and the adsorbed molecules enables the NPG-SPR sensor to have high sensitivity. The Kretschmann-type spectral NPG-SPR sensor is fabricated with a 60-nm-thick NPG film, and its spectral response to toxic H2S gas was investigated at room temperature. The optimal sensitivity of the sensor to H2S was achieved by controlling the dealloying time to tune the film porosity. Comparison of the spectral sensitivity to 100 ppm H2S indicates that the NPG-SPR sensor is at least six times more sensitive than a conventional Au-SPR sensor.
Polarization-vortex holographic encryption based on photo-oxidation of a plasmonic disk
Authors: Miao Jingying , Fu Shencheng , Li Xin , Liu Hongfang , Zhang Xintong , Xu Haiyang , Liu Yichun
Published: July 2022

Holography is a feasible route to realize information encryption, which is crucial for the secure processing of massive data. However, the limited number of application channels in a coherent light field hinders advancement in holographic encryption. Herein, we design a serial coding system based on a plasmonic holographic disk utilizing both spin and orbital angular momenta of photons. Anisotropically photo-oxidized metal nanoparticles accurately distinguish the polarization state and topological charge of the vortex light field in holographic reconstruction. Ultra-stable readout of the encrypted holographic grating array is realized after coating a water-soluble polymer onto a large-area nanoparticle film. This work provides an important research strategy for integrated nanodevices for use in high-density memory, all-optical computing, and cryptographic displays.
Estimating the transfer rates of bacterial plasmids with an adapted Luria–Delbrück fluctuation analysis
Authors: Kosterlitz Olivia , Muñiz Tirado Adamaris , Wate Claire , Elg Clint , Bozic Ivana , Top Eva M. , Kerr Benjamin
Published: July 2022

To increase our basic understanding of the ecology and evolution of conjugative plasmids, we need reliable estimates of their rate of transfer between bacterial cells. Current assays to measure transfer rate are based on deterministic modeling frameworks. However, some cell numbers in these assays can be very small, making estimates that rely on these numbers prone to noise. Here, we take a different approach to estimate plasmid transfer rate, which explicitly embraces this noise. Inspired by the classic fluctuation analysis of Luria and Delbrück, our method is grounded in a stochastic modeling framework. In addition to capturing the random nature of plasmid conjugation, our new methodology, the Luria–Delbrück method (“LDM”), can be used on a diverse set of bacterial systems, including cases for which current approaches are inaccurate. A notable example involves plasmid transfer between different strains or species where the rate that one type of cell donates the plasmid is not equal to the rate at which the other cell type donates. Asymmetry in these rates has the potential to bias or constrain current transfer estimates, thereby limiting our capabilities for estimating transfer in microbial communities. In contrast, the LDM overcomes obstacles of traditional methods by avoiding restrictive assumptions about growth and transfer rates for each population within the assay. Using stochastic simulations and experiments, we show that the LDM has high accuracy and precision for estimation of transfer rates compared to the most widely used methods, which can produce estimates that differ from the LDM estimate by orders of magnitude.
Simulations of tumor growth and response to immunotherapy by coupling a spatial agent-based model with a whole-patient quantitative systems pharmacology model
Authors: Ruiz-Martinez Alvaro , Gong Chang , Wang Hanwen , Sové Richard J. , Mi Haoyang , Kimko Holly , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: July 2022

Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models and spatial agent-based models (ABM) are powerful and efficient approaches for the analysis of biological systems and for clinical applications. Although QSP models are becoming essential in discovering predictive biomarkers and developing combination therapies through in silico virtual trials, they are inadequate to capture the spatial heterogeneity and randomness that characterize complex biological systems, and specifically the tumor microenvironment. Here, we extend our recently developed spatial QSP (spQSP) model to analyze tumor growth dynamics and its response to immunotherapy at different spatio-temporal scales. In the model, the tumor spatial dynamics is governed by the ABM, coupled to the QSP model, which includes the following compartments: central (blood system), tumor, tumor-draining lymph node, and peripheral (the rest of the organs and tissues). A dynamic recruitment of T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) from the QSP central compartment has been implemented as a function of the spatial distribution of cancer cells. The proposed QSP-ABM coupling methodology enables the spQSP model to perform as a coarse-grained model at the whole-tumor scale and as an agent-based model at the regions of interest (ROIs) scale. Thus, we exploit the spQSP model potential to characterize tumor growth, identify T cell hotspots, and perform qualitative and quantitative descriptions of cell density profiles at the invasive front of the tumor. Additionally, we analyze the effects of immunotherapy at both whole-tumor and ROI scales under different tumor growth and immune response conditions. A digital pathology computational analysis of triple-negative breast cancer specimens is used as a guide for modeling the immuno-architecture of the invasive front.
Heterogeneity of Rift Valley fever virus transmission potential across livestock hosts, quantified through a model-based analysis of host viral load and vector infection
Authors: Cecilia Hélène , Vriens Roosmarie , Wichgers Schreur Paul J. , de Wit Mariken M. , Métras Raphaëlle , Ezanno Pauline , ten Bosch Quirine A.
Published: July 2022

