bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-power 0.4-mJ picosecond CPA system based on an extra-large-mode-area triple-clad fiber
Authors: Wang Beibei , Peng Zhigang , Cheng Zhaochen , Xu YAN , Wang Pu
Published: October 2022

A high-average-power, high-pulse-energy picosecond chirped pulse amplification (CPA) laser system based on an extra-large-mode-area (XLMA) triple-clad fiber (TCF) was demonstrated. The ultrashort pulses, generated from all-fiber mode-locked oscillator, stretched and then were pre-amplified to 10 W through a series of fiber power amplifiers. Subsequently, the average output power was amplified to 620 W corresponding to a pulse energy of 0.62 mJ via XLMA TCF. Additionally, the amplified pulses were compressed to a pulse duration of 7.6 ps with an average power of 423 W and a compression efficiency of 68.2%. The ultrashort laser is a promising light source for application of water-guided laser processing, albeit with a beam quality factor of 20 and 21 along two orthogonal axes.
Generation of 15 nJ pulse energy by a sub-150 fs thulium-doped fiber Mamyshev oscillator
Authors: Schuhbauer Benedikt , Adolfs Veronika , Haxsen Frithjof , Wienke Andreas , Morgner Uwe , Neumann Jörg , Kracht Dietmar
Published: October 2022

Mamyshev oscillators have pushed the frontiers in output parameters of ytterbium- and erbium-based ultrafast fiber oscillators in the spectral region around 1 µm and 1.5 µm within the last few years tremendously. In order to expand the superior performance toward the 2 µm spectral region, we present in this Letter an experimental investigation of the generation of high-energy pulses by a thulium-doped fiber Mamyshev oscillator. Generating highly energetic pulses is enabled by a tailored redshifted gain spectrum in a highly doped double-clad fiber. The oscillator emits pulses with an energy of up to 15 nJ, which can be compressed to 140 fs.
Optical ReLU using membrane lasers for an all-optical neural network
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Fang Weicheng , Xue Ruihao , Okada Sho , Ohiso Yoshitaka , Amemiya Tomohiro , Nishiyama Nobuhiko
Published: October 2022

In this study, we propose low power consumption, programmable on-chip optical nonlinear units (ONUs) for all-optical neural networks (all-ONNs). The proposed units were constructed using a III-V semiconductor membrane laser, and the nonlinearity of the laser was used as the activation function of a rectified linear unit (ReLU). By measuring the relationship of the output power and input light, we succeeded in obtaining the response as an activation function of the ReLU with low power consumption. With its low-power operation and high compatibility with silicon photonics, we believe that this is a very promising device for realizing the ReLU function in optical circuits.
Directed emission from uniformly excited non-Hermitian photonic meta-structures
Authors: Berman Bradley Abraham M. , Tuxbury William , Kottos Tsampikos
Published: October 2022

We investigate the emission characteristics of a tri-atomic photonic
meta-molecule with asymmetric intra-modal couplings which is uniformly
excited by an incident waveform tuned to coherent virtual absorption
conditions. By analyzing the dynamics of the discharged radiation, we
identify a parameter domain where its directional re-emission
properties are optimal.
A genome-wide screen identifies SCAI as a modulator of the UV-induced replicative stress response
Authors: Lemay Jean-François , St-Hilaire Edlie , Ronato Daryl A. , Gao Yuandi , Bélanger François , Gezzar-Dandashi Sari , Kimenyi Ishimwe Aimé Boris , Sawchyn Christina , Lévesque Dominique , McQuaid Mary , Boisvert François-Michel , Mallette Frédérick A. , Masson Jean-Yves , Drobetsky Elliot A. , Wurtele Hugo
Published: October 2022

Helix-destabilizing DNA lesions induced by environmental mutagens such as UV light cause genomic instability by strongly blocking the progression of DNA replication forks (RFs). At blocked RF, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) accumulates and is rapidly bound by Replication Protein A (RPA) complexes. Such stretches of RPA-ssDNA constitute platforms for recruitment/activation of critical factors that promote DNA synthesis restart. However, during periods of severe replicative stress, RPA availability may become limiting due to inordinate sequestration of this multifunctional complex on ssDNA, thereby negatively impacting multiple vital RPA-dependent processes. Here, we performed a genome-wide screen to identify factors that restrict the accumulation of RPA-ssDNA during UV-induced replicative stress. While this approach revealed some expected “hits” acting in pathways such as nucleotide excision repair, translesion DNA synthesis, and the intra-S phase checkpoint, it also identified SCAI, whose role in the replicative stress response was previously unappreciated. Upon UV exposure, SCAI knock-down caused elevated accumulation of RPA-ssDNA during S phase, accompanied by reduced cell survival and compromised RF progression. These effects were independent of the previously reported role of SCAI in 53BP1-dependent DNA double-strand break repair. We also found that SCAI is recruited to UV-damaged chromatin and that its depletion promotes nascent DNA degradation at stalled RF. Finally, we (i) provide evidence that EXO1 is the major nuclease underlying ssDNA formation and DNA replication defects in SCAI knockout cells and, consistent with this, (ii) demonstrate that SCAI inhibits EXO1 activity on a ssDNA gap in vitro. Taken together, our data establish SCAI as a novel regulator of the UV-induced replicative stress response in human cells.
The inner nuclear membrane protein NEMP1 supports nuclear envelope openings and enucleation of erythroblasts
Authors: Hodzic Didier , Wu Jun , Krchma Karen , Jurisicova Andrea , Tsatskis Yonit , Liu Yijie , Ji Peng , Choi Kyunghee , McNeill Helen
Published: October 2022

