bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation and eating disorders, any efficacy?
Authors: Morais J. , Esteves P. , Fonseca S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Eating Disorders (ED) tend to evolve chronically, with resistance to different therapeutic strategies. Chronicity is associated with high mortality rates, so it is necessary to study new therapeutic strategies. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, safe treatment method, whose application has been studied in several pathologies.

Objectives

Determine the therapeutic potential of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the treatment of Eating Disorders.

Methods

Bibliographic review of the literature published in English in the last 10 years, in the databases Pubmed, PsycINFO and Cochrane. The keywords used were: TMS, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder. A review of the titles and abstracts of the resulting articles was made, and selected according to their relevance to the study.

Results

Eighteen articles related to the treatment of ED with TMS were selected, either as primary or secondary outcome, of which six were review articles, ten were randomized controlled trials (RCT), one article was an oral communication and another article was a case report. Three RCTs showed improvement in bulimia nervosa, specifically in symptoms of “food craving”. Four RCT and one case report showed improvement in the symptoms of anorexia nervosa, one RCT showed no improvement in anorexia nervosa.

Conclusions

TMS appears to have some therapeutic potential for the treatment of ED, particularly in reducing food craving, despite some contradictory results. This work reinforces the need for more robust studies to evaluate the effectiveness of TMS, preferably randomized, with a longer follow-up and a cost-benefit analysis.
Preliminary findings of a longitudinal follow-up study of the paediatric population and their families during and after the coronavirus pandemic and the confinement
Authors: Gindt M. , Fernandez A. , Battista M. , Richez A. , Nachon O. , Askenazy F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Pandemic are known to generate traumatic events, such as job losses or violence [1]. Several studies have shown that epidemics and related health measures (quarantine, confinement) lead to an increase of acute stress disorders (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), anxiety and depression in the adult population [2]. In the pediatric population, few studies have been carried out on the psychiatric outcomes during and after epidemics and associated measures [3].

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore ASD symptoms during stay-at-home and Covid 19 pandemic and its impact on children and adolescent mental health.

Methods

Sixty participants (53% girls and 47% boys; mean age= 9 years 5 months) were included in this longitudinal study [4]. The measures consist in an emergency semi-directed interview designed to assess symptoms of ASD according to the age of children.

Results

Patients’ age modulated psychiatric outcomes. Children under the age of six shown more developmental regressions and more restlessness than older ones. Children from 6 to 12 years were characterized by more oppositional behaviors than adolescents. Finally, adolescents were characterized by more social isolation than younger ones. Other symptoms appear to be more stable across ages: sleep disturbance, fear behavior and somatization.

Conclusions

Young children experienced more externalized symptoms (opposition and agitation) and developmental regressions than older children [5]. Thus, it appears necessary during pandemic to take into account the psychiatric consequences of confinement to reduce psychosocial long-term outcomes in particular in younger patients who appeared to develop specific and age-related psychiatric disorders.
Access to E.D. for mental disorders during the first pandemic wave of 2019 coronavirus epidemic (CoViD-19): Presentation and severity at a lombardy ED
Authors: Savioli G. , Pesenti S. , Ceresa I. , Oddone E. , Bressan M.A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The 2019 coronavirus epidemic (CoViD-19) in Italy originated in Lombardy, on February 21, 2020. The Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia has been involved in the management of the outbreak since its beginning. ED’ psychiatric population is considered fragile, at risk of under triage.

Objectives

We evaluated all the population who went to the ED for mental disorder to assess the severity of cases evaluated as exit code and rate of hospitalization.

Methods

We evaluated all patients accessing our ED for mental disorder from February 22 to May 1, 2020 and during the same period of the previous year.

Results

We enrolled 345 patients. There was a severe reduction in the total number of accesses for mental disorder: 142 in the CoViD period and 203 in 2019. The vital parameters, age (mean about 40 years) and sex were overlapping without statistically significant differences. The priority codes for the medical examination were not different. CoViD pandemic patients have higher discharge severity codes (yellow and red) more frequently than in the reference period (9.9% vs 5.9%) and more frequently need hospitalization (25.3% vs 18.6%).

Conclusions

The epidemic has led to a reduction of accesses for mental disorder. Patients had more frequent hospitalization needs and more severe exit codes. the data may be due to the fact that during the pandemic only the most serious patients access the E.D., but also to the fact that a pandemic has contributed to destabilizing this class of fragile patients.
• Impact of relative mental illness on caregivers
Authors: Kazakova O. , Thomas F. , Zrazikova V.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Belarus is undergoing legislative shifts towards community-based mental health care. Responding effectively to support this process requires an understanding of the experiences and challenges facing families caring for a relative affected by mental illness.

Objectives

To identify how caring for a person with severe mental illness impacts on family carers, and what carers identify as their support needs.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 17 caregivers of people affected by severe mental illness (diagnosis of F06.8, F20, F25, F7, and/or F 84) in Belarus between March - June 2019.