Quantifying the variation of pathogens’ life history traits in multiple host systems is crucial to understand their transmission dynamics. It is particularly important for arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), which are prone to infecting several species of vertebrate hosts. Here, we focus on how host-pathogen interactions determine the ability of host species to transmit a virus to susceptible vectors upon a potentially infectious contact. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral, vector-borne, zoonotic disease, chosen as a case study. The relative contributions of livestock species to RVFV transmission has not been previously quantified. To estimate their potential to transmit the virus over the course of their infection, we 1) fitted a within-host model to viral RNA and infectious virus measures, obtained daily from infected lambs, calves, and young goats, 2) estimated the relationship between vertebrate host infectious titers and probability to infect mosquitoes, and 3) estimated the net infectiousness of each host species over the duration of their infectious periods, taking into account different survival outcomes for lambs. Our results indicate that the efficiency of viral replication, along with the lifespan of infectious particles, could be sources of heterogeneity between hosts. Given available data on RVFV competent vectors, we found that, for similar infectious titers, infection rates in the Aedes genus were on average higher than in the Culex genus. Consequently, for Aedes-mediated infections, we estimated the net infectiousness of lambs to be 2.93 (median) and 3.65 times higher than that of calves and goats, respectively. In lambs, we estimated the overall infectiousness to be 1.93 times higher in individuals which eventually died from the infection than in those recovering. Beyond infectiousness, the relative contributions of host species to transmission depend on local ecological factors, including relative abundances and vector host-feeding preferences. Quantifying these contributions will ultimately help design efficient, targeted, surveillance and vaccination strategies.
Synaptic components are required for glioblastoma progression in Drosophila
Authors: Losada-Pérez María , Hernández García-Moreno Mamen , García-Ricote Irene , Casas-Tintó Sergio
Published: July 2022

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive, lethal and frequent primary brain tumor. It originates from glial cells and is characterized by rapid expansion through infiltration. GB cells interact with the microenvironment and healthy surrounding tissues, mostly neurons and vessels. GB cells project tumor microtubes (TMs) contact with neurons, and exchange signaling molecules related to Wingless/WNT, JNK, Insulin or Neuroligin-3 pathways. This cell to cell communication promotes GB expansion and neurodegeneration. Moreover, healthy neurons form glutamatergic functional synapses with GB cells which facilitate GB expansion and premature death in mouse GB xerograph models. Targeting signaling and synaptic components of GB progression may become a suitable strategy against glioblastoma. In aDrosophilaGB model, we have determined the post-synaptic nature of GB cells with respect to neurons, and the contribution of post-synaptic genes expressed in GB cells to tumor progression. In addition, we document the presence of intratumoral synapses between GB cells, and the functional contribution of pre-synaptic genes to GB calcium dependent activity and expansion. Finally, we explore the relevance of synaptic genes in GB cells to the lifespan reduction caused by GB advance. Our results indicate that both presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins play a role in GB progression and lethality.
Public sector engagement of private healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Meghani Ankita , Hariyani Shreya , Das Priyanka , Bennett Sara
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained public health resources and overwhelmed health systems capacity of countries worldwide. In India, the private sector is a significant source of healthcare particularly in large states like Uttar Pradesh (UP). This study sought to examine: (i) the government’s approach to engaging the private health sector in the COVID-19 response in UP; (ii) the effects of government’s engagement on private providers’ practices and (iii) the barriers and facilitators to effective private sector engagement during the period. While the literature acknowledges weaknesses in private sector engagement during emergencies, our study provides deep empirical insight into how this occurs, drawing on the UP experience. We reviewed 102 Government of UP (GOUP) policy documents and conducted 36 in-depth interviews with government officials, technical partners, and private providers at district- and state-levels. We developed timelines for policy change based on the policy review and analyzed interview transcripts thematically using a framework analysis. We found that GOUP’s engagement of the private sector and private providers’ experiences varied substantially. While the government rapidly engaged and mobilized private laboratories, and enlisted private hospitals to provide COVID-19 services, it undertook only limited engagement of solo private providers who largely acted as referral units for suspected cases and reported data to support contact tracing efforts. Informal private providers played no formal role in the COVID-19 response, but in one district supported community-level contact tracing. Allopathic, alternative medicine, and diagnostic private providers faced common barriers and facilitators affecting their engagement relating to provider fear, communication, testing capacity, case reporting, and regulations. The establishment of mixed diagnostic networks during COVID-19 demonstrates the potential for public-private collaboration, however, our study also reveals missed opportunities to engage smaller-scale private health providers and establish mechanisms to effectively communicate and mobilize them during the pandemic, and beyond.
Mapping the global landscape of chikungunya rapid diagnostic tests: A scoping review
Authors: Moreira José , Brasil Patrícia , Dittrich Sabine , Siqueira André M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Chikungunya (CHIKV) is a reemerging arboviral disease and represents a global health threat because of the unprecedented magnitude of its spread. Diagnostics strategies rely heavily on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibody detection by enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are available and promise to decentralize testing and increase availability at lower healthcare system levels.

