bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and high-resolution spectroscopy based on asynchronous optical sampling
Authors: Yang Ningning , Wang Danlu , Hu Hao , Li Yaoshuai , Li Lun , Chen Liao , Zhang Chi , Zhang Xinliang
Published: April 2022

Dispersive time stretch has made many ultrafast applications possible owing to its high frame rate, as compared to conventional spectroscopies. By further introducing a converging time lens, this spectroscopy can resolve arbitrary emission spectra within the aperture. However, a spectral resolution of tens of picometers hinders its high-precision application. There are two limitations: the temporal aperture of the acquired signal and the actual acquisition bandwidth. To overcome these restrictions, two approaches were developed. First, a large-aperture time lens, with higher-order dispersion compensation, is used to overcome the fundamental limit of the time–bandwidth product. Second, asynchronous optical sampling, based on two frequency combs, overcomes the technical limit of the acquisition bandwidth. As a result, in this study, time-stretch spectroscopy achieved a 1-pm spectral resolution, 24-nm observation bandwidth, and 1-kHz frame rate. Moreover, it was used to observe some spectral dynamics of the random lasing process and devices with narrow spectral widths. This scheme provides essential improvement for time-stretch spectroscopy to achieve high precision.
Group velocity dispersion in high-performance BH InAs/InP QD and InGaAsP/InP QW two-section passively mode-locked lasers
Authors: Ding Yunyun , Rehbein Wolfgang , Moehrle Martin , Zander Marlene , Schell Martin , Kolpatzeck Kevin , Balzer Jan C.
Published: April 2022

High-performance buried heterostructure (BH) C-band InAs/InP quantum dot (QD) and L-band InGaAsP/InP quantum well (QW) two-section passively mode-locked lasers (MLLs) are investigated. From the irregularity of the longitudinal mode spacing in the comb spectra, we confirm that under stable passive mode locking, both devices have strong group velocity dispersion (GVD) and corresponding GVD-induced pulse width broadening. After compensation with anomalous dispersion fibers (SMF-28), short pulse trains with sub-ps pulse widths are achieved for both devices. This observation demonstrates our ability to generate high peak power sub-ps pulses using QD MLLs and QW MLLs for many photonic applications of optical communications.
Standoff CARS spectroscopy and imaging using an ytterbium-based laser system
Authors: Gatti Davide , Lamperti Marco , Zilli Attilio , Canella Francesco , Cerullo Giulio , Galzerano Gianluca , Laporta Paolo , Coluccelli Nicola
Published: April 2022

A laser system for standoff coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy of various materials under ambient light conditions is presented. The system is based on an ytterbium laser and an ultrafast optical parametric amplifier for the generation of a broadband pump tunable from 880 to 930 nm, a Stokes at 1025 nm, and a narrowband probe at 512.5 nm. High-resolution Raman spectra encompassing the fingerprint region (400-1800 cm−1) are obtained in 5 ms for toluene, and 100 ms for two types of sugars, glucose and fructose, at a distance of 1 m. As a demonstration of the potential of the setup, hyperspectral images of a 2×2-cm2 target area are collected for a toluene cuvette and a glucose/fructose pressed disk. Our approach is suitable for implementation of a portable system for standoff CARS imaging of chemical and biological materials.
Aerial target spatial–spectral discrimination for imaging spectrometer based on the acousto-optic tunable filter
Authors: Zhao Huijie , Li Yansong , Jia Guorui , Li Na , Yu Kai
Published: April 2022

To solve the problem caused by jamming, an acousto-optic tunable filter
(AOTF)-based imaging spectrometer and a corresponding
spatial–spectral discrimination method are proposed for aerial
targets. The system has the capability of staring imaging and is
electronically tunable, which provides the spatial location and a
distinguishable spectral feature in a few images. Since AOTF operates
in a frame mode, the spectral brightness of the targets can be
predicted by Kalman filtering, like with the motion model. The final
target state is updated by using synthetic spatial–spectral
information to realize fast decision-making. The results show that the
proposed method is more targeted to solve the problem caused by
jamming, compared with the traditional energy discrimination
method.
Construction of disease-specific cytokine profiles by associating disease genes with immune responses
Authors: Liu Tianyun , Wang Shiyin , Wornow Michael , Altman Russ B.
Published: April 2022

The pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases is a coordinated process involving metabolic dysfunctions and immune response—usually modulated by the production of cytokines and associated inflammatory molecules. In this work, we seek to understand how genes involved in pathogenesis which are often not associated with the immune system in an obvious way communicate with the immune system. We have embedded a network of human protein-protein interactions (PPI) from the STRING database with 14,707 human genes using feature learning that captures high confidence edges. We have found that our predicted Association Scores derived from the features extracted from STRING’s high confidence edges are useful for predicting novel connections between genes, thus enabling the construction of a full map of predicted associations for all possible pairs between 14,707 human genes. In particular, we analyzed the pattern of associations for 126 cytokines and found that the six patterns of cytokine interaction with human genes are consistent with their functional classifications. To define the disease-specific roles of cytokines we have collected gene sets for 11,944 diseases from DisGeNET. We used these gene sets to predict disease-specific gene associations with cytokines by calculating the normalized average Association Scores between disease-associated gene sets and the 126 cytokines; this creates a unique profile of inflammatory genes (both known and predicted) for each disease. We validated our predicted cytokine associations by comparing them to known associations for 171 diseases. The predicted cytokine profiles correlate (p-value<0.0003) with the known ones in 95 diseases. We further characterized the profiles of each disease by calculating an “Inflammation Score” that summarizes different modes of immune responses. Finally, by analyzing subnetworks formed between disease-specific pathogenesis genes, hormones, receptors, and cytokines, we identified the key genes responsible for interactions between pathogenesis and inflammatory responses. These genes and the corresponding cytokines used by different immune disorders suggest unique targets for drug discovery.
Pairing statistics and melting of random DNA oligomers: Finding your partner in superdiverse environments
Authors: Di Leo Simone , Marni Stefano , Plata Carlos A. , Fraccia Tommaso P. , Smith Gregory P. , Maritan Amos , Suweis Samir , Bellini Tommaso
Published: April 2022

Understanding of the pairing statistics in solutions populated by a large number of distinct solute species with mutual interactions is a challenging topic, relevant in modeling the complexity of real biological systems. Here we describe, both experimentally and theoretically, the formation of duplexes in a solution of random-sequence DNA (rsDNA) oligomers of length L = 8, 12, 20 nucleotides. rsDNA solutions are formed by 4L distinct molecular species, leading to a variety of pairing motifs that depend on sequence complementarity and range from strongly bound, fully paired defectless helices to weakly interacting mismatched duplexes. Experiments and theory coherently combine revealing a hybridization statistics characterized by a prevalence of partially defected duplexes, with a distribution of type and number of pairing errors that depends on temperature. We find that despite the enormous multitude of inter-strand interactions, defectless duplexes are formed, involving a fraction up to 15% of the rsDNA chains at the lowest temperatures. Experiments and theory are limited here to equilibrium conditions.
Factors associated with pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage: A systematic review
Authors: Neal Eleanor Frances Georgina , Chan Jocelyn , Nguyen Cattram Duong , Russell Fiona Mary
Published: April 2022

Pneumococcal disease is a major contributor to global childhood morbidity and mortality and is more common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries. Pneumococcal carriage is a prerequisite for pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine reduces vaccine-type carriage and disease. However, pneumococcal carriage and disease persist, and it is important to identify other potentially modifiable factors associated with pneumococcal carriage and determine if risk factors differ between low, middle, and high-income countries. This information may help inform pneumococcal disease prevention programs. This systematic literature review describes factors associated with pneumococcal carriage stratified by country income status and summarises pneumococcal carriage rates for included studies. We undertook a systematic search of English-language pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage studies up to 30thJune 2021. Peer-reviewed studies reporting factors associated with overall pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage in healthy, community-based study populations were eligible for inclusion. Two researchers independently reviewed studies to determine eligibility. Results are presented as narrative summaries. This review is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020186914. Eighty-two studies were included, and 46 (56%) were conducted in LMICs. There was heterogeneity in the factors assessed in each study. Factors positively associated with pneumococcal carriage in all income classification were young age, ethnicity, symptoms of respiratory tract infection, childcare attendance, living with young children, poverty, exposure to smoke, season, and co-colonisation with other pathogens. Breastfeeding and antibiotic use were protective against carriage in all income classifications. Median (interquartile range) pneumococcal carriage rates differed by income classification, ranging from 51% (19.3–70.2%), 38.5% (19.3–51.6%), 31.5% (19.0–51.0%), 28.5% (16.8–35.4%), (P= 0.005) in low-, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income classifications, respectively. Our findings suggest that where measured, factors associated with pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage are similar across income classifications, despite the highest pneumococcal carriage rates being in low-income classifications. Reducing viral transmission through vaccination and public health interventions to address social determinants of health would play an important role.
Diagnostic accuracy of antigen-detection rapid diagnostic tests for diagnosis of COVID-19 in low-and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pandey Sagar , Poudel Arisa , Karki Dikshya , Thapa Jeevan
Published: April 2022

