bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient production of bacterial antibiotics aminoriboflavin and roseoflavin in eukaryotic microorganisms, yeasts
Authors: Dmytruk Kostyantyn V. , Ruchala Justyna , Fayura Liubov R. , Chrzanowski Grzegorz , Dmytruk Olena V. , Tsyrulnyk Andriy O. , Andreieva Yuliia A. , Fedorovych Daria V. , Motyka Olena I. , Mattanovich Diethard , Marx Hans , Sibirny Andriy A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Actinomycetes Streptomyces davaonensis and Streptomyces cinnabarinus synthesize a promising broad-spectrum antibiotic roseoflavin, with its synthesis starting from flavin mononucleotide and proceeding through an immediate precursor, aminoriboflavin, that also has antibiotic properties. Roseoflavin accumulation by the natural producers is rather low, whereas aminoriboflavin accumulation is negligible. Yeasts have many advantages as biotechnological producers relative to bacteria, however, no recombinant producers of bacterial antibiotics in yeasts are known.

Results

Roseoflavin biosynthesis genes have been expressed in riboflavin- or FMN-overproducing yeast strains of Candida famata and Komagataella phaffii. Both these strains accumulated aminoriboflavin, whereas only the latter produced roseoflavin. Aminoriboflavin isolated from the culture liquid of C. famata strain inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and Listeria monocytogenes. Maximal accumulation of aminoriboflavin in shake-flasks reached 1.5 mg L− 1 (C. famata), and that of roseoflavin was 5 mg L− 1 (K. phaffii). Accumulation of aminoriboflavin and roseoflavin by K. phaffii recombinant strain in a bioreactor reached 22 and 130 mg L− 1, respectively. For comparison, recombinant strains of the native bacterial producer S. davaonensis accumulated near one-order less of roseoflavin while no recombinant producers of aminoriboflavin was reported at all.

Conclusions

Yeast recombinant producers of bacterial antibiotics aminoriboflavin and roseoflavin were constructed and evaluated.
L-carnitine promotes liver regeneration after hepatectomy by enhancing lipid metabolism
Authors: Zhou Xi , Huang Guobin , Wang Lu , Zhao Yuanyuan , Li Junbo , Chen Dong , Wei Lai , Chen Zhishui , Yang Bo
Published: July 2023

Background

Lipid metabolism plays an important role in liver regeneration, but its regulation still requires further research. In this study, lipid metabolites involved in mouse liver regeneration at different time points were sequenced and analyzed to study their influence on liver regeneration and its mechanism.

Methods

Our experiment was divided into two parts. The first part examined lipid metabolites during liver regeneration in mice. In this part, lipid metabolites were sequentially analyzed in the livers of 70% mouse hepatectomy models at 0, 1, 3and 7 days after operation to find the changes of lipid metabolites in the process of liver regeneration. We screened L-carnitine as our research object through metabolite detection. Therefore, in the second part, we analyzed the effects of carnitine on mouse liver regeneration and lipid metabolism during liver regeneration. We divided the mouse into four groups: control group (70% hepatectomy group); L-carnitine group (before operation) (L-carnitine were given before operation); L-carnitine group (after operation)(L-carnitine were given after operation) and L-carnitine + perhexiline maleate (before operation) group. Weighing was performed at 24 h, 36 and 48 h in each group, and oil red staining, HE staining and MPO staining were performed. Tunnel fluorescence staining, Ki67 staining and serological examination.

Results

Sequencing analysis of lipid metabolites in 70% of mouse livers at different time points after hepatectomy showed significant changes in carnitine metabolites. The results showed that, compared with the control group the mouse in L-carnitine group (before operation) at 3 time points, the number of fat drops in oil red staining was decreased, the number of Ki67 positive cells was increased, the number of MPO positive cells was decreased, the number of Tunnel fluorescence positive cells was decreased, and the liver weight was increased. Serum enzymes were decreased. Compared with control group, L-carnitine group (after operation) showed similar trends in all indexes at 36 and 48 h as L-carnitine group (before operation). L-carnitine + perhexiline maleate (before operation) group compared with control group, the number of fat drops increased, the number of Ki67 positive cells decreased, and the number of MPO positive cells increased at 3 time points. The number of Tunnel fluorescent positive cells increased and serum enzyme increased. However, both liver weights increased.

Conclusion

L-carnitine can promote liver cell regeneration by promoting lipid metabolism and reduce aseptic inflammation caused by excessive lipid accumulation.
Association between periodontitis and the prevalence and prognosis of prediabetes: a population-based study
Authors: Tan Liao , Liu Jie , Liu Zhaoya
Published: July 2023

Background

Diagnosis and intervention of prediabetes is an emerging method for preventing diabetic progression and complications. Periodontitis has been reported to strongly correlate with the dysregulation of glucose metabolism. Nonetheless, the relationship between periodontal status and the prevalence of prediabetes as well as its prognosis remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the association of periodontitis with the prevalence of prediabetes and furtherly explore the all-cause mortality of different periodontal status among patients with prediabetes.