Nuclear envelope membrane proteins (NEMPs) are a conserved family of nuclear envelope (NE) proteins that reside within the inner nuclear membrane (INM). Even though Nemp1 knockout (KO) mice are overtly normal, they display a pronounced splenomegaly. This phenotype and recent reports describing a requirement for NE openings during erythroblasts terminal maturation led us to examine a potential role for Nemp1 in erythropoiesis. Here, we report that Nemp1 KO mice show peripheral blood defects, anemia in neonates, ineffective erythropoiesis, splenomegaly, and stress erythropoiesis. The erythroid lineage of Nemp1 KO mice is overrepresented until the pronounced apoptosis of polychromatophilic erythroblasts. We show that NEMP1 localizes to the NE of erythroblasts and their progenitors. Mechanistically, we discovered that NEMP1 accumulates into aggregates that localize near or at the edge of NE openings and Nemp1 deficiency leads to a marked decrease of both NE openings and ensuing enucleation. Together, our results for the first time demonstrate that NEMP1 is essential for NE openings and erythropoietic maturation in vivo and provide the first mouse model of defective erythropoiesis directly linked to the loss of an INM protein.
Probabilistic edge weights fine-tune Boolean network dynamics
Authors: Deritei Dávid , Kunšič Nina , Csermely Péter
Published: October 2022

Biological systems are noisy by nature. This aspect is reflected in our experimental measurements and should be reflected in the models we build to better understand these systems. Noise can be especially consequential when trying to interpret specific regulatory interactions, i.e. regulatory network edges. In this paper, we propose a method to explicitly encode edge-noise in Boolean dynamical systems by probabilistic edge-weight (PEW) operators. PEW operators have two important features: first, they introduce a form of edge-weight into Boolean models through the noise, second, the noise is dependent on the dynamical state of the system, which enables more biologically meaningful modeling choices. Moreover, we offer a simple-to-use implementation in the already well-established BooleanNet framework. In two application cases, we show how the introduction of just a few PEW operators in Boolean models can fine-tune the emergent dynamics and increase the accuracy of qualitative predictions. This includes fine-tuning interactions which cause non-biological behaviors when switching between asynchronous and synchronous update schemes in dynamical simulations. Moreover, PEW operators also open the way to encode more exotic cellular dynamics, such as cellular learning, and to implementing edge-weights for regulatory networks inferred from omics data.
Chaos in synthetic microbial communities
Authors: Karkaria Behzad D. , Manhart Angelika , Fedorec Alex J. H. , Barnes Chris P.
Published: October 2022

Predictability is a fundamental requirement in biological engineering. As we move to building coordinated multicellular systems, the potential for such systems to display chaotic behaviour becomes a concern. Therefore understanding which systems show chaos is an important design consideration. We developed a methodology to explore the potential for chaotic dynamics in small microbial communities governed by resource competition, intercellular communication and competitive bacteriocin interactions. Our model selection pipeline uses Approximate Bayesian Computation to first identify oscillatory behaviours as a route to finding chaotic behaviour. We have shown that we can expect to find chaotic states in relatively small synthetic microbial systems, understand the governing dynamics and provide insights into how to control such systems. This work is the first to query the existence of chaotic behaviour in synthetic microbial communities and has important ramifications for the fields of biotechnology, bioprocessing and synthetic biology.
EpiLPS: A fast and flexible Bayesian tool for estimation of the time-varying reproduction number
Authors: Gressani Oswaldo , Wallinga Jacco , Althaus Christian L. , Hens Niel , Faes Christel
Published: October 2022

