bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for development of personal protective equipment induced headache: e-survey of medical staff in Baltic states
Authors: Jokubaitis Mantas , Timofejavaitė Reda , Braschinsky Mark , Zvaune Linda , Leheste Alo-Rainer , Gribuste Laura , Mattila Paula , Strautmane Sintija , Dapkutė Austėja , Ryliškienė Kristina
Published: August 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among medical personnel. The goal of this study was to determine the risk factors and frequency of PPE-induced headache during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

From January 25 to March 1, 2021, an anonymous online survey was undertaken in the Baltic states.

Results

In total, 2132 individuals participated. 52.3% experienced a PPE-induced headache. Usual onset time was between 2–3 h, lasting up to 1 h after PPE removal. The most common localization was in temporal and frontal regions. Headache usually occurred 2 to 3 days per week with an average pain score of 5.04 ± 1.80 points. Higher risk was associated with discomfort/pressure OR = 11.55, heat stress OR = 2.228, skin conditions OR = 1.784, long PPE use (duration 10-12 h) OR = 2,18, headache history prior PPE use OR = 1.207. Out of 52.3% respondents with PPE-induced headache, 45.5% developed de novo headache, whereas 54.5% had headache history. Statistically significant differences of PPE-induced headache between respective groups included severity (4.73 vs 5.29), duration (≥ 6 h 6.7% vs 8.2%), accompanying symptoms (nausea (19.3% vs 25.7%), photophobia (19.1% vs 25.7%), phonophobia (15.8% vs 23.5%), osmophobia (5.3% vs 12.0%)) and painkiller use (43.0% vs 61.7%).

Conclusions

Over half of the medical personnel reported headache while using PPE. The risk was higher in individuals with headache history, increased duration of PPE use and discomfort while using PPE. Predisposed individuals reported PPE-induced headache which persisted longer, was more intense and debilitating than in the respondents with de novo headache.
Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon excretion and regional body fat distribution: evidence from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2016
Authors: Wang Yeli , Zhu Lu , James-Todd Tamarra , Sun Qi
Published: August 2022

Background

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants that may contribute to the etiology of obesity. However, it is unclear whether PAHs from environmental sources are associated with regional body fat distribution, and whether the association varies across racial/ethnic groups who may have differential PAH exposure patterns.

Objectives

To examine correlations between PAHs and body fat distribution, and potential racial/ethnic differences among U.S. adults.

Methods

Ten PAHs were measured in spot urine samples from 2691 non-smoking adults (age ≥ 20 years) in the NHANES 2001–2016. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure fat mass percent (FM%). Partial Pearson correlation coefficients (r) with multivariable adjustment were used to assess PAH-FM% associations.

Results

In the total population, 1-naphthalene, 3-fluorene, and 1-pyrene were inversely correlated with total FM% or trunk FM% (adjusted r ranged: − 0.06 to − 0.08), while 2-naphthalene, 9-fluorene, and 4-phenanthrene were positively correlated with the FM% measurements (r: 0.07–0.11). PAH levels are highest among non-Hispanic Blacks, followed by Hispanics and Whites and some of the correlations were different by these races/ethnicities. Among non-Hispanic Whites, no PAH was correlated with FM%. In contrast, 9-fluorene was positively correlated with total FM% (r = 0.20) and trunk FM% (r = 0.22) among Blacks, and 4-phenanthrene was positively correlated with total FM% (r = 0.23) and trunk FM% (r = 0.24) among Hispanics (P-interaction: 0.010–0.025).

Discussion

In this US adult population, certain PAHs are significantly associated with higher body fat contents among non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics but not non-Hispanic Whites, suggesting that minority groups might be particularly susceptible to PAH’s obesogenic effects or the effects of other factors that determine the PAH exposure levels. Alternatively, differences in body composition may contribute to differential PAH metabolism in minority groups. Future studies are warranted to explore the racial/ethnic disparity in PAH exposures, drivers of these exposure differences, and mechanisms through which PAHs may influence body composition by races/ethnicities.
Current treatment strategies for seasonal allergic rhinitis: where are we heading?
Authors: Ridolo Erminia , Incorvaia Cristoforo , Pucciarini Francesco , Makri Elena , Paoletti Giovanni , Canonica Giorgio Walter
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is very commonly caused by pollens. The symptoms of AR consist of sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal itching and airflow obstruction. The diagnosis has long been based on clinical history, skin prick tests and in vitro measurement of specific IgE, but the innovative approach of precision medicine has made diagnostic tools of much greater accuracy available.

Areas covered

This review covers the advances in the treatment of seasonal AR concerning the drugs to be used according to the grade of disease and the characteristics of the patients, and the role of allergen immunotherapy (AIT), which is the only treatment capable of acting, in addition to the symptoms, on the cause of AR and therefore to modify its natural history.

