bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial: Libraries in African Studies
Authors: Tréfás David
Published: January 2021

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Basler Africa Portal
Authors: Spinnler Alice , Reisacher Martin , Ledl Andreas , Tréfás David
Published: January 2021

The article aims to present the project "Africa Portal" in which five institutions located in Basel create an integrated search interface in order to make their data accessible. Following a description of the process concerning normalizing different data structures and formats, the article also focuses on the outcomes and the possible developments of the "Africa Portal" in the future.
In Open Access’s Long Shadow – A view from the Humanities
Authors: Natale Enrico
Published: January 2021

Historians have been in recent years among the most vocal critics against open access to scientific literature. Discussing the controversies they have triggered in Europe and in the USA, we argue that research on open access should be broadened chronologically and thematically. The first section recalls the very first debate on open access that took place among library professionals at the turn of the XXth century and points similarities with the present situation. The second section reviews the criticisms levelled by humanities disciplines against mandatory regulations on open access. The third section argues that the potential of open access for science democratization and knowledge dissemination may not be taken for granted and need further empirical assessment.
Einmal am Tag #Bibliotheksgeschichte
Authors: Schuldt Karsten
Published: January 2021

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Genome-wide screening of upstream transcription factors using an expression library
Authors: Yahagi Naoya , Takeuchi Yoshinori
Published: January 2021

The identification of upstream transcription factors regulating the expression of a gene is generally not an easy process.  To facilitate this task, we constructed an expression cDNA library named Transcription Factor Expression Library (TFEL), which is composed of nearly all the transcription factors in the mouse genome. Genome-wide screening using this library (TFEL scan method) enables us to easily identify transcription factors controlling any given promoter or enhancer of interest in a chromosomal context-dependent manner. Thus, TFEL scan method is a powerful approach to explore transcriptional regulatory networks.
From Yasashii Nihongo in non-disaster times towards a plurilingual language education approach: an outlook from the perspective of “reasonable accommodation”
Authors: Ito Hideaki , Tokarev Alexander
Published: January 2021

In order to address labor shortages, starting April 2019 the Japanese government introduced two new visa categories, and it can be expected that the growing number of foreign residents living and working in Japan will be increasing further in the foreseeable future. Within this context, the notion of Yasashii Nihongo or Simplified Japanese has been gaining attention over recent years. Originally designed as a tool for transmitting information in disaster-related situations and proposed for disaster mitigation purposes, at present it is being advocated as a means of communication to be used in non-disaster situations as well. The authors argue that ultimately Yasashii Nihongo for non-disaster situations may be just a means to an end. Seen from the perspective of “reasonable accommodation”, a concept prevalent in the domain of disability studies, they assert that by de facto creating a new linguistic category making it a tacit prerequisite to communicate in “Japanese only”, Yasashii Nihongo is but a concept geared towards the language majority (speakers using Japanese as their first language) and is potentially serving no other purpose than to alleviate the psychological burden of having to speak in a language other than Japanese, thus potentially leading to a new form of discrimination towards language minorities. Offering an alternative approach for improving multicultural communication aimed at establishing a communicative space based on openness, equality, and mutual respect for each other’s cultural, linguistic and ethnic identities, the authors propose the introduction of language education based on the notion of plurilingualism, as outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) by the Council of Europe.
Metabolic gestational age assessment in low resource settings: a validation protocol
Authors: Bota A. Brianne , Ward Victoria , Hawken Stephen , Wilson Lindsay A. , Lamoureux Monica , Ducharme Robin , Murphy Malia S. Q. , Denize Kathryn M. , Henderson Matthew , Saha Samir K. , Akther Salma , Otieno Nancy A. , Munga Stephen , Atito Raphael O. , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Mwape Humphrey , Price Joan T. , Mujuru Hilda Angela , Chimhini Gwendoline , Magwali Thulani , Mudawarima Louisa , Chakraborty Pranesh , Darmstadt Gary L. , Wilson Kumanan
Published: January 2021

Preterm birth is the leading global cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Reliable gestational age estimates are useful for quantifying population burdens of preterm birth and informing allocation of resources to address the problem. However, evaluating gestational age in low-resource settings can be challenging, particularly in places where access to ultrasound is limited. Our group has developed an algorithm using newborn screening analyte values derived from dried blood spots from newborns born in Ontario, Canada for estimating gestational age within one to two weeks. The primary objective of this study is to validate a program that derives gestational age estimates from dried blood spot samples (heel-prick or cord blood) collected from health and demographic surveillance sites and population representative health facilities in low-resource settings in Zambia, Kenya, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. We will also pilot the use of an algorithm to identify birth percentiles based on gestational age estimates and weight to identify small for gestational age infants. Once collected from local sites, samples will be tested by the Newborn Screening Ontario laboratory at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa, Canada. Analyte values will be obtained through laboratory analysis for estimation of gestational age as well as screening for other diseases routinely conducted at Ontario’s newborn screening program. For select conditions, abnormal screening results will be reported back to the sites in real time to facilitate counseling and future clinical management. We will determine the accuracy of our existing algorithm for estimation of gestational age in these newborn samples. Results from this research hold the potential to create a feasible method to assess gestational age at birth in low- and middle-income countries where reliable estimation may be otherwise unavailable.
Study protocol for autism specific transition resources (T-Res Study): developing a flexible resource package for dealing with the loosening and/or lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions
Authors: Smyth Sinéad , Mc Laughlin Nadine , Egan Cillian , Gurrin Cathal , Quinn Katie , McGarrell Maria , Devlin Sarah
Published: January 2021