Results

Care-giving for a family member was usually undertaken on a full time basis with no option for respite. Whilst caring did, in cases, strengthen family solidarity, it also resulted in intensive stress and burnout, financial pressures, and high levels of family tension, exacerbated when the person living with mental illness was perceived as a potential safety risk. High levels of societal stigma meant that care-givers commonly felt unable to discuss their circumstances, travel in public spaces, or participate in community activities. Stigma also deterred carers from seeking professional support. Priorities for support amongst carers included better information, public awareness raising and sensitization, advocacy to support patient integration into social and economic life, peer support and respite for family carers, and an increase in mental health specialists.

Conclusions

Caregiving affected family carers on multiple levels with predominantly negative consequences. Priorities identified by carers need to be considered and acted upon if community-based care is to become an effective option.
Cross-ancestry Genome-wide Association Studies of Sex Hormone Concentrations in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Haas Cameron B , Hsu Li , Lampe Johanna W , Wernli Karen J , Lindström Sara
Published: February 2022

Objective

Concentrations of circulating sex hormones have been associated with a variety of diseases in women and are strongly influenced by menopausal status. We investigated the genetic architectures of circulating concentrations of estradiol, testosterone, and SHBG by menopausal status in women of European and African ancestry.

Methods

Using data on 229 966 women from the UK Biobank, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of circulating concentrations of estradiol, testosterone, and SHBG in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. We tested for evidence of heterogeneity of genetic effects by menopausal status and genetic ancestry. We conducted gene-based enrichment analyses to identify tissues in which genes with GWAS-enriched signals were expressed.

Results

We identified 4 loci (5q35.2, 12q14.3, 19q13.42, 20p12.3) that were associated with detectable concentrations of estradiol in both pre- and postmenopausal women of European ancestry. Heterogeneity analysis identified 1 locus for testosterone (7q22.1) in the CYP3A7 gene and 1 locus that was strongly associated with concentrations of SHBG in premenopausal women only (10q15.1) near the AKR1C4 gene. Gene-based analysis of testosterone revealed evidence of enrichment of GWAS signals in genes expressed in adipose tissue for postmenopausal women. We did not find any evidence of ancestry-specific genetic effects for concentrations of estradiol, testosterone, or SHBG.

Conclusions

We identified specific loci that showed genome-wide significant evidence of heterogeneity by menopausal status for testosterone and SHBG. We also observed support for a more prominent role of genetic variants located near genes expressed in adipose tissue in determining testosterone concentrations among postmenopausal women.
Donor-π-Acceptor Type Porphyrin-Fullerene Dyad with Acetylene Bridge for p-Type Dye-sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Guo Qi , Higashino Tomohiro , Kato Kosaku , Yamakata Akira , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Donor-π-acceptor type porphyrin-fullerene dyads with an acetylene bridge were designed and synthesized. The dyad was found to produce a charge-separated state with a lifetime of 0.42 µs and a quantum yield of 0.78 in benzonitrile. The p-type dye-sensitized solar cells with the dyad exhibited higher photovoltaic performance than that with the porphyrin reference without the fullerene moiety.
Resistance Training to Failure: A Science-to-Practice Guide for the Fitness Professional
Authors: Mang Zachary , Rasinski Katarina , Kravitz Len
Published: February 2022

Apply It!

• In the case of both low- and high-intensity resistance training (RT), fitness professionals should teach their clients to lift near failure without achieving complete momentary muscular failure (MMF), as indicated by a ratings of perceived exertion value of 8 to 9 or repetitions in reserve value of 1 to 2.

• MMF and volitional interruption (VI) elicit comparable improvements in strength and hypertrophy at high intensities (75% to 85% 1RM), so both may be integrated into a single training session (i.e., 4 sets of bench press, first three performed to VI, final set to MMF).

• Program failure training to align with your client's goals — performing RT sets to failure — may be more effective for hypertrophy, whereas nonfailure sets may be more beneficial for power.
Federalismo fiscal na pandemia da Covid-19: Do federalismo cooperativo ao bolsonarista
Authors: Simoni Junior Sergio , Lazzari Eduardo , Fimiani Heloísa
Published: February 2022

A dimensão do federalismo fiscal é central na eficácia da resposta estatal aos desafios trazidos pela Covid-19. Analisamos a atuação da União no auxílio financeiro a entes subnacionais por meio de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, e argumentamos que o governo Bolsonaro emprega uma estratégia de coordenação conflitiva e negativa, prejudicando o funcionamento do federalismo cooperativo, padrão que caracterizara o Brasil desde 1988. A omissão do Executivo fez com que a clivagem regional fosse predominante, e acabou levando a resultados subótimos mesmo para as preferências dos atores situados no governo federal. Assim, o artigo chama atenção para a importância das escolhas e estratégias do Executivo federal, para além do arranjo institucional, no funcionamento do federalismo cooperativo.
Safe operation of power supply systems
Authors: Masleeva Ol'ga , Pachurin German , Sevost'yanov Aleksandr , Fitasov Anatoliy
Published: February 2022

