bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global longitudinal strain detects subtle left ventricular systolic dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and carriers
Authors: Shehta Mahmoud , Rayan Mona Mostafa , Fahmy Nagia Aly , Onsy Ahmed , Bastawy Islam
Published: October 2021

Background

With the continuous improvement of the respiratory care of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, cardiac manifestations (heart failure and arrhythmias) become the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Early identification of cardiac muscle affection is crucial to start anti-failure drugs that reverse remodeling and improve prognosis. This study aimed to detect subtle cardiac changes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and carriers using electrocardiography and echocardiography.

Results

This study included genetically diagnosed Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients (28 males) and carriers (25 females) and compared them to healthy gender-matched control groups. All study participants underwent clinical assessment, 12-lead electrocardiography, and global longitudinal strain augmented echocardiography. In the current study, Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients had higher heart rates, smaller left ventricular internal diameters, left atrial diameter, lower ejection fraction, and worse left ventricular global longitudinal strain in comparison with the control group. The global longitudinal strain inversely correlated with the age of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. The number of exon mutations did not affect electrocardiography and echocardiographic findings. Exon mutations 45–47 and 51–54 were significantly associated with an ejection fraction less than 60%. Duchenne muscular dystrophy carriers had smaller left ventricular wall diameters, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left atrial diameter, and worse left ventricular global longitudinal strain in comparison with the control group.

Conclusions

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain could detect subtle left ventricular systolic dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and carriers before the decline of left ventricular ejection fraction.
Substance use patterns among university students in Egypt
Authors: Khafagy Manar , Gomaa Zeinab , Elwasify Mohamed
Published: October 2021

Background

In the past few years, there has been an expanding global interest in the problem of substance use. A variety of studies conducted within the past decade have investigated the prevalence of substance use among university students. The study aimed to detect the prevalence and associates of substance use among Egyptian students at Mansoura University. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, observational study was conducted during the period from February to July 2019 on 1138 university students at Mansoura University in Egypt. The university students were randomly divided into three classes (medical, practical, and theoretical). The data were assembled using questionnaires of sociodemographic, clinical attributes, and drug use disorders identification test (DUDIT).

Results

Lifetime substance use among students was 6.5%. Of the users, 18 (24.3%) used cannabis, 14 (18.9%) used tramadol, 10 (13.5%) used alcohol, 5 (6.8%) used benzodiazepines, and 1 (1.4%) used heroin. Only 35.1% used polysubstance, of those, 10 (13.5%), 12 (16.2%), 3 (4.1%), and 1 (1.4%) used cannabis and tramadol; cannabis and alcohol; cannabis and inhalant; and cannabis, alcohol, and tramadol respectively. There was a substantial association between substance use and male sex, age above 20 years, smoking, and living in urban areas. In the group that used substances, 50 (4.4%) suffered substance-related problems and 6 (0.5%) encountered dependency.

Conclusion

In total, using the mono substance is more than using poly substances in which cannabis, tramadol, and alcohol were the most often utilized substances. The highest percentage of drug-related problems was among medical students while dependence was highest among practical students. These results should be considered in future substance preventive programs.
Serum Beclin 1 and autophagy-related protein-5 and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among cirrhotic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Shayeb Ayman El , Deghedy Akram , Bedewy Essam Saeed , Badawy Sahar , Abdeen Nermeen
Published: October 2021

Background

The most common primary liver cancer in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which is commonly presented with a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is important to explore effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC patients. Autophagy is involved in the development and prevention of cancer. Mammalian Beclin-1 is needed for an autophagic vesicle in HCC. Autophagy-related protein-5 (ATG5) is an important molecule involved in cell death during autophagy. The objective is to investigate serum ATG 5 and Beclin 1 levels in HCV-induced liver cirrhosis with and without HCC. The study was conducted on 80 individuals classified into 3 groups:

Group 1: 30 patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis without HCC.

Group 2: 30 patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis with HCC.

Group 3: 20 healthy subjects (control group).

Results

Serum ATG 5 was significantly lower in HCC than liver cirrhosis patients. Serum Beclin 1 was significantly higher in HCC than liver cirrhosis patients. A cutoff value of < 95.7 and > 5.3 of serum ATG5 and Beclin 1 could be suggested for diagnosis of HCC among patients with HCV-related cirrhosis.

Conclusion

Serum Beclin 1 and ATG 5 could be used as a novel diagnostic marker for HCC. Moreover, scoring of serum BECLIN 1, ATG 5, and cachexia might be a future promising tool to predict the risk of HCC development.
Qualitative and quantitative estimation of Diosgenin in coded ayurvedic formulation and its ingredient Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. seeds used in diabetics
Authors: Meena Ajay Kumar , Swathi K. N. , Ilavarasan R. , Singh Arjun , Bharthi Vandana , Srikanth N.
Published: October 2021

Background

Trigonella foenum-graecum(Methi) is a leguminous plant and botanically known asTrigonella foenum-graecumLinn, belong to the family Fabaceae.Trigonella foenum-graecumis used for a variety of health conditions, including digestive problems, bronchitis, tuberculosis, fevers, sore throats, wounds, arthritis, abscesses, swollen glands, skin irritations, diabetes, loss of appetite, ulcers, and menopausal symptoms, as well as in the treatment of cancer.Trigonella foenum-graecumseeds mainly contain Diosgenin [(3β,25R)-spirost-5-en3-ol], a plant-derived steroid sapogenin.

