bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O LIBERALISMO EM PERSPECTIVA HISTÓRICA: DA IDEIA DE LIBERDADE À DEVASTAÇÃO ULTRALIBERAL
Authors: Orso Paulino José
Published: July 2021

O liberalismo acumula aproximadamente cinco séculos de história. Reconhecido como ideologia do capitalismo, apesar de reter algumas características básicas que o identificam, passou por diversas transformações ao longo do tempo, acompanhando o processo de desenvolvimento do capital. Em decorrência disso, neste artigo, por um lado, pretendemos fazer uma análise desde uma perspectiva histórica para compreender as mudanças mais substanciais pelas quais passou, e, por outro, lançar luz sobre a realidade, para compreender o atual momento que estamos vivenciando, tanto em âmbito local, quanto global, e verificar os desafios que se colocam para os trabalhadores.
Percepções de agentes de combate a endemias e da população quanto aos fatores que influenciam na proliferação do mosquito Aedes aegypti
Authors: Salvi Fabíola Inês , Martinelli Da Silveira Nadine , Busato Maria Assunta , Roman Júnior Walter Antônio , Lutinski Junir Antônio
Published: July 2021

O mosquito Aedes aegypti é uma espécie sinantrópica e antropofílica que tem preferência e facilidade de proliferar em áreas urbanas. É considerado o principal vetor de viroses como a Febre Amarela, Dengue, Febre Chikungunya e Zika vírus. Há uma carência de estudos que abordem as interações regionais do inseto com a população humana. Este estudo visou descrever as percepções de Agentes de Combate a Endemias (ACE) e da população quanto aos fatores que influenciam na proliferação do A. aegypti. O estudo teve como referência geográfica a cidade de Chapecó (SC). A coleta de dados contemplou ACE ativos no programa municipal de controle da dengue (PMCD) e a população, cidadãos maiores de 18 anos, residentes no município.  A coleta de dados foi realizada em outubro de 2017. Foram utilizados um questionário (ACS) e um roteiro de entrevistas (população). Os dados foram tabulados, categorizadas e avaliadas quanto às frequências. Foram entrevistados 41 ACE e 200 cidadãos. Ao todo, 61% dos ACE citaram a gestão inadequada de resíduos sólidos como facilitador para a proliferação do vetor O acúmulo de resíduos em terrenos baldios foi citado por 71% da população entrevistada. Este estudo demonstrou que os sujeitos da pesquisa têm o conhecimento necessário para atuar sobre a infestação do vetor. Os achados contribuem para a prevenção de agravos à saúde. Fornecem subsídios para o desenvolvimento de políticas e estratégias de comunicação em saúde e para o controle vetorial.
Produção e avaliação de material didático alternativo para o ensino de Neuroanatomia
Authors: Marins Monica , Da Silva Marilene Gloria , Ferreira Daniella Karim , Dos Santos Débora Baltazar , Branco Danielle Paes
Published: July 2021

O ensino da Neuroanatomia é um grande desafio, uma vez que a nomenclatura não é de uso cotidiano e a visualização de estruturas que compõem esse sistema pode dificultar o entendimento. Diante das dificuldades, cabe ao professor estimular os discentes com alternativas que possam facilitar o entendimento do conteúdo. Algumas alternativas têm se mostrado eficazes no que diz respeito ao maior envolvimento dos alunos durante a disciplina com ganho considerável no aprendizado. Neste artigo elaboramos um material didático alternativo para o ensino do conteúdo sobre Medula Espinal, na disciplina de Neuroanatomia. Foram selecionadas para reprodução em EVA, imagens ampliadas de cortes de três níveis medulares. Cada corte continha regiões de interesse para encaixe (substância branca, substância cinzenta, vias sensoriais e motoras). Após aprovação pelo Comitê de ética em pesquisa, a atividade foi feita com os alunos divididos em grupos, cada grupo recebeu um conjunto de três cortes (com suas partes desmontadas) e uma lista de perguntas sobre o tema (para nota da disciplina). Após as atividades em sala de aula os alunos responderam a um questionário anônimo de avaliação com onze perguntas. A análise dos 342 questionários revelou que o método foi aprovado por mais de 94% dos alunos. Concluímos que o material mostrou-se vantajoso para o processo ensino-aprendizagem por suas dimensões, fácil manuseio e baixo custo.
Paleoecologia x Ecologia: Uma interação necessária?
Authors: Lins de Paiva Hanna Carolina , Gallo Valéria
Published: July 2021

O principal objetivo da paleoecologia é reconstruir a trajetória de vida dos organismos e suas relações ao longo do tempo geológico. Embora forneça dados importantes sobre organismos e comunidades, ecólogos, em geral, não a incluem em seus estudos. Diversos métodos foram desenvolvidos e adaptados no decorrer dos séculos, a fim de promover uma melhor interação entre ecólogos e paleoecólogos. Apesar de bem conhecida, a paleoecologia ainda necessita substituir metodologias obsoletas e desenvolver novas ferramentas para sanar as questões relativas à limitação do registro fossilífero. Incontestavelmente, a maior parte dos avanços em estudos paleoecológicos está concentrada em ambientes do Quaternário. No entanto, tais resultados refletem apenas uma pequena parte da história do planeta, enquanto permanecem muitos hiatos a serem respondidos ao longo do tempo profundo. Além disso, muitas metodologias mantiveram-se por gerações na paleoecologia, mas empregá-las apenas por esta justificativa não resulta num bom argumento científico. A ecologia aplica, por exemplo, a detecção imperfeita para fornecer estimativas de riqueza de espécies, o que poderia ser uma alternativa viável para a paleoecologia. Certamente, mais estudos são necessários para sua melhor aplicação em paleoecologia, porém essa seria uma boa oportunidade de acrescer a interação entre ecólogos e paleoecólogos.
“Sorry” – not the hardest word
Authors: Collier Andrew
Published: July 2021