Antigen detection rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) used for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid protein are inexpensive, faster and easy to use alternative of Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for diagnosis of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of Ag-RDTs in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We included studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of Ag-RDTs (sensitivity and specificity) against reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a reference standard. The study population comprised of people living in LMICs irrespective of age and gender, who had undergone testing for COVID-19. We included peer reviewed prospective or retrospective cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, case control studies, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) as well as non-randomized experimental studies which addressed the review question. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify studies published between 1 January, 2020 and 15 August, 2021. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)-2 tool was used to assess the methodological quality of studies. The analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 and R software 4.0.2. From the total of 12 diagnostic accuracy studies with 4,817 study participants, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 78.2% and 99.5% respectively. Sensitivity was marginally higher in subgroup analysis based on studies with low risk of bias and applicability concerns (78.9%) and studies using SD Biosensor Ag-RDT (79.4%). However, an inverse relation between cycle threshold (Ct) and sensitivity of Ag-RDT was not seen. The review demonstrated pooled sensitivity value approaching the minimum performance requirement for diagnosis of COVID-19 by WHO with specificity value meeting the specified requirement. Ag-RDTs, therefore have the potential to be used as a screening tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection in low resource settings where RT-PCR might not be readily accessible. However, false negative results need to be interpreted with caution.
Determination of the trend of incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kerman province 2014-2020 and forecasting until 2023. A time series study
Authors: Afshar Parya Jangipour , Bahrampour Abbas , Shahesmaeili Armita
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is currently a health problem in several parts of Iran, particularly Kerman. This study was conducted to determine the incidence and trend of CL in Kerman during 2014–2020 and its forecast up to 2023. The effects of meteorological variables on incidence was also evaluated.

Materials and methods

4993 definite cases of CL recorded from January 2014 to December 2020 by the Vice-Chancellor for Health at Kerman University of Medical Sciences were entered. Meteorological variables were obtained from the national meteorological site. The time series SARIMA methods were used to evaluate the effects of meteorological variables on CL.

Results

Monthly rainfall at the lag 0 (β = -0.507, 95% confidence interval:-0.955,-0.058) and monthly sunny hours at the lag 0 (β = -0.214, 95% confidence interval:-0.308,-0.119) negatively associated with the incidence of CL. Based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC) the multivariable model (AIC = 613) was more suitable than univariable model (AIC = 690.66) to estimate the trend and forecast the incidence up to 36 months.

Conclusion

The decreasing pattern of CL in Kerman province highlights the success of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions during the recent years. However, due to endemicity of disease, extension and continuation of such interventions especially before and during the time periods with higher incidence is essential.
Effect of hypothyroidism on contractile performance of isolated end-stage failing human myocardium
Authors: Saad Nancy S. , Mashali Mohammed A. , Elnakish Mohammad T. , Hare Austin , Campbell Courtney M. , Kiduko Salome A. , Peczkowski Kyra K. , Huang Amanda W. , Fazlollahi Farbod , Torres Matias Gina S. , Ahmed Amany A. E. , Whitson Bryan A. , Mokadam Nahush A. , Janssen Paul M. L.
Published: April 2022

The relationship between hypothyroidism and the occurrence and progression of heart failure (HF) has had increased interest over the past years. The low T3 syndrome, a reduced T3 in the presence of normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and free T4 concentration, is a strong predictor of all-cause mortality in HF patients. Still, the impact of hypothyroidism on the contractile properties of failing human myocardium is unknown. Our study aimed to investigate that impact usingex-vivoassessment of force and kinetics of contraction/relaxation in left ventricular intact human myocardial muscle preparations. Trabeculae were dissected from non-failing (NF;n= 9), failing with no hypothyroidism (FNH;n= 9), and failing with hypothyroidism (FH;n= 9) hearts. Isolated muscle preparations were transferred into a custom-made setup where baseline conditions as well as the three main physiological modulators that regulate the contractile strength, length-dependent and frequency-dependent activation, as well as β-adrenergic stimulation, were assessed under near-physiological conditions. Hypothyroidism did not show any additional significant impact on the contractile properties different from the recognized alterations usually detected in such parameters in any end-stage failing heart without thyroid dysfunction. Clinical information for FH patients in our study revealed they were all receiving levothyroxine. Absence of any difference between failing hearts with or without hypothyroidism, may possibly be due to the profound effects of the advanced stage of heart failure that concealed any changes between the groups. Still, we cannot exclude the possibility of differences that may have been present at earlier stages. The effects of THs supplementation such as levothyroxine on contractile force and kinetic parameters of failing human myocardium require further investigation to explore its full potential in improving cardiovascular performance and cardiovascular outcomes of HF associated with hypothyroidism.
Outcome of adult cardiac surgery following COVID-19 infection in unvaccinated population in a national tertiary centre
Authors: Ismail Nur Aziah , Jaapar Ahmad Nazrin , Yunus Alwi Mohamed , Sanusi Abdul Rais , Taib Mohamed Ezani , Yakub Mohd Azhari
Published: April 2022

Background

Ever since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the world medical landscape has changed dramatically. As cardiac surgeons we not only have the duty to protect our patients and staff from COVID-19 infection, but we are also tasked with the responsibility to ensure those cardiovascular patients awaiting surgery are not harmed from an extended delay in surgery as the world comes to a halt from COVID-19. Currently there is limited literature on the outcome of cardiac surgery in the pre-operative Covid positive group. In this study we aim to assess the safety and outcome of patients undergoing cardiac surgery following Covid-19 infection.

Patients and methods

This was a single centre retrospective observational study. All patients undergoing open heart surgery at Institut Jantung Negara from June 2020 to July 2021 were included in this study. Patients who were Covid positive pre-operatively were identified. Data from patient medical records collected contemporaneously were reviewed and analysed, supplemented by telephone call interviews after discharge.

Results

2368 patients underwent open heart surgery from June 2020 until July 2021 in our centre. Of these, 0.5% (12 patients) were identified as Covid positive pre-operatively. Mean age of patients were 59.1 ± 14.8 years old. Mean Ejection Fraction was 46.4 ± 12.9. Most patients (75%) were asymptomatic with covid infection and only one patient were admitted to hospital for Covid infection. Mean duration from Covid PCR positive swab to surgery were 46.3 ± 32.7days. Most of the patients (66.7%) underwent operation on an emergency or urgent basis. Median time to extubation was 1 day. Median ICU length of stay was 1 day. 25% patients required non-invasive ventilation post-operatively and one patient was discharged home on long term oxygen therapy. There were 2 deaths- none of which were covid related mortality.

Conclusion

Cardiac surgery could be performed safely in patients with pre-operative Covid-19 infection after a period of recovery, especially in the asymptomatic to mild category of infection. Multi-disciplinary team approach may be useful in deciding the timing of surgery for complex cases.
Performance comparison of structured H ∞ based looptune and LQR for a 4-DOF robotic manipulator
Authors: Asghar Arafat , Iqbal Muhammad , Khaliq Abdul , Rehman Saif ur , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: April 2022

We explorelooptune, a MATLAB-based structuredH∞synthesis technique in the context of robotics. Position control of a 4 Degree of Freedom (DOF) serial robotic manipulator developed using Simulink is the problem under consideration. Three full state feedback control systems were developed, analyzed and compared for both steady-state and transient performance using the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) andlooptune. Initially, a single gain feedback controller was synthesized using LQR. This system was then modified by augmenting the state feedback controller with Proportional Integral (PI) and Integral regulators, thereby creating a second and third control system respectively. In both the second and third control systems, the LQR synthesized gain and additional gains were further tuned usinglooptuneto achieve improvement in performance. The second and third systems were also compared in terms of tracking a time-dependent trajectory. Finally, the LQR andlooptunesynthesized controllers were tested for robustness by simultaneously increasing the mass of each manipulator link. In comparison to LQR, the second system consisting of Single Input Single Output (SISO) PI controllers and the state feedback matrix succeeded in meeting the control objectives in terms of performance, optimality, trajectory tracking, and robustness. The third system did not improve performance in contrast to LQR, but still showed robustness under mass variation. In conclusion, our results have shownlooptuneto have a comparatively better performance over LQR thereby highlighting its promising potential for future emerging control system applications.
How, when, and why do inter-organisational collaborations in healthcare work? A realist evaluation
Authors: Aunger Justin Avery , Millar Ross , Rafferty Anne Marie , Mannion Russell , Greenhalgh Joanne , Faulks Deborah , McLeod Hugh
Published: April 2022

Background

Inter-organisational collaborations (IOCs) in healthcare have been viewed as an effective approach to performance improvement. However, there remain gaps in our understanding ofwhathelps IOCs function, as well ashowandwhycontextual elements affect their implementation. A realist review of evidence drawing on 86 sources has sought to elicit and refine context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs) to understand and refine these phenomena, yet further understanding can be gained from interviewing those involved in developing IOCs.

Methods

We used a realist evaluation methodology, adopting prior realist synthesis findings as a theoretical framework that we sought to refine. We drew on 32 interviews taking place between January 2020 and May 2021 with 29 stakeholders comprising IOC case studies, service users, as well as regulatory perspectives in England. Using a retroductive analysis approach, we aimed to test CMOCs against these data to explore whether previously identified mechanisms, CMOCs, and causal links between them were affirmed, refuted, or revised, and refine our explanations of how and why interorganisational collaborations are successful.

Results

Most of our prior CMOCs and their underlying mechanisms were supported in the interview findings with a diverse range of evidence. Leadership behaviours, including showing vulnerability and persuasiveness, acted to shape the core mechanisms of collaborative functioning. These included our prior mechanisms of trust, faith, and confidence, which were largely ratified with minor refinements. Action statements were formulated, translating theoretical findings into practical guidance.

Conclusion

As the fifth stage in a larger project, our refined theory provides a comprehensive understanding of the causal chain leading to effective collaborative inter-organisational relationships. These findings and recommendations can support implementation of IOCs in the UK and elsewhere. Future research should translate these findings into further practical guidance for implementers, researchers, and policymakers.
Longitudinal associations between sport participation and fat mass with body posture in children: A 5-year follow-up from the Czech ELSPAC study
Authors: Kasović Mario , Štefan Lovro , Piler Pavel , Zvonar Martin
Published: April 2022

