bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Universal Learning Activities in the Structure of Metasubject Results
Authors: Astrecova N. , Zhuravleva V. , Strel'nikova L.
Published: April 2021

The article deals with the peculiarities of the formation of cognitive universal learning actions in younger schoolchildren. The article describes four types of universal educational actions of primary school children: personal, regulatory, cognitive, communicative, which are an integral system in which the manifestation and development of each individual type of educational action is determined by its relationship with other types and the general logic of age-related development. Detailed characteristics of each of the cognitive universal educational activities of primary school children defined by the standard and the approximate program of primary general education will allow the primary school teacher to more consciously.
Una enfermería del trabajo con perspectiva holística
Authors: González Caballero Javier
Published: April 2021

La enfermería del trabajo se encuentra en una posición privilegiada para identificar las necesidades de la población laboral en el ámbito de sus competencias. En los distintos escenarios posibles del futuro de la actividad laboral, los factores relacionados con la globalización, los cambios demográficos, la utilización masiva de la tecnología, la digitalización de un número significado de procesos, el carácter multidisciplinar del abordaje de la atención al trabajador y unos planteamientos próximos a la salud pública, determinan un nuevo enfoque de la seguridad y salud ocupacional y suscitan un debate ético. En esta realidad socioprofesional y laboral, la intervención de esta disciplina enfermera tendrá un sustrato de actuación basado en una atención integral, segura, colaborativa, coordinada, de calidad, centrada en las personas y basada en la mejor evidencia científica disponible.
Surgical site infection in a Greek general surgery department: who is at most risk?
Authors: Bekiari Anna , Pappas-Gogos George , Dimopoulos Dimitrios , Priavali Efthalia , Gartzonika Konstantina , Glantzounis Georgios K
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are associated with protracted hospitalisation, antibiotics administration, and increased morbidity and mortality. This work investigated the incidence rate of SSIs in the Department of General Surgery at the University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece, the associated risk factors and pathogens responsible.

Method:

In this prospective cohort study, patients who underwent elective procedures under general anaesthesia were enrolled. Risk factors monitored included age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, preoperative length of stay, chemoprophylaxis, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, and the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS) basic SSI risk index.

Results:

Of the 1058 enrolled patients, 80 (7.6%) developed SSIs. Of the total cohort, 62.5% of patients received chemoprophylaxis for >24 hours. A total of 20 different pathogens, each with multiple strains (n=108 in total), were identified, 53 (49.5%) Gram-negative rods, 46 (42%) Gram-positive cocci, and nine (8.4%) fungi (Candida spp.). Escherichia coli was the prevalent microorganism (24.3%). SSI-related risk factors, as defined by univariate analysis, included: ICU stay, ASA score >2 (p<0.001), NNIS score >0, and wound classes II, III, and IV. Also, serum albumin levels <3.5g/dl were associated with increased rate of SSIs. The multivariate model identified an NNIS score of >0 and wound classes II, III, and IV as independent SSI-related risk factors.

Conclusion:

This study showed high SSI rates. Several factors were associated with increased SSI rates, as well as overuse of prophylactic antibiotics. The results of the present study could be a starting point for the introduction of a system for recording and actively monitoring SSIs in Greek hospitals, and implementation of specific guidelines according to risk factors.
The Palmar Dermatoglyphic Patterns in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Cases- A Study in South Indian Population
Authors: Lekshmi P Akshai , Srimathi T , S Anandarani V
Published: April 2021

Diabetes mellitus [DM] is a major disease worldwide with increasing prevalence. Its etiologic heterogeneity comprising genetic predisposition and environmental factors may provide a characteristic feature among the population helpful for the early diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the palmar dermatoglyphic patterns in DM patients. This case controlled cross-sectional study included 100 type 2 DM patients in group A and 100 healthy subjects in group B. Each group has equal gender distribution. The palmar dermatoglyphics were evaluated quantitatively using standard methods. Student’s t-test and Chi-square test was used to determine the level of significance. The palmar triradius number varied significantly (Pd”0.0001). The angle of palm variations were statistically insignificant between groups, but TAD angle showed significant gender variations in group A patients (Pd”0.0001). The variation in palmar triradius revealed in this study may help in early diagnosis of type 2 DM patients and also may provide a scope for further studies with larger sample size.
Downwind Spray Drift Assessment for Airblast Sprayer Applications in a Modern Apple Orchard System
Authors: Rathnayake Anura P. , Khot Lav R. , Hoheisel Gwen A. , Thistle Harold W. , Teske Milt E. , Willett Mike J.
Published: April 2021

Highlights

Airblast sprayer drift potential was evaluated up to 183 m (600 ft) downwind from an orchard edge.

A central leader apple orchard was sprayed at dormant and full canopy stage.

Higher drift at full canopy stage was likely due to higher wind speeds and lower humidity.

String and artificial foliage samplers had higher collection efficiencies than Mylar cards.

