bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High bitrate data transmission in the 8-14 µm atmospheric window using an external Stark-effect modulator with digital equalization
Authors: Dely Hamza , Joharifar Mahdieh , Pang Xiaodan , Gacemi Djamal , Salgals Toms , Schatz Richard , Sun Yan-Ting , Bonazzi Thomas , Rodriguez Etienne , Todorov Yanko , Vasanelli Angela , Udalcovs Aleksejs , Spolitis Sandis , Bobrovs Vjaceslavs , Ozolins Oskars , Popov Sergei , Sirtori Carlo
Published: December 2022

High bitrate mid-infrared links using simple (NRZ) and multi-level (PAM-4) data coding schemes have been realized in the 8 µm to 14 µm atmospheric transparency window. The free space optics system is composed of unipolar quantum optoelectronic devices, namely a continuous wave quantum cascade laser, an external Stark-effect modulator and a quantum cascade detector, all operating at room-temperature. Pre- and post-processing are implemented to get enhanced bitrates, especially for PAM-4 where inter-symbol interference and noise are particularly detrimental to symbol demodulation. By exploiting these equalization procedures, our system, with a full frequency cutoff of 2 GHz, has reached transmission bitrates of 12 Gbit/s NRZ and 11 Gbit/s PAM-4 fulfilling the 6.25 % overhead hard-decision forward error correction threshold, limited only by the low signal-to-noise ratio of our detector.
Evidence for “dark charge” from photoluminescence measurements in wide InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Bercha A. , Trzeciakowski W. , Muziol G. , Tomm J. W. , Suski T.
Published: December 2022

Wide (15-25 nm) InGaN/GaN quantum wells in LED structures were studied by time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and compared with narrow (2.6 nm) wells in similar LED structures. Using below-barrier pulsed excitation in the microsecond range, we measured increase and decay of PL pulses. These pulses in wide wells at low-intensity excitation show very slow increase and fast decay. Moreover, the shape of the pulses changes when we vary the separation between them. None of these effects occurs for samples with narrow wells. The unusual properties of wide wells are attributed to the presence of “dark charge” i.e., electrons and holes in the ground states. Their wave functions are spatially separated and due to negligible overlap they do not contribute to emission. However, they screen the built-in field in the well very effectively so that excited states appear with significant overlap and give rise to PL. A simple model of recombination kinetics including “dark charge” explains the observations qualitatively.
Polarization tunable transmitted full-color display enabling switchable bright and dark states
Authors: Gao Xufeng , Wang Qi , Zhang Shijie , Hong Ruijin , Zhang Dawei , Zhuang Songlin
Published: December 2022

Although structural colors based on nanostructures have attracted many researchers’ attentions due to their superior durability and high resolution, most previous reports focused on the static and dynamic structural colors in reflection mode and few researchers focus on the static and dynamic transmission colors for high-saturation RGB models. Here, the hybrid Al-Si3N4 nanogratings with the top SiO2 capping layer and the bottom MgF2 layer that can switch full-hue and high-saturation transmitted structural colors on and off completely by changing the polarization state are theoretically demonstrated. Meanwhile, the hybrid Al-Si3N4 nanogratings with the top capping layer and the bottom layer also achieve the transmittance spectra with the full width at half maximum of ∼58 nm and the transmittance efficiency of over 70% in the on state. The added top capping layer and bottom layer can suppress the sideband of transmittance spectra in the on state and maintain the near-zero transmittance in the off state, thus improving the switching performance between bright and dark states. The realizable high-saturation colors in the on state can take up 125% sRGB space and 80% Adobe sRGB space. More interestingly, with the incident angle varying from 0° to 50°, full-hue color can be also realized in the on state and nearly black color can be also maintained in the off state. The strategy will provide potential applications in advanced color encryption and multichannel imaging.
Spoof surface plasmon polaritons based on-chip sensor for dielectric detection
Authors: Tan Longfei , Guo Yingjiang , Shu Zhile , Xu Kai-Da
Published: December 2022

A compact millimeter-wave on-chip sensor for dielectric detection is presented using gallium arsenide technology based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). The proposed structure is developed from traditional half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) and its dispersion characteristics is analyzed through electromagnetic simulations. Consequently, the operating frequency and bandwidth of the on-chip sensor can be easily adjusted, which provides more flexibility for the practical application of the sensor. The linear sensing for relative dielectric constant of the film materials is acquired, with thickness-insensitive property. Moreover, the low coupling to the nearby components can be achieved due to the strong field confinement characteristics of the SSPPs, which is of great significance in the application scenarios of on-chip integrated circuits for the suppression of electromagnetic interference.
Metal-coated concave cone in a fused-silica rod as a multi-function plasmonic element
Authors: Verrier Isabelle , Veillas Colette , Michalon Jean-Yves , Parriaux Olivier , Henkel Sebastian , Schulze Christian , Bliedtner Jens , Jourlin Yves
Published: December 2022

