bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fingerprint multiplex CARS at high speed based on supercontinuum generation in bulk media and deep learning spectral denoising
Authors: Vernuccio Federico , Bresci Arianna , Talone Benedetta , de la Cadena Alejandro , Ceconello Chiara , Mantero Stefano , Sobacchi Cristina , Vanna Renzo , Cerullo Giulio , Polli Dario
Published: July 2022

We introduce a broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscope based on a 2-MHz repetition rate ytterbium laser generating 1035-nm high-energy (≈µJ level) femtosecond pulses. These features of the driving laser allow producing broadband red-shifted Stokes pulses, covering the whole fingerprint region (400–1800 cm−1), employing supercontinuum generation in a bulk crystal. Our system reaches state-of-the-art acquisition speed (<1 ms/pixel) and unprecedented sensitivity of ≈14.1 mmol/L when detecting dimethyl sulfoxide in water. To further improve the performance of the system and to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of the CARS spectra, we designed a convolutional neural network for spectral denoising, coupled with a post-processing pipeline to distinguish different chemical species of biological tissues.
Advancement on target ranging and tracking by single-point photon counting lidar
Authors: Li Zhikang , Liu Bo , Wang Huachuang , Yi Hao , Chen Zhen
Published: July 2022

Laser tracking with a cooperative target has been widely used in many fields and becomes increasingly important while the non-cooperative target tracking is still a challenge. In this article, a pure laser scanning, ranging and tracking system based on a single-point single photon detector (SP-SPD) is proposed, which can achieve a non-cooperative target real-time tracking without any other passive detection sensor. Through laboratory tracking experiment, we realized the real-time angular measurement, ranging and tracking of a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at a distance of about 38 m. The results show that the system and its tracking strategy have the ability to achieve a non-cooperative target real-time ranging and tracking in conditions of weak echo signals (a few tenths of a photoelectron), which means that the pure lidar tracking of the non-cooperative target in far distance become reality. It has important guiding significance and application value for a non-cooperative long-distance target ranging and tracking in the airspace.
Dual-controlled tunable dual-band and ultra-broadband coherent perfect absorber in the THz range
Authors: Zhang Zexuan , Xie Qun , Guo Linhui , Su Chenxi , Wang Mei , Xia Feng , Sun Jianfeng , Li Kai , Feng He , Yun Maojin
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a vanadium dioxide metamaterial-based tunable, polarization-independent coherent perfect absorber (CPA) in the terahertz frequency range. The designed CPA demonstrates intelligent reconfigurable switch modulation from an ultra-broadband absorber mode to a dual-band absorber mode via the thermally controlled of VO2. The mode of ultra-broadband absorber is realized when the conductivity of VO2 reaches 11850 S/m via controlling its temperature around T = 328 K. In this mode, the CPA demonstrates more than 90% absorption efficiency within the ultra-wide frequency band that extends from 0.1 THz to 10.8 THz. As the conductivity of VO2 reaches 2×105 S/m (T = 340 K), the CPA switches to a dual-band absorber mode where a relatively high absorption efficiency of 98% and 99.7% is detected at frequencies of 4.5 THz and 9.8 THz, respectively. Additionally, using phase modulation of the incident light, the proposed CPA can regulate the absorption efficiency, which can be intelligently controlled from perfect absorption to high pass-through transmission. Owing to the ability of the proposed CPA to intelligently control the performance of light, this study can contribute towards enhancing the performance of stealth devices, all-optical switches and coherent photodetectors.
Cubic nonlinear squeezing and its decoherence
Authors: Kala Vojtěch , Filip Radim , Marek Petr
Published: July 2022

Squeezed states of the harmonic oscillator are a common resource in applications of quantum technology. If the noise is suppressed in a nonlinear combination of quadrature operators below threshold for all possible up-to-quadratic Hamiltonians, the quantum states are non-Gaussian and we refer to the noise reduction as nonlinear squeezing. Non-Gaussian aspects of quantum states are often more vulnerable to decoherence due to imperfections appearing in realistic experimental implementations. Therefore, a stability of nonlinear squeezing is essential. We analyze the behavior of quantum states with cubic nonlinear squeezing under loss and dephasing. The properties of nonlinear squeezed states depend on their initial parameters which can be optimized and adjusted to achieve the maximal robustness for the potential applications.
Digital control of residual amplitude modulation at the 10−7 level for ultra-stable lasers
Authors: Gillot Jonathan , Falzon Tetsing-Talla Santerelli , Denis Séverine , Goavec-Merou Gwenhaël , Millo Jacques , Lacroûte Clément , Kersalé Yann
Published: July 2022

