bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A general and biomedical perspective of viral quasispecies
Authors: Domingo Esteban , Martínez-González Brenda , Somovilla Pilar , García-Crespo Carlos , Soria María Eugenia , de Ávila Ana Isabel , Gadea Ignacio , Perales Celia
Published: December 2024

Viral quasispecies refers to the complex and dynamic mutant distributions (also termed mutant spectra, clouds, or swarms) that arise as a result of high error rates during RNA genome replication. The mutant spectrum of individual RNA virus populations is modified by continuous generation of variant genomes, competition and interactions among them, environmental influences, bottleneck events, and bloc transmission of viral particles. Quasispecies dynamics provides a new perspective on how viruses adapt, evolve, and cause disease, and sheds light on strategies to combat them. Molecular flexibility, together with ample opportunity of mutant cloud traffic in our global world, are key ingredients of viral disease emergences, as exemplified by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. In the present article, we present a brief overview of the molecular basis of mutant swarm formation and dynamics, and how the latter relates to viral disease and epidemic spread. We outline future challenges derived of the highly diverse cellular world in which viruses are necessarily installed.
Risk factors analysis and nomogram model construction for postoperative atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Qian Long , Hu Chuanxian , Fan Mengtao , Ji Zhuqing
Published: December 2024

Objective: To explore the risk factors associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) and to construct a nomogram predictive model.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, clinical data of 193 patients who received OPCABG in Huai’an First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from June 2021 to November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the established diagnosis of POAF, patients were divided into the POAF group (n=75) and the non-POAF group (n=118). Logistic regression analysis was used to screen for risk factors for POAF after OPCABG. A nomogram prediction model for POAF after OPCABG was constructed based on the independent risk factors, and the model was validated by calibration curve and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results: The incidence of POAF after OPCABG in the cohort was 38.86% (75/193). Age, diabetes, history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), duration of operation, length of hospital stay and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were identified as independent risk factors for POAF after OPCABG (P<0.05). The concordance index of the nomogram model for predicting the risk of after POAF after OPCABG based on the six independent risk factors was 0.820. The correction curve tended towards the ideal curve, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.820 (95% CI:0.758~0 882).
Conclusions: Age, diabetes, history of PCI, duration of operation, length of hospital stay and LVEF are independent risk factors for POAF after OPCABG. The constructed nomogram model has a good predictive performance for predicting POAF in patients after OPCABG.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.11087
How to cite this: Qian L, Hu C, Fan M, Ji Z. Risk factors analysis and nomogram model construction for postoperative atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(1):9-14. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.11087
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Impact of pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index on neonatal outcomes in twin delivery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Lianghui , Huang Liping , Liu Jiaoxia , Yao Ting , Liao Qiuping , Lin Lin
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study examined the potential link between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (PPBMI) with neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies.
Methods: This retrospective analysis records of 1,270 women with twin pregnancies, delivered at the Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between 2019 and 2021, were retrospectively analysed.  Women were diagnosed as underweight, normal BMI, and overweight/obese according to their PPBMI. Neonatal outcomes included low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), prematurity, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, neonatal mortality, and low APGAR scores. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed.
Results: The proportions of neonates with LBW, IUGR, prematurity, and NICU admission were 34.7%, 2.5%, 27%, and 30%, respectively. Five neonatal deaths occurred, all born to mothers with normal BMI. Low APGAR scores at five minutes were observed in one neonate in the maternal overweight/obese group and one neonate in the normal maternal BMI group. Multivariate regression analysis showed that underweight women had an approximately twice higher risk of delivering LBW twins (OR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.89) than women with normal BMI. No statistically significant associations were found between maternal BMI and other neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion: Low PPBMI increases the risk of delivering LBW twins, independent of other factors. Our findings emphasize the importance of pre-pregnancy nutritional status in optimizing neonatal outcomes in twin deliveries.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.11135
How to cite this: Zheng L, Huang L, Liu J, Yao T, Liao Q, Lin L. Impact of pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index on neonatal outcomes in twin delivery: A retrospective cohort study. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(1):49-54. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.11135
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Correlation between the severity of endometriosis and the occurrence of placenta accreta spectrum in the subsequent pregnancy
Authors: Wang Zhenna , Xie Yi , Mao Yanhui , Yan Shihan , Huang Jingyu , Lin Shunhe
Published: December 2024