A collimated light beam parallel to the axis of a fused-quartz cylinder impinging on a 90° apex angle concave cone cut in a quartz rod is transformed into a cylindrical wave by total internal reflection. A thin metal film at the quartz–air interface enables excitation of the plasmon mode at the air side that can polarize the cylindrical wave and/or has the potential to monitor physical, chemical, or biological quantities or events at the inner wall of the cone. The present Letter first analyzes the plasmon coupling mechanism and conditions. It then describes the diamond-grinding technique achieving a smooth cone wall and the finest possible tip. The experimental evidence of the polarization conversion is brought on a diamond-grinded section of fused-silica rod and gold coating of the concave wall.
Sulfur hexafluoride pulsed jet visualization by the Resonant Schlieren method
Authors: Machado Danilo Almeida , de Souza Costa Fernando , Carlos de Oliveira Antonio , Junior Annibal Hetem
Published: December 2022

Resonant Schlieren technique combines the variation of the refractive index of the medium with the absorption of seeded particles, thus producing high contrast images. It presents low cost and a relatively easy implementation and operation, and allows visualization of low and high-density flows. This paper describes the application of the Resonant Schlieren method to visualize a pulsed free jet of sulfur hexafluoride. A piezoelectric valve with a duty cycle of 10 Hz and pulse width of 2 ms was used to control the flow through a nozzle with 1 mm diameter. Pressures in a vacuum chamber with optical windows were varied from 20 mbar to 1 bar and the flow was seeded with iodine molecules in order to increase the gas refractive index. The Schlieren images of the expanded flows presented a high contrast and the measured pulsed jet front velocities varied from 3 to 166 m/s, from subsonic to supersonic flow regimes. Numerical simulations were performed using the lattice Boltzmann method and the theoretical results showed a good agreement with experimental data.
A critical assessment of the detailed Aedes aegypti simulation model Skeeter Buster 2 using field experiments of indoor insecticidal control in Iquitos, Peru
Authors: Gunning Christian E. , Morrison Amy C. , Okamoto Kenichi W. , Scott Thomas W. , Astete Helvio , Vásquez Gissella M. , Gould Fred , Lloyd Alun L.
Published: December 2022

The importance of mosquitoes in human pathogen transmission has motivated major research efforts into mosquito biology in pursuit of more effective vector control measures. Aedes aegypti is a particular concern in tropical urban areas, where it is the primary vector of numerous flaviviruses, including the yellow fever, Zika, and dengue viruses. With an anthropophilic habit, Ae. aegypti prefers houses, human blood meals, and ovipositioning in water-filled containers. We hypothesized that this relatively simple ecological niche should allow us to predict the impacts of insecticidal control measures on mosquito populations. To do this, we use Skeeter Buster 2 (SB2), a stochastic, spatially explicit, mechanistic model of Ae. aegypti population biology. SB2 builds on Skeeter Buster, which reproduced equilibrium dynamics of Ae. aegypti in Iquitos, Peru. Our goal was to validate SB2 by predicting the response of mosquito populations to perturbations by indoor insecticidal spraying and widespread destructive insect surveys.

To evaluate SB2, we conducted two field experiments in Iquitos, Peru: a smaller pilot study in 2013 (S-2013) followed by a larger experiment in 2014 (L-2014). Here, we compare model predictions with (previously reported) empirical results from these experiments. In both simulated and empirical populations, repeated spraying yielded substantial yet temporary reductions in adult densities. The proportional effects of spraying were broadly comparable between simulated and empirical results, but we found noteworthy differences. In particular, SB2 consistently over-estimated the proportion of nulliparous females and the proportion of containers holding immature mosquitoes. We also observed less temporal variation in simulated surveys of adult abundance relative to corresponding empirical observations. Our results indicate the presence of ecological heterogeneities or sampling processes not effectively represented by SB2. Although additional empirical research could further improve the accuracy and precision of SB2, our results underscore the importance of non-linear dynamics in the response of Ae. aegypti populations to perturbations, and suggest general limits to the fine-grained predictability of its population dynamics over space and time.
Epidemiological and clinical features of hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale and Hypnale zara) envenoming in children
Authors: Rathnayaka R. M. M. K. Namal , Ranathunga P. E. Anusha Nishanthi , Kularatne S. A. M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Bites by the hump-nosed pit vipers (HNPV) of the genus Hypnale are the commonest type of venomous snakebites in Sri Lanka. Their bites frequently cause local effects while rarely causing systemic envenoming, that may include acute kidney injury and coagulopathy. There are 3 species of genus Hypnale including H. hypnale, H. zara and H. nepa from which latter two are endemic to Sri Lanka. Virtually all studies on HNPV bites in Sri Lanka are focused on adults except two studies in paediatric group. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of HNPV bites in a group of children admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka.

Methodology/Principal findings

This was a prospective observational study carried out in Teaching Hospital Ratnapura, Sri Lanka over 27 months commencing from May 2020 including all children aged up to 14 years with the history of HNPV bites.