The stabilization of lasers on ultra-stable optical cavities by the Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) technique is a widely used method. The PDH method relies on the phase-modulation of the laser, which is usually performed by an electro-optic modulator (EOM). When approaching the 10−16 fractional frequency stability level, this technology requires an active control of the residual amplitude modulation (RAM) generated by the EOM in order to bring the frequency stability of the laser down to the thermal noise limit of the ultra-stable cavity. In this article, we report on the development of an active system of RAM reduction based on a free space EOM, which is used to perform PDH-stabilization of a laser on a cryogenic silicon cavity. A minimum RAM instability of 1.4 × 10−7 is obtained by employing a digital servo that stabilizes the EOM DC electric field, the crystal temperature and the laser power. Considering an ultra-stable cavity with a finesse of 2.5 × 105, this RAM level would contribute to the fractional frequency instability at the level of about 5 × 10−19, well below the state of the art thermal noise limit of a few 10−17.
Transient absorption microscopy setup with multi-ten-kilohertz shot-to-shot subtraction and discrete Fourier analysis
Authors: Schwarzl Robert , Heim Pascal , Schiek Manuela , Grimaldi Dario , Hohenau Andreas , Krenn Joachim R. , Koch Markus
Published: July 2022

Recording of transient absorption microscopy images requires fast detection of minute optical density changes, which is typically achieved with high-repetition-rate laser sources and lock-in detection. Here, we present a highly flexible and cost-efficient detection scheme based on a conventional photodiode and an USB oscilloscope with MHz bandwidth, that deviates from the commonly used lock-in setup and achieves benchmark sensitivity. Our scheme combines shot-to-shot evaluation of pump–probe and probe–only measurements, a home-built photodetector circuit optimized for low pulse energies applying low-pass amplification, and a custom evaluation algorithm based on Fourier transformation. Advantages of this approach include abilities to simultaneously monitor multiple pulse modulation frequencies, implement the detection of additional pulse sequences (e.g., pump–only), and expand to multiple parallel detection channels for wavelength-dispersive probing. With a 40 kHz repetition-rate laser system powering two non-collinear optical parametric amplifiers for wide tuneability, we find that laser pulse fluctuations limit the sensitivity of the setup, while the detection scheme has negligible contribution. We demonstrate the 2-D imaging performance of our transient absorption microscope with studies on micro-crystalline molecular thin films.
Development of a multi-sensor system for defects detection in additive manufacturing
Authors: Peng Xing , Kong Lingbao
Published: July 2022

Defects detection technology is essential for monitoring and hence maintaining the product quality of additive manufacturing (AM) processes; however, traditional detection methods based on single sensor have great limitations such as low accuracy and scarce information. In this study, a multi-sensor defect detection system (MSDDS) was proposed and developed for defect detection with the fusion of visible, infrared, and polarization detection information. The assessment criteria for imaging quality of the MSDDS have been optimized and evaluated. Meanwhile, the feasibility of processing and assembly of each sensor module has been demonstrated with tolerance sensitivity and the Monte Carlo analysis. Moreover, multi-sensor image fusion processing, super-resolution reconstruction, and feature extraction of defects are applied. Simulation and experimental studies indicate that the developed MSDDS can obtain high contrast and clear key information, and high-quality detected images of AM defects such as cracking, scratches, and porosity can be effectively extracted. The research provides a helpful and potential solution for defect detection and processing parameter optimization in AM processes such as Selective Laser Melting.
Visible and near-infrared dual band switchable metasurface edge imaging
Authors: Chen Guanghao , Zhou Junxiao , Bopp Steven Edward , Zhao Junxiang , Liu Zhaowei
Published: July 2022

Optical edge detection at the visible and near infrared (VNIR) wavelengths is deployed widely in many areas. Here we demonstrate numerically transmissive VNIR dual band edge imaging with a switchable metasurface. Tunability is enabled by using a low-loss and reversible phase-change material Sb2S3. The metasurface acts simultaneously as a high-pass spatial filter and a tunable spectral filter, giving the system the freedom to switch between two functions. In Function 1 with amorphous Sb2S3, this metasurface operates in the edge detection mode near 575 nm and blocks near infrared (NIR) transmission. In Function 2 with crystalline Sb2S3, the device images edges near 825 nm and blocks visible light images. The switchable Sb2S3 metasurfaces allow low cross talk edge imaging of a target without complicated optomechanics.
Optical incoherent imaging using annular synthetic aperture with the superposition of phase-shifted optical transfer functions
Authors: Desai Jawahar Prabhakar , Kumar Ravi , Rosen Joseph
Published: July 2022

The optical incoherent synthetic aperture (SA) has wide applications in astronomy and biomedical optics. Super-resolution imaging can be achieved through SAs with an effective size several times larger than the size of the physical apertures. In this Letter, we propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, method to realize optical incoherent SA imaging. Instead of scanning the entire area of the full SA, we show that similar imaging performance can be achieved by scanning only along its perimeter. At any given time, only a single pair of sub-apertures located at the SA perimeter is open and reflects the incident light toward an image sensor. For each location of the two sub-apertures, two interfering images are captured. The phase difference between the two sub-apertures is zero for one interfering image and π for the other. The image of the object is reconstructed by superposition of all the interfering images from some of the sub-aperture locations and with the two-phase differences, 0 and π, between the two sub-apertures. Optical experiments have been performed using reflective objects, and the results demonstrate similar imaging capabilities as that of direct imaging with the aperture size of the SA. Furthermore, we have compared the proposed SA imaging results with the results of annular and full aperture direct imaging.
Dynamic nitrogen vacancy magnetometry by single-shot optical streaking microscopy
Authors: Keppler Mark A. , Steelman Zachary A. , Coker Zachary N. , Nesládek Miloš , Hemmer Philip R. , Yakovlev Vladislav V. , Bixler Joel N.
Published: July 2022