Results

The identification and quantification results by HPTLC and HPLC studies ofTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds hydrolysedTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds, coded formulation, hydrolysed coded formulation extract with standard Diosgenin biomarker showed a significant highest peak in hydrolysedTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds and hydrolysed coded formulation. The standard Diosgenin is observed in the hydrolysed form of hydrolysedTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds and hydrolysed coded formulation. The literature onTrigonella foenum-graecumconfirms its activity as antidiabetic, and the peak of standard biomarker Diosgenin is seen after derivatization with anisaldehyde sulphuric agent, which possesses medicinal phytoconstituents value. Further related to future scientific aspects, more studies on its potent antidiabetic activity and multipurpose action need to be carried out with medicinal composition and its effects on the human body.

Conclusion

This study aims to establish the qualitative and quantitative estimation of standard Diosgenin in reliable with coded ayurvedic formulation andTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds and its activity as antidiabetic by HPTLC and HPLC.
Evaluation of the impact of COPD severity grading and oxygen saturation on the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness in COPD patients
Authors: Ahmed Noha Othman , Shaaban Yasmine Maher , Ezzelregal Hieba Gamal
Published: October 2021

Background

Retinal and choroidal blood vessels are involved in many systemic diseases because they are complex vascular systems. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is considered as an inflammatory disease that affects many systems and coexists with several co-morbidities. Systemic inflammation and hypoxia affect the macula, choroid, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and blood vessels. Ocular co-morbidities have been detected in COPD patients. These can be quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). Enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT) is a quite new technique that utilizes light with an extended wavelength. An apparent relation has been found between chronic pulmonary disease and low corneal endothelial cell density preoperatively. So this work aimed to assess the impact of COPD severity grading and oxygen saturation on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness.

Results

This was a case-control study, recruited 50 COPD patients and another 50 healthy volunteers as a control group. Measuring the thickness of the RNFL (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal) in the four quadrants as well as the subfoveal choroidal thickness was done to both groups. The RNFL thickness in all quadrants and the SFCT in the COPD group were statistically significantly thinner in comparison to the control group. The RNFL thickness (mean) was 79.16 ± 10.49 μm compared to 96.30 ± 4.66 μm in the control group (p value 0.001). The SFCT (mean) was 213.12 ± 25.61 μm compared to 354.62 ± 53.82 μm in the control group (p value 0.001). The degree of thinning of the RNFL (superior, inferior, and temporal) and the SCFT was related to COPD (GOLD) stages severity (p value 0.001). Nasal RNFL was thinned out in all stages of COPD (GOLD) but with no statistical significance (p value 0.264).

Conclusion

The choroid and retina seem to be of the affected tissues during the progressive inflammatory course of COPD. Ocular pathologies should be evaluated in patients with systemic hypoxia. The eye examination for COPD patients can be carried out via a non-invasive procedure such as the OCT and the changes in the RNFL and SFCT thickness could be used as indicators for the severity of COPD.
Structure of cross-correlation between stock and oil markets
Authors: Yan Shuang , Li Shan , Wang Haiying , Gu Changgui , Yang Huijie
Published: October 2021

We displayed in this paper the structure of cross-correlation between the S&P 500 stock market and the Brent Oil market and its evolutionary behavior. Technically, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition is adopted to separate the two series into components. Let a window slide along the multi-variate series of the components, generating a series of segments. For each segment, one calculates the mutual entropies between the components to describe the coupling strengths, resulting into a network between/within the two markets. The networks corresponding to the successive segments form a temporal network. It is found that the characteristic period of intrinsic mode for each series grows exponentially from several days to more than ten years. The couplings between long-term components (with periods larger than one year) form the stable backbone of the network. The shocks of short-term events on the long-term components determine mainly the evolutionary behavior, especially the changes of the coupling structure. This method can be extended straightforwardly to display the cross-correlation structures and their evolutions for complex systems composed of multi-subsystems.
Early manifestations and differential gene expression associated with photoreceptor degeneration in Prom1-deficient retina
Authors: Kobayashi Yuka , Watanabe Shizuka , Ong Agnes Lee Chen , Shirai Manabu , Yamashiro Chiemi , Ogata Tadahiko , Higashijima Fumiaki , Yoshimoto Takuya , Hayano Takahide , Asai Yoshiyuki , Sasai Noriaki , Kimura Kazuhiro
Published: October 2021