Andrew Collier explains the importance of apologising effectively
Ensuring safe sharps management
Authors: Waters Rebecca
Published: July 2021

Rebecca Waters discusses how you can reduce the risk of injury
Safeguarding vulnerable adults
Authors: Jalota Puja
Published: July 2021

Puja Jalota explains how dental nurses can assist in the process

Aims & Objectives

To discuss the meaning of safeguarding vulnerable adults, identifying different types and signs of abuse and how to raise safeguarding concerns. To enhance understanding of duty of care to vulnerable adults. GDC development outcomes C and D
Sharing a smile in difficult times
Authors: Carter Nigel
Published: July 2021

Nigel Carter gives a roundup of National Smile Month 2021
Day-case unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a literature review and development of a novel hospital pathway
Authors: Wignadasan W , Thompson JW , Ibrahim M , Kayani B , Magan A , Haddad FS
Published: July 2021

Introduction

We have seen unparalleled changes in our healthcare systems globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we strive to regenerate our full capacity elective services in order to contest the increasing demand for lower limb arthroplasty, this pandemic has allowed us a rare opportunity to revise and develop novel elective arthroplasty pathways intended to improve patient care and advance healthcare efficiency. We present an extensive evidence-based review of the approaches used to achieve day-case unicompartmental arthroplasty (UKA) as well as the development of a day-case UKA care pathway in a UK NHS institution based on the evidence provided in the literature.

Methods

An extensive search of the literature was performed for articles that reported on readmission or complication rates ≥30 days postoperatively following day-case UKA.

Findings

Fifteen manuscripts reporting the results of day-case UKA, defined as discharged on the same calendar day of surgery, were included in our review. Mean reported complication rates for day-case and inpatient UKA within the follow-up periods were 4.05% and 6.52%, respectively. Mean readmission rates were 2.71% and 4.36% for day-case and inpatient UKA, respectively. The mean rate of successful same-day discharge was 92.45%.

Conclusion

We introduce our institutional Elective Day Surgery Arthroplasty Pathway (EDSAP) founded upon the evidence presented in the literature. Stringent patient selection complimented by a well-defined day-case arthroplasty pathway is fundamental for successful commencement of day-case UKA in the NHS.
Effect of microstructures on temperature and stress distributions of an irradiated alumina surface
Authors: Dong Bo , Wei Tianlu , Hu Shuo , Qin Jianbo , Chen Jiaxuan
Published: July 2021

Three types of alumina surface irradiated by laser are simulated in this study to investigate stray light ablation. Results indicate that temperature fields of triangular and rectangular microstructures exhibit the “head effect,” while overall still exhibit Gaussian distributions. For the stress, there is a notable difference between the microstructure surface and the ideal surface. The most stress concentration occurs at the corners on the microstructure surface termed as the “bottom effect.” The maximum tensile stress of a triangular microstructure appears below the midline of the slope. The location of the maximum tensile stress on the triangle first shifts down and then up. The inflection point is 0.9 µm in height of the triangle.
Refraction of space-time wave packets: III. experiments at oblique incidence
Authors: Yessenov Murat , Allende Motz Alyssa M. , Bhaduri Basanta , Abouraddy Ayman F.
Published: July 2021

The refraction of space-time (ST) wave packets at planar interfaces
between non-dispersive, homogeneous, isotropic dielectrics exhibits
fascinating phenomena, even at normal incidence. Examples of such
refractive phenomena include group-velocity invariance across the
interface, anomalous refraction, and group-velocity inversion. Crucial
differences emerge at oblique incidence with respect to the results
established at normal incidence. For example, the group velocity of
the refracted ST wave packet can be tuned simply by changing the angle
of incidence. In the third paper, we present experimental verification
of the refractive phenomena exhibited by ST wave packets at oblique
incidence that were in the first paper of this sequence
[J. Opt. Soc. Am.
A 38, 1409
(2021)10.1364/JOSAA.430105]. We also examine a
proposal for “blind synchronization,” whereby identical ST wave
packets arrive simultaneously at different receivers without a priori knowledge of their locations except
that they are all located at the same depth beyond an interface
between two media. A first proof-of-principle experimental
demonstration of this effect is provided.
Study into the spread of heat from thermo-optic silicon photonic elements
Authors: Pant B. , Zhang W. , Ebert M. , Yan X. , Du H. , Banakar M. , Tran D. T. , Qi Y. , Rowe D. , Jeyaselvan V. , Littlejohns C. G. , Reed G. T. , Thomson D. J.
Published: July 2021