Objective: To investigate the correlation between endometriosis (EMs) severity and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) risk in the subsequent pregnancy.
Method: Clinical records of 2,142 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for EMs at Fujian Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2014 to January 2018, who had achieved pregnancy and were delivered, were analyzed. Baseline data, EMs stage, The Revised American Fertility Society (R-AFS) score, levels of serum indexes, and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were recorded. The outcome of interest was the occurrence of PAS. The correlation between the R-AFS score, endometriosis staging, and PAS was explored, and the R-AFS threshold was identified.
Results: PAS was associated with a higher incidence of chronic pelvic pain (OR = 8.68, 95%CI: 1.18-45.79, P = 0.014) and infertility for >five years (OR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.35-4.65, P = 0.003), elevated serum levels of cancer antigens, higher incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, and placenta previa (P < 0.05). PAS rate was higher in women with higher EMs staging and R-AFS score and ovarian EMs combined with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) (P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, both R-AFS score (AOR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.03, P < 0.001) and ovarian EMs with DIE (AOR = 3.31, 95%CI: 1.54-6.67, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for PAS. R-AFS score of 29 was identified as a threshold for an increased risk of PAS.
Conclusion: The risk of PAS in patients with endometriosis increases with the R-AFS score. PAS is more likely to occur in women with ovarian EMs combined with DIE. It is necessary to implement a specific monitoring program during pregnancy in patients with a history of severe EMs
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.11145
How to cite this: Wang Z, Xie Y, Mao Y, Yan S, Huang J, Lin S. Correlation between the severity of endometriosis and the occurrence of placenta accreta spectrum in the subsequent pregnancy. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(1):55-63. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.11145
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Παθοφυσιολογική μελέτη αναστομωτικής διαφυγής μετά από επεμβάσεις πεπτικού
Authors: Κορναρόπουλος Μιχαήλ
Published: December 2024

Εισαγωγή: Η πρώιμη διάγνωση της διαφυγής από την αναστόμωση μετά από επεμβάσεις παχέος εντέρου είναι κομβικής σημασίας, προκειμένου να μειωθεί η νοσηρότητα και η θνητότητα αυτής της επιπλοκής. Η τρέχουσα στρατηγική για την διάγνωση της αναστομωτικής διαφυγής, ενδέχεται να αποτύχει να διαγνώσει την διαφυγή σε πρώιμο στάδιο. Μια καινοτόμα εναλλακτική προσέγγιση είναι η μέτρηση και αξιολόγηση βιολογικών δεικτών από το άμεσο περιβάλλον της αναστόμωσης, όπως το pH και το γαλακτικό οξύ, στο υγρό της παροχέτευσης. Μέθοδοι: Ο στόχος της μελέτης είναι η αξιολόγηση των βιοδεικτών: pH, γαλακτικού και ελλείματος βάσης, σε δείγματα από την ενδοπεριτοναϊκή παροχέτευση, ως προγνωστικοί δείκτες για την διάγνωση της αναστομωτικής διαφυγής μετά από επεμβάσεις παχέος εντέρου. Στην μελέτη συμμετείχαν 137 ασθενείς που υπεβλήθησαν σε επεμβάσεις παχέος εντέρου, ανεξαρτήτως ενδείξεων και συνθηκών, από τους οποίους λήφθηκε υλικό από το υγρό της παροχέτευσης τις πρώτες 5 μετεγχειρητικές ημέρες.Αποτελέσματα: Η μέση τιμή του pH από το υγρό παροχέτευσης από τους ασθενείς που τελικά εμφάνισαν διαφυγή από την αναστόμωση αποδείχθηκε στατιστικά σημαντικά διαφορετική, συγκριτικά με την μέση τιμή των ασθενών με φυσιολογική μετεγχειρητική πορεία. Οι ασθενείς με διαφυγή είχαν σταθερά πτώση της τιμής του pH, ενώ στους ασθενείς χωρίς διαφυγή η τιμή του pH καθημερινά αυξανόταν. Αντιθέτως, τα αποτελέσματα από τις μετρήσεις των τιμών του γαλακτικού και του ελλείμματος βάσης δεν αποδείχθηκαν αξιόπιστα για πρόβλεψη της διαφυγής. Συζήτηση: Η έγκαιρη και έγκυρη διάγνωση της αναστομωτικής διαφυγής είναι υψίστης σημασίας, όχι αναγκαστικά για την αποτροπή της, αλλά για την αντιμετώπιση της μετη διαμόρφωση κατάλληλων θεραπευτικών χειρισμών. Το pH από το υγρό της παροχέτευσης φαίνεται ικανό να προβλέψει την διαφυγή από την αναστόμωση μετά από επεμβάσεις παχέος εντέρου, γρηγορότερα της κλινικής εκδήλωσής της. Συμπέρασμα: Η τιμή του pH από την παροχέτευση μετά από επεμβάσεις παχέος εντέρου μπορεί να αποδειχθεί ένας αξιόπιστος, μη επεμβατικός, εύχρηστος δείκτης πρώιμης πρόβλεψης αναστομωτικής διαφυγής.
An exploration of unusual antimicrobial resistance phenotypes in Salmonella Typhi from Blantyre, Malawi reveals the ongoing role of IncHI1 plasmids
Authors: Zuza Allan , Wailan Alexander M. , Anscombe Catherine , Feasey Nicholas A. , Heinz Eva
Published: December 2024

Typhoid fever is a significant public health problem endemic in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Antimicrobial treatment of typhoid is however threatened by the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) S. Typhi, especially in the globally successful lineage (4.3.1) which has rapidly spread in East and Southern Africa. AMR elements can be found either on plasmids or in one of the three chromosomal integration sites, and there is variability of this across the lineage. Several previous studies with Malawian isolates indicated a clonal, locally spreading lineage with chromosomally integrated resistance genes. In a recent study however we noted three isolates with predicted resistance genes unusual for the region, and we here present the resolved genomes of these isolates using long- and short-read sequencing. Our work shows that these isolates are potentially imported cases, most closely related to the recently described sub-lineage 4.3.1.EA1, although they encode IncHI1 plasmids with reduced resistance gene repertoire compared to the main IncHI1 plasmids spreading in East Africa. Similar reduced plasmids were reported in a recent large-scale study in five isolates from Tanzania, highlighting the urgency for better coverage of the African continent in genome studies to better understand the dynamics of these potentially co-circulating plasmids.
RESEARCH ON THE STRATEGY OF PROMOTING LOCAL LOCAL CULTURE INHERITANCE BY FAMILY, SCHOOL AND SOCIETY
Authors: Zou Songming N.
Published: December 2024

The cooperative education of home, school and community can provide strong support for the inheritance of local culture. From the perspective of home-school cooperative education between family and society, this paper summarizes and analyzes the significance of jointly promoting local culture inheritance, and puts forward detailed strategies from the level of family, school and society, in order to provide useful reference for local culture inheritance.
THE LEVEL OF AGROCHEMICALS APPLICATION AND PHOSPHATE REGIME OF ARABLE SOIL OF VOLGA REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Gilyazov Minnegali , Lukmanov Anas , Zaripov Daynis
Published: December 2024

The aim of the study was to assess the dynamics of the phosphate regime of soil and to establish its dependence on the level of application of fertilizers and chemical ameliorants. The object of the study was arable soils of Volga region of the Republic of Tatarstan (RT), located on the right bank of the Volga River. This region occupies the north-eastern part of the Volga Upland and makes up about 15% of the republic’s area. Situated in the transition zone between the taiga-forest and steppe zones, Volga region of the republic is characterized by a wide distribution of gray forest soils and forest-steppe chernozems. The materials of the agrochemical service of the Republic of Tatarstan (FSBI CAS “Tatar”) for 1965-2022 are analyzed. Mobile phosphorus forms were determined by standard methods depending on typical soil characteristics: according to Kirsanov in the modification of TsINAO (GOST R 54650-2011), Chirikov (GOST 26204-91), Machigin (GOST 26205-91). It was found that according to the cycles of agrochemical survey, the content of phosphorus mobile forms in the arable soils of Volga region fluctuated significantly: if during the first period (1965-2000) there was a confident increase in mobile forms of phosphorus (from 93 to 161 mg / kg), then later (2000-2022) there was a decrease (from 161 to 137 mg/kg). All agrochemical techniques - the introduction of mineral and organic fertilizers, phosphoritization and liming had a positive effect on the accumulation of mobile forms of phosphorus. In terms of the significance of the positive impact on the average weighted content of mobile forms of phosphorus in the soils of Volga region, the studied agrochemical methods were arranged in the following descending order: application of mineral fertilizers, then liming, then phosphoritization, and finally application of organic fertilizers.
The Effects of Cannabinoid Compounds on the Endocrine System
Authors: Inglot Julia , Inglot Jadwiga , Sowa Damian , Szczepański Michał , Zapasek Daniel , Mamczur Maciej , Bajak Mateusz , Słowik Julia , Feret Dominik Maciej , Kuliga Marcin
Published: December 2024

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. They have been known for thousands of years and have been used to treat conditions such as asthma, malaria, hypertension, and spasticity. The most common cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Due to their abundant type 1 and 2 cannabinoid receptors, they affect most systems in the human body. This review focuses on the effects of cannabis on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, growth hormone, food intake, glycemia regulation, reproductive system, prolactin, and oxytocin.
LA COMUNICACIÓN EN EL PROCESO DE ENSEÑANZA–APRENDIZAJE: SU PAPEL EN EL AULA COMO HERRAMIENTA EDUCATIVA
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-CARRERA RAFAEL M.
Published: December 2024

El papel de la comunicación en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje es uno de los
principales factores que intervienen en el mundo educativo, tanto dentro como fuera del aula.
La educación es, sobre todo, un proceso de comunicación y socialización del individuo, por lo
tanto debemos tener muy presente la importancia de que se produzca de una manera correcta y
efcaz. En este artículo nos centramos en las distintas formas de comunicación en el aula, así
como en cuáles son las circunstancias personales que deben estar presentes para que se dé esa
comunicación efcaz que propicia el verdadero proceso educativo. Los docentes deberían tener
presente, entre otras cosas, el tono de voz con el que hablan, las palabras que utilizan o las
situaciones en las que se comunican. También se analizan los posibles obstáculos que pueden
interferir en una buena comunicación, así como el modo de superarlos. Por último, se estudia
la comunicación desde las perspectivas del profesor y del alumno, analizando tanto el aspecto
verbal como el no verbal.
La prensa polaca durante la Monarquía de Julio (1830-1848) en Francia.
Authors: Klekot Krystian
Published: December 2024

The year 1831 was marked by the mass exile of the Polish intellectual elite to Paris, following
the failure of the November Uprising (which wanted to restore part of Polish autonomy in response to the
conservative policy of Tsar Nicholas I). Arriving in Paris, the Poles began to write and thus the first Polish
newspapers were born, written in their native language, published in France. King Louis-Philippe, being
afraid of the French and Polish press, established harsh laws that constrained the birth and publication
of newspapers and magazines. In this context, we will be interested in newspapers written in Polish but
published in France under the July Monarchy. Who read them and what was their purpose? These are only
the starting questions for this reflection. We will observe the methods of overriding legal laws by the first
journalists, but also how these newspapers were promoted and financed, among other things
André Ravéreau, progetti in Africa Subsahariana. Trasposizioni e sintesi tra nord e sud del Sahara
Authors: Ruggeri Daniela
Published: December 2024

L’articolo esplora i progetti subsahariani dell’architetto André Ravéreau (Limoges 1919-Aubenas 2017), che costituiscono una delle molte declinazioni del Movimento Moderno in Africa. Allievo di Auguste Perret, Ravéreau fu influenzato anche da Le Corbusier, tanto da ripercorrere le sue tracce compiendo un viaggio per studiare l’architettura sahariana della Valle del M’Zab, resa nota all’occidente dai carnets de voyage di Le Corbu del 1931-33. Negli anni Sessanta Ravéreau si trasferisce in Algeria, dove lavora per circa vent’anni, ricoprendo cariche importanti, dal 1965 al 1973 è Architecte en chef des monuments historiques d’Algérie. A partire dagli anni Settanta il lavoro lo porterà a spingersi in Africa Subsahariana, dove riceve commesse per edifici scolastici e sanitari in Mali, Mauritania e Burkina Faso; partecipa al concorso per il progetto dell’Ambasciata francese in Uganda. Nella scoperta di questa “nuova Africa”, Ravéreau porta con sé l’esperienza appresa nel M’Zab, che trasferisce nei suoi progetti subsahariani, approdando a nuove soluzioni “tropicali” sempre fortemente contestualizzate.
La mia Africa: tra Blixen e Pasolini
Authors: Prandi Enrico
Published: December 2024

L’interesse per l’architettura africana dopo gli episodici interessamenti del Secondo Dopoguerra, è ripresa verso la fine del secolo scorso ed ha subito un’accelerazione a partire dalla prima decade del Nuovo Millennio. Per le vicende storiche legate al Colonialismo europeo in coincidenza con l’avvento del Modernismo, l’architettura spesso perde il contatto con la tradizione culturale del luogo per divenire trapianto di modelli e stilemi esterni oppure caricatura di idiomi locali rendendo necessario un recupero della specifica identità. L’architettura tropicale è una categoria specifica dell’architettura che a partire dalla condizione climatologica dovrebbe sviluppare i suoi caratteri in un bilanciato equilibrio tra aspetti simbolici, culturali, tecnologici, ecc. fusi nel progetto di architettura.
Optimizing Initial Screening for Colorectal Cancer Detection with Adherence Behavior
Authors: Gao Sarah Yini , He Yan , Zhang Ruijie , Zheng Zhichao , Lam Shao Wei , Tan Emile
Published: December 2024

Two-stage screening programs for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection typically involve a first-stage test that evaluates fecal-hemoglobin (f-Hb) concentration in stool samples, with positive results leading to a recommended second-stage diagnostic test (colonoscopy). We explore the design of the first-stage test—specifically the selection of f-Hb cutoffs to report test outcomes—to balance screening effectiveness (CRC and polyp detection) and efficiency (colonoscopy costs), considering that not all individuals follow up with a colonoscopy. We propose an information design model that integrates Bayesian persuasion with information avoidance to address this issue. The model is applied to the design of Singapore’s CRC screening program and calibrated using data from multiple sources, including a nationwide survey of 3,920 respondents in Singapore. Our findings indicate that under certain conditions, using a single cutoff maximizes follow-up adherence, whereas showing exact f-Hb readings optimizes detection effectiveness. Raising the cutoff to 39 [Formula: see text], as compared with the current practice, could detect 21% more CRC and polyp cases, reduce colonoscopies by 27%, and lower lifetime CRC risk by 11%. This adjustment would reduce public healthcare expenditure by S$20 million and individual spending by S$12 million on average in screening costs. Choosing appropriate cutoffs for the first-stage test can significantly enhance the screening effectiveness while efficiently managing colonoscopy demands. The prevalent practice of using lower cutoffs to achieve high sensitivity may lead to excessive unnecessary colonoscopies and reduced follow-up adherence.

This paper was accepted by Scholtes Stefan, healthcare management.

Funding: This work was supported by the Ministry of Education - Singapore [Grant 18-C207-SMU-011].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01319 .
Is sharing caring?
Authors: Tapping Rachel
Published: December 2024

Setting are reporting a rise in children needing more support with their emotional and social development. In this article Rachel Tapping, Piklerian Early Childhood Adviser and Chair of Pikler UK, discusses the concept of sharing, how best to teach it, and whether toddlers should be made to share with each other.
The Experience of Success and Failure of Gifted Students at School
Authors: Željeznov Seničar Maruška , Kukanja Gabrijelčič Mojca
Published: December 2024