Autism specific transition resources (T-Res) aims to develop a flexible resource package to support children and young people with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as their families and educators, during the loosening and/or lifting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related restrictions on movement. A secondary aim is to determine the current and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 related restrictions on the wellbeing of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their parents/caregivers. Measuring and addressing the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions in movement is of prime importance at this time.  The impacts of this crisis will be far reaching and many may not be realised for many years. The proposed research will focus on children and young people with a diagnosis of ASD, their families and educators.  The ASD population alone is sizable with 14,000 (or 1.55%) of students in schools holding a diagnosis. When parents, teachers, tutors and special needs assistants (SNAs) are also considered this is a considerable group. The proposed research has the potential to have impacts that are social, psychological, educational and economic. This will be achieved through development of an online transition package to guide parents and educators in preparing children and young people for the resumption of regular daily routines following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.  This resource will be developed based on the needs of families and young people, as measured through surveys, as well as expert consensus on the targets and means of intervention.  This ambitious project can be commenced quickly and is designed to produce outputs quickly, which will in turn be disseminated to key stakeholders.
RapidInfo4U ­– an online individualised COVID-19 support intervention for nursing and allied health professionals: study protocol
Authors: Carr Emma , McCurtin Arlene , Tierney Audrey C , Murphy Carol-Anne , Johnson Kevin , O'Connell Selena , Hickey Claire , Redmond Sean , Coffey Alice
Published: January 2021

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11th, 2020. An ongoing challenge in healthcare is ensuring that up-to-date and high-quality research evidence is implemented in practice. In the context of a global pandemic it is assumed, given the increased pressures on healthcare professionals that this problem has the potential to be exacerbated. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many health professionals being reassigned to areas outside their usual scope, returning to practice following absence or commencing their career as new entrants in the midst of a major crisis. These professionals are likely to require additional support to assist their confidence and competence.

Aims: This project has two broad aims: to design and deliver an online educational platform to support nursing and allied health professionals in their clinical practice throughout the pandemic and to evaluate that platform and its implementation.

Methods: The research protocol for this study consists of two work streams: the development and delivery of the online platform; and the project evaluation. This research will have a mixed methods approach including website data analytics, quantitative surveys and qualitative data analysis of semi-structured interviews.

Conclusion: Through knowledge brokering and adherence to principles of effective technology-enhanced-learning this project will provide an accessible, individualised online educational resource to effectively meet the needs of individual nurses and allied health professionals in this unprecedented time. The evaluation of the platform and its implementation will provide key learning for future initiatives and may act as proof-of-concept for other organisations and countries seeking to support healthcare professionals’ knowledge needs during similar future pandemics.
The relationship between procedural volume and patient outcomes for percutaneous coronary interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Walsh Kieran A. , Plunkett Thomas , O'Brien Kirsty K. , Teljeur Conor , Smith Susan M. , Harrington Patricia , Ryan Máirín
Published: January 2021

Background: The relationship between procedural volume and outcomes for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is contentious, with previous reviews suggesting an inverse volume-outcome relationship. The aim of this study was to systematically review contemporary evidence to re-examine this relationship.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the relationship between PCI procedural volume (both at hospital- and operator-levels) and outcomes in adults. The primary outcome was mortality. The secondary outcomes were complications, healthcare utilisation and process outcomes. Searches were conducted from 1 January 2008 to 28 May 2019. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using ‘Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations’ (GRADE). Screening, data extraction, quality appraisal and GRADE assessments were conducted independently by two reviewers.

Results: Of 1,154 unique records retrieved, 22 observational studies with 6,432,265 patients were included. No significant association was found between total PCI hospital volume and mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-1.03, I2 = 86%). A temporal trend from significant to non-significant pooled effect estimates was observed. The pooled effect estimate for mortality was found to be significantly in favour of high-volume operators for total PCI procedures (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63-0.94, I2 = 93%), and for high-volume hospitals for primary PCI procedures (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62-0.94, I2 = 78%). Overall, GRADE certainty of evidence was ‘very low’. There were mixed findings for secondary outcomes.