Phase modulators based upon the thermo-optic effect are used widely in silicon photonics for low speed applications such as switching and tuning. The dissipation of the heat produced to drive the device to the surrounding silicon is a concern as it can dictate how compact and tightly packed components can be without concerns over thermal crosstalk. In this paper we study through modelling and experiment, on various silicon on insulator photonic platforms, how close waveguides can be placed together without significant thermal crosstalk from adjacent devices.
Propagation-invariant space-time caustics of light
Authors: Wong Liang Jie
Published: July 2021

Caustics are responsible for a wide range of natural phenomena, from rainbows and mirages to sparkling seas. Here, we present caustics in space-time wavepackets, a class of pulsed beams featuring strong coupling between spatial and temporal frequencies. Space-time wavepackets have attracted much attention with their propagation-invariant intensity profiles that travel at tunable superluminal and subluminal group velocities. These intensity profiles, however, have been largely restricted to an X-shape or similar pattern. We show that space-time caustics combine the propagation invariance of space-time wavepackets with the flexible design of caustics, allowing for customizable intensity patterns in space-time wavepackets. Our method directly provides the phase distribution needed to realize user-designed caustic patterns in space-time wavepackets. We show that space-time caustics can feature in a broad range of intriguing optical phenomena, including backward traveling caustics formed from purely forward propagating waves, and nondiffracting beams that evolve with time. Our findings should open the doors to an even wider range of structured light with spatiotemporal coupling.
Quantifying the refractive index of ferroelectric domain walls in periodically poled LiNbO3single crystals by polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Golde Jonas , Rüsing Michael , Rix Jan , Eng Lukas M. , Koch Edmund
Published: July 2021

Domain walls (DWs) in ferroelectric (FE) and multiferroic materials possess an ever-growing potential as integrated functional elements, for instance in optoelectronic nanodevices. Mandatory, however, is the profound knowledge of the local-scale electronic and optical properties, especially at DWs that are still incompletely characterized to date. Here, we quantify the refractive index of individual FE DWs in periodically-poled LiNbO3(PPLN) single crystals. When applying polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) at 1300 nm using circular light polarization, we are able to probe the relevant electro-optical properties close to and at the DWs, including also their ordinary and extraordinary contributions. When comparing to numerical calculations, we conclude that the DW signals recorded for ordinary and extraordinary polarization stem from an increased refractive index of at least Δn > 2·10−3that originates from a tiny region of < 30 nm in width. PS-OCT hence provides an extremely valuable tool to decipher and quantify subtle changes of refractive index profiles for both inorganic and biomedical nanomaterial systems.
Tunable graphene-based metasurface for an ultra-low sidelobe terahertz phased array antenna
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Yue , Li Qingyan , Zhang Yu , Yan Shiyu , Wang Chunhui
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose an all-solid-state, electrically tunable, and reflective graphene metasurface array that can generate a specific phase or continuous scanning between 0° and 352.5° in the terahertz band. By optimizing the structural parameters of the metasurface, the average reflectivity can reach 68.3%, and the maximum reflectivity variation range is only 30%. We also simulate the results that an electrically tunable terahertz phased array can be achieved by adjusting the Fermi levels of a monolayer graphene resonator. The maximum deflection of the reflected beam is 46.05°, and the resolution can be improved to 1.10°. It should be noted that the sidelobe energy only accounts for 1.06% of the main lobe energy, due to the slight change in reflectivity with the phase gradient.
Ultra-narrow-band metamaterial perfect absorber based on surface lattice resonance in a WS2 nanodisk array
Authors: Li Zhangbo , Sun Xiaoan , Ma Churong , Li Jie , Li Xiangping , Guan Bai-ou , Chen Kai
Published: July 2021

Metamaterial perfect absorbers (MPAs) are attractive platforms for the unique manipulation of electromagnetic waves from near-field to far-field. Narrow-band MPAs are particularly intriguing for their potential applications as thermal emitters or biosensors. In this work, we proposed ultra-narrow-band MPAs based on surface lattice resonance (SLR) modes of WS2 nanodisk arrays on gold films. The SLR modes stem from the coupling between the magnetic dipole modes of individual nanodisks and the Rayleigh anomaly of the array giving rise to high quality-factor resonances. With proper design of the nanodisk array, an ultra-narrow-band of 15 nm is achieved in the near infrared wavelength range. The underneath gold film provides the loss channel converting the incident light within the narrow band into heat in the gold film, effectively creating a perfect absorber. Systematic numerical simulations were performed to investigate the effects of the geometrical parameters on their optical properties, demonstrating the great tunability of this type of MPAs as well as their potential for engineering light-matter interactions.
8 fs laser pulses from a compact gas-filled multi-pass cell
Authors: Rueda P. , Videla F. , Witting T. , Torchia G. A. , Furch F. J.
Published: July 2021

Compression of 42 fs, 0.29 mJ pulses from a Ti:Sapphire amplifier down to 8 fs (approximately 3 optical cycles) is demonstrated by means of spectral broadening in a compact multi-pass cell filled with argon. The efficiency of the nonlinear pulse compression is limited to 45 % mostly by losses in the mirrors of the cell. The experimental results are supported by 3-dimensional numerical simulations of the nonlinear pulse propagation in the cell that allow us to study spatio-spectral properties of the pulses after spectral broadening.
Multi-exposure interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy
Authors: Zhou Wenjun , Zhao Mingjun , Kholiqov Oybek , Srinivasan Vivek J.
Published: July 2021