Nitrogen vacancy diamonds have emerged as sensitive solid-state magnetic field sensors capable of producing diffraction limited and sub-diffraction field images. Here, for the first time, to our knowledge, we extend those measurements to high-speed imaging, which can be readily applied to analyze currents and magnetic field dynamics in circuits on a microscopic scale. To overcome detector acquisition rate limitations, we designed an optical streaking nitrogen vacancy microscope to acquire two-dimensional spatiotemporal kymograms. We demonstrate magnetic field wave imaging with micro-scale spatial extent and

∼
400
  
μs

temporal resolution. In validating this system, we detected magnetic fields down to 10 μT for 40 Hz magnetic fields using single-shot imaging and captured the spatial transit of an electromagnetic needle at streak rates as high as 110 μm/ms. This design has the capability to be readily extended to full 3D video acquisition by utilizing compressed sensing techniques and a potential for further improvement of spatial resolution, acquisition speed, and sensitivity. The device opens opportunities to many potential applications where transient magnetic events can be isolated to a single spatial axis, such as acquiring spatially propagating action potentials for brain imaging and remotely interrogating integrated circuits.
Comparing variability in diagnosis of upper respiratory tract infections in patients using syndromic, next generation sequencing, and PCR-based methods
Authors: Bartlow Andrew W. , Stromberg Zachary R. , Gleasner Cheryl D. , Hu Bin , Davenport Karen W. , Jakhar Shailja , Li Po-E , Vosburg Molly , Garimella Madhavi , Chain Patrick S. G. , Erkkila Tracy H. , Fair Jeanne M. , Mukundan Harshini
Published: July 2022

Early and accurate diagnosis of respiratory pathogens and associated outbreaks can allow for the control of spread, epidemiological modeling, targeted treatment, and decision making–as is evident with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Many respiratory infections share common symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose using only syndromic presentation. Yet, with delays in getting reference laboratory tests and limited availability and poor sensitivity of point-of-care tests, syndromic diagnosis is the most-relied upon method in clinical practice today. Here, we examine the variability in diagnostic identification of respiratory infections during the annual infection cycle in northern New Mexico, by comparing syndromic diagnostics with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing-based methods, with the goal of assessing gaps in our current ability to identify respiratory pathogens. Of 97 individuals that presented with symptoms of respiratory infection, only 23 were positive for at least one RNA virus, as confirmed by sequencing. Whereas influenza virus (n = 7) was expected during this infection cycle, we also observed coronavirus (n = 7), respiratory syncytial virus (n = 8), parainfluenza virus (n = 4), and human metapneumovirus (n = 1) in individuals with respiratory infection symptoms. Four patients were coinfected with two viruses. In 21 individuals that tested positive using PCR, RNA sequencing completely matched in only 12 (57%) of these individuals. Few individuals (37.1%) were diagnosed to have an upper respiratory tract infection or viral syndrome by syndromic diagnostics, and the type of virus could only be distinguished in one patient. Thus, current syndromic diagnostic approaches fail to accurately identify respiratory pathogens associated with infection and are not suited to capture emerging threats in an accurate fashion. We conclude there is a critical and urgent need for layered agnostic diagnostics to track known and unknown pathogens at the point of care to control future outbreaks.
Comparative efficacy and safety of the artemisinin derivatives compared to quinine for treating severe malaria in children and adults: A systematic update of literature and network meta-analysis
Authors: Nyaaba Nicholas , Andoh Nana Efua , Amoh Gordon , Amuzu Dominic Selorm Yao , Ansong Mary , Ordóñez-Mena José M. , Hirst Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Background

The artemisinin derivatives are the preferred antimalaria drugs for treating severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, their clinical effectiveness compared to each other is unknown. Our objective, therefore, was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the artemisinin derivatives and quinine for treating severe P. falciparum malaria in children and adults using a network meta-analysis.

Methods and findings

Review protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020218190. We updated the search strategies of three Cochrane systematic reviews which included published and unpublished randomised control trials (RCTs) that have compared specific artemisinin derivatives to quinine in treating severe malaria. Search included CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, ISI Web of Science and trial registries up to February 2021. We screened studies, extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and quality of evidence in duplicate. Separate network meta-analyses in the frequentist framework, using a random effects model, with quinine as reference, were conducted for adults and children, and rankings were produced using p-scores to assess mortality, parasite clearance, coma recovery, fever clearance, neurological sequela and adverse events.

Searches identified 818 citations, 33 RCTs were eligible. We pooled 7795 children and 3182 adults. The networks involved artesunate, artemether, rectal artemisinin, arteether and quinine. Compared to quinine, artesunate reduced mortality in children (risk ratio (RR), 0.76; 95%CI [0.65 to 0.89], moderate quality), adults (RR, 0.55; 95%CI [0.40 to 0.75], moderate quality) and in cerebral malaria (RR, 0.72; 95%CI [0.55 to 0.94], moderate quality).