Expert opinion

Drug treatment of AR include a large number of agents, the choice of which depends on the severity of the disease. AIT has high evidence of efficacy demonstrated by meta-analyses, and further improvement is currently apparent, as for diagnosis, applying the means of precision medicine. However, when AIT is performed in current practice, without the strict rules of controlled trials, long-term low adherence is a major problem to be solved.
Opioid agonist treatment take-home doses (‘carries’): Are current guidelines resulting in low treatment coverage among high-risk populations in Canada and the USA?
Authors: Russell Cayley , Lange Shannon , Kouyoumdjian Fiona , Butler Amanda , Ali Farihah
Published: August 2022

Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is the primary intervention for opioid use disorder (OUD) in Canada and the USA. Yet, a number of barriers contribute to sub-optimal treatment uptake and retention, including daily-supervised medication administration. Thus, clients are eventually granted access to take-home OAT doses (i.e., ‘carries’) to reduce this burden. However, this decision is based on physician discretion and whether patients can demonstrate stability in various life domains, many of which are inextricably linked to the social determinants of health (SDOH). Current Canadian and USA OAT carry guidance documents are not standardized and do not take the SDOH into consideration, resulting in the potential for inequitable access to OAT carries, which may be the case particularly among marginalized populations such as individuals with OUD who have been released from custody. This perspective article posits that current OAT guidelines contribute to inequities in access to OAT carries, and that these inequities likely result in disproportionately low coverage for OUD treatment among some high-risk groups, including individuals on release from incarceration in particular. Relevant impacts of COVID-19 and related policy changes are considered, and suggestions and recommendations to amend current OAT guidance documents are provided.
An affordable approach to classifying type 2 diabetes based on fasting plasma glucose, TyG index and BMI: a retrospective cohort study of NHANES Data from 1988 to 2014
Authors: Xie Jing , Zhang Xin , Shao Hua , Jing Shenqi , Shan Tao , Shi Yaxiang , Li Yong , Liu Yun , Liu Naifeng
Published: August 2022

Background

The β-cell function and insulin resistance required by existing methods of classifying type 2 diabetes are not routinely adopted in most medical institutions of developing countries and regions. This study aims to propose a novel, affordable classification approach and evaluate its predictive ability for several health and mortality outcomes, including cardiovascular health (CVH), retinopathy, chronic kidney disease (CKD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), advanced liver fibrosis, and mortality caused by all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer.

Methods

Based on 4060 participants with diabetes (aged ≥ 30 at the time of diagnosis) selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III & 1999–2014, we proposed a novel, but simple classification approach based on the threshold of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and body mass index (BMI). We used logistic regression model to assess its predictability for diabetes complications, and Cox regression model to estimate the mortality risks.

Results

By utilizing this approach, we characterized the subjects into four subgroups: subgroup A (obesity-related), which accounts for 37% of the total, subgroup B (age-related), 38%, subgroup C (insulin resistance), 20%, and subgroup D (severe insulin deficiency), 5%. Subjects in subgroup D had a higher risk of retinopathy, in subgroup B had a lower risk of poor cardiovascular health, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and advanced liver fibrosis, in subgroup C had a higher risk of all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

This study proposes an affordable and practical method for classifying patients with type 2 diabetes into different subgroups, with a view to yield a high predictability of patient outcomes and to assist clinicians in providing better treatment.
Public sector implementation strategies to approach the judicialization of health care: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Yamauti Sueli Miyuki , Barreto Jorge Otávio Maia , Barberato-Filho Silvio , Machado Fernanda Lacerda da Silva , Lopes Luciane Cruz
Published: August 2022

Background

The judicialization of health care can be understood as a societal response to pressing healthcare needs, which probably are not being adequately addressed by the current healthcare system. This phenomenon increases the strain on service resources, both in the health sector and in the judiciary system as well, demanding an institutional reorganization to manage judicial actions. It is believed that each institution has developed strategies for coping with the problem in isolation and with little public disclosure. The purpose of this review will be to identify institutional strategies implemented and to investigate their effects in approaching the judicialization of health care.

Methods

Electronic searches will be conducted up to December 2021 on 11 databases, supplemented with gray literature and references lists of secondary studies. The descriptor “judicialization of health” will be the basis for conducting the main research. Studies describing any strategy implemented by public institutions to approach the judicialization of health care will be included. Results related to the quality of services provided by the implemented strategy reported in the studies and those that report accessibility, usability, and potential adverse effects or harms caused by the implemented strategy will be investigated. In addition, it will be explored if there have been changes related to the value or characteristics of health litigation. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, abstract data, and full-text papers. The risk of bias in each study will be appraised using a tool suggested by Cochrane Effective Practice and Care Organization Group (EPOC). Subsequently, the reviewers will also extract the data of interest and classify the findings of these studies according to their performance at the institutional level. The results obtained will be described as a narrative synthesis.

Discussion

This review may provide evidence on the effects of the strategies implemented to approach the judicialization of health care. It will potentially benefit health care and legal professionals, decision-makers, and researchers by identifying the types and characteristics of strategies that have the potential to improve service delivery in the future.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020160608
Analysis of international public funding flows for the environment, climate change, and sustainability: the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Causevic Amar , Avdic Sanjin , Padegimas Bernardas , Macura Biljana
Published: August 2022

Background

Securing adequate financing for the environment, climate change, and sustainable development has been challenging, especially in low- and middle-income economies. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country aspiring to become a member state of the European Union. Despite undergoing a socio-economic transition, the country is more than four times as energy-intensive as the average European Union member state. Since the end of the war in the 1990s, the country has received significant amounts of bilateral and multilateral development aid, including environmental finance (e.g., climate finance, funding for biodiversity conservation, impact funding). To facilitate future sustainable finance prioritization, this study analyzes Bosnia and Herzegovina’s environmental finance.

Results

The study conducted a scoping literature review and detailed analysis of the environmental finance flows for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period from 2015 to 2020. The results show that the scientific knowledge on the (effectiveness of) environmental finance for Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost non-existent. The country received US$545.6 million in environmental finance in the studied period and more than 99% of this funding was spent on water, energy, waste, and environmental management. In contrast, biodiversity, resource management, chemical safety and environmental noise received less than 1% of total funding. Bosnia and Herzegovina received 58% of the financing in grants, while 38% was provided in various types of loans.

Conclusions

There is a considerable difference in the received funding among different sectors. Funders prioritized a few sectors (e.g., water), whereas others (i.e., biodiversity and nature conservation, chemical safety and noise, and resource management) were neglected. Bosnia and Herzegovina can argue for more equitable funding distribution based on its minor contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Providing almost 40% of environmental finance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in loans increases the country’s level of indebtedness. It distorts the principle of climate justice since the country has been an irrelevant greenhouse gas emitter.
Identifying Child Anxiety Through Schools-identification to intervention (iCATS-i2i): protocol for single-arm feasibility trial
Authors: Reardon Tessa , Ball Susan , Breen Maria , Brown Paul , Day Emily , Ford Tamsin , Gray Alastair , Green Iheoma , Hill Claire , Jasper Bec , King Thomas , Larkin Michael , Macdonald Ian , Morgan Fran , Pollard Jack , Sancho Michelle , Sniehotta Falko F. , Spence Susan H. , Stallard Paul , Stainer Jason , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Violato Mara , Williams Chloe , Williamson Victoria , Creswell Cathy
Published: August 2022

Background

Anxiety disorders are common among primary-school aged children, but few affected children receive evidence-based treatment. Identifying and supporting children who experience anxiety problems through schools would address substantial treatment access barriers that families and school staff often face. We have worked with families and school staff to co-design procedures that incorporate screening, feedback for parents, and the offer of a brief intervention in primary schools. This study sets out to assess the feasibility of a subsequent school-based cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate these procedures. Our objectives are to ensure our procedures for identifying and supporting children with anxiety difficulties through primary schools are acceptable and there are no negative impacts, to estimate recruitment and retention rates, and to identify any changes needed to study procedures or measures.

Methods

We will recruit six primary/junior schools in England (2 classes per school), and invite all children (aged 8–9) (n = 360) and their parent/carer and class teacher in participating classes to take part. Children, parents and class teachers will complete questionnaires at baseline and 12-week follow-up. Children who ‘screen positive’ on a 2-item parent-report child anxiety screen at baseline will be the target population (expected n = 43). Parents receive feedback on screening questionnaire responses, and where the child screens positive the family is offered support (OSI: Online Support and Intervention for child anxiety). OSI is a brief, parent-led online intervention, supported by short telephone sessions with a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner. Participants’ experiences of study procedures will be assessed through qualitative interviews/discussion groups.

Discussion

Evidence-based procedures for identifying and supporting children with anxiety difficulties through primary schools would improve children’s access to timely, effective intervention for anxiety difficulties.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN30032471. Retrospectively registered on 18 May 2021.
A pre-vaccine exploratory survey of SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity among Egyptian general population
Authors: El-Ghitany Engy Mohamed , Farag Shehata , Farghaly Azza Galal , Hashish Mona H. , Hassaan Mahmoud A. , Omran Eman A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Population-based studies on COVID-19 have important implications for modeling the pandemic and determining vaccination policies. Limited data are available from such surveys in Egypt.

Methods

This cross-sectional was conducted throughout the period between January and June 2021, which coincided with the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt. At that time, vaccines against COVID-19 were not available to the general population. The study was carried out in eight Egyptian governorates and included 2360 participants, who were recruited through a multistage stratified cluster sample technique, based on gender, age, and district followed by a random sample within each district. Socio-demographic data were recorded and serum samples were collected and tested for SARS-Co-V2 spike (S) antibodies.