The main purpose of the study was to examine longitudinal associations between sport participation and fat mass with body posture in children. We used data from children recruited in the Czech European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (CELSPAC) at the ages of 11 y (n = 1065), 13 y (n = 811) and 15 y (n = 974). Information on body posture, practicing sport in a club and at a competitive level, and skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapula, suprailiaca and thigh) from pediatrician’s medical records were collected. Body posture was inspected by a pediatrician. The sum of 5 skinfolds was used as a proxy of fat mass. The 85th and 95th percentiles defined ‘overfat’ and ‘obese’children. Practicing sport in a club and at a competitive level were included as ‘yes/no’ answers. General linear mixed models with risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Overall, 35.6% of children and adolescents had impaired body posture; the prevalence of ’incorrect’ body posture increased by age (from 41.0% to 28.0%, p<0.001). Practicing sport in a club and at a competitive level decreased by follow-up (p<0.001), while the level of ‘overfat’ and ‘obese’ children increased (p<0.01). In separate models, ’incorrect’ body posture was associated with non-practicing sport in clubs (RR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.43–1.97, p<0.001) or at competitive level (RR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.37–1.88, p<0.001) and with being ’overfat’ (RR = 2.05; 95% CI 1.52–2.75, p<0.001) and ’obese’ (RR = 2.15; 95% CI 1.68–2.75, p<0.001). When all variables were put simultaneously into the model additionally adjusted for sex, self-rated health and baseline body posture, similar associations remained. This study shows, that not participating in sport and being overfat/obese are longitudinally associated with ‘incorrect’ body posture. Therefore, the detection of these risk factors in childhood, through the development of school- and community-based interventions, should be advocated.
Association between self-care disability and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly Chinese people
Authors: Mu Ting-Yu , Xu Ri-Xiang , Xu Jia-Yi , Dong Die , Zhou Zhi-Nan , Dai Jia-Ning , Shen Cui-Zhen
Published: April 2022

Objective

In the context of an increased focus on geriatric depression in recent years, this study examined the associations between different types of self-care disability, the number of self-care disabilities, and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly Chinese people.

Method

The data for this study were extracted from the follow-up survey (conducted in 2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The sample comprised 10808 participants aged 45 years and older. The Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CESD-10) Scale were used to assess self-care disability and depressive symptoms, respectively.

Result

The prevalence of depressive symptoms and self-care disability among the surveyed residents was 45.1% and 23.4%, respectively. Overall, there was a significant positive association between self-care disability and depressive symptoms. Participants who reported having a self-care disability in relation dressing, bathing, transferring in and out of bed, using the toilet, and controlling urination and defecation were found to have a significantly higher risk of depressive symptoms. In addition, participants with a greater cumulative quantity of self-care disabilities had a higher risk of depressive symptoms, and higher CESD-10 scores.

Conclusion

Self-care disability is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly Chinese people. A positive correlation between the number of self-care disabilities and the risk of depressive symptoms was found.
Drawing, performativity and virtual reality in art: Identifying connections and creative possibilities
Authors: Sagasti Alegria Ione , Echevarria Aguirre Maitane , Berroya Elosua Alfonso , Morlesín Mellado José Antonio
Published: April 2022

This paper explores the connections between drawing, the body and technology, relating them to the notions of the cyborg-body, the transhuman and performance art, looking for a phenomenological approach to virtual reality technology in drawing experience. Recent developments in virtual reality oriented to visual creativity offer new ways of approaching drawing. In this regard, virtual reality users can experience its practice by expanding their movements through both artificial and physical spaces, in contrast to more traditional seated postures that limit the whole body’s expressivity. Such an embodiment of drawn strokes can be considered from the perspective of performativity. Following exploratory research, the paper identifies connections between drawing, performativity and virtual reality in the field of art. It also explores the possibilities offered by contemporary technology, observing how drawing using virtual reality and performativity is being experienced worldwide by artists and creators.
Phenotyping and genotyping studies on extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates from mastitic cows on dairy farms in Egypt
Authors: El-Mohandes Shereen S. , Eid Rasha H. , Allam Ahmad M. , Abou-Zeina Hala A. A. , Elbayoumy Mohamed K.
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have become a serious public health hazard worldwide. This importance is derived from the increase of new variants, particularly blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M genes. This study aimed to examine ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolated from different governorates in Egypt from dairy cows infected with subclinical and clinical mastitis.

Materials and Methods: This study examined 207 milk samples for the resistance of isolates against 14 different antibiotics and ran serological identification of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates with complete antibiotic resistance. Genotypic and sequencing analyses of several resistance genes were conducted using a polymerase chain reaction.

Results: E. coli was identified in cases with subclinical mastitis (80.5%) and clinical mastitis (85.7%). ESBL-producing E. coli was isolated from 38.2% of subclinical mastitic milk compared to 39.3% in clinical cases, where O26:k60, O125:k70, and O25:k11 were the serotypes with complete resistance to antibiotics. ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were resistant to cefotaxime, amoxicillin, cloxacillin, oxacillin, rifampicin, and penicillin in 100% but susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in 82.5% of the cases. Results also revealed that 51.25%, 52.5%, 66.25%, 77.5% and 60% of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were responsive to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, and gentamycin, respectively. The detected genes were registered in GenBank as MW345819.1 and MW345820.1 for the E. coli blaTEM gene and MW295407 for the E. coli blaSHV gene.