Compared to rectal artemisinin and intramuscular arteether, the efficacy and safety of parenteral artesunate, and intramuscular artemether in treating severe malaria are not clear. Rankings showed that none of the artemisinin drugs were consistently superior in all the outcomes assessed. Indirect evidence produced were of very low ratings due to suspected publication bias and imprecision.

Conclusions

Artesunate reduces mortality compared to quinine for both adults and children in Asia and Africa including cerebral malaria. The artemisinin derivatives remain the best treatment for severe malaria but their comparative clinical effectiveness is yet to be fully explored.
Urinary microRNAome in healthy cats and cats with pyelonephritis or other urological conditions
Authors: Gòdia Marta , Brogaard Louise , Mármol-Sánchez Emilio , Langhorn Rebecca , Nordang Kieler Ida , Jan Reezigt Bert , Nikolic Nielsen Lise , Rem Jessen Lisbeth , Cirera Susanna
Published: July 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNAs have been found in urine and have shown diagnostic potential in human nephropathies. Here, we aimed to characterize, for the first time, the feline urinary miRNAome and explore the use of urinary miRNA profiles as non-invasive biomarkers for feline pyelonephritis (PN). Thirty-eight cats were included in a prospective case-control study and classified in five groups: healthy Control cats (n = 11), cats with PN (n = 10), cats with subclinical bacteriuria or cystitis (SB/C, n = 5), cats with ureteral obstruction (n = 7) and cats with chronic kidney disease (n = 5). By small RNA sequencing we identified 212 miRNAs in cat urine, including annotated (n = 137) and putative novel (n = 75) miRNAs. The 15 most highly abundant urinary miRNAs accounted for nearly 71% of all detected miRNAs, most of which were previously identified in feline kidney. Ninety-nine differentially abundant (DA) miRNAs were identified when comparing Control cats to cats with urological conditions and 102 DA miRNAs when comparing PN to other urological conditions. Tissue clustering analysis revealed that the majority of urine samples clustered close to kidney, which confirm the likely cellular origin of the secreted urinary miRNAs. Relevant DA miRNAs were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Eighteen miRNAs discriminated Control cats from cats with a urological condition. Of those, seven miRNAs were DA by both RNAseq and qPCR methods between Control and PN cats (miR-125b-5p, miR-27a-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-27b-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-17-5p and miR-23a-3p) or DA between Control and SB/C cats (miR-125b-5p). Six additional miRNAs (miR-30b-5p, miR-30c, miR-30e-5p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-39 and miR-222) relevant for discriminating PN from other urological conditions were identified by qPCR alone (n = 4) or by both methods (n = 2) (P<0.05). This panel of 13 miRNAs has potential as non-invasive urinary biomarkers for diagnostic of PN and other urological conditions in cats.
Correlation between clinical presentations, radiological findings and high risk histopathological features of primary enucleated eyes with advanced retinoblastoma at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health: 5 years result
Authors: Surukrattanaskul Supawan , Keyurapan Bungornrat , Wangtiraumnuay Nutsuchar
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the correlation between clinical presentations, radiological findings and high risk histopathological features of primary enucleated eyes in patients with advanced retinoblastoma at a tertiary child hospital in Thailand.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were treated with primary enucleation of tumor eyes between 2015–2020. Demographic data, radiological assessment, and histopathological findings were collected. The association between clinical presentations and high-risk histopathological features in the primary enucleated eyes were evaluated. The radiological findings, which showed characteristic of high risk features, were compared with the histopathological findings.

Results

Thirty-three enucleated eyes were enrolled in this study. The mean age at diagnosis was 23.12 months. Most patients had unilateral group E retinoblastoma, with no difference in sex and laterality of the eye. Leukocoria was the most common presentation, followed by proptosis and uveitis. Older age at presentation were statistically associated with post laminar cribrosa optic nerve invasion (P-value 0.0027) and high-risk histopathological features in enucleated eyes (P-value 0.0032). Clinical presentations with proptosis were statistically associated with post laminar cribrosa optic nerve invasion, while leukocoria and uveitis were statistically associated with anterior segment invasion. Unifocal intraocular mass with necrosis was the most common histopathological finding. High-risk features were found in 45% of primary enucleated eye. The sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detected optic nerve invasion in retinoblastoma patients were 75% and 54%, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with unilateral retinoblastoma who presented with older age related to high-risk features after enucleation. Ophthalmic examination with slitlamp is the best way for detection of anterior segment invasion. Choroidal invasion was unable to predict with clinical presentation. MRI was the better imaging for detection of post laminar cribrosa optic nerve invasion.
Correlation between tear film lipid layer thickness and transepidermal water loss from the ocular area in patients with dry eye disease and in healthy controls
Authors: Yoon Do Yeh , Hee Eun Jeon , Hyon Joon Young
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between tear film lipid layer thickness and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from the ocular area in patients with short tear break-up time (TBUT)-type dry eye and healthy controls.

Methods

This prospective study included 25 eyes of patients with short TBUT-type dry eye disease and 25 eyes of healthy controls.

