bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CCNE1 is a predictive and immunotherapeutic indicator in various cancers including UCEC: a pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Zheng Xingyu , Chen Lingli , Liu Wenlu , Zhao Shuangshuang , Yan Ye , Zhao Jianzhen , Tian Wenyan , Wang Yingmei
Published: March 2023

Background

CCNE1 plays an important oncogenic role in several tumors, especially high-stage serous ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Nevertheless, the fundamental function of CCNE1 has not been explored in multiple cancers. Therefore, bioinformatics analyses of pan-cancer datasets were carried out to explore how CCNE1 regulates tumorigenesis.

Methods

A variety of online tools and cancer databases, including GEPIA2, SangerBox, LinkedOmics and cBioPortal, were applied to investigate the expression of CCNE1 across cancers. The pan-cancer datasets were used to search for links between CCNE1 expression and prognosis, DNA methylation, m6A level, genetic alterations, CCNE1-related genes, and tumor immunity. We verified that CCNE1 has biological functions in UCEC cell lines using CCK-8, EdU, and Transwell assays.

Results

In patients with different tumor types, a high mRNA expression level of CCNE1 was related to a poor prognosis. Genes related to CCNE1 were connected to the cell cycle, metabolism, and DNA damage repair, according to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Genetic alterations of CCNE1, including duplications and deep mutations, have been observed in various cancers. Immune analysis revealed that CCNE1 had a strong correlation with TMB, MSI, neoantigen, and ICP in a variety of tumor types, and this correlation may have an impact on the sensitivity of various cancers to immunotherapy. CCK-8, EdU and Transwell assays suggested that CCNE1 knockdown can suppress UCEC cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that CCNE1 is upregulated in multiple cancers in the TCGA database and may be a promising predictive biomarker for the immunotherapy response in some types of cancers. Moreover, CCNE1 knockdown can suppress the proliferation, migration and invasion of UCEC cells.
Intrathecal bupivacaine with clonidine or dexmedetomidine as adjuvant in gynecological surgery: an enigma
Authors: Choudhary Rupesh , Pathania Jyoti , Sharma Anoop , Sharma Aparna , Sharma Rahul
Published: March 2023

Background

Addition of adjuvants to routinely used intrathecal drugs is cornerstone in safe and effective prolongation of single shot spinal block for gynecological surgery. In resource deficient countries, where epidural anesthesia is usually not used because of cost factor, adjuvants are routinely used to prolong the effect of regional anesthesia. Alpha 2 agonists are considered best drugs as adjuvants, but there is inconclusive data in literature about the block characteristic, dose at which to be used and side effect after use of these drugs.

Methods

Clonidine 30 µgm or dexmedetomidine 5 µgm was used intrathecally as an adjuvant with 15 mg bupivacaine 0.5% in 90 female patients undergoing gynecological surgery in this randomized, prospective, single blind study.

Results

The mean time to onset of sensory block a (T6 level) and time to attain maximum sensory height were significantly early in group D over group C (124.44 ± 20.64 s, 175.09 ± 68.01 s, p < 0.0001) and (13.53 ± 2.97 min, 18.64 ± 4.82 min, p < 0.0001)respectively. Time to two segment sensory regression, total duration of analgesia, duration of motor blockade was (115.24 ± 8.9 min, 370.60 ± 17.98 min, 316.67 ± 21.39 min) in group D and (103.58 ± 11.25 min, 323.91 ± 23 min, 273.51 ± 18.95 min) in group C respectively (p < 0.001). The post-operative visual analogue scale score (VAS) was more in group C at 240 min onwards (p ≤ 0.01). Analgesic use and intraoperative complications were similar in both the groups. (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

We recommend clonidine 30 µg over dexmedetomidine 5 µg as an adjuvant to intrathecal bupivacaine, to effectively and safely prolong the effect of single shot spinal anesthesia.
Effect of high body mass index on postoperative pulmonary complications: a retrospective study
Authors: Shiramoto Kiyotaka , Wakamatsu Hiroya , Kametani Yusuke , Matsumoto Satoshi , Ota Keisuke , Morioka Tomoyuki , Harada Kaori , Matsumoto Mishiya
Published: March 2023

Background

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are associated with perioperative mortality and morbidity. Obesity physiologically affects respiratory function and thus could be a risk factor for PPCs. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of high body mass index (BMI) and other factors on the development of PPCs and the perioperative course.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after undergoing elective upper abdominal surgery at our hospital between December 2015 and December 2018. The primary endpoint was the effect of BMI on the development of PPCs, and the secondary endpoints were the effect of BMI on length of ICU stay, ICU readmission, length of hospital stay, and death within 30 days of surgery.

Results

A total of 231 patients were included in this study, 27 of whom had PPCs. BMI was not significantly associated with the development of PPCs. BMI was not significantly associated with length of ICU stay or ICU readmission, whereas higher BMI was significantly associated with shorter hospital stays. The only death within 30 days of surgery occurred in a patient who developed PPCs and died while in the ICU.