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and macular dystrophy (MD) are characterized by gradual photoreceptor death in the retina and are often associated with genetic mutations, including those in the prominin-1 (Prom1) gene. Prom1-knockout (KO) mice recapitulate key features of these diseases including light-dependent retinal degeneration and constriction of retinal blood vessels. The mechanisms underlying such degeneration have remained unclear, however. We here analysed early events associated with retinal degeneration in Prom1-KO mice. We found that photoreceptor cell death and glial cell activation occur between 2 and 3 weeks after birth. Whereas gene expression was not affected at 2 weeks, the expression of several genes was altered at 3 weeks in the Prom1-KO retina, with the expression of that for endothelin-2 (Edn2) being markedly upregulated. Expression of Edn2 was also induced by light stimulation in Prom1-KO mice reared in the dark. Treatment with endothelin receptor antagonists attenuated photoreceptor cell death, gliosis and retinal vessel stenosis in Prom1-KO mice. Our findings thus reveal early manifestations of retinal degeneration in a model of RP/MD and suggest potential therapeutic agents for these diseases.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
YAP1-mediated regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in IDH1 mutant gliomas
Authors: Patrick Shruti , Gowda Pruthvi , Lathoria Kirti , Suri Vaishali , Sen Ellora
Published: October 2021

Mutation of the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene leads to the production of oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) from α-ketoglutarate and is associated with better prognosis in glioma. As Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is an important regulator of tumor progression, its role in glioma expressing IDH1 with an R132H mutation was investigated. Diminished nuclear levels of YAP1 in IDH1 mutant glioma tissues and cell lines were accompanied by decreased levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the functionality of the TEAD2-binding site on the TFAM promoter in mediating its YAP1-dependent expression. YAP1-dependent mitochondrial fragmentation and ROS generation were accompanied by decreased telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) levels and increased mitochondrial TERT localization in IDH1 R132H cells. Treatment with the Src kinase inhibitor bosutinib, which prevents extranuclear shuttling of TERT, further elevated ROS in IDH1 R132H cells and triggered apoptosis. Importantly, bosutinib treatment also increased ROS levels and induced apoptosis in IDH1 wild-type cells when YAP1 was concurrently depleted. These findings highlight the involvement of YAP1 in coupling mitochondrial dysfunction with mitochondrial shuttling of TERT to constitute an essential non-canonical function of YAP1 in the regulation of redox homeostasis.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Ανάπτυξη πρακτικών της υπολογιστικής σκέψης στο δημοτικό σχολείο
Authors: Βουρλέτσης Ιωάννης
Published: October 2021

Η Υπολογιστική Σκέψη (Computational Thinking), μια νοητική δραστηριότητα που σχετίζεται με την επίλυση προβλημάτων και έχει ως θεμελιώδη λίθο τη διαδικασία της αφαίρεσης (abstraction), θεωρείται ως ένα απαραίτητο σύνολο δεξιοτήτων για τον μαθητή του 21ου αιώνα. Οι επιστημονικές συζητήσεις της τελευταίας δεκαετίας έχουν οδηγήσει σε σχετική συναίνεση για το περιεχόμενο του όρου της Υπολογιστικής Σκέψης και για την τριμερή διάκρισή της σε έννοιες, πρακτικές και στάσεις. Η παρούσα μελέτη στοχεύει να διερευνήσει την επίδραση μιας διδακτικής παρέμβασης με αντικείμενο τις συνιστώσες της Υπολογιστικής Σκέψης σε υπολογιστικές πρακτικές μαθητών Δημοτικού σχολείου. Ιδιαίτερη συμβολή της αποτελεί η έμφαση σε πρακτικές που εντάσσονται στο πλαίσιο της κοινωνικής διάστασης της Υπολογιστικής Σκέψης και δεν έχουν διερευνηθεί επαρκώς. Η έρευνα υιοθέτησε μικτή μεθοδολογία και ειδικότερα τον ενσωματωμένο σχεδιασμό (embedded design), καθώς συλλέχθηκαν ταυτόχρονα ποσοτικά και ποιοτικά δεδομένα, αλλά τα ποιοτικά λειτούργησαν υποστηρικτικά προς τα ποσοτικά. Το ερευνητικό δείγμα αποτέλεσαν 103 μαθητές και μαθήτριες της ΣΤ’ τάξης Δημοτικού σχολείου που εργάστηκαν σε ζεύγη στο περιβάλλον οπτικού προγραμματισμού Scratch για περίπου 28 διδακτικές ώρες, κατά το διδακτικό έτος 2018‒2019. Η ανάλυση των δεδομένων που συλλέχθηκαν έδειξε ότι η προτεινόμενη διδακτική παρέμβαση είναι δυνατό να οδηγήσει στη βελτίωση της συνολικής αυτοαντίληψης των μαθητών για τις δεξιότητές τους στην επίλυση προβλημάτων. Επιπλέον, φάνηκε ότι η συμμετοχή των μαθητών σε δραστηριότητες εντοπισμού και επιδιόρθωσης σφαλμάτων σεναρίων ψηφιακών παιχνιδιών, όπως και διασκευής τους, μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε μεγαλύτερο επίπεδο επάρκειας των υπολογιστικών πρακτικών της δοκιμής και εκσφαλμάτωσης και της επαναχρησιμοποίησης και διασκευής. Τέλος, παρά τους περιορισμούς στους οποίους υπόκειται η έρευνα, φαίνεται ότι ενισχύει την υπόθεση για τη θετική συμβολή του προγραμματισμού και ειδικότερα του προγραμματισμού σε ζεύγη στην ανάπτυξη της Υπολογιστικής Σκέψης μαθητών Δημοτικού σχολείου.
High infectious disease burden as a basis for the observed high frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kusi Kwadwo Asamoah , Frimpong Augustina , Partey Frederica Dedo , Lamptey Helena , Amoah Linda Eva , Ofori Michael Fokuo
Published: October 2021