Abstract. Risk assessment of orchard pesticide spraying is currently based on spray drift estimation using a worst-case scenario (dormant stage). However, most spray applications are conducted during non-dormant canopy growth stages. Such overestimation leads to restrictive operational regulations in pest management activities. Therefore, field data were generated and studied for a mechanistic model that will predict spray drift from airblast spray applications in tree fruit orchards. Spray trials were conducted at dormant and full canopy growth stages in a central leader trained apple orchard. An axial-fan airblast sprayer sprayed fluorescent tracer in the third row from the orchard’s downwind edge, with four passes being one run. A total of 20 runs, i.e., 17 spray runs and three blanks, were performed during each of the two crop growth stages. Mylar cards, artificial foliage (AF), and horizontal strings (HS) were used to quantify drifting spray deposition up to 183 m (600 ft) downwind. Within the orchard, the deposition on card samplers 3 m upwind of the sprayed row was 21.94% ±4.63% (mean ± standard deviation) of applied dose (AD) at dormant stage and 16.02% ±2.86% AD at full canopy stage. Deposition downwind and adjacent (-3 m) to the sprayed row was 17.92% ±2.70% AD and 7.15% ±1.78% AD at dormant and full canopy stages, respectively. Spray drift decreased substantially at the orchard edge to 3.18% ±1.30% AD at dormant stage and 2.30% ±1.16% AD at full canopy stage. Spray drift was very low at 183 m (600 ft) downwind of the orchard, with deposition of 0.002% ±0.003% AD at dormant stage and 0.003% ±0.004% AD at full canopy stage. Deposition data collected at common sampler locations showed that HS and AF samplers collected significantly (p < 0.05) more drifting spray than card samplers. Downwind speeds had a strong linear relationship with spray drift at both growth stages (dormant: R2= 0.80, full canopy: R2= 0.86), while the influence of temperature and humidity could not be directly observed from the collected data. Keywords: Airblast spraying, Deposit samplers, Dormant and full canopy, Drift, Modern orchard systems.
Tunable Fano resonance in one-dimensional magnetized plasmon photonic crystals
Authors: Gao Ziyang , Zhang Tao , Mao Mingyu , Tian Xing-Liang , Ma Yu , Zhang Dan , Zhang Haifeng
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the reflection characteristics of one-dimensional (1D) magnetized plasma photonic crystals (MPPCs) are studied by using the transfer matrix method. The given structure is made up of binary photonic crystals whose unit only contains two plasma layers with different plasma frequencies and a dielectric material layer at the end. The phenomenon of Fano resonance can be realized by such a simple periodic asymmetric structure. By applying the external applied magnetic field, the properties and transmission metrics of the presented MPPCs can be achieved. The numerical results reveal that two narrow and asymmetric linear reflection peaks will appear, and a phenomenon of Fano resonance can be observed. The influences of refractive index, period constant, incident angle, and magnetized plasma parameters on the obtained Fano resonance also are investigated. The analyzed results demonstrate that the tailored Fano resonance can appear in the proposed 1D MPPCs, and the above parameters can affect its features. The stated 1D MPPCs can be used in the sensors, slow light optical devices, and so on.
Splitting of a Tamm plasmon polariton at the interface between a metal and a resonant nanocomposite layer conjugated with a photonic crystal
Authors: Avdeeva Anastasia Yu. , Vetrov Stepan Ya. , Timofeev Ivan V.
Published: April 2021

Splitting of a Tamm plasmon polariton at the interface between a metal and a nanocomposite layer conjugated with a photonic crystal (Bragg mirror) has been theoretically investigated. The splitting can be implemented when the Tamm plasmon polariton frequency approaches the resonance frequency of the nanocomposite, which consists of metallic nanoballs dispersed in a transparent matrix. The reflectance spectrum of the

p

-polarized waves at the normal incidence of light has been calculated. It has been established that the Tamm plasmon polariton splitting significantly depends on the concentration of nanoballs in the nanocomposite layer and its thickness. The solution of the dispersion equation derived for a sample with semi-infinite mirrors has been compared with the spectra obtained for a finite structure by the transfer matrix method.
Optimized localization algorithm of dual-Sagnac structure-based fiber optic distributed vibration sensing system
Authors: Teng Fei , Yi Duo , Hong Xueming , Li Xuejin
Published: April 2021