There were 40 (56%) HNPV bites, of them 28 (70%) were males. The age was 84 months (50.2–120 months). Majority (n = 21;52.5%) were bitten during day-time (06:00–17:59) in home gardens (n = 20; 50%) on lower limbs (n = 24;60%). Most children (n = 30;75%) were admitted to the medical facility < 4 hours after the snakebite [90 min (40–210 min)] and the hospital stay was 4 days (3–5 days). Local envenoming was observed in 38 patients (95%) and systemic effects developed in 4 patients (10%) as mild coagulopathy. Local effects include local pain (n = 30; 94%), swelling (n = 38;95%), blistering (n = 11;27.5%), necrosis at the site of bite (n = 11; 27.5%), regional lymph node enlargement (n = 8;20%) and local bleeding (n = 4;10%). For the local effects, surgical interventions were needed in 10 children (25%) and 3 (7.5%) of them developed acute compartment syndrome leading to fasciotomy. Leucocytosis (n = 28;78%) and eosinophilia (n = 9;27%) were the prominent laboratory findings. All got recovered except in patients with fasciotomy who got permanent scar.

Conclusions/Significance

Hump-nosed pit viper bites mostly cause local effects and rarely systemic envenoming in children. Compartment syndrome is common in children following their bites.
Integrating drones into NHS patient diagnostic logistics systems: Flight or fantasy?
Authors: Oakey Andy , Grote Matt , Smith Angela , Cherrett Tom , Pilko Aliaksei , Dickinson Janet , AitBihiOuali Laila
Published: December 2022

Healthcare accounts for approximately 5% of emissions in developed nations, and the public healthcare provider in the United Kingdom (UK), the National Health Service (NHS), has set a target to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 without detriment to its quality of patient care. With Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs; a.k.a. drones, UAS, or RPAS) starting to be used in healthcare systems outside the UK, there is interest in how they could be integrated into NHS operations to transport diagnostic specimens. Reflecting on a business-as-usual analysis of current NHS diagnostic specimen logistics across the Solent region (southern UK), this paper critically evaluates the practical reality of integrating UAV deliveries of this commodity, identifying the benefits and challenges that must be addressed to realise commercial services, including dangerous goods legislation, cargo stability, routing, and weather. In the analysis, 14 out of 79 surgeries could be realistically served by a 5m wingspan vertical take-off/landing (VTOL) UAV: seven directly, and seven via ground-based transfers. The results suggested that an average of 1,628 samples could be served by UAV each week, resulting in 42 flights/week with 10 taxi services to cover periods where weather limited flying. This equated to an approximate total service cost of £2,964/week if regulations develop to relax UAV personnel constraints. The introduction of UAVs reduced the marginal external costs (greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, and air pollution) by £196 per week and cut travel times to UAV served sites by 72% (weather permitting). Tailpipe emissions (excl. taxis), vehicle-kilometres travelled, and van costs were reduced by 20%, 20%, and 23% (respectively), but the overall system cost increased by 56%. Whilst this increase is likely to make the introduction of UAV services financially challenging, the benefits in terms of emissions and journey time savings may offset some of the additional cost and warrant further investigation.
Pooled prevalence and associated factors of pregnancy termination among youth aged 15–24 year women in East Africa: Multilevel level analysis
Authors: Hailegebreal Samuel , Enyew Ermias Bekele , Simegn Atsedu Endale , Seboka Binyam Tariku , Gilano Girma , Kassa Reta , Ahmed Mohammedjud Hassen , Haile Yosef , Haile Firehiwot
Published: December 2022

Background

Most of unwanted pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Africa result in pregnancy termination. Despite attempts to enhance maternal health care service utilization, unsafe abortion remains the leading cause of maternal death in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is still a study gap, notably in East Africa, where community-level issues are not studied. Therefore, this study aimed to assess pooled prevalence pregnancy termination and associated factors among youth (15–24 year-old) women in the East Africa.

Methods

The study was conducted based on the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in the 12 East African countries. A total weighted sample of 44,846 youth (15–24) age group women was included in this study. To detect the existence of a substantial clustering effect, the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Median Odds Ratio (MOR), and Likelihood Ratio (LR)-test were used. Furthermore, because the models were nested, deviance (-2LLR) was used for model comparison. In the multilevel logistic model, significant factors related to pregnancy termination were declared using Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with a 95%Confidence Interval (CI) and p-value of 0.05.

Result

The pooled prevalence of pregnancy termination in East African countries was 7.79% (95% CI: 7.54, 8.04) with the highest prevalence in Uganda 12.51% (95% CI: 11.56, 13.41) and lowest was observed in Zambia 5.64% ((95% CI: 4.86, 6.41). In multilevel multivariable logistic regression result, age 20–24 [AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.71, 2.16], media exposure [AOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.34], married [AOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.43], had working [AOR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.23],no education[AOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 2.32, 6.81], primary education [AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 2.38, 6.88], secondary education [AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.74, 5.03], multiparous [AOR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.79, 0.93], sexual initiation greater or equal to 15 [AOR = 0.82; 95%CI: 0.74, 0.99] were significantly associated with pregnancy termination.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of pregnancy termination in East Africa was high in this study. Maternal age, marital status, education status, parity, age at first sex, media exposure, working status and living countries were significantly associated with pregnancy termination. The finding provides critical information for developing health interventions to decrease unplanned pregnancies and illegal pregnancy termination.
Distributions of Cisco (Coregonus artedi) in the upper Great Lakes in the mid-twentieth century, when populations were in decline
Authors: Kao Yu-Chun , Renauer-Bova Renee E. , Bunnell David B. , Gorman Owen T. , Eshenroder Randy L.
Published: December 2022