Methods

The dateset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was utilized for our study. Participants were divided into two groups (with or without periodontitis) and further assigned into subgroups by different grades of periodontitis to analyze the association between periodontitis and prevalence of prediabetes. Then we analyzed the association between all-cause mortality and periodontitis among patients with prediabetes. Weighted multivariate logistic/Cox regression models were adopted in our study.

Results

A total of 15390 participants were included and divided into a periodontitis group (n = 5033) and a nonperiodontitis group (n = 10357). The results showed that participants with periodontitis had a higher risk of prediabetes. After adjusting for covariables, more severe periodontitis was positively related to prediabetes (moderate vs. no periodontitis: OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.29–1.65; severe vs. no periodontitis: OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.31–2.01). Furtherly, we explored the association between all-cause mortality and periodontal status among patients diagnosed with prediabetes (n = 4518) and found that severe (HR = 1.806, 95% CI 1.19–2.74) and moderate periodontitis (HR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.95–3.01) were associated with elevated all-cause mortality among patients with prediabetes.

Conclusions

In general, the results suggest that periodontitis is positively associated with the prevalence and mortality of prediabetes. These results suggest that good management of periodontal status could be a potential strategy to reduce the occurrence and development of prediabetes.
How common is remission in rheumatoid factor-positive juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients? The multicenter Pediatric Rheumatology Academy (PeRA) research group experience
Authors: Ozdel Semanur , Sönmez Hafize Emine , Çağlayan Şengül , Akgün Özlem , Aydın Tuncay , Baba Özge , Bağrul İlknur , Yener Gülçin Otar , Öztürk Kübra , Demir Ferhat , Yıldırım Deniz Gezgin , Karadağ Şerife Gül , Bağlan Esra , Çakan Mustafa , Kalyoncu Mukaddes , Makay Balahan Bora , Ünsal Şevket Erbil , Bakkaloğlu Sevcan , Bülbül Mehmet , Sözeri Betül , Ayaz Nuray Aktay
Published: July 2023

Objective

Rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive polyarthritis is the least common type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Functional disability in RF-positive polyarthritis patients is much more severe than in patients with other subtypes; but data on this subtype alone is limited. This study aimed to analyze clinical features, long-term follow-up, treatment response, and remission status in a large multicenter cohort of RF-positive polyarthritis patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included RF-positive polyarthritis patients that were followed up for ≥ 6 months between 2017 and 2022 by the Pediatric Rheumatology Academy (PeRA)-Research Group (RG). Data on patient demographics, clinical and laboratory characteristics were obtained from medical charts. JIA treatments and duration of treatment were also recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on methotrexate (MTX) response, as follows: group 1: MTX responsive, group 2: MTX unresponsive. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

The study included 56 (45 female and 11 male) patients. The median age at onset of RF-positive polyarthritis was 13.2 years [(interquartile range) (IQR): 9.0–15.0 years] and the median duration of follow-up was 41.5 months (IQR: 19.5–75.7 months). Symmetrical arthritis affecting the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands was commonly observed. Subcutaneous MTX was the preferred initial treatment; however, it was ineffective in 39 (69.6%) of the patients. Of 25 patients followed for 24 months, 56% still had active disease at 24 months.

Conclusion

During 2 years of treatment, 44% of RF-positive polyarthritis patients have inactive disease, and they should be considered as a distinct and important clinical entity requiring aggressive and early treatment.
Mothers’ perceptions and experiences of caring for sick newborns in Newborn Care Units in public hospitals in Eastern Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Wanduru Phillip , Hanson Claudia , Waiswa Peter , Kakooza-Mwesige Angelina , Alvesson Helle Molsted
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Mothers’ participation in the care of their sick newborns in Newborn Care Units (NCUs) has been linked to several advantages including earlier discharge, fewer complications, better mother–baby bonding, and an easier transition to home after discharge. This study aimed to understand mothers’ perceptions and experiences while participating in the care of their sick newborns in the NCUs to inform interventions promoting mothers’ participation in public health facilities in Uganda.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study comprised of 18 in-depth interviews with mothers caring for their newborns in two NCUs at a Regional Referral and General hospital in Eastern Uganda between April and May 2022. The interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed. For analysis, we used a thematic analysis approach.

Results

The fear of losing their baby was an overarching theme that underlay mothers’ perceptions, actions, and experiences in the NCU. Mothers’ confidence in the care provided to their babies was based on their baby’s outcomes. For example, when mothers saw almost immediate improvement after treatment, they felt more confident in the care than when this was not the case. Furthermore, mothers considered it essential that health care providers responded quickly in an emergency. Moreover, they expressed concerns about a lack of control over their personal space in the crowded NCU. Additionally, caring for babies in these settings is physically and financially taxing, with mothers requiring the combined efforts of family members to help them cope.