In infectious disease epidemiology, the instantaneous reproduction number R t is a time-varying parameter defined as the average number of secondary infections generated by an infected individual at time t. It is therefore a crucial epidemiological statistic that assists public health decision makers in the management of an epidemic. We present a new Bayesian tool (EpiLPS) for robust estimation of the time-varying reproduction number. The proposed methodology smooths the epidemic curve and allows to obtain (approximate) point estimates and credible intervals of R t by employing the renewal equation, using Bayesian P-splines coupled with Laplace approximations of the conditional posterior of the spline vector. Two alternative approaches for inference are presented: (1) an approach based on a maximum a posteriori argument for the model hyperparameters, delivering estimates of R t in only a few seconds; and (2) an approach based on a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) scheme with underlying Langevin dynamics for efficient sampling of the posterior target distribution. Case counts per unit of time are assumed to follow a negative binomial distribution to account for potential overdispersion in the data that would not be captured by a classic Poisson model. Furthermore, after smoothing the epidemic curve, a “plug-in’’ estimate of the reproduction number can be obtained from the renewal equation yielding a closed form expression of R t as a function of the spline parameters. The approach is extremely fast and free of arbitrary smoothing assumptions. EpiLPS is applied on data of SARS-CoV-1 in Hong-Kong (2003), influenza A H1N1 (2009) in the USA and on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (2020-2021) for Belgium, Portugal, Denmark and France.
Adjusting growth standards for fetal sex improves correlation of small babies with stillbirth and adverse perinatal outcomes: A state-wide population study
Authors: Pritchard Natasha L. , Walker Susan P. , Mitchell Alexandra R. , Tong Stephen , Lindquist Anthea C.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Sex impacts birthweight, with male babies heavier on average. Birthweight charts are thus sex specific, but ultrasound fetal weights are often reported by sex neutral standards. We aimed to identify what proportion of infants would be re-classified as SGA if sex-specific charts were used, and if this had a measurable impact on perinatal outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study including all infants born in Victoria, Australia, from 2005–2015 (529,261 cases). We applied GROW centiles, either adjusted or not adjusted for fetal sex. We compared overall SGA populations, and the populations of males considered small by sex-specific charts only (SGAsex-only), and females considered small by sex-neutral charts only (SGAunadjust-only).

Results

Of those <10th centile by sex-neutral charts, 39.6% were male and 60.5% female, but using sex-specific charts, 50.3% were male and 49.7% female. 19.2% of SGA females were reclassified as average for gestational age (AGA) using sex-specific charts. These female newborns were not at increased risk of stillbirth, combined perinatal mortality, NICU admissions, low Apgars or emergency CS compared with an AGA infant, but were at greater risk of being iatrogenically delivered on suspicion of growth restriction. 25.0% male infants were reclassified as SGA by sex-specific charts. These male newborns, compared to the AGAall infant, were at greater risk of stillbirth (RR 1.94, 95%CI 1.30–2.90), combined perinatal mortality (RR 1.80, 95%CI 1.26–2.57), NICU admissions (RR 1.38, 95%CI 1.12–1.71), Apgars <7 at 5 minutes (RR 1.40, 95%CI 1.25–1.56) and emergency CS (RR 1.12, 95%CI 1.06–1.18).

Conclusions

Use of growth centiles not adjusted for fetal sex disproportionately classifies female infants as SGA, increasing their risk of unnecessary intervention, and fails to identify a cohort of male infants at increased risk of adverse outcomes, including stillbirth. Sex-specific charts may help inform decisions and improve outcomes.
Negative and positive experiences of caregiving among family caregivers of older blunt trauma patients
Authors: Wong Ting-Hway , Tan Timothy Xin Zhong , Loo Lynette Ma , Chua Wei Chong , Iau Philip Tsau Choong , Ang Arron Seng Hock , Goo Jerry Tiong Thye , Chan Kim Chai , Nguyen Hai V. , Nadkarni Nivedita V. , Matchar David Bruce , Seow Dennis Chuen Chai , Ng Yee Sien , Chan Angelique , Fook-Chong Stephanie , Tang Tjun Yip , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Malhotra Rahul
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Family caregivers play a fundamental role in the care of the older blunt trauma patient. We aim to identify risk factors for negative and positive experiences of caregiving among family caregivers.

Design

Prospective, nationwide, multi-center cohort study.

Setting and participants

110 family caregivers of Singaporeans aged≥55 admitted for unintentional blunt trauma with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) or New Injury Severity Score (NISS)≥10 were assessed for caregiving-related negative (disturbed schedule and poor health, lack of family support, lack of finances) and positive (esteem) experiences using the modified-Caregiver Reaction Assessment (m-CRA) three months post-injury.

Methods

The association between caregiver and patient factors, and the four m-CRA domains were evaluated via linear regression.

Results

Caregivers of retired patients and caregivers of functionally dependent patients (post-injury Barthel score <80) reported a worse experience in terms of disturbed schedule and poor health (β-coefficient 0.42 [95% Confidence Interval 0.10, 0.75], p = .01; 0.77 [0.33, 1.21], p = .001), while male caregivers and caregivers who had more people in the household reported a better experience (-0.39 [-0.73, -0.06], p = .02; -0.16 [-0.25, -0.07], p = .001). Caregivers of male patients, retired patients, and patients living in lower socioeconomic housing were more likely to experience lack of family support (0.28, [0.03, -0.53], p = .03; 0.26, [0.01, 0.52], p = .05; 0.34, [0.05, -0.66], p = .02). In the context of lack of finances, caregivers of male patients and caregivers of functionally dependent patients reported higher financial strain (0.74 [0.31, 1.17], p = .001; 0.84 [0.26, 1.43], p = .01). Finally, caregivers of male patients reported higher caregiver esteem (0.36 [0.15, 0.57], p = .001).