The main purpose of the textbook is to identify dangerous and harmful production factors during the operation of electrical equipment of the main step-down substations and transformer substations. Specific measures are proposed to reduce their negative impact on service personnel.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For bachelors and masters of full-time and part-time education in the areas of training 13.03.02 and 13.04.02 "Electric power and electrical engineering". It can be used by teachers, engineers and specialists in the operation of industrial equipment and the safe organization of work in production, as well as by a wide range of readers interested in the problems of human life safety.
Materials Science: Design, architecture
Authors: Volodina Elena
Published: February 2022

The second volume of the textbook contains information about finishing materials, products and engineering systems in relation to the interior design of a modern building. Special attention is paid to the actual finishing materials, as well as their ecological and aesthetic characteristics, which are important for creating an expressive subject-spatial environment.
The well-thought-out structure of the book allows you to successfully master the discipline in different formats of vocational education: secondary vocational, bachelor's, master's, professional retraining. The volume of the studied material is determined by the teacher in accordance with the work program.
The content meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students in the areas of training "Design", "Environment Design", "Architectural environment Design", "Architecture", "Architectural design". It will also be useful as a reference for practicing designers, architects, restorers, builders, teachers of materials science and a wide range of people interested in this field of knowledge.
Technical mechanics
Authors: Luk'yanov Anatoliy
Published: February 2022

The textbook outlines the theoretical foundations and methods of calculations for the strength, rigidity and stability of structural elements of railway transport. Concepts, definitions and background information are given to the extent necessary to prepare students for work on course assignments. Along with the classical methods of strength assessment, the basic concepts of fracture mechanics are given. It is characterized by a thorough presentation of theoretical material and a detailed solution of examples.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for full-time and part-time students receiving education in specialties related to railway transport.
Taxes and taxation: a workshop
Authors: Sidorova Elena , Boboshko Diana
Published: February 2022

The textbook implements a practice-oriented approach to the education process. In addition to the tests, tasks of various levels of complexity are presented, including complex tasks for several taxes.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for master's degree students studying in the enlarged group of specialties 38.00.00 "Economics and Management".
Islamic Finance in the CIS countries: Past and Future
Authors: Nagimova Al'mira
Published: February 2022

In the monograph, the author, relying on a wide range of sources, examines the past and future of Islamic finance. It is shown that Islamic finance is not something new for the world: the history of its development begins with the very birth of Islam and dates back more than 1400 years. It is considered in what forms Islamic finance was presented in the past. Of particular interest are the historical parallels that are drawn between the beginning of the XX century and the XXI century. In addition, it explains what will determine the future of Islamic finance and in what formats they will be presented in the near future.
It is addressed to everyone who is interested in the past, present and future of Islamic finance.
Ideological involution: causes, consequences and prospects
Authors: Lagunov Aleksey
Published: February 2022

The monograph is intended to identify the main causes and characterize the consequences of the return of modern public consciousness to a pagan worldview, as well as to outline the most general prospects for the further ideological development of Euro-Atlantic civilization. The author's interpretations of the concepts of "faith", "religion", "ideology", "worldview" are presented; a scheme of intermittent development of the worldview concepts of European humanity is given, which differs from the generally accepted one, characterizing the processes of this development as continuous. The point of view is substantiated, according to which the natural evolution of the European worldview from polytheism to pantheism was interrupted by the emergence of Christian theism, after which there was an involution from theism through deism to atheism, which meant the return of reason to pantheistic ideas. It is argued that the rehabilitation of the claims of the limited human mind to self-sufficiency, carried out since the Renaissance (and even earlier), which led to the secularization processes, led to the oblivion of overt traditional religions and values associated with them, and this threatens the very foundations of public life.
For a wide range of readers interested in religion as a form of worldview. It can be useful for students, postgraduates and teachers of philosophy faculties of universities.
Femoral hernia
Authors: Belokonev Vladimir , Pushkin Sergey , Zaharov Valeriy , Kovaleva Zinaida , Zharov Andrey , Burnaeva Nataliya
Published: February 2022

The monograph is devoted to the pathogenesis, clinic and treatment of patients with femoral hernia. The anatomy of the formed femoral canal, hernia location options, classifications, clinic and diagnosis of uncomplicated and complicated femoral hernia are described. Data on the possibility of instrumental methods (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, as well as laser spectroscopy) for assessing the state of the periosteum of the pubic bone are presented. A historical review of operations in patients with femoral hernia is given. A method for the treatment of uncomplicated femoral hernia with a description of a new variant of femoral canal plastic surgery in the destruction of the periosteum of the pubic bone is proposed. The tactics and technique of operations in patients with a strangulated hernia with a simple and complicated course are described. The results of treatment are presented depending on the methods used and options for completing operations.
Designed for surgeons, students, residents, postgraduates and researchers engaged in the study of problems of experimental and clinical herniology.
Legal regulation of financial control. Types, forms and methods of financial control and supervision
Authors: Gracheva Elena , Boltinova Ol'ga
Published: February 2022

The textbook prepared by the teachers of the Department of Financial Law of the Kutafin Moscow State Law University highlights the concept, types, forms and methods of financial control, its regulatory legal regulation. The problems related to the legal regulation of certain types of financial control are investigated. Such types of financial control as budget control, tax control, banking supervision, currency control are disclosed. The chapters contain questions for self-control, recommended literature.
For students of the magistracy of legal and non-legal universities studying the legal regulation of financial control.
Vibrations of solids, liquids and gases taking into account local disequilibrium
Authors: Kudinov Igor' , Eremin Anton , Trubicyn Konstantin , Zhukov Vitaliy , Tkachev Vasiliy
Published: February 2022

The monograph presents the results of the development and research of new mathematical models of the processes of vibrations of solids, liquids and gases, taking into account local disequilibrium. To derive differential equations, the Navier—Stokes equations, Newton's second law and modified formulas of the classical empirical laws of Fourier, Hooke, Newton are used, which take into account the velocities and accelerations of the driving forces (gradients of the corresponding quantities) and their consequences (heat flow, normal and tangential stresses). The conditions for the occurrence of shock waves of stresses and displacements in dynamic thermoelasticity problems formulated taking into account relaxation phenomena in thermal and thermoelastic problems are investigated, new results are obtained in the study of longitudinal and transverse vibrations of rods, strings, liquids and gases, and the conditions for the excitation of gas self-oscillations arising from a time-constant heat source are determined.
It is intended for scientific and technical workers specializing in mathematics, thermophysics, thermoelasticity, as well as teachers and students of technical universities.
Legal conflictology: theory and methodology of research
Authors: Marchenko Mihail , Kuksin Ivan , Deryabina Elena , Pirogova Elena , Soshnikova Tamara , Kornev Viktor , Frolova Elizaveta , Habibulin Alik , Zaslavskaya Nadezhda , Kremnev Petr , Kurennoy Aleksandr
Published: February 2022

The textbook examines a wide range of theoretically and practically significant issues related to legal conflictology as a kind of social conflictology. Considerable attention is paid to the concept, the main features and features of this direction in science, as well as the methodology of the study of legal conflictology and individual legal conflicts. On the basis of various criteria, certain types of legal conflicts are identified and considered, their classification is carried out, a system of measures aimed at preventing legal conflicts and their resolution is analyzed.
For students and teachers of law schools.
Law-making in the XXI century: the evolution of doctrine and practice (to the 90th anniversary of the birth of A.S.Pigolkin)
Authors: Lazarev V.
Published: February 2022

The collection was prepared based on the materials of the All-Russian Annual Meeting of Legal Theorists dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Russian legal scholar Albert Semenovich Pigolkin. The authors study the scientific heritage of A.S. Pigolkin, many of whose works are devoted to the issues of law-making and remain relevant, and also consider the problems of law-making, which is currently acquiring new features.
The first section presents the memories of colleagues and students about the personality of the scientist, the role of his developments for modern legal science and practice is outlined. The importance of methodological foundations for measuring the effectiveness of certain types of law enforcement activities, the doctrine of the division of the law-making process into stages, approaches to systematization and codification of legislation, interpretation of legal norms is emphasized.
In other sections, separate facets of this heritage are considered, including in the light of modern challenges, the general philosophical, socio-political and legal vision of the Russian legal system, as well as the development of digitalization processes. Inspired by the scientific ideas of Albert Semenovich, the authors explore contractual and judicial rulemaking, legal techniques and experimental legal regimes, pay attention to new trends in the use of the language of law, pose questions and give answers to many other problems of legal regulation.
The publication is aimed at the transfer of unique scientific experience, the development of the methodology of legal research, the formation of scientific approaches to improving the process
of preparation and adoption of regulatory legal acts, increasing the effectiveness of their action.
For legal scholars and practitioners, teachers, students and postgraduates
of law universities and faculties, experts in the field of law-making.
Travels to holy places and soul-useful stories
Authors: Isaev Roman
Published: February 2022