Conclusion

This study shows that for mothers of sick newborns in the NCU, the baby’s survival is the first concern and the basis of mothers’ confidence in the quality of care provided. Efforts to improve parental participation in NCUs must focus on lowering the costs incurred by families in caring for a baby in the NCU, addressing privacy and space concerns, leveraging the family’s role, and avoiding compromising the quality of care in the process of participation.
Aligning intuition and theory: a novel approach to identifying the determinants of behaviours necessary to support implementation of evidence into practice
Authors: Taylor Natalie , McKay Skye , Long Janet C. , Gaff Clara , North Kathryn , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Francis Jill J. , Best Stephanie
Published: July 2023

Background

Disentangling the interplay between experience-based intuition and theory-informed implementation is crucial for identifying the direct contribution theory can make for generating behaviour changes needed for successful evidence translation. In the context of ‘clinicogenomics’, a complex and rapidly evolving field demanding swift practice change, we aimed to (a) describe a combined clinician intuition- and theory-driven method for identifying determinants of and strategies for implementing clinicogenomics, and (b) articulate a structured approach to standardise hypothesised behavioural pathways and make potential underlying theory explicit.

Methods

Interview data from 16 non-genetic medical specialists using genomics in practice identified three target behaviour areas across the testing process: (1) identifying patients, (2) test ordering and reporting, (3) communicating results. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used to group barriers and facilitators to performing these actions. Barriers were grouped by distinct TDF domains, with ‘overarching’ TDF themes identified for overlapping barriers. Clinician intuitively-derived implementation strategies were matched with corresponding barriers, and retrospectively coded against behaviour change techniques (BCTs). Where no intuitive strategies were provided, theory-driven strategies were generated. An algorithm was developed and applied to articulate how implementation strategies address barriers to influence behaviour change.

Results

Across all target behaviour areas, 32 identified barriers were coded across seven distinct TDF domains and eight overarching TDF themes. Within the 29 intuitive strategies, 21 BCTs were represented and used on 49 occasions to address 23 barriers. On 10 (20%) of these occasions, existing empirical links were found between BCTs and corresponding distinct TDF-coded barriers. Twenty additional theory-driven implementation strategies (using 19 BCTs on 31 occasions) were developed to address nine remaining barriers.

Conclusion

Clinicians naturally generate their own solutions when implementing clinical interventions, and in this clinicogenomics example these intuitive strategies aligned with theoretical recommendations 20% of the time. We have matched intuitive strategies with theory-driven BCTs to make potential underlying theory explicit through proposed structured hypothesised causal pathways. Transparency and efficiency are enhanced, providing a novel method to identify determinants of implementation. Operationalising this approach to support the design of implementation strategies may optimise practice change in response to rapidly evolving scientific advances requiring swift translation into healthcare.
A novel mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases: technical note and preliminary results
Authors: Ma Yuhang , Shen Kelv , Zhou Xiaozhong , Zhang Peng , Lu Zhengfeng
Published: July 2023

Background

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is an effective and popular surgical procedure for the management of various spinal pathologies, especially degenerative diseases. Surgeons have been pursuing minimally invasive technology as soon as TLIF was appeared. Currently, TLIF can be performed with transforaminal approaches by open surgery, minimally invasive surgery or percutaneous endoscope. We provide a detailed description of a new modified open TLIF with percutaneous pedicle screws, which we refer to as mini-open TLIF. The objective of this study was to present feasibility of this procedure and the preliminary results.

Methods

The study is a prospective study. From January 2021 to March 2022, 96 patients (43 males and 53 females) with neurological symptoms due to degenerative lumbar spine diseases were enrolled. Operation time, blood loss, ambulatory time, hematocrit and complications were recorded during perioperative period. Clinical symptoms were evaluated 1 week, 3 months and 12 months after surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for lower back pain and leg pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively to emulate cross-sectional area of paraspinal muscles. The lumbar interbody fusion rate was evaluated by CT scanning.

Results

The mean operation time of single level was 112.6 min, and the mean operation time of multilevel was 140.1 min. Intraoperative blood loss of single level was 64.5 ml and was 116.3 ml of multilevel. The VAS and ODI scores before and after surgery were significantly different (P < 0.0001) and reached minimal clinically important difference. Atrophy rate of paraspinal muscles was 2.5% for symptomatic side and 1.2% for asymptomatic side. The cross-sectional area before and after the operation and atrophy rate had no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Mini-open TLIF is effective and feasible for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases especially in multilevel disease, with minor damage to muscle and shorter operation time.

Trial registration: This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (No. JD-LK2023045-I01).
Bladder and bowel dysfunction in Down syndrome with neural tube defect: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Onesimo Roberta , Agazzi Cristiana , Massimi Luca , Giorgio Valentina , Leoni Chiara , Zampino Giuseppe , Rendeli Claudia
Published: July 2023

Background

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by trisomy of chromosome 21 and characterized by an increased risk of multiorgan involvement. In Down syndrome children, functional constipation and lower urinary tract infections have been described, together with higher risk for incontinence and delayed sphincter control. At present, to our knowledge, no clear association between Down syndrome, Bladder Bowel Dysfunction and neural tube defects has been previously described.