Conclusions and implications

Negative and positive experiences of caregiving among caregivers of older blunt trauma patients are associated with pre-injury disability and certain patient and caregiver demographics. These factors should be considered when planning the post-discharge support of older blunt trauma patients.
A simple satisficing model
Authors: Sandorf Erlend Dancke , Campbell Danny , Chorus Caspar
Published: October 2022

Economic theory is built on the assumption that people are omniscient utility maximizers. In reality, this is unlikely to be true and often people lack information about all alternatives that are available to them; either because the information is unavailable or that the cost of searching for and evaluating that information is high. In this paper, we develop a simple and tractable model that captures satisficing behavior. We show that the model can retrieve consistent parameters under a large range of experimental conditions. We test our model on synthetic data and present an empirical application. We discuss the implications of our results for the use of satisficing choice models in explaining choice.
In vitro osteoblast activity is decreased by residues of chemicals used in the cleaning and viral inactivation process of bone allografts
Authors: Villatte Guillaume , Erivan Roger , Descamps Stéphane , Arque Pierre , Boisgard Stéphane , Wittrant Yohann
Published: October 2022

Allograft bone tissue has a long history of use. There are two main ways of preserving allografts: by cold (freezing), or at room temperature after an additional cleaning treatment using chemicals. These chemicals are considered potentially harmful to humans. The aim of the study was (i) to assess the presence of chemical residues on processed bone allografts and (ii) to compare the in vitro biocompatibility of such allografts with that of frozen allografts. The presence of chemical residues on industrially chemically treated bone was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after extraction. Biocompatibility analysis was performed on primary osteoblast cultures from Wistar rats grown on bone disks, either frozen (F-bone group) or treated with supercritical carbon dioxide with no added chemical (scCO2-bone group) or industrially treated with chemicals (CT-bone group). Cell viability (XTT) was measured after one week of culture. Osteoblastic differentiation was assessed after 1, 7 and 14 days of culture by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity directly on the bone discs and indirectly on the cell mat in the vicinity of the bone discs. Residues of all the chemicals used were found in the CT-bone group. There was no significant difference in cell viability between the three bone groups. Direct and indirect ALP activities were significantly lower (−40% to −80%) in the CT-bone group after 7 and 14 days of culture (p < 0.05). Residues of chemical substances used in the cleaning of bone allografts cause an in vitro decrease in their biocompatibility. Tissue cleaning processes must be developed that limit or replace these chemicals to favor biocompatibility.
Persistent COVID-19 symptoms 1 year after hospital discharge: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Aranda Judit , Oriol Isabel , Feria Lucía , Abelenda Gabriela , Rombauts Alexander , Simonetti Antonella Francesca , Catalano Clarisa , Pallarès Natàlia , Martín Miguel , Vàzquez Núria , Vall-Llosera Estel , Rhyman Nicolás , Suárez Romina Concepción , Nogué Marta , Loureiro-Amigo Jose , Coloma Ana , Ceresuela Luis , Carratalà Jordi
Published: October 2022

Objective

To determine the health status and exercise capacity of COVID-19 survivors one year after hospital discharge.

Methods

This multicenter prospective study included COVID-19 survivors 12 months after hospital discharge. Participants were randomly selected from a large cohort of COVID-19 patients who had been hospitalized until 15th April 2020. They were interviewed about persistent symptoms, underwent a physical examination, chest X-ray, and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for persistent dyspnea.

Results

Of the 150 patients included, 58% were male and the median age was 63 (IQR 54–72) years. About 82% reported ≥1 symptoms and 45% had not recovered their physical health. The multivariate regression analysis revealed that the female sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking were independent risk factors for persistent dyspnea. Approximately 50% completed less than 80% of the theoretical distance on the 6MWT. Only 14% had an abnormal X-ray, showing mainly interstitial infiltrates. A third of them had been followed up in outpatient clinics and 6% had undergone physical rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Despite the high rate of survivors of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with persistent symptomatology at 12 months, the follow-up and rehabilitation of these patients has been really poor. Studies focusing on the role of smoking in the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms are lacking.
Quality and content evaluation of websites with information about immune checkpoint inhibitors: An environmental scan
Authors: Ruiz Juan Ignacio , Singh Gagandeep , Erck McKenna , Geng Yimin , Suarez-Almazor Maria E. , Lopez-Olivo Maria A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Trustworthy educational information for patients is critical for increasing their knowledge base and preparing them for shared decision making with clinicians. As the internet has become an important source of health information for many patients, the purpose of this study was to assess the quality and content of websites with educational content about immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Methods

We performed an environmental scan of the currently available websites providing educational information for patients about immune checkpoint inhibitors. We used three search engines: Google, Bing, and Yahoo! (9/20/2021). Two independent investigators selected relevant uniform resource locators (URLs), appraised the quality of the websites, and collected their characteristics. We evaluated the accuracy, completeness, technical elements, design and aesthetics, readability, usability, and accessibility of the websites. The user experience was also evaluated.