Conclusions: A volume-outcome relationship may exist in certain situations, although this relationship appears to be attenuating with time, and there is ‘very low’ certainty of evidence. While volume might be important, it should not be the only standard used to define an acceptable PCI service and a broader evaluation of quality metrics should be considered that encompass patient experience and clinical outcomes.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42019125288
Recent Developments in Tuberculous Meningitis Pathogenesis and Diagnostics
Authors: Cresswell Fiona V , Davis Angharad G. , Sharma Kusum , Basu Roy Robindra , Ganiem Ahmad Rizal , Kagimu Enock , Solomons Regan , Wilkinson Robert J. , Bahr Nathan C , Thuong Nguyen Thuy Thuong ,   Tuberculous Meningitis International Research Consortium
Published: January 2021

The pathogenesis of Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is poorly understood, but contemporary molecular biology technologies have allowed for recent improvements in our understanding of TBM. For instance, neutrophils appear to play a significant role in the immunopathogenesis of TBM, and either a paucity or an excess of inflammation can be detrimental in TBM. Further, severity of HIV-associated immunosuppression is an important determinant of inflammatory response; patients with the advanced immunosuppression (CD4+ T-cell count of <150 cells/μL) having higher CSF neutrophils, greater CSF cytokine concentrations and higher mortality than those with CD4+ T-cell counts > 150 cells/μL. Host genetics may also influence outcomes with LT4AH genotype predicting inflammatory phenotype, steroid responsiveness and survival in Vietnamese adults with TBM. Whist in Indonesia, CSF tryptophan level was a predictor of survival, suggesting tryptophan metabolism may be important in TBM pathogenesis. These varying responses mean that we must consider whether a “one-size-fits-all” approach to anti-bacillary or immunomodulatory treatment in TBM is truly the best way forward. Of course, to allow for proper treatment, early and rapid diagnosis of TBM must occur. Diagnosis has always been a challenge but the field of TB diagnosis is evolving, with sensitivities of at least 70% now possible in less than two hours with GeneXpert MTB/Rif Ultra. In addition, advanced molecular techniques such as CRISPR-MTB and metagenomic next generation sequencing may hold promise for TBM diagnosis. Host-based biomarkers and signatures are being further evaluated in childhood and adult TBM as adjunctive biomarkers as even with improved molecular assays, cases are still missed. A better grasp of host and pathogen behaviour may lead to improved diagnostics, targeted immunotherapy, and possibly biomarker-based, patient-specific treatment regimens.
Mendelian randomization for studying the effects of perturbing drug targets
Authors: Gill Dipender , Georgakis Marios K. , Walker Venexia M. , Schmidt A. Floriaan , Gkatzionis Apostolos , Freitag Daniel F. , Finan Chris , Hingorani Aroon D. , Howson Joanna M.M. , Burgess Stephen , Swerdlow Daniel I. , Davey Smith George , Holmes Michael V. , Dichgans Martin , Zheng Jie , Psaty Bruce M. , Davies Neil M.
Published: January 2021

Drugs whose targets have genetic evidence to support efficacy and safety are more likely to be approved after clinical development. In this paper, we provide an overview of how natural sequence variation in the genes that encode drug targets can be used in Mendelian randomization analyses to offer insight into mechanism-based efficacy and adverse effects. Large databases of summary level genetic association data are increasingly available and can be leveraged to identify and validate variants that serve as proxies for drug target perturbation. As with all empirical research, Mendelian randomization has limitations including genetic confounding, its consideration of lifelong effects, and issues related to heterogeneity across different tissues and populations. When appropriately applied, Mendelian randomization provides a useful empirical framework for using population level data to improve the success rates of the drug development pipeline.
Biocompatibilidad con la superficie ocular y actividad antimicrobiana de una nueva solución multipropósito para lentes de contacto
Authors: Rodríguez Martha Fabiola , Jiménez Ingrid Astrid , Martín Laura Victoria , Ballesteros Fernando
Published: January 2021

Introducción: las soluciones multipropósito (SMP) para lentes de contacto blandos (LCB) desempeñan un papel esencial en la inhibición de agentes patógenos. Su efectividad antimicrobiana se evalúa in vitro, y su seguridad, in vivo, con ensayos clínicos que incluyen una combinación de diferentes soluciones y materiales para lentes. El objetivo es evaluar la biocompatibilidad de una nueva SMP producida en Colombia que contiene polihexametileno biguanida (PHMB) y determinar su actividad antimicrobiana. Materiales y métodos: estudio cruzado con 25 sujetos no usuarios de lentes, que fueron adaptados con cinco combinaciones diferentes de materiales de LCB con una nueva solución salina fisiológica de control (CS). El grosor corneal, la hiperemia conjuntival, la tinción corneal y la comodidad se evaluaron después de dos horas de uso del LC. La efectividad antimicrobiana se midió utilizando ensayos estándar ISO 14729. Resultados: solo hubo una diferencia significativa entre la nueva SMP y el CS para el Comfilcon A (p < 0.05). Tampoco hubo diferencias significativas para el grosor o la tinción corneal, entre la combinación del material del lente y la nueva SMP con el CS (p > 0.05). Después de dos horas de uso del lente, las puntuaciones de confort fueron superiores a 7.8. La SMP redujo las unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC) de bacterias en más de 3 log, y las UFC fúngicas en más de 1.0 log. Conclusiones: la nueva SMP cumplió con los estándares antimicrobianos de ISO 14729, y se considera segura y biocompatible con la superficie ocular, con altos niveles de confort.
Greves Policiais, Saques e Alguns Limites da Ordem Social em Córdoba e Recife
Authors: De Barros Correia Amaral Pedro
Published: January 2021