Conclusions

We retrospectively investigated the effect of BMI on the development of PPCs, length of ICU stay, and ICU readmission in patients who underwent upper abdominal surgery. BMI was not significantly associated with the development of PPCs, length of ICU stay, or ICU readmission.
On-chip optical sources of 3D photonic integration based on active fluorescent polymer waveguide microdisks for light display application
Authors: Wang Chunxue , Zhang Daming , Yue Jian , Lin Hang , Zhang Xucheng , Zhang Tong , Chen Changming , Fei Teng
Published: March 2023

In this work, on-chip three-dimensional (3D) photonic integrated optical sources based on active fluorescent polymer waveguide microdisks are proposed for light display application. Fluorescent green and red oligomers with high-efficiency photoluminescence are doped into epoxy crosslinking SU-8 polymer as the waveguide gain medium. The microdisk-based on-chip optically pumping light sources are designed and fabricated using the organic functionalized materials by direct UV written process. The promising stacking dual-microdisk structures with double gain layers could provide white signal light source generated perpendicular to the chip, and green signal light source stimulated in the chip. The approach could realize the monolithically on-chip assembled vertical and horizontal bright emitters. The optical pumping threshold power is obtained as 50 mW with continuous-wave (CW) pumping. The average gain coefficient of a white light source is measured by vertical fiber coupling as 112 dB/W, and that of green light source by horizontal fiber coupling as 137 dB/W, respectively. The rising and falling response time of the on-chip optical sources are 60 and 80 µs under modulating pulsed pumping. This technique is very promising for achieving 3D integrated light display application, including photonic circuits and optical information encryption.
Intestinal Vitamin D Receptor Is Dispensable for Maintaining Adult Bone Mass in Mice With Adequate Calcium Intake
Authors: Jiang Heng , Chanpaisaeng Krittikan , Christakos Sylvia , Fleet James C
Published: March 2023

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3)-mediated intestinal calcium (Ca) absorption supplies Ca for proper bone mineralization during growth. We tested whether vitamin D receptor (VDR)-mediated 1,25(OH)2D3 signaling is critical for adult Ca absorption and bone by using mice with inducible Vdr gene knockout in the whole intestine (villin-CreERT2+/− × Vdrf/f, WIK) or in the large intestine (Cdx2-CreERT2+/− ×Vdrf/f, LIK). At 4-month-old, Vdr alleles were recombined (0.05 mg tamoxifen/g BW, intraperitoneally [i.p.], 5 days) and mice were fed diets with either 0.5% (adequate) or 0.2% (low) Ca. Ca absorption was examined after 2 weeks while serum 1,25(OH)2D3, bone mass, and bone microarchitecture were examined after 16 weeks. Intestinal and renal gene expression was measured at both time points (n = 12/genotype/diet/time point). On the 0.5% Ca diet, all phenotypes in WIK and LIK mice were similar to the controls. Control mice adapted to the 0.2% low-Ca diet by increasing renal Cyp27b1 mRNA (3-fold), serum 1,25(OH)2D3 level (1.9-fold), and Ca absorption in the duodenum (Dd, + 131%) and proximal colon (PCo, + 28.9%), which prevented bone loss. In WIK mice, low-Ca diet increased serum 1,25(OH)2D3 (4.4-fold) but Ca absorption remained unaltered in the Dd and PCo. Consequently, significant bone loss occurred in WIK mice (e.g., cortical thickness, Ct.Th, −33.7%). LIK mice adapted to the low-Ca diet in the Dd but not the PCo, and the effect on bone phenotypes was milder (e.g., Ct.Th, −13.1%). Our data suggest intestinal VDR in adult mice prevents bone loss under low Ca intake but is dispensable under adequate calcium intake.
Sports Participation and Neurological Injuries in Pediatric Patients With Chiari I Malformation
Authors: Wieland Clare M. , Holste Katherine G. , Selzer Bela , Garton Hugh J. L. , Muraszko Karin M. , Maher Cormac O.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Currently, there is no consensus recommendation regarding the safety of sports participation for pediatric patients with Chiari I malformation (CM-I).

OBJECTIVE:

To prospectively survey the treated and untreated patients with CM-I to define the risk of sports-associated neurological injury.

METHODS:

A prospective survey was administered to 744 pediatric patients at one neurosurgery clinic between 2010 and 2021. Data were recorded on demographic information, imaging characteristics, treatment, sports participation, and presence of sports-related neurological injury. Patients with incomplete data were called. Two hundred seven patients completed at least 1 subsequent survey and were prospectively followed (mean 1.6 years).

RESULTS:

Of 744 patients with completed surveys, 462 participated in sports. Sports participants were more likely to be older at presentation (P < .001) and have rounded cerebellar tonsil morphology (P < .001). Seasons of sports played before and after CM-I decompression (CMD) totaled 5918.7 and 936, respectively. There were 84 sports-related concussions among 55 patients; 79 in untreated patients and 5 after CMD. For all sports participants, the concussion rate was 12.3/1000 seasons of all sports, 9.2/1000 seasons of limited-contact sports, and 13.8/1000 of contact sports. The concussion rate after CMD was 5.3/1000 seasons of all sports, 9.2/1000 seasons of limited-contact sports, and 7.1/1000 seasons of contact sports. There were no reports of long-lasting neurological issues postconcussion or of permanent spinal cord injury.