We present multi-exposure interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy
(MiDWS), which measures brain blood flow index (BFI) continuously and
non-invasively. MiDWS employs interferometry to detect low light
levels, probing the optical field autocorrelation indirectly by
varying the sensor exposure time. Here MiDWS is compared with
conventional interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy and speckle
contrast optical spectroscopy in phantoms. Notably, the MiDWS approach
enables the use of low frame rate, two-dimensional complementary
metal–oxide semiconductor cameras in a short exposure time regime,
where detector noise greatly exceeds the sample photon count. Finally,
we show that MiDWS can monitor the BFI simultaneously at two
source-collector separations (1 and 3 cm) on the adult human head on a
single camera, enabling the use of superficial signal regression
techniques to improve brain specificity.
Multiperiodic magnetoplasmonic gratings fabricated by the pulse force nanolithography
Authors: Lutsenko Savelii V. , Kozhaev Mikhail A. , Borovkova Olga V. , Kalish Andrey N. , Temiryazev Alexei G. , Dagesyan Sarkis A. , Berzhansky Vladimir N. , Shaposhnikov Alexander N. , Kuzmichev Alexei N. , Belotelov Vladimir I.
Published: July 2021

We propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, technique for magnetoplasmonic nanostructures fabrication based on the pulse force nanolithography method. It allows one to create the high-quality magnetoplasmonic nanostructures that have lower total losses than the gratings made by the electron-beam lithography. The method provides control of the surface plasmon polaritons excitation efficiency by varying the grating parameters such as the scratching depth or the number of scratches in a single period. The quality of the plasmonic gratings was estimated by means of the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect that is extremely sensitive to the finesse of a plasmonic structure.
High-Q ultrasensitive integrated photonic sensors based on slot-ring resonator on a 3C-SiC-on-insulator platform
Authors: Wu Xi , Fan Tianren , Eftekhar Ali A. , Hosseinnia Amir H. , Adibi Ali
Published: July 2021

We demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, the first high-

Q

silicon carbide (SiC) integrated photonic sensor based on slot-ring resonators on a 3C-SiC-on-insulator (SiCOI) platform. We experimentally demonstrate an intrinsic

Q

of 17,400 at around 1310 nm wavelength for a slot-ring resonator with 40 µm radius with water cladding. By applying different concentrations of a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution that covers the devices, measured bulk sensitivities of 264–300 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) are achieved in the slot-ring resonator with a 400–450 nm rail width and a 100–200 nm slot width. The device performance for biomolecular layer sensing (BMLS) is proved by the detection of the cardiac biomarker troponin with 248–322 pm/nm surface sensitivity. The reported slot-ring resonators can be of great interest for diverse sensing applications from visible to infrared wavelengths.
Spatial coherence measurement via a digital micromirror device based spatiotemporal light modulation
Authors: Shirai Tomohiro , Friberg Ari T.
Published: July 2021

We propose a method for measuring the spatial coherence of light by means of temporal modulation of a double slit displayed on a digital micromirror device. It is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally that the technique is generally insensitive to background light, and thus its suppression or subtraction is not necessary. Moreover, the visibility of the interference fringe pattern can be enhanced by modulating only either one of the two slits. These favorable features enable one to measure the spatial coherence of even faint light more conveniently and accurately.
Broadband Fourier-transform silicon nitride spectrometer with wide-area multiaperture input
Authors: González-Andrade David , Dinh Thi Thuy Duong , Guerber Sylvain , Vulliet Nathalie , Cremer Sébastien , Monfray Stephane , Cassan Eric , Marris-Morini Delphine , Boeuf Frédéric , Cheben Pavel , Vivien Laurent , Velasco Aitor V. , Alonso-Ramos Carlos
Published: July 2021

Integrated microspectrometers implemented in silicon photonic chips have gathered a great interest for diverse applications such as biological analysis, environmental monitoring, and remote sensing. These applications often demand high spectral resolution, broad operational bandwidth, and large optical throughput. Spatial heterodyne Fourier-transform (SHFT) spectrometers have been proposed to overcome the limited optical throughput of dispersive and speckle-based on-chip spectrometers. However, state-of-the-art SHFT spectrometers in near-infrared achieve large optical throughput only within a narrow operational bandwidth. Here we demonstrate for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a broadband silicon nitride SHFT spectrometer with the largest light collecting multiaperture input (

320

×

410

µ

m

2

) ever implemented in an SHFT on-chip spectrometer. The device was fabricated using 248 nm deep-ultraviolet lithography, exhibiting over 13 dB of optical throughput improvement compared to a single-aperture device. The measured resolution varies between 29 and 49 pm within the 1260–1600 nm wavelength range.
Oriented hyperlens based on passivated porous graphene phases for sub-diffraction visible imaging
Authors: Sadeghi Mohammad Naser , Yazdanfar Payam , Rashidian Bizhan
Published: July 2021