The restoration of the once abundant Cisco (Coregonus artedi) is a management interest across the Laurentian Great Lakes. To inform the restoration, we (1) described historical distributions of Cisco and (2) explored whether non-indigenous Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) and Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) played a role in the decline of Cisco populations across the upper Great Lakes (i.e., Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron). Our source data were collected from fishery-independent surveys conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s research vessel R/V Cisco in 1952–1962. By analyzing data collected by gill-net surveys, we confirmed the importance of embayment and shallow-water habitats to Cisco. We found that Cisco was abundant in Whitefish Bay and Keweenaw Bay, Lake Superior, and in Green Bay, Lake Michigan, but we also found a sign of Cisco extirpation in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Our results also showed that Ciscoes generally stayed in waters <80 m in bottom depth throughout the year. However, a substantial number of Ciscoes stayed in very deep waters (>150 m in bottom depth) in summer and fall in Lake Michigan, although we cannot exclude the possibility that these Ciscoes had hybridized with the other Coregonus species. By comparing complementary data collected from bottom-trawl surveys, we concluded that the spatiotemporal overlap between Rainbow Smelt and Cisco likely occurred across the upper Great Lakes throughout 1952–1962. These data were consistent with the hypothesis that Rainbow Smelt played a role in the decline of Cisco populations across the upper Great Lakes in the period. We also found that the spatiotemporal overlap between Alewife and Cisco likely occurred only in Saginaw Bay in fall 1956 and in Lake Michigan after 1960. Thus, any potential recovery of Cisco after the 1950s could have been inhibited by Alewife in Lakes Michigan and Huron.
Randomized controlled trial of early aerobic exercise following sport-related concussion: Progressive percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate versus usual care
Authors: Hutchison Michael G. , Di Battista Alex P. , Lawrence David W. , Pyndiura Kyla , Corallo Danielle , Richards Doug
Published: December 2022

Objective

To examine the effect of a readily accessible, structured aerobic exercise intervention on days to asymptomatic status and days to medical clearance compared to usual care exercise prescription in a cohort of adolescents and young adults following sport-related concussion (SRC).

Methods

A longitudinal, randomized, non-blinded clinical trial consisting of a structured aerobic exercise protocol (SAEP) group and a usual care exercise prescription (UCEP) group. Participants in the SAEP group underwent an exercise protocol including 8 sessions over 11 days progressing in duration and intensity stepwise based on participants’ age-predicted maximal heart rate. Symptom follow-ups were on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. The primary outcome measures of the study were days to asymptomatic status and days to medical clearance, while the secondary outcome measure was symptom severity on days 7, 14, 21, and 28.

Results

38 participants (SAEP, n = 20; UCEP, n = 19) were recruited and completed all follow-up appointments. Compared to the UCEP group, the SAEP had a faster time to asymptomatic status with 96% posterior probability. In addition, the SAEP group displayed an earlier time to medical clearance with 93% posterior probability. While symptom severity scores did not differ between groups at enrolment (SAEP symptom severity, 30; UCEP, 29), they were subsequently lower in the SAEP group at all assessments throughout the trial with 100% posterior probability.

Conclusions

An aerobic exercise protocol based on percentages of age-predicted maximum heart rate is a safe and effective treatment for reducing symptoms and can be initiated during the first week following SRC.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, no.NCT02969824.
Tuberculosis yield among contacts of non-pulmonary bacteriologically confirmed index TB patients in the urban setting of central Uganda
Authors: Kisamba Herbert , Kirirabwa Nicholas Sebuliba , Mutesasira Kenneth , Dejene Seyoum , Nkolo Abel
Published: December 2022

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends systematic and active investigation of TB contacts. However, lower priority is given to contact investigation among other non-pulmonary bacteriologically confirmed (PBC) cases; it thus contributes to the scarce information on the yield of TB among contacts of index TB patients without microbiological confirmation (non-PBC patients). This study therefore aimed at establishing the yield of TB among contacts of PBC and non-PBC index TB patients in the urban setting of central Uganda.

Methods

We abstracted data from the Uganda national TB contact investigation registers present at 48 health facilities for the period January 2018 to August 2020. The screening yield for both PBC and non-PBC, timing of TB diagnosis among contacts were determined. Logistic regression was used to examine predictors for diagnosing contacts as non PBC TB patients.

Results

From January 2018 to August 2020, 234 persons were diagnosed with TB from a total of 14,275 contacts traced for both PBC and non-PBC TB index patients at 48 facilities. Of these, 100(42.7%) were contacts of non-PBC index patients. TB screening yield was higher among contacts of non PBC 100(2.0%) compared to 134(1.4%) among contacts of PBC index patients. For both groups, over 80% of their contacts were diagnosed with TB within 3 months from the day of TB treatment start of the index case. On multivariate logistic regression the only predictor for diagnosing contacts as non PBC TB patients was age under15 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.53, 95% CI [3.27–17.3] p = <0.05).