Results

We identified 37 websites for analysis. In 10 websites (27%), it was not possible to know the source of the information provided. Thirty-three (89%) provided a definition with a simple explanation of cancer and treatment and 30 (81%) on complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors; only seven (19%) provided information about the balance between risks and benefits. Thirty-five (95%) provided a statement of purpose. Regarding the design, all 37 (100%) had appropriate visual aspects, typography, and grammar. Thirty-six (97%) were well organized. For most of the websites (n = 35, 95%) the content was easy to find. Only two websites had a readability score of 6, while the others had higher scores. Regarding the user experience, the overall quality of websites was rated as excellent in 16 (43%), good in 14 (38%), and fair in 7 (19%).

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that websites with information about immune checkpoint inhibitors mostly have general information about cancer, the treatments, and adverse events. Few websites provide information about the balance between harms and benefits of treatment, costs, the source of the information, or the hierarchy of evidence. These findings identify the gap in the quality and content of websites for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and can help website creators and developers.
Novel chaotic oppositional fruit fly optimization algorithm for feature selection applied on COVID 19 patients’ health prediction
Authors: Bacanin Nebojsa , Budimirovic Nebojsa , K. Venkatachalam , Strumberger Ivana , Alrasheedi Adel Fahad , Abouhawwash Mohamed
Published: October 2022

The fast-growing quantity of information hinders the process of machine learning, making it computationally costly and with substandard results. Feature selection is a pre-processing method for obtaining the optimal subset of features in a data set. Optimization algorithms struggle to decrease the dimensionality while retaining accuracy in high-dimensional data set. This article proposes a novel chaotic opposition fruit fly optimization algorithm, an improved variation of the original fruit fly algorithm, advanced and adapted for binary optimization problems. The proposed algorithm is tested on ten unconstrained benchmark functions and evaluated on twenty-one standard datasets taken from the Univesity of California, Irvine repository and Arizona State University. Further, the presented algorithm is assessed on a coronavirus disease dataset, as well. The proposed method is then compared with several well-known feature selection algorithms on the same datasets. The results prove that the presented algorithm predominantly outperform other algorithms in selecting the most relevant features by decreasing the number of utilized features and improving classification accuracy.
Levels and associated factors of the maternal healthcare continuum in Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ritbano , Sultan Mohammed , Abose Selamu , Assefa Biruk , Nuramo Amanuel , Alemu Abebe , Demelash Minychil , Eanga Shamill , Mosa Hassen
Published: October 2022

Background

The continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth, and after delivery is an effective strategy to avert maternal and newborn deaths. A low proportion of mothers have achieved the continuum of maternal care in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the rate and factors associated with the completion of a continuum of maternal healthcare services in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted over two months (from September to October 2021) in 18 kebeles of the Hadiya zone, southern Ethiopia. Multistage cluster sampling was carried out to select the required study subjects, and data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was used to examine the effects of individual and community-level factors on key elements of the care continuum. The measure of fixed effects was expressed as an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In this study, only 11.3% of women completed all components of the care continuum, which included four or more antenatal visits, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care. The factors that are significantly associated with the completion of maternal care include higher maternal education [AOR = 4.1; 95%CI: 1.3–12.6], urban residence [AOR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1–3.0], time of first antenatal care follow-up [AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.6–4.6], knowledgeability regarding postnatal danger signs [AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.3], being in the highest wealth quintile [AOR = 2.8; 95%CI: 1.2–6.6] and primipara [AOR = 3.6; 95%CI: 1.4–9.4].

Conclusion

The rate of continuum of maternal healthcare services utilization was low in the study area. The findings indicated that higher maternal education, urban residence, time of first antenatal care follow-up, knowledgeability regarding postnatal danger signs, being in the highest wealth quintile and primipara were the factors associated with the completion of the continuum of maternal care. As a result of this study’s findings, program planners and ministry of health and non-governmental organizations working on maternal health should prioritize continued and strengthened health education in order to increase the completion level of the continuum of maternal healthcare services.
Absorption rate of subcutaneously infused fluid in ill multimorbid older patients
Authors: Danielsen Mathias Brix , Jødal Lars , Riis Johannes , Karmisholt Jesper Scott , Valdórsson Óskar , Jørgensen Martin Gronbech , Andersen Stig
Published: October 2022

Background

Subcutaneous (SC) hydration is a valuable method for treating dehydration in the very old patients. Data are absent on the absorption rate, and the availability of SC infused fluid in the circulation in this group of patients where SC hydration is particularly relevant.

Methods

We performed an explorative study on ill very old (range 78–84 years old) geriatric patients with comorbidities who received an SC infusion of 235 ml isotonic saline containing a technetium-99m pertechnetate tracer. The activity over the infusion site was measured using a gamma detector to assess the absorption rate from the SC space. The activity was measured initially every 5 minutes, with intervals extended gradually to 15 minutes. Activity in blood samples and the thyroid gland was measured to determine the rate of availability in the circulation.

Results

Six patients were included. The mean age was 81 years (SD 2.1), the number of comorbidities was 4.6 (SD 1.3), and the Tilburg frailty indicator was 3.8 (SD 2.4). When the infusion was completed after 60 minutes, 53% (95% CI 50–56%) of the infused fluid was absorbed from the SC space, with 88% (95% CI 86–90%) absorbed one hour later. The absorption rate from the SC space right after the completion of the infusion was 127 ml/h (95% CI 90–164 ml/h). The appearance of the fluid into the blood and the thyroid gland verified the transfer from SC to circulation.

