bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jaynes–Cummings model breaks down when the cavity geometry significantly reduces free-space emission
Authors: Blaha Martin , Rauschenbeutel Arno , Volz Jