bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cucurbit[6]uril-Based Supramolecular Assembly as a Multifunctional Material for the Detection and Removal of Organic Explosives and Antibiotics
Authors: Han Xiaodong , Wang Shuo , Liu Mei , Liu Lihui
Published: September 2022

A novel cucurbit[6]uril-based (CB[6]) supramolecular assembly H2NDS·CB[6] (1) (CB[6] = cucurbit[6]uril, H2NDS = 1,6-naphthalenedisulfonic acid) was successfully synthesized using H2NDS as the “structure inducer”. The fluorescence results showed that 1 could be used as a fluorescence sensor for the detection of organic explosives 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP), and isoquinoline antibiotics berberine (BER) and palmatine (PAL) in aqueous solution by fluorescence quenching at parts per billion (ppb) levels. Even more exciting, BER exhibits aggregation induced effect (AIE) functionality with 1 in aqueous solution through noncovalent interaction. We have successfully utilized this phenomenon to detect BER, and the limit of detection (LOD) was lower than the fluorescence quenching detection method by 1. This result suggests that we can use the AIE phenomenon of BER to further distinguish 4-NP and TNP from BER. Simultaneously, 1 also displays high adsorption abilities towards BER. As far as we known, there is no report of CB[6]-based supramolecular assembly for both detection and removal of antibiotics. This method is also applied to reliably and accurately detect these analyte concentrations in actual sample water and calf serum.
The impact of baseline 18F-FDG PET-CT on the management and outcome of patients with gastric cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Foley Kieran G , Coomer Will , Coles Bernadette , Bradley Kevin M
Published: September 2022

Objective:

CT and staging laparoscopy are routinely used to stage patients with gastric cancer, however the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) combined with CT (PET-CT) is uncertain. This systematic review synthesised the evidence regarding the impact of baseline PET-CT staging on treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Methods:

Systematic database searches were performed without date restriction. Studies reporting data in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent radiological staging were included. One reviewer screened titles and abstracts for suitability and two reviewers extracted data from included articles. Primary outcome was the reported change in management after PET-CT. Secondary outcomes were the rates of recurrence and overall survival between patients staged with and without PET-CT. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. PROSPERO registration (CRD42022304314).

Results:

Data from 11 studies recruiting 2101 patients between 2012 and 2021 were included. PET-CT was performed in 1422 patients. Change of management varied between 3% and 29% of cases. No studies compared recurrence or survival rates between patients staged with or without PET-CT. Adenocarcinoma of intestinal subtype tended to be more FDG-avid compared to diffuse or signet-ring subtypes. No randomised data existed, and studies were considered low quality with high risk of bias.

Conclusion:

Evidence for the additional value of PET-CT in the gastric cancer staging pathway is limited. All studies reported a positive impact by preventing those with undetected metastatic disease on CT undergoing futile surgery. Future national guidelines should consider routine staging PET-CT in gastric cancer.

Advances in knowledge:

Studies indicated that FDG PET-CT added benefit in gastric cancer staging by detecting more distant metastases, but these studies were generally of low quality and at high risk of bias. Intestinal subtype of gastric adenocarcinoma tended to be more FDG-avid and therefore more distant metastases were subsequently detected.
Inflammatory cytokines affecting cardiovascular function: a scoping review
Authors: Kristanti Risma Aprianda , Bramantoro Taufan , Soesilawati Pratiwi , Hariyani Ninuk , Suryadinata Arief , Purwanto Bambang , Nugraha Alexander Patera , Tengku Ahmad Noor Tengku Natasha Eleena binti
Published: September 2022

Background: A chronic inflammatory process can cause disorders on the cardiovascular system. It is caused by an enhancement of inflammatory cytokines that can decrease the heart working-function. This article aims to review inflammatory cytokines that can cause the cardiovascular system disease.

Methods: The review process began by taking articles from two databases, namely PubMed and SpringerLink without using the publication year limit. The reviewed article was a research article using human samples, which analyzed the impact of inflammatory cytokines on cardiovascular disease or the risk level of cardiovascular disease.

Result: From a total of 3926 articles originating from two databases, 21 obtained articles have matched with the inclusion criteria for the review process. Of those 21 articles, 17 reported an increased effect of inflammatory cytokines on cardiovascular disease, while four articles showed no association between increased inflammatory cytokines and cardiovascular disease. There were six inflammatory cytokines that could affect cardiovascular disease, namely: TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17 where cytokine IL-6 is confirmed by as many as 14 articles, TNF-α as many as six articles, and IL-1 β as many as three articles as inflammatory cytokines that could affect cardiovascular function.