Case presentation

We describe two female patients with Down syndrome presenting Bladder Bowel Dysfunction in association with neural tube defects, who both underwent personalized multidisciplinary intervention and pelvic floor rehabilitation, with good clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

At present, no screening program has been established in order to rule out neural tube defects or neurogenic urinary anomalies in Down syndrome patients presenting bowel and/or bladder dysfunction. In our opinion, presence of spinal abnormalities, despite rare, may be contribute to urinary symptoms and should be ruled out in patients presenting progressive or persistent Bladder Bowel Dysfunction. Early diagnosis and management of spinal cord defects associated with neurogenic urinary dysfunction may allow to prevent possible complications.
Short version of the right-wing authoritarianism scale for the Brazilian context
Authors: Vilanova Felipe , Milfont Taciano L. , Costa Angelo Brandelli
Published: July 2023

Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) is a central predictor of distinct phenomena such as prejudice, voting behavior, corruption, conspiratory beliefs and dietary habits. Given its theoretical and practical relevance, researchers have incorporated RWA measures in large-scale surveys but their length can be an impediment. Although short RWA scales exist, none consider the cultural variability of the RWA structure in non-WEIRD contexts such as Brazil. Here, we report data from five cross-sectional and longitudinal Brazilian samples (Ntotal = 2,493) used to develop a short RWA version that considers cross-cultural specificities of the Brazilian context, where an alternative four-factor model was observed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed a four-factor structure comprising Authoritarianism, Traditionalism, Submission to Authority and Contestation to Authority dimensions. Six-month longitudinal results indicated that Authoritarianism and Traditionalism are more stable than both Submission and Contestation to Authority. Correlations between these dimensions and right-wing political self-categorization were statistically equivalent for the full 34-item RWA scale version and the new 12-item version. Results confirm the psychometric properties of the four-factor, 12-item RWA scale in this cultural context.
Novel inflammatory biomarkers associated with stroke severity: results from a cross-sectional stroke cohort study
Authors: Braadt Lino , Naumann Markus , Freuer Dennis , Schmitz Timo , Linseisen Jakob , Ertl Michael
Published: July 2023

Background

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide and its occurrence is expected to increase in the future. Blood biomarkers have proven their usefulness in identification and monitoring of the disease. Stroke severity is a major factor for estimation of prognosis and risk of recurrent events, but knowledge on respective blood biomarkers is still scarce. Stroke pathophysiology comprises a multitude of ischemia-induced inflammatory and immune mediated responses. Therefore, the assessment of an immune-related panel in correlation with stroke severity seems promising.

Methods

In the present cross-sectional evaluation, a set of 92 blood biomarkers of a standardized immune panel were gathered (median 4.6 days after admission) and related to stroke severity measures, assessed at hospital admission of acute stroke patients. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations between biomarkers and modified Rankin Scale (mRS), linear regression models were used for associations with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale.

Results

415 patients (mean age 69 years; 41% female) were included for biomarker analysis. C-type lectin domain family 4 member G (CLEC4G; OR = 2.89, 95% CI [1.49; 5.59], padj = 0.026, Cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4; OR = 2.38, 95% CI [1.43; 3.98], padj = 0.019), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (IL6; OR = 1.97, 95% CI [1.49; 2.62], padj < 0.001) were positively associated with stroke severity measured by mRS, while Lymphocyte antigen 75 (LY75; OR = 0.37, 95% CI [0.19; 0.73], padj = 0.049) and Integrin alpha-11 (ITGA11 OR = 0.24, 95% CI [0.14, 0.40] padj < 0.001) were inversely associated. When investigating the relationships with the NIHSS, IL-6 (β = 0.23, 95% CI [0.12, 0.33] padj = 0.001) and ITGA11 (β =  − 0.60, 95% CI [− 0.83, − 0.37] padj < 0.001) were significantly associated.

Conclusions

Higher relative concentrations of plasma CLEC4G, CKAP4, and IL-6 were associated with higher stroke severity, whereas LY75 and ITGA11 showed an inverse association. Future research might show a possible use as therapeutic targets and application in individual risk assessments.
The plasma membrane of focal adhesions has a high content of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine with saturated acyl chains
Authors: Tachibana Hiroshi , Minoura Kodai , Omachi Tomohiro , Nagao Kohjiro , Ichikawa Takafumi , Kimura Yasuhisa , Kono Nozomu , Shimanaka Yuta , Arai Hiroyuki , Ueda Kazumitsu , Kioka Noriyuki
Published: July 2023