Partindo da problemática da ordem social e da relação entre coerção física e normas sociais, este artigo investiga as greves policiais ocorridas em Córdoba (Argentina), em dezembro 2013, e em Recife (Brasil), em maio de 2014. A partir da deflagração dessas greves, saques passaram a ser realizados por uma grande quantidade de pessoas em vários locais dos centros urbanos metropolitanos. Em meio ao medo e ao pânico, rapidamente foram suspensas atividades da vida cotidiana, enquanto indivíduos e coletivos civis organizavam modos de defesa. O que possibilitaria tão rápida disrupção da ordem social? Comparativamente, é possível observar mais semelhanças que diferenças entre os casos. Principalmente, a fundamentação constitutiva de uma ordem social assimétrica em sua coerção e o papel da rápida disseminação de informações para tomada de ações.
The BANCC research forum: championing cardiovascular nurse researchers
Authors: Austin Rosalynn C , Bueser Teofila (Tootie)
Published: January 2021

Rosalynn Austin and Tootie Bueser report on the BANCC's online forum for existing and aspiring cardiovascular nurse researchers to find out what is needed to support and champion these individuals in this challenging field.
Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Slough Jennifer , Brownlee Wallace
Published: January 2021

Cognitive impairment is a common but under-diagnosed symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive impairment is important to consider as it can have a big impact on quality of life (QoL) for people with MS and, although easily identified in clinic with simple cognitive tests, these are not routinely done. From a nursing perspective, it is important to be aware of how to manage cognitive impairment in MS. Jennifer Slough and Wallace Brownlee explain.
Conductors of care: exploring the role of the multiple sclerosis nurse in Australasia, phase 1
Authors: Burke Therese , Patching Joanna
Published: January 2021

Background:

The specialty of multiple sclerosis (MS) care has seen profound growth in recent years, resulting in increased job responsibilities for MS nurses. However, there is limited contemporary research exploring the role of MS nurses to reflect this change. This article explores phase 1 of a two-part study identifying the skillsets, support and educational needs and role definition of the MS nurse in Australasia.

Methods:

This mixed-methods study used a cross-sectional, anonymous, electronic survey to explore the skillset, support and educational needs of 60 MS nurses. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative responses, using thematic analysis.

Findings:

The results indicated the key skillsets required to perform effectively in the MS nurse role, including being a conductor of care. Areas of unmet support needs, such as mentoring and debriefing, were identified, in addition to specific learning needs, such as suicide and mental health management.

Conclusion:

Awareness of support and educational requirements can lead to the development of programmes and help sustain a well-supported workforce, underpinned by experience and longevity. Understanding the skillset of the MS nurse may enhance acknowledgment of the role and promote collaboration with other health professionals in the MS healthcare team.
Simulation training for clinicians returning to practice
Authors: MacCuish AH , McNulty M , Bryant C , Deaner A , Birns J
Published: January 2021

Many doctors take time out of clinical practice, and then have decreased confidence and poor performance ratings on their return. Simulation training provides a safe and effective learning platform for healthcare professionals to become immersed in realistic scenarios that provide an opportunity to develop technical and non-technical skills. A standardised, 1-day, multi-fidelity, interprofessional, simulation training course was developed and delivered at four sites, focusing on human factors, patient safety and acute clinical scenarios relevant for clinicians returning to practice in internal medicine. A total of 56 participants, with a median time out of training of 3.6 years, attended seven courses. Quantitative and qualitative analysis showed a significant pre/post-course increase in candidates' self-reported confidence in returning to practice along with learning in non-technical skills. The carefully designed standardised format may facilitate wider expansion of such training.
Paternalism in care: what is best for the patient?
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: January 2021

The question of how to act in a patient's best interests is a complex one. This month, Aysha Mendes discusses potential ethical dilemmas and how care home staff may approach protecting vulnerable patients while promoting patient autonomy.
Sustainable implementation of person-centred care in residential care facilities: hindering and supporting factors when improving incontinence care
Authors: Alexiou Eirini , Kjellberg Irma Lindström , Wijk Helle
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

The aim of the present study was to focus on the impact of the implementation of a person-centred approach on staff perception of the likelihood of being able to provide person-centred care and strain in the workplace.

Design:

The study was a controlled prospective cohort study performed at three residential care facilities in western Sweden involving all nursing staff members active from 2013 through 2015 at baseline and at three follow-ups during and after the implementation period. Two of the residential care facilities were assigned to the intervention group and one was assigned to the control group.