Conclusion

The yield of TB among contacts of non-PBC index case is nearly the same for contacts of PBC index cases and most contacts were diagnosed with TB disease during the intensive TB treatment phase of the index case. There was no association between the type of TB (PBC, non-PBC) disease diagnosed in the contacts, and that of index TB patients. To improve TB case-finding, emphasis should be placed on contact investigation for household and close contacts of all other index cases with pulmonary tuberculosis regardless of whether PBC or non-PBC during the intensive phase of treatment.
Comparison of the movement behaviour of experienced and novice performers during the Cat exercise
Authors: Hallemans Ann , Jacobs Emmanuel , Gielen Jan , Van Den Dries Luc , Van Moorsel Annouk , Buisseret Fabien , Dierick Frédéric , Roussel Nathalie
Published: December 2022

Two previous studies showed kinematic differences between novice and experienced performers during unchoreographed movements executed in standing position. However, no study explores if these kinematic differences holds during unchoreographed movements executed in quadrupedal position. The aim of this study is to compare the movement behaviour of experienced and novice performers during an exercise wherein they are challenged to use dynamic and largely unchoreographed movement patterns executed in quadrupedal position. The exercise studied was the Cat exercise, in which participants were asked to behave like a feline for 10 minutes. An inventory of the chosen movements and the assessment of their average and coefficient of variation of the ground contact temporal parameters, computed by analysing the tri-dimensional whole-body kinematics of 25 performers (n = 13 novices and n = 12 experienced), was compared according to their experience level. No significant difference was found between the groups for the number of chosen movements, and median or coefficient of variation of ground contact temporal parameters, except for a greater foot/ knee swing coefficient of variation in experienced performers. This suggests that biomechanical constraints induced by quadrupedal position “prevent” a different selection of motor strategies by experienced performers, although the latter can be more variable in their movements.
Ancestral risk modification for multiple sclerosis susceptibility detected across the Major Histocompatibility Complex in a multi-ethnic population
Authors: Beecham Ashley H. , Amezcua Lilyana , Chinea Angel , Manrique Clara P. , Gomez Lissette , Martinez Andrea , Beecham Gary W. , Patsopoulos Nikolaos A. , Chitnis Tanuja , Weiner Howard L. , De Jager Philip L. , Burchard Esteban G. , Lund Brett T. , Fitzgerald Kathryn C. , Calabresi Peter A. , Delgado Silvia R. , Oksenberg Jorge R. , McCauley Jacob L.
Published: December 2022

The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) makes the largest genetic contribution to multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility, with 32 independent effects across the region explaining 20% of the heritability in European populations. Variation is high across populations with allele frequency differences and population-specific risk alleles identified. We sought to identify MHC-specific MS susceptibility variants and assess the effect of ancestral risk modification within 2652 Latinx and Hispanic individuals as well as 2435 Black and African American individuals. We have identified several novel susceptibility alleles which are rare in European populations including HLA-B*53:01, and we have utilized the differing linkage disequilibrium patterns inherent to these populations to identify an independent role for HLA-DRB1*15:01 and HLA-DQB1*06:02 on MS risk. We found a decrease in Native American ancestry in MS cases vs controls across the MHC, peaking near the previously identified MICB locus with a decrease of ~5.5% in Hispanics and ~0.4% in African Americans. We have identified several susceptibility variants, including within the MICB gene region, which show global ancestry risk modification and indicate ancestral differences which may be due in part to correlated environmental factors. We have also identified several susceptibility variants for which MS risk is modified by local ancestry and indicate true ancestral genetic differences; including HLA-DQB1*06:02 for which MS risk for European allele carriers is almost two times the risk for African allele carriers. These results validate the importance of investigating MS susceptibility at an ancestral level and offer insight into the epidemiology of MS phenotypic diversity.
Cancer prevention in cancer predisposition syndromes: A protocol for testing the feasibility of building a hereditary cancer research registry and nurse navigator follow up model
Authors: Etchegary Holly , Pike April , Puddester Rebecca , Watkins Kathy , Warren Mike , Francis Vanessa , Woods Michael , Green Jane , Savas Sevtap , Seal Melanie , Gao Zhiwei , Avery Susan , Curtis Fiona , McGrath Jerry , MacDonald Donald , Burry T. Nadine , Dawson Lesa
Published: December 2022