Objectives

We aim to identify the extent of research on CHIKV RDTs, map the global availability of CHIKV RDTs, and evaluate the accuracy of CHIKV RDTs for the diagnosis of CHIKV.

Eligibility criteria

We included studies reporting symptomatic individuals suspected of CHIKV, tested with CHIKV RDTs, against the comparator being a validated laboratory-based RT-PCR or ELISA assay. The primary outcome was the accuracy of the CHIKV RDT when compared with reference assays.

Sources of evidence

Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched from inception to 13 October 2021. National regulatory agencies (European Medicines Agency, US Food and Drug Administration, and the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency) were also searched for registered CHIKV RDTs.

Results

Seventeen studies were included and corresponded to 3,222 samples tested with RDTs between 2005 and 2018. The most development stage of CHIKV RDTs studies was Phase I (7/17 studies) and II (7/17 studies). No studies were in Phase IV. The countries that manufacturer the most CHIKV RDTs were Brazil (n = 17), followed by the United States of America (n = 7), and India (n = 6). Neither at EMA nor FDA-registered products were found. Conversely, the ANVISA has approved 23 CHIKV RDTs. Antibody RDTs (n = 43) predominated and demonstrated sensitivity between 20% and 100%. The sensitivity of the antigen RDTs ranged from 33.3% to 100%.

Conclusions

The landscape of CHIKV RDTs is fragmented and needs coordinated efforts to ensure that patients in CHIKV-endemic areas have access to appropriate RDTs. Further research is crucial to determine the impact of such tests on integrated fever case management and prescription practices for acute febrile patients.
Systematic whole-genome sequencing reveals an unexpected diversity among actinomycetoma pathogens and provides insights into their antibacterial susceptibilities
Authors: Watson Andrew Keith , Kepplinger Bernhard , Bakhiet Sahar Mubarak , Mhmoud Najwa Adam , Chapman Jonathan , Allenby Nick EE , Mickiewicz Katarzyna , Goodfellow Michael , Fahal Ahmed Hassan , Errington Jeff
Published: July 2022

Mycetoma is a neglected tropical chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. More than 70 species with a broad taxonomic diversity have been implicated as agents of mycetoma. Understanding the full range of causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity profiles are essential for the appropriate treatment of infections. The present study focuses on the analysis of full genome sequences and antibiotic inhibitory concentration profiles of actinomycetoma strains from patients seen at the Mycetoma Research Centre in Sudan with a view to developing rapid diagnostic tests. Seventeen pathogenic isolates obtained by surgical biopsies were sequenced using MinION and Illumina methods, and their antibiotic inhibitory concentration profiles determined. The results highlight an unexpected diversity of actinomycetoma causing pathogens, including threeStreptomycesisolates assigned to species not previously associated with human actinomycetoma and one newStreptomycesspecies. Thus, current approaches for clinical and histopathological classification of mycetoma may need to be updated. The standard treatment for actinomycetoma is a combination of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Most tested isolates had a high IC (inhibitory concentration) to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim or to amoxicillin alone. However, the addition of the β-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid to amoxicillin increased susceptibility, particularly forStreptomyces somaliensisandStreptomyces sudanensis.Actinomadura maduraeisolates appear to have a particularly high IC under laboratory conditions, suggesting that alternative agents, such as amikacin, could be considered for more effective treatment. The results obtained will inform future diagnostic methods for the identification of actinomycetoma and treatment.