Conclusion

This first explorative study of absorption of SC infused fluid in the very old found an acceptable amount of fluid absorbed from the SC space into the circulation one hour after infusion had ended. Results are uniform but should be interpreted cautiously due to the low sample size.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT04536324.
I’m fine with collecting data: Engagement profiles differ depending on scientific activities in an online community of a citizen science project
Authors: Bruckermann Till , Greving Hannah , Stillfried Milena , Schumann Anke , Brandt Miriam , Harms Ute
Published: October 2022

Digital technologies facilitate collaboration between citizens and scientists in citizen science (CS) projects. Besides the facilitation of data transmission and access, digital technologies promote novel formats for education in CS by including citizens in the process of collecting, analyzing, and discussing data. It is usually assumed that citizens profit more from CS the more they participate in the different steps of the scientific process. However, it has so far not been analyzed whether citizens actually engage in these steps. Therefore, we investigated citizens’ actual engagement in different scientific steps online (i.e., data collection and data analysis) in two field studies of a CS project. We then compared them with other CS projects. We analyzed behavioral engagement patterns of N = 273 participants with activity logs and cluster analyses. Opportunities to engage in different steps of the scientific process increased participants’ overall commitment compared to contributory CS projects. Yet, despite their increased commitment, participants’ engagement was only more active for data collection but not for data analysis. We discuss how participants’ perceived role as data collectors influenced their actual engagement in the scientific steps. To conclude, citizens may need support to change their role from data collectors to data inquirers.
Randomized, placebo controlled phase I trial of the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and acceptability of a 90 day tenofovir plus levonorgestrel vaginal ring used continuously or cyclically in women: The CONRAD 138 study
Authors: Thurman Andrea R. , Brache Vivian , Cochon Leila , Ouattara Louise A. , Chandra Neelima , Jacot Terry , Yousefieh Nazita , Clark Meredith R. , Peet Melissa , Hanif Homaira , Schwartz Jill L. , Ju Susan , Marzinke Mark A. , Erikson David W. , Parikh Urvi , Herold Betsy C. , Fichorova Raina N. , Tolley Elizabeth , Doncel Gustavo F.
Published: October 2022

Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs), which prevent sexually transmitted infection(s) and unintended pregnancy, are highly desirable to women. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, phase I study, women used a placebo or tenofovir (TFV) and levonorgestrel (LNG) intravaginal ring (IVR), either continuously or cyclically (three, 28-day cycles with a 3 day interruption in between each cycle), for 90 days. Sixty-eight women were screened; 47 were randomized to 4 arms: TFV/LNG or placebo IVRs used continuously or cyclically (4:4:1:1). Safety was assessed by adverse events and changes from baseline in mucosal histology and immune mediators. TFV concentrations were evaluated in multiple compartments. LNG concentration was determined in serum. Modeled TFV pharmacodynamic antiviral activity was evaluated in vaginal and rectal fluids and cervicovaginal tissueex vivo. LNG pharmacodynamics was assessed with cervical mucus quality and anovulation. All IVRs were safe with no serious adverse events nor significant changes in genital tract histology, immune cell density or secreted soluble proteins from baseline. Median vaginal fluid TFV concentrations were >500 ng/mg throughout 90d. TFV-diphosphate tissue concentrations exceeded 1,000 fmol/mg within 72hrs of IVR insertion. Mean serum LNG concentrations exceeded 200 pg/mL within 2h of TFV/LNG use, decreasing quickly after IVR removal. Vaginal fluid of women using TFV-containing IVRs had significantly greater inhibitory activity (87–98% versus 10% at baseline; p<0.01) against HIV replicationin vitro. There was a >10-fold reduction in HIV p24 antigen production from ectocervical tissues after TFV/LNG exposure. TFV/LNG IVR users had significantly higher rates of anovulation, lower Insler scores and poorer/abnormal cervical mucus sperm penetration. Most TFV/LNG IVR users reported no change in menstrual cycles or fewer days of and/or lighter bleeding. All IVRs were safe. Active rings delivered high TFV concentrations locally. LNG caused changes in cervical mucus, sperm penetration, and ovulation compatible with contraceptive efficacy.

Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov#NCT03279120.
Geospatial analysis of blindness within rural and urban counties
Authors: Sanchez Facundo G. , Gardiner Stuart K. , Demirel Shaban , Rees Jack P. , Mansberger Steven L.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To determine the associations of blindness within rural and urban counties using a registry of blind persons and geospatial analytics.

Methods

We used the Oregon Commission for the Blind registry to determine the number of persons who are legally blind, as well as licensure data to determine the density of eye care providers (optometrists and ophthalmologists) within each county of the State of Oregon. We used geospatial statistics, analysis of variance, and logistic regression to determine the explanatory variables associated with blindness within counties.