This book was written on the basis of the author's travels to the holy places of Central Russia, studying the biographies and instructions of great Saints and elders. The purpose of the book is not only to share interesting and useful stories and arguments. The main thing is to motivate independent visits to holy places, the discovery of new knowledge and development.
The book contains a lot of interesting historical and geographical information. And for readers who are just looking for new travel routes, it will become a good and reliable navigator (guidebook) for many years! The book is also a color photo album, which contains more than 70 author's photographs from holy places, about which stories are being told. Many of them are unique frames that are rarely seen in everyday life.
Perspektywy rozwoju kultu bł. Michała Giedroycia na Litwie
Authors: Jurevicius Algirdas
Published: February 2022

PERSPECTIVES OF VENERATION OF BL. MICHAEL GIEDROYC IN LITHUANIA The article is a kind of testimony provided by a Lithuanian bishop, experienced in promoting veneration of saints in Lithuania, author of a book about bl. Bishop Teophilus Matulionis. He noticed that veneration of bl. Michael was present to a varied degree in Lithuania, yet after the beatification it has significantly increased. Most interesting is rediscovering characteristic attributes of bl. Michael’s spirituality and applying them nowadays. The author mentions three aspects of holiness displayed in the said native of the Lithuanian Church: liturgy, cross, and service. These three virtues, so visible in the life of a medieval Christian and expressed by Michael Giedroyc, seem to be relevant to disciples of Christ in any time. For all their universality, they are quite underrepresented, as the author demonstrates in his brief study of the contemporary perspectives of veneration.
Chinese Asset Managers’ Monetary Policy Forecasts and Fund Performance
Authors: Ammer John , Rogers John , Wang Gang , Yu Yang
Published: February 2022

Although many central banks in the 21st century have become more transparent, Chinese monetary policy communications have been relatively opaque, suggesting that financial market participants must commit significant resources to predicting the central bank’s actions. We conduct a novel systematic textual analysis of the discussion in the quarterly reports of China fund managers, from which we infer their near-term expectations for monetary policy. We construct an aggregate index of manager expectations and show that, as a forecast of Chinese monetary policy, it compares favorably with both market- and model-based alternative projections. We also show that fund managers act on these expectations and correctly anticipating shifts in Chinese monetary policy improves fund performance. Our results imply that manager skill is an important determinant of fund returns, providing the first evidence from China on a question for which studies of asset management in other countries have reached conflicting conclusions. Finally, we find that expectations are more accurate for funds that commit more analytical resources, have higher management fees, or have stronger managerial educational background.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4330 .
Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nguyen Anthony , Butt Muhammad Ali , Upadhyay Shubhra , Sheikh Abu Baker , Shekhar Rahul
Published: February 2022

Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication in chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Here we describe two patients with hepatic encephalopathy who did not respond to standard empiric treatment and were found to have non-convulsive status epilepticus. Both patients improved with antiepileptic therapy. Non-convulsive status epilepticus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with suspected hepatic encephalopathy who do not respond to empiric treatment.
Prediction of the distribution limits of Rhinomias forticornis (Boheman, 1842) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) based on Remote Sensing
Authors: KHRAPOV DENYS , KOVAL NELIA , YUNAKOV NIKOLAI
Published: February 2022

Morphometry and diagnosis of Rhinomias forticornis (Boheman, 1842) are given. Distribution of Rhinomias forticornis is analyzed using known occurrences, original ecological data, correlative species distribution modeling with aspect on Last Glacial Maximum environment are given. To achieve a more realistic and precise spatial pattern, selected climatic variables are combined with remote sensing vegetation indices (LAI and NDVI). Presumable geographic limits of realized niche are Rhine River and Elbe River on the northwest, Dniester River on the northeast. The southeastern barrier in the Carpathians is possibly Tisza River. Since the natural climatic barrier in Asia Minor, it is definitely absent in the Caucasus despite the existence of suitable bioclimatic conditions. This is the first confirmation of Rh. forticornis in Ukraine.
Fiber-laser platform for precision brain surgery
Authors: Katta Nitesh , Estrada Arnoldo D. , McErloy Austin B. , Milner Thomas E.
Published: February 2022