Results

Tear film lipid layer thickness was measured using an interferometer, and TEWL from the ocular area was measured using a Tewameter TM300 with custom-made goggles. The correlation between tear film lipid layer thickness and TEWL was evaluated. Additionally, other parameters such as TBUT, Schirmer I score, ocular surface staining, the presence and type of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated. Tear film lipid layer thickness did not show a significant correlation with TEWL from the ocular area measured using a Tewameter TM300. However, tear film lipid layer thickness was significantly correlated with tear break-up time (p = 0.004) and ocular surface staining by NEI (National Eye Institute) scheme (p = 0.03). TEWL showed positive correlation with the Schirmer I score (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

The tear film lipid layer affected the stability of the tear film more than the amount of TEWL in patients with short TBUT dry eye and healthy controls.
Prediction of dengue incidents using hospitalized patients, metrological and socio-economic data in Bangladesh: A machine learning approach
Authors: Dey Samrat Kumar , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Howlader Arpita , Siddiqi Umme Raihan , Uddin Khandaker Mohammad Mohi , Borhan Rownak , Rahman Elias Ur
Published: July 2022

Dengue fever is a severe disease spread by Aedes mosquito-borne dengue viruses (DENVs) in tropical areas such as Bangladesh. Since its breakout in the 1960s, dengue fever has been endemic in Bangladesh, with the highest concentration of infections in the capital, Dhaka. This study aims to develop a machine learning model that can use relevant information about the factors that cause Dengue outbreaks within a geographic region. To predict dengue cases in 11 different districts of Bangladesh, we created a DengueBD dataset and employed two machine learning algorithms, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Support Vector Regression (SVR). This research also explores the correlation among environmental factors like temperature, rainfall, and humidity with the rise and decline trend of Dengue cases in different cities of Bangladesh. The entire dataset was divided into an 80:20 ratio, with 80 percent used for training and 20% used for testing. The research findings imply that, for both the MLR with 67% accuracy along with Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 4.57 and SVR models with 75% accuracy along with Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 4.95, the number of dengue cases reduces throughout the winter season in the country and increases mainly during the rainy season in the next ten months, from August 2021 to May 2022. Importantly, Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, will see the maximum number of dengue patients during this period. Overall, the results of this data-driven analysis show that machine learning algorithms have enormous potential for predicting dengue epidemics.
Exercise-induced myokines downregulates the ACE2 level in bronchial epithelial cells: Implications for SARS-CoV-2 prevention
Authors: Bhardwaj Vaishali , Dela Cruz Mart , Subramanyam Deepika , Kumar Rohit , Markan Sandeep , Parker Beth , Roy Hemant K.
Published: July 2022

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic has emerged as the leading public health challenge of our time (20th century). While vaccinations have finally blunted the death rate, concern has remained about more virulent forms highlighting the need for alternative approaches. Epidemiological studies indicate that physical activity has been shown to decrease the risk of infection of some respiratory viruses. Part of the salutary effects of exercise is believed to be through the elaboration of cytokines by contracting skeletal muscles (termed myokines). The objective of this study was to investigate whether exercise-induced myokines would mitigate the SARS-CoV-2 infectivity of the bronchial epithelium through modulating the SARS-CoV-2 Covid-19 receptor (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 -ACE2) its priming enzyme, transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2).

Methods

We utilized a cell culture model of exercise to generate myokines by differentiating C2C12 cells into myotubules and inducing them to contract via low-frequency electric pulse stimulation. Condition media was concentrated via centrifugation and applied to human immortalized human bronchial epithelium cell line (6HBE14o) along with conditioned media from unstimulated myotubules as controls. Following exposure to myokines, the 16HBE14o cells were harvested and subjected to quantitative RT-PCR and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for assessment of mRNA and protein levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2, respectively. Pilot proteomic data was performed with isotope barcoding and mass spectroscopy.

Results

Quantitative Real-Time PCR of 16HBE14o with 48 h treated unstimulated vs. stimulated myokine treatment revealed a reduction of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA by 32% (p<2.69x10-5) and 41% (p<4.57x10-5), respectively. The high sensitivity of ELISAs showed downregulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein expression in 16HBE14o cells by 53% (p<0.01) and 32% (p<0.03) respectively with 48 h treated. For rigor, this work was replicated in the human lung cancer cell line A549, which mirrored the downregulation. Proteomic analysis showed dramatic alteration in myokine profile between contracted and uncontracted C2C12 tubules.

Conclusions

The current study explores a novel approach of a modified exercise cell culture system and uses ACE2 and TMPRSS2 as a surrogate marker of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. In conclusion, we demonstrated biological data supporting exercise’s protective effect against Covid-19. These further strengthen myokines’ beneficial role as potential therapeutic targets against SARS-CoV-2 and similar viruses albeit these preliminary cell culture studies will require future validation in animal models.
Socio-demographic profiles and obstetrics outcomes of pregnant women with epilepsy in a vulnerability State, Brazil
Authors: de Lima Leite Magnúcia , Toporcov Tatiana Natasha , Pai Janise Dal , da Silva José Claudio
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The socio-demographic profile of pregnant women in low- and middle- income countries is characterized by low educational attainment and unemployment, leading to social and economic morbidity. characterized by limited opportunities for education, employment, and marriage, which are strongly related to the stigmatization of the disease. The study of the socio- profile and obstetric outcomes of pregnant women with epilepsy in Alagoas, Brazil, may help understand this scenario and facilitate the development of public policy strategies to reduce local morbidity.