The education of gifted students is often characterized by high expectations, ambitious goals, and significant effort invested in learning. Their experiences of success and failure are shaped by a variety of factors, including personal, family, school, cultural, and social influences. This article examines how gifted students perceive and experience their own successes and failures, as well as how these experiences are perceived and responded to by their peers. Using qualitative methods, the study involved semi-structured interviews with thirty gifted students from seventh to ninth grades across ten elementary schools in Slovenia. The findings indicate that gifted students experience a range of emotions in response to success, from satisfaction to anxiety, while their reactions to failure often involve frustration and self-criticism. Peer responses to their success and failure vary significantly, ranging from supportive encouragement to jealousy and social exclusion. These findings highlight the complex interpersonal dynamics at play within school environments. Understanding and addressing these dynamics is crucial for creating inclusive, supportive, and stimulating learning environments that nurture both the academic and social-emotional well-being of gifted students.
Challenges in Using Parent-Reported Bed and Wake Times for Actigraphy Scoring in Rett-Related Syndromes
Authors: Byiers Breanne J. , Merbler Alyssa M. , Burkitt Chantel C. , Symons Frank J.
Published: December 2024

Sleep problems are common in Rett syndrome and other neurogenetic syndromes. Actigraphy is a cost-effective, objective method for measuring sleep. Current guidelines require caregiver-reported bed and wake times to facilitate actigraphy data scoring. The current study examined missingness and consistency of caregiver-reported bed and wake times from paper sleep diaries and actigraphy event mark button presses in a sample of 38 individuals with Rett and related syndromes (aged 2–36 years, mean = 13.1) across two 14-day collection time points. Rates of missingness and discrepancy between the 2 sources were relatively high and correlated with clinical severity and quality of life. Overall, the results suggest a need for alternative actigraphy scoring methods that do not rely on caregiver report in this population.
Resilience in Families of Autistic Children and Children With Intellectual Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dimitrova Elizaveta , Kouroupa Athanasia , Totsika Vasiliki
Published: December 2024

Resilience in families of autistic children and children with intellectual disability is associated with factors such as family functioning, social support, and financial strain. Little is known about family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic when many resources were limited. This study examined the association of family resilience with child characteristics, family resources, and socioecological factors during the pandemic. Data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic from 734 United Kingdom parents/caregivers of children who are autistic and/or have intellectual disability were analyzed using path analysis. Greater family resilience was significantly associated with fewer child behavior problems, absence of intellectual disability, higher financial status, and greater family functioning, though not school support. These factors might guide future research and practices to support vulnerable families at risk of low resilience.
Experimental implementation of chaos-based video encryption using visible light communication technology
Authors: Nono Fotso Sorel Bagio , Talla Mbé Jimmi Hervé , Takotue Jean Ernest , Nzeukou Takougang Armand Cyrille , Ndjiongue Alain Richard
Published: December 2024

Simulations are commonly used to develop and evaluate video encryption
algorithms. Although these approaches are useful for demonstrating
theoretical feasibility and algorithm performance, they neglect
practical challenges and real-world communication conditions. This
oversight creates a critical gap in evaluating their effectiveness and
security in practical applications. In this paper, we describe a
novel, to the best of our knowledge, video encryption scheme that
employs a modified chaotic Colpitts oscillator, a customized Josephus
problem, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) operations, and is implemented in
visible light communication (VLC) environment. The modified Colpitts
oscillator reveals significant phenomena, the most prominent for this
study being chaos. The encryption scheme involves block scrambling and
pixel-level permutation employing a customized Josephus problem and a
column and row shifting technique. Diffusion is then achieved through
a custom Josephus problem-oriented RNA operation combined with basic
RNA operations and cipher block chaining (CBC). Based on the results,
we found that the customized Josephus problem-based permutation
performed more efficiently than traditional methods, whereas the
column and row shifting permutation was more robust. By eliminating
key sequence coding and item-to-item operations, the proposed RNA
operation reduces computational overhead. This video encryption scheme
is proven to be effective and resilient at securing video data
transmitted over the VLC channel, and it constitutes a significant
advancement in areas such as surveillance, medical imaging, and
military communication requiring robust secured video data.
Micro-ring wavelength selective switch device based on contra-DC
Authors: Chu Xixi , Song Yuqing , Chen Rongquan , Wang Wei , Hu Xudong , Pan Zhouyan , Liu Jinbiao , Chen Ming
Published: December 2024

This paper presents, to our knowledge, a novel micro-ring wavelength selective switch
device based on a contra-directional coupler (contra-DC), which
utilizes the transparent window formed by the contra-DC to select the
single resonant wavelength of the micro-ring resonator, avoiding the
limitation of free spectral range and realizing the function of
wavelength selection/switching. The desired wavelength switching
function is achieved by changing the crystal state of the Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) loaded on the micro-ring
resonator. When the device is in the on state, the desired wavelength
signal is selectively output from the drop port of the bus waveguide;
when the device is in the off state, light is output from the through
port. By modifying the GST crystal state, selective routing of light
can be achieved, which can be used in optical interconnection
networks. The simulation is performed using a 3D finite-difference
method. The wavelength selection device achieves a 3 dB
bandwidthof 1.6 nm with a side lobe suppression ratio of
20 dB at a length of 230 µm; the switching device
achieves the extinction ratio of about 14.7 dB and a side lobe
suppression ratio of 18.2 dB between the on/off states.
Tunable multiband asymmetric transmission based on flexible chiral metamaterial for refractive index sensing
Authors: Lu Mengjia , Guo Zhenzhao , Deng Chunyu , Hu Xuefang , Chen Mengmeng
Published: December 2024

