bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nothing About Us Without … Who? Disability Rights Organisations, Representation and Collaborative Governance
Authors: Bahner Julia
Published: November 2022

When governments invite disability rights organisations to policy deliberations, how does the slogan ‘nothing about us without us’ translate into practice? This article draws upon a study about local disability organisations and their relationship to a regional consultative citizens’ council on disability issues in Sweden. Interviews were conducted with organisations that had seats on the council, politicians and officials on the council, as well as with disability organisations without seats on the council. Results show that conceptualisations of ‘disability’ in policies that regulate deliberations not only define what type of organisations are eligible for appointment to the council, but also influence how disability organisations identify, present themselves and what issues they advocate for – leading to divisions among organisations. The findings have implications for collaborative governance structures and disability rights organisations elsewhere – problematising issues around representation, institutionalisation of inclusion and the constantly evolving concept of what counts as ‘disability’.
Shifts in the Ediacaran to Lower Ordovician sedimentary zircon provenances of Northwest Gondwana: the Pyrenean files
Authors: Padel Maxime , Clausen Sébastien , Poujol Marc , Alvaro Blasco Jose Javier
Published: November 2022

Detrital zircon grains from Cambrian–Lower Ordovician sandstones and quartzites sampled in the Pyrenees were dated by LA-ICPMS in order to assess their provenance sources. Resulting age distributions are compared to other available datasets from neighbouring margins, such as Morocco, the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and Sardinia. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test and Crystallization Age-Depositional Age (CA-DA) diagrams were used to compare zircon populations estimating their possible correlation with the arc/rift/drift geodynamic evolution of the northwestern Gondwana margin. During Terreneuvian times, zircon populations allowed the distinction of i) a southwesternmost edge (Anti-Atlas-Ossa-Morena Rift) mostly influenced by Panafrican and Anti-Atlasian sources (ca. 0.63–0.54), ii) a northeasternmost edge (Sardinia) recording the influence of the Saharan Metacraton and the Arabian Nubian Shield, with an distinct Stenian–Tonian shift (ca. 1.25–0.85Ga) and iii) an intermediate palaeogeographic transect, where lies the Central-Iberian, West Asturian-Leonese and Cantabrian Zones, the Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees sharing similar populations and a chronologically progressive influence from Anti-Atlasian/Panafrican to Saharan Metacraton/Arabian Nubian Shield sources. This gradual modification in zircon percentage populations supports similar trends based on climatically sensitive indicators, biogeographic patterns of Cambrian Epoch 2 archaeocyathan and microfossil assemblages, and laterally correlatable episodes of carbonate production, all of them pointing to a Cambrian setting for the Pyrenean Basin between the Montagne Noire (Occitan Domain) and the Sardinian margins of NW Gondwana. The Terreneuvian zircon patterns recorded in the Pyrenees gradually evolved from Cambrian Epoch 2 to Early Ordovician times, reflecting the geodynamic evolution from Panafrican and Cadomian arc-related to rift-dominant conditions. During Furongian and Ordovician times, the relative percentage of zircon populations led to a more spread age curve, characteristic of extensional settings and pointing to rift (passive margin) conditions.
Bioética en la atención al nacimiento: evaluación de una propuesta formativa
Authors: Biurrun-Garrido Ainoa , Perelló-Iñiguez Carmen , Goberna-Tricas Josefina
Published: November 2022

Introducción y Objetivos. La atención al parto en el medio hospitalario y la violencia institucional que en su interior se ejerce, en algunos casos, constituía ya un tema de interés antes de la Pandemia. No obstante, la irrupción de la pandemia de Covid-19 ha constituido un factor fundamental de vulnerabilidad para las personas, dando un nuevo sentido bioético a la atención al embarazo, parto y nacimiento. El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar una propuesta formativa piloto sobre bioética en la atención al nacimiento tras la pandemia COVID-19. Material y Métodos. Tras la realización de un grupo focal con expertos y entrevistas semiestructuradas a matronas y mujeres en el periodo comprendido entre marzo y diciembre de 2020 se analizaron las necesidades formativas y se diseñó una propuesta piloto de programa formativo. En este trabajo se presentan los objetivos, metodología, contenidos y evaluación de dicha actividad formativa, dirigida profesionales sanitarios, que se llevó a cabo en mayo de 2022. Resultados. Los resultados de la evaluación de la actividad muestran altas cifras de satisfacción con la formación procurada, e informan favorablemente de su repetición. Asimismo, los datos recogidos apuntan la necesidad que tienen los profesionales sanitarios de más actividades de aplicación de contenidos y ampliación de la formación en bioética en la atención al nacimiento y en atención a la procreación. Discusión y Conclusiones. La implementación de la formación en bioética a profesionales sanitarios y el análisis de los resultados de la formación piloto concluye que promover acciones formativas en dicha temática y someterlas a evaluación es una de las vías para promover la bioética y el respeto al derecho a la salud sexual y reproductiva de los usuarios/as del sistema de salud. Asimismo, el análisis de los resultados muestra que los profesionales reclaman necesidades formativas en materia de bioética.
Blazed gratings with both controllable blaze angle and anti-blaze angle fabricated by using a twice oblique ion beam etching method
Authors: Zhang Di , Mao Xinyu , Zeng Lijiang
Published: November 2022