Following the coronavirus outbreaks described as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, the world has again been challenged by yet another corona virus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 infections were first detected in a Chinese Province in December 2019 and then declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. An infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 may result in asymptomatic, uncomplicated or fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Fatal disease has been linked with the uncontrolled “cytokine storm” manifesting with complications mostly in people with underlying cardiovascular and pulmonary disease conditions. The severity of COVID-19 disease and the associated mortality has been disproportionately lower in terms of number of cases and deaths in Africa and also Asia in comparison to Europe and North America. Also, persons of colour residing in Europe and North America have been identified as a highly susceptible population due to a combination of several socioeconomic factors and poor access to quality healthcare. Interestingly, this has not been the case in sub-Saharan Africa where majority of the population are even more deprived of the aforementioned factors. On the contrary, sub-Saharan Africa has recorded the lowest levels of mortality and morbidity associated with the disease, and an overwhelming proportion of infections are asymptomatic. Whilst it can be argued that these lower number of cases in Africa may be due to challenges associated with the diagnosis of the disease such as lack of trained personnel and infrastructure, the number of persons who get infected and develop symptoms is proportionally lower than those who are asymptomatic, including asymptomatic cases that are never diagnosed. This review discusses the most probable reasons for the significantly fewer cases of severe COVID-19 disease and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
Pneumococcal carriage and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in mother-baby pairs in a rural community in Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Madut Akech Gabriel , Naloli Mercy , Sebwami Paul , Kazibwe Patrick , Atwikiriize Maureen , Onyait Julius , Oboth Paul , Nteziyaremye Julius , Nekaka Rebecca , Iramiot Jacob Stanley
Published: October 2021

Background: Pneumococcal carriage predisposes children to pneumonia. Pneumonia poses a significant threat to the lives of children below five years old worldwide, contributing to a high number of hospitalizations and death. Morbidity and morbidity are especially common in children under five and the elderly, although any age group can be affected. This study aimed to estimate pneumococcal carriage and determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the pneumococci isolated from mother-baby pairs in Ngora district after the rollout of the pneumococcal vaccine. We hypothesized that high carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in mothers leads to carriage in their babies and hence a greater chance of contracting pneumonia.

Methods: Consecutive sampling was used to select 152 mother-baby pairs from community visits and those seeking care at the health facility. We collected nasal swabs from both baby and mother for culture and sensitivity testing using Kirby-Bauer’s agar disc diffusion method.

Results: This study found that there was a low prevalence of pneumococcal carriage in the mother-baby pair in the Ngora district. We also observed high rates of microbial resistance to penicillin, which is the first-line drug for the management of pneumonia in Uganda.

Conclusions: The relationship between pneumococcal carriage and immunization status suggests that the pneumococcal vaccine is protective against the pneumococcal carriage. Resistance of S. pneumoniae to commonly used antibiotics was high.
FDRestimation: Flexible False Discovery Rate Computation in R
Authors: Murray Megan H. , Blume Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2021

False discovery rates (FDR) are an essential component of statistical inference, representing the propensity for an observed result to be mistaken. FDR estimates should accompany observed results to help the user contextualize the relevance and potential impact of findings. This paper introduces a new user-friendly R pack-age for estimating FDRs and computing adjusted p-values for FDR control. The roles of these two quantities are often confused in practice and some software packages even report the adjusted p-values as the estimated FDRs. A key contribution of this package is that it distinguishes between these two quantities while also offering a broad array of refined algorithms for estimating them. For example, included are newly augmented methods for estimating the null proportion of findings - an important part of the FDR estimation procedure. The package is broad, encompassing a variety of adjustment methods for FDR estimation and FDR control, and includes plotting functions for easy display of results. Through extensive illustrations, we strongly encourage wider reporting of false discovery rates for observed findings.
Case Report: Intracranial hypertension in an adult-onset Still’s disease patient initially presented with prolonged fever
Authors: Eleftheriotis Gerasimos , Skopelitis Elias
Published: October 2021