Tunable multiband asymmetric transmission (AT) effect is effectively demonstrated using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based flexible chiral metamaterial (FCM) in the mid-infrared region. The unit cell of the FCM comprises J-shaped and F-shaped gold patterns to achieve three-dimensional (3D) chirality, and a multiband AT effect can be realized. Due to the excitation of enantiomerically sensitive plasmons, the FCM can realize a tunable multiband AT effect that is rarely reported, whose peak values can reach 51.89%, 37.72%, and 28.91% at resonance wavelengths of 9.03 µm, 10.25 µm, and 12.77 µm, respectively. The tunability of the FCM demonstrated that the peaks of AT shift to longer wavelengths when stretching along different directions respectively. Compared with reported refractive index sensors based on chiral metamaterial, FCM has tunable multibands and better refractive index sensitivity, which can reach 7875 nm/RIU, 3375 nm/RIU, and 1625 nm/RIU, respectively. Our proposed FCM opens an avenue to develop refractive index sensors.
Spatiotemporal vector optimization algorithm for arbitrary optical multi-beams generation with high energy utilization efficiency
Authors: Zhuo Rusheng , Liu Kang , Huang Yanwei , He Xiaoxian , Wang Zixuan , Fu Ergu , Tang Fu , Bai Jingtao , Wang Kexuan , Wu Liang , Liang Feng , Wang Pinghe , Tan Qinggui , Wang Xiangru
Published: December 2024

For the application scenario of multi-user, high-bandwidth laser communication in satellite internet, this paper proposes a spatiotemporal vector optimization algorithm to achieve high energy utilization in arbitrary multi-beam generation using a liquid crystal optical phased array antenna. The core components of this method involve optimizing phase offsets and power coefficients through iterative processes to achieve precise beam shaping and efficient energy distribution among multiple beams. This approach overcomes the single-link limitation of traditional laser terminals and resolves challenges such as low radiation efficiency and substantial power loss in multi-beam generation systems utilizing passive phased array antennas. When tasked with generating 90 beams with arbitrary intensity and elevation angles, the proposed method achieved a diffraction efficiency exceeding 80%, a system power loss of less than -1.28 dB, and an average improvement in laser radiation efficiency of 12.33 dB. This approach significantly improves the communication signal-to-noise ratio while potentially reducing the number of satellite network nodes, conserving power, and extending the operational lifespan of satellites within the communication network.
Highly sensitive detection of mercury ions in aqueous solutions by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Qiao Dongqing , Xia Jinan , Shi Lanxin , Pan Junjie , Cheng Huimiao , Wang Zixuan
Published: December 2024

Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was used to detect mercury ions in aqueous solutions, in which CH-95 resin was used to chelate the ions to transform the liquid samples into solid ones. The experimental results showed that the fluorescence emission of the chelated solid-state samples excited by a low-power semiconductor laser at the wavelength of 447 nm was significantly enhanced due to the chelating reaction. The fluorescence intensity was proportional to the concentration of mercury ions with a linear correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.994, and the limit of detection was 0.117 ng/L, which was about 10,000 times lower than the permissible level of 1 µg/L for Hg(II) in drinking water. The method greatly improved the sensitivity for the detection of Hg in aqueous solutions.
Chaos from a free-running broad-area VCSEL
Authors: Mercadier Jules , Bittner Stefan , Rontani Damien , Sciamanna Marc
Published: December 2024

We experimentally report on the detection of chaos from a free-running commercial broad-area vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) without the need for external perturbation such as optical feedback, injection, or current modulation. The evolution of nonlinear dynamics leading to chaotic behavior is studied, and the system’s complexity is characterized using chaos titration and correlation dimension. We link the occurrence of chaos with the complex interplay between the spatial laser mode competition and polarization dynamics.
Predicting the infecting dengue serotype from antibody titre data using machine learning
Authors: Cracknell Daniels Bethan , Buddhari Darunee , Hunsawong Taweewun , Iamsirithaworn Sopon , Farmer Aaron R. , Cummings Derek A. T. , Anderson Kathryn B. , Dorigatti Ilaria
Published: December 2024