A twice oblique ion beam etching method is proposed to fabricate triangular blazed gratings that have controllable both blaze angle and anti-blaze angle. The anti-blaze angle is controlled by first obliquely etching the photoresist mask to obtain an asymmetrical trapezoidal grating, one sidewall of which then evolves into the anti-blaze facet in the second etch step. The blaze angle is controlled by obliquely etching the asymmetrical trapezoidal grating to obtain a triangular blazed grating. We show the key process steps of the method by fabricating a blazed grating with the blaze angle of 20.9° and the anti-blaze angle of 89.0°. The method is verified not only to increase the anti-blaze angle to near 90°, but also have a good tolerance against over-etching.
Development of a mechanism for reconstruction of terahertz single-frequency images of biological samples
Authors: Tang Xin , Zhou Shengling , Zhu Shiping , Pu Jing , Zheng Quan , Ma Lingkai
Published: November 2022

Algorithmic mechanisms are used
to improve terahertz (THz) image quality, which is critical to a
biological sample analysis. A complete mechanism for the
super-resolution reconstruction and evaluation of THz biological
sample images was constructed
in this study. With eucalyptus leaves as an example, the THz spectral
region screening technique was adopted to select the characteristic
frequencies for imaging, and the THz single-frequency images were
reconstructed with the single-image super-resolution image
reconstruction technique. The THz super-resolution reconstructed
images without ideal reference were evaluated after the introduction
of three no-reference image evaluation criteria considering the
diversity and complexity of organisms. The results show that the THz
image reconstruction mechanism proposed in this study led to an
increase in resolution and a decrease in noise. At the same
time, the imaging quality of biological samples was considerably
improved, and the detailed information was enriched. These provide a
reference for a THz imaging analysis of leaves and other biological
samples.
Magnetic field sensor based on resonant cavity dispersion-frequency mapping of a multi-longitudinal mode fiber laser
Authors: Xu Jian , Liu Ling , Ning Tigang , Pei Li , Zheng Jingjing , Wang Jianshuai , Li Jing , Li Jaixin , You Haidong
Published: November 2022

A high-sensitivity and compact-size magnetic field sensor based on a multi-longitudinal mode fiber laser is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in this paper. The resonant cavity is composed of two uniform fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and a length of Er-doped fiber. A Terfenol-D rod is used as a transducer to stretch the sensing FBG when applying an external magnetic field. Longitudinal mode beat frequency could be generated in the laser and would shift with the deformation of the sensing FBG caused by the external magnetic field. Experimental results show the sensitivity of the proposed sensor is

−

47.32

k
H
z

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m
T

.
Evaluating the effect of ocular aberrations on the simulated performance of a new refractive IOL design using adaptive optics
Authors: Lago Carmen M. , de Castro Alberto , Benedí-García Clara , Aissati Sara , Marcos Susana
Published: November 2022

Adaptive optics (AO) visual simulators are excellent platforms for non-invasive simulation visual performance with new intraocular lens (IOL) designs, in combination with a subject own ocular aberrations and brain. We measured the through focus visual acuity in subjects through a new refractive IOL physically inserted in a cuvette and projected onto the eye’s pupil, while aberrations were manipulated (corrected, or positive/negative spherical aberration added) using a deformable mirror (DM) in a custom-developed AO simulator. The IOL increased depth-of-focus (DOF) to 1.53 ± 0.21D, while maintaining high Visual Acuity (VA, -0.07 ± 0.05), averaged across subjects and conditions. Modifying the aberrations did not alter IOL performance on average.
Isotope selective three-step photoionization of 174Yb
Authors: Suryanarayana M. V. , Sankari M.
Published: November 2022

A three-step photoionization scheme has been theoretically studied for the laser isotope separation of

174

Y
b

from natural Yb using density matrix formalism. The effects of bandwidth and peak power density of lasers, Doppler broadening, and the number density of atoms on the degree of enrichment and production rate have been studied, and the optimum conditions for the efficient separation of

174

Y
b

have been derived. It has been shown that it is possible to enrich the

174

Y
b

isotope up to

∼

90

%

using lasers with a bandwidth of 500 MHz with a production rate up to 48 mg/h. On the whole, the system required for the laser isotope separation of

174

Y
b

is much simpler than that required for the separation of any of the

176

L
u

,

177

L
u

, and

176

Y
b

isotopes. 1 g of the enriched isotope mixture upon irradiation for 21 days in widely available low flux reactors produces 759 doses (7.4 GBq each) of

175

Y
b

radionuclide for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 98.6% radionuclidic purity. It is envisaged that the production of the

175

Y
b

isotope through this route will be economical and widely available to the public at large as a PRRT drug for cancer therapy.
Implementation of a null test for freeform optics using a high-definition spatial light modulator
Authors: Chaudhuri Romita , Wansha Alexander , Porras-Aguilar Rosario , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: November 2022