Conclusion: The increased level of inflammatory cytokines can be a trigger for decreased function and cause the disease in the cardiovascular system.
Predictors of face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: Application of the health belief model, psychological distress and health motivation
Authors: Wulandari Devi , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Alfikalia Alfikalia , Kertamuda Fatchiah Ekowati , Rahmania Tia , Sabrina Olivia Ayu , Hidayah Kurnia Nurul , Fatimah Syarifah
Published: September 2022

Background: High infection rates of COVID-19 in Indonesia require attention, especially transmission and prevention behaviors. One way to lower infection rates is the use of face masks. However, people's adherence to its usage when in public is still low. This necessitates the exploration of predictors of the use of masks to increase community compliance. This study further aims to investigate the predictors of face mask use by applying the Health Belief Model, anxiety, stress, depression, and health motivation. Methods: A total of 255 respondents from Jakarta, Bandung, Tangerang, and Banten filled out an online questionnaire. Furthermore, hierarchical multiple regression was used to detect predictors associated with face mask use. Results: The results showed that the high perceived benefits and health motivation were higher in individuals who used a face mask when in public, while those who have high perceived barriers likely do not use masks. The respondent's level of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress were not associated with face mask use. Conclusions: Therefore, these findings highlight the importance of personal appraisal regarding COVID-19 and its prevention behaviors. Comfortable mask design, and emphasizing the benefits of using masks in the community improve compliance.
Powerlessness Also Corrupts: Lower Power Increases Self-Promotional Lying
Authors: Li Huisi (Jessica) , Chen Ya-Ru , Hildreth John Angus D.
Published: September 2022

The popular maxim holds that power corrupts, and research to date supports the view that power increases self-interested unethical behavior. However, we predict the opposite effect when unethical behavior, specifically lying, helps an individual self-promote: lower rather than higher power increases self-promotional lying. Drawing from compensatory consumption theory, we propose that this effect occurs because lower power people feel less esteemed in their organizations than do higher power people. To compensate for this need to view themselves as esteemed members of their organizations, lower power individuals are more likely to inflate their accomplishments. Evidence from four studies supports our predictions: compared with those with higher power, executives with lower power in their organizations were more likely to lie about their work achievements (Study 1, n = 230); graduate students with lower power in their Ph.D. studies were more likely to lie about their publication records (Study 2, n = 164); and employees with lower power were more likely to lie about having signed a business contract (Studies 3 and 4). Mediation analyses suggest that lower power increased lying because lower power individuals feel lower esteem in their organizations (Study 3, n = 562). Further supporting this mechanism, a self-affirmation intervention reduced the effect of lower power on self-promotional lying (Study 4, n = 536). These converging findings show that, when lies are self-promotional, lower power can be more corruptive than higher power.
Effect of peripheral refractive errors on driving performance
Authors: Ortiz-Peregrina Sonia , Casares-López Miriam , Castro-Torres José J. , Anera Rosario G. , Artal Pablo
Published: September 2022

The effect of peripheral refractive errors on driving while performing secondary tasks at 40° of eccentricity was studied in thirty-one young drivers. They drove a driving simulator under 7 different induced peripheral refractive errors (baseline (0D), spherical lenses of +/- 2D, +/- 4D and cylindrical lenses of +2D and +4D). Peripheral visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were also evaluated at 40°. Driving performance was significantly impaired by the addition of myopic defocus (4D) and astigmatism (4D). Worse driving significantly correlated with worse contrast sensitivity for the route in general, but also with worse visual acuity when participants interacted with the secondary task. Induced peripheral refractive errors may negatively impact driving when performing secondary tasks.
Perspective clipping and fast rendering of light field images for holographic stereograms using RGBD data
Authors: Liu Xin , Lou Yimin , Hu Juanmei , Kou Jianlong , Wu Fengmin
Published: September 2022

The production of holographic stereogram (HS) requires a huge amount of light field data. How to efficiently clip and render these image data remains a challenge in the field. This work focuses on the perspective clipping and fast rendering algorithm for light field images using RGBD data without explicit 3D reconstruction. The RGBD data is expanded to RGBDθ data by introducing a light cone for each point, which gives a new degree of freedom for light field image rendering. Using the light cone and perspective coherence, the visibility of 3D image points can be clipped programmatically. Optical imaging effects including mirror imaging and half mirror imaging effects of 3D images can also be rendered with the help of light cones during the light field rendering process. The perspective coherence is also used to accelerate the rendering, which has been shown to be on average 168% faster than traditional DIBR algorithms. A homemade holographic printing system was developed to make the HSs using the rendered light field images. The vivid 3D effects of the HS have validated the effectiveness of the proposed method. It can also be used in holographic dynamic 3D display, augmented reality, virtual reality, and other fields.
Observation of the topological phase transition from the spatial correlation of a biphoton in a one-dimensional topological photonic waveguide array
Authors: Yang Ying , Cao Dawei
Published: September 2022