CONCLUSION:

No permanent or catastrophic sports-associated neurological injuries were reported. The concussion rates in treated and untreated patients with CM-I were low. Therefore, sports participation in this population should be permitted in most cases.
Effect of topical Zingiber cassumunar on painful diabetic neuropathy: a double-blind randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Jatuten Nachapol , Piyakunmala Phuangthong , Budkaew Jiratha , Chumworathayi Bandit
Published: March 2023

Background: Plai or Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. was registered into the Thai Traditional Medicine list since 2011. However, there is limited evidence regarding Plai as a treatment in painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical Zingiber cassumunar.

Methods: A RCT was conducted in patients with PDN during February to March 2019. All participants received oral gabapentin 300 mg before bed as a standard regimen. The intervention group (n=16) received Plai balm 15%w/w 0.5 gram to apply on their feet three times a day and the control group (n=15) received placebo balm to similarly apply. Pain score at baseline, 2nd and 4th weeks were assessed and compared. Patients’ quality of life, and adverse events, were collected. Mean pain scores before and after treatment in each group and between groups were also analyzed.

Results: At the end of week two and week four, the Plai group showed statistically significant lesser mean pain scores than the placebo group by -1.47 (95%CI: -1.96 to -1.30, p-value < 0.001), and by -1.51 (95%CI: -1.92 to -0.13, p-value = 0.027), respectively. Moreover, the Plai group had more cases number/ percentages with at least 50% pain score reduction than the placebo group [12/16 (75%) vs 3/15 (20%), p-value = 0.004]. However, there was no statistically significant difference in quality of life between the two groups (overall p-value = 0.366). Adverse event was not found in any groups.

Conclusions: Zingiber cassumunar balm (Plai) was efficacious for pain reduction in painful diabetic neuropathy.

Registration: Registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry; TCTR20200221001.
El origen levantino de las ánforas de cuello fenicias ultramarinas: un análisis de su trasfondo tipológico, contexto secuencial y escenarios funcionales.
Authors: Núñez Calvo Francisco Jesús
Published: March 2023

Este artículo analiza los orígenes del ánfora de cuello, conocida como “urna de la Cruz del Negro”, típico en contextos fenicios e indígenas de la Edad del Hierro en la península ibérica. Se desarrollan tres aspectos: tipología, crono-secuencia y función. Según las evidencias, la forma evolucionó de unos contenedores utilizados en contextos domésticos y funerarios del levante meridional durante el Bronce Tardío. Distinguibles morfológica y decorativamente de las jarras de cuello anillado, ambas formas y sus variantes evolucionaron paralelamente, aunque de manera heterogénea y con influencias cruzadas. Una versión con una sola asa de estas jarras viajó a ultramar con otras formas cerámicas levantinas a finales del Hierro Medio y principios del Hierro Tardío (segunda mitad del siglo IX y principios del VIII a.C.), comenzando entonces su producción. El ánfora de cuello apareció como una derivación de ese tipo en el Mediterráneo occidental en la segunda mitad del siglo VIII a.C. Por el contrario, en el Mediterráneo central se prefirió la variante de una sola asa. Aunque muchas de sus particularidades permanecen inciertas, las dos variantes repitieron funcionales levantinas en entornos fenicios e indígenas. Sin embargo, ambas funcionaron como urnas cinerarias, una innovación respecto a sus homólogas levantinas.
Estilos parentais e vinculação aos pares fazem a diferença nos motivos do consumo de álcool em jovens universitários?
Authors: Pinheiro Mota Catarina , De Assunção Sandra
Published: March 2023

A literatura suporta a importância da relação entre os jovens e as figuras parentais para um desenvolvimento adaptativo, nomeadamente capacidades pró-sociais e menor envolvimento em comportamentos de risco. A qualidade das relações com os pares pode também desempenhar um papel protetor no que respeita ao consumo de álcool. O objetivo deste estudo foca-se na análise do efeito dos estilos parentais e da vinculação aos pares nos motivos de consumo de álcool. Participaram 1.044 estudantes universitários de ambos os sexos com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e 25 anos (M = 19.78; DP = 1.68). De forma a recolher os dados recorreu-se a um questionário sociodemográfico, ao Parenting Styles & Dimensions Questionnaire: Short Version (PSDQ), ao Inventory of Peer and Parental Attachment (IPPA-peer), ao Drinking Motives Questionnaire – Revised (DMQ-R) e ao Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Os resultados apontam para um efeito preditor positivo dos estilos parentais autoritários e permissivos e da alienação aos pares face aos motivos de consumo de álcool e um efeito preditor negativo do estilo parental democrático e de uma vinculação aos pares pautada por comunicação e confiança. As mulheres apresentam maior qualidade relacional com os pares comparativamente com os jovens do sexo masculino. Os rapazes apresentam uma maior diversidade de motivos de consumo de álcool. Os resultados são discutidos considerando a relevância dos estilos parentais e qualidade das relações com os pares no desenvolvimento pessoal e as motivações dos jovens adultos, em contexto universitário, para a assunção de comportamentos de risco.
Analysis of Opportunistic Behavior, Monitoring Mechanisms and Financial Distress on Earnings Management: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Agustina Dian , Anita Nur
Published: March 2023