Minimally invasive neurological surgeries are increasingly being sought after for treatment in neurological pathologies and oncology. A critical limitation in these minimally invasive procedures is lack of specialized tools that allow for space-time controlled delivery of sufficient energy for coagulation and cutting of tissue. Advent of fiber-lasers provide high average power with improved beam quality (lower M2), biocompatible silica fiber delivery, reduced cost of manufacturing, and radiant output stability over long operating periods. Despite these advancements, no fiber-laser based surgical tools are currently available for tissue resection in vivo. Here we demonstrate a first to our knowledge, fiber-laser platform for performing precise brain surgery in a murine brain model. In this study, our primary aims were to first demonstrate efficacy of fiber-lasers in performing precise blood-less surgery in a murine brain with limited non-specific thermal damage. Second, fiber-lasers’ ability to deliver radiant energy through biocompatible silica fibers was explored in a murine brain model for blood less resection. A bench-top optical coherence tomography (OCT) guided fiber-laser platform was constructed with a stereotactic stage for performing precision brain surgery. A pulsed quasi-continuous wave ytterbium (Yb) fiber-laser (1.07 µm) was used to perform vascular specific coagulation while a pulsed nanosecond thulium fiber-laser (1.94 µm) was used to conduct bloodless cutting, all under the guidance of a swept-source OCT system centered at 1310 +/- 70 nm. Specialty linear and circular cuts were made in an in vivo murine brain for bloodless brain tissue resection. The two fiber-lasers were combined into a single biocompatible silica fiber to conduct brain surgery resection under the bench-top OCT system’s imaging microscope. Vascular specific coagulation was demonstrated in all five mice studied. Bloodless linear cuts and point cuts were demonstrated in vivo. Histologically, thermal injury was measured to be less than 100 µm while a removal rate of close to 5 mm3/s was achieved with an average Tm fiber-laser power of 15 W. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a fiber-laser platform for conducting in vivo bloodless brain tissue resection with a pulsed thulium (Tm) fiber-laser and a quasi-continuous wave (QCW) Yb fiber-laser. The demonstrated fiber-laser platform, if successfully configured for use in the operating room (OR), can provide surgeons a tool for rapid removal of tissue while making surgical resections of brain regions more precise, and can be basis for a flexible cutting tool capable of reaching hard-to-operate regions.
Sonic anemometer data processing for comparison to optical turbulence theory and simulation
Authors: Coffaro Joseph , Richardson Martin , Bernath Robert , Crabbs Robert
Published: February 2022

With appropriate processing techniques, sonic anemometry can provide
useful insights into the strength and spectral shape of optical
turbulence. Closed form propagation models and simulations require
stationary optical turbulence statistics to make a meaningful
comparison with experimental results. This work presents a new
approach for examining the stationarity of data provided by sonic
anemometry and by fitting optical turbulence parameters. Von Kármán,
Greenwood–Tarazano, and one minus exponential spectral models are
fitted to experimental data. Each model fit is evaluated using
information criteria. The Greenwood–Tarazano model is shown to provide
the best fit to experimental data. Optical turbulence parameters from
the Greenwood–Tarazano model are compared with results from
instruments at varying heights above the ground.
Optical frequency combs in aqueous and air environments at visible to near-IR wavelengths
Authors: Choi Gwangho , Gin Adley , Su Judith
Published: February 2022

The ability to detect and identify molecules at high sensitivity without the use of labels or capture agents is important for medical diagnostics, threat identification, environmental monitoring, and basic science. Microtoroid optical resonators, when combined with noise reduction techniques, have been shown capable of label-free single molecule detection; however, they still require a capture agent and prior knowledge of the target molecule. Optical frequency combs can potentially provide high precision spectroscopic information on molecules within the evanescent field of the microresonator; however, this has not yet been demonstrated in air or aqueous biological sensing. For aqueous solutions in particular, impediments include coupling and thermal instabilities, reduced Q factor, and changes to the mode spectrum. Here we overcome a key challenge toward single-molecule spectroscopy using optical microresonators: the generation of a frequency comb at visible to near-IR wavelengths when immersed in either air or aqueous solution. The required dispersion is achieved via intermodal coupling, which we show is attainable using larger microtoroids, but with the same shape and material that has previously been shown ideal for ultra-high sensitivity biosensing. We believe that the continuous evolution of this platform will allow us in the future to simultaneously detect and identify single molecules in both gas and liquid at any wavelength without the use of labels.
Tailoring the spectrum and spatial mode of Yb-doped random fiber laser
Authors: Lv Jialiang , Li Hongxun , Zhang Yimin , Deng Linxiao , Ma Xuexiao , Gu Chun , Yao Peijun , Xu Lixin , Zhan Qiwen
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we make a comprehensive study on tailoring the spectrum and transverse mode of random fiber lasers (RFLs). By simply temperature tuning, the mode gain profile of RFL can be flexibly and precisely manipulated. The spectrum of laser output can be easily tailored in single-wavelength, dual-wavelength, and three-wavelength, respectively. Meanwhile, the operating transverse mode is also optional among LP01 mode, LP11 mode, and hybrid mode. The slope efficiency of 17.9% and 27.3% are obtained for LP11 mode and LP01 mode operation, respectively. Besides, the coherence control can be confirmed by making speckle contrast measurements. This high-efficiency RFL with the customizable spectrum and spatial mode would have unique applications in wavelength or mode division multiplexing systems, speckle-free imaging, secure communication, and information encryption.
Tunable thulium-doped mode-locked fiber laser with watt-level average power
Authors: Wei Kun , Zhang Hui , Yang Kuilei , Zhu Huiye , Yan Peiguang , Ruan Shuangchen , Wang Jinzhang
Published: February 2022