The development of a safe and efficacious vaccine that provides immunity against all four dengue virus serotypes is a priority, and a significant challenge for vaccine development has been defining and measuring serotype-specific outcomes and correlates of protection. The plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT) is the gold standard assay for measuring serotype-specific antibodies, but this test cannot differentiate homotypic and heterotypic antibodies and characterising the infection history is challenging. To address this, we present an analysis of pre- and post-infection antibody titres measured using the PRNT, collected from a prospective cohort of Thai children. We applied four machine learning classifiers and multinomial logistic regression to the titre data to predict the infecting serotype. The models were validated against the true infecting serotype, identified using RT-PCR. Model performance was calculated using 100 bootstrap samples of the train and out-of-sample test sets. Our analysis showed that, on average, the greatest change in titre was against the infecting serotype. However, in 53.4% (109/204) of the subjects, the highest titre change did not correspond to the infecting serotype, including in 34.3% (11/35) of dengue-naïve individuals (although 8/11 of these seronegative individuals were seropositive to Japanese encephalitis virus prior to their infection). The highest post-infection titres of seropositive cases were more likely to match the serotype of the highest pre-infection titre than the infecting serotype, consistent with antigenic seniority or cross-reactive boosting of pre-infection titres. Despite these challenges, the best performing machine learning algorithm achieved 76.3% (95% CI 57.9–89.5%) accuracy on the out-of-sample test set in predicting the infecting serotype from PRNT data. Incorporating additional spatiotemporal data improved accuracy to 80.6% (95% CI 63.2–94.7%), while using only post-infection titres as predictor variables yielded an accuracy of 71.7% (95% CI 57.9–84.2%). These results show that machine learning classifiers can be used to overcome challenges in interpreting PRNT titres, making them useful tools in investigating dengue immune dynamics, infection history and identifying serotype-specific correlates of protection, which in turn can support the evaluation of clinical trial endpoints and vaccine development.
Multicellular model of neuroblastoma proposes unconventional therapy based on multiple roles of p53
Authors: Wertheim Kenneth Y. , Chisholm Robert , Richmond Paul , Walker Dawn
Published: December 2024

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumour in children. Over half of all high-risk cases are expected to succumb to the disease even after chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Although the importance of MYCN amplification in this disease is indisputable, the mechanistic details remain enigmatic. Here, we present a multicellular model of neuroblastoma comprising a continuous automaton, discrete cell agents, and a centre-based mechanical model, as well as the simulation results we obtained with it. The continuous automaton represents the tumour microenvironment as a grid-like structure, where each voxel is associated with continuous variables such as the oxygen level therein. Each discrete cell agent is defined by several attributes, including its cell cycle position, mutations, gene expression pattern, and more with behaviours such as cell cycling and cell death being stochastically dependent on these attributes. The centre-based mechanical model represents the properties of these agents as physical objects, describing how they repel each other as soft spheres. By implementing a stochastic simulation algorithm on modern GPUs, we simulated the dynamics of over one million neuroblastoma cells over a period of months. Specifically, we set up 1200 heterogeneous tumours and tracked the MYCN-amplified clone’s dynamics in each, revealed the conditions that favour its growth, and tested its responses to 5000 drug combinations. Our results are in agreement with those reported in the literature and add new insights into how the MYCN-amplified clone’s reproductive advantage in a tumour, its gene expression profile, the tumour’s other clones (with different mutations), and the tumour’s microenvironment are inter-related. Based on the results, we formulated a hypothesis, which argues that there are two distinct populations of neuroblastoma cells in the tumour; the p53 protein is pro-survival in one and pro-apoptosis in the other. It follows that alternating between inhibiting MDM2 to restore p53 activity and inhibiting ARF to attenuate p53 activity is a promising, if unorthodox, therapeutic strategy. The multicellular model has the advantages of modularity, high resolution, and scalability, making it a potential foundation for creating digital twins of neuroblastoma patients.
Surveillance for TB drug resistance using routine rapid diagnostic testing data: Methodological development and application in Brazil
Authors: Baum Sarah E. , Pelissari Daniele M. , Dockhorn Costa Fernanda , Harada Luiza O. , Sanchez Mauro , Bartholomay Patricia , Cohen Ted , Castro Marcia C. , Menzies Nicolas A.
Published: December 2024

Effectively responding to drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) requires accurate and timely information on resistance levels and trends. In contexts where use of drug susceptibility testing has not been universal (i.e. not all patients are offered testing), surveillance for rifampicin-resistance—one of the core drugs in the TB treatment regimen—has relied on resource-intensive and infrequent nationally-representative prevalence surveys. The expanded availability of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) over the past decade has increased testing coverage in many settings. However, RDT data collected in the course of routine (but not universal) use may provide biased estimates of resistance if the subset of patients receiving RDTs is not representative of the overall cohort. Here, we developed a method that attempts to correct for non-random use of RDT testing in the context of routine TB diagnosis to recover unbiased estimates of resistance among new and previously treated TB cases. Specifically, we employed statistical corrections to model rifampicin resistance among TB notifications with observed Xpert MTB/RIF (a WHO-recommended RDT) results using a hierarchical generalized additive regression model, and then used model output to impute results for untested individuals. We applied this model to 2017–2023 case-level data on over 800,000 patients from Brazil. Modeled estimates of the prevalence of rifampicin resistance were substantially higher than naïve estimates, with estimated prevalence ranging between 28–44% higher for new cases and 2–17% higher for previously treated cases. Our estimates of RR-TB incidence were estimated with narrower uncertainty intervals relative to WHO estimates for the same time period, and were robust to alternative model specifications. Our approach provides a generalizable method to leverage routine RDT data to derive timely estimates of RR-TB prevalence among notified TB cases in settings where testing for TB drug resistance is not universal.
Telehealth use for sexual and reproductive health promotion and care during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive-interpretive qualitative study of healthcare providers’ perspectives and experiences in Western—Central New York State
Authors: Muheriwa-Matemba Sadandaula Rose , Alcena-Stiner Danielle C. , Glazier Alexander , LeBlanc Natalie M.
Published: December 2024

