bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monochromatic ocular high‐order aberrations in children and adolescents
Authors: Rauscher Franziska G. , Hiemisch Andreas , Kiess Wieland , Blendowske Ralf
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence and repeatability of high‐order aberrations (HOAs) from non‐cyclopleged eyes in 1515 children and adolescents 2.5–18 years of age.

Methods

The Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases (LIFE)‐Child study is a population‐based, prospective, observational single‐centre study that investigates the development of children and adolescents in Germany. Wavefront measurements were repeated three times in each eye of 1515 healthy subjects. Results were described by 36 Zernike coefficients for a 5 mm reference pupil diameter. Short‐term repeatability is given for each coefficient. The impact on vision is described by the root mean squared (RMS) value of the HOA Zernike coefficients.

Results

High‐order aberrations were dominated by five contributions. For 1004 right eyes: spherical aberration (c12 = 0.06 ± 0.07 μm), coma (c7 = 0.03 ± 0.09 μm, c8 = 0.03 ± 0.06 μm) and trefoil (c6 = −0.01 ± 0.07 μm, c9 = 0.008 ± 0.06 μm). The RMS value was 0.18 ± 0.06 μm. Modes higher than fourth order do not contribute clinically to the aberrations. HOAs show no clinically significant dependency with age. Instead, HOA values agree well with previous results on aberrations in adult eyes. Spherical aberration was highly correlated between the two eyes. Repeatability was worst for coma, 0.033 μm, due to variability in the alignment of the pupil centre. The left eye showed, on average, a 0.08 mm larger pupil diameter than the right eye (p < 0.02).

Conclusions

Across the age span from 2.5 to 18 years, we see the same distribution of HOA as for adults. We established that only five Zernike coefficients, spherical aberration, coma and trefoil were of clinical significance in healthy eyes. A high correlation between the two eyes for spherical aberration suggests a common blueprint for each eye in any one subject.
A systematic dissection in oilseed rape provides insights into the genetic architecture and molecular mechanism of yield heterosis
Authors: Ye Jiang , Liang Huabing , Zhao Xueyang , Li Na , Song Dongji , Zhan Jiepeng , Liu Jing , Wang Xinfa , Tu Jinxing , Varshney Rajeev Kumar , Shi Jiaqin , Wang Hanzhong
Published: May 2023

Heterosis refers to the better performance of cross progeny compared with inbred parents, and its utilization contributes greatly to agricultural production. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain heterosis mainly including dominance, over‐dominance (or pseudo‐overdominance) and epistasis. However, systematic dissection and verification of these hypotheses are rarely documented. Here, comparison of heterosis level across different traits showed that the strong heterosis of composite traits (such as yield) could be attributed to the multiplicative effects of moderate heterosis of component traits, whether at the genome or locus level. Yield heterosis was regulated by a complex trait‐QTL network that was characterized by obvious centre‐periphery structure, hub QTL, complex up/downstream and positive/negative feedback relationships. More importantly, we showed that better‐parent heterosis on yield could be produced in a cross of two near‐isogenic lines by the pyramiding and complementation of two major heterotic QTL showing partial‐dominance on yield components. The causal gene (BnaA9.CYP78A9) of QC14 was identified, and its heterotic effect results from the heterozygous status of a CACTA‐like transposable element in its upstream regulatory region, which led to partial dominance at expression and auxin levels, thus resulting in non‐additive expression of downstream responsive genes involved in cell cycle and proliferation, eventually leading to the heterosis of cell number. Taken together, the results at the phenotypic, genetic and molecular levels were highly consistent, which demonstrated that the pyramiding effect of heterotic QTL and the multiplicative effect of individual component traits could well explain substantial parts of yield heterosis in oilseed rape. These results provide in‐depth insights into the genetic architecture and molecular mechanism of yield heterosis.
A meta‐analysis reveals differential sensitivity of cold stress responses in the maize leaf
Authors: Lainé Cindy M. S. , AbdElgawad Hamada , Beemster Gerrit T. S.
Published: May 2023

Maize (Zea mays), a cold‐sensitive crop, requires cold tolerance for extending the length of the growing season in temperate climates. However, response curves to different cold temperatures and exposure durations are lacking. We used a meta‐analysis approach using data from literature to investigate the effect of cold stress in the maize leaf. We constructed response curves to temperature and exposure durations for 18 key parameters related to leaf growth, photosynthesis, oxidative stress, antioxidants, and the phytohormone ABA. To determine their relevance for cold tolerance, we compared cold tolerant Flint and cold sensitive Dent lines. Treatment temperatures ranged from −20°C to 20°C for cold and from 12°C to 30°C for control and exposure duration from 3 min to 60 days. We found interacting effects of temperature and exposure durations on different response parameters. The strongest difference between Flint and Dent was observed for electrolyte leakage (EL). Our results show that the commonly used 4°C for cold and 25°C for control with medium cold exposure (1−7 days) induces a 50% decrease in shoot dry weight and leaf area and that EL is an easy and reliable indicator for cold tolerance studies.
Deficits in doors P300 amplitude during adolescence associated with preschool‐onset depression
Authors: Santopetro Nicholas J. , Barch Deanna , Luby Joan L. , Hennefield Laura , Gilbert Kirsten E. , Whalen Diana J. , Hajcak Greg
Published: May 2023

The psychophysiological underpinnings of preschool‐onset depression (PO‐MDD) remain underexplored. Moreover, there is currently a limited understanding of the potential impact that PO‐MDD might have on neurobiological functions later in development such as general cognitive domains and reward processing. Thus, the current study sought to examine potential neurophysiological differences, measured via electroencephalography (EEG), in adolescents with and without a history of PO‐MDD. Participants and their caregivers (N = 138) from a large longitudinal study completed semi‐structured clinical interviews at a baseline visit (ages 3–7) to determine PO‐MDD status. At a follow‐up visit approximately 11 years later, adolescents (ages 13–19) completed the doors gambling task while EEG was recorded to measure event‐related potentials (ERPs) elicited by both the doors and feedback stimuli, to index cognitive and reward processing functions (i.e., doors‐P300, gain/loss feedback‐P300, and RewP). Adolescents with a history of PO‐MDD exhibited significantly smaller doors‐P300 compared with adolescents with no history of PO‐MDD, whereas there were no group differences in gain/loss feedback‐P300 or RewP. Additionally, reduced doors‐P300 was independently associated with lower baseline income‐to‐needs ratio, older age, and female gender. The current study suggests that reduced doors‐P300 amplitude during adolescence might reflect impaired neurophysiological development related to PO‐MDD. Thus, the P300 derived from the doors stimuli might be a valuable neural measure to further our understanding of potential neurophysiological differences associated with early‐onset childhood depression.
APECED and the place of AIRE in the puzzle of the immune network associated with autoimmunity
Authors: Aytekin Elif Soyak , Cagdas Deniz
Published: May 2023

In the last 20 years, discoveries about the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) protein and its critical role in immune tolerance have provided fundamental insights into understanding the molecular basis of autoimmunity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the effect of AIRE on immunological tolerance and the characteristics of autoimmune diseases inAutoimmune Polyendocrinopathy‐Candidiasis‐Ectodermal Dystrophy(APECED), which is caused by biallelic AIRE mutations. A better understanding of the immunological mechanisms of AIRE deficiency may enlighten immune tolerance mechanisms and new diagnostic and treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases. Considering that not all clinical features of APECED are present in a given follow‐up period, the diagnosis is not easy in a patient at the first visit. Longer follow‐up and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for diagnosis. It is challenging to prevent endocrine and other organ damage compared with other diseases associated with multiple autoimmunities, such as FOXP3, LRBA, and CTLA4 deficiencies. Unfortunately, no curative therapy like haematopoietic stem cell transplantation or specific immunomodulation is present that is successful in the treatment.
Hostile interpretation as a transdiagnostic factor for cooccurring anxiety in boys with aggressive behavior problems
Authors: Alsem Sophie C. , Dijk Anouk van , Verhulp Esmée E. , De Castro Bram O.
Published: May 2023

Many children with aggressive behavior problems also suffer from anxiety. This cooccurrence may perhaps be explained by transdiagnostic factors. Identifying these factors seems crucial, as they may be important targets to treat these cooccurring problems effectively. This two‐study paper investigates whether hostile interpretation of others’ intentions is a transdiagnostic factor for cooccurring aggression and anxiety problems, examining two samples of boys in middle childhood. We assessed boys’ aggression and anxiety using teacher‐report in Study 1 (N = 84, Mage = 10.10), and parent‐report in Study 2 (N = 115, Mage = 10.55). In both studies, we assessed hostile interpretation using vignettes describing ambiguous provocations by peers. Both studies revealed a strong association between aggression and anxiety problems, underscoring the necessity to examine factors that can explain this cooccurrence. However, in neither study was this association reduced when we added hostile interpretation to the model, suggesting that hostile interpretation did not function as a transdiagnostic factor in our samples. One possible explanation for these findings is that hostile interpretation predicts both aggression and anxiety problems, but in different children. We, therefore, encourage scholars to conduct more research to explain the high comorbidity of aggression and anxiety problems in children. Future research should also examine hostile interpretation as predictor or transdiagnostic factor for aggression and anxiety problems in more diverse population, including girls and other age groups.
Age‐dependent changes in epidermal architecture explored using an automated image analysis algorithm on in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy images
Authors: Lboukili Imane , Stamatas Georgios N. , Descombes Xavier
Published: May 2023

Background

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) allows for real‐time in vivo visualization of the epidermis at the cellular level noninvasively. Parameters relating to tissue architecture can be extracted from RCM images, however, analysis of such images requires manual identification of cells to derive these parameters, which can be time‐consuming and subject to human error, highlighting the need for an automated cell identification method.

Methods

First, the region‐of‐interest (ROI) containing cells needs to be identified, followed by the identification of individual cells within the ROI. To perform this task, we use successive applications of Sato and Gabor filters. The final step is post‐processing improvement of cell detection and removal of size outliers. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on manually annotated real data. It is then applied to 5345 images to study the evolution of epidermal architecture in children and adults. The images were acquired on the volar forearm of healthy children (3 months to 10 years) and women (25–80 years), and on the volar forearm and cheek of women (40–80 years). Following the identification of cell locations, parameters such as cell area, cell perimeter, and cell density are calculated, as well as the probability distribution of the number of nearest neighbors per cell. The thicknesses of the Stratum Corneum and supra‐papillary epidermis are also calculated using a hybrid deep‐learning method.

Results

Epidermal keratinocytes are significantly larger (area and perimeter) in the granular layer than in the spinous layer and they get progressively larger with a child's age. Skin continues to mature dynamically during adulthood, as keratinocyte size continues to increase with age on both the cheeks and volar forearm, but the topology and cell aspect ratio remain unchanged across different epidermal layers, body sites, and age. Stratum Corneum and supra‐papillary epidermis thicknesses increase with age, at a faster rate in children than in adults.

Conclusions

The proposed methodology can be applied to large datasets to automate image analysis and the calculation of parameters relevant to skin physiology. These data validate the dynamic nature of skin maturation during childhood and skin aging in adulthood.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DPB1*1461:01 allele in three individuals from Southern India
Authors: Shetty Keerthi , Raghuraman Bagirath , Prathip Kumar B. R. , Sharma Akanksha , Das Manjula
Published: May 2023

HLA‐DPB1*1461:01 differs from DPB1*02:01:02:01 in exon 2, codon 51 CTG > CGG a Leucine to Arginine replacement.
Designing a sequence of activities to build reasoning about data and visualization
Authors: Rao V. N. V. , Legacy Chelsey , Zieffler Andrew , delMas Robert
Published: May 2023

Our complex world requires multivariate reasoning to make sense of reality. Within this paper, we offer a sequence of activities designed to develop multivariate reasoning by explicitly connecting data and visualization. The activities were designed based on a hypothetical learning trajectory we conjectured for students with limited experience with multivariate visualizations. Drawing from evidence collected using these activities in a series of professional development sessions with in‐service teachers, we find that the activities functioned as intended, and thus we promote these activities for developing students' multivariate reasoning at the secondary and post‐secondary level. We detail specific challenges the teachers faced, and based on these results, offer our reflections and recommendations for curricula and teaching.
Characterization of high intensity progressive ultrasound beams in air at 300 kHz
Authors: Vatankhah Ehsan , Meng Yuqi , Liu Zihuan , Niu Xiaoyu , Hall Neal A.
Published: May 2023

The majority of reported measurements on high intensity ultrasound beams in air are below 40 kHz and performed on standing waves inside of a guide. Here, experimental characterization of high intensity progressive and divergent sound beams in air at 300 kHz are presented. Measurements in this frequency range are challenging. Accurate characterization of high intensity sound beams requires a measurement bandwidth at least ten times the beam's primary frequency, as high intensity soundwaves steepen and form shocks and, therefore, contain significant signal power at harmonic frequencies. Hence, a measurement bandwidth of at least 3 MHz is required. Calibrated measurement microphones are generally not available in this frequency range. This limitation has been overcome by using a hydrophone with a calibrated response from 250 kHz to 20 MHz. A narrowband piezoelectric transducer is used as the source in this study, and it is capable of generating tone burst waveforms centered at 300 kHz with 160 dB sound pressure level surface pressure. Cumulative wave steepening and shock formation are observed in on-axis measurements. The source's surface vibration profile is measured using a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer, and the vibration profile is imported into a numerical wide-angle Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov simulation for comparison against measured on-axis waveforms.
School–University Partnered Before-School Physical Activity Program: Experiences of Preservice Teachers, Program Facilitators, and Students
Authors: Goh Tan Leng
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Considering the lack of practical Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) experiences within Physical Education (PE) Teacher Education, the study’s purpose was to examine the experiences of PE preservice teachers, a PE teacher, and the university faculty who implemented a CSPAP, and the students who participated in the program. Method: An 8-week before-school program was implemented in a middle school from Fall 2018 to Spring 2022. One hundred three preservice teachers assisted in implementing the program as part of coursework. Data were gathered through preservice teachers’ journals and focus group discussions, interviews with the university faculty and PE teacher, and students’ surveys. Results: Data were inductively analyzed, and themes were expand preservice teachers’ view beyond PE, benefits for preservice teachers and students, and future opportunities. Discussion/Conclusion: Incorporating CSPAPs into PE Teacher Education curriculum through school–university partnerships can provide practical experiences for preservice teachers to build competency in implementing CSPAPs in schools.
CRISPR-Cas9 screen reveals a role of purine synthesis for estrogen receptor α activity and tamoxifen resistance of breast cancer cells
Authors: Hany Dina , Vafeiadou Vasiliki , Picard Didier
Published: May 2023

In breast cancer, resistance to endocrine therapies that target estrogen receptor α (ERα), such as tamoxifen and fulvestrant, remains a major clinical problem. Whether and how ERα
+
breast cancers switch from being estrogen-dependent to estrogen-independent remains unclear. With a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen, we identified previously unknown biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of endocrine resistance. We demonstrate that high levels of PAICS, an enzyme involved in the de novo biosynthesis of purines, can shift the balance of ERα activity to be more estrogen-independent and tamoxifen-resistant. We find that this may be due to elevated activities of cAMP-activated protein kinase A and mTOR, kinases known to phosphorylate ERα specifically and to stimulate its activity. Genetic or pharmacological targeting of PAICS sensitizes tamoxifen-resistant cells to tamoxifen. Addition of purines renders them more resistant. On the basis of these findings, we propose the combined targeting of PAICS and ERα as a new, effective, and potentially safe therapeutic regimen.
Subwavelength control of light transport at the exceptional point by non-Hermitian metagratings
Authors: Xu Yihao , Li Lin , Jeong Heonyeong , Kim Seokwoo , Kim Inki , Rho Junsuk , Liu Yongmin
Published: May 2023

The concept of non-Hermitian physics, originally developed in the context of quantum field theory, has been investigated on distinct photonic platforms and created a plethora of counterintuitive phenomena. Interfacing non-Hermitian photonics and nanoplasmonics, here, we demonstrate unidirectional excitation and reflection of surface plasmon polaritons by elaborately designing the permittivity profile of non-Hermitian metagratings, in which the eigenstates of the system can coalesce at an exceptional point. Continuous tuning of the excitation or reflection ratios is also possible through altering the geometry of the metagrating. The controllable directionality and robust performance are attributed to the phase transition near the exceptional point, which is fully confirmed by the theoretic calculation, numerical simulation, and experimental characterization. Our work pushes non-Hermitian photonics to the nanoscale regime and paves the way toward high-performance plasmonic devices with superior controllability, performance, and robustness by using the topological effect associated with non-Hermitian systems.
High-speed thin-film lithium niobate quantum processor driven by a solid-state quantum emitter
Authors: Sund Patrik I. , Lomonte Emma , Paesani Stefano , Wang Ying , Carolan Jacques , Bart Nikolai , Wieck Andreas D. , Ludwig Arne , Midolo Leonardo , Pernice Wolfram H. P. , Lodahl Peter , Lenzini Francesco
Published: May 2023

Scalable photonic quantum computing architectures pose stringent requirements on photonic processing devices. The needs for low-loss high-speed reconfigurable circuits and near-deterministic resource state generators are some of the most challenging requirements. Here, we develop an integrated photonic platform based on thin-film lithium niobate and interface it with deterministic solid-state single-photon sources based on quantum dots in nanophotonic waveguides. The generated photons are processed with low-loss circuits programmable at speeds of several gigahertz. We realize a variety of key photonic quantum information processing functionalities with the high-speed circuits, including on-chip quantum interference, photon demultiplexing, and reprogrammability of a four-mode universal photonic circuit. These results show a promising path forward for scalable photonic quantum technologies by merging integrated photonics with solid-state deterministic photon sources in a heterogeneous approach to scaling up.
Electromagnetic fields disrupt the pollination service by honeybees
Authors: Molina-Montenegro Marco A. , Acuña-Rodríguez Ian S. , Ballesteros Gabriel I. , Baldelomar Mariela , Torres-Díaz Cristian , Broitman Bernardo R. , Vázquez Diego P.
Published: May 2023

We assessed the effect that electromagnetic field (EMF) exerts on honeybees’ pollination efficiency using field and laboratory experiments. First, we measured levels of gene and protein expression in metabolic pathways involved in stress and behavioral responses elicited by EMF. Second, we assessed the effect of EMF on honeybee behavior and seed production by the honeybee-pollinated California poppy and, lastly, by measuring the consequences of pollination failure on plants’ community richness and abundance. EMF exposure exerted strong physiological stress on honeybees as shown by the enhanced expression of heat-shock proteins and genes involved in antioxidant activity and affected the expression levels of behavior-related genes. Moreover, California poppy individuals growing near EMF received fewer honeybee visits and produced fewer seeds than plants growing far from EMF. Last, we found a hump-shaped relationship between EMF and plant species richness and plant abundance. Our study provides conclusive evidence of detrimental impacts of EMF on honeybee’s pollination behavior, leading to negative effects on plant community.
Genetic mapping reveals
Pou2af2/
OCA-T1–dependent tuning of tuft cell differentiation and intestinal type 2 immunity
Authors: Nadjsombati Marija S. , Niepoth Natalie , Webeck Lily M. , Kennedy Elizabeth A. , Jones Danielle L. , Billipp Tyler E. , Baldridge Megan T. , Bendesky Andres , von Moltke Jakob
Published: May 2023