Monogenic, high penetrance syndromes, conferring an increased risk of malignancies in multiple organs, are important contributors to the hereditary burden of cancer. Early detection and risk reduction strategies in patients with a cancer predisposition syndrome can save their lives. However, despite evidence supporting the benefits of early detection and risk reduction strategies, most Canadian jurisdictions have not implemented programmatic follow up of these patients. In our study site in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada, there is no centralized, provincial registry of high-risk individuals. There is no continuity or coordination of care providing cancer genetics expertise and no process to ensure that patients are referred to the appropriate specialists or risk management interventions. This paper describes a study protocol to test the feasibility of obtaining and analyzing patient risk management data, specifically patients affected by hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC; BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes) and Lynch syndrome (LS; MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 genes). Through a retrospective cohort study, we will describe these patients’ adherence to risk management guidelines and test its relationship to health outcomes, including cancer incidence and stage. Through a qualitative interviews, we will determine the priorities and preferences of patients with any inherited cancer mutation for a follow up navigation model of risk management. Study data will inform a subsequent funding application focused on creating and evaluating a research registry and follow up nurse navigation model. It is not currently known what proportion of cancer mutation carriers are receiving care according to guidelines. Data collected in this study will provide clinical uptake and health outcome information so gaps in care can be identified. Data will also provide patient preference information to inform ongoing and planned research with cancer mutation carriers.
Protocol for a randomized study assessing the feasibility of home-based albuminuria screening among the general population: The THOMAS study
Authors: van Mil Dominique , Kieneker Lyanne M. , Evers-Roeten Birgitte , Thelen Marc H. M. , de Vries Hanne , Hemmelder Marc H. , Dorgelo Annemiek , van Etten Ronald W. , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Gansevoort Ron T.
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a rising public health problem that may progress to kidney failure, requiring kidney replacement therapy. It is also associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Because of its asymptomatic nature, CKD is often detected in a late stage. Population screening for albuminuria could allow early detection of people with CKD who may benefit from preventive treatment. In case such screening is performed in a general practitioner (GP) setting, this will result in relatively high costs. Home-based screening might be an effective and cost-effective alternative.

Aim

The THOMAS study (Towards HOMe-based Albuminuria Screening) is designed to prospectively investigate two methods for home-based population screening for increased albuminuria to detect yet undiagnosed CKD and risk factors for progression and CVD.

Methods

This investigator initiated, randomized population-based study will include 15.000 individuals aged 45–80 years, who will be randomly assigned to be invited for a home-based screening test for albuminuria with a more conventional urine collection device or an innovative smartphone application. If the test result is positive upon confirmation (i.e., elevated albuminuria), participants are invited to a central screening facility for an elaborate screening for CKD and CVD risk factors. Participants are referred to their GP for appropriate treatment, if abnormalities are found. Primary endpoints are the participation rate, yield, and cost-effectiveness of the home-based screening and elaborate screening.

Conclusions

The THOMAS study will evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of home-based albuminuria screening in the general population for the early detection of CKD and CVD risk factors. It will provide insight into the willingness to participate in population screening for CKD and into the compliance of the general population to a corresponding screening protocol and compliance to participate. Thus, it may help to develop an attractive novel screening strategy for the early detection of CKD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT04295889, registered 05 March 2020. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=NCT04295889.
Effects of enhanced insect feeding on the faecal microbiota and transcriptome of a family of captive common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Yamazaki Yumiko , Moriya Shigeharu , Kawarai Shinpei , Morita Hidetoshi , Kikusui Takefumi , Iriki Atsushi
Published: December 2022

Common marmosets have been widely used in biomedical research for years. Nutritional control is an important factor in managing their health, and insect intake would be beneficial for that purpose because common marmosets frequently feed on insects in natural habitats. Here, we examined the effect of enhanced insect feeding on the gut by analysing the faecal microbiota and transcripts of captive marmosets. A family consisting of six marmosets was divided into two groups. During the seven-day intervention period, one group (the insect feeding group, or Group IF) was fed one cricket and one giant mealworm per marmoset per day, while the other (the control group, or Group C) was not fed these insects. RNA was extracted from faecal samples to evaluate the ecology and transcripts of the microbiota, which were then compared among time points before (Pre), immediately after (Post), and two weeks after the intervention (Follow_up) using total RNA sequencing. The gut microbiota of marmosets showedFirmicutes,Actinobacteria,Bacteroidetes, andProteobacteriaas dominant phyla. Linear discriminant analysis showed differential characteristics of microbiota with and without insect feeding treatment. Further analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed increases and decreases inBacteroidetesandFirmicutes, respectively, corresponding to the availability of insects under bothPostandFollow_upconditions. Significant changes specific to insect feeding were also detected within the transcriptome, some of which were synchronized with the fluctuations in the microbiota, suggesting a functional correlation or interaction between the two. The rapid changes in the microbiota and transcripts may be achieved by the microbiota community originally developed in the wild through marmosets’ feeding ecology. The results were informative for identifying the physiological impact of insect feeding to produce a better food regimen and for detecting transcripts that are currently unidentifiable.
Prediction of hospital readmission of multimorbid patients using machine learning models
Authors: Le Lay Jules , Alfonso-Lizarazo Edgar , Augusto Vincent , Bongue Bienvenu , Masmoudi Malek , Xie Xiaolan , Gramont Baptiste , Célarier Thomas
Published: December 2022

Objective

The objective of this study is twofold. First, we seek to understand the characteristics of the multimorbid population that needs hospital care by using all diagnoses information (ICD-10 codes) and two aggregated multimorbidity and frailty scores. Second, we use machine learning prediction models on these multimorbid patients characteristics to predict rehospitalization within 30 and 365 days and their length of stay.