We propose a simple method, using the first singular value (FSV) of the spatial correlation of biphotons, to characterize topological phase transitions (TPTs) in one-dimensional (1D) topological photonic waveguide arrays (PWAs). After analyzing the spatial correlation of biphotons using the singular value decomposition, we found that the FSV of the spatial correlation of biphotons in real space can characterize TPTs and distinguish between the topological trivial and nontrivial phases in PWAs based on the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. The analytical simulation results were demonstrated by applying the coupled-mode theory to biphotons and were found to be in good agreement with those of the numerical simulation. Moreover, the numerical simulation of the FSV (of the spatial correlation of biphotons) successfully characterized the TPT in a PWA based on the Aubry-André-Harper and Rice-Mele models, demonstrating the universality of this method for 1D topological PWAs. Our method provides biphotons with the possibility of acquiring information regarding TPTs directly from the spatial correlation in real space, and their potential applications in quantum topological photonics and topological quantum computing as quantum simulators and information carriers.
Wave-front reconstruction via single-pixel homodyne imaging
Authors: Cuozzo Savannah L. , Gabaldon Charris , Barge Pratik J. , Niu Ziqi , Lee Hwang , Cohen Lior , Novikova Irina , Mikhailov Eugeniy E.
Published: September 2022

We combine single-pixel imaging and homodyne detection to perform full object recovery (phase and amplitude). Our method does not require any prior information about the object or the illuminating fields. As a demonstration, we reconstruct the optical properties of several semi-transparent objects and find that the reconstructed complex transmission has a phase precision of 0.02 radians and a relative amplitude precision of 0.01.
Resolved rotation–vibration non-equilibrium with rotational VIPA-CARS
Authors: Steinmetz S. A. , Chen T. Y. , Goldberg B. M. , Limbach C. M. , Kliewer C. J.
Published: September 2022

Simultaneous rotational and vibrational temperatures are measured in an N2 plasma with rotational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) resolved with a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA)-based spectrometer. A VIPA spectrally separates rotational transitions for each vibrational state, allowing vibrational populations to be directly measured. VIPA-CARS is shown to provide more accurate measurements of non-equilibrium temperatures than grating-resolved rotational CARS. The general characteristics, limitations, and potential uses of VIPA-CARS are discussed.
Measurement of recombination mechanisms in mid-infrared W-superlattices
Authors: Bogh C. L. , Muhowski A. J. , Nelson M. D. , Rodgers V. G. J. , Prineas J. P.
Published: September 2022

Mid-wave infrared LEDs based on 6.1Å III/V semiconductors have trailed well behind visible LEDs in their wallplug efficiency. One contributing inefficiency is the low internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of emission of such materials, which is attributable to dominating nonradiative Auger and Shockley-Read-Hall recombination. However, recent work within this group has identified a W-superlattice based on 6.1Å III/V semiconductors with a remarkably high IQE of 77% (8%) at 77K (300K). We present in this work two-color pump-probe, differential transmission measurements to measure the ABC recombination coefficients of this superlattice at both 77K and 300K to elucidate physical mechanisms.
New OMEx Deputy Editor: editorial
Authors: Alù Andrea
Published: September 2022

Editor-in-Chief, Andrea Alù, announces the appointment of Alessandro Salandrino as Deputy Editor for Optical Materials Express.
All-optical spin injection in silicon investigated by element-specific time-resolved Kerr effect
Authors: Laterza Simone , Caretta Antonio , Bhardwaj Richa , Flammini Roberto , Moras Paolo , Jugovac Matteo , Rajak Piu , Islam Mahabul , Ciancio Regina , Bonanni Valentina , Casarin Barbara , Simoncig Alberto , Zangrando Marco , Ribič Primož Rebernik , Penco Giuseppe , De Ninno Giovanni , Giannessi Luca , Demidovich Alexander , Danailov Miltcho , Parmigiani Fulvio , Malvestuto Marco
Published: September 2022

Understanding how a spin current flows across metal-semiconductor interfaces at pico- and femtosecond time scales is of paramount importance for ultrafast spintronics, data processing, and storage applications. However, the possibility to directly access the propagation of spin currents, within such time scales, has been hampered by the simultaneous lack of both ultrafast element-specific magnetic sensitive probes and tailored well-built and characterized metal-semiconductor interfaces. Here, by means of a novel free-electron laser-based element-sensitive ultrafast time-resolved Kerr spectroscopy, we reveal different magnetodynamics for the Ni

M

2
,
3

and Si

L

2
,
3

absorption edges. These results are assumed to be the experimental evidence of photoinduced spin currents propagating at a speed of

∼

0.2

nm/fs

across the Ni/Si interface.
The primary familial brain calcification-associated protein MYORG is an α-galactosidase with restricted substrate specificity
Authors: Meek Richard W. , Brockerman Jacob , Fordwour Osei B. , Zandberg Wesley F. , Davies Gideon J. , Vocadlo David J.
Published: September 2022