We report the implementation of an interferometric null test using a high-definition spatial light modulator (SLM) as a reconfigurable alternative to a computer-generated hologram. We detail the alignment process chain, including novel techniques using the SLM to project alignment fiducials on the test part. To validate the alignment protocol, we measure a mild off-axis conic with the SLM-based system and cross-validate with conventional interferometry within 30 nm root-mean-square (RMS) surface figure. Finally, we report the null test of a 65 mm clear aperture concave freeform with 91 μm peak-valley sag departure from the base sphere. The measured surface figure of the freeform is within 40 nm RMS compared to the measurement with a commercial metrology instrument.
Multiple plasmon-induced transparency based on black phosphorus and graphene for high-sensitivity refractive index sensing
Authors: Chen Shuxian , Zeng Liang , Li Jiaqi , Weng Jun , Li Junyi , Xu Pengbai , Liu Wenjie , Sun Yuehui , Yang Jun , Qin Yuwen , Wen Kunhua
Published: November 2022

A hybrid bilayer black phosphorus (BP) and graphene structure with high sensitivity is proposed for obtaining plasmon-induced transparency (PIT). By means of surface plasmon resonance in the rectangular-ring BP structure and ribbon graphene structure, a PIT effect with high refractive index sensitivity is achieved, and the surface plasmon hybridization between graphene and anisotropic BP is analyzed theoretically. Meanwhile, the PIT effect is quantitatively described using the coupled oscillator model and the strong coherent coupling phenomena are analyzed by adjusting the coupling distance between BP and graphene, the Fermi level of graphene, and the crystal orientation of BP, respectively. The simulation results show that the refractive index sensitivity S = 7.343 THz/RIU has been achieved. More importantly, this is the first report of tunable PIT effects that can produce up to quintuple PIT windows by using the BP and graphene hybrid structure. The high refractive index sensitivity of the quintuple PIT system for each peak is 3.467 THz/RIU, 3.467 THz/RIU, 3.600 THz/RIU, 4.267 THz/RIU, 4.733 THz/RIU and 6.133 THz/RIU, respectively, which can be used for multiple refractive index sensing function.
Time-resolved photoconductivity distribution measurement by a synchronized double-scanning method
Authors: Leng Ning , Ma Liao , Bai Ming
Published: November 2022

The lifetime and the distribution of photoconductivity generated in laser-illuminated semiconductors are critical to photoconductivity-based applications. We propose a synchronized double-scanning method to measure time-resolved diffusion in the form of an afterglow embedded in the distribution map. The method combines spatial scanning of a coaxial resonator with synchronized laser scanning to map the dynamically excited conductivity on a semiconductor wafer. Thus, the photoconductivity afterglow effects can be mapped and retrieved by images of dynamic photoconductivity distribution. The photoconductivity lifetimes of silicon wafers with different thicknesses and by different lasers were measured and evaluated, which were also validated by the microwave photoconductivity decay (μ-PCD) method. In addition, the behavior of photoconductivity diffusion around a structural defect was exhibited. The method is nondestructive and can be applied in the photoconductivity property diagnostic.
High extinction ratio and an ultra-broadband polarization beam splitter in silicon integrated photonics by employing an all-dielectric metamaterial cladding
Authors: Debevc Andraž , Topič Marko , Krč Janez
Published: November 2022

In silicon and other photonic integrated circuit platforms many devices exhibit a large polarization dependency, therefore a polarization beam splitter (PBS) is an essential building block to split optical signal to transversal electric (TE) and transversal magnetic (TM) modes. In this paper we propose a concept of integrated silicon-based PBS exploiting unique properties of all dielectric metamaterial cladding to achieve a high extinction ratio (ER) and wide bandwidth (BW) polarization splitting characteristics. We start from a structure (PBS-1) based on a directional coupler with metamaterial cladding combined with a bent waveguide with metamaterial cladding at the outer side in the role of a TE polarizer at the Thru port of the device. To increase BW we propose the improved concept (PBS-2) - a metamaterial compact dual Mach-Zehnder Interferometer structure in combination with the TE polarizer. Numerical simulations reveal that an exceptionally high ER over 35 dB can be achieved in a BW of 263 nm with insertion loss (IL) below 1 dB in case of PBS-2. The designed device has a footprint of 82 µm. Measurement results reveal that an ER > 30 dB is achievable in a BW of at least 140 nm (limited by the laser tuning range).
DFB laser array based on four phase-shifted sampled Bragg gratings with precise wavelength control
Authors: Sun Yiming , Yuan Bocheng , Sun Xiao , Liang Song , Huang Yongguang , Zhang Ruikang , Ye Shengwei , Fan Yizhe , Cheng Weiqing , Marsh John H. , Hou Lianping
Published: November 2022