Objectives

We aimed to describe the sociodemographic profile of pregnant women with epilepsy and obstetric outcomes in Alagoas, Brazil.

Methods

This cohort study was based on medical records of pregnant women with epilepsy in Brazilian high-risk maternity hospitals from 2008 to 2020. The following data were collected: age, race, education, marital status, occupation, number of pregnancies, delivery, and abortion. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women with and without epilepsy (control group) aged < 40 years.

Results

The prevalence of PWWE was 0.49% (n = 224/44,917). Cesarean delivery was more frequent in PWWE than in pregnant women without epilepsy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 22.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.35–33.73; p<0,01). Abortion was associated with PWWE (OR adjusted = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.13–2.61; p = 0.01). Pregnant women in the countryside were more likely to develop epilepsy than those born in the capital (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.12–2.14; p <0.01).

Conclusion

The PWWE socio-demographic profile of the Alagoas had a predominance of brown- colored skin, single status, homemakers, and illiteracy with a high proportion residing in the interior of the state. The obstetrics data show a higher incidence of cesarean deliveries and miscarriages.
“Where am I?” A snapshot of the developmental topographical disorientation among young Italian adults
Authors: Piccardi Laura , Palmiero Massimiliano , Cofini Vincenza , Verde Paola , Boccia Maddalena , Palermo Liana , Guariglia Cecilia , Nori Raffaella
Published: July 2022

In the last decade, several cases affected by Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD) have been described. DTD consists of a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the ability to orient in the environment despite well-preserved cognitive functions, and in the absence of a brain lesion or other neurological or psychiatric conditions. Described cases showed different impairments in navigational skills ranging from topographic memory deficits to landmark agnosia. All cases lacked a mental representation of the environment that would allow them to use high-order spatial orientation strategies. In addition to the single case studies, a group study performed in Canada showed that the disorder is more widespread than imagined. The present work intends to investigate the occurrence of the disorder in 1,698 young Italian participants. The sample is deliberately composed of individuals aged between 18 and 35 years to exclude people who could manifest the loss of the ability to navigate as a result of an onset of cognitive decline. The sample was collected between 2016 and 2019 using the Qualtrics platform, by which the Familiarity and Spatial Cognitive Style Scale and anamnestic interview were administered. The data showed that the disorder is present in 3% of the sample and that the sense of direction is closely related to town knowledge, navigational strategies adopted, and gender. In general, males use more complex navigational strategies than females, although DTD is more prevalent in males than in females, in line with the already described cases. Finally, the paper discusses which protective factors can reduce DTD onset and which intervention measures should be implemented to prevent the spread of navigational disorders, which severely impact individuals’ autonomy and social relationships.
Assessment of the impact of innovative fertilization methods compared to traditional fertilization in the cultivation of highbush blueberry
Authors: Lenart Agnieszka , Wrona Dariusz , Klimek Kamila , Kapłan Magdalena , Krupa Tomasz
Published: July 2022

The aim of the research was to evaluate fertilization technologies for the indicators of the quality and quantity of highbush blueberry yield. In the experiment, a similar level of mineral fertilization was used in all treatments. The experiment was to show the differences between fertilization with biostimulation and without biostimulation. The research was carried out in two seasons (2019–2020) on ´Bluecropˋ shrubs growing in the Blueberry Experimental Field in central Poland (51° 55’42.7 "N 20° 59’28.7" E). Shrubs grow at a distance of 1 x 3 m. Plants are rejuvenated every year in spring and irrigated by drip. The experiment was carried out in a random block design (4 fertilizer treatments x 5 replications x 6 bushes). The experiment assessed the effect of fertilization on yield, berry mass, fruit setting, leaf surface and physicochemical parameters of fruit. Based on the conducted research, it was proved that the applied fertilization technologies had a significant impact on the size and quality of the yield of “Bluecrop” highbush blueberry. Particularly noteworthy is the fertilization technology with biostimulation (treatment T4), which has a positive effect on the yield, fruit mass, percentage of setting and firmness of the berries. Analysis of the issue in the light of the results of the conducted research shows that the use of biostimulated products has an important impact on the intensification of production while maintaining good quality of fruits. Through research, the positive effect of fertilization programs with biostimulation (treatment T4) on the most important production parameters of blueberry fruit from the producer’s point of view has been proven.
Trends in COVID-19 patient characteristics in a large electronic health record database in the United States: A cohort study
Authors: Liang Caihua , Ogilvie Rachel P. , Doherty Michael , Clifford C. Robin , Chomistek Andrea K. , Gately Robert , Song Jennifer , Enger Cheryl , Seeger John , Lin Nancy D. , Wang Florence T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Electronic health record (EHR) databases provide an opportunity to facilitate characterization and trends in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Patients with COVID-19 were identified based on an ICD-10 diagnosis code for COVID-19 (U07.1) and/or a positive SARS-CoV-2 viral lab result from January 2020 to November 2020. Patients were characterized in terms of demographics, healthcare utilization, clinical comorbidities, therapies, laboratory results, and procedures/care received, including critical care, intubation/ventilation, and occurrence of death were described, overall and by month.