In this study, an optimized localization algorithm is proposed for a dual-Sagnac structure-based fiber optic distributed vibration sensing (DVS) system. Different from the previous localization algorithms, the spectrum peak ratio of the interference signals in the frequency domain is applied for localization calculation, and the localization accuracy is effectively improved for the interference signal with low Signal-Noise-Ratio (SNR). Besides, the proposed optimized algorithm can solve the difficult problem of multi-point vibration localization by employing a continuous low-coherence light source, which largely reduces the system cost. Meanwhile, multi-parameter including the frequency and amplitude of the vibration signal can be retrieved simultaneously except for the vibration position, which is not available for the traditional localization algorithm of the interferometric DVS system. Experimental results verify that the system with the proposed optimized algorithm can realize high-accuracy localization of single-point vibration, multi-point with single-frequency vibration, multi-point with multi-frequency vibration. The corresponding maximum localization errors are only 0.18%, 0.22%, and 0.36% respectively.
Analytical study on the evolutionary behavior of transfer matrix element moments in strongly coupled multimode systems
Authors: Zhou Junhe , Pu Haoqian
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the evolutionary behavior of the transfer matrix element moments in strongly coupled multimode systems is studied analytically. The randomly coupled multimode system is modeled by a set of coupled stochastic differential equations (SDEs), which can be used to find the coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) for the arbitrary order moments of the matrix elements. Since the ODEs are with the constant coefficients, it is possible to obtain the analytical solutions. The asymptotic behaviors of the solutions are investigated by comparing with the existing results derived from the property of the Haar matrix, and a perfect agreement is observed. The evolutionary behaviors of the transfer matrix element moments computed by the analytical formulas have excellent match with the Monte Carlo simulation results. The analytical method can be highly beneficiary for the multimode system design and analysis.
Milliradian precision ultrafast pulse control for spectral phase metrology
Authors: Stamm Jacob , Benel Jorge , Escoto Esmerando , Steinmeyer Günter , Dantus Marcos
Published: April 2021

A pulse-shaper-based method for spectral phase measurement and compression with milliradian precision is proposed and tested experimentally. Measurements of chirp and third-order dispersion are performed and compared to theoretical predictions. The single-digit milliradian accuracy is benchmarked by a group velocity dispersion measurement of fused silica.
Phase-contrast THz-CT for non-destructive testing
Authors: Fosodeder Peter , Hubmer Simon , Ploier Alexander , Ramlau Ronny , van Frank Sandrine , Rankl Christian
Published: April 2021

A new approach for image reconstruction in THz computed tomography (THz-CT) is presented. Based on a geometrical optics model containing the THz signal amplitude and phase, a novel algorithm for extracting an average phase from the measured THz signals is derived. Applying the algorithm results in a phase-contrast sinogram, which is further used for image reconstruction. For experimental validation, a fast THz time-domain spectrometer (THz-TDS) in transmission geometry is employed, enabling CT measurements within several minutes. Quantitative evaluation of reconstructed 3D printed plastic profiles reveals the potential of our approach in non-destructive testing of plastic profiles.
High-speed interband cascade infrared photodetectors: photo-response saturation by a femtosecond oscillator
Authors: Krüger L. M. , Hillbrand J. , Heidrich J. , Beiser M. , Weih R. , Koeth J. , Phillips C. R. , Schwarz B. , Strasser G. , Keller U.
Published: April 2021

Interband cascade infrared photodetectors (ICIPs) combine interband optical transitions with fast intraband transport to achieve high-frequency and broad-wavelength operation at room temperature. Here we study the bias-dependent electronic impulse response of ICIPs with a mid-infrared synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO). Since the OPO produces ultrashort 104-fs pulses, it is possible to probe the impulse response of the ICIP. From this impulse response, we identify two characteristic decay times, indicating the contribution of electron as well as hole carriers. A reverse bias voltage applied to the ICIP reduces both time scales and leads to an increased electrical cut-off frequency. The OPO emits up to 500 mW average power, of which up to 10 mW is directed to the ICIP in order to test its saturation characteristics under short-pulse illumination. The peak of the impulse response profile as well as the average photocurrent experience a gradual saturation behavior, and we determine the corresponding saturation powers by measuring the photo-response as a function of average power directed to the ICIP. We demonstrate that an increasing reverse bias increases the saturation power as well as the responsivity of the ICIP.
Fine structure of second-harmonic resonances in χ(2) optical microresonators
Authors: Szabados Jan , Amiune Nicolás , Sturman Boris , Breunig Ingo
Published: April 2021

Owing to the discrete frequency spectrum of whispering gallery resonators (WGRs), the resonance and phase-matching conditions for the interacting waves in the case of second-harmonic generation (SHG) cannot generally be fulfilled simultaneously. To account for this, we develop a model describing SHG in WGRs with non-zero frequency detunings at both the pump and second-harmonic frequencies. Our model predicts strong distortions of the line shape of pump and second-harmonic resonances for similar linewidths at both frequencies; for much larger linewidths at the second-harmonic frequency, this behavior is absent. Furthermore, it describes the SHG efficiency as a function of detuning. Experimentally, one can change the WGR eigenfrequencies, and thus the relative detuning between pump and second-harmonic waves by a number of means, for example electro-optically and thermally. Using a lithium niobate WGR, we show an excellent quantitative agreement for the SHG efficiency between our experimental results and the model. Also, we show the predicted distortions of the pump and second-harmonic resonances to be absent in the lithium niobate WGR but present in a cadmium silicon phosphide WGR, as expected from the linewidths of the resonances involved.
Adaptable transmitter for discrete and continuous variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Lopez Grande I. H. , Etcheverry S. , Aldama J. , Ghasemi S. , Nolan D. , Pruneri V.
Published: April 2021