Method:

The study was designed to test the sustainability of a person-centred approach based on three aspects: partnership, narrative and documentation. A cross-section of 20 coworkers were purposively sampled from a total of 100 persons working at the two Intervention nursing homes to participate in the intervention group. The process outcome was measured as: perceived ward atmosphere, using the staff version of the validated Person-Centred Climate Questionnaire; person-centred care, measured using the validated Person-centred Care Assessment Tool; and experience of strain in work, using the Strain in Nursing Care Assessment Scale. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables using the SPSS Statistics software package.

Findings:

The results show that, at the control site, there were lower staff perceptions of the care atmosphere, higher level of strain experienced in their work and a lower likelihood of providing a person-centred care approach, whereas these factors remained rather stable over time at the intervention residential care facilities. Two contrasting results were observed—namely, that the higher the staff's perception of the likelihood of being able to provide individualised care and of a more person-centred ward atmosphere, the higher their stress levels experienced at work. In addition, older ages and long durations of work experience significantly negatively affected the staff's assessment of their ability to create an atmosphere of everydayness and to adopt a person-centred approach in care.

Conclusions:

The findings show that sustainability of a person-centred ward atmosphere is possible in the care of older people, despite staffing problems and other organisational challenges, according to the staff's assessment, after implementation of a person-centred programme. The more experienced staff members assessed their likelihood of being able to provide a person-centred care as lower after the implementation phase, indicating that despite the ambition of supporting person-centredness and quality of care, staffing and management difficulties that are present at the outset of the programme's implementation can later lead to stress and frustration relating to roles and routines.
Diarrhoea in foals
Authors: Mackenzie Catriona
Published: January 2021

Diarrhoea is one of the most common clinical complaints in foals and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation can vary from mild, transient diarrhoea through to severe enterocolitis with significant systemic complications. There are numerous infectious and non-infectious aetiologies, the prevalence of which varies between age groups. Supportive care for foals with diarrhoea includes fluid therapy, antimicrobials, ulcer protection and analgesia. It is important that treatment is initiated promptly and re-evaluated frequently in response to clinical progression, particularly in neonates that are susceptible to rapid deterioration. Many causes of diarrhoea in foals are contagious and strict biosecurity protocols should be implemented to try and control the spread of disease.
EquineReview
Authors: Agass Rachel
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The topics of facial nerve paralysis, synovitis following blackthorn injury, sepsis of the calcaneal bursae, and the extent to which xylazine and acepromazine affect the assessment of forelimb lameness are discussed in this month's selection of recent papers for equine practitioners.
Differences between infected and noninfected synovial fluid
Authors: Akhbari Pouya , Jaggard Matthew K. , Boulangé Claire L. , Vaghela Uddhav , Graça Gonçalo , Bhattacharya Rajarshi , Lindon John C. , Williams Horace R. T. , Gupte Chinmay M.
Published: January 2021

Aims

The diagnosis of joint infections is an inexact science using combinations of blood inflammatory markers and microscopy, culture, and sensitivity of synovial fluid (SF). There is potential for small molecule metabolites in infected SF to act as infection markers that could improve accuracy and speed of detection. The objective of this study was to use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify small molecule differences between infected and noninfected human SF.

Methods

In all, 16 SF samples (eight infected native and prosthetic joints plus eight noninfected joints requiring arthroplasty for end-stage osteoarthritis) were collected from patients. NMR spectroscopy was used to analyze the metabolites present in each sample. Principal component analysis and univariate statistical analysis were undertaken to investigate metabolic differences between the two groups.

Results

A total of 16 metabolites were found in significantly different concentrations between the groups. Three were in higher relative concentrations (lipids, cholesterol, and N-acetylated molecules) and 13 in lower relative concentrations in the infected group (citrate, glycine, glycosaminoglycans, creatinine, histidine, lysine, formate, glucose, proline, valine, dimethylsulfone, mannose, and glutamine).

Conclusion

Metabolites found in significantly greater concentrations in the infected cohort are markers of inflammation and infection. They play a role in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response. Those found in significantly reduced concentrations were involved in carbohydrate metabolism, nucleoside metabolism, the glutamate metabolic pathway, increased oxidative stress in the diseased state, and reduced articular cartilage breakdown. This is the first study to demonstrate differences in the metabolic profile of infected and noninfected human SF, using a noninfected matched cohort, and may represent putative biomarkers that form the basis of new diagnostic tests for infected SF. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(1):85–95.
Three-dimensional evaluation of subsurface damage in optical glasses with ground and polished surfaces using FF-OCT
Authors: Frank Samson , Seiler Michael , Bliedtner Jens
Published: January 2021