A four-laser array based on sampled Bragg grating distributed feedback (DFB) lasers in which each sampled period contains four phase-shift sections is proposed, fabricated, and experimentally demonstrated. The wavelength spacing between adjacent lasers is accurately controlled to 0.8 nm ± 0.026 nm and the lasers have single mode suppression ratios larger than 50 dB. Using an integrated semiconductor optical amplifier, the output power can reach 33 mW and the optical linewidth of the DFB lasers can be as narrow as 64 kHz. This laser array uses a ridge waveguide with sidewall gratings and needs only one metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) step and one III-V material etching process, simplifying the whole device fabrication process, and meeting the requirements of dense wavelength division multiplexing systems.
Hybrid photonic bandgap effect in twisted hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers
Authors: Zhu Yunhao , Li Wei , Gao Fuyu , Xu Xiaobin , Song Ningfang
Published: November 2022

A hybrid photonic bandgap effect in twisted hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers (HC-PBFs) is theoretically investigated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Due to the topological effect, twisting of the fibers changes the effective refractive index and lifts the degeneracy of the photonic bandgap ranges of the cladding layers. This twist-induced hybrid photonic bandgap effect shifts up the center wavelength and narrows the bandwidth of the transmission spectrum. A quasi-single-mode low-loss transmission is achieved in the twisted 7-cell HC-PBFs with a twisting rate α = 7–8 rad/mm, which has a loss < 30 dB/km and higher-order mode extinction ratio > 15 dB. The twisted HC-PBFs could be suitable for applications such as spectral and mode filters.
Topological spin defects of light
Authors: Wang Haiwen , Wojcik Charles C. , Fan Shanhui
Published: November 2022

Topological defects are found in a variety of systems, and their
existence is robust under perturbations due to their topological
nature. Here we introduce a type of topological defect found in
electromagnetic waves: topological spin defects. Such a defect is
associated with a point where the electromagnetic spin density is
zero, and generically has a nontrivial topological spin texture
surrounding the defect point. Due to such spin texture, a topological
spin defect possesses a quantized topological charge. We provide
examples of isolated defect points, periodic or quasi-periodic defect
lattices in electromagnetic fields. Such topological spin defect
points may find applications in 3D imaging and nanoparticle
manipulation.
Effect of Moringa Oleifera fortified porridge consumption on protein and vitamin A status of children with cerebral palsy in Nairobi, Kenya: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kajuju Malla Janet , Ochola Sophie , Ogada Irene , Munyaka Ann
Published: November 2022

Background

Malnutrition due to inadequate dietary intake is commonly reported in children with Cerebral palsy (CP). Poor dietary intakes are majorly caused by feeding dysfunctions secondary to oro-motor impairment characteristic of the condition. Strategies that improve nutrient densities in foods can help enhance nutrient intakes by these children.

Objective

This study investigated the effect of consumption of fermented finger millet porridge fortified with Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MoLP) on the protein and vitamin A status of children with CP.

Design

A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 113 children aged 5–11 years with CP. The study had two arms (intervention [N = 57] and control [N = 56]). The intervention group received a daily serving of fortified finger millet porridge for 3 months while the control group received non-fortified finger millet porridge servings. All children received the same amounts of porridge servings. The levels of serum albumin and retinol between the groups were compared at both baseline and end line. The BMI-for-age Z-scores (BMIAZ) and morbidity prevalence of the children were also assessed.

Results

At baseline, the two study groups were similar in all demographic and socio-economic characteristics, nutrient intakes, serum levels of albumin and retinol, weight status and morbidity. At end line, the children from the intervention group had significantly higher intakes of vitamin A at 717.12±432.7 μg/d (p = 0.038) and protein at 44.367±17.2 g/d (p = 0.031) respectively. The serum nutrients levels increased significantly from baseline by 0.456±0.12 g/dL (p<0.001) for albumin and by 0.243±0.10 μmol/L (p<0.001) for retinol among children in the intervention group. Among the children in the control group, the changes in the levels of both serum albumin 0.012±0.07 g/dL (p = 0.868) and serum retinol [0.0021±0.02 μmol/L (p = 0.890)] were not significant. At endline, the BMI-for-age Z-scores results showed that 10.52% and 34.0% of children from intervention and control group respectively were undernourished [χ2 = 30.985; p = 0.037]. Among the children in the intervention, group there was a significant change in the weight status between baseline and endline (p = 0.036). The weight status among children in the control group was not significantly different between baseline and endline (p = 0.109). Significant difference in morbidity prevalence between the two groups was also observed at endline (p = 0.003) with the prevalence being 24.6% and 51.8% among children in the intervention and control group respectively.

Conclusion

Consumption of M. oleifera fortified porridge significantly improved the children’s serum albumin and retinol levels, as well as BMIAZ.

Registration number and name of trial registry

The trial is registered at Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, number PACTR202107669905145 URL link: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/.
Identification of the onchocerciasis vector in the Kakoi-Koda focus of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Post Rory J. , Laudisoit Anne , Mandro Michel , Lakwo Thomson , Laemmer Christine , Pfarr Kenneth , Hoerauf Achim , Tortosa Pablo , Gomard Yann , Ukety Tony , Mande Claude , Farovitch Lorne , Amazigo Uche , Bakajika Didier , Oguttu David W. , Awaca Naomi , Colebunders Robert
Published: November 2022

Background

The objective of this study was to characterise the vector in a small hyper-endemic focus of onchocerciasis (the Kakoi-Koda focus) which has recently been discovered on the western slopes of the rift valley above Lake Albert.