Results

The overall adjusted prevalence of anti-S was 46.3% (95% CI 44.2–48.3%), with significant differences between governorates. Factors associated with anti-S seropositivity were: being female (p = 0.001), living in a rural area (p = 0.008), and reporting a history of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.001). Higher medians of anti-S titers were significantly associated with: extremes of age (p < 0.001), living in urban areas, having primary education (p = 0.009), and reporting a history of COVID-19 infection, especially if based on chest CT or PCR (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

High seroprevalence rates indicate increased COVID-19 infection and immune response among a considerable percentage of the community. Age, gender, residence, educational level, and previous PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infections were all determinants of the immune response.
Differential requirement for DICER1 activity during the development of mitral and tricuspid valves
Authors: Yan Shun , Peng Yin , Lu Jin , Shakil Saima , Shi Yang , Crossman David K. , Johnson Walter H. , Liu Shanrun , Rokosh Donald G. , Lincoln Joy , Wang Qin , Jiao Kai
Published: August 2022

Mitral and tricuspid valves are essential for unidirectional blood flow in the heart. They are derived from similar cell sources, and yet congenital dysplasia affecting both valves is clinically rare, suggesting the presence of differential regulatory mechanisms underlying their development. Here, we specifically inactivated Dicer1 in the endocardium during cardiogenesis and found that Dicer1 deletion caused congenital mitral valve stenosis and regurgitation, whereas it had no impact on other valves. We showed that hyperplastic mitral valves were caused by abnormal condensation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Our single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed impaired maturation of mesenchymal cells and abnormal expression of ECM genes in mutant mitral valves. Furthermore, expression of a set of miRNAs that target ECM genes was significantly lower in tricuspid valves compared to mitral valves, consistent with the idea that the miRNAs are differentially required for mitral and tricuspid valve development. We thus reveal miRNA-mediated gene regulation as a novel molecular mechanism that differentially regulates mitral and tricuspid valve development, thereby enhancing our understanding of the non-association of inborn mitral and tricuspid dysplasia observed clinically.
Gender Diversity in Primary Care Sports Medicine Leadership
Authors: Mattson Laura M. , Rosario-Concepcion Raul A. , Hurdle Mark Friedrich B. , Pagan-Rosado Robert D. , Clapp Adrianna D. , Maynard Jennifer R.
Published: August 2022

Diversity, equity, and inclusion have been recognized as important drivers of excellence and innovation in the physician workforce. Given the historical underrepresentation of women in medicine, gender diversity is of interest. In this cross-sectional study, we sought to quantify leadership representation of female physicians in primary care sports medicine settings, including primary care sports medicine fellowship programs, select sports medicine societies, and select sports medicine-related scientific journals. Data were collected by querying the corresponding web site for each fellowship program, society, and journal and analyzed in a descriptive manner. Results showed that fewer female physicians hold primary care sports medicine leadership roles than men do. This work establishes a baseline for female representation in primary care sports medicine leadership; efforts should continue to increase the presence of women in leadership positions.
The Role of Exercise in Treating Low Back Pain
Authors: Essman Matthew , Lin Cindy Y.
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of exercise in preventing and managing acute and chronic axial low back pain (LBP). LBP is one of the leading contributors to years lived with disability as well as health care expenditures in the United States. With an expected increase in prevalence due to an aging population, sports medicine providers have a unique opportunity to provide effective treatment strategies incorporating exercise advice and prescription. Although the majority of individuals with acute LBP will have their symptoms resolve spontaneously, almost 40% will have recurrence or develop chronic LBP within 1 year. No single exercise method has been shown to be more effective than another. The evidence for walking programs, aerobic exercise, yoga, Pilates, and tai chi for LBP is discussed. Our review summarizes the beneficial role of a personalized exercise program and related counseling strategies in the prevention and management of LBP.
Case Report: A rare case of choledochal cyst
Authors: Tariq Wasiq Bin , Twayana Anu Radha , Sunuwar Neela , Anjum Azwar , Deo Sulav , Rayamajhi Sushil , Singh Amit
Published: August 2022

Background: Choledochal cysts are dilated portions of the biliary tract that account for 1% of all benign biliary diseases. It is prevalent among Asian and female populations and the incidence is 1:100,000–150,000. Among the different types, only 15–35% of all choledochal cysts are type IV cysts, with type I being the most common representing 50–80%. Clinical presentation and therapy of biliary cysts (BC) differ depending on the type.

Case: We present a case of a 2-year-old male who presented with non-specific symptoms of multiple episodes of vomiting. Laboratory investigations revealed raised alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. His symptoms of acute pancreatitis were resolved with conventional therapy. Ultrasonography of the abdomen showed intra and extra-hepatic cystic biliary tree dilatation suggestive of choledochal cyst Type IV A.