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is characterised by abnormal deposits of calcium phosphate within various regions of the brain that are associated with severe cognitive impairments, psychiatric conditions, and movement disorders. Recent studies in diverse populations have shown a link between mutations in myogenesis-regulating glycosidase (MYORG) and the development of this disease. MYORG is a member of glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 31 (GH31) and, like the other mammalian GH31 enzyme α-glucosidase II, this enzyme is found in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Though presumed to act as an α-glucosidase due to its localization and sequence relatedness to α-glucosidase II, MYORG has never been shown to exhibit catalytic activity. Here, we show that MYORG is an α-galactosidase and present the high-resolution crystal structure of MYORG in complex with substrate and inhibitor. Using these structures, we map detrimental mutations that are associated with MYORG-associated brain calcification and define how these mutations may drive disease progression through loss of enzymatic activity. Finally, we also detail the thermal stabilisation of MYORG afforded by a clinically approved small molecule ligand, opening the possibility of using pharmacological chaperones to enhance the activity of mutant forms of MYORG.
Long-distance transport of sucrose in source leaves promotes sink root growth by the EIN3-SUC2 module
Authors: Tong Chen , Li Cong , Cao Xiao-Ying , Sun Xu-Dong , Bao Qin-Xin , Mu Xin-Rong , Liu Chang-Yue , Loake Gary J. , Chen Hu-hui , Meng Lai-Sheng
Published: September 2022

In most plants, sucrose, a major storage sugar, is transported into sink organs to support their growth. This key physiological process is dependent on the function of sucrose transporters. Sucrose export from source tissues is predominantly controlled through the activity of SUCROSE TRANSPORTER 2 (SUC2), required for the loading of sucrose into the phloem ofArabidopsisplants. However, how SUC2 activity is controlled to support root growth remains unclear. Glucose is perceived via the function of HEXOKINASE 1 (HXK1), the only known nuclear glucose sensor. HXK1 negatively regulates the stability of ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3), a key ethylene/glucose interaction component. Here we show thatHXK1functions upstream ofEIN3in the regulation of root sink growth mediated by glucose signaling. Furthermore, the transcription factor EIN3 directly inhibits SUC2 activity by binding to theSUC2promoter, regulating glucose signaling linked to root sink growth. We demonstrate that these molecular components form a HXK1-EIN3-SUC2 module integral to the control of root sink growth. Also, we demonstrate that with increasing age, the HXK1-EIN3-SUC2 module promotes sucrose phloem loading in source tissues thereby elevating sucrose levels in sink roots. As a result, glucose signaling mediated-sink root growth is facilitated. Our findings thus establish a direct molecular link between the HXK1-EIN3-SUC2 module, the source-to sink transport of sucrose and root growth.
Factors associated with poor outcomes among people living with HIV started on anti-retroviral therapy before and after implementation of “test and treat” program in Coastal Kenya
Authors: Mwamuye Isaac Chome , Karanja Simon , Msanzu Joseph Baya , Adem Aggrey , Kerich Mary , Ngari Moses
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To determine the factors associated with poor outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) started on anti- retroviral therapy before and after implementation of “Test and treat” program in 18 facilities in Coastal Kenya.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study design was used to study PLHIV aged > 15 years and started on ART in the periods of April to August 2016, and April to August 2017, then followed up for 24 months. Primary outcome was retention defined as being alive and on ARVs after 24 months. Death and loss to follow-up were considered as poor outcomes. Kaplan–Meier survival methods were used to describe time to primary outcome. Cox proportional regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with poor outcomes.

Results

86 patients (470 before test and treat, and 316 after test and treat cohorts) were enrolled.

Overall, the median [IQR] age was 39.3 [32.5–47.5] years and 539 (69%) were female. After 24 months, retention rates for the before (68%) and after (64%) test and start groups were similar (absolute difference: -4.0%, 95%CI: -11-3.1, P = 0.27). There were 240(31%, 95%CI 27 to 34%) PLHIV with poor outcomes, 102 (32%) and 138 (29%) occurred among the test and treat group, and delayed treatment patients respectively. In multivariable regression model, test and treat had no significant effect on risk of poor outcomes (aHR = 1.17, 95%CI 0.89–1.54). Increasing age (aHR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.97–0.99), formal employment (aHR = 0.42, 95%CI 0.23–0.76) and not being employed (aHR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.34–0.81) were negatively associated with poor outcomes. The risk of poor outcomes was higher among males compared to female patients (aHR = 1.37, 95%CI 1.03–1.82) and among divorced/separated patients compared to the married (aHR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.04–1.99).

Conclusion

Retention patterns for the “test and treat” cohort were comparable to those who started ART before “test and treat”. Patients who are males, young, divorced/separated, with poor socio-economic status had higher risks for poor clinical outcomes. Interventions targeting PLHIV who are young, male and economically disadvantaged provide an opportunity to improve the long-term outcomes.
Virtual reality immersion compared to monitored anesthesia care for hand surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Faruki Adeel A. , Nguyen Thy B. , Gasangwa Doris-Vanessa , Levy Nadav , Proeschel Sam , Yu Jessica , Ip Victoria , McGourty Marie , Korsunsky Galina , Novack Victor , Mueller Ariel L. , Banner-Goodspeed Valerie , Rozental Tamara D. , O’Gara Brian P.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Common anesthesia practice for hand surgery combines a preoperative regional anesthetic and intraoperative monitored anesthesia care (MAC). Despite adequate regional anesthesia, patients may receive doses of intraoperative sedatives which can result in oversedation and potentially avoidable complications. VR could prove to be a valuable tool for patients and providers by distracting the mind from processing noxious stimuli resulting in minimized sedative use and reduced risk of oversedation without negatively impacting patient satisfaction. Our hypothesis was that intraoperative VR use reduces sedative dosing during elective hand surgery without detracting from patient satisfaction as compared to a usual care control.