Methodology/Principal findings

Aquatic stages of blackflies were collected by hand from streams and rivers, and anthropophilic adult females were collected by human landing catches. Using a combination of morphotaxonomy and DNA barcoding, the blackflies collected biting humans within the focus were identified asSimulium dentulosumandSimulium vorax, which were also found breeding in local streams and rivers.Simulium damnosums.l.,Simulium neaveiandSimulium albivirgulatumwere not found (except for a single site in 2009 where crabs were carryingS.neavei). Anthropophilic specimens from the focus were screened forOnchocercaDNA using discriminant qualitative real-time triplex PCR. One specimen ofS.voraxwas positive forOnchocerca volvulusin the body, and out of 155S.dentulosum, 30% and 11% were infected and infective (respectively).

Conclusions/Significance

Simulium dentulosumcurrently appears to be the main vector of human onchocerciasis within the Kakoi-Koda focus, andS.voraxmay be a secondary vector. It remains possible thatS.neaveiwas the main (or only) vector in the past having now become rare as a result of the removal of tree-cover and land-use changes.Simulium voraxhas previously been shown to support the development ofO.volvulusin the laboratory, but this is the first time thatS.dentulosumhas been implicated as a probable vector of onchocerciasis, and this raises the possibility that other blackfly species which are not generally considered to be anthropophilic vectors might become vectors under suitable conditions. BecauseS.dentulosumis not a vector in endemic areas surrounding the Kakoi-Koda focus, it is probable that the Kakoi-Koda focus is significantly isolated.
A combined effort of 11 laboratories in the WHO African region to improve quality of Buruli ulcer PCR diagnosis: The “BU-LABNET”
Authors: Marion Estelle , Hycenth Numfor , Vedithi Sundeep Chaitanya , Robbe-Saule Marie , Donkeng Valérie , Ganlonon Line-Marlène , Dissou Affolabi , Ngazoa Solange Kakou , Kabedi Marie-Jose , Mabika Mabika Arsène , Phillips Richard , Frimpong Michael , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy , Walker Vera Yatta , Akinwale Olaoluwa , Issaka Maman , Bretzel Gisela , Asiedu Kingsley , Eyangoh Sara
Published: November 2022

Buruli ulcer is one of the 20 neglected tropical diseases in the world. This necrotizing hypodermitis is a chronic debilitating disease caused by an environmental Mycobacterium ulcerans. At least 33 countries with tropical, subtropical and temperate climates have reported Buruli ulcer in African countries, South America and Western Pacific regions. Majority of cases are spread across West and Central Africa. The mode of transmission is unclear, hindering the implementation of adequate prevention for the population. Currently, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimizing morbidity, costs and preventing long-term disability. Biological confirmation of clinical diagnosis of Buruli ulcer is essential before starting chemotherapy. Indeed, differential diagnosis are numerous and Buruli ulcer has varying clinical presentations. Up to now, the gold standard biological confirmation is the quantitative PCR, targeting the insertion sequence IS2404 of M. ulcerans performed on cutaneous samples. Due to the low PCR confirmation rate in endemic African countries (under 30% in 2018) for numerous identified reasons within this article, 11 laboratories decided to combine their efforts to create the network “BU-LABNET” in 2019. The first step of the network was to harmonize the procedures and ship specific reagents to each laboratory. With this system in place, implementation of these procedures for testing and follow-up was easy and the laboratories were able to carry out their first quality control with a very high success rate. It is now time to integrate other neglected tropical diseases to this platform, such as yaws or leprosy.
Cardiac hemodynamics and ventricular stiffness of sea-run cherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou masou) differ critically from those of landlocked masu salmon
Authors: Usui Yuu , Kimoto Misaki , Hanashima Akira , Hashimoto Ken , Mohri Satoshi
Published: November 2022

Ventricular diastolic mechanical properties are important determinants of cardiac function and are optimized by changes in cardiac structure and physical properties. Oncorhynchus masou masou is an anadromous migratory fish of the Salmonidae family, and several ecological studies on it have been conducted; however, the cardiac functions of the fish are not well known. Therefore, we investigated ventricular diastolic function in landlocked (masu salmon) and sea-run (cherry salmon) types at 29–30 months post fertilization. Pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography showed that the atrioventricular inflow waveforms of cherry salmon were biphasic with early diastolic filling and atrial contraction, whereas those of masu salmon were monophasic with atrial contraction. In addition, end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship analysis revealed that the dilatability per unit myocardial mass of the ventricle in cherry salmon was significantly suppressed compared to that in masu salmon, suggesting that the ventricle of the cherry salmon was relatively stiffer (relative ventricular stiffness index; p = 0.0263). Contrastingly, the extensibility of cardiomyocytes, characterized by the expression pattern of Connectin isoforms in their ventricles, was similar in both types. Histological analysis showed that the percentage of the collagen accumulation area in the compact layer of cherry salmon increased compared with that of the masu salmon, which may contribute to ventricle stiffness. Although the heart mass of cherry salmon was about 11-fold greater than that of masu salmon, there was no difference in the morphology of the isolated cardiomyocytes, suggesting that the heart of the cherry salmon grows by cardiomyocyte proliferation, but not cell hypertrophy. The cardiac physiological function of the teleosts varies with differences in their developmental processes and life history. Our multidimensional analysis of the O. masou heart may provide a clue to the process by which the heart acquires a biphasic blood-filling pattern, i.e., a ventricular diastolic suction.
A coupled atrioventricular-aortic setup for in-vitro hemodynamic study of the systemic circulation: Design, fabrication, and physiological relevancy
Authors: Alavi Rashid , Aghilinejad Arian , Wei Heng , Niroumandi Soha , Wieman Seth , Pahlevan Niema M.
Published: November 2022