The performance of conventional imaging lenses, relying on the phase transformation of propagating waves, is impairing due to the aberration and diffraction limits. For imaging beyond the diffraction limit, different superlens designs have been proposed. Although sub-diffraction resolution imaging in the near field has been realized by the superlenses with negative refractive index, magnification of the subwavelength objects into the far field has not been fulfilled. Imaging using “hyperlens” is promising to overcome the energy spreading associated with diffraction, by utilizing negative permittivity parallel to the optical axis, and positive permittivity perpendicular to it. Among various hyperlens implementations, three-dimensional (3D) non-magnetic left-handed- (NMLH), photonic crystal (PhC)- and metamaterial-based hyperlenses have several disadvantages, including short and geometry-dependent bandwidth, signal attenuation, and distortion. Here, we use two porous graphene phases, namely carbon passivated porous graphene (CPG), and silicon passivated porous graphene (SiPG) having worthy anisotropic optical properties in the visible spectrum range, for hyperlens implementation. The geometrical characteristics of the proposed two-dimensional (2D) configurations are investigated with the framework of density functional theory (DFT), and the anisotropic permittivity of monolayer and periodic stack configurations are obtained. Applying porosity in a 3 × 3 graphene unit cell, demonstrated operational frequency shifts from ultraviolet (UV) toward the visible range of the porous graphene-based hyperlens. The subwavelength resolution of the designed flat and oriented CPG and SiPG hyperlenses are illustrated at the wavelengths of 560 nm and 520 nm, and their superiority is shown in comparison with a well-known silver/GaAs metamaterial-based hyperlens. The proposed hyperlens implementation methodology based on stacking of 2D oriented porous sheets is very promising for the far-field super-resolution imaging, having applications in diverse fields of biology, molecular dynamic imaging, and nanolithography.
Accurate influenza forecasts using type-specific incidence data for small geographic units
Authors: Turtle James , Riley Pete , Ben-Nun Michal , Riley Steven
Published: July 2021

Influenza incidence forecasting is used to facilitate better health system planning and could potentially be used to allow at-risk individuals to modify their behavior during a severe seasonal influenza epidemic or a novel respiratory pandemic. For example, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) runs an annual competition to forecast influenza-like illness (ILI) at the regional and national levels in the US, based on a standard discretized incidence scale. Here, we use a suite of forecasting models to analyze type-specific incidence at the smaller spatial scale of clusters of nearby counties. We used data from point-of-care (POC) diagnostic machines over three seasons, in 10 clusters, capturing: 57 counties; 1,061,891 total specimens; and 173,909 specimens positive for Influenza A. Total specimens were closely correlated with comparable CDC ILI data. Mechanistic models were substantially more accurate when forecasting influenza A positive POC data than total specimen POC data, especially at longer lead times. Also, models that fit subpopulations of the cluster (individual counties) separately were better able to forecast clusters than were models that directly fit to aggregated cluster data. Public health authorities may wish to consider developing forecasting pipelines for type-specific POC data in addition to ILI data. Simple mechanistic models will likely improve forecast accuracy when applied at small spatial scales to pathogen-specific data before being scaled to larger geographical units and broader syndromic data. Highly local forecasts may enable new public health messaging to encourage at-risk individuals to temporarily reduce their social mixing during seasonal peaks and guide public health intervention policy during potentially severe novel influenza pandemics.
Integrative analysis of genomic variants reveals new associations of candidate haploinsufficient genes with congenital heart disease
Authors: Audain Enrique , Wilsdon Anna , Breckpot Jeroen , Izarzugaza Jose M. G. , Fitzgerald Tomas W. , Kahlert Anne-Karin , Sifrim Alejandro , Wünnemann Florian , Perez-Riverol Yasset , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim , Bak Mads , Bassett Anne S. , Benson Woodrow D. , Berger Felix , Daehnert Ingo , Devriendt Koenraad , Dittrich Sven , Daubeney Piers EF , Garg Vidu , Hackmann Karl , Hoff Kirstin , Hofmann Philipp , Dombrowsky Gregor , Pickardt Thomas , Bauer Ulrike , Keavney Bernard D. , Klaassen Sabine , Kramer Hans-Heiner , Marshall Christian R. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Lemaire Scott , Coselli Joseph S. , Mitchell Michael E. , Tomita-Mitchell Aoy , Prakash Siddharth K. , Stamm Karl , Stewart Alexandre F. R. , Silversides Candice K. , Siebert Reiner , Stiller Brigitte , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Vater Inga , Postma Alex V. , Caliebe Almuth , Brook J. David , Andelfinger Gregor , Hurles Matthew E. , Thienpont Bernard , Larsen Lars Allan , Hitz Marc-Phillip
Published: July 2021

Numerous genetic studies have established a role for rare genomic variants in Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) at the copy number variation (CNV) and de novo variant (DNV) level. To identify novel haploinsufficient CHD disease genes, we performed an integrative analysis of CNVs and DNVs identified in probands with CHD including cases with sporadic thoracic aortic aneurysm. We assembled CNV data from 7,958 cases and 14,082 controls and performed a gene-wise analysis of the burden of rare genomic deletions in cases versus controls. In addition, we performed variation rate testing for DNVs identified in 2,489 parent-offspring trios. Our analysis revealed 21 genes which were significantly affected by rare CNVs and/or DNVs in probands. Fourteen of these genes have previously been associated with CHD while the remaining genes (FEZ1, MYO16, ARID1B, NALCN, WAC, KDM5B and WHSC1) have only been associated in small cases series or show new associations with CHD. In addition, a systems level analysis revealed affected protein-protein interaction networks involved in Notch signaling pathway, heart morphogenesis, DNA repair and cilia/centrosome function. Taken together, this approach highlights the importance of re-analyzing existing datasets to strengthen disease association and identify novel disease genes and pathways.
Target product profile for a dengue pre-vaccination screening test
Authors: Fongwen Noah , Wilder-Smith Annelise , Gubler Duane J. , Ooi Eng Eong , T. Salvana Edsel Maurice , de Lamballerie Xavier , Olliaro Piero L. , Peeling Rosanna W.
Published: July 2021