Conclusion: This study found ESBL-producing E. coli in mastitic milk samples from Egyptian dairy farms and confirmed the occurrence and circulation of the main antibiotic genes (blaTEM and blaSHV) in the samples. Regular and thorough surveillance of ESBL-producing E. coli and subsequent preventive actions are essential for preventing the spread of these resistance genes in the future, which could pose serious and catastrophic health risks. Authorities should cling to the concept of One Health to minimize the risk of new varieties.
The need for linked genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dushoff Caroline , Dushoff David JD , Dushoff Jonathan , Ogden Nicholas H , Li Michael , Knox Natalie , Van Domselaar Gary , Franklin Kristyn , Jolly Gordon , Otto Sarah P
Published: April 2022

Genomic surveillance during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been key to the timely identification of virus variants with important public health consequences, such as variants that can transmit among and cause severe disease in both vaccinated or recovered individuals. The rapid emergence of the Omicron variant highlighted the speed with which the extent of a threat must be assessed. Rapid sequencing and public health institutions’ openness to sharing sequence data internationally give an unprecedented opportunity to do this; however, assessing the epidemiological and clinical properties of any new variant remains challenging. Here we highlight a “band of four” key data sources that can help to detect viral variants that threaten COVID-19 management: 1) genetic (virus sequence) data; 2) epidemiological and geographic data; 3) clinical and demographic data; and 4) immunization data. We emphasize the benefits that can be achieved by linking data from these sources and by combining data from these sources with virus sequence data. The considerable challenges of making genomic data available and linked with virus and patient attributes must be balanced against major consequences of not doing so, especially if new variants of concern emerge and spread without timely detection and action.
La nécessité d’une surveillance génomique liée du SRAS-CoV-2
Authors: Colijn Caroline , Earn David JD , Dushoff Jonathan , Ogden Nicholas H , Li Michael , Knox Natalie , Van Domselaar Gary , Franklin Kristyn , Jolly Gordon , Otto Sarah P
Published: April 2022

La surveillance génomique au cours de la pandémie de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) a été essentielle pour repérer en temps utile les variants du virus ayant des conséquences importantes pour la santé publique, telles que les variants qui peuvent se transmettre et provoquer une maladie grave chez les personnes vaccinées ou guéries. L’émergence rapide du variant Omicron a mis en évidence la rapidité avec laquelle l’étendue d’une menace doit être évaluée. Le séquençage rapide et l’ouverture des institutions de santé publique au partage international des données de séquençage offrent une occasion sans précédent de le faire. Toutefois, l’évaluation des propriétés épidémiologiques et cliniques de tout nouveau variant reste un défi. Nous mettons ici en évidence un « groupe de quatre » sources de données clés qui peuvent aider à détecter les variants viraux qui menacent la gestion de la COVID-19 : 1) des données génétiques (séquence du virus), 2) des données épidémiologiques et géographiques, 3) des données cliniques et démographiques, et 4) des données sur la vaccination. Nous soulignons les avantages qui peuvent être obtenus en reliant les données de ces sources et en combinant les données de ces sources avec les données de séquences virales. Les défis considérables que représente la mise à disposition des données génomiques et les coupler avec les caractéristiques des virus et des patients doivent être comparés aux conséquences majeures de ne pas le faire, notamment si de nouveaux variants préoccupants apparaissent et se propagent sans être détectés et traités à temps.
Éclosion multijuridictionnelle de COVID-19 associée à une veillée funèbre et à des funérailles dans une communauté des Premières Nations du nord de la Saskatchewan
Authors: Ndubuka Nnamdi , Gupta Sabyasachi , Zayed Rim , Quinn Brian , Khaketla Moliehi , Chan Elaine , Franklin Kristyn , McGill Erin
Published: April 2022

Contexte : Soixante-huit cas confirmés en laboratoire de la maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) (12 en Alberta, 56 en Saskatchewan) sont liés à un rassemblement dans un hôpital en Alberta du 1er au 4 juin 2020 et à une veillée funèbre et des funérailles dans une communauté des Premières Nations du nord de la Saskatchewan du 9 au 11 juin 2020. Objectif : Les objectifs étaient de fournir une description complète de l’épidémiologie de l’éclosion et de décrire les chaînes de transmission pour étayer l’hypothèse selon laquelle il y aurait eu des introductions multiples de la COVID-19 lors de la veillée funèbre et des funérailles. Méthodes : L’enquête sur les cas et la recherche des contacts ont été menées par les services de santé publique locaux en Alberta et en Saskatchewan, et l’Agence de la santé publique du Canada a effectué une analyse centralisée des cas. Une courbe épidémique et un diagramme de Gantt pour la période infectieuse ont été créés pour confirmer ou infirmer l’existence d’introductions multiples de la COVID-19 lors de la veillée funèbre et des funérailles. Résultats : Les dates de début de maladie s’échelonnaient du 31 mai au 1er juillet 2020. L’âge variait de 2 à 80 ans (âge médian = 43 ans). Cinq cas ont été hospitalisés; il n’y a pas eu de décès. Les renseignements disponibles sur l’exposition aux cas soutiennent l’hypothèse qu’il y a eu de multiples introductions de la COVID-19 lors de la veillée funèbre et des funérailles. Les autorités de santé publique de l’Alberta et de la Saskatchewan ont déclaré la fin de l’éclosion le 20 juillet 2020, soit deux périodes d’incubation (i.e. 28 jours) après l’apparition de la maladie chez le dernier cas primaire. Conclusion : Pendant les éclosions multijuridictionnelles, le partage des données, la coordination entre les autorités de la santé publique et l’analyse centralisée sont essentiels pour comprendre les événements qui ont conduit à l’éclosion et les hypothèses possibles concernant les chaînes de transmission.
Antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infection across a national primary care network in 2019
Authors: Wong Sabrina , Rajapakshe Shan , Barber David , Patey Andrea , Levinson Wendy , Morkem Rachael , Hurwitz Gillian , Wintermute Kimberly , Leis Jerome A
Published: April 2022