Subsurface damage (SSD) induced during conventional manufacturing of optics contributes mainly to a reduction in the performance and quality of optics. In this paper, we propose the application of full-field optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT) as a high-resolution and nondestructive method for evaluation of SSD in optical substrates. Both ground and polished surfaces can be successfully imaged, providing a path to control SSD throughout the entire optics manufacturing process chain. Full tomograms are acquired for qualitative and quantitative analyses of both surface and SSD. The main requirements for the detection of SSD are addressed. Data processing allows the removal of low-intensity image errors and the automatic evaluation of SSD depths. OCT scans are carried out on destructively referenced glass samples and compared to existing predictive models, validating the obtained results. Finally, intensity projection methods and depth maps are applied to characterize crack morphologies. The experiments highlight differences in crack characteristics between optical glasses SF6 and HPFS7980 and illustrate that wet etching can enhance three-dimensional imaging of SSD with FF-OCT.
Fritchman modeling for correlated turbulence-induced errors in FSO communication
Authors: Nghatsane Xongile , Cheng Ling , Cox Mitchell A.
Published: January 2021

Free-space-optics-based communication links are an attractive potential solution for solving the last mile challenge but suffer from turbulence-induced fading. This fading causes errors in the received signal. While models exist to predict how turbulence affects the signal, these models often do not account for the channel’s memory. Typical fading models accurately predict the average effect of the channel on a signal but not the distribution of the errors and the individual lengths of events such as deep fades. To better model the channel, this paper presents an alternative approach: Fritchman Markov modeling. The models produced accurately match the behavior of the channel and can be used to develop robust and efficient error mitigation strategies in the future.
3D printing optics with hybrid material
Authors: Kang Wenjun , Hong Zhihan , Liang Rongguang
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has evolved tremendously in recent years, but due to stringent requirements on surface finish and limited material selection for optical performance purposes, 3D printing optics is still lagging behind. This paper reports on a quantitative study on the printing process of optical lenses using acrylic and cationic combined commercial hybrid material. By utilizing its unique curing property with digital light process technology, we demonstrate the concept of continuous printing in the top-down light projection setup. Also, an equal thickness and equal arc combo method has been proposed and evaluated to further help smooth the surface finish. Millimeter-level spherical lenses have been successfully fabricated, and their optical performance has also been discussed.
Spatial filtering of a six-wavelength DBR-RW laser in a MOPA system
Authors: Tawfieq M. , Fricke J. , Stölmacker C. , Della Casa P. , Andersen P. E. , Sumpf B. , Tränkle G.
Published: January 2021

Lasing emission at multiple wavelengths can be used in different sensing applications and in optical telecommunication. In this work, we report a six-wavelength distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser, emitting around 976 nm with six ridge waveguide (RW) structures, where individual DBR gratings are combined into a common front section. These six elements are individually addressable and biased one at a time for individual wavelength selection. The drawback of this RW combination is observable in spatial characteristics where higher-order modes are supported. We addressed this issue by using a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system that combines the six-wavelength MO laser with a tapered PA. Through this configuration, the PA acts as a spatial filter of the MO beam, providing a nearly diffraction-limited beam with

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. In addition, the described MOPA system provides output powers around 4 W with spectral single-mode operation, with up to 9.36 nm of thermal wavelength tuning. We believe that the described MOPA configuration can be used in different applications, such as absorption spectroscopy.
Acceleration of fully computed hologram stereogram using lookup table and wavefront recording plane methods
Authors: Dai Piao , Lv Guoqiang , Wang Zi , Zhang Xu , Gong Xin , Feng Qibin
Published: January 2021

Lookup table (LUT) and wavefront recording plane (WRP) methods are proposed to accelerate the computation of fully computed hologram stereograms (HSs). In the LUT method, we precalculate large and complete spherical wave phases with varying depths, and each complex amplitude distribution segment of the object point can be obtained quickly by cropping a specific and small part of the precalculated spherical wave phases. Then, each hologram element (hogel) can be calculated by superposing all the related segments. In addition, setting a WRP near the 3D scene can further accelerate computation and reduce storage space. Because the proposed methods only replace the complex calculation using referencing LUT, they are accurate and have no limitation on the size of hogel compared with some methods of paraxial approximation. Simulations and optical experiments verify that the proposed methods can reconstruct quality 3D images with reduced computational load.
Noise reduction in high-resolution speckle displacement measurements through ensemble averaging
Authors: Schweickhardt León , Tausendfreund Andreas , Stöbener Dirk , Fischer Andreas
Published: January 2021

To measure surface displacement on micro samples, a non-invasive method with both a low displacement measurement uncertainty below 100 nm and high spatial resolution of around 20 µm is required. In digital image speckle correlation, both requirements can be fulfilled individually but not simultaneously. To lower the displacement measurement uncertainty without deteriorating the spatial resolution, an ensemble averaging technique over multiple uncorrelated speckle patterns is presented. To generate and reproduce different speckle patterns, two concepts for the respective modulation of laser light illumination are investigated: a low-cost concept with a rotating glass diffuser, as well as a faster concept using a digital micromirror device combined with a stationary diffuser with a maximum pattern rate of 17.9 kHz. Both setups lead to a measurement uncertainty reduction by one order of magnitude over a wide range of spatial resolutions. As a result, displacements in the micrometer range are measured with a measurement uncertainty of 40 nm and spatial resolution of 20 µm.
Application of a temporal synchronization device for the study of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy in a multi-pulse regime
Authors: Cabrera Luis V. Ponce , Reyes T. Flores , Moret Yohan Perez , Alvira Fernando C.
Published: January 2021