With increasing geographic spread, frequency, and magnitude of outbreaks, dengue continues to pose a major public health threat worldwide. Dengvaxia, a dengue live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine, was licensed in 2015, but post hoc analyses of long-term data showed serostatus-dependent vaccine performance with an excess risk of hospitalized and severe dengue in seronegative vaccine recipients. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that only persons with evidence of past dengue infection should receive the vaccine. A test for pre-vaccination screening for dengue serostatus is needed. To develop the target product profile (TPP) for a dengue pre-vaccination screening test, face-to-face consultative meetings were organized with follow-up regional consultations. A technical working group was formed to develop consensus on a reference test against which candidate pre-vaccination screening tests could be compared. The group also reviewed current diagnostic landscape and the need to accelerate the evaluation, regulatory approval, and policy development of tests that can identify seropositive individuals and maximize public health impact of vaccination while avoiding the risk of hospitalization in dengue-naive individuals. Pre-vaccination screening strategies will benefit from rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that are affordable, sensitive, and specific and can be used at the point of care (POC). The TPP described the minimum and ideal characteristics of a dengue pre-vaccination screening RDT with an emphasis on high specificity. The group also made suggestions for accelerating access to these RDTs through streamlining regulatory approval and policy development. Risk and benefit based on what can be achieved with RDTs meeting minimal and optimal characteristics in the TPP across a range of seroprevalences were defined. The final choice of RDTs in each country will depend on the performance of the RDT, dengue seroprevalence in the target population, tolerance of risk, and cost-effectiveness.
Detrimental role of IL-33/ST2 pathway sustaining a chronic eosinophil-dependent Th2 inflammatory response, tissue damage and parasite burden during Toxocara canis infection in mice
Authors: Leal-Silva Thaís , Vieira-Santos Flaviane , Oliveira Fabrício Marcus Silva , Padrão Luiza de Lima Silva , Kraemer Lucas , da Paixão Matias Pablo Hemanoel , de Almeida Lopes Camila , Loiola Ruas Ana Cristina , de Azevedo Isabella Carvalho , Nogueira Denise Silva , Rachid Milene Alvarenga , Caliari Marcelo Vidigal , Castro Russo Remo , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio , Bueno Lilian Lacerda
Published: July 2021

Toxocariasis is a neglected disease that affects people around the world. Humans become infected by accidental ingestion of eggs containing Toxocara canis infective larvae, which upon reaching the intestine, hatch, penetrate the mucosa and migrate to various tissues such as liver, lungs and brain. Studies have indicated that Th2 response is the main immune defense mechanism against toxocariasis, however, there are still few studies related to this response, mainly the IL-33/ST2 pathway. Some studies have reported an increase in IL-33 during helminth infections, including T. canis. By binding to its ST2 receptor, IL-33 stimulating the Th2 polarized immune cell and cytokine responses. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of the IL-33/ST2 pathway in the context of T. canis larval migration and the immunological and pathophysiological aspects of the infection in the liver, lungs and brain from Wild-Type (WT) BALB/c background and genetically deficient mice for the ST2 receptor (ST2-/-). The most important findings revealed that the IL-33/ST2 pathway is involved in eosinophilia, hepatic and cerebral parasitic burden, and induces the formation of granulomas related to tissue damage and pulmonary dysfunction. However, ST2-/- mice, the immune response was skewed to Th1/Th17 type than Th2, that enhanced the control of parasite burden related to IgG2a levels, tissue macrophages infiltration and reduced lung dysfunction. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the Th2 immune response triggered by IL-33/ST2 pathway mediates susceptibility to T. canis, related to parasitic burden, eosinophilia and granuloma formation in which consequently contributes to tissue inflammation and injury.
Trends in COVID-19 cases and clinical management in Veterans Health Administration medical facilities: A national cohort study
Authors: Aboumrad Maya , Shiner Brian , Riblet Natalie , Huizenga Hugh , Neupane Nabin , Young-Xu Yinong
Published: July 2021

Objective

We explored longitudinal trends in sociodemographic characteristics, reported symptoms, laboratory findings, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, comorbidities, and 30-day in-hospital mortality among hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States Veterans Health Administration between 03/01/20 and 08/31/20 and followed until 09/30/20. We focused our analysis on patients that were subsequently hospitalized, and categorized them into groups based on the month of hospitalization. We summarized our findings through descriptive statistics. We used Cuzick’s Trend Test to examine any differences in the distribution of our study variables across the six months.