This study aims to examine the relationship between opportunistic behavior, monitoring mechanisms, and financial distress on earnings management. The population of this study is 796 companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange year 2015-2019. Fourty three sample companies were selected using purposive sampling method, resulting 215 firm-year observation data. Using ordinary least square (OLS) regression as the main data analysis, the study observed that monitoring mechanism variable proxied by leverage has a positive effect on earnings management. However, there is no correlation between opportunistic behavior proxied by free cash flow and profitability as well as financial distress proxied by Altman Z-Score on earnings management. A robustness test using additional data of the samples companies during the COVID-19 pandemic was carried out. The test provides evidence that the results of this study's are robust. This study contributes empirically to the literature on the relationship between opportunistic behavior using free cash flow and profitability proxies, monitoring mechanisms using leverage, financial distress, and earnings management. It also provides valuable information for stakeholders to observe the quality of firm’s financial statements.
Gambaran Riwayat Pemberian Air Susu Ibu dan Status Gizi Balita di Dusun Ratan Kecamatan Batur Kabupaten Banjarnegara
Authors: Khafillah Fini , Handayani Lina
Published: March 2023

Background: The best food for newborns up to six months of age is breast milk. This is due to the complete nutritional content so that it can meet the baby’s needs. Breastfeeding after the baby is six months old is recommended with complementary feeding. The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding in Banjarnegara Regency in 2019 was 61.4%. History of breastfeeding factors that can influence the nutritional status of children. This study aims to describe the history of breastfeeding and the nutritional status of children in Dusun Ratan, Batur Village, Batur District, Banjarnegara Regency. Method: This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. There were nine informants in this study consisting of mothers who had toddlers with the criteria of under-fives being less nutritional status, over nutritional status, and good nutrition status. Collecting data in this study through interviews. Result: Most of the informants gave exclusive breastfeeding. But one of the informants who had a toddler with more nutritional status did not exclusively breastfeed. The knowledge of the informants is not good. This may be related to the level of education of the informants which is still low on average. A mother’s motivation in breastfeeding comes from herself and also her family. Information about breastfeeding was obtained by informants through counseling, KIA books, the internet, articles on breastfeeding, and midwives. Conclusion: The history of exclusive breastfeeding is related to the nutritional status of toddlers, although exclusive breastfeeding is not the only factor that can determine the nutritional status of toddlers. Husband and family
Pemanfaatan Pelayanan Kesehatan dan Persepsi dengan Kepatuhan Akseptor Keluarga Berencana (KB) pada Masa Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Jannah Fika Nuri Fathul , Sari Dian Nur Adkhana
Published: March 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on family planning programs. The government has made a new policy to limit family planning services during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there is a decrease in family planning participation, causing a high risk of an increase in the number of pregnancies and an explosion in the birth rate. Utilization of health services and a good perception of family planning can increase the compliance of family planning acceptors. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between the utilization of health services and perceptions with the compliance of family planning acceptors during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Kalasan Health Center, Sleman. Methods: This research method is quantitative with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were all family planning acceptors at the Kalasan Sleman Health Center with a total of 60 respondents. The sampling technique used was Total Sampling with a total of 53 respondents. Data analysis using Chi Square statistical test and multiple linear regression. Results: Based on the results of the Chi Square test, the variable of utilization of health services and compliance with family planning acceptors, the value of = 0.781 means that the value of >0.05 with multiple linear regression results Sig. 0.728. The results of the Chi Square test of the perception variable with the compliance of family planning acceptors obtained the value of = 0.318, meaning that the value of >0.05 with multiple linear regression values of Sig. 0.452. Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between the utilization of health services and perceptions of compliance with family planning acceptors during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Kalasan Health Center, Sleman Yogyakarta.
Pengembangan Konten Video Animasi Motion Graphic sebagai Media Promosi Kesehatan Personal Hygiene Menstruasi bagi Remaja Putri
Authors: Triamanda Rona Zulfa , Salawati Trixie , Larasaty Nurina Dyah
Published: March 2023

Background: Menstrual personal hygiene is an effort to maintain personal hygiene and reproductive organs during menstruation. If the personal hygiene of menstruation is poor, it may be at risk of infection of the reproductive tract and can cause vaginal discharge. The results of the preliminary study showed that 8 out of 10 adolescents knew little about menstrual hygiene. Purpose: To produce animated video content motion graphics of adolescent girls' about personal hygiene during menstruation. Method: This study using uses the P Process media development model. The expert review was conducted by media experts and materials experts. The pre-test media will conduct on girls adolescents aged 13-18. Results: The expert review results showed that the animation video media motion graphic about menstrual personal menstrual hygiene belonged to an excellent category (81-100%), and the materials in the animated videos motion graphic about menstrual personal hygiene belonged to a good category (61-80%). The results of a small-scale experiment conducted on 13-18-year-old girls showed an increase in knowledge before and after watching animated videos about menstruation and personal hygiene. All interviewees believed that animated videos were very educational and useful for young women. Conclusion: This study shows a change in the increase in knowledge of adolescent girls after seeing an animated video motion graphic about menstrual personal hygiene.
Inter-Species and Inter-Organ Differences in Stable C and N Isotope Signatures of Macrophytes from the Largest Freshwater Lake in China
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Jinmei , Yao Na , Zhang Peiyu , Liu Zugen , Zhu Guorong , Xu Jun , Zhong Ruixue , Xie Ping
Published: March 2023