Results

We included 8350 individuals who are legally blind within the state of Oregon in the calendar year 2015. The mean observed prevalence of registered blindness was 0.21% and ranged almost 9-fold from 0.04% to 0.58% among counties (p < .001). In univariate models, higher blindness was associated with increasing median age (p = .027), minority race (p < .001), decreased median household income (p < .001), increased poverty within a county (p < .001), and higher density of ophthalmologists (p = .003). Density of optometrists was not associated with prevalence of blindness (p = .89). The final multivariable model showed higher blindness to be associated with lower median household income, higher proportion of black race, and lower proportion of Hispanic race (p < .001 for all).

Conclusion

Geospatial analytics identified counties with higher and lower than expected proportions of blindness even when adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Clinicians and researchers may use the methods and results of this study to better understand the distribution of individuals with blindness and the associated factors to help design public health interventions.
The protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit StPP2Ac2b enhances susceptibility to Phytophthora infestans and senescence in potato
Authors: Muñiz García María N. , Grossi Cecilia , Ulloa Rita M. , Capiati Daniela A.
Published: October 2022

The serine/threonine protein phosphatases type 2A (PP2A) are involved in several physiological responses in plants, playing important roles in developmental programs, stress responses and hormone signaling. Six PP2A catalytic subunits (StPP2Ac) were identified in cultivated potato. Transgenic potato plants constitutively overexpressing the catalytic subunit StPP2Ac2b (StPP2Ac2b-OE) were developed to determine its physiological roles. The response of StPP2Ac2b-OE plants to the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight, was evaluated. We found that overexpression of StPP2Ac2b enhances susceptibility to the pathogen. Further bioinformatics, biochemical, and molecular analyses revealed that StPP2Ac2b positively regulates developmental and pathogen-induced senescence, and that P. infestans infection promotes senescence, most likely through induction of StPP2Ac2b expression.
Psychological and behavioral responses to the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic: A comparative study of Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.S.
Authors: Liu Jingshi (Joyce) , Mukhopadhyay Anirban , Yeung Catherine Wing-Man
Published: October 2022

What is the effect of declaring a pandemic? This research assesses behavioral and psychological responses to the WHO declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.S. We surveyed 3,032 members of the general public in these three regions about the preventative actions they were taking and their worries related to COVID-19. The WHO announcement on March 11th, 2020 created a quasi-experimental test of responses immediately before versus after the announcement. The declaration of the pandemic increased worries about the capacity of the local healthcare system in each region, as well as the proportion of people engaging in preventative actions, including actions not recommended by medical professionals. The number of actions taken correlates positively with anxiety and worries. Declaring the COVID-19 crisis as a pandemic had tangible effects–positive (increased community engagement) and negative (increased generalized anxiety)–which manifested differently across regions in line with expectancy disconfirmation theory.
Characterization of a multipurpose NS3 surface patch coordinating HCV replicase assembly and virion morphogenesis
Authors: Isken Olaf , Pham Minh Tu , Schwanke Hella , Schlotthauer Felicia , Bartenschlager Ralf , Tautz Norbert
Published: October 2022

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle is highly regulated and characterized by a step-wise succession of interactions between viral and host cell proteins resulting in the assembly of macromolecular complexes, which catalyse genome replication and/or virus production. Non-structural (NS) protein 3, comprising a protease and a helicase domain, is involved in orchestrating these processes by undergoing protein interactions in a temporal fashion. Recently, we identified a multifunctional NS3 protease surface patch promoting pivotal protein-protein interactions required for early steps of the HCV life cycle, including NS3-mediated NS2 protease activation and interactions required for replicase assembly. In this work, we extend this knowledge by identifying further NS3 surface determinants important for NS5A hyperphosphorylation, replicase assembly or virion morphogenesis, which map to protease and helicase domain and form a contiguous NS3 surface area. Functional interrogation led to the identification of phylogenetically conserved amino acid positions exerting a critical function in virion production without affecting RNA replication. These findings illustrate that NS3 uses a multipurpose protein surface to orchestrate the step-wise assembly of functionally distinct multiprotein complexes. Taken together, our data provide a basis to dissect the temporal formation of viral multiprotein complexes required for the individual steps of the HCV life cycle.
Performing postcolonial identity: The spectacle of Lagos Fashion Week
Authors: Hughes Harriet
Published: October 2022

Throughout the fashion year in Lagos, events take place across the city. The pre-eminent event is Lagos Fashion Week (LFW). A key event in the fashion calendar on the African continent, this is where designers are consecrated in the fashion field, and where social and economic capital is delineated. This article describes the strategies employed by the designers and attendees to realize and self-represent their creations. To some degree, LFW is more accessible than the dominant western fashion weeks (New York, etc.) and offers the potential for actors to destabilize that system and its inherited colonial ideologies. LFW provides a platform for self-representation and for legitimizing alternative identities, some of which challenge an embedded patriarchy. A vibrant competitive display of street fashion, covered by international journalists and photographers, offers further possibilities for the articulation of contemporary identities, which challenge the legacies of stereotypical colonial representations of African dress. At the same time, certain western conventions are reproduced, such as the celebration and legitimization of individual designers over the hidden labour of artisans. The article suggests that LFW might serve to facilitate decolonial processes once designers employ equitable fashion practices and represent the voices of the artisans.
Divas and dynamos: Decolonizing Senegalese histories through fashion
Authors: Maples Amanda M.
Published: October 2022