Cellular functions, such as differentiation and migration, are regulated by the extracellular microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix (ECM). Cells adhere to ECM through focal adhesions (FAs) and sense the surrounding microenvironments. Although FA proteins have been actively investigated, little is known about the lipids in the plasma membrane at FAs. In this study, we examine the lipid composition at FAs with imaging and biochemical approaches. Using the cholesterol-specific probe D4 with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and super-resolution microscopy, we show an enrichment of cholesterol at FAs simultaneously with FA assembly. Furthermore, we establish a method to isolate the lipid from FA-rich fractions, and biochemical quantification of the lipids reveals that there is a higher content of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine with saturated fatty acid chains in the lipids of the FA-rich fraction than in either the plasma membrane fraction or the whole-cell membrane. These results demonstrate that plasma membrane at FAs has a locally distinct lipid composition compared to the bulk plasma membrane.
Influence of behavioural and morphological group composition on pigeon flocking dynamics
Authors: Sankey Daniel W. E. , Portugal Steven J.
Published: July 2023

Animals rely on movement to explore and exploit resources in their environment. While movement can provide energetic benefits, it also comes with energetic costs. This study examines how group phenotypic composition influences individual speed and energy expenditure during group travel in homing pigeons. We manipulated the composition of pigeon groups based on body mass and leadership rank. Our findings indicate that groups of ‘leader’ phenotypes show faster speeds and greater cohesion than ‘follower’ phenotype groups. Additionally, we show that groups of homogenous mass composition, whether all heavy or all light, were faster and expended less energy over the course of a whole flight than flocks composed of a mixture of heavy and light individuals. We highlight the importance of considering individual-level variation in social-level studies, and the interaction between individual and group-level traits in governing speed and the costs of travel.
Combined effects of salinity and intermittent hypoxia on mitochondrial capacity and reactive oxygen species efflux in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Steffen Jennifer B. M. , Sokolov Eugene P. , Bock Christian , Sokolova Inna M.
Published: July 2023

Coastal environments commonly experience fluctuations in salinity and hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R) stress that can negatively affect mitochondrial functions of marine organisms. Although intertidal bivalves are adapted to these conditions, the mechanisms that sustain mitochondrial integrity and function are not well understood. We determined the rates of respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) efflux in the mitochondria of oysters, Crassostrea gigas, acclimated to high (33 psu) or low (15 psu) salinity, and exposed to either normoxic conditions (control; 21% O2) or short-term hypoxia (24 h at <0.01% O2) and subsequent reoxygenation (1.5 h at 21% O2). Further, we exposed isolated mitochondria to anoxia in vitro to assess their ability to recover from acute (∼10 min) oxygen deficiency (<0.01% O2). Our results showed that mitochondria of oysters acclimated to high or low salinity did not show severe damage and dysfunction during H/R stress, consistent with the hypoxia tolerance of C. gigas. However, acclimation to low salinity led to improved mitochondrial performance and plasticity, indicating that 15 psu might be closer to the metabolic optimum of C. gigas than 33 psu. Thus, acclimation to low salinity increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation rate and coupling efficiency and stimulated mitochondrial respiration after acute H/R stress. However, elevated ROS efflux in the mitochondria of low-salinity-acclimated oysters after acute H/R stress indicates a possible trade-off of higher respiration. The high plasticity and stress tolerance of C. gigas mitochondria may contribute to the success of this invasive species and facilitate its further expansion into brackish regions such as the Baltic Sea.
Leisure Participation of Autistic Adults: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Feasibility Study
Authors: Song Wei , Zheng Linda , Tichá Renáta , Abery Brian , Nguyen-Feng Viann N.
Published: July 2023

Autistic adults participate less and express lower satisfaction in leisure activities than nonautistic adults, although literature is limited. The multifaceted nature of leisure participation makes it challenging to measure, with most measures being retrospective. Ecological momentary assessments (EMA) can reduce recall bias. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of EMA among autistic adults. Participants (N = 40) were recruited via email and online. After completing a baseline interview, participants were asked to complete a once-daily survey for 30 days, in which they received survey links through a text messaging smartphone app. Surveys asked participants to report whether they participated in any leisure activities during the day, their level of enjoyment, with whom they interacted, and where they participated. The EMA appeared feasible in this sample, as participants completed the daily survey on average 27.05 (SD = 3.92) days. Regarding acceptability, most agreed that survey timing was convenient, that it was easy to enter responses and answer questions daily, and that they had enough response time. Overall, this study supports the use of EMA methodology among autistic adults. Future research should follow and improve upon these EMA data collection practices to examine daily behavior and well-being among autistic adults.
Measuring intraocular pressure with OCT: the first approach
Authors: Niemczyk Marcela , Iskander D. Robert
Published: July 2023