We present a versatile transmitter capable of performing both discrete variable and continuous variable quantum key distribution protocols (DV-QKD and CV-QKD, respectively). Using this transmitter, we implement a time-bin encoded BB84 DV-QKD protocol over a physical quantum channel of 47 km and a GG02 CV-QKD protocol with true local oscillator over a 10.5 km channel, achieving secret key rates of 4.1 kbps and 1 Mbps for DV- and CV-QKD, respectively. The reported transmitter scheme is particularly suitable for re-configurable optical networks where the QKD protocol is selected to optimize the performance according to the parameters of the links.
Supercontinuum generation in As2S3 waveguides fabricated without direct etching
Authors: Hwang Joonhyuk , Kim Dae-Gon , Han Sangyoon , Jeong Dongin , Lee Yong-Hee , Choi Duk-Yong , Lee Hansuek
Published: April 2021

We report a supercontinuum generation (SCG) in a waveguide that spontaneously forms without an etching process during the deposition of a core material on a preformed

S
i

O

2

substructure. The mechanism of dispersion control for this new, to the best of our knowledge, type of waveguide is analyzed by numerical simulation, which results in a design rule to achieve a target dispersion profile by adjusting the substructure geometry. SCG is experimentally demonstrated with a waveguide made of

A

s

2

S

3

, chalcogenide glass, which has low material absorption over the mid-IR range. A dispersion-controlled waveguide with a length of 10 mm pumped with 77 pJ pulses at a telecommunication wavelength of 1560 nm resulted in a supercontinuum that extends by more than 1.5 octaves.
Optical parametric amplification at critical wavelength degeneracy—a proposed approach for 100-PW class femtosecond laser development
Authors: Dabu Razvan
Published: April 2021

At signal critical wavelength degeneracy (CWD), super-broad parametric gain bandwidths (SBGBs) can be obtained in nonlinear crystals. A 280 nm SBGB, for ∼60 small signal peak gain, has been calculated considering a collinear optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) at CWD in a 40 mm long, 58.3% partially deuterated KDP (P-DKDP) crystal, pumped by a frequency doubled nanosecond Nd:glass laser at 1 GW/cm2 pump intensity. This gain bandwidth in the 1 µm spectral range is significantly broader compared to the 150 nm gain bandwidth, calculated under similar conditions, for the broad-band non-collinear (NC) OPCPA in DKDP crystals in the 900 nm spectral range. It can support the amplification of significantly shorter femtosecond pulses, giving rise to a higher peak power at the same amplified pulse energy. The spectral profile of the gain bandwidth can be shaped by slightly adjusting the deuteration ratio (DR) of the P-DKDP crystals. A small-angle non-collinear OPCPA near the CWD can be used for the spatial separation of the signal and idler beams with the same polarization, keeping at the same time an ultra-broad gain bandwidth. A SBGB of 255 nm FWHM has been calculated for a non-collinear OPCPA stage with a 40 mm long P-DKDP crystal, 10.3 mrad signal-pump wavevectors internal angle, 57.8% DR, pumped by a few-ns 527 nm wavelength laser at 1 GW/cm2 pump intensity. The half-meter size P-DKDP crystals, pumped by frequency doubled few-ns multi-kJ Nd:glass lasers, are able to amplify super broad-band nanosecond stretched pulses up to the kJ energy level. They might be appropriate amplifying media for the development of single-beam 100-PW class femtosecond laser systems based on OPCPA at CWD.
Neurocognitive processing efficiency for discriminating human non-alarm rather than alarm scream calls
Authors: Frühholz Sascha , Dietziker Joris , Staib Matthias , Trost Wiebke
Published: April 2021

Across many species, scream calls signal the affective significance of events to other agents. Scream calls were often thought to be of generic alarming and fearful nature, to signal potential threats, with instantaneous, involuntary, and accurate recognition by perceivers. However, scream calls are more diverse in their affective signaling nature than being limited to fearfully alarming a threat, and thus the broader sociobiological relevance of various scream types is unclear. Here we used 4 different psychoacoustic, perceptual decision-making, and neuroimaging experiments in humans to demonstrate the existence of at least 6 psychoacoustically distinctive types of scream calls of both alarming and non-alarming nature, rather than there being only screams caused by fear or aggression. Second, based on perceptual and processing sensitivity measures for decision-making during scream recognition, we found that alarm screams (with some exceptions) were overall discriminated the worst, were responded to the slowest, and were associated with a lower perceptual sensitivity for their recognition compared with non-alarm screams. Third, the neural processing of alarm compared with non-alarm screams during an implicit processing task elicited only minimal neural signal and connectivity in perceivers, contrary to the frequent assumption of a threat processing bias of the primate neural system. These findings show that scream calls are more diverse in their signaling and communicative nature in humans than previously assumed, and, in contrast to a commonly observed threat processing bias in perceptual discriminations and neural processes, we found that especially non-alarm screams, and positive screams in particular, seem to have higher efficiency in speeded discriminations and the implicit neural processing of various scream types in humans.
Colonization of macroalgal deposits by estuarine nematodes through air and potential for rafting inside algal structures
Authors: Buys Bartelijntje , Derycke Sofie , De Meester Nele , Moens Tom
Published: April 2021