The objective of this technical note is to present the results of employing a new, to the best of our knowledge, temporary synchronization device to the study of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy in a multi-pulse regime. By providing a means of controlling the time delay and the reading window of the spectrometer, this device allows the user to distinguish among the emissions from independent micro-pulses and groups of micro-pulses. Using this method, it is possible to optimize the reading of the spectra by choosing the most appropriate time delay and duration values of the spectral reading window.
One is not enough: On the effects of reference genome for the mapping and subsequent analyses of short-reads
Authors: Valiente-Mullor Carlos , Beamud Beatriz , Ansari Iván , Francés-Cuesta Carlos , García-González Neris , Mejía Lorena , Ruiz-Hueso Paula , González-Candelas Fernando
Published: January 2021

Mapping of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) reads to a single arbitrary reference genome is a frequently used approach in microbial genomics. However, the choice of a reference may represent a source of errors that may affect subsequent analyses such as the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phylogenetic inference. In this work, we evaluated the effect of reference choice on short-read sequence data from five clinically and epidemiologically relevant bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens). Publicly available whole-genome assemblies encompassing the genomic diversity of these species were selected as reference sequences, and read alignment statistics, SNP calling, recombination rates, dN/dS ratios, and phylogenetic trees were evaluated depending on the mapping reference. The choice of different reference genomes proved to have an impact on almost all the parameters considered in the five species. In addition, these biases had potential epidemiological implications such as including/excluding isolates of particular clades and the estimation of genetic distances. These findings suggest that the single reference approach might introduce systematic errors during mapping that affect subsequent analyses, particularly for data sets with isolates from genetically diverse backgrounds. In any case, exploring the effects of different references on the final conclusions is highly recommended.
Bacterial precursors and unsaturated long-chain fatty acids are biomarkers of North-Atlantic deep-sea demosponges
Authors: de Kluijver Anna , Nierop Klaas G. J. , Morganti Teresa M. , Bart Martijn C. , Slaby Beate M. , Hanz Ulrike , de Goeij Jasper M. , Mienis Furu , Middelburg Jack J.
Published: January 2021

Sponges produce distinct fatty acids (FAs) that (potentially) can be used as chemotaxonomic and ecological biomarkers to study endosymbiont-host interactions and the functional ecology of sponges. Here, we present FA profiles of five common habitat-building deep-sea sponges (class Demospongiae, order Tetractinellida), which are classified as high microbial abundance (HMA) species. Geodia hentscheli, G. parva, G. atlantica, G. barretti, and Stelletta rhaphidiophora were collected from boreal and Arctic sponge grounds in the North-Atlantic Ocean. Bacterial FAs dominated in all five species and particularly isomeric mixtures of mid-chain branched FAs (MBFAs, 8- and 9-Me-C16:0 and 10- and 11-Me-C18:0) were found in high abundance (together ≥ 20% of total FAs) aside more common bacterial markers. In addition, the sponges produced long-chain linear, mid- and a(i)-branched unsaturated FAs (LCFAs) with a chain length of 24‒28 C atoms and had predominantly the typical Δ5,9 unsaturation, although the Δ9,19 and (yet undescribed) Δ11,21 unsaturations were also identified. G. parva and S. rhaphidiophora each produced distinct LCFAs, while G. atlantica, G. barretti, and G. hentscheli produced similar LCFAs, but in different ratios. The different bacterial precursors varied in carbon isotopic composition (δ13C), with MBFAs being more enriched compared to other bacterial (linear and a(i)-branched) FAs. We propose biosynthetic pathways for different LCFAs from their bacterial precursors, that are consistent with small isotopic differences found in LCFAs. Indeed, FA profiles of deep-sea sponges can serve as chemotaxonomic markers and support the concept that sponges acquire building blocks from their endosymbiotic bacteria.
Factors associated with admission to intensive care units in COVID-19 patients in Lyon-France
Authors: Vanhems Philippe , Gustin Marie-Paule , Elias Christelle , Henaff Laetitia , Dananché Cédric , Grisi Béatrice , Marion Elodie , Khanafer Nagham , Hilliquin Delphine , Gardes Sophie , Gerbier-Colomban Solweig , Amour Selilah , Kuczewski Elisabetta , Escuret Vanessa , Lina Bruno , Saadatian-Elahi Mitra ,   On behalf of COVID-Outcomes-HCL Consortium
Published: January 2021