This article describes the case of a 19-year-old woman who presented with prolonged fever, positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and splenomegaly. Pulmonary infiltrates were discovered and the patient was treated for community-acquired pneumonia, with no clinical amelioration. A more thorough evaluation was subsequently made, revealing elevated serum IgE and IgG4 levels and negative ANA tested by the hospital’s laboratory with two methods. During hospitalization thrombocytopenia, liver function test impairment, and evanescent rash during some febrile episodes developed. Vomiting also presented without any concomitant symptoms or signs; a funduscopic examination was consequently ordered, showing bilateral papilledema. Brain imaging was totally normal but a lumbar puncture revealed elevated opening pressure and lymphocytic pleocytosis along with low cerebrospinal fluid lactate dehydrogenase (CSF LDH). The patient was empirically treated with antimicrobials, dexamethasone, and acetazolamide and had immediate clinical and laboratory improvement. Diagnostic workup, however, was negative for an infectious agent; antimicrobials were ceased but the patient continued to improve. Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) was considered as the working diagnosis because the patient fulfilled Yamaguchi criteria, responded to corticosteroids, and an alternative diagnosis was lacking. Nevertheless, because of the patient’s atypical features a trial to discontinue dexamethasone was undertaken, leading to immediate recurrence; the possibility of a self-limiting viral illness was excluded. Thrombocytopenia was attributed to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) that complicated AOSD. Corticosteroid reinitiation combined with methotrexate fully controlled all clinical and laboratory parameters. One month later papilledema had disappeared and the patient remained symptom-free even without acetazolamide. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of an AOSD case presenting intracranial hypertension without cerebral imaging abnormalities and neurological or meningeal symptoms and signs, as well as with the initial observation of serum IgG4 elevation. A classic regimen combined with acetazolamide led to a positive outcome.
The impact of COVID-19 on people ageing with an intellectual disability in Ireland: Protocol for a follow-up survey
Authors: McCarron Mary , Allen Andrew , McCausland Darren , Haigh Margaret , Luus Retha , Bavussantakath Fathima Rosmin , Sheerin Fintan , Mulryan Niamh , Burke Eilish , McGlinchey Eimear , Flannery Fidelma , McCallion Philip
Published: October 2021

Background:  The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on many people, but individuals with an intellectual disability, given the prevalence of congregate living and high levels of co-morbid conditions, may be particularly vulnerable at this time. A prior initial survey of participants of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) found that, despite a majority of participants being tested, only a small proportion had tested positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, despite some reporting positive aspects to the lockdown, a similar proportion were experiencing stress or anxiety during the pandemic. The pandemic and lockdowns have continued, and it is possible that experiences and consequences have changed over time.

Aim: To explore over time and in greater depth the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns and to further establish rates of infection, rates of vaccination and participants’ experiences.

Methods: A structured questionnaire for people with intellectual disability participating in the IDS-TILDA longitudinal study, to be administered by telephone/video in summer 2021. Where participants are unable to respond independently, a proxy respondent will be invited to either assist the participant or answer questions on their behalf. This questionnaire will include questions from the first COVID-19 questionnaire, with extra questions assessing “long COVID” (i.e. COVID-19 lasting for 12 weeks or longer), infection control behaviours, changes in mental health, social contacts and loneliness, frailty, healthcare, and incidence of vaccination.

Impact: The results of this survey will be used to inform healthcare provision for people with intellectual disability during the latter stages of the lockdown and into the future.
How many online workers are there in the world? A data-driven assessment
Authors: Kässi Otto , Lehdonvirta Vili , Stephany Fabian
Published: October 2021

An unknown number of people around the world are earning income by working through online labour platforms such as Upwork and Amazon Mechanical Turk. We combine data collected from various sources to build a data-driven assessment of the number of such online workers (also known as online freelancers) globally. Our headline estimate is that there are 163 million freelancer profiles registered on online labour platforms globally. Approximately 14 million of them have obtained work through the platform at least once, and 3.3 million have completed at least 10 projects or earned at least $1000. These numbers suggest a substantial growth from 2015 in registered worker accounts, but much less growth in amount of work completed by workers. Our results indicate that online freelancing represents a non-trivial segment of labour today, but one that is spread thinly across countries and sectors.
Is European Data Protection Toxic for Innovative AI? An Estonian Perspective
Authors: Tupay Paloma Krõõt , Ebers Martin , Juksaar Jakob , Kohv Kea
Published: October 2021

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is, together with its seven principles, designed to function as the cornerstone of data protection in the European Union. Although the GDPR was meant to keep up with technological and socioeconomic changes while guaranteeing fundamental rights, its unclear wording with regard to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has led to uncertainty. Therefore, the development and application of ever new AI systems raises various, as yet unresolved questions. Moreover, the complexity of legal requirements poses the risk of inhibiting AI innovation in the European Union. On the other hand, the GDPR gives Member States certain leeway to regulate data processing by public authorities. Therefore, data protection requirements for AI systems in public administration must be assessed under both the GDPR and national law. Against this backdrop, the article aims to guide the reader through the relevant data-protection rules applicable to AI systems in both the EU and in Estonia.
Bank Recovery and Resolution Measures’ Restrictive Effects on Appealing Against Them
Authors: Maarand Märt
Published: October 2021

The article is intended as a step forward from considering only the noble objectives and positive effects associated with the authorities’ bank recovery and resolution powers, for revealing also the inherent effects of these powers on the possibility of banks fighting back against the powers’ unlawful application. Specifically, while the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) sets out the general rule that, under its regime, a bank should have the right to appeal against authorities’ actions, some of the measures established under the BRRD have a natural effect of greatly diminishing bank managers’ motivation to appeal or even completely eliminate any independent decision-making capabilities. This includes choices of whether to file an appeal. This article shows that the properties or outcomes connected with some recovery and resolution measures specified in the BRRD reduce banks’ right of appeal to a fiction and may leave possibilities for uncontrolled unlawful application of powers by the supervisory and resolution authorities.
Oral ulceration and vesiculobullous conditions in the paediatric patient
Authors: Clarke Lisa , Maroke Tara , Srinivasan Vidya , Rudralingam Meenakshi
Published: October 2021

Deviations from the normal appearance of pale, pink and healthy mucosa require close monitoring or intervention and may be a sign of an underlying systemic disorder. Therefore, it is important that there is timely identification of abnormalities, appropriate management in primary care and onward referral for investigation to specialist services when required. Oral ulceration is the most common soft tissue abnormality in children, with recurrent aphthous stomatitis being the most common type of ulceration. This article discusses the various causes of oral ulceration in addition to vesiculobullous conditions, which may affect the paediatric patient.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important that GDPs are aware of the range of causes of ulcers and blisters presenting in children and are aware of when to refer.
Phenotyping Architecture Traits of Tree Species Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Sangjan Worasit , Sankaran Sindhuja
Published: October 2021

Highlights

Tree canopy architecture traits are associated with its productivity and management.

Understanding these traits is important for both precision agriculture and phenomics applications.

Remote sensing platforms (satellite, UAV, etc.) and multiple approaches (SfM, LiDAR) have been used to assess these traits.

3D reconstruction of tree canopies allows the measurement of tree height, crown area, and canopy volume.

Abstract. Tree canopy architecture is associated with light use efficiency and thus productivity. Given the modern training systems in orchard tree fruit systems, modification of tree architecture is becoming important for easier management of crops (e.g., pruning, thinning, chemical application, harvesting, etc.) while maintaining fruit quality and quantity. Similarly, in forest environments, architecture can influence the competitiveness and balance between tree species in the ecosystem. This article reviews the literature related to sensing approaches used for assessing architecture traits and the factors that influence such evaluation processes. Digital imagery integrated with structure from motion analysis and both terrestrial and aerial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems have been commonly used. In addition, satellite imagery and other techniques have been explored. Some of the major findings and some critical considerations for such measurement methods are summarized here. Keywords: Canopy volume, LiDAR system, Structure from motion, Tree height, UAV.
Quantitative multi-height phase retrieval via a coded image sensor
Authors: Guo Chengfei , Jiang Shaowei , Song Pengming , Wang Tianbo , Shao Xiaopeng , Zhang Zibang , Zheng Guoan
Published: October 2021

Multi-height phase retrieval introduces different object-to-detector distances for obtaining phase diversity measurements. In the acquisition process, the slow-varying phase information, however, cannot be converted to intensity variations for detection. Therefore, the low-frequency contents of the phase profile are lost during acquisition and cannot be properly restored via phase retrieval. Here, we demonstrate the use of a coded image sensor for addressing this challenge in multi-height phase retrieval. In our scheme, we add a coded layer on top of the image sensor for encoding the slow-varying complex wavefronts into intensity variations of the modulated patterns. Inspired by the concept of blind ptychography, we report a reconstruction scheme to jointly recover the complex object and the unknown coded layer using multi-height measurements. With both simulation and experimental results, we show that the recovered phase is quantitative and the slow-varying phase profiles can be properly restored using lensless multi-height measurements. We also show that the image quality using the coded sensor is better than that of a regular image sensor. For demonstrations, we validate the reported scheme with various biospecimens and compare the results to those of regular lensless multi-height phase retrieval. The use of a coded image sensor may enable true quantitative phase imaging for the lensless multi-height, multi-wavelength, and transport-of-intensity equation approaches.
On the sampling requirements for ptychography
Authors: Konijnenberg Sander
Published: October 2021

We investigate how the distance between probe positions and the resolution of measured diffraction patterns affects iterative ptychographic reconstruction. The ptychographic phase retrieval problem where both the object and probe are reconstructed is analyzed theoretically, by introducing a 4D object to describe the 4D ptychopgraphical data set. This is similar to introducing the 3D Ewald sphere to describe the field in a 3D focal volume. Conclusions drawn on the basis of the theoretical analysis are verified using simulations with a simplified 2D ptychographic problem where the probe and object are 1D. Though the 2D problem is a simplification compared to the typical 4D ptychography problem of lensless imaging, it still has practical applications for pulse reconstruction.
Detection of virus particles by scattering field using the multiperspective polarization modulation imaging method
Authors: Guo Baoheng , Ni Bin , Jin Xiao , Zhang Heng , Zhao Hanwen , Hou Lianping , Marsh John H. , Dong Lei , Li Shanhu , Xiong Jichuan , Liu Xuefeng
Published: October 2021