Results

There were 393,773 patients with COVID-19 and 56,996 with a COVID-19 associated hospitalization. A greater percentage of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 relative to all COVID-19 cases were older, male, African American, and lived in the Northeast and South. The most common comorbidities before admission/infection date were hypertension (40.8%), diabetes (29.5%), and obesity (23.8%), and the most common diagnoses during hospitalization were pneumonia (59.6%), acute respiratory failure (44.8%), and dyspnea (28.0%). A total of 85.7% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had CRP values > 10 mg/L, 75.5% had fibrinogen values > 400 mg/dL, and 76.8% had D-dimer values > 250 ng/mL. Median values for platelets, CRP, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, and fibrinogen tended to decrease from January-March to November. The use of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine during hospitalization peaked by March (71.2%) and was used rarely by May (5.1%) and less than 1% afterwards, while the use of remdesivir had increased by May (10.0%) followed by dexamethasone by June (27.7%). All-cause mortality was 3.2% overall and 15.0% among those hospitalized; 21.0% received critical care and 16.0% received intubation/ventilation/ECMO.

Conclusions

This study characterizes US patients with COVID-19 and their management during hospitalization over the first eleven months of this disease pandemic.
Identifying multimorbidity clusters among Brazilian older adults using network analysis: Findings and perspectives
Authors: Batista Sandro Rodrigues , Sousa Ana Luiza Lima , Nunes Bruno Pereira , Silva Renato Rodrigues , Jardim Paulo César Brandão Veiga ,   for the Brazilian Group of Studies on Multimorbidity (GBEM)
Published: July 2022

In aging populations, multimorbidity (MM) is a significant challenge for health systems, however there are scarce evidence available in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, particularly in Brazil. A national cross-sectional study was conducted with 11,177 Brazilian older adults to evaluate the occurrence of MM and related clusters in Brazilians aged ≥ 60 years old. MM was assessed by a list of 16 physical and mental morbidities and it was defined considering ≥ 2 morbidities. The frequencies of MM and its associated factors were analyzed. After this initial approach, a network analysis was performed to verify the occurrence of clusters of MM and the network of interactions between coexisting morbidities. The occurrence of MM was 58.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.0–60.2). Hypertension (50.6%) was the most frequent morbidity and it was present all combinations of morbidities. Network analysis has demonstrated 4 MM clusters: 1) cardiometabolic; 2) respiratory + cancer; 3) musculoskeletal; and 4) a mixed mental illness + other diseases. Depression was the most central morbidity in the model according to nodes’ centrality measures (strength, closeness, and betweenness) followed by heart disease, and low back pain. Similarity in male and female networks was observed with a conformation of four clusters of MM and cancer as an isolated morbidity. The prevalence of MM in the older Brazilians was high, especially in female sex and persons living in the South region of Brazil. Use of network analysis could be an important tool for identifying MM clusters and address the appropriate health care, research, and medical education for older adults in Brazil.
A critical review of information asymmetry in the business cycle: How digital ledger technology can transform and sustain the business cycle
Authors: Susan Enyang Besong , Natu Manases Mbengwor
Published: July 2022

Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a disruptive technology with the potential to reengineer the entire trading cycle by alleviating inefficiencies such as time lags, multiple record keeping, human errors, and transparency common with the traditional trade cycle. This study evaluates the potential benefits of DLT in mitigating information asymmetry in trading relationships and how a DLT model can be deployed to revamp the trading process. We find that information friction results from differences in stakeholder preferences by identifying and categorizing information friction into 4 groups through a review of key studies in leading management journals. This finding aligns with conclusions reached in scientific research that the benefits of DLT prevail in markets with imperfect information. In addition, we illustrate the potential benefits of DLT in mitigating inefficiencies in trading relationships resulting from information asymmetry. The article concludes with a word of caution for potential users to take gradual steps of adoption to keep pace with changing technology so as not to become laggards.
How can the design thinking process improve an innovative insect-based food experience?
Authors: Gallen Céline , Pantin-Sohier Gaëlle , Oliveira Denize
Published: July 2022