Macrophytes play important roles in shallow aquatic ecosystems. Stable isotope signatures of macrophytes indicate the environmental conditions and macrophyte contributions to food webs. However, macrophyte isotope signatures have been studied less than isotope signatures of other organisms. We determined the stable C and N isotope signatures of 10 aquatic plant species from Poyang Lake wetland (Wucheng, Yongxiu County) and Nanji wetland (Nanjishan, Xinjian County) in Jiangxi Province, which are Chinese national nature reserves, among different seasons. The isotope signatures for different species and seasons were significantly different. The dominant macrophyte species were Potamogeton malaianus and Nymphoides peltatum. The isotope signatures for different organs of these two species were determined. Both δ13C and δ15N values were higher for P. malaianus than for N. peltatum stems, roots and leaves, and δ13C varied less for N. peltatum than for P. malaianus organs. The δ13C and δ15N values for P. malaianus organs increased in the order roots<stemsstems>leaves, and δ15N values for N. peltatum organs increased in the order roots<stems<leaves. The stable C and N isotope signatures for P. malaianus and N. peltatum may be controlled by various factors including macrophyte life history, external sources of C/N, and the amount of water in the wetland. These results provided a theoretical reference and experimental data support for detecting the flow trend of C & N elements and environment changes in the lake by the δ13C and δ15N values of euhydrophytes.
Safety of a 2-dose primary series of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Indonesian infants
Authors: Sundoro Julitasari , Prayitno Ari , Satari Hindra Irawan , Djelantik I Gusti Gede , Fletcher Mark Andrew , Hadinegoro Sri Rezeki , Syafriyal
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND In 2017, the Indonesian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization recommended a safety monitoring demonstration program for the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in West Lombok and East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara to evaluate the 2-dose primary series (2 and 3 months of age) for serious adverse events (SAEs), adverse events, systemic events, and local reactions.

METHODS A total of 1,083 infants from 10 primary healthcare centers were analyzed, with 687 receiving the first dose and 396 receiving the second dose. Based on the national immunization program, they received PCV13 + DTwP-HB-Hib + OPV (n = 544), PCV13 + DTwP-HB-Hib (n = 101), or PCV13 only (n = 403). They were monitored for 30 min after vaccination for any immediate SAEs, and parents were given a diary card to record safety information prospectively for 28 days.

RESULTS No immediate SAEs were observed, and no SAEs were reported during 28 days after vaccination. Reports of local reactions and systemic events predominated on days 1–3 post-vaccination. Severe fever (axillary temperature >39.0°C) was uncommon (<2% of all infants). Most irritability was mild to moderate. Local pain was more frequent after the first dose than after the second dose. It was distributed evenly across mild, moderate, and severe classifications, while redness and swelling were mostly mild to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS The PCV13 primary series demonstration program in Indonesia confirmed tolerable local and systemic reactions.
Universal understanding of self-healing and transformation of complex structured beams based on eigenmode superposition
Authors: Zhao Suyi , Zhang Zilong , Wang Xudong , Chen Jinmao , Gao Yuan , Wang Xin , Jie Yuchen , Zhao Changming
Published: March 2023

The self-healing property of laser beams with special spatial structures is of great interest. We take the Hermite–Gaussian (HG) eigenmode as an example, theoretically and experimentally investigating the self-healing and transformation characteristics of complex structured beams composed of incoherent or coherent superposition of multiple eigenmodes. It is found that a partially blocked single HG mode can recover the original structure or transfer to a lower order distribution in the far field. When the obstacle retains one pair of edged bright spots of the HG mode in each direction of two symmetry axes, the beam structure information (number of knot lines) along each axis can be restored. Otherwise, it will transfer to the corresponding low-order mode or multi-interference fringes in the far field, according to the interval of the two most-edged remaining spots. It is proved that the above effect is induced by the diffraction and interference results of the partially retained light field. This principle is also applicable to other scale-invariant structured beams such as Laguerre–Gauss (LG) beams. The self-healing and transformation characteristics of multi-eigenmode composed beams with specially customized structures can be intuitively investigated based on eigenmode superposition theory. It is found that the HG mode incoherently composed structured beams have a stronger ability to recover themselves in the far field after occlusion. These investigations can expand the applications of optical lattice structures of laser communication, atom optical capture, and optical imaging.
Optics in South America: introduction
Authors: Wiederhecker Gustavo S. , Cavalcanti S. B. , Fontes Adriana , Garcia-Sucerquia Jorge , Perez Dario , Vera Esteban , Bragas Andrea , de Matos Christiano , Fainstein Alejandro , Felinto Daniel , Milori Debora M. B. P. , Walborn Stephen P.
Published: March 2023