Methods

Forty adults undergoing hand surgery were randomized to receive either intraoperative VR in addition to MAC, or usual MAC. Patients in both groups received preoperative regional anesthesia at provider discretion. Intraoperatively, the VR group viewed programming of their choice via a head-mounted display. The primary outcome was intraoperative propofol dose per hour (mg · hr-1). Secondary outcomes included patient reported pain and anxiety, overall satisfaction, functional outcome, and post anesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay (LOS).

Results

Of the 40 enrolled patients, 34 completed the perioperative portion of the trial. VR group patients received significantly less propofol per hour than the control group (Mean (±SD): 125.3 (±296.0) vs 750.6 (±334.6) mg · hr-1, p<0.001). There were no significant differences between groups in patient reported overall satisfaction, (0–100 scale, Median (IQR) 92 (77–100) vs 100 (100–100), VR vs control, p = 0.087). There were no significant differences between groups in PACU pain scores, perioperative opioid analgesic dose, or in postoperative functional outcome. PACU LOS was significantly decreased in the VR group (53.0 (43.0–72.0) vs 75.0 (57.5–89.0) min, p = 0.018).

Conclusion

VR immersion during hand surgery led to significant reductions in intraoperative propofol dose and PACU LOS without negatively impacting key patient reported outcomes.
Neurological manifestations in thrombotic microangiopathy: Imaging features, risk factors and clinical course
Authors: de Castro José Thiago de Souza , Appenzeller Simone , Colella Marina Pereira , Yamaguti-Hayakawa Gabriela , Paula Erich Vinícius De , Annichinno-Bizzachi Joyce , Cendes Fernando , Fabiano Reis , Orsi Fernanda Andrade
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a group of microvascular occlusive disorders that presents with neurological involvement in up to 87% of the cases. Although the central nervous system (CNS) is an important target organ in TMA, the role of neurological manifestations in the disease clinical course is not well established. In this study, we described the neurological manifestations and CNS radiological aspects in patients with a first, acute TMA event. We also examined the association between severe neurological involvement and adverse clinical outcomes in TMA.

Methods

A cohort of patients diagnosed with a first TMA event between 1995 and 2016 was included, their medical charts and imaging tests were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

A total of 49 patients were included, 85.7% were women and the mean age was 36.5 years-old (SD 13.0). Neurological manifestations were described in 85.7% of the patients, most of them (88%) were considered severe and consisted of confusion, compromised sensorimotor function, stupor, seizures, and personality change. Imaging tests were performed in 62% of the patients with neurological manifestations and detected acute CNS lesions, such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke were observed, in 7 (27%) of them. While the need for intensive care unit admission was greater and longer among patients with severe neurological manifestations, the number of plasma exchange sessions, the total duration of hospitalization and in-hospital death were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Severe neurological manifestations are common in first TMA events and are responsible for a worse disease presentation at admission. While the effect of neurological manifestations on acute TMA clinical course seems to be modest, these manifestations may have an important impact on the development of chronic cognitive impairment, which highlights the need for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Food security in Roman Palmyra (Syria) in light of paleoclimatological evidence and its historical implications
Authors: Campmany Jiménez Joan , Romanowska Iza , Raja Rubina , Seland Eivind H.
Published: September 2022

Food security in ancient urban centers is often discussed but rarely formally modelled. Despite its location in an inhospitable desert where food production is a constant challenge ancient Palmyra grew from a small oasis settlement in to a major geopolitical player. Here, we present a spatially explicit reconstruction of the land use and agricultural yield expectations of its hinterland determining the maximum feasible population of the city. Coupling the hinterland carrying capacity model with palaeoclimatic data allowed us to track changes in the food security of the city in the face of changing climate. While initially the hinterland could provide ample food resources for the small settlement with time the deteriorating climate conditions after the Roman Optimum (100 BCE-200 CE) collided with rapidly growing population of the city. The nexus of these two processes fall at mid third century–a period of profound changes in the structure of Palmyrene society, its geopolitical situation and its historical trajectory. The results point to increasingly precarious subsistence levels as a likely factor behind rapid militarization, shift towards an autocratic regime and military expansion of the city in the late third century CE. As a well-established causal mechanism in many modern conflicts and crises, food security is also a potential causal factor behind historical events, if a hard one to prove due to the difficulty of identifying relevant data patterns. The methods presented establishes a robust research pipeline that can be used on other ancient urban centers, contributing to the construction of an empirically supported model of how food security shaped human history, past and present.
Information and vaccine hesitancy: Evidence from the early stage of the vaccine roll-out in 28 European countries
Authors: Agosti Francesca , Toffolutti Veronica , Cavalli Nicolò , Nivakoski Sanna , Mascherini Massimiliano , Aassve Arnstein
Published: September 2022