Chemosensory epithelial tuft cells contribute to innate immunity at barrier surfaces, but their differentiation from epithelial progenitors is not well understood. Here, we exploited differences between inbred mouse strains to identify an epithelium-intrinsic mechanism that regulates tuft cell differentiation and tunes innate type 2 immunity in the small intestine. Balb/cJ (Balb) mice had fewer intestinal tuft cells than C57BL/6J (B6) mice and failed to respond to the tuft cell ligand succinate. Most of this differential succinate response was determined by the 50- to 67-Mb interval of chromosome 9 (Chr9), such that congenic Balb mice carrying the B6 Chr9 interval had elevated baseline numbers of tuft cells and responded to succinate. The Chr9 locus includes
Pou2af2
, which encodes the protein OCA-T1, a transcriptional cofactor essential for tuft cell development. Epithelial crypts expressed a previously unannotated short isoform of
Pou2af2
predicted to use a distinct transcriptional start site and encode a nonfunctional protein. Low tuft cell numbers and the resulting lack of succinate response in Balb mice were explained by a preferential expression of the short isoform and could be rescued by expression of full-length
Pou2af2
. Physiologically,
Pou2af2
isoform usage tuned innate type 2 immunity in the small intestine. Balb mice maintained responsiveness to helminth pathogens while ignoring commensal
Tritrichomonas
protists and reducing norovirus burdens.
Decolonisation initiatives at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium: ready for change?
Authors: Affun-Adegbulu Clara , Cosaert Theo , Meudec Marie , Michielsen Joris , Van de Pas Remco , Van Belle Sara , Put Willem Van De , Soors Werner , Robertson Fiona , Ddungu Charles
Published: May 2023

In a global context, the pernicious effects of colonialism and coloniality are increasingly being recognised in many sectors. As a result, calls to reverse colonial aphasia and amnesia, and decolonise, are getting stronger. This raises a number of questions, particularly for entities that acted as agents of (previous) colonising countries and worked to further the progress of the colonial project: What does decolonisation mean for such historically colonial entities? How can they confront their (forgotten) arsonist past while addressing their current role in maintaining coloniality, at home and abroad? Given the embeddedness of many such entities in current global (power) structures of coloniality, do these entities really want change, and if so, how can such entities redefine their future to ensure that they are and remain ‘decolonised’? We attempt to answer these questions, by reflecting on our efforts to think through and start the process of decolonisation at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium. The overarching aim is to contribute to closing the gap in the literature when it comes to documenting practical efforts at decolonisation, particularly in contexts similar to ITM and to share our experience and engage with others who are undertaking or planning to undertake similar initiatives.
Incidence of colonic fistulas in patients with colon cancer submitted to robotic surgery versus laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Villarim Pedro Vilar Oliveira , Marinho Vitória Ribeiro Dantas , Abreu Clarissa Amaral , Moura Anaís Concepción Marinho Andrade , Silva Thais Cristina Loyola , Alves Higor Paiva Mendonça , Rêgo Amália Cínthia Meneses , Medeiros Kleyton Santos , Araújo-Filho Irami
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Up to the present time, the laparoscopic approach for colon cancer is considered the gold standard. However, robotic surgery has been appraised in modern medicine. It is essential to evaluate the differences between laparoscopic and robotic surgery, owing to the significant impact they cause in postoperative morbidity and mortality. This article aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to compare robotic versus laparoscopic colectomies in patients with colon cancer in terms of the incidence of colonic fistulas.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, LILACS and Clinical trials databases will be searched for randomised clinical trials investigating the incidence of colonic fistulas in patients with colonic cancer, submitted to robotic surgery compared with a laparoscopic approach. No language or publication period restrictions will be imposed. The primary outcome will be the incidence of colonic fistulas in patients with colon cancer in different surgical approaches. The secondary outcomes will be the incidence of infection, sepsis, mortality, length of hospitalisation and malnutrition. Three independent reviewers will select the studies and extract data from the original publications. The risk of bias will be assessed using The Risk of Bias 2 tool, and the evidence’s certainty will be made using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Data synthesis will be performed using the Review Manager software (RevMan V.5.2.3). To assess heterogeneity. We will compute the I2statistics. In addition, a quantitative synthesis will be performed if the included studies are sufficiently homogeneous.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will review the published data; thus, it is not necessary to obtain ethical approval. The findings of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021295313.
Assessing the efficacy of a job rotation for improving occupational physical and psychosocial work environment, musculoskeletal health, social equality, production quality and resilience at a commercial laundromat: protocol for a longitudinal case study
Authors: Jackson Jennie A. , Sund Marianne , Barlari Lobos Griztko , Melin Lars , Mathiassen Svend Erik
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Job rotation is a work organisation strategy used to reduce work-related exposures and musculoskeletal complaints, yet evidence for the efficacy of the approach is weak. Mismatch between job rotation and company needs, lack of full implementation, lack of exposure variation in included tasks and failure to assess variation may underlie inconclusive research findings to date. The study aims to develop a job rotation with company stakeholders, perform a process evaluation of the implementation, and determine the extent to which the intervention improves the physical and psychosocial work environment, indicators of health, gender and social equality among workers and production quality and resilience.