The polarization parametric indirect microscopic imaging (PIMI) method, which employs a polarization-modulated incidence illumination and fitting the far-field variation of polarization states of scattered photons, is capable of direct identification of subdiffraction-scale structures and substances, such as virus particles. However, in the present strategy, the optical elements that collect the scattered photons are nearly fixed above the sample, making the collected information relatively limited, as the side-scattering photons are not fully utilized. To address this problem, we propose a multiperspective PIMI imaging method to maximize the collection of scattering photons from different spatial directions, which can obtain more information of optical anisotropy among particles. As a proof-of-concept study, virus detection using such a method is performed theoretically and experimentally. Results reveal that the virus particles can be detected and determined more distinctly thanks to the set of PIMI images from different spatial angles, showing notable superiority to the previous scheme, where only a plane PIMI image is derived from a fixed spatial direction. With the capability of acquiring more characteristics of the samples, the proposed multiperspective PIMI method can be applied in many fields, such as morphological characterization and biosensing.
Tomosipo: fast, flexible, and convenient 3D tomography for complex scanning geometries in Python
Authors: Hendriksen Allard A. , Schut Dirk , Palenstijn Willem Jan , Viganó Nicola , Kim Jisoo , Pelt Daniël M. , van Leeuwen Tristan , Joost Batenburg K.
Published: October 2021

Tomography is a powerful tool for reconstructing the interior of an object from a series of projection images. Typically, the source and detector traverse a standard path (e.g., circular, helical). Recently, various techniques have emerged that use more complex acquisition geometries. Current software packages require significant handwork, or lack the flexibility to handle such geometries. Therefore, software is needed that can concisely represent, visualize, and compute reconstructions of complex acquisition geometries. We present tomosipo, a Python package that provides these capabilities in a concise and intuitive way. Case studies demonstrate the power and flexibility of tomosipo.
Unidirectional output from a quantum-dot single-photon source hybrid integrated on silicon
Authors: Katsumi Ryota , Ota Yasutomo , Tajiri Takeyoshi , Kakuda Masahiro , Iwamoto Satoshi , Akiyama Hidefumi , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: October 2021

We report a quantum-dot single-photon source (QD SPS) hybrid integrated on a silicon waveguide embedding a photonic crystal mirror, which reflects photons and enables efficient unidirectional output from the waveguide. The silicon waveguide is constituted of a subwavelength grating so as to maintain the high efficiency even under the presence of stacking misalignment accompanied by hybrid integration processes. Experimentally, we assembled the hybrid photonic structure by transfer printing and demonstrated single-photon generation from a QD and its unidirectional output from the waveguide. These results point out a promising approach toward scalable integration of SPSs on silicon quantum photonics platforms.
Waveform retrieving of an isolated attosecond pulse using high-order harmonics generation of the superimposed infrared field
Authors: Sarantseva T. S. , Romanov A. A. , Silaev A. A. , Vvedenskii N. V. , Frolov M. V.
Published: October 2021

An all-optical method is suggested for the metrology of an isolated, pulse-to-pulse stabilized attosecond pulse. It is shown analytically that high-order harmonic generation (HHG) yield for an intense IR pulse and time-delayed attosecond pulse keeps encoded waveform of the attopulse, which can be decoded by the time delay measurements of the HHG yield. The retrieval method is demonstrated by modeling HHG from Ne atom within time-dependent Kohn-Sham equations. The application of the suggested method for monitoring the carrier-envelope phase of the attosecond pulse is discussed.
Performance improvement of a nonlinear temporal filter by using cascaded femtosecond optical parametric amplification
Authors: Hu Jiabing , Wang Xinliang , Yang Xiaojun , Bai Peile , Wu Fenxiang , Zhang Zongxin , Chen Haidong , Yang Xihang , Qian Jiayi , Gui Jiayan , Li Yanyan , Liu Yanqi , Lu Xiaoming , Xu Yi , Leng Yuxin
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we report that the conversion efficiency and spectrum of femtosecond optical parametric amplification (fs-OPA) can be significantly enhanced by employing a compact cascaded femtosecond OPA (CF-OPA) scheme with the self-compensation of the temporal walk-off between two nonlinear gain media. Correspondingly, the gain related temporal contrast can also be improved. The feasibility of the CF-OPA method using three cascaded BBO crystals is numerically and experimentally analyzed. Moreover, by replacing the conventional fs-OPA with the CF-OPA and optimizing the design, the performance of a nonlinear temporal filter combining cross-polarized wave generation and fs-OPA is comprehensively improved. The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the CF-OPA scheme, which can generate high-performance cleaned pulses at 1 kHz repetition rate with energy of 340μJ, energy fluctuation below 0.9% (RMS), spectral width of 97 nm (FWHM), Fourier-transform-limited pulse width of 12 fs and temporal contrast better than 10−12. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported temporal walk-off self-compensated quasi-collinear CF-OPA geometry adopting three cascaded BBO crystals, which can be easily generalized to other wavelengths or nonlinear crystals. The above nonlinear temporal filter with a CF-OPA scheme has the rarest comprehensive parameters, which can provide excellent seed pulses for PW and 10 PW class femtosecond laser systems.
Comparing the controlled attenuation parameter using FibroScan and attenuation imaging with ultrasound as a novel measurement for liver steatosis
Authors: Hsu Po-Ke , Wu Li-Sha , Su Wei-Wen , Su Pei-Yuan , Chen Yang-Yuan , Hsu Yu-Chun , Yen Hsu-Heng , Wu Chia-Lin
Published: October 2021

Background/Aims

In a recent study, attenuation imaging (ATI) with ultrasound was used as a new approach for detecting liver steatosis. However, although there are many studies on ATI and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) that prove their practicability, there are few studies comparing these two methods. As such, this study compared CAP and ATI for the detection and evaluation of liver steatosis.