Conclusions: Choledochal cysts present with clinical features varying with age and anatomical variants and can pose challenges in management that can be addressed by surgery to avoid further complications.
CULTURE-BOUND ELEMENTS IN TRANSLATION: THE COMMUNICATIVE AND PRAGMATIC ASPECTS
Authors: Kurakina N. , Haritonova E.
Published: August 2022

In the process of communication, we do not exchange words, but meanings. On the one hand, meaning, as a communicative category, is not limited to a single language and can be conveyed in translation by various linguistic means. On the other hand, when it comes to translation meaning losses are still unavoidable because most words of any natural language are bound to the culture behind them. The aim of this article is to analyze the ways to compensate in translation the communicative and pragmatic effect of culture-bound elements of literary text, termed within the scope of Russian translation studies as ‘associative realities’. The research is based on the novel Homo Zapiens (Penguin Books Ph, 2002) / Babylon (Faber Ph, 2001) by V. Pelevin and its translation into English, performed by A. Bromfield. The focus of the study is to analyze the functioning of English-language loanwords in the novel, which lose their nominative value and obtain a certain symbolic meaning. Serving as specific signal words emphasizing the changes in the society when the Russian people in the 1990’s found themselves disoriented and trapped between a discredited Soviet past and a banal, Westernized future, they acquire the features of culture bound elements typical for the Russian culture rather than for their source culture. The research identifies several strategies to compensate the communicative and pragmatic effects of multilingual puns in translation. The study allows us to expand our understanding of the functions of foreign loanwords in the text of a work of fiction, as well as to identify the main principles and ways of transmitting the bilingual nature of the text in translation.
Language Means of Expressing Emotional and Rational Evaluativity in Online Comments
Authors: Van Yue
Published: August 2022

The paper goes on emotional and rational evaluativity in the Internet on the material of Russian-language online comments. Examples of online comments are given, which explore the relationship of emotion and evaluation, objective and subjective evaluation, rational and emotional evaluation.

The aim of this study is to analyze the online comments from the point of view of identifying the language means of expressing emotional and rational evaluativity. The language means of implementation of rational and emotional evaluativity in online comments are analyzed on different linguistic levels: lexical, morphological, syntactic, stylistic and phonetic.

The research material was 289 online comments from VK, YouTube, and various forums, published in 2020-2022. The selection principle was texts, in which emotional and rational evaluativity were verbalized.

In online comments, rational evaluativity is often combined with emotional evaluativity, which makes it difficult to distinguish them.
Supplemental Information for "Assessment of Digital Technology Adoption and Access Barriers Among Agricultural Service Providers and Agricultural Extension Professionals"
Authors: Drewry Jessica , Shutske John , Trechter David , Luck Brian
Published: August 2022

The survey instrument that was used in the study to assess technology adoption among agricultural service providers. 
Fertigation of humic substance: effects on soil properties of a xanthic ferralsol (DENSIC)
Authors: Pereira Bruno Laecio Silva , Coelho Eugenio  Ferreira , Xavier Francisco Alisson da Silva , Souza Laercio Duarte , Souza Luciano Silva
Published: August 2022

The complexity of humic substances (HS) and their properties in agricultural applications have attracted the attention of many researchers. However, controversial results have been obtained, because of the difficulty in identifying a precise relationship between the structure and activity of these substances. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different frequencies and concentrations of humic substances on the behavior of physical, chemical and microbiological soil attributes. The experiment was carried out at Embrapa Cassava and Fruticulture in Latossolo Amarelo Distrocoeso [(Xanthic Ferralsol (Densic); Oxisol], with a completely randomized block design with four repetitions in a split-plot scheme, with three application frequencies (F1 = 15 days, F2 = 30 days and F3 = 45 days) and four concentrations of humic substances (C1 = 0 ml.L-1, C2 = 3 ml.L-1, C3 = 6 ml.L-1 and C4 = 9 ml.L-1). The humic substance applied at a frequency of 45 days positively favored the physical and chemical attributes of the soil, mainly at concentrations of 6 and 9 ml.L-1, due to the increase in microporosity. This information can be used to improve the performance of agricultural practices, especially those related to soil preparation, use of agricultural inputs, water management, soil water content and, especially, soil management practices.
Linear optical sampling enabled soliton nonlinear frequency spectrum classification
Authors: Yu Zhe , Wu Zhichao , Wang Yutian , He Huan , Li Jingwen , Xu Chaoyu , Huang Tianye , Liu Deming , Zhao Luming , Qin Yuwen , Fu Songnian
Published: August 2022

Nonlinear Fourier transform (NFT) is a powerful tool for characterizing optical soliton dynamics, which, however, suffers from fundamental limitations that ultra-wide bandwidth photodetectors and ultra-high sampling rate analog-to-digital converters should be used when accessing the full-field information of an ultrafast optical pulse. Herein, we report on the experimental demonstration of the linear optical sampling (LOS) enabled nonlinear frequency spectrum classification of ultrashort optical pulses, which could break this limitation. Instead of traditional coherent detection, the LOS overcomes the ultra-wide bandwidth constraint of commercially available optoelectrical devices. By finely adjusting the repetition rate difference between the soliton to be characterized and the sampling pulsed source, a 55.56-TSa/s equivalent sampling rate arising in the LOS can be secured, where only 400-MHz balanced photodetectors and 5-GSa/s analog-to-digital converter are used. Meanwhile, according to the nonlinear frequency spectrum calculated from the accurate full-field information, the promising concept of soliton distillation has been experimentally verified for the first time. The LOS-enabled NFT technique provides an alternative and efficient characterization tool for ultrafast fiber lasers, which facilities comprehensive insight into soliton dynamics.
Wafer-scale high aspect-ratio sapphire periodic nanostructures fabricated by self-modulated femtosecond laser hybrid technology
Authors: Sun Xiang-Chao , Liu Xue-Qing , Sun Zhi-Juan , Li Shun-Xin , Zheng Jia-Xin , Xia Hong , Wang Lei
Published: August 2022