We demonstrate a wavelength-tunable, sub-200 fs, and watt-level thulium-doped ultrafast fiber oscillator with a fundamental frequency repetition rate of 509.7 MHz. The wavelength can be tuned between 1918.5 nm and 2031 nm by adjusting the intra-cavity waveplates. When the wavelength is tuned to below 2000 nm, the average output power exceeds 1 W. The oscillator provides a maximum average power of 1.314 W (corresponding to a pulse energy of 2.58 nJ) and a highest peak power of 12.5 kW at 1940 nm. Such a high-power, tunable 2-µm mode-locked fiber laser is an ideal light source candidate for a variety of applications, such as frequency metrology, molecular spectroscopy, and ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy.
Tax abuse—The potential for the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: O’Hare Bernadette A. M. , Lopez Marisol J. , Mazimbe Bernadetta , Murray Stuart , Spencer Nicholas , Torrie Chris , Hall Stephen
Published: February 2022

Governments generally provide the services that allow people to access the critical determinants of health: water, sanitation, and education. These are also Sustainable Development Goals and fundamental economic and social human rights. Studies show that governments spend more on public services and health determinants with more revenue. However, governments in low and lower-middle-income countries have small budgets, and tax abuse (avoidance and evasion) contributes to revenue leaks. Researchers have estimated that four countries enable more than half of global tax abuse. We used estimates on tax abuse with a model of the relationship between government revenue and the determinants of health to quantify the potential for progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, and 6. The increase in government revenue equivalent to global tax abuses is associated with 36 million people having access to basic sanitation and 18 million having access to basic drinking water. Additionally, over a ten year period, this increase would be associated with over 600,000 children and almost 80,000 mothers surviving. Thus, curtailing tax abuses would significantly contribute to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Countries that enable tax abuses must review and modify policies to ensure progress towards these goals.
A simple mortality risk prediction score for viper envenoming in India (VENOMS): A model development and validation study
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Maya , Saurabh Suman , Sagar Pramod , Bammigatti Chanaveerappa , Dutta Tarun Kumar
Published: February 2022

Background

Snakebite is a neglected problem with a high mortality in India. There are no simple clinical prognostic tools which can predict mortality in viper envenomings. We aimed to develop and validate a mortality-risk prediction score for patients of viper envenoming from Southern India.

Methods

We used clinical predictors from a prospective cohort of 248 patients with syndromic diagnosis of viper envenoming and had a positive 20-minute whole blood clotting test (WBCT 20) from a tertiary-care hospital in Puducherry, India. We applied multivariable logistic regression with backward elimination approach. External validation of this score was done among 140 patients from the same centre and its performance was assessed with concordance statistic and calibration plots.

Findings

The final model termed VENOMS from the term “Viper ENvenOming Mortality Score included 7 admission clinical parameters (recorded in the first 48 hours after bite): presence of overt bleeding manifestations, presence of capillary leak syndrome, haemoglobin <10 g/dL, bite to antivenom administration time > 6.5 h, systolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg, urine output <20 mL/h in 24 h and female gender. The lowest possible VENOMS score of 0 predicted an in-hospital mortality risk of 0.06% while highest score of 12 predicted a mortality of 99.1%. The model had a concordance statistic of 0·86 (95% CI 0·79–0·94) in the validation cohort. Calibration plots indicated good agreement of predicted and observed outcomes.

Conclusions

The VENOMS score is a good predictor of the mortality in viper envenoming in southern India where Russell’s viper envenoming burden is high. The score may have potential applications in triaging patients and guiding management after further validation.
First laboratory confirmation and sequencing of Zaire ebolavirus in Uganda following two independent introductions of cases from the 10th Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, June 2019
Authors: Nyakarahuka Luke , Mulei Sophia , Whitmer Shannon , Jackson Kyondo , Tumusiime Alex , Schuh Amy , Baluku Jimmy , Joyce Allison , Ocom Felix , Tusiime Jayne B. , Montgomery Joel M. , Balinandi Stephen , Lutwama Julius J. , Klena John D. , Shoemaker Trevor R. ,   on behalf of ‘Kasese EVD Outbreak Response Team’
Published: February 2022

Uganda established a domestic Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) testing capacity in 2010 in response to the increasing occurrence of filovirus outbreaks. In July 2018, the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced its 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak and for the duration of the outbreak, the Ugandan Ministry of Health (MOH) initiated a national EVD preparedness stance. Almost one year later, on 10th June 2019, three family members who had contracted EVD in the DRC crossed into Uganda to seek medical treatment.