Telehealth emerged as a key option for the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care and promotion during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. However, there is limited research on the perspectives and experiences of healthcare providers (HCPs) in the Western-Central region of New York State. This qualitative interpretive study explored the perspectives and experiences of the HCPs’ with telehealth for SRH promotion and care including counselling, testing and treatment for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), in Western New York State. Ten HCPs participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted between October 2019 and February 2021. Participants were predominately White, female, with 1–30 years of clinical experience. The narratives revealed three major themes: 1) HCPs’ perspectives of telehealth use, 2) HCPs’ experiences with telehealth use for SRH promotion and care, and 3) determinants of telehealth implementation. Though all providers reported an increase in the use of telehealth, experiences in the delivery of telehealth varied especially for SRH services. Some providers reported having more time to consult with patients because patients could just call and schedule a telehealth visit and because of a decrease in patient load which freed up time to engage with patients. Others reported technological limitations among some patients which impacted care. Strengthening telehealth-based sexual health promotion will serve to address efforts toward ending the HIV epidemic, reducing other STIs, and ensuring consistent access to contraception. To effectively implement telehealth findings, suggest a need to ensure adequate technological resources for patients, and a need to increase HCPs’ comfort to engage patients in sexual health conversations via telehealth.
Seroepidemiology of human leptospirosis in the Dominican Republic: A multistage cluster survey, 2021
Authors: Nilles Eric J. , Paulino Cecilia Then , Galloway Renee , de St. Aubin Michael , Mayfield Helen J. , Cadavid Restrepo Angela , Dumas Devan , Garnier Salome , Etienne Marie Caroline , Duke William , Peña Farah , Iihoshi Naomi , Abdalla Gabriela , Lopez Beatriz , de la Cruz Lucia , Henríquez Bernarda , Durski Kara , Baldwin Margaret , Loevinsohn Gideon , Rees Eleanor M. , Martin Beatris , Sartorius Benn , Skewes-Ramm Ronald , Gutiérrez Emily Zielinski , Kucharski Adam , Lau Colleen L.
Published: December 2024

Little is known about the epidemiology of leptospirosis in the Dominican Republic, the second most populous country in the Caribbean. We report on findings from a multi-stage household survey across two regions in the country that reveals a previously under-estimated burden of human Leptospira infection. Our findings, based on the reference-standard microscopic agglutination test, indicate a complex picture of serogroup diversity, spatial heterogeneity in infection and risk, and a marked discrepancy between reported cases and serologically estimated infections. Given an overall seroprevalence of 11.3% (95% CI: 10.8–13.0%) and a lower estimated force of infection (0.30% per year [0.27%–0.35%]) the number of infections may exceed national reported case data by 145-fold or more. Icterohaemorrhagiae, associated with severe Weil’s disease, was the most commonly identified serogroup with a serogroup-specific prevalence of 4.4%. Consistent with other settings, risk factors including age, male sex, and rat exposure were associated with higher seroprevalence. Our study highlights the need for targeted public health interventions informed by serogroup-specific dynamics, detailed spatial analyses, knowledge of local animal reservoirs, and strengthened laboratory surveillance to effectively control this pathogen.
A population study of Toxoplasma gondii in the Amazon region expands current knowledge of the genetic diversity in South America
Authors: Gennari Solange M. , Pena Hilda F. J. , Soares Herbert S. , Minervino Antonio H. H. , de Assis Francisco F. V. , Alves Bruna F. , Oliveira Solange , Aizawa Juliana , Dias Ricardo A. , Su Chunlei
Published: December 2024

Previous studies have reported high diversity between and within populations of Toxoplasma gondii in South America. In the present study, isolates of T. gondii from chickens were obtained from the Amazon region. Adult free-range chickens were acquired from 29 municipalities in the Brazilian Amazon region that included Acre (n = 9 municipalities), Amapá (n = 6), Amazonas (n = 6), Pará (n = 6), and Roraima (n = 2) states and from two municipalities in Peru, three in Bolivia, one in Guyana, and one in Venezuela. Heart, brain, and blood samples were collected from 401 chickens. Anti-T. gondii serum antibodies were detected in 273 (68.1%) chickens using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT ≥ 5), and bioassays in mice were performed using 220 birds. Isolates were obtained from 116 (52.7%) chickens with antibody titers ≥ 20. Of these isolates, 93 (84.5%) led to acute sickness in more than 50% of the infected mice within 30 days post-inoculation. The 116 isolates were genotyped using multilocus nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (Mn-nPCR-RFLP) with 12 markers and 15 microsatellite (MS) markers. PCR-RFLP analysis revealed 42 genotypes from the 116 isolates. Of these, 20 (46.51%) genotypes are described for the first time. The most abundant genotype was ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #7 with 40 isolates. A total of 83 genotypes were observed from the 116 isolates by MS analysis. The phylogenetic network constructed of T. gondii genotypes from current and previously reported isolates, using PCR-RFLP data, revealed five groups with clear indication of geographical separation of T. gondii population in the Amazon region versus the Southeastern region of Brazil. Such spatial diversity was also observed within the Amazon region. This study expands our knowledge of T. gondii population in South America and emphasizes the importance of genetic diversity and high mouse-virulence of the parasite in the Amazon region.