Sapphire nanostructures with a high aspect-ratio have broad applications in photoelectronic devices, which are difficult to be fabricated due to the properties of high transparency and hardness, remarkable thermal and chemical stability. Although the phenomenon of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) provides an extraordinary idea for surface nanotexturing, it suffers from the limitation of the small depth of the nanostructures. Here, a high-efficiency self-modulated femtosecond laser hybrid technology was proposed to fabricate nanostructures with high aspect-ratios on the sapphire surface, which was combined backside laser modification and subsequent wet etching. Due to the refractive index mismatch, the focal length of the laser could be elongated when focused inside sapphire. Thus, periodic nanostructures with high-quality aspect ratios of more than 55 were prepared on the sapphire surface by using this hybrid fabrication method. As a proof-of-concept, wafer-scale (∼2 inches) periodic nanostripes with a high aspect-ratio were realized on a sapphire surface, which possesses unique diffractive properties compared to typical shallow gratings. The results indicate that the self-modulated femtosecond laser hybrid technology is an efficient and versatile technique for producing high aspect-ratio nanostructures on hard and transparent materials, which would propel the potential applications in optics and surface engineering, sensing, etc.
Semiconductor saturable absorber mirror mode-locked Yb:YAP laser
Authors: Lin Zhang-Lang , Xue Wen-Ze , Zeng Huang-Jun , Zhang Ge , Zhao Yongguang , Xu Xiaodong , Xu Jun , Loiko Pavel , Mateos Xavier , Lin Haifeng , Petrov Valentin , Wang Li , Chen Weidong
Published: August 2022

We report on sub-30 fs pulse generation from a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror mode-locked Yb:YAP laser. Pumping by a spatially single-mode Yb fiber laser at 979 nm, soliton pulses as short as 29 fs were generated at 1091 nm with an average output power of 156 mW and a pulse repetition rate of 85.1 MHz. The maximum output power of the mode-locked Yb:YAP laser amounted to 320 mW for slightly longer pulses (32 fs) at an incident pump power of 1.52 W, corresponding to a peak power of 103 kW and an optical efficiency of 20.5%. To the best of our knowledge, this result represents the shortest pulses ever achieved from any solid-state Yb laser mode-locked by a slow, i.e., physical saturable absorber.
Low-numerical aperture confined-doped long-tapered Yb-doped silica fiber for a single-mode high-power fiber amplifier
Authors: Zhang Zhilun , Lin Xianfeng , Zhang Xu , Luo Yonghui , Liao Shibiao , Wang Xiaoliang , Chen Gui , Xing Yingbin , Li Haiqing , Peng Jinggang , Dai Nengli , Zhou Jun , Li Jinyan
Published: August 2022

A low-numerical aperture (NA) confined-doped long-tapered (LCT) Yb-doped fiber is proposed and fabricated by modified chemical vapor deposition combined with solution doping technique. The LCT fiber owns the core NA of ∼0.05 and the gain dopant doping diameter ratio of ∼77%, with a core/cladding diameter of 25/400 µm at both ends and 37.5/600 µm in the middle. The laser performance is demonstrated by a bidirectional pumping all-fiber amplifier, of which a 4.18-kW single-mode (M2 factor ∼1.3) laser output is achieved with a slope efficiency of ∼82.8%. Compared with the conventional fiber, the co-pumped and counter-pumped transverse mode instability thresholds and beam quality of the LCT fiber are remarkably enhanced. Throughout the continuous operation, the LCT fiber amplifier presents high power stability with fluctuation of < 1%. These results indicate that LCT fiber has great potential in power scaling remaining excellent beam quality.
Phase unwrapping algorithm for a segmented phase based on iterative pseudo-phase inpainting
Authors: Wang Nianfeng , Ma Jun , Ding Hui , Wei Cong , Miao Xinyu , Shen Zhonghao , Yuan Caojin
Published: August 2022