Methods

A prospective analysis of 28 chronic liver disease patients who underwent liver biopsy, FibroScan® imaging, and ATI with ultrasound was conducted. The presence and degree of steatosis, as measured with the FibroScan® device and ATI, were compared with the pathological results obtained using liver biopsy.

Results

The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of ATI and CAP for differentiating between normal and hepatic steatosis were 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–1.00) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.81–0.99), respectively. ATI has a higher AUROC than CAP does in liver steatosis, at 0.99 (95% CI, 0.86–1.00) versus 0.91 (95% CI, 0.74–0.98) in grade ≥ 2 and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.82–1.00) versus 0.88 (95% CI, 0.70–0.97) in grade = 3, respectively.

Conclusion

The ATI and CAP results showed good consistency and accuracy for the steatosis grading when compared with the liver biopsy results. Moreover, ATI is even better than CAP in patients with moderate or severe steatosis. Therefore, ATI represents a non-invasive and novel diagnostic tool with which to support the diagnosis of liver steatosis in clinical practice.
Risk factors for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated healthcare workers
Authors: Alishaq Moza , Nafady-Hego Hanaa , Jeremijenko Andrew , Al Ajmi Jameela Ali , Elgendy Mohamed , Vinoy Suni , Fareh Sameera Bihi , Veronica Plaatjies Justine , Nooh Mariam , Alanzi Nadya , Kaleeckal Anvar H. , Latif Ali Nizar , Coyle Peter , Elgendy Hamed , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi , Butt Adeel Ajwad
Published: October 2021

Background and objective

The risk factors for breakthrough infections among healthcare workers (HCW) after completion of a full course of vaccination are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine the risk factors for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs at a national healthcare system in Qatar.

Methods

We identified all HCWs at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar between December 20, 2020 and May 18, 2021 with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR infection >14 days after the second vaccine dose. For each case thus identified, we identified one control with a negative test after December 20, 2020, matched on age, sex, nationality, job family and date of SARS-CoV-2 testing. We excluded those with a prior positive test and temporary workers. We used Cox regression analysis to determine factors associated with breakthrough infection.

Results

Among 22,247 fully vaccinated HCW, we identified 164 HCW who had breakthrough infection and matched them to 164 controls to determine the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection. In the breakthrough infection group the nursing and midwifery job family constituted the largest group, spouse was identified as the most common positive contact followed by a patient. Exposure to a confirmed case, presence of symptoms and all other job families except Allied Health Professionals when compared with nursing and Midwifery staff independently predicted infection.

Conclusion

Presence of symptoms and contact with a confirmed case are major risk factors for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, and these groups should be prioritized for screening even after full vaccination.
A previously uncharacterized two-component signaling system in uropathogenic Escherichia coli coordinates protection against host-derived oxidative stress with activation of hemolysin-mediated host cell pyroptosis
Authors: Gu Hongwei , Cai Xuwang , Zhang Xinyang , Luo Jie , Zhang Xiaoyang , Hu Xiao , Cai Wentong , Li Ganwu
Published: October 2021

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) deploy an array of virulence factors to successfully establish urinary tract infections. Hemolysin is a pore-forming toxin, and its expression correlates with the severity of UPEC infection. Two-component signaling systems (TCSs) are a major mechanism by which bacteria sense environmental cues and respond by initiating adaptive responses. Here, we began this study by characterizing a novel TCS (C3564/C3565, herein renamed orhK/orhR for oxidative resistance and hemolysis kinase/regulator) that is encoded on a UPEC pathogenicity island, using bioinformatic and biochemical approaches. A prevalence analysis indicates that orhK/orhR is highly associated with the UPEC pathotype, and it rarely occurs in other E. coli pathotypes tested. We then demonstrated that OrhK/OrhR directly activates the expression of a putative methionine sulfoxide reductase system (C3566/C3567) and hemolysin (HlyA) in response to host-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exposure. OrhK/OrhR increases UPEC resistance to H2O2 in vitro and survival in macrophages in cell culture via C3566/C3567. Additionally, OrhK/OrhR mediates hemolysin-induced renal epithelial cell and macrophage death via a pyroptosis pathway. Reducing intracellular H2O2 production by a chemical inhibitor impaired OrhK/OrhR-mediated activation of c3566-c3567 and hlyA. We also uncovered that UPEC links the two key virulence traits by cotranscribing the c3566-c3567 and hlyCABD operons. Taken together, our data suggest a paradigm in which a signal transduction system coordinates both bacterial pathogen defensive and offensive traits in the presence of host-derived signals; and this exquisite mechanism likely contributes to hemolysin-induced severe pathological outcomes.