In-vitro models of the systemic circulation have gained a lot of interest for fundamental understanding of cardiovascular dynamics and for applied hemodynamic research. In this study, we introduce a physiologically accurate in-vitro hydraulic setup that models the hemodynamics of the coupled atrioventricular-aortic system. This unique experimental simulator has three major components: 1) an arterial system consisting of a human-scale artificial aorta along with the main branches, 2) an artificial left ventricle (LV) sac connected to a programmable piston-in-cylinder pump for simulating cardiac contraction and relaxation, and 3) an artificial left atrium (LA). The setup is designed in such a way that the basal LV is directly connected to the aortic root via an aortic valve, and to the LA via an artificial mitral valve. As a result, two-way hemodynamic couplings can be achieved for studying the effects that the LV, aorta, and LA have on each other. The collected pressure and flow measurements from this setup demonstrate a remarkable correspondence to clinical hemodynamics. We also investigate the physiological relevancies of isolated effects on cardiovascular hemodynamics of various major global parameters found in the circulatory system, including LV contractility, LV preload, heart rate, aortic compliance, and peripheral resistance. Subsequent control over such parameters ultimately captures physiological hemodynamic effects of LV systolic dysfunction, preload (cardiac) diseases, and afterload (arterial) diseases. The detailed design and fabrication of the proposed setup is also provided.
Practical considerations to establish a validated platform for pooled detection of SARS-CoV-2 by droplet digital PCR
Authors: Heckel Sofía , Pacini Antonella , Paredes Franco , Petreli Ma. Victoria , Perez Marilina , Adriani Natalia , Ibarra Guadalupe , Menzella Hugo , Colaneri Alejandro , Sesma Juliana
Published: November 2022

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 has created an enormous workload for laboratories worldwide resulting in a restriction at the time of massive testing. Pool testing is a strategy that reduces time and costs. However, beyond the detection of infectious diseases in blood banks, this approach is rarely implemented in routine laboratories. Therefore, what was learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pool testing should represent an opportunity to increase diagnostic capabilities. The present work, carried out in the context of a diagnostic laboratory of a public hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a contribution to this end. The main limitation of pool testing is the risk of false negatives that could have been identified by individual tests. These limitations are the dilution of samples with a low virus load during pooling and that the integrity of the sample may be affected by the quality of the sample collection. Fortunately, both limitations coincide with the main strengths of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). ddPCR is a third-generation PCR that splits the amplification into thousands of droplets that work in parallel, increasing sensitivity and resistance to inhibitors. Therefore, ddPCR is particularly useful for pool testing. Here we show how to factor between test sensitivity and savings in test time and resources. We have identified and optimized critical parameters for pool testing. The present study, which analyzed 1000 nasopharyngeal samples, showed that the pool testing could detect even a single positive sample with a CT value of up to 30 in pools of 34 samples. This test was performed using three different standard extraction methods, the simplest being heating only, which resulted in substantial savings of extraction reagents in addition to PCR reagents. Moreover, we show that pooling can be extended to use saliva, which is less invasive and allows self-collection, reducing the risk for health personnel.
Progression of microstructural deterioration in load-bearing immobilization osteopenia
Authors: Koseki Hironobu , Osaki Makoto , Honda Yuichiro , Sunagawa Shinya , Imai Chieko , Shida Takayuki , Matsumura Umi , Sakamoto Junya , Tomonaga Iku , Yokoo Seiichi , Mizukami Satoshi , Okita Minoru
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Immobilization osteopenia is a major healthcare problem in clinical and social medicine. However, the mechanisms underlying this bone pathology caused by immobilization under load-bearing conditions are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate sequential changes to the three-dimensional microstructure of bone in load-bearing immobilization osteopenia using a fixed-limb rat model.

Materials and method

Eight-week-old specific-pathogen-free male Wistar rats were divided into an immobilized group and a control group (n = 60 each). Hind limbs in the immobilized group were fixed using orthopedic casts with fixation periods of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Feeding and weight-bearing were freely permitted. Length of the right femur was measured after each fixation period and bone microstructure was analyzed by micro-computed tomography. The architectural parameters of cortical and cancellous bone were analyzed statistically.