Background: Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is the leading reason for avoidable antimicrobial use in primary care, yet provider-level feedback on its use is only available in some provinces. The aim of this study was to validate case definitions for RTI across the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) and determine baseline provider-level variability in antimicrobial prescribing in 2019. Methods: The RTI case definitions were developed using demographic, diagnostic coding and keywords in electronic medical record. Manual chart abstraction was performed to identify cases of acute otitis media. Remaining RTI definitions were validated using a random sample of 5,164 patients with encounters in 2019. The proportion of patients with an RTI treated with antibiotics was determined by provider, per patient, per episode and per patient encounter. Results: Negative predictive value, positive predictive value and prevalence were as follows: 1.00 (0.99–1.00), 0.99 (0.96–0.99) and 4.14% (4.10–4.19) for common cold; 1.00 (0.99–1.00), 0.94 (0.88–0.98) and 1.09% (1.07–1.12) for acute otitis media; 0.98 (0.96–1.00), 0.93 (0.87–0.97) and 1.2% (1.18–1.22) for acute pharyngitis; 0.99 (0.99–1.00), 0.88 (0.81–0.93) and 1.99% (1.96–2.02) for sinusitis; 0.99 (0.97–0.99), 0.95 (0.89–0.98) and 4.01% (3.97–4.05) for acute bronchitis/asthma. By provider, median (interquartile range [IQR]) proportion treated with antibiotics (per patient) was 6.72 (14.92) for common cold, 64.29 (40.00) for acute otitis media, 20.00 (38.89) for pharyngitis, 54.17 (38.09) for sinusitis, 8.33 (20.00) for acute bronchitis/asthma and 21.10 (20.56) for overall RTI. Conclusion: The CPCSSN can provide national surveillance of antimicrobial prescribing practices for RTI across primary care. Baseline variability underscores the need for provider feedback and quality improvement.
Impact de la première dose de vaccin sur la COVID-19 et ses complications, dans les Centres d’hébergement et de soins de longue durée et les résidences privées pour aînés du Québec, Canada
Authors: Fortin Élise , De Wals Philippe , Talbot Denis , Ouakki Manale , Deceuninck Geneviève , Sauvageau Chantal , Gilca Rodica , Kiely Marilou , De Serres Gaston
Published: April 2022

Contexte : Les résidents de centres d’hébergement et de soins de longue durée (CHSLD) et de résidences privées pour aînés (RPA) ont été vaccinés en priorité contre la maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Vu la pénurie de vaccins de l’hiver 2021, le Comité sur l’immunisation du Québec a recommandé le report de l’administration des deuxièmes doses pour augmenter plus rapidement la couverture vaccinale avec une dose. L’objectif de cette étude est de mesurer l’impact de la vaccination avec une première dose sur 1) l’incidence des cas et des complications en CHSLD et en RPA ainsi que 2) sur la fréquence des éclosions en CHSLD. Méthodes : Dans cette étude écologique, le taux d’incidence et de complications de la COVID-19 chez les résidents de CHSLD et de RPA du Québec, ont été comparés à la population générale à un moment où l’éligibilité à la vaccination était encore limitée. Résultats : Après la vaccination en CHSLD, le taux d’incidence de la COVID-19 a diminué de 92 %, contre 49 % dans la communauté, et le nombre de décès a diminué de 95 %. À six semaines post-vaccination, presqu’aucune installation ne rapportait cinq cas ou plus par 100 lits par semaine. En RPA, le taux d’incidence a diminué de 91 %, contre 2 % dans la communauté durant la même période. Les hospitalisations et les décès ont diminué de 94 % et 90 %, respectivement. Conclusion : Suite à 1) la vaccination avec une dose des résidents 2) l’immunité naturelle déjà acquise en CHSLD et en RPA, 3) la vaccination des travailleurs de la santé ainsi que 4) d’autres mesures de prévention non-pharmaceutiques mises en place, la circulation du coronavirus dans ces milieux de vie a été largement interrompue.
Différences régionales dans l’accès aux antiviraux à action directe pour traiter l’hépatite C en Ontario : une étude transversale
Authors: Konstantelos Natalia , Shakeri Ahmad , McCormack Daniel , Campos-Meade Anabel , Gomes1 Tara , Murti Michelle , Pierre-Pierre Valérie , Tadrous Mina
Published: April 2022