South American optics research has seen remarkable growth over the past 50 years, with significant contributions in areas such as quantum optics, holography, spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, statistical optics, nanophotonics and integrated photonics. The research has driven economic development in sectors like telecom, biophotonics, biometrics, and agri-sensing. This joint feature issue between JOSA A and JOSA B exhibits cutting-edge optics research from the region, fostering a sense of community and promoting collaboration among researchers.
Tunable femtosecond optical parametric oscillators resonating at 0.65–1.02 µm and 1.07–2.3 µm
Authors: Heng Jiaxing , Zhang Rui , Qin Mengke , Zhang Zhaowei
Published: March 2023

We present a singly resonant femtosecond optical parametric oscillator (OPO) cavity architecture supporting ultra-broadband wavelength tuning and efficient outcoupling of the generated optical pulses. Experimentally, we demonstrate an OPO with its oscillating wavelength tuned over 652–1017 nm and 1075–2289 nm, spanning nearly 1.8 octaves. This is, as far as we know, the widest resonant-wave tuning range obtained from a green-pumped OPO. We show that intracavity dispersion management is crucial for the stationary and single-band operation of such a broadband wavelength tuning system. This architecture is universal, and therefore can be extended to allow the oscillation and ultra-broadband tuning of OPOs at various spectral regions.
Phase identification despite amplitude variation in a coherent beam combination using deep learning
Authors: Grant-Jacob James A. , Mills Ben , Zervas Michalis N.
Published: March 2023

Coherent beam combination offers the potential for surpassing the power limit of a single fibre laser, as well as achieving agile far-field beam-shaping. However, the spatial beam profile of the combined beam is significantly dependent on the phase of each fibre. Recent results have shown that deep learning can be used to extract phase information from a far-field intensity profile, hence unlocking the potential for real-time control. However, the far-field intensity profile is also dependent on the amplitude of each fibre, and therefore phase identification may also need to occur whilst the fibre amplitudes are not equal. Here, it is shown that a neural network trained to identify phase when all fibres have equal amplitudes can also identify phase values when the amplitudes are not equal, without requiring additional training data.
Ppb-level methane detection based on a homemade Raman fiber amplifier and differential photoacoustic technology
Authors: He Haijie , Zhang Tie , He Sailing , Wang Gaoxuan , Wang Lihui , Huang Yan
Published: March 2023

A high-power near-infrared (NIR) wavelength-modulated differential photoacoustic spectroscopy (WM-DPAS) sensor for parts-per-billion (ppb) level methane (CH4) detection was reported by using a homemade Raman fiber optical amplifier (RFA). A 1653.7 nm distributed feedback (DFB) laser with a max output power of 21 mW was employed as a seed source to excite a high light power of 588-mW through the RFA, which greatly improved the sensor performance. A differential PA cell composing of two identical resonators with a length of 90 mm and a diameter of 6 mm was used to remove the background noise. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) and 2nd harmonic (2f) demodulation techniques were applied for further improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the PA signal. A 1σ measurement detection limit (MDL) of ~10 ppb for methane (CH4) detection was achieved with an integration time of 10 s. A long-term stability of the sensor was evaluated by an Allan deviation analysis which demonstrated the good stability of the PAS sensor. Finally, a measurement sensitivity of 0.17 ppb was achieved when the integration time was set to ~100 s.
Feature-specific reactivations of past information shift current neural encoding thereby mediating serial bias behaviors
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Luo Huan
Published: March 2023

The regularities of the world render an intricate interplay between past and present. Even across independent trials, current-trial perception can be automatically shifted by preceding trials, namely the “serial bias.” Meanwhile, the neural implementation of the spontaneous shift of present by past that operates on multiple features remains unknown. In two auditory categorization experiments with human electrophysiological recordings, we demonstrate that serial bias arises from the co-occurrence of past-trial neural reactivation and the neural encoding of current-trial features. The meeting of past and present shifts the neural representation of current-trial features and modulates serial bias behavior. Critically, past-trial features (i.e., pitch, category choice, motor response) keep their respective identities in memory and are only reactivated by the corresponding features in the current trial, giving rise to dissociated feature-specific serial biases. The feature-specific automatic reactivation might constitute a fundamental mechanism for adaptive past-to-present generalizations over multiple features.
Tuberculosis service disruptions and adaptations during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the private health sector of two urban settings in Nigeria—A mixed methods study
Authors: Oga-Omenka Charity , Sassi Angelina , Vasquez Nathaly Aguilera , Baruwa Elaine , Rosapep Lauren , Daniels Benjamin , Olusola-Faleye Bolanle , Huria Lavanya , Adamu Abdu , Johns Benjamin , Das Jishnu , Pai Madhukar
Published: March 2023