Results

Femoral length was significantly shorter in the immobilized group than in the control group after 2 weeks. Total area and marrow area were significantly lower in the immobilized group than in the control group from 1 to 12 weeks. Cortical bone area, cortical thickness, and polar moment of inertia decreased significantly after 2 weeks. Some cancellous bone parameters showed osteoporotic changes at 2 weeks after immobilization and the gap with the control group widened as the fixation period extended (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present results indicate that load-bearing immobilization triggers early deterioration of microstructure in both cortical and cancellous bone after 2 weeks.
COVID-19 sentiment analysis using college subreddit data
Authors: Yan Tian , Liu Fang
Published: November 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our society and human well-being in various ways. In this study, we investigate how the pandemic has influenced people’s emotions and psychological states compared to a pre-pandemic period using real-world data from social media.

Method

We collected Reddit social media data from 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (pandemic) from the subreddits communities associated with eight universities. We applied the pre-trained Robustly Optimized BERT pre-training approach (RoBERTa) to learn text embedding from the Reddit messages, and leveraged the relational information among posted messages to train a graph attention network (GAT) for sentiment classification. Finally, we applied model stacking to combine the prediction probabilities from RoBERTa and GAT to yield the final classification on sentiment. With the model-predicted sentiment labels on the collected data, we used a generalized linear mixed-effects model to estimate the effects of pandemic and in-person teaching during the pandemic on sentiment.

Results

The results suggest that the odds of negative sentiments in 2020 (pandemic) were 25.7% higher than the odds in 2019 (pre-pandemic) with a p-value < 0.001; and the odds of negative sentiments associated in-person learning were 48.3% higher than with remote learning in 2020 with a p-value of 0.029.

Conclusions

Our study results are consistent with the findings in the literature on the negative impacts of the pandemic on people’s emotions and psychological states. Our study contributes to the growing real-world evidence on the various negative impacts of the pandemic on our society; it also provides a good example of using both ML techniques and statistical modeling and inference to make better use of real-world data.
Analysis of costs and utilization of ambulance services in the ministry of health facilities, Malaysia
Authors: Bahari Mohd Shahri , Aminuddin Farhana , Raman Sivaraj , Hanafiah Ainul Nadziha Mohd , Kunusagaran Mohd Shaiful Jefri Mohd Nor Sham , Zaimi Nur Amalina , Hassan Nor Zam Azihan Mohd , Mohamad Nor Ahmad Tajuddin
Published: November 2022

Background

Despite emergency ambulance services playing a pivotal role in accessibility to life-saving treatments in Malaysia, there are still numerous gaps in knowledge in terms of their utilization and cost. This leads to current policies on procurement, maintenance, and allocation being predicated on historical evidence and expert opinions. This study thus aims to analyse the cost and utilization of ambulance services in selected public health facilities in Malaysia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was employed involving 239 ambulances from selected hospitals and clinics. Ambulance service utilization was based on the number of trips, distance and duration of travel obtained from travel logbooks. A mixed top-down and activity-based costing approach was used to estimate the monthly cost of ambulance services. This constituted personnel, maintenance, fuel, overhead, consumables, ambulance, and medical equipment costs. The utilization and costs of ambulance services were further compared between settings and geographical locations.

Results

The average total cost of ambulance services was MYR 11,410.44 (US$ 2,756.14) for hospitals and MYR 9,574.39 (US$ 2,312.65) for clinics, albeit not significantly different. Personnel cost was found to be the main contributor to the total cost, at around 44% and 42% in hospitals and clinics, respectively. There was however a significant difference in the total cost in terms of the type and age of ambulances, in addition to their location. In terms of service utilization, the median number of trips and duration of ambulance usage was significantly higher in clinics (31.88 trips and 58.58 hours) compared to hospitals (16.25 trips and 39.25 hours).

Conclusions

The total cost of ambulance services was higher in hospitals compared to clinics, while its utilization showed a converse trend. The current findings evidence that despite the ambulance services being all under the MOH, their operating process and utilization reflected an inherent difference by setting.
MHD Casson fluid flow with Navier’s and second order slip due to a perforated stretching or shrinking sheet
Authors: Singh Jitender , Vishalakshi A. B. , Mahabaleshwar U. S. , Bognar Gabriella
Published: November 2022