The variability of corneal OCT speckle statistics is indirectly related to changes in corneal microstructure, which may be induced by intraocular pressure (IOP). A new approach is considered, which attempts to estimate IOP based on corneal speckle statistics in OCT images. An area (A) under trajectories of contrast ratio with respect to stromal depth was calculated. The proposed method was evaluated on OCT images from the ex-vivo study on porcine eyeballs and in-vivo study on human corneas. A statistically significant multivariate linear regression model was obtained from the ex-vivo study: IOP = 0.70 · A − 6.11, in which IOP was precisely controlled in the anterior chamber. The ex-vivo study showed good correlation between A and IOP (R = 0.628, at the least) whereas the in-vivo study showed poor correlation between A and clinical air-puff tonometry based estimates of IOP (R = 0.351, at the most), indicating substantial differences between the two studies. The results of the ex-vivo study show the potential for OCT speckle statistics to be utilized for measuring IOP using static corneal imaging that does not require corneal deformation. Nevertheless, further work is needed to validate this approach in living human corneas.
Synchronous optical intensity and phase measurements to characterize Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Ferlic Nathaniel A. , Avramov-Zamurovic Svetlana , O’Malley Owen , Judd K. Peter , Mullen Linda J.
Published: July 2023

Propagation of a laser beam through the Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) convection is experimentally investigated using synchronous optical wavefront and intensity measurements. Experimental results characterize the turbulence strength and length scales, which are used to inform numerical wave optic simulations employing phase screens. Experimentally found parameters are the refractive index structure constant, mean flow rate, kinetic and thermal dissipation rates, Kolmogorov microscale, outer scale, and shape of the refractive index power spectrum using known models. Synchronization of the wavefront and intensity measurements provide statistics of each metric at the same instance in time, allowing for two methods of comparison with numerical simulations. Numerical simulations prove to be within agreement of experimental and published results. Synchronized measurements provided more insight to develop reliable propagation models. It is determined that the RB test bed is applicable for simulating realistic undersea environments.
Achiral nanoparticle trapping and chiral nanoparticle separating with quasi-BIC metasurface
Authors: Liu Na , Wang Shutao , Lv Jiangtao , Zhang Jinqing
Published: July 2023

Dielectric metasurfaces based on quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) are a promising approach for manipulating light-matter interactions. In this study, we numerically demonstrate the potential of silicon elliptical tetramer dielectric metasurfaces for achirality nanoparticle trapping and chiral nanoparticle separation. We first analyze a symmetric tetramer metasurface, which exhibits dual resonances (P1 and P2) with high electromagnetic field intensity enhancement and a high-quality factor (Q-factor). This metasurface can trap achiral nanoparticles with a maximum optical trapping force of 35 pN for 20 nm particles at an input intensity of 100 mW. We then investigate an asymmetric tetramer metasurface, which can identify and separate enantiomers under the excitation of left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) light. Results show that the chiral optical force can push one enantiomer towards regions of the quasi-BIC system while removing the other. In addition, the proposed asymmetric tetramer metasurface can provide multiple Fano resonances (ranging from R1 to R5) and high trap potential wells of up to 33 kBT. Our results demonstrate that the proposed all-dielectric metasurface has high performance in nanoparticle detection, with potential applications in biology, life science, and applied physics.
Analysis of optical core-to-core coupling: challenges and opportunities in multicore fiber amplifiers
Authors: Steinkopff Albrecht , Aleshire Christopher , Klenke Arno , Jauregui Cesar , Limpert Jens
Published: July 2023

In this work we study in detail core-to-core coupling effects in multicore fibers (MCFs) using a simulation tool based on supermodal interference. We pay particular attention to the impact of core area scaling, which plays an important role in prospective amplifier systems. We consider geometrical and optical properties of the MCF structure, including the ability for dense packaging of the cores but also the influence on the core guidance (V-parameter). In general, this study is important to unlock the power and energy scaling potential of the next-generation MCF amplifiers.
Spiraling Laguerre–Gaussian solitons and arrays in parabolic potential wells
Authors: Wang Qing , Mihalache Dumitru , Belić Milivoj R. , Zeng Liangwei , Lin Ji
Published: July 2023

Controllable trajectories of beams are one of the main themes in optical science. Here, we investigate the propagation dynamics of Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) solitons in parabolic potential wells and introduce off-axis and chirp parameters (which represent the displacement and the initial angle of beams) to make solitons sinusoidally oscillate in the x and y directions and undergo elliptically or circularly spiraling trajectories during propagation. Additionally, LG solitons with different orders and powers can be combined into soliton arrays of various shapes, depending on the off-axis parameter. Moreover, the soliton arrays can exhibit periodic converging, rotating, and other evolution behaviors, by the proper choice of the chirp parameter. A series of interesting examples demonstrate typical propagation scenarios. Our results may provide a new perspective on and stimulate further investigations of multisoliton interactions in potential wells and may find applications in optical communication and particle control.
Building the synaptonemal complex: Molecular interactions between the axis and the central region
Authors: Gordon Spencer G. , Rog Ofer
Published: July 2023