Methods

This study was conducted on 8 882 anonymized patients hospitalized at the University Hospital of Saint-Étienne. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to better understand the characteristics of the patient population. Multimorbidity was measured using raw diagnoses information and two specific scores based on clusters of diagnoses: the Hospital Frailty Risk Score and the Calderon-Larrañaga index. Based on these variables different machine learning models (Decision Tree, Random forest and k-nearest Neighbors) were used to predict near future rehospitalization and length of stay (LoS).

Results

The use of random forest algorithms yielded better performance to predict both 365 and 30 days rehospitalization and using the diagnoses ICD-10 codes directly was significantly more efficient. However, using the Calderon-Larrañaga’s clusters of diagnoses can be used as an efficient substitute for diagnoses information for predicting readmission. The predictive power of the algorithms is quite low on length of stay indicator.

Conclusion

Using machine learning techniques using patients’ diagnoses information and Calderon-Larrañaga’s score yielded efficient results to predict hospital readmission of multimorbid patients. These methods could help improve the management of care of multimorbid patients in hospitals.
Pattern and perceived changes in quality of life of Vietnamese medical and nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Minh Le Dai , Phan Hoang Huy , Le Mai Duong Ngoc , Dat Nguyen Tien , Tri Ngo Minh , Ha Nguyen Viet , Tu Nguyen Huu , Foster Kirsty , Giang Kim Bao , Pham Tung Thanh
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and governments’ response lead to dramatical change in quality of life worldwide. However, the extent of this change in Vietnamese medical and nursing students has not been documented.

Objectives

The study aims to describe the quality of life and changes in quality of life of medical and nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the association of quality of life and changes in quality of life with fear of COVID-19 and other socio-economic and demographic factors.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional study on all students of Hanoi Medical University from 3 majors: General Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Nursing (3672 invited students); from 7th to 29th of April 2020; using an online questionnaire that included demographic and academic information, the Vietnamese version of the SF-36 Quality of Life questionnaire and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Linear and modified Poisson regression was used to examine the association between quality of life, changes in quality of life and other factors.

Results

The number of participants was 1583 (response rate 43%). Among 8 dimensions of the SF-36 (ranged 0–100), Vitality had the lowest score with a median score of 46. The median physical composite score (PCS) of the sample was 40.6 (IQR:20.8–53.2), 33.5% of the sample had an above-population average PCS score. The median mental composite score (MCS) of the sample was 20.3 (IQR:3.8–31.7), and 98.2% had an MCS score below average. 9.9% (95%CI:8.5%–11.4%) of the population reported a significant negative change in the quality of life. Fear of COVID-19 was not associated with significant changes in quality of life, nor MCS while having some association with PCS (Coef:-5.39;95%CI:-3to-7.8). Perceived reduction in quality of life was also associated with: being on clinical rotation COVID-19 (PR:1.5;95%CI:1.05–2.2), difficulties affording health services (PR:1.4;95%CI:1.02–1.95), obesity (PR:2.38;95%CI:1.08–5.25) and chronic disease (PR:1.92;95%CI:1.23–3), typical symptoms (PR:1.85; 95%CI:1.23–2.78) and atypical symptoms of COVID-19 (PR:2.32;95%CI:1.41–3.81).

Conclusion

The majority of medical and nursing students had below average quality of life, with lower vitality and mental composite health score in the settings of COVID-19. Perceived decrease in quality of life was associated with clinical rotation, difficulties affording healthcare services and was not associated with Fear of COVID-19.
Mismatch between media coverage and research on invasive species: The case of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Argentina
Authors: Ballari Sebastián A. , Barrios-García M. Noelia
Published: December 2022

Invasive species are a pervasive driver of global change with increasing media coverage. Media coverage and framing can influence both invasive species management and policies, as well as shed light on research needs. Using the wild boar (Sus scrofa) invasion in Argentina as a case study, we conducted a content analysis of media coverage and scientific articles. Specifically, we compared news and scientific articles based on their emphasis: ecological, economic, and health impacts and the overall perception portrayed in the news: “positive” when the articles emphasized benefits from wild boar and “negative” when focused on damage and/or loss. A literature search using Google news, Web of Science, Scielo, and Google Scholar yielded a total of 194 news articles and 37 research papers on wild boar in Argentina. More than half of the news articles focused on economic impacts of wild boar (56%) such as sport hunting, illegal hunting, and road accidents; while 27% focused on ecological impacts, and 10% on health impacts. In contrast, the majority of the scientific articles (65%) focused on ecological impacts of wild boar on native species and ecosystems; while 21% were related to health impacts and only 8.3% of scientific articles were related to economic impacts. This mismatch between media and science reveals a disconnection between social and scientific interests in wild boar and their management in Argentina, and it provides insights to research needs and prevention of management conflicts. Additionally, we found that 66.8% of news articles focused on “negative” aspects of wild boar, while 33.2% of news articles portrayed “positive” perceptions. This finding is very important because the management of invasive species such as wild boar usually requires lethal techniques, and the success of the programs depend on favorable social and political support. Good science communication is therefore key to helping scientists and managers perform more effective management actions.
Design education: Interdisciplinary perspectives
Authors: Markauskaite Lina , Wrigley Cara
Published: December 2022

This editorial presents the Special Issue for the 8.2 volume of the journal of Design, Business & Society titled ‘Design Education: Interdisciplinary Perspectives’. It discusses how design education intersects with the learning sciences and other disciplinary perspectives and introduces the selection of articles that present current design teaching and learning practices and perspectives from across the globe.
La traducción castellana de Valerio Máximo y la Sátira de don Pedro de Portugal. Prolegómenos filológicos en honor a Gemma Avenoza
Authors: Abeledo Manuel
Published: December 2022

El siguiente trabajo se propone como un homenaje a la labor llevada a cabo por la profesora Gemma Avenoza en sus numerosos e indispensables estudios sobre la circulación de los Facta et dicta memorabilia de Valerio Máximo en la Península, y en especial sobre la traducción que hizo Juan Alfonso de Zamora, a principios del siglo XV, de la traducción catalana de Antoni Canals. En particular, se propone avanzar a partir de los cimientos dejados por ella en cuestiones estrictamente filológicas: echar alguna luz sobre el testimonio preciso de Canals que utilizó como fuente, y plantear una primera hipótesis posible para un stemma de la traducción castellana. Finalmente, viendo que la traducción de Zamora es la fuente para más de un cuarto de las glosas que el condestable don Pedro de Portugal deja al margen de su Sátira de infelice e felice vida, intenta identificar el testimonio que le sirvió de fuente.
Emeritenses in itinere: estudio de la movilidad geográfica de los habitantes de Augusta Emerita en época imperial a través de la documentación epigráfica
Authors: Ortiz Córdoba José
Published: December 2022

Desde su misma fundación Augusta Emerita se configuró como una ciudad de inmigrantes. Sus inicios estuvieron marcados por el asentamiento de los veteranos itálicos procedentes de las legiones V Alaudae y X Gemina. Su posterior designación como capital de la nueva provincia de Lusitania favoreció el desarrollo urbano y económico de la colonia, que se convirtió en un importante centro receptor de población. La mayoría de los inmigrantes que se establecieron en Mérida a partir de ese momento procedían de los territorios hispanos, aunque también fueron muchos los que llegaron desde las provincias extrapeninsulares. Sin embargo, no son estos los únicos movimientos de población que hemos detectado en la ciudad, cuyos habitantes también se proyectaron hacia el exterior. En este trabajo estudiaremos la movilidad protagonizada por aquellos Emeritenses que decidieron abandonar su ciudad de origen para instalarse en otras comunidades, tanto hispanas como extrapeninsulares. Abordaremos, entre otros aspectos, las causas que determinaron el desarrollo de esta movilidad, el status jurídico de sus protagonistas y el papel desempeñado por estos emigrantes en sus nuevas comunidades. La principal fuente de información para llevar a cabo este estudio es la documentación epigráfica. Para su recopilación hemos tomado como referencia dos parámetros, la indicación de la origo y la mención de la tribu Papiria, que en Hispania fue empleada únicamente para censar a los cives de Augusta Firma y de Augusta Emerita. Sobre esta base hemos elaborado un corpus compuesto por 44 inscripciones que mencionan a 48 emeritenses y que conforma la base documental de este trabajo.
Cerámica y poblamiento beréber en la Serranía de Ronda (Málaga, España)
Authors: Castaño Aguilar José Manuel
Published: December 2022

La conquista islámica de Hispania ha generado historiografías que, en algunas ocasiones, por centrarse en exclusiva en unas fuentes y no contar con información suficiente procedente de otras (como las arqueológicas), han terminado consolidando modelos de poblamiento que se han convertido en referentes. Sin embargo, el avance de la investigación, desarrollada de manera notable de la mano de la arqueología, hace tiempo que está matizando algunas de esas referencias, introduciendo en el relato una lógica más ajustada entre lo que aportan fuentes escritas y lo que permite inferirse a través de la cultura material.La Serranía de Ronda ha sido en este sentido, y en el primer relato construido a partir del 711, una comarca tradicionalmente considerada como poblada por beréberes de forma mayoritaria. La carencia de investigación arqueológica y un exceso de confianza en las posibilidades de información de unas fuentes escritas escasas en número y muy parcas en detalles abonó esta visión que, aún hoy, es defendida por algunos investigadores. Sin embargo, el registro arqueológico (principalmente cerámico) proporcionado por los trabajos de arqueología territorial desarrollados en esta comarca insiste en empañar esta visión que con tanta nitidez parecían ofrecer las fuentes escritas y la toponimia. Las cerámicas procedentes de los registros superficiales documentados en los yacimientos arqueológicos detectados que podemos adscribir a estos momentos traslucen una neta homogeneidad que las ligan a tradiciones presentes en la Serranía con anterioridad. Estos contextos únicamente se verán alterados con la introducción de algunos nuevos tipos, si bien esta introducción parece coincidir con unas circunstancias concretas y bastante acotadas en el tiempo, que traerán consigo igualmente nuevas formas de poblamiento hasta entonces inéditas en este territorio.