The success of mass vaccination programs against SARS-CoV-2 hinges on the public’s acceptance of the vaccines. During a vaccine roll-out, individuals have limited information about the potential side-effects and benefits. Given the public health concern of the COVID pandemic, providing appropriate information fast matters for the success of the campaign. In this paper, time-trends in vaccine hesitancy were examined using a sample of 35,390 respondents from the Eurofound’s Living, Working and COVID-19 (LWC) data collected between 12 February and 28 March 2021 across 28 European countries. The data cover the initial stage of the vaccine roll-out. We exploit the fact that during this period, news about rare cases of blood clots with low blood platelets were potentially linked to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine (or Vaxzeveria). Multivariate regression models were used to analyze i) vaccine hesitancy trends, and whether any trend-change was associated with the link between the AstraZeneca vaccine ii) and blood clots (AstraZeneca controversy), and iii) the suspension among several European countries. Our estimates show that vaccine hesitancy increased over the early stage of the vaccine roll-out (0·002, 95% CI: [0·002 to 0·003]), a positive shift took place in the likelihood of hesitancy following the controversy (0·230, 95% CI: [0·157 to 0·302]), with the trend subsequently turning negative (-0·007, 95% CI: [-0·010 to -0·005]). Countries deciding to suspend the AstraZeneca vaccine experienced an increase in vaccine hesitancy after the suspensions (0·068, 95% CI: [0·04 to 0·095]). Trust in institutions is negatively associated with vaccine hesitancy. The results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine hesitancy increased steadily since the beginning of the vaccine roll-out and the AstraZeneca controversy and its suspension, made modest (though significant) contributions to increased hesitancy.
A machine learning approach to evaluate the state of hypertension care coverage: From 2016 STEPs survey in Iran
Authors: Tavolinejad Hamed , Roshani Shahin , Rezaei Negar , Ghasemi Erfan , Yoosefi Moein , Rezaei Nazila , Ghamari Azin , Shahin Sarvenaz , Azadnajafabad Sina , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: September 2022

Background

The increasing burden of hypertension in low- to middle-income countries necessitates the assessment of care coverage to monitor progress and guide future policies. This study uses an ensemble learning approach to evaluate hypertension care coverage in a nationally representative Iranian survey.

Methods

The data source was the cross-sectional 2016 Iranian STEPwise approach to risk factor surveillance (STEPs). Hypertension was based on blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg, reported use of anti-hypertensive medications, or a previous hypertension diagnosis. The four steps of care were screening (irrespective of blood pressure value), diagnosis, treatment, and control. The proportion of patients reaching each step was calculated, and a random forest model was used to identify features associated with progression to each step. After model optimization, the six most important variables at each step were considered to demonstrate population-based marginal effects.

Results

The total number of participants was 30541 (52.3% female, median age: 42 years). Overall, 9420 (30.8%) had hypertension, among which 89.7% had screening, 62.3% received diagnosis, 49.3% were treated, and 7.9% achieved control. The random forest model indicated that younger age, male sex, lower wealth, and being unmarried/divorced were consistently associated with a lower probability of receiving care in different levels. Dyslipidemia was associated with reaching diagnosis and treatment steps; however, patients with other cardiovascular comorbidities were not likely to receive more intensive blood pressure management.

Conclusion

Hypertension care was mostly missing the treatment and control stages. The random forest model identified features associated with receiving care, indicating opportunities to improve effective coverage.
It’s not all abundance: Detectability and accessibility of food also explain breeding investment in long-lived marine animals
Authors: Real Enric , Orol Daniel , Bertolero Albert , Igual José Manuel , Sanz-Aguilar Ana , Genovart Meritxell , Hidalgo Manuel , Tavecchia Giacomo
Published: September 2022

Large-scale climatic indices are extensively used as predictors of ecological processes, but the mechanisms and the spatio-temporal scales at which climatic indices influence these processes are often speculative. Here, we use long-term data to evaluate how a measure of individual breeding investment (the egg volume) of three long-lived and long-distance-migrating seabirds is influenced by i) a large-scale climatic index (the North Atlantic Oscillation) and ii) local-scale variables (food abundance, foraging conditions, and competition). Winter values of the North Atlantic Oscillation did not correlate with local-scale variables measured in spring, but surprisingly, both had a high predictive power of the temporal variability of the egg volume in the three study species, even though they have different life-history strategies. The importance of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation suggestscarry-overeffects of winter conditions on subsequent breeding investment. Interestingly, the most important local-scale variables measured in spring were associated with food detectability (foraging conditions) and the factors influencing its accessibility (foraging conditions and competition by density-dependence). Large-scale climatic indices may work better as predictors of foraging conditions when organisms perform long distance migrations, while local-scale variables are more appropriate when foraging areas are more restricted (e.g. during the breeding season). Contrary to what is commonly assumed, food abundance does not directly translate into food intake and its detectability and accessibility should be considered in the study of food-related ecological processes.
Wellbeing and coping of UK nurses, midwives and allied health professionals during COVID-19-a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gillen Patricia , Neill Ruth D. , Mallett John , Moriarty John , Manthorpe Jill , Schroder Heike , Currie Denise , McGrory Susan , Nicholl Patricia , Ravalier Jermaine , McFadden Paula
Published: September 2022