The successful delivery of genetic material to gametes requires tightly regulated interactions between the parental chromosomes. Central to this regulation is a conserved chromosomal interface called the synaptonemal complex (SC), which brings the parental chromosomes in close proximity along their length. While many of its components are known, the interfaces that mediate the assembly of the SC remain a mystery. Here, we survey findings from different model systems while focusing on insight gained in the nematodeC.elegans. We synthesize our current understanding of the structure, dynamics, and biophysical properties of the SC and propose mechanisms for SC assembly.
“It reminds me and motivates me”: Human-centered design and implementation of an interactive, SMS-based digital intervention to improve early retention on antiretroviral therapy: Usability and acceptability among new initiates in a high-volume, public clinic in Malawi
Authors: Huwa Jacqueline , Tweya Hannock , Mureithi Maryanne , Kiruthu-Kamamia Christine , Oni Femi , Chintedza Joseph , Chiwaya Geldert , Waweru Evelyn , Kudzala Aubrey , Wasunna Beatrice , Ndhlovu Dumisani , Bisani Pachawo , Feldacker Caryl
Published: July 2023

Background

Early retention of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs is critical to improve individual clinical outcomes and viral load suppression. Although many mobile health (mHealth) interventions aim to improve retention in care, there is still lack of evidence on mHealth success or failure, including from patient’s perspectives. We describe the human-centered design (HCD) process and assess patient usability and acceptability of a two-way texting (2wT) intervention to improve early retention among new ART initiates at Lighthouse Trust clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods

An iterative HCD approach focused on patient and provider users’ needs, incorporating feedback from multidisciplinary teams to adapt 2wT for the local, public clinic context. We present mixed-methods usability and acceptability results from 100 participants, 50 at 3-months and 50 at 6-months, post 2wT enrollment, and observations of these same patients completing core tasks of the 2wT system.

Results

Among the 100 usability respondents, 95% were satisfied with visit reminders, and 88% would recommend reminders and motivational messages to friends; however, 17% were worried about confidentiality. In observation of participant task completion, 94% were able to successfully confirm visit attendance and 73% could request appointment date change. More participants in 4–6 months group completed tasks correctly compared to 1–3 months group, although not significantly different (78% vs. 66%, p = 0.181). Qualitative results were overwhelmingly positive, but patients did note confusion with transfer reporting and concern that 2wT would not reach patients without mobile phones or with lower literacy.

Conclusion

The 2wT app for early ART retention appears highly usable and acceptable, hopefully creating a solid foundation for lifelong engagement in care. The HCD approach put the local team central in this process, ensuring that both patients’ and Lighthouse’s priorities, policies, and practices were forefront in 2wT optimization, raising the likelihood of 2wT success in other routine program contexts.
The AMP deaminase of the mollusk Helix pomatia is an unexpected member of the adenosine deaminase-related growth factor (ADGF) family
Authors: Tzertzinis George , Ganatra Mehul B. , Ruse Cristian , Taron Christopher H. , Causey Bryce , Wang Liang , Schildkraut Ira
Published: July 2023

We report here the first occurrence of an adenosine deaminase-related growth factor (ADGF) that deaminates adenosine 5’ monophosphate (AMP) in preference to adenosine. The ADGFs are a group of secreted deaminases found throughout the animal kingdom that affect the extracellular concentration of adenosine by converting it to inosine. The AMP deaminase studied here was first isolated and biochemically characterized from the roman snail Helix pomatia in 1983. Determination of the amino acid sequence of the AMP deaminase enabled sequence comparisons to protein databases and revealed it as a member of the ADGF family. Cloning and expression of its cDNA in Pichia pastoris allowed the comparison of the biochemical characteristics of the native and recombinant forms of the enzyme and confirmed they correspond to the previously reported activity. Uncharacteristically, the H. pomatia AMP deaminase was determined to be dissimilar to the AMP deaminase family by sequence comparison while demonstrating similarity to the ADGFs despite having AMP as its preferred substrate rather than adenosine.
Effects of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury on weight gain and chronic behavioral outcomes in male rats
Authors: Graham Martha A. , Juzang Patria T. , White Todd E.
Published: July 2023

To assess the long-term behavioral effects of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI), we employed a preclinical model of rmTBI and performed a battery of behavioral tests starting 14 weeks post-injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received four unilateral mild (6 m/s; 0.5 mm depth) controlled cortical impacts (CCI), centered 4 mm posterior and 3–4 mm lateral to the bregma, administered at five-day intervals. The animals’ weights were monitored throughout the study. We tested the rats for anxiety-like (elevated plus maze, open field test), depression-like (forced swim test), locomotor (rotarod, open field test), and spatial learning and memory (Morris water maze (MWM)) behavioral deficits. Overall, a mild behavioral phenotype was observed. Significant deficits were observed with the MWM, indicating that our injury model disrupts spatial learning and memory. An interesting aspect of these data is a directional/visual component to the spatial learning and memory deficits dependent on the zone in which the trial began. With the injury being unilateral, there may be an imbalance in visual acuity that contributes to the observed deficits. Analysis of weight gain data demonstrated that rmTBI reduces weight during the period while injuries are occurring. This may represent another measure that can be tracked to determine injury severity and recovery. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that gene expression at the chronic endpoint could distinguish between the experimental groups even with a mild behavioral phenotype. Future studies would include a more severe injury paradigm to promote longer-lasting behavior changes.
A risk scoring model of COVID-19 at hospital admission
Authors: Gomes João José Ferreira , Ferreira António , Alves Afonso , Sequeira Beatriz Nogueira
Published: July 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most serious public health crisis in recent times, a pandemic whose impact was felt across the globe in various groups and populations. Confronted with an urgent problem, people and governments were forced to make decisions without fully understanding the disease. The present work aims to reinforce our ever-growing knowledge of the illness, particularly in modelling the risk of death of a patient admitted to a hospital with a positive COVID-19 test.