Segmented phase unwrapping is an intractable problem in the phase-shifting technique. To solve the problem, this Letter presents an iterative pseudo-phase inpainting algorithm (IPPI). By means of image inpainting, the IPPI can be used to realize the pseudo-phases connecting each other among these phase islands. The error points in the pseudo-phases can be reduced by iterations of phase inpainting with the assistance of the reference pseudo-phase obtained by introducing the numerical carrier frequency and using the 2D Fourier transform. Compared with other methods, the proposed algorithm does not have to do any processing on the effective area of the wrapped phase, which ensures the authenticity of the result. The simulated and experimental verifications show that the proposed method not only possesses high precision, but also can be applied to a segmented phase with severe noise.
A spatial vaccination strategy to reduce the risk of vaccine-resistant variants
Authors: Zhang Xiyun , Lobinska Gabriela , Feldman Michal , Dekel Eddie , Nowak Martin A. , Pilpel Yitzhak , Pauzner Yonatan , Barzel Baruch , Pauzner Ady
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the process of global vaccination against a novel virus can be a prolonged one. Social distancing measures, that are initially adopted to control the pandemic, are gradually relaxed as vaccination progresses and population immunity increases. The result is a prolonged period of high disease prevalence combined with a fitness advantage for vaccine-resistant variants, which together lead to a considerably increased probability for vaccine escape. A spatial vaccination strategy is proposed that has the potential to dramatically reduce this risk. Rather than dispersing the vaccination effort evenly throughout a country, distinct geographic regions of the country are sequentially vaccinated, quickly bringing each to effective herd immunity. Regions with high vaccination rates will then have low infection rates and vice versa. Since people primarily interact within their own region, spatial vaccination reduces the number of encounters between infected individuals (the source of mutations) and vaccinated individuals (who facilitate the spread of vaccine-resistant strains). Thus, spatial vaccination may help mitigate the global risk of vaccine-resistant variants.
Towards improved understanding of cascading and interconnected risks from concurrent weather extremes: Analysis of historical heat and drought extreme events
Authors: Niggli Laura , Huggel Christian , Muccione Veruska , Neukom Raphael , Salzmann Nadine
Published: August 2022

Weather extremes can affect many different assets, sectors and systems of the human environment, including human security, health and well-being. Weather extremes that compound, such as heat and drought, and their interconnected risks are complex, difficult to understand and thus a challenge for risk analysis and management, because (in intertwined systems) impacts can propagate through multiple sectors. In a warming climate, extreme concurrent heat and drought events are expected to increase in frequency, intensity and duration, posing growing risks to societies. To gain a better understanding of compound extremes and associated risks, we analyze eight historical heat and drought extreme events in Europe, Africa and Australia. We investigated and visualized the direct and indirect impact paths through different sectors and systems together with the impacts of response and adaptation measures. We found the most important cascading processes and interlinkages centered around the health, energy and agriculture and food production sectors. The key cascades result in impacts on the economy, the state and public services and ultimately also on society and culture. Our analysis shows that cascading impacts can propagate through numerous sectors with far reaching consequences, potentially being able to destabilize entire socio-economic systems. We emphasize that the future challenge in research on and adaptation to concurrent extreme events lies in the integration of assets, sectors and systems with strong interlinkages to other sectors and with a large potential for cascading impacts, but for which we cannot resort to historical experiences. Integrating approaches to deal with concurrent extreme events should furthermore consider the effects of possible response and adaptation mechanisms to increase system resilience.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody persistence after five and twelve months: A cohort study from South-Eastern Norway
Authors: Sarjomaa Marjut , Diep Lien My , Zhang Chi , Tveten Yngvar , Reiso Harald , Thilesen Carina , Nordbø Svein Arne , Berg Kristine Karlsrud , Aaberge Ingeborg , Pearce Neil , Kersten Hege , Vandenbroucke Jan Paul , Eikeland Randi , Fell Anne Kristin Møller
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To assess total antibody levels against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) spike protein up to 12 months after Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) infection in non-vaccinated individuals and the possible predictors of antibody persistence.

Methods

This is the first part of a prospective multi-centre cohort study.

Participants

The study included SARS-CoV-2 real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive and negative participants in South-Eastern Norway from February to December 2020. Possible predictors of SARS-CoV-2 total antibody persistence was assessed. The SARS-CoV-2 total antibody levels against spike protein were measured three to five months after PCR in 391 PCR-positive and 703 PCR-negative participants; 212 PCR-positive participants were included in follow-up measurements at 10 to 12 months. The participants completed a questionnaire including information about symptoms, comorbidities, allergies, body mass index (BMI), and hospitalisation.

Primary outcome

The SARS-CoV-2 total antibody levels against spike protein three to five and 10 to 12 months after PCR positive tests.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies against spike protein were present in 366 (94%) non-vaccinated PCR-positive participants after three to five months, compared with nine (1%) PCR-negative participants. After 10 to 12 months, antibodies were present in 204 (96%) non-vaccinated PCR-positive participants. Of the PCR-positive participants, 369 (94%) were not hospitalised. The mean age of the PCR-positive participants was 48 years (SD 15, range 20–85) and 50% of them were male. BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2was positively associated with decreased antibody levels (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.42). Participants with higher age and self-reported initial fever with chills or sweating were less likely to have decreased antibody levels (age: OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99; fever: OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.75).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the level of SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies against spike protein persists for the vast majority of non-vaccinated PCR-positive persons at least 10 to 12 months after mild COVID-19.
Fetal size classified using gestational days rather than gestational weeks improves correlation with stillbirth risk: A statewide population study
Authors: Pritchard Natasha L. , Tong Stephen , Walker Susan P. , Lindquist Anthea C.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Many growth charts provide single centile cutoffs for each week of gestation, yet fetuses gain weight throughout the week. We aimed to assess whether using a single centile per week distorts the proportion of infants classified as small and their risk of stillbirth across the week.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Victoria, Australia.