Results

During our study period, we identified 43,267 patients with COVID-19. A total of 8,240 patients were hospitalized, and 13.1% (N = 1,081) died within 30 days of admission. Hospitalizations increased over time, but the proportion of patients that died consistently declined from 24.8% (N = 221/890) in March to 8.0% (N = 111/1,396) in August. Patients hospitalized in March compared to August were younger on average, mostly black, urban-dwelling, febrile and dyspneic. They also had a higher frequency of baseline comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes, and were more likely to present with abnormal laboratory findings including low lymphocyte counts and elevated creatinine. Lastly, there was a decline from March to August in receipt of mechanical ventilation (31.4% to 13.1%) and hydroxychloroquine (55.3% to <1.0%), while treatment with dexamethasone (3.7% to 52.4%) and remdesivir (1.1% to 38.9%) increased.

Conclusion

Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, we observed a trend towards decreased disease severity and mortality over time.
Comparisons between retinal vessel calibers and various optic disc morphologic parameters with different optic disc appearances: The Glaucoma Stereo Analysis Study
Authors: Sugihara Kazunobu , Takai Yasuyuki , Kawasaki Ryo , Nitta Koji , Katai Maki , Kitaoka Yasushi , Yokoyama Yu , Omodaka Kazuko , Naito Tomoko , Yamashita Takehiro , Mizoue Shiro , Iwase Aiko , Nakazawa Toru , Tanito Masaki
Published: July 2021

The Glaucoma Stereo Analysis Study (GSAS) is a multicenter collaborative study of the characteristics of glaucomatous optic disc morphology using a stereo fundus camera. This study evaluated the retinal vessel calibers and correlations using GSAS fundus photographs between retinal vessels and 38 optic nerve head (ONH) morphologic parameters comprehensively. In all 240 eyes, the mean central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) were 138.4 and 216.5 μm, respectively; the CRAE correlated with age, visual field scores and 19 ONH parameters and CRVE correlated with age, intraocular pressure, visual field scores and 11 ONH parameters. Among the different optic disc appearances including focal ischemia (FI) (n = 53, 22%), generalized enlargement (GE) (n = 53, 22%), myopic glaucoma (MY) (n = 112, 47%), and senile sclerosis (SS) (n = 22, 9%), the CRAE did not differ significantly; CRVE was significantly narrower in SS than in FI and MY. In FI, GE, MY, and SS disc types, CRAE correlated with 3, 14, 9, and 2 ONH parameters, respectively, and CRVE corelated with 9, 0, 12, and 6 ONH parameters, respectively. We confirmed previous observations on the effect of retinal vessel narrowing on glaucomatous changes in the ONH and visual field. The associations between retinal vessel caliber and ONH morphologic parameters vary among different optic disc appearances, suggesting different effects of vascular changes in each disc type.
Return of individual research results: What do participants prefer and expect?
Authors: Sayeed Sabina , Califf Robert , Green Robert , Wong Celeste , Mahaffey Kenneth , Gambhir Sanjiv Sam , Mega Jessica , Patrick-Lake Bray , Frazier Kaylyn , Pignone Michael , Hernandez Adrian , Shah Svati H. , Fan Alice C. , Krüg Sarah , Shaack Terry , Shore Scarlet , Spielman Susie , Eckstrand Julie , Wong Charlene A. ,   on behalf of the Project Baseline Health Study Research Group
Published: July 2021

Newer data platforms offer increased opportunity to share multidimensional health data with research participants, but the preferences of participants for which data to receive and how is evolving. Our objective is to describe the preferences and expectations of participants for the return of individual research results within Project Baseline Health Study (PBHS). The PBHS is an ongoing, multicenter, longitudinal cohort study with data from four initial enrollment sites. PBHS participants are recruited from the general population along with groups enriched for heart disease and cancer disease risk. Cross-sectional data on return of results were collected in 2017–2018 from an (1) in-person enrollment survey (n = 1,890), (2) benchmark online survey (n = 1,059), and (3) participant interviews (n = 21). The main outcomes included (1) preferences for type of information to be added next to returned results, (2) participant plans for sharing returned results with a non-study clinician, and (3) choice to opt-out of receiving genetic results. Results were compared by sociodemographic characteristics. Enrollment and benchmark survey respondents were 57.1% and 53.5% female, and 60.0% and 66.2% white, respectively. Participants preferred the following data types be added to returned results in the future: genetics (29.9%), heart imaging, (16.4%), study watch (15.8%), and microbiome (13.3%). Older adults (OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41–0.87) were less likely to want their genetic results returned next. Forty percent of participants reported that they would not share all returned results with their non–study clinicians. Black (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43–0.95) and Asian (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30–0.73) participants were less likely, and older participants more likely (OR 1.45–1.61), to plan to share all results with their clinician than their counterparts. At enrollment, 5.8% of participants opted out of receiving their genetics results. The study showed that substantial heterogeneity existed in participant’s preferences and expectations for return of results, and variations were related to sociodemographic characteristics.
Prevalence of stroke survival in rural communities living in northern Peru
Authors: Moyano Luz M. , Montano Silvia M. , Vilchez Barreto Percy , Reto Narcisa , Larrauri Luis , Mori Nicanor , Cornejo-Olivas Mario , Guevara-Silva Erik , Urizar Fernando , Najar Enrique , Gamboa Ricardo , Azabache Cintya , Herrer Ticse Raquel , Bolivar-Herrada Lucia , Doud Alex , Martinez Peggy , Miranda J. Jaime , Zunt Joseph R. , García Hector H. ,   for the Cysticercosis Working Group for Peru
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

Stroke is the leading cause of neurological impairment in the South American Andean region. However, the epidemiology of stroke in the region has been poorly characterized.