Contexte : Les antiviraux à action directe (AAD) sont des traitements utilisés pour soigner les personnes infectées par un virus de l’hépatite C (VHC), une maladie qui touche plus de 100 000 Ontariens. Les AAD sont couverts par les programmes publics de médicaments de l’Ontario, mais l’obtention d’une ordonnance dépend de l’accès aux soins de santé. L’objectif de cette étude est de comprendre le lien entre les taux de traitement au moyen des AAD et la distance par rapport au prescripteur en Ontario, au Canada. Méthodes : Nous avons mené une étude transversale et identifié les patients qui ont fait remplir une ordonnance d’AAD par le biais du Programme de médicaments de l’Ontario (PMO) en 2019. Nous avons calculé les taux bruts (pour 100 000 bénéficiaires du PMO) et ajustés (en fonction d’un taux régional d’infection par le VHC) de traitement au moyen d’AAD par bureau de santé publique (BSP). Nous avons indiqué les distances médianes par rapport au prestataire pour tous les types de visites, les visites en personne, les visites virtuelles et les proportions de visites virtuelles. Résultats : En 2019, le taux brut de traitement au moyen d’AAD en Ontario était de 83,0 patients pour 100 000 bénéficiaires du PMO. Le taux ajusté de traitement du VHC au moyen d’AAD varie entre 28,2 (Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario) et 188,5 (Est de l’Ontario) pour 100 000 bénéficiaires du PMO. Lors de notre analyse primaire, les patients des BSP ruraux, dont ceux du Nord‑Ouest et de Porcupine, se situaient parmi les distances médianes les plus élevées par rapport au prescripteur pour tous les types de visites (1 195 km et 556 km respectivement). Ces BSP présentaient également les proportions les plus élevées de visites virtuelles (plus de 60 %). Les BSP urbains, dont Toronto et Ottawa, présentaient des distances médianes plus faibles pour tous les types de visites, avec des proportions plus faibles de visites virtuelles (10,8 % et 12,4 % respectivement). Conclusion : Nous avons observé une hétérogénéité dans les taux de traitement, la distance par rapport aux prescripteurs d’AAD et l’utilisation des soins virtuels dans la gestion du VHC. Le recours accru à la télémédecine dans les régions où l’utilisation des AAD est limitée pourrait améliorer l’accès.
Recent Studies on Degradation Mechanism of Rubber Vulcanizates by Chemorheology
Authors: Murakami K.
Published: April 2022

A critical discussion is presented of the influence of chemical degradation mechanisms on the mechanical properties, especially stress relaxation, of vulcanized rubber. The response of the vulcanizate is interpreted in terms of the kinetic theory of rubber elasticity. Different chemical mechanisms are explored. The influence of diluent is interpreted in terms of the kinetic theory of rubber elasticity. Different chemical mechanisms are explored. The influence of diluent is considered. Comparisons are made to experiments on polyisoprenes and polyurethanes.
Idealismus, „neuer“ Realismus und die Anfänge der analytischen Philosophie in den Vereinigten Staaten
Authors: Neuber Matthias
Published: April 2022

Analytic philosophy in the United States emerged parallel to the demise of idealism. During the second half of the nineteenth century, Josiah Royce had contributed importantly to the predominance of idealist systems and corresponding academic groups. With the rise of pragmatism and new realism, the situation changed dramatically: the idealist movement lost momentum and realism began to dominate the discourse. The present paper argues that the critiques of idealism put forward by the realists during the first two decades of the twentieth century were instrumental to the emergence of analytic philosophy in the United States. As I will explain, Ralph Barton Perry (1876–1957) was the key figure in the underinvestigated genesis of this movement.
Linking citizens’ anti-immigration attitudes to their digital user engagement and voting behavior
Authors: De Coninck David , Boomgaarden Hajo G. , Buiter Anne Maria (Annabel) , d’Haenens Leen
Published: April 2022

Societally salient issues, like migration, stimulate user engagement with political parties on social media. This user engagement, in turn, is associated with political behavior, such as voting. Nonetheless, few studies so far have investigated the interaction between these factors. We examine how anti-immigration attitudes are associated with user engagement with political parties on social media. In this study, user engagement is understood as following political parties on social media. Through online data that were collected in October 2019 among adults (N= 1,000) in Belgium, we investigate how attitudes and user engagement are associated with voting behavior. Results suggest that attitudes towards migration are associated with user engagement with both left and right-wing parties on social media. Moreover, these attitudes and user engagement – and the interaction between the two – are related to voting behavior: being against (being in favor of) migration and following right-wing (left-wing) parties on social media is associated with a higher likelihood of voting for a right-wing (left-wing) party.