This work set out to show that the novel problem-solving process called design thinking (DT) can advance the acceptance and consumption of insects as food. The DT approach involving a multidisciplinary team comprised three stages: (1) an exploratory evaluation through questionnaires to raise consumer empathy, (2) an ideation stage to enable visualization and rapid prototyping, which resulted in the creation of twelve food products using mealworm larva and cricket flour and (3) an experimentation stage, where the five most promising ideas (packaging and products) were selected and tested on consumers. Four consumption trends were identified: vegetarianism (intellectual), challenge (social relationship), luxury (emotional) and sport (health). Prototypes corresponding to consumer needs were developed. After identifying the positive and negative effects elicited by the prototypes, the most promising ones were tested. Exposing consumers to small manageable steps during a food experience with insects dispelled false beliefs and overcame revulsion. The outcomes of this study are encouraging for the development of innovation in the food industry, favouring the acceptance of new foods and supporting the provision of healthier food choices for the general western population. These findings can also help companies adapt to the growing scarcity of resources and improve the value of innovations they offer the market.
Effects of intranasal and intramuscular dexmedetomidine in cats receiving total intravenous propofol anesthesia
Authors: Hommuang Kewvaree , Sattasathuchana Panpicha , Thengchaisri Naris
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim: The efficacy of intranasal (IN) dexmedetomidine in cats as a premedication remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to compare the perioperative and sparing effects of IN and intramuscular (IM) dexmedetomidine administration on propofol requirements for anesthetic induction in cats.

Materials and Methods: This study randomly assigned 16 cats into two groups of IN or IM dexmedetomidine at 20 μg/kg. Sedation scores and side effects were recorded at time points of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after the dexmedetomidine administration. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous (IV) 1% propofol by titrating a bolus of 2 mg every 45 s and the total dose of the administered IV propofol to achieve endotracheal intubation was recorded.

Results: Cats receiving IM dexmedetomidine were significantly associated with higher sedation scores. All cats were sedated at 20 min after premedication; however, the average composite sedation scores in the IN group were significantly lower than those in the IM group during premedication. Pre-operative side effects, including vomiting, were more frequently observed in the IN group (5 cats, 62.5%) than in the IM group (3 cats, 37.5%; p < 0.05). Higher body temperature (>1°F compared to baseline) was more frequently observed in the IN group (6 cats, 75.0%) than in the IM group (1 cat, 12.5%; p < 0.05). The dosage of required propofol in the IN group was significantly higher (1.1 ± 0.3 mg/kg) than that in the IM group (0.7 ± 0.2 mg/kg; p < 0.05). The duration of general anesthesia was comparable between the groups.

Conclusion: IN dexmedetomidine produces moderate sedation and cats may have side effects, including vomiting and higher body temperature. Higher sparing effects of propofol were identified in the IM group compared with the IN group. Nonetheless, IN administration of dexmedetomidine provides a noninvasive alternative to the IM route.
New species to the flora of the Tyumen Region (Western Siberia)
Authors: Voronova Olga G. , Alekseeva Nataliya A. , Khozyainova Nataliya V.
Published: July 2022

There were found 2 new species in the Tyumen Region. Localities of Leuzea repens (L.) D. J. N. Hind were found during inventory of herbarium collections of the Institute of Biology of the Tyumen State University, Atoction armeria(L.) Raf. – during field research in 2021 year. There were given labels for each taxon, habitat information and distribution in Russia.
On a certain inequality on addition chains
Authors: Agama Theophilus
Published: July 2022

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Elevated Liver Enzymes in a Patient With Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Abbas Daniyal , Zhu Lee-Ching , Moon Andrew M.
Published: July 2022

We present a patient with untreated hepatitis C virus and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma treated with combination immunotherapy who developed elevated liver enzymes. The immunotherapy was withheld, and the liver enzymes continued to rise. A liver biopsy was performed, which demonstrated findings consistent with chronic viral hepatitis. Direct-acting antiviral treatment was initiated, and the liver enzymes returned to normal limits. This case demonstrates the diagnostic dilemmas raised among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma on immunotherapy who develop elevated liver enzymes and some of the challenges regarding the use of these medications in patients with viremic hepatitis C virus.
The State-Sponsored Genocide of the Rohingya Community from a Constructivist Perspective
Authors: Romero Garrido Carmen
Published: July 2022

The Rohingya community has been persecuted by Myanmar authorities for years and, consequently, subjected to a process of genocide. The object of this study is the investigation of the conflict born between both communities and its religious roots: Buddhism and Islam. Afterwards, we will focus on the analysis of this historical struggle from the perspective of the Theory of Constructivism and how succeeded the construction of the antagonistic identity of “other”, the “enemy”, the “foe” and the “hostile” from within the government, the governmental institutions and the Myanmar public inside culture, legislation, and constant historical manipulation.
Mente y cosmos. La idea de la conciencia en Vasubandhu y Buddhagosha
Authors: Arnau Navarro Juan
Published: July 2022

Para las tradiciones escolásticas budistas, el universo es inseparable de la vida mental de los seres que lo habitan, siendo las acciones de los seres, con sus estados mentales asociados, las que trazan el mapa y calendario cósmico. Algunos investigadores han visto en estas asociaciones entre mente y universo la «contraparte imaginativa, mítica y poética de los estados meditativos». Este artículo intenta mostrar cómo la propia escolástica mantiene cierta ambigüedad sobre si el cosmos debe entenderse como una metáfora de la mente o debe identificarse literalmente con ella. Algunos pasajes establecen una complementariedad que parece afirmar la existencia independiente de ambos. Sea como fuere, contrastar las descripciones de estados mentales con relatos cosmogónicos nos permitirá comprender mejor la idea del cosmos en el budismo antiguo.