Methods

We conducted a staged three-phase population-based study applying a validated eight-question neurological survey in 80 rural villages in Tumbes, northern Peru, then confirmed presence or absence of stroke through a neurologist’s examination to estimate the prevalence of stroke.

Results

Our survey covered 90% of the population (22,278/24,854 individuals, mean age 30±21.28, 48.45% females), and prevalence of stroke was 7.05/1,000 inhabitants. After direct standardization to WHO’s world standard population, adjusted prevalence of stroke was 6.94/1,000 inhabitants. Participants aged ≥85 years had higher stroke prevalence (>50/1000 inhabitants) compared to other stratified ages, and some unusual cases of stroke were found among individuals aged 25–34 years. The lowest age reported for a first stroke event was 16.8 years. High blood pressure (aPR 4.2 [2.7–6.4], p>0.001), and sedentary lifestyle (aPR 1.6 [1.0–2.6], p = 0.045) were more prevalent in people with stroke.

Conclusions

The age-standardized prevalence of stroke in this rural coastal Peruvian population was slightly higher than previously reported in studies from surrounding rural South American settings, but lower than in rural African and Asian regions. The death rate from stroke was much higher than in industrialized and middle-income countries.
How norm violators rise and fall in the eyes of others: The role of sanctions
Authors: Wanders Florian , Homan Astrid C. , van Vianen Annelies E. M. , Rahal Rima-Maria , van Kleef Gerben A.
Published: July 2021

Norm violators demonstrate that they can behave as they wish, which makes them appear powerful. Potentially, this is the beginning of a self-reinforcing loop, in which greater perceived power invites further norm violations. Here we investigate the possibility that sanctions can break this loop by reducing the power that observers attribute to norm violators. Despite an abundance of research on the effects of sanctions as deterrents for norm-violating behavior, little is known about how sanctions may change perceptions of individuals who do (or do not) violate norms. Replicating previous research, we found in two studies (N1 = 203, N2 = 132) that norm violators are perceived as having greater volitional capacity compared to norm abiders. Qualifying previous research, however, we demonstrate that perceptions of volition only translate into attributions of greater power in the absence of sanctions. We discuss implications for social hierarchies and point out avenues for further research on the social dynamics of power.
Amblyopia risk factors among pediatric patients in a hospital-based setting using photoscreening
Authors: Al-Haddad Christiane , El Moussawi Zeinab , Hoyeck Stephanie , Mehanna Carl-Joe , El Salloukh Nasrine Anais , Ismail Karine , Hnaini Mona , Boustany Rose-Mary N.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of amblyopia risk factors in children visiting the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) using automated vision screening.

Methods

This was a hospital-based screening of 1102 children aged between 2 and 6 years. Vision screening was performed using PlusoptiX S12 over 2 years (2018–2020). The need for referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist was based on the amblyopia risk factors set forth by the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Referred patients underwent a comprehensive eye examination.

Results

A total of 1102 children were screened, 63 were referred for amblyopia risk factors (5.7%); 37/63 (59%) underwent comprehensive eye examination and 73% were prescribed glasses. Of the non-referred group of children, 6.35% had astigmatism, 6.25% were hyperopic and 3.27% were myopic. The refractive errors observed among the examined patients were distributed as follows: 41% astigmatism, 51% hyperopia, and 8% myopia; amblyopia was not detected. Refractive amblyopia risk factors were associated with the presence of systemic disorders. Bland-Altman plots showed most of the differences to be within limits of agreement.

Conclusion

Using an automated vision screener in a hospital-based cohort of children aged 2 to 6 years, the rate of refractive amblyopia risk factors was 5.7%. Hyperopia was the most commonly encountered refractive error and children with systemic disorders were at higher risk.
Lack of neophobic responses to color in a jumping spider that uses color cues when foraging (Habronattus pyrrithrix)
Authors: Vickers Michael E. , Heisey Madison L. , Taylor Lisa A.
Published: July 2021

Chemically defended prey often advertise their toxins with bright and conspicuous colors. To understand why such colors are effective at reducing predation, we need to understand the psychology of key predators. In bird predators, there is evidence that individuals avoid novelty—including prey of novel colors (with which they have had no prior experience). Moreover, the effect of novelty is sometimes strongest for colors that are typically associated with aposematic prey (e.g., red, orange, yellow). Given these findings in the bird literature, color neophobia has been argued to be a driving force in the evolution of aposematism. However, no studies have yet asked whether invertebrate predators respond similarly to novel colors. Here, we tested whether naive lab-raised jumping spiders (Habronattus pyrrithrix) exhibit similar patterns of color neophobia to birds. Using color-manipulated living prey, we first color-exposed spiders to prey of two out of three colors (blue, green, or red), with the third color remaining novel. After this color exposure phase, we gave the spiders tests where they could choose between all three colors (two familiar, one novel). We found that H. pyrrithrix attacked novel and familiar-colored prey at equal rates with no evidence that the degree of neophobia varied by color. Moreover, we found no evidence that either prey novelty nor color (nor their interaction) had an effect on how quickly prey was attacked. We discuss these findings in the context of what is known about color neophobia in other animals and how this contributes to our understanding of aposematic signals.