Nurse, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), along with other health and social care colleagues are the backbone of healthcare services. They have played a key role in responding to the increased demands on healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper compares cross-sectional data on quality of working life, wellbeing, coping and burnout of nurses, midwives and AHPs in the United Kingdom (UK) at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous online repeated cross-sectional survey was conducted at two timepoints, Phase 1 (7thMay 2020-3rdJuly 2020); Phase 2 (17thNovember 2020-1stFebruary 2021). The survey consisted of the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Work-Related Quality of Life Scale, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (Phase 2 only) to measure wellbeing, quality of working life and burnout. The Brief COPE scale and Strategies for Coping with Work and Family Stressors scale assessed coping strategies. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions examined the effects of coping strategies and demographic and work-related variables on wellbeing and quality of working life. A total of 1839 nurses, midwives and AHPs responded to the first or second survey, with a final sample of 1410 respondents -586 from Phase 1; 824 from Phase 2, (422 nurses, 192 midwives and 796 AHPs). Wellbeing and quality of working life scores were significantly lower in the Phase 2 sample compared to respondents in Phase 1 (p<0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on psychological wellbeing and quality of working life which decreased while the use of negative coping and burnout of these healthcare professionals increased. Health services are now trying to respond to the needs of patients with COVID-19 variants while rebuilding services and tackling the backlog of normal care provision. This workforce would benefit from additional support/services to prevent further deterioration in mental health and wellbeing and optimise workforce retention.
First detection of Leptospira santarosai in the reproductive track of a boar: A potential threat to swine production and public health
Authors: Diaz Eduardo A. , Luna Ligia , Burgos-Mayorga Ana , Donoso Gustavo , Guzman Diego A. , Baquero María Ines , Pearson Talima , Barragan Veronica Alexandra
Published: September 2022

Background

Leptospirosis causes significant economic losses and is an occupational risk in the swine industry, especially in developing tropical regions where social and geoclimatic conditions are favorable for the transmission of this disease. Although vaccination can reduce infection risk, efficacy is diminished if local genetic and antigenic variants of the pathogen are not accounted for in the vaccine. Identifying and characterizing strains hosts, and potential mechanisms of transmission is therefore critical for public health mitigation practices.

Methodology/Principal findings

Our study was conducted on a rural breeding farm in Ecuador, where we used a PCR assay that targets lipL32 to detect Leptospira spp. and targeted gene sequencing to identify Leptospira santarosai in the kidneys, testicles, and ejaculate of a vaccinated boar. MAT results showed low titers against serovars found in the vaccine, but the MAT panel did not include serovars of L. santarosai. The boar showed no symptoms of leptospirosis but did show blood in the semen. However, no postmortem histopathological lesions were observed tissue samples. Vaccinated sows that were artificially inseminated with the semen from this boar had reproductive problems, suggesting that transmission had occurred. This is the first documented case of Leptospira santarosai in the reproductive tract of a boar.

Conclusions/Significance

As L. santarosai is pathogenic in other livestock species and humans, our finding highlights the need to evaluate the prevalence and epidemiological significance of this pathogen in livestock and consider the possibility of venereal transmission. In addition, further studies are needed to identify and characterize local serovars that may impact diagnosis and vaccination programs to better control leptospirosis in livestock and spillover into the human population.
The regulon of Brucella abortus two-component system BvrR/BvrS reveals the coordination of metabolic pathways required for intracellular life
Authors: Rivas-Solano Olga , Van der Henst Mathilde , Castillo-Zeledón Amanda , Suárez-Esquivel Marcela , Muñoz-Vargas Lohendy , Capitan-Barrios Zeuz , Thomson Nicholas R. , Chaves-Olarte Esteban , Moreno Edgardo , De Bolle Xavier , Guzmán-Verri Caterina
Published: September 2022