Nigeria has the second largest share of undiagnosed TB cases in the world and a large private health sector estimated to be the point of initial care-seeking for 67% of TB patients. There is evidence that COVID-19 restrictions disrupted private healthcare provision, but insufficient data on how private healthcare provision changed as a result of the pandemic. We conducted qualitative interviews and a survey to assess the impact of the pandemic, and government response on private healthcare provision, and the disruptions providers experienced, particularly for TB services. Using mixed methods, we targeted policymakers, and a network of clinical facilities, laboratories, community pharmacies, and medicine vendors in Kano and Lagos, Nigeria. We interviewed 11 policymakers, surveyed participants in 2,412 private facilities. Most (n = 1,676, 70%) facilities remained open during the initial lockdown period, and most (n = 1,667, 69%) offered TB screening. TB notifications dipped during the lockdown periods but quickly recovered. Clinical facilities reported disruptions in availability of medical supplies, staff, required renovations, patient volume and income. Few private providers (n = 119, 11% in Kano; n = 323, 25% in Lagos) offered any COVID-19 screening up to the time of the survey, as these were only available in designated facilities. These findings aligned with the interviews as policymakers reported a gradual return to pre-COVID services after initial disruptions and diversion of resources to the pandemic response. Our results show that COVID-19 and control measures had a temporary impact on private sector TB care. Although some facilities saw decreases in TB notifications, private facilities continued to provide care for individuals with TB who otherwise might have been unable to seek care in the public sector. Our findings highlight resilience in the private sector as they recovered fairly quickly from pandemic-related disruptions, and the important role private providers can play in supporting TB control efforts.
Improving understanding of disease control implementation research through a mooc with participants from low- and middle-income countries: Evaluating participant reactions and learning
Authors: Nwameme Adanna , Dako-Gyeke Phyllis , Asampong Emmanuel , Allotey Pascale , Reidpath Daniel D. , Certain Edith , Vahedi Mahnaz , Ross Bella , Maher Dermot , Launois Pascal
Published: March 2023

The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases developed a massive open online course (MOOC) on implementation research with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty (IDPs) to reinforce the explanation of implementation research concepts through real case studies. The target MOOC participant group included public health officers, researchers and students. By reshaping institutions and building resilience in communities and systems, implementation research will allow progress towards universal health coverage and sustainable development goals. This study evaluates learners’ knowledge in implementation research after completing the MOOC using anonymous exit survey responses. Of the almost 4000 enrolled in the two sessions of the MOOC in 2018, about 30% completed all five modules and the assessments, and were awarded certificates. The majority of the participants were early to mid-career professionals, under the age of 40, and from low- and middle-income countries. They were slightly more likely to be men (56%) with a Bachelor or a Master’s degree. Participants were public health researchers (45%), public health officers (11%) or students (11%). On completion of the course, an exit survey revealed that 80.9% of respondents indicated significant improvement to strong and very strong implementation research knowledge. This evaluation clearly shows the usefulness of the MOOC on implementation research for reaching out to field researchers and public health practitioners who are facing problems in the implementation of control programmes in low- and middle-income countries.
Primary care provider uptake of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity in Medicare patients, 2013–2019
Authors: Ozoor Mounira , Gritz Mark , Dolor Rowena J. , Holtrop Jodi Summers , Luo Zhehui
Published: March 2023

Background

The delivery of Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT) for obesity by primary care providers (PCPs) has been covered by Medicare to support elderly individuals with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) in managing their weight since 2011 for individual therapy and 2015 for group therapy. We conducted a cohort study of PCPs in an attempt to understand patterns of uptake of IBT for obesity services among PCPs serving the Medicare population across the U.S.

Methods

We used the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider Utilization and Payment Data from 2013 to 2019 to identify all PCPs who served more than 10 Medicare beneficiaries in each of the seven-year period to form a longitudinal panel. The procedure codes G0447 and G0473 were used to identify PCPs who provided IBT; and the characteristics of these providers were compared by the IBT-uptake status.

Results

Of the 537,754 eligible PCPs who served Medicare patients in any of the seven years, only 1.2% were found to be IBT service providers in at least one year from 2013 through 2019 (246 always users, 1,358 early adopters, and 4,563 late adopters). IBT providers shared a few common characteristics: they were more likely to be male, internal medicine providers, saw a higher number of Medicare beneficiaries, and practiced in the South and Northeast regions. Having higher proportion of patients with hyperlipidemia was associated with higher likelihood of a provider being an IBT-user.

Conclusions

Very few PCPs continuously billed IBT services for Medicare patients with obesity. Further investigation is needed to mitigate barriers to the uptake of IBT services among PCPs.
Impact of acute open-skill exercise on inhibitory control and brain activation: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Takahashi Shinji , Grove Philip M.
Published: March 2023

There is a growing body of literature demonstrating that a single bout of exercise benefits executive cognitive function. While the acute effect of closed-skill exercises like walking, running, and cycling has been well investigated, it is less clear how open-skill exercise impacts executive function and brain activation. Therefore, we compared the acute effects of an open-skill exercise on inhibitory control and brain activation with those of a closed-skill exercise using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Twenty-four young right-hand dominant adults (9 women) completed three interventions: badminton, running, and a seated rest control condition for 10 min each. The intensities of badminton and running were comparable. During each intervention, oxygen uptake and heart rate were monitored. A Stroop task composed of neutral and incongruent conditions was administrated before and after each intervention. An fNIRS system recorded hemodynamics in the prefrontal cortex to evaluate brain activation during the Stroop task. Performance on the Stroop task was significantly improved after badminton, specifically in the incongruent condition relative to in the neutral condition. On the other hand, neither running nor seated rest affected performance in the Stroop task. The fNIRS measures indicated that badminton and running had no significant influence on brain activation. These results show that a single bout of open-skill exercise enhances inhibitory control without increasing brain activation compared to closed-skill exercise, suggesting that an acute open-skill exercise induces neural efficiency.
Mental distress, COVID19 vaccine distrust and vaccine hesitancy in South Africa: A causal mediation regression analysis
Authors: Kollamparambil Umakrishnan , Oyenubi Adeola , Nwosu Chijioke
Published: March 2023