Dispersal is an important life-history trait. In marine meiofauna, and particularly in nematodes, dispersal is generally considered to be mainly passive, i.e. through transport with water currents and bedload transport. Because nematodes have no larval dispersal stage and have a poor swimming ability, their per capita dispersal capacity is expected to be limited. Nevertheless, many marine nematode genera and even species have near-cosmopolitan distributions, and at much smaller spatial scales, can rapidly colonise new habitat patches. Here we demonstrate that certain marine nematodes, like the morphospeciesLitoditis marina, can live inside macroalgal structures such as receptacula and–to a lesser extent–floating bladders, which may allow them to raft over large distances with drifting macroalgae. We also demonstrate for the first time that these nematodes can colonize new habitat patches, such as newly deposited macroalgal wrack in the intertidal, not only through seawater but also through air. Our experimental set-up demonstrates that this aerial transport is probably the result of hitchhiking on vectors such as insects, which visit, and move between, the patches of deposited algae. Transport by wind, which has been observed for terrestrial nematodes and freshwater zooplankton, could not be demonstrated. These results can be important for our understanding of both large-scale geographic distribution patterns and of the small-scale colonization dynamics of habitat patches by marine nematodes.
Are the effects of air pollution on birth weight modified by infant sex and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation? A multilevel analysis in Paris (France)
Authors: Deguen Séverine , Kihal-Talantikite Wahida , Gilles Morgane , Danzon Arlette , Carayol Marion , Zmirou-Navier Denis
Published: April 2021

Adverse birth outcomes related to air pollution are well documented; however, few studies have accounted for infant sex. There is also scientific evidence that the neighborhood socioeconomic profile may modify this association even after adjusting for individual socioeconomic characteristics. The objective is to analyze the association between air pollution and birth weight by infant sex and neighborhood socioeconomic index. All birth weights (2008–2011) were geocoded at census block level. Each census block was assigned a socioeconomic deprivation level, as well as daily NO2and PM10concentrations. We performed a multilevel model with a multiple statistical test and sensible analysis using the spline function. Our findings suggest the existence of a differential association between air pollution and BW according to both neighborhood socioeconomic level and infant sex. However, due to multiple statistical tests and controlling the false discovery rate (FDR), all significant associations became either not statistically significant or borderline. Our findings reinforce the need for additional studies to investigate the role of the neighborhood socioeconomic which could differentially modify the air pollution effect.
Nutrigenomic analyses reveal miRNAs and mRNAs affected by feed restriction in the mammary gland of midlactation dairy cows
Authors: Billa Pierre-Alexis , Faulconnier Yannick , Ye Tao , Bourdon Céline , Pires José A. A. , Leroux Christine
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feed restriction on mammary miRNAs and coding gene expression in midlactation cows. Five Holstein cows and 6 Montbéliarde cows underwent 6 days of feed restriction, during which feed allowance was reduced to meet 50% of their net energy for lactation requirements. Mammary biopsies were performed before and at the end of the restriction period. Mammary miRNA and mRNA analyses were performed using high-throughput sequencing and microarray analyses, respectively. Feed restriction induced a negative energy balance and decreased milk production and fat and protein yields in both breeds. Feed restriction modified the expression of 27 miRNAs and 374 mRNAs in mammary glands from Holstein cows, whereas no significant miRNA change was observed in Montbéliarde cows. Among the 27 differentially expressed miRNAs, 8 miRNAs were associated with dairy QTL. Analysis of target genes indicate that the 8 most abundantly expressed miRNAs control transcripts related to lipid metabolism, mammary remodeling and stress response. A comparison between the mRNAs targeted by the 8 most strongly expressed miRNAs and 374 differentially expressed mRNAs identified 59 mRNAs in common. The bioinformatic analyses of these 59 mRNAs revealed their implication in lipid metabolism and endothelial cell proliferation. These effects of feed restriction on mammary miRNAs and mRNAs observed in Holstein cows suggest a potential role of miRNAs in mammary structure and lipid biosynthesis that could explain changes in milk production and composition.
A review of reported network degree and recruitment characteristics in respondent driven sampling implications for applied researchers and methodologists
Authors: Avery Lisa , Macpherson Alison , Flicker Sarah , Rotondi Michael
Published: April 2021

Objective

Respondent driven sampling (RDS) is an important tool for measuring disease prevalence in populations with no sampling frame. We aim to describe key properties of these samples to guide those using this method and to inform methodological research.

Methods

In 2019, authors who published respondent driven sampling studies were contacted with a request to share reported degree and network information. Of 59 author groups identified, 15 (25%) agreed to share data, representing 53 distinct study samples containing 36,547 participants across 12 countries and several target populations including migrants, sex workers and men who have sex with men. Distribution of reported network degree was described for each sample and characteristics of recruitment chains, and their relationship to coupons, were reported.

Results

Reported network degree is severely skewed and is best represented by a log normal distribution. For participants connected to more than 15 other people, reported degree is imprecise and frequently rounded to the nearest five or ten. Our results indicate that many samples contain highly connected individuals, who may be connected to at least 1000 other people.

Conclusion

Because very large reported degrees are common; we caution against treating these reports as outliers. The imprecise and skewed distribution of the reported degree should be incorporated into future RDS methodological studies to better capture real-world performance. Previous results indicating poor performance of regression estimators using RDS weights may be widely generalizable. Fewer recruitment coupons may be associated with longer recruitment chains.
Significant variants of type 2 diabetes in the Arabian Region through an Integration of exome databases
Authors: Goto Kosuke , Mineta Katsuhiko , Miyazaki Satoru , Gojobori Takashi
Published: April 2021

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major global health issue, and it has also become one of the major diseases in Arab countries. In addition to the exome databases that have already been established, whole exome sequencing data for the Greater Middle East are now available. To elucidate the genetic features of T2D in the Arabian Peninsula, we integrated two exome databases (gnomAD exome and the Greater Middle East Variome Project) with clinical information from the ClinVar. After the integration, we obtained 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms and found two statistically and clinically significant variants in two genes, SLC30A8 rs13266634 and KCNJ11 rs5219. Interestingly, the two genes are linked to the uptake of the metals, Zn and K respectively, which indicating the regional features of the genetic variants. The frequency of the risk allele of rs13266634 among individuals in the Arabian Peninsula was higher than among individuals in other regions. On the other hand, the frequency of the risk allele of rs5219 in the Arabian Peninsula was lower than that in other regions. We identified and characterized T2D-related variants that show unique tendencies in the Arabian Peninsula. Our analyses contribute to and provide guidance for the clinical research of T2D in the Arabian Peninsula.
Inflammatory microRNAs in gastric mucosa are modulated by Helicobacter pylori infection and proton-pump inhibitors but not by aspirin or NSAIDs
Authors: Vasapolli Riccardo , Venerito Marino , Schirrmeister Wiebke , Thon Cosima , Weigt Jochen , Wex Thomas , Malfertheiner Peter , Link Alexander
Published: April 2021

Gastric carcinogenesis is associated with alterations of microRNAs (miRNAs) and reversal of these alterations may be a crucial element in cancer prevention. Here we evaluate the influence of H. pylori eradication, low-dose aspirin (LDA), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) on modification of inflammatory mucosal miRNAs miR-155 and miR-223 in Helicobacter pylori-infected and non-infected subjects. The study was performed in two parts: 1) interventional study in 20 healthy subjects with and without H. pylori infection or following eradication (each n = 10) where LDA (100 mg) was given daily for 7 days; 2) prospective case-control observational study (n = 188). MiR-155 and miR-223 expression was strongly linked to H. pylori-infection and in short-term view showed a trend for reversal after eradication. Daily LDA as well as regular NSAIDs showed no influence on miRNAs expression both in healthy subjects and patients, while regular PPI intake was associated with lower miR-155 expression in antrum of patients with chronic gastritis independent of density of neutrophils and mononuclear infiltrate. In summary, PPI but not LDA or NSAIDs were associated with modification of inflammatory miRNAs miR-155 and miR-223 in an H. pylori dependent manner. The functional role of inflammatory miR-155 and miR-223 in understanding of H. pylori-related diseases needs further evaluation.
Laboratory correlates of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in a nationwide sample of patients on dialysis in the U.S.
Authors: Anand Shuchi , Montez-Rath Maria E. , Han Jialin , Garcia Pablo , Bozeman Julie , Kerschmann Russell , Beyer Paul , Parsonnet Julie , Chertow Glenn M.
Published: April 2021

Patients on dialysis are at high risk for death due to COVID-19, yet a significant proportion do survive as evidenced by presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 8% of patients in the U.S. in July 2020. It is unclear whether patients with seropositivity represent the subgroup with robust health status, who would be more likely to mount a durable antibody response. Using data from a July 2020 sample of 28,503 patients receiving dialysis, we evaluated the cross-sectional association of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity with laboratory surrogates of patient health. In separate logistic regression models, we assessed the association of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity with seven laboratory-based covariates (albumin, creatinine, hemoglobin, sodium, potassium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone), across the entire range of the laboratory and in comparison to a referent value. Models accounted for age, sex, region, race and ethnicity, and county-level COVID-19 deaths per 100,000. Odds of seropositivity for albumin 3 and 3.5 g/dL were 2.1 (95% CI 1.9–2.3) and 1.3 (1.2–1.4) respectively, compared with 4 g/dL. Odds of seropositivity for serum creatinine 5 and 8 mg/dL were 1.8 (1.6–2.0) and 1.3 (1.2–1.4) respectively, compared with 12.5 mg/dL. Lower values of hemoglobin, sodium, potassium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone were associated with higher odds of seropositivity. Laboratory values associated with poorer health status and higher risk for mortality were also associated with higher likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patients receiving dialysis.
Clinical risk factors for preeclampsia in twin pregnancies
Authors: Chantanahom Nipp , Phupong Vorapong
Published: April 2021

Background

Preeclampsia is a common obstetric complication. The rate of preeclampsia is increased in twin pregnancies. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical risk factors for developing preeclampsia in twin pregnancies.

Methods

A case-control study was carried out among women with twin pregnancies who delivered at gestational age more than 23 weeks at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, from 2003 to 2019. The data were retrieved from electronic medical records. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to find the risk factors.

Results

A total of 1,568 twin pregnancies were delivered during the study period and 182 cases (11.6%) developed preeclampsia. 172 cases with preeclampsia and 516 controls were selected for analysis. After certain variables were adjusted in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the clinical factors associated with preeclampsia in twin pregnancies were nulliparity (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.41) and chronic hypertension (adjusted OR 6.22, 95%CI 1.98–19.57). Low gestational weight gain was a significant protective factor against the development of preeclampsia (adjusted OR 0.50; 95%CI 0.32–0.77).

Conclusion

The clinical risk factors for developing preeclampsia in twin pregnancies were nulliparity and chronic hypertension. These risk factors are of value to identify twin pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia and in implementing primary prevention.
Cost of pre-exposure prophylaxis delivery in family planning clinics to prevent HIV acquisition among adolescent girls and young women in Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Wanga Valentine , Peebles Kathryn , Obiero Alfred , Mogaka Felix , Omollo Victor , Odoyo Josephine B. , Morton Jennifer F. , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Celum Connie , Baeten Jared M. , Barnabas Ruanne V.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is increasingly being implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Kenya contribute more than half of all new infections among young people aged 15–24 years, highlighting the need for evidence on the cost of PrEP in real-world implementation to inform the budget impact, cost-effectiveness, and financial sustainability of PrEP programs.

Methods

We estimated the cost of delivering PrEP to AGYW enrolled in a PrEP implementation study in two family planning clinics in Kisumu county, located in western Kenya. We derived total annual costs and the average cost per client-month of PrEP by input type (variable or fixed) and visit type (initiation or follow-up). We estimated all costs as implemented in the study, and under implementation by the Kenyan Ministry of Health (MoH), both at the program volume observed and if the facilities were delivering PrEP at full capacity (scaled-MoH).

Results

For the costing period between March 2018 and March 2019, 615 HIV-negative women contributed 1,128 (502 initiation and 626 follow-up) visits. The average cost per client-month of PrEP dispensed per study protocol and per the MoH scenario was $28.92 and $14.52, respectively. If the MoH scaled the program so that facilities could see PrEP clients at capacity, the average cost per client-month of PrEP was $10.88. Medication costs accounted for the largest proportion of the total annual costs (48% in MoH scenario and 65% in the scaled-MoH scenario).

Conclusions

Using data from a PrEP implementation program, we found that the cost per client-month of PrEP dispensed is reduced by 62% if PrEP delivery at the two clinics is scaled up by the MoH. Our findings are valuable for informing local resource allocation and budgetary cost projections for scale-up of PrEP delivery to AGYW. Additionally, previous cost-effectiveness studies have been limited by the use of fixed assumptions of the cost of PrEP per person-month. Our study provides cost estimates from practical data which will better inform cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses.
A model for the Twitter sentiment curve
Authors: Aletti Giacomo , Crimaldi Irene , Saracco Fabio
Published: April 2021

Twitter is among the most used online platforms for the political communications, due to the concision of its messages (which is particularly suitable for political slogans) and the quick diffusion of messages. Especially when the argument stimulate the emotionality of users, the content on Twitter is shared with extreme speed and thus studying the tweet sentiment if of utmost importance to predict the evolution of the discussions and the register of the relative narratives. In this article, we present a model able to reproduce the dynamics of the sentiments of tweets related to specific topics and periods and to provide a prediction of the sentiment of the future posts based on the observed past. The model is a recent variant of the Pólya urn, introduced and studied in Aletti and Crimaldi (2019, 2020), which is characterized by a “local” reinforcement, i.e. a reinforcement mechanism mainly based on the most recent observations, and by a random persistent fluctuation of the predictive mean. In particular, this latter feature is capable of capturing the trend fluctuations in the sentiment curve. While the proposed model is extremely general and may be also employed in other contexts, it has been tested on several Twitter data sets and demonstrated greater performances compared to the standard Pólya urn model. Moreover, the different performances on different data sets highlight different emotional sensitivities respect to a public event.
Antibiotic prescription practices and opinions regarding antimicrobial resistance among veterinarians in Kentucky, USA
Authors: Odoi Agricola , Samuels Ronita , Carter Craig N. , Smith Jackie
Published: April 2021

Background

Inappropriate antimicrobial use (AMU) is a global concern. Opinions of veterinarians regarding AMU and its role in the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may influence their prescription practices. It is important to understand these opinions, prescription practices and their potential impact on the development of AMR in order to guide efforts to curb the problem. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial prescription practices and opinions of veterinarians in Kentucky regarding AMU and AMR.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a 30-question survey questionnaire administered to veterinarians who were members of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association. Survey responses from 101 participants were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were computed and associations between categorical variables assessed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Firth logistic models were used to investigate predictors of “Compliance with prescription policies” and “Cost of antimicrobial affects prescription decisions”.

Results

Almost all (93%) respondents indicated that improper AMU contributed to selection for AMR. A total of 52% of the respondents believed that antimicrobials were appropriately prescribed, while the remaining 48% believed that antimicrobials were inappropriately prescribed. Significant predictors of compliance with prescription policies were availability of prescription policy at the veterinary facility (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.2; p<0.001) and over-prescription (OR = 0.35; p = 0.025). Similarly, significant predictors of cost of antimicrobials affecting prescription decisions were lack of post-graduate training (OR = 8.3; p = 0.008) and practice type, with large animal practices having significantly lower odds of the outcome (OR = 0.09; p = 0.004) than small animal practices.

Conclusion

Most veterinarians indicated that improper AMU contributed to selection for AMR. Since the odds of compliance with prescription policies were 4-times higher among veterinarians working at facilities that had prescription policies compared to those at facilities that didn’t, more veterinary facilities should be encouraged to adopt prescription policies to help improve compliance and reduce AMR. Veterinarians would also benefit from continued professional education to help improve prescription practices, antimicrobial stewardship and curb AMR.
Use of amplicon-based sequencing for testing fetal identity and monogenic traits with Single Circulating Trophoblast (SCT) as one form of cell-based NIPT
Authors: Zhuo Xinming , Wang Qun , Vossaert Liesbeth , Salman Roseen , Kim Adriel , Van den Veyver Ignatia , Breman Amy , Beaudet Arthur
Published: April 2021

A major challenge for cell-based non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is to distinguish individual presumptive fetal cells from maternal cells in female pregnancies. We have sought a rapid, robust, versatile, and low-cost next-generation sequencing method to facilitate this process. Toward this goal, single isolated cells underwent whole genome amplification prior to genotyping. Multiple highly polymorphic genomic regions (including HLA-A and HLA-B) with 10–20 very informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within a 200 bp interval were amplified with a modified method based on other publications. To enhance the power of cell identification, approximately 40 Human Identification SNP (Applied Biosystems) test amplicons were also utilized. Using SNP results to compare to sex chromosome data from NGS as a reliable standard, the true positive rate for genotyping was 83.4%, true negative 6.6%, false positive 3.3%, and false negative 6.6%. These results would not be sufficient for clinical diagnosis, but they demonstrate the general validity of the approach and suggest that deeper genotyping of single cells could be completely reliable. A paternal DNA sample is not required using this method. The assay also successfully detected pathogenic variants causing Tay Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, and hemoglobinopathies in single lymphoblastoid cells, and disease-causing variants in three cell-based NIPT cases. This method could be applicable for any monogenic diagnosis.
Cross-sectional study of the relationship between the spiritual wellbeing and psychological health among university Students
Authors: Leung Chi Hung , Pong Hok Ko
Published: April 2021

University students’ spiritual wellbeing has been shown to be associated with quality, satisfaction, and joy of life. This study tested the relationship between spiritual wellbeing and symptoms of psychological disorders (i.e., depression, anxiety and stress) among Chinese university students in Hong Kong. Cross-sectional data were collected from N = 500 students (aged 17–24; 279 women). The participants were asked to complete the Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure (SHALOM) to evaluate the status of their spiritual wellbeing in the personal and communal, environmental, and transcendental domains, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to assess their emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. All domains of spiritual wellbeing were negatively associated with psychological distress. Hierarchical Multiple Regression showed that together the three domains of spirituality explained 79.9%, 71.3% and 85.5% of the variance in students’ depression, anxiety and stress respectively. The personal and communal domain of spiritual wellbeing was the strongest predictor of psychological distress.
Factor structure and construct validity of the short form of managing the emotions of others (MEOS-SF) scale in the Chinese sample
Authors: Wang Qianglong , Zhang Zhuo , Song Ping , Liu Zhenbiao , Zhang Qingyun , Vivino Anthony A. , Yang Bo , Hu Ping
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Emotional manipulation is an important strategy in social interaction. The English version of MEOS-SF has been developed to make the measurement of such manipulation ability more efficient. The purpose of the current study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of MEOS-SF.

Methods

Explore factor analysis and Confirmatory factor analysis were adopted to examine the Chinese version of the MEOS-SF factor structure in 645 Chinese participants (mean age = 24.68 ± 6.01 years) recruited online.

Results

Factor analysis supported a new three-factor model that included Conceal, Prosocial, and Non-prosocial, different from the original English MEOS-SF. Enhance and Divert merged to Prosocial factor while Worsen and Inauthentic merged to Non-prosocial factor because both prosocial and non-prosocial pairs had similar objectives, which would be perceived as the same thing by people in Eastern culture. As expected, MEOS-SF factors were found to be correlated with the Big Five, psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and trait EI.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that the Chinese version of MEOS-SF had acceptable psychometric properties and could be used to assess emotional manipulation.