Fashion has been seen as either a rejection or an embracing of history and the past. In reality, fashion is constantly changing – is fragmentary, transitory and borderless. Because fashion has no borders, it can be brave, bold and often contradictory, just as the women who design and wear it can themselves present unique ambiguities worth exploring. Grounded in field and curatorial research with three generations of Senegalese fashion designers, this article explores the ways in which women in Dakar and Saint-Louis reinscribe problematic histories in sartorial expressions and shift the narrative away from a ‘colonial’ past and into a potential and ideological future imaginary. Each designer envisions and amplifies women’s voices, concerns and constructions of histories, despite discrepancies. And yet, in these very discrepancies lie the defiance of a colonial articulation of the past. As this article argues, decolonial creativity lies in the fault lines of history and can be selectively mined. This interpellation of the traditional/historical highlights an association of tradition with fixity and a distancing of fashion from the past that does not recognize the reality of African experiences. Instead, as a constant renegotiation of the past in the present, it blurs these boundaries and is constantly in flux.
Mahila1 à la mode: The auntie-fit croqui
Authors: Sandhu Arti
Published: October 2022

The stylized fashion figure or croqui is fundamental to the fashion design process. Highly regarded as a tool for design articulation and innovation, it is also an immensely popular creative art form, enjoying a recent renaissance on social media platforms. Most fashion institutions across the globe teach illustration as a foundation-level skill. Students absorb a strict set of rules dictated by the ten-head body proportion. This article explores the colonial implications of the stylized croqui. The drawings challenge the genre by selectively abandoning and playing with the rules of fashion illustration in order to decolonize this design tool.
What is education in fashion? Reflecting on the coloniality of design techniques in the fashion design educational process
Authors: Ahmed Tanveer
Published: October 2022

Research in fashion to expose dominant Eurocentric narratives tends to focus on fashion theories and histories, neglecting fashion design processes, especially within studio-based practices and in education. However, analysing how colonial systems reproduce Eurocentric fashion knowledge in the fashion design process might help locate alternative heterogeneous ways to practise and teach fashion design. Drawing on Tlostanova’s coloniality of design concept, this article investigates how gendered, racialized and capitalist disciplinary forces have underpinned the tools and equipment used in the fashion classroom. To expose the racial hierarchies underpinning fashion requires rethinking some of the dominant assumptions of Eurocentric fashion epistemologies to contextualize the sociocultural contexts of fashion.
Ascenso y tribulaciones de un jurista regio en el sur valenciano: El Dr. Luis de Ocaña (1559-1626)
Authors: Bernabé Gil David
Published: October 2022

En las monarquías modernas los letrados desempeñaron un papel fundamental, como autorizados artífices de principios doctrinales que guiaron la praxis política y jurisprudencial; como encarnadura de los oficios y organismos en los que sirvieron y cuyo perfil institucional contribuyeron a modelar; y, finalmente, como grupo socioprofesional incrustado en distintos sectores de la administración que, con sus actuaciones y modus operandi, fueron conformando un tipo específico de leales servidores del poder. El ejercicio de la judicatura y el aprovechamiento de las redes de influencia que ofrecía tal actividad propició, además, que en muchos casos pudieran protagonizar procesos de enriquecimiento personal y de ascenso social susceptibles de contribuir al encumbramiento familiar. El seguimiento de las actividades y estrategias desplegadas en varios ámbitos de su existencia por uno de esos letrados provincianos –de rango medio– al servicio de la monarquía hispánica, como fue el Dr. Luis de Ocaña, en el tránsito de los siglos XVI al XVII, permite calibrar su significación en el devenir no solamente de la historia político-institucional, sino también de su vertiente más propiamente sociocultural. Sin perder de vista el marco histórico en que el doctor Ocaña desplegó su intensa e influyente actividad, se destaca especialmente su labor como afamado jurisconsulto y eficiente servidor de la Corona en las misiones que le fueron encomendadas, sus exitosas estrategias de acumulación y gestión patrimonial y su persistente empeño por acreditarse y promocionarse en el estamento nobiliario hasta conseguir alcanzar posiciones que le situaron entre las élites del sur valenciano.
Transmitir para conservar. Familia y reproducción social en la Málaga del siglo XVIII
Authors: Hidalgo Fernández Francisco , Pezzi Cristóbal Pilar
Published: October 2022

En este trabajo realizamos un acercamiento a las trayectorias de tres familias enclavadas en la provincia de Málaga durante el siglo XVIII. El emplazamiento en un espacio urbano-semiurbano, así como la pertenencia a grupos socioeconómicos distintos ofrece posibilidades para el establecimiento de comparativas y semejanzas en torno a los procesos clave de la reproducción: el matrimonio y la perpetuación intergeneracional de la ocupación. A través de ello profundizamos en las estrategias desplegadas por unos linajes malagueños que carecen aún de trabajos al respecto.