Aim

Within the context of increasing mental distress noted since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic, the study aims at analysing the relationship between mental health, vaccine distrust and vaccine hesitancy in South Africa.

Subject and methods

The study uses nationally representative panel data of 3241 individuals interviewed prior to and during the COVID19 pandemic. The study uses a range of regression techniques including logit, mediation and gradient-boosted causal mediation models to identify the causal relationship while accounting for selection bias.

Results

The results of multivariate logit regression reveal that vaccine distrust is the most important predictor of vaccine hesitancy [Coeff: 3.420, CI 3.122, 3.717]. Mental distress is not found to be a significant driver in a fully specified logit model, pointing to the need to analyse the pathways through which mental distress impacts vaccine hesitancy. The mediation regression undertaken for this purpose finds that the mental distress has a positive and significant association with vaccine distrust [Coeff: 0.027, CI: 0.0029, 0.052]. The increased vaccine distrust in turn results in increased vaccine hesitancy [Coeff: 0.661, CI: 0.611, 0.711]. The results of mediation regression therefore indicate strong and significant mediation effects, whereby mental health effects vaccine hesitancy through the mediating variable of vaccine distrust. These results are robust to the gradient boosted causal mediation model which establishes strong and significant indirect effects [Coeff: 0.015, CI: 0.01, 0.019], whereby mental health effects vaccine hesitancy through the mediating variable of vaccine distrust.

Conclusion

The study concludes that mental health impacts on vaccine intention through the mediating role of vaccine distrust. The findings indicate that individuals at high risk of depression are more concerned regarding the safety of vaccines, which in turn feeds into vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, depressive symptoms impact on vaccine hesitancy through the mediating factor of vaccine distrust.
Financial and social efficiency of microcredit programs of partner organizations of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Asif Muhammad , Nazir Naila , Rehman Irshad Ateeq Ur , Ullah Ikram , Ahmad Shabir
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the financial and social efficiency of the microcredit programs offered by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund partner organizations. Panel data concerning variables of interest are collected from Pakistan Microfinance Network, covering a minimum of 14 partner organizations (in 2005) to a maximum of 35 partner organizations (in 2014). The data is analyzed using the Data Envelopment Analysis, assuming both constant and variable returns to scale scenarios and the operational scale of the partner organizations. Trends in average efficiency scores have been analyzed to assess the mission drift of the partner organizations. Results reveal that managerial inefficiency is more pronounced than the sub-optimal production scale in all three scenarios under consideration. Moreover, trends in the efficiency scores indicated a slight mission drift of the microfinance providers. About 77.5% of the partner organizations were financially sustainable over the entire study period. The study recommends providing objective-oriented training, workshops, and seminars for managing microfinance providers.
Limiting spread of VIM-positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa from colonized sink drains in a tertiary care hospital: A before-and-after study
Authors: Pirzadian Jannette , Voor in ‘t holt Anne F. , Hossain Mehjabeen , Klaassen Corné H. W. , de Goeij Inge , Koene Heidy H. H. T. , Bode Lonneke G. M. , Vos Margreet C. , Severin Juliëtte A.
Published: March 2023

Background

In healthcare environments, sinks are being increasingly recognized as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In our hospital, carbapenemase-producing, Verona Integron-encoded Metallo-beta-lactamase (VIM)-positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-PA) was detected at low endemicity in patients, and environmental culturing revealed that sink drains were primary reservoirs. Therefore, an intervention was initiated in several wards to install sink drain plugs as physical barriers against splashing to prevent transmission of VIM-PA from drain reservoirs to the surrounding sink environment.

Aim

To assess the efficacy of the intervention on limiting spread of VIM-PA.

Methods

Swabs were taken from inner sink environments (i.e. drains), and outer sink environments (i.e. wash basins, faucet aerators, and countertops) twice before and three times after the intervention. Siphon water and drain wells were also sampled before and at the moment of the intervention, respectively. All samples were screened for VIM-PA, and isolates were typed with multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA).

Results

There was a significant reduction in VIM-PA positivity in both inner (P-value <0.001) and outer (P-value 0.001) sink environments after the intervention. However, VIM-PA recolonization was observed in the inner sink environments of patient rooms, and also in rooms exclusive to healthcare personnel, over time. Surfaces in the outer sink environment were rarely positive for VIM-PA after the intervention. MLVA revealed three genetic clusters, with one found in all wards and room types during the study period.

Conclusions

Drain plugs are a simple and effective infection prevention and control measure to contain spread of VIM-PA from drain reservoirs.