The present work discusses the laminar boundary layer flow of an electrically conducting Casson fluid due to a horizontal perforated sheet undergoing linear shrinking/stretching with mass transpiration. Navier’s slip and second-order slip conditions are also imposed on the flow. The system is subjected to a transverse magnetic field. The non-Newtonian flow under consideration obeys the rheological equation of state due to the Casson model. The PDEs governing the bounder layer flow is reduced to a nonlinear boundary value problem in ODEs by utilizing appropriate similarity transformations and are expressed analytically. The similarity solution is found to be a function of the Casson parameter, magnetic parameter, mass suction/injection parameter, and the first/second-order slip parameters. Such a solution is either unique, or dual solutions exist in a region defined by the mass transfer induced slip parameter. The results of the present work are found to be an increase of the magnetic effects resulting in expansion of the unique solution region and contraction of the dual solution region for the flow due to the induced Lorentz force. In the unique solution region, an increase in magnitudes of mass suction induced slip and the first/second-order slip parameters result in a reduction of the wall shear stress in the shrinking sheet, while the wall shear stress with mass suction increases with the Casson and the magnetic effects. Similar results exist for the stretching sheet case with mass suction. However, only unique similarity solutions exist only for the case of stretching sheets with mass injection. The current work is a generalization of the classical works of Crane (1970) and Pavlov (1974) for a stretching sheet. Mass suction/injection induced slip enhances and achieves a dominant flow driven by reversing the flow direction of the moving sheet, which allows an adjacent flow against the sheet. The findings have possible industrial applications in fluid-based systems including stretchable/shrinkable things, automated cooling systems, power generation, microelectronics, and present new results to the problem.
Transcriptomic complexity of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum revealed by long-read sequencing
Authors: Shaw Philip J. , Kaewprommal Pavita , Wongsombat Chayaphat , Ngampiw Chumpol , Taechalertpaisarn Tana , Kamchonwongpaisan Sumalee , Tongsima Sissades , Piriyapongsa Jittima
Published: November 2022

The Plasmodium falciparum human malaria parasite genome is incompletely annotated and does not accurately represent the transcriptomic diversity of this species. To address this need, we performed long-read transcriptomic sequencing. 5′ capped mRNA was enriched from samples of total and nuclear-fractionated RNA from intra-erythrocytic stages and converted to cDNA library. The cDNA libraries were sequenced on PacBio and Nanopore long-read platforms. 12,495 novel isoforms were annotated from the data. Alternative 5′ and 3′ ends represent the majority of isoform events among the novel isoforms, with retained introns being the next most common event. The majority of alternative 5′ ends correspond to genomic regions with features similar to those of the reference transcript 5′ ends. However, a minority of alternative 5′ ends showed markedly different features, including locations within protein-coding regions. Alternative 3′ ends showed similar features to the reference transcript 3′ ends, notably adenine-rich termination signals. Distinguishing features of retained introns could not be observed, except for a tendency towards shorter length and greater GC content compared with spliced introns. Expression of antisense and retained intron isoforms was detected at different intra-erythrocytic stages, suggesting developmental regulation of these isoform events. To gain insights into the possible functions of the novel isoforms, their protein-coding potential was assessed. Variants of P. falciparum proteins and novel proteins encoded by alternative open reading frames suggest that P. falciparum has a greater proteomic repertoire than the current annotation. We provide a catalog of annotated transcripts and encoded alternative proteins to support further studies on gene and protein regulation of this pathogen.
Optimizing tuberculosis screening for immigrants in southern New Brunswick: A pilot study protocol
Authors: Shamputa Isdore Chola , Nguyen Duyen Thi Kim , Higazy Doaa , Abdelhadi Amani , MacKenzie Hope , Reddin Michelle , Barker Kimberley , Webster Duncan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Immigrants from high tuberculosis-burdened countries have been shown to have an increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). To reduce the risk of increased tuberculosis cases in Canada, the country has a comprehensive immigration medical examination process that identifies individuals with active tuberculosis using chest X-ray; however, it fails to identify LTBI. The lack of LTBI identification is concerning because immigrants with LTBI are at an increased risk of developing active tuberculosis within their first few years of migration due to stressful experiences common to many immigrants.

Objectives

The goal of this pilot study is to improve the current LTBI screening protocols among immigrants from high tuberculosis incidence countries and to better prevent and manage tuberculosis cases, by introducing an LTBI screening pilot program. The objectives are threefold: 1) to screen LTBI in immigrants from high tuberculosis incidence countries, including immigrants identified as being at risk of LTBI by the NB health care system, using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA); 2) to offer LTBI treatment and supports to those identified as having LTBI; and 3) to assess immigrant and health care providers (HCPs) satisfaction of the LTBI screening pilot program.

Methods

This cross-sectional study seeks to recruit 288 participants. Participants will be recruited via posters, social media platforms, invitations at immigrant wellness check-ups, presentations to local ethnocultural groups, and by snowball sampling. Consenting participants will be asked to submit a blood sample for LTBI screening; if positive, participants will be assessed and offered treatment for LTBI based on clinical assessment. Participants and HCPs’ feedback will be gathered via short questionnaires. For the quantitative portion of the study, descriptive statistics will be used to summarize participant characteristics and feedback. Simultaneous logistic regression will be performed to identify variables associated with the IGRA test outcome and evidence of increased CD8 T-cell immune response among those found to be LTBI-positive. Qualitative results will be analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Discussion

The findings from this study will allow us to understand the role of the IGRA LTBI screening assay and its feasibility and acceptability by immigrants and HCPs in New Brunswick. The findings will additionally provide information on the enhancers and barriers of LTBI screening and management useful in determining how best to expand the LTBI screening program if deemed appropriate.