Methods

Given the simplicity of using and programming logistic regression in any national healthcare unit and the ease of interpreting the results, we chose to use this technique over several other. Using scoring techniques, it is possible to associate the various diagnoses with a numerical value (score), making it possible therefore to integrate the patient’s multiple medical conditions as a single continuous variable in the model.

Results

It is possible to establish with good discriminatory capacity (ROC AUC Test = 0.8) which COVID patients are at higher risk when admitted to the healthcare unit—people of advanced age with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, or newly acquired conditions, such as pneumonia. Moreover, males and clinical episodes occurring in healthcare units with few available beds (high healthcare unit occupancy) are also at higher risk. The importance of each variable in predicting the target is: age (47%), sum of comorbidity scores (28%), healthcare unit score (12.0%), gender score (7%) and healthcare unit occupancy (6%).

Conclusions

Using a dataset with more than 52000 people, it was possible to successfully differentiate likelihood of death by COVID using age, comorbidity information, healthcare unit, healthcare unit occupancy and gender. The age and the comorbidities associated with each patient had a joint contribution of about 75% in explaining the COVID related mortality in Portuguese public hospitals in the period between March 2020 and May 2021.
Time to death and its predictors among under-five children on antiretroviral treatment in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a retrospective follow up study
Authors: Mekonnen Enyew , Arega Mikias , Belay Dawit Misganaw , Birhanu Dires , Tesfaw Tadlo , Ayele Habtamu , Bishaw Keralem Anteneh
Published: July 2023

Background

Child mortality remains a global public health problem, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. After initiating ART, the mortality rate among HIV-infected children in Ethiopia was 12–17 deaths per 1000 child-year.

Objective

To determine the time to death and its predictors among under-five children on antiretroviral treatment in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from April 12, 2017, to May 12, 2022.

Method

An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 415 HIV-infected children at selected public hospitals of the Addis Ababa town administration. Computer generated simple random sampling technique was used to select each sampling unit. Data was extracted using a structured data extraction checklist. Data were entered into EPI data 4.2 and analyzed using STATA 14. The child mortality rate was calculated. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was fitted to identify predictor factors. The result of the study was presented using text, tables, graphs, and charts. An adjusted hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value less than 0.05 was used to declare the level of significance.

Result

A total of 415 (97.42%) of the 426 children on ART were included for analysis. Of these, 41(9.88%) children were died during the following period. The study participants were followed for a total of 8237 person- months of risk time. The overall mortality rate was 4.98 (95% CI: 3.67–6.77) per 1000 child-months. The estimated survival after starting ART was 61.42% at 56 months of follow-up. Severe underweight (AHR = 3.19; 95% CI: 1.32–7.71), tuberculosis (AHR = 3.86; CI: 1.76–8.47), low hemoglobin level (AHR = 2.51; CI: 1.02–6.20), and advanced WHO clinical stages at enrolment (AHR = 3.38; CI: 1.08–10.58) were predictors of death among HIV-infected under-five children on ART.

Conclusion

The incidence of mortality was 4.98 per 1000 child-months. Severe underweight, tuberculosis infection, low hemoglobin level, and advanced WHO clinical stages at enrolment were predictors of death among under-five children on ART.
Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution and asthma in low-and middle-income countries: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Abbah Achenyo Peace , Xu Shanshan , Johannessen Ane
Published: July 2023

Background

Several epidemiological studies have examined the risk of asthma and respiratory diseases in association with long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution. However, little is known regarding the adverse effects of long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution on the development of these outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our study aims to investigate the association between long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution and asthma and respiratory diseases in LMICs through a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis will follow the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist and flowchart guidelines. The inclusion criteria that will be used in our study are 1) Original research articles with full text in English; 2) Studies including adult humans; 3) Studies with long-term air pollution assessment in LMICs, air pollutants including nitrogen oxide (NO2), sulfur oxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3); 4) cohort and cross-sectional studies; 5) Studies reporting associations between air pollution and asthma and respiratory symptoms. A comprehensive search strategy will be used to identify studies published up till August 2022 and indexed in Embase, Medline, and Web of Science. Three reviewers will independently screen records retrieved from the database searches. Where there are enough studies with similar exposure and outcomes, we will calculate, and report pooled effect estimates using meta-analysis.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022311326.

Discussion

Findings from the health effects of long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution may be of importance for policymakers. This review will also identify any gaps in the current literature on this topic in LMICs and provide direction for future research.