Methods and analysis

Approximately 60 production workers at a Swedish commercial laundromat will be recruited. Physical and psychosocial work environment conditions, health, productivity and gender and social equality will be assessed pre and post intervention, using surveys, accelerometers, heart rate, electromyography and focus groups. A task-based exposure matrix will be constructed, and exposure variation estimated at the level of the individual worker pre and post intervention. An implementation process evaluation will be conducted. Job rotation efficacy will be assessed in terms of improvement in work environment conditions, health, gender and social inequality, and production quality and resilience. This study will provide novel information on the effects of the job rotation on physical and psychosocial work environment conditions, production quality and rate, health and gender and social inequality among blue-collar workers in a highly multicultural workplace.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (reference number 2019-00228). The results of the project will be shared directly with the employees, managers and union representatives from the participating company, other relevant labour market stakeholders and with researchers at national and international conferences and via scientific publication.

Trial registration number

The study is preregistered with the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/zmdc8/).
Cross-sectional health centre and community-based evaluation of the impact of pneumococcal and malaria vaccination on antibiotic prescription and usage, febrile illness and antimicrobial resistance in young children in Malawi: the IVAR study protocol
Authors: Singleton David , Ibarz-Pavon Ana , Swarthout Todd D , Bonomali Farouck , Cornick Jennifer , Kalizang’oma Akuzike , Ntiza Noah , Brown Comfort , Chipatala Raphael , Nyangulu Wongani , Chirombo James , Kawalazira Gift , Chibowa Henry , Mwansambo Charles , Maleta Kenneth Mphatso , French Neil , Heyderman Robert S
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Vaccination is a potentially critical component of efforts to arrest development and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), though little is known about vaccination impact within low-income and middle-income countries. This study will evaluate the impact of vaccination on reducing carriage prevalence of resistantStreptococcus pneumoniaeand extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producingEscherichia coliandKlebsiellaspecies. We will leverage two large ongoing cluster-randomised vaccine evaluations in Malawi assessing; first, adding a booster dose to the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) schedule, and second, introduction of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine.

Methods and analysis

Six cross-sectional surveys will be implemented within primary healthcare centres (n=3000 users of outpatient facilities per survey) and their local communities (n=700 healthy children per survey): three surveys in Blantyre district (PCV13 component) and three surveys in Mangochi district (RTS,S/AS01 component). We will evaluate antibiotic prescription practices and AMR carriage in children ≤3 years. For the PCV13 component, surveys will be conducted 9, 18 and 33 months following a 3+0 to 2+1 schedule change. For the RTS,S/AS01 component, surveys will be conducted 32, 44 and 56 months post-RTS,S/AS01 introduction. Six health centres in each study component will be randomly selected for study inclusion. Between intervention arms, the primary outcome will be the difference in penicillin non-susceptibility prevalence amongS. pneumoniaenasopharyngeal carriage isolates in healthy children. The study is powered to detect an absolute change of 13 percentage points (ie, 35% vs 22% penicillin non-susceptibility).

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Ref: P01-21-3249), University College London (Ref: 18331/002) and University of Liverpool (Ref: 9908) Research Ethics Committees. Parental/caregiver verbal or written informed consent will be obtained prior to inclusion or recruitment in the health centre-based and community-based activities, respectively. Results will be disseminated via the Malawi Ministry of Health, WHO, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
First-line immunosuppression in neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Foster Michael A , Lunn Michael PT , Carr Aisling S
Published: May 2023

Autoimmune neuromuscular diseases are common and often treatable causes for peripheral nervous system dysfunction. If not optimally managed, they result in meaningful impairments and disability. The treating neurologist should aim to maximise clinical recovery with minimal iatrogenic risk. This requires careful patient and medication selection, appropriate counselling and close monitoring of clinical efficacy and safety. Here, we summarise our consensus departmental approach to first-line immunosuppression in neuromuscular diseases. We combine multispecialty evidence and expertise with a focus on autoimmune neuromuscular diseases to create guidance on starting, dosing and monitoring for toxic effects of the commonly used drugs. These include corticosteroids, steroid-sparing agents and cyclophosphamide. We also provide efficacy monitoring advice, as clinical response informs dosage and drug choice. The principles of this approach could be applied across much of the spectrum of immune-mediated neurological disorders where there is significant therapeutic crossover.
Rate of occurrence of respiratory complications in patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty with a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block and associated risk factors
Authors: Xu Lei , Gessner Daniel , Kou Alex , Kasimova Ksenia , Memtsoudis Stavros G , Mariano Edward R
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Continuous interscalene nerve block techniques are an effective form of targeted non-opioid postoperative analgesia for shoulder arthroplasty patients. One of the limiting risks, however, is potential phrenic nerve blockade with resulting hemidiaphragmatic paresis and respiratory compromise. While studies have focused on block-related technical aspects to limit the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy, little is known about other factors associated with increased risk of clinical respiratory complications in this population.

Methods

A single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic health records from adult patients who underwent elective shoulder arthroplasty with continuous interscalene brachial plexus blocks (CISB). Data collected included patient, nerve block, and surgery characteristics. Respiratory complications were categorized into four groups (none, mild, moderate, and severe). Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted.

Results

Among 1025 adult shoulder arthroplasty cases, 351 (34%) experienced any respiratory complication. These 351 were subdivided into 279 (27%) mild, 61 (6%) moderate, and 11 (1%) severe respiratory complications. In an adjusted analysis, patient-related factors were associated with an increased likelihood of respiratory complication: ASA Physical Status III (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.36); asthma (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.37); congestive heart failure (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.33); body mass index (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09); age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.04); and preoperative oxygen saturation (SpO2). For every 1% decrease in preoperative SpO2, there was an associated 32% higher likelihood of a respiratory complication (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.46, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Patient-related factors that can be measured preoperatively are associated with increased likelihood of respiratory complications after elective shoulder arthroplasty with CISB.
A porcine study of ultrasound-guided versus fluoroscopy-guided placement of endovascular balloons in the inferior vena cava (REBOVC) and the aorta (REBOA)
Authors: Wikström Maria B , Åström Jens , Stene Hurtsén Anna , Hörer Tal M , Nilsson Kristofer F
Published: May 2023

Objectives

In fluoroscopy-free settings, alternative safe and quick methods for placing resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the inferior vena cava (REBOVC) are needed. Ultrasound is being increasingly used to guide the placement of REBOA in the absence of fluoroscopy. Our hypothesis was that ultrasound could be used to adequately visualize the suprahepatic vena cava and guide REBOVC positioning, without significant time-delay, when compared with fluoroscopic guidance, and compared with the corresponding REBOA placement.

Methods

Nine anesthetized pigs were used to compare ultrasound-guided placement of supraceliac REBOA and suprahepatic REBOVC with corresponding fluoroscopic guidance, in terms of correct placement and speed. Accuracy was controlled by fluoroscopy. Four intervention groups: (1) fluoroscopy REBOA, (2) fluoroscopy REBOVC, (3) ultrasound REBOA and (4) ultrasound REBOVC. The aim was to carry out the four interventions in all animals. Randomization was performed to either fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance being used first. The time required to position the balloons in the supraceliac aorta or in the suprahepatic inferior vena cava was recorded and compared between the four intervention groups.

Results

Ultrasound-guided REBOA and REBOVC placement was completed in eight animals, respectively. All eight had correctly positioned REBOA and REBOVC on fluoroscopic verification. Fluoroscopy-guided REBOA placement was slightly faster (median 14 s, IQR 13–17 s) than ultrasound-guided REBOA (median 22 s, IQR 21–25 s, p=0.024). The corresponding comparisons of the REBOVC groups were not statistically significant, with fluoroscopy-guided REBOVC taking 19 s, median (IQR 11–22 s) and ultrasound-guided REBOVC taking 28 s, median (IQR 20–34 s, p=0.19).

Conclusion

Ultrasound adequately and quickly guide the placement of supraceliac REBOA and suprahepatic REBOVC in a porcine laboratory model, however, safety issues must be considered before use in trauma patients.

Level of evidence

Prospective, experimental, animal study. Basic science study.
Measuring neutron capture cross sections of radioactive nuclei
Authors: Dillmann Iris , Kester Oliver , Baartman Richard , Chen Alan , Junginger Tobias , Herwig Falk , Kaltchev Dobrin , Lennarz Annika , Planche Thomas , Ruiz Chris , Vassh Nicole
Published: May 2023

Measuring neutron capture cross sections of radioactive nuclei is a crucial step towards a better understanding of the origin of the elements heavier than iron. For decades, the precise measurement of direct neutron capture cross sections in the “stellar” energy range (eV up to a few MeV) was limited to stable and longer-lived nuclei that could be provided as physical samples and then irradiated with neutrons. New experimental methods are now being developed to extend these direct measurements towards shorter-lived radioactive nuclei ($$t_{1/2}<$$

t

1
/
2

<

1 y). One project in this direction is a low-energy heavy-ion storage ring coupled to the ISAC facility at TRIUMF, Canada’s accelerator laboratory in Vancouver BC, which has a compact neutron source in the ring matrix. Such a pioneering facility could be built within the next 10 years and store a wide range of radioactive ions provided directly from the existing ISOL facility, allowing for the first time to carry out direct neutron capture measurements on short-lived isotopes in inverse kinematics.
Updated and novel limits on double beta decay and dark matter-induced processes in platinum
Authors: Broerman B. , Laubenstein M. , Nagorny S. S. , Nisi S. , Song N. , Vincent A. C.
Published: May 2023

A 510 day long-term measurement of a 45.3 g platinum foil acting as the sample and high voltage contact in an ultra-low-background high purity germanium detector was performed at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (Italy). The data was used for a detailed study of double beta decay modes in natural platinum isotopes. Limits are set in the range $${\mathcal {O}}(10^{14}{-} 10^{19})$$

O
(

10
14

-

10
19

)

 years (90% C.L.) for several double beta decay transitions to excited states confirming, and partially extending existing limits. The highest sensitivity of the measurement, greater than $$10^{19}$$

10
19

 years, was achieved for the two neutrino and neutrinoless double beta decay modes of the isotope $$^{198}$$

198

Pt. Additionally, novel limits for inelastic dark matter scattering on $$^{195}$$

195

Pt are placed up to mass splittings of approximately 500 keV. We analyze several techniques to extend the sensitivity and propose a few approaches for future medium-scale experiments with platinum-group elements.
Regularizing the JNW and JMN naked singularities
Authors: Pal Kunal , Pal Kuntal , Roy Pratim , Sarkar Tapobrata
Published: May 2023

We extend the method of Simpson and Visser (SV) of regularizing a black hole spacetime, to cases where the initial metric represents a globally naked singularity. We choose two particular geometries, the Janis–Newman–Winicour (JNW) metric representing the solution of an Einstein-scalar field system, and the Joshi–Malafarina–Narayan (JMN) metric that represents the asymptotic equilibrium configuration of a collapsing star supported by tangential pressures as the starting configuration. We illustrate several novel features for the modified versions of the JNW and JMN spacetimes. In particular, we show that, depending on the values of the parameters involved the modified JNW metric may represents either a two way traversable wormhole or it may retain the original naked singularity. On the other hand, the SV modified JMN geometry is always a wormhole. Particle motion and observational aspects of these new geometries are investigated and are shown to posses interesting features. We also study the quasinormal modes of different branches of the regularized spacetime and explore their stability properties.
Tri-vector deformations on compact isometries
Authors: Musaev Edvard T. , Petrov Timophey
Published: May 2023

Classical Yang–Baxter equation governing bi-vector deformations of 10d supergravity is known to have no solutions along non-abelian compact isometries. By providing explicit examples we show that this is in contrast to generalized Yang–Baxter equation governing tri-vector deformations of 11d supergravity. We present deformations of the AdS$${}_7\times \mathbb {S}^4$$

7

×

S

4

and flat backgrounds with isometries generated by Killing vectors of a sphere. Isometries of the AdS space-time are preserved by such deformations.
Entanglement dynamics and population inversion of a two-qubit system in two cavities coupled with optical fiber in the presence of two-photon transition
Authors: Musavi S. A. S. , Tavassoly M. K. , Salimian S.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the entanglement between two qubits that exist in two distinct cavities which are connected by an optical fiber is investigated by using the concurrence, while two-photon transitions and Kerr medium effect are also considered. Each cavity contains a qubit and a single-mode quantized field. The appearance of entanglement between the two qubits in the separate cavities originates from the presence of optical fiber. The obtained numerical results of the considered system show that, if the Kerr medium is large enough, the initial values of entanglement between the two qubits (which may have the maximum possible value, i.e. 1) can be approximately protected from the large amplitude fluctuations, so that acceptable stability is created. Also, qubit-field coupling and detuning effects are investigated and it is observed that symmetric coupling results in more stability of entanglement. Eventually, atomic population inversion is also studied and it is observed that it is controllable by considering different parameters.
Review and tectonic interpretation of Precambrian Avalonia
Authors: Keppie John Duncan , Keppie Duncan Fraser
Published: May 2023

Avalonia, defined by its distinctive uppermost Ediacaran–Ordovician overstep sequence, extends from New England through Atlantic Canada to Wales. It unconformably overlies: (1) parts of one cratonic Neoproterozoic arc that which records several pulses at: 760–730 Ma, 680–600 Ma and 580–540 Ma; (2) an 800–760 Ma passive margin sequence; and (3)
c.
976 Ma isolated plutons, possibly basement. Comparisons with modern arc dimensions suggest the dip of the Benioff Zone ranged from
c.
22° W in Newfoundland to
c.
52–67° elsewhere. A 600–580 Ma hiatus in arc magmatism in Cape Breton Island is attributed to overriding an oceanic plateau, leading to a 15° decrease in the dip of the Benioff Zone. The Collector magnetic anomaly along the Grand Banks and the Minas Fault is inferred to mark the Neoproterozoic southern margin of the Avalon Plate consisting of leaky transform faults and trench segments characterized by magnetite serpentinite mantle wedge beneath forearcs. The Minas Fault/Collector Anomaly connects similar arc units in Cape Breton Island and southern New Brunswick, suggesting that they were already offset by the Minas transform fault in the late Neoproterozoic. Similar tectonic, palaeomagnetic and isotopic data in the Timan Orogen of Baltica suggest that Avalonia may correlate with the Kipchak arc.