Brucella abortusis a facultative intracellular pathogen causing a severe zoonotic disease worldwide. The two-component regulatory system (TCS) BvrR/BvrS ofB.abortusis conserved in members of theAlphaproteobacteriaclass. It is related to the expression of genes required for host interaction and intracellular survival. Here we report thatbvrRandbvrSare part of an operon composed of 16 genes encoding functions related to nitrogen metabolism, DNA repair and recombination, cell cycle arrest, and stress response. Synteny of this genomic region within closeAlphaproteobacteriamembers suggests a conserved role in coordinating the expression of carbon and nitrogen metabolic pathways. In addition, we performed a ChIP-Seq analysis after exposure of bacteria to conditions that mimic the intracellular environment. Genes encoding enzymes at metabolic crossroads of the pentose phosphate shunt, gluconeogenesis, cell envelope homeostasis, nucleotide synthesis, cell division, and virulence are BvrR/BvrS direct targets. A 14 bp DNA BvrR binding motif was found and investigated in selected gene targets such asvirB1,bvrR,pckA,omp25, andtamA. Understanding gene expression regulation is essential to elucidate howBrucellaorchestrates a physiological response leading to a furtive pathogenic strategy.
Caspase-2 mRNA levels are not elevated in mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or Lewy Body dementia
Authors: Hlynialuk Chris , Kemper Lisa , Leinonen-Wright Kailee , Petersen Ronald C. , Ashe Karen , Smith Benjamin
Published: September 2022

Caspase-2 is a member of the caspase family that exhibits both apoptotic and non-apoptotic properties, and has been shown to mediate synaptic deficits in models of several neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and Lewy Body dementia (LBD). Our lab previously reported that caspase-2 protein levels are elevated in these diseases, leading us to hypothesize that elevated caspase-2 protein levels are due to increased transcription of caspase-2 mRNA. There are two major isoforms of caspase-2 mRNA, caspase-2L and caspase-2S. We tested our hypothesis by measuring the levels of these mRNA isoforms normalized to levels of RPL13 mRNA, a reference gene that showed no disease-associated changes. Here, we report no increases in caspase-2L mRNA levels in any of the three diseases studied, AD (with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)), HD and LBD, disproving our hypothesis. Caspase-2S mRNA showed a non-significant downward trend in AD. We also analyzed expression levels of SNAP25 and βIII-tubulin mRNA. SNAP25 mRNA was significantly lower in AD and there were downward trends in MCI, LBD, and HD. βIII-tubulin mRNA expression remained unchanged between disease groups and controls. These findings indicate that factors besides transcriptional regulation cause increases in caspase-2 protein levels. The reduction of SNAP25 mRNA expression suggests that presynaptic dysfunction contributes to cognitive deficits in neurodegeneration.
Magnitude and risks of overweight/obesity among adults in Welkite town, Southern Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Fikre Alemayehu , Shehmolo Muze , Boti Negussie , Oumer Bilcha , Tenalem Belaynesh , Kibru Sahle , Temesgen Gebremaryam , Gebru Zeleke
Published: September 2022

Background

Currently, adult overweight/obesity affects a high proportion of the population in low and middle-income countries, mostly in urban areas. Although some studies have been conducted on overweight/obesity in Ethiopia, most of them have focused on school children and adolescents, and there is limited evidence of overweight/obesity among adults at the community level. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the magnitude of overweight/obesity and risk factors among adults in Welkite town, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A Community-based cross-sectional study was done among 524 adults aged 18 and more years in Welkite town, Southern Ethiopia, from February through March 2020. A multistage sampling technique was undertaken to recruit study participants. An interviewer-guided structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Overweight or obesity was identified using body mass index. The bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to see an association using binary logistic regression.

Results

The magnitude of overweight and obesity was 22.2% (95% CI: 0.19, 0.26). Being female (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.34, 4.27), age group 30–47 years (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.52, 6.97) and 48–66 years (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.07, 6.08), average monthly income (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.51, 4.60), had own transport (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.03, 5.93), eating meat ≥ four times per week (AOR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.03, 10.74), not involve vigorous-intensity activity (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.55, 5.64), spent sitting or reclining ≥181 minutes per day (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.26), and consuming alcohol (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.82) were risks for overweight and obesity.

Conclusions

The magnitude of overweight and obesity among adults was high. Factors such as being female, increasing age, physical inactivity, having own transportation, high average monthly income, eating meat, sitting or reclining more and equal to 181+ minutes per day, and consumption of alcohol increased the risk of overweight and obesity significantly. Hence, preventive interventions focusing on females, age groups of 30-66yrs, encouraging Physical activity, reducing meat frequency, and reducing alcohol consumption are essential to prevent the emergence of adulthood overweight/obesity.
Bringing a building into being: A Virtual Reality Application as a non-traditional research output
Authors: Westin Jonathan , Almevik Gunnar
Published: September 2022

This article sets out from the digital reconstruction of a historic building and assesses and discusses the use of a Virtual Reality Application as a self-standing research output. Despite the recognized possibilities and the amount of research that goes into the creation of scientific virtual reconstructions, there is still a need for broadly accepted procedures to not only publish them but also incorporate them into the academic systems as research outputs in their own right. The empirical material – a digital reconstruction of a wooden stave church – is here explored as both a hermeneutic device in the research process and a research output. We argue that the use of technology such as virtual reality that can communicate presence is particularly important in research on embodied craft skills and sensory-based judgements to reduce the loss of information in translations between modes, medias and formats. However, to function and have an impact as a research output, new formats have to adapt to fundamental and broadly accepted conventions within academia which have been established by the text-on-paper formats and establish conventions that facilitate access, navigation and referencing.