Population

Singleton, non-anomalous infants born from 2005–2015 (529,261).

Methods

We applied growth charts to identify small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses on week-based charts (single centile per gestational week) and day-based charts (centile per gestational day).

Main outcome measures

Proportions <10th centile by each chart, and stillbirth risk amongst SGA infants.

Results

Using week-based charts, 12.1% of infants born on the first day of a gestational week were SGA, but only 7.8% on the final day; ie. an infant born at the end of the week was 44% less likely to be classed as SGA (p<0.0001). The relative risk of stillbirth amongst SGA infants born on the final day of the week compared with the first was 1.47 (95%CI 1.09–2.00, p = 0.01). Using day charts, SGA proportions were similar and stillbirth risk equal between the beginning and end of the week (9.5% vs 9.9%).

Conclusions

Growth standards using a single cutoff for a gestational week overestimate the proportion of infants that are small at the beginning of the week and underestimate the proportion at the end. This distorts the risk of stillbirth amongst SGA infants based on when in the week an infant is born. Day-based charts should be used.
Newly synthesized mRNA escapes translational repression during the acute phase of the mammalian unfolded protein response
Authors: Alzahrani Mohammed R. , Guan Bo-Jhih , Zagore Leah L. , Wu Jing , Chen Chien-Wen , Licatalosi Donny D. , Baker Kristian E. , Hatzoglou Maria
Published: August 2022

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER, elicits a homeostatic mechanism known as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). The UPR reprograms gene expression to promote adaptation to chronic ER stress. The UPR comprises an acute phase involving inhibition of bulk protein synthesis and a chronic phase of transcriptional induction coupled with the partial recovery of protein synthesis. However, the role of transcriptional regulation in the acute phase of the UPR is not well understood. Here we analyzed the fate of newly synthesized mRNA encoding the protective and homeostatic transcription factor X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) during this acute phase. We have previously shown that global translational repression induced by the acute UPR was characterized by decreased translation and increased stability of XBP1 mRNA. We demonstrate here that this stabilization is independent of new transcription. In contrast, we show XBP1 mRNA newly synthesized during the acute phase accumulates with long poly(A) tails and escapes translational repression. Inhibition of newly synthesized RNA polyadenylation during the acute phase decreased cell survival with no effect in unstressed cells. Furthermore, during the chronic phase of the UPR, levels of XBP1 mRNA with long poly(A) tails decreased in a manner consistent with co-translational deadenylation. Finally, additional pro-survival, transcriptionally-induced mRNAs show similar regulation, supporting the broad significance of the pre-steady state UPR in translational control during ER stress. We conclude that the biphasic regulation of poly(A) tail length during the UPR represents a previously unrecognized pro-survival mechanism of mammalian gene regulation.
The effects of indoor temperature and humidity on local transmission of COVID-19 and how it relates to global trends
Authors: Park Han June , Lee Sung-Gwang , Oh Jeong Suk , Nam Minhyuk , Barrett Steven , Lee Soohyung , Hwang Wontae
Published: August 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, analyses on global data have not reached unanimous consensus on whether warmer and humid weather curbs the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We conjectured that this lack of consensus is due to the discrepancy between global environmental data such as temperature and humidity being collected outdoors, while most infections have been reported to occur indoors, where conditions can be different. Thus, we have methodologically investigated the effect of temperature and relative humidity on the spread of expired respiratory droplets from the mouth, which are assumed to be the main cause of most short-range infections. Calculating the trajectory of individual droplets using an experimentally validated evaporation model, the final height and distance of the evaporated droplets is obtained, and then correlated with global COVID-19 spread. Increase in indoor humidity is associated with reduction in COVID-19 spread, while temperature has no statistically significant effect.
Machine-learning media bias
Authors: D’Alonzo Samantha , Tegmark Max
Published: August 2022

We present an automated method for measuring media bias. Inferring which newspaper published a given article, based only on the frequencies with which it uses different phrases, leads to a conditional probability distribution whose analysis lets us automatically map newspapers and phrases into a bias space. By analyzing roughly a million articles from roughly a hundred newspapers for bias in dozens of news topics, our method maps newspapers into a two-dimensional bias landscape that agrees well with previous bias classifications based on human judgement. One dimension can be interpreted as traditional left-right bias, the other as establishment bias. This means that although news bias is inherently political, its measurement need not be.