Introduction

A new respiratory virus, SARS-CoV-2, has emerged and spread worldwide since late 2019. This study aims at analysing clinical presentation on admission and the determinants associated with admission in intensive care units (ICUs) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Patients and methods

In this prospective hospital-based study, socio-demographic, clinical and biological characteristics, on admission, of adult COVID-19 hospitalized patients presenting from the community for their first admission were prospectively collected and analysed. Characteristics of patients hospitalized in medical ward to those admitted in ICU were compared using Mann-Whitney and Chi-square or Fisher exact test when appropriate. Univariate logistic regression was first used to identify variables on admission that were associated with the outcome i.e. admission to an ICU versus total hospital stay in a medical ward. Forward selection was then applied beginning with sex, age and temperature in the multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Of the 412 patients included, 325 were discharged and 87 died in hospital. Multivariable regression showed increasing odds of ICU hospitalization with temperature (OR, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.06–2.28] per degree Celsius increase), oxygen saturation <90% (OR, 12.45 [95% CI, 5.27–29.4]), abnormal lung auscultation on admission (OR, 3.58 [95% CI, 1.58–8.11]), elevated level of CRP (OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.29–5.66for CRP>100mg/L vs CRP<10mg/L). and monocytopenia (OR, 3.28 [95% CI, 1.4–7.68]) were also associated with increasing odds of ICU hospitalization. Older patients were less likely to be hospitalized in ICU (OR, 0.17 [95%CI, 0.05–0.51].

Conclusions

Age and delay between onset of symptoms and hospital admission were associated with the risk of hospitalisation in ICU. Age being a fixed variable, interventions that shorten this delay would improve the prognosis of Covid-19 patients.
Cost and impact of scaling up female genital mutilation prevention and care programs: Estimated resource requirements and impact on incidence and prevalence
Authors: Katz Itamar , Sanders Rachel , Carvalho Maria Nadia , Friedman Howard S. , Legesse Berhanu , Winfrey William , Diop Nafissatou
Published: January 2021

Purpose

SDG 5.3 targets include eliminating harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Limited information is available about levels of investment needed and realistic estimates of potential incidence change. In this work, we estimate the cost and impact of FGM programs in 31 high burden countries.

Methods

This analysis combines program data, secondary data analysis, and population-level costing methods to estimate cost and impact of high and moderate scaleup of FGM programs between 2020 and 2030. Cost per person or community reached was multiplied by populations to estimate costs, and regression analysis was used to estimate new incidence rates, which were applied to populations to estimate cases averted.

Results

Reaching the high-coverage targets for 31 countries by 2030 would require an investment of US$ 3.3 billion. This scenario would avert more than 24 million cases of FGM, at an average cost of US$ 134 per case averted. A moderate-coverage scenario would cost US$ 1.6 billion and avert more than 12 million cases of FGM. However, average cost per case averted hides substantial variation based on country dynamics. The most cost-effective investment would be in countries with limited historic change in FGM incidence, with the average cost per case averted between US$ 3 and US$ 90. The next most effective would be those with high approval for FGM, but a preexisting trend downward, where cost per case averted is estimated at around US$ 240.

Interpretation

This analysis shows that although data on FGM is limited, we can draw useful findings from population-level surveys and program data to guide resource mobilization and program planning.
Consistent modelling of material weight loss and gas release due to pyrolysis and conducting benchmark tests of the model—A case for glovebox panel materials such as polymethyl methacrylate
Authors: Ohno Takuya , Tashiro Shinsuke , Amano Yuki , Yoshida Naoki , Yoshida Ryoichiro , Abe Hitoshi
Published: January 2021

It is necessary to consider how a glove box’s confinement function will be lost when evaluating the amount of radioactive material leaking from a nuclear facility during a fire. In this study, we build a model that consistently explains the weight loss of glove box materials because of heat input from a flame and accompanying generation of the pyrolysis gas. The weight loss suggests thinning of the glove box housing, and the generation of pyrolysis gas suggests the possibility of fire spreading. The target was polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), used as the glove box panel. Thermal gravimetric tests on PMMA determined the parameters to be substituted in the Arrhenius equation for predicting the weight loss in pyrolysis. The pyrolysis process of PMMA was divided into 3 stages with activation energies of 62 kJ/mol, 250 kJ/mol, and 265 kJ/mol. Furthermore, quantifying the gas composition revealed that the composition of the pyrolysis gas released from PMMA can be approximated as 100% methyl methacrylate. This result suggests that the released amount of methyl methacrylate can be estimated by the Arrhenius equation. To investigate the validity of such estimation, a sealed vessel test was performed. In this test, we observed increase of the number of gas molecules during the pyrolysis as internal pressure change of the vessel. The number of gas molecules was similar to that estimated from the Arrhenius equation, and indicated the validity of our method. Moreover, we also performed the same tests on bisphenol-A-polycarbonate (PC) for comparison. In case of PC, the number of gas molecules obtained in the vessel test was higher than the estimated value.