Samples were collected from all the suspected cases using internationally established biosafety protocols and submitted for VHF diagnostic testing at Uganda Virus Research Institute. All samples were initially tested by RT-PCR for ebolaviruses, marburgviruses, Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus. Four people were identified as being positive for Zaire ebolavirus, marking the first report of Zaire ebolavirus in Uganda. In-country Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and phylogenetic analysis was performed for the first time in Uganda, confirming the outbreak as imported from DRC at two different time point from different clades. This rapid response by the MoH, UVRI and partners led to the control of the outbreak and prevention of secondary virus transmission.
Joint spatiotemporal modelling reveals seasonally dynamic patterns of Japanese encephalitis vector abundance across India
Authors: Franklinos Lydia H. V. , Redding David W. , Lucas Tim C. D. , Gibb Rory , Abubakar Ibrahim , Jones Kate E.
Published: February 2022

Predicting vector abundance and seasonality, key components of mosquito-borne disease (MBD) hazard, is essential to determine hotspots of MBD risk and target interventions effectively. Japanese encephalitis (JE), an important MBD, is a leading cause of viral encephalopathy in Asia with 100,000 cases estimated annually, but data on the principal vectorCulex tritaeniorhynchusis lacking. We developed a Bayesian joint-likelihood model that combined information from available vector occurrence and abundance data to predict seasonal vector abundance forC.tritaeniorhynchus(a constituent of JE hazard) across India, as well as examining the environmental drivers of these patterns. Using data collated from 57 locations from 24 studies, we find distinct seasonal and spatial patterns of JE vector abundance influenced by climatic and land use factors. Lagged precipitation, temperature and land use intensity metrics for rice crop cultivation were the main drivers of vector abundance, independent of seasonal, or spatial variation. The inclusion of environmental factors and a seasonal term improved model prediction accuracy (mean absolute error [MAE] for random cross validation = 0.48) compared to a baseline model representative of static hazard predictions (MAE = 0.95), signalling the importance of seasonal environmental conditions in predicting JE vector abundance. Vector abundance varied widely across India with high abundance predicted in northern, north-eastern, eastern, and southern regions, although this ranged from seasonal (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal) to perennial (e.g., Assam, Tamil Nadu). One-month lagged predicted vector abundance was a significant predictor of JE outbreaks (odds ratio 2.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.52–4.08), highlighting the possible development of vector abundance as a proxy for JE hazard. We demonstrate a novel approach that leverages information from sparse vector surveillance data to predict seasonal vector abundance–a key component of JE hazard–over large spatial scales, providing decision-makers with better guidance for targeting vector surveillance and control efforts.
Neutrophil-dendritic cell interaction plays an important role in live attenuated Leishmania vaccine induced immunity
Authors: Bhattacharya Parna , Ismail Nevien , Saxena Ankit , Gannavaram Sreenivas , Dey Ranadhir , Oljuskin Timur , Akue Adovi , Takeda Kazuyo , Yu James , Karmakar Subir , Dagur Pradeep K. , McCoy John Philip , Nakhasi Hira L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Neutrophils are involved in the initial host responses to pathogens. Neutrophils can activate T cell responses either independently or through indirect involvement of Dendritic cells (DCs). Recently we have demonstrated direct neutrophil-T cell interactions that initiate adaptive immune responses following immunization with live attenuatedLeishmania donovanicentrin deleted parasite vaccine (LdCen-/-). However, neutrophil-DC interactions in T cell priming in vaccine immunity in general are not known. In this study we evaluated the interaction between neutrophils and DCs duringLdCen-/-infection and compared with wild type parasite (LdWT)bothin vitroandin vivo.

Methodology/findings

LdCen-/-parasite induced increased expression of CCL3 in neutrophils caused higher recruitment of DCs capable of inducing a strong proinflammatory response and elevated co-stimulatory molecule expression compared toLdWTinfection. To further illustrate neutrophil-DCs interactionsin vivo, we infected LYS-eGFP mice with red fluorescentLdWT/LdCen-/-parasites and sort selected DCs that engulfed the neutrophil containing parasites or DCs that acquired the parasites directly in the ear draining lymph nodes (dLN) 5d post infection. The DCs predominantly acquired the parasites by phagocytosing infected neutrophils. Specifically, DCs containingLdCen-/-parasitized neutrophils exhibited a proinflammatory phenotype, increased expression of costimulatory molecules and initiated higher CD4+T cell primingex-vivo. Notably, potent DC activation occurred whenLdCen-/-parasites were acquired indirectly via engulfment of parasitized neutrophils compared to direct engulfment ofLdCen-/-parasites by DCs. Neutrophil depletion inLdCen-/-infected mice significantly abrogated expression of CCL3 resulting in decreased DC recruitment in ear dLN. This event led to poor CD4+Th1 cell primingex vivothat correlated with attenuated Tbet expression in ear dLN derived CD4+T cellsin vivo.

Conclusions

Collectively,LdCen-/-containing neutrophils phagocytized by DC markedly influence the phenotype and antigen presenting capacity of DCs early on and thus play an immune-regulatory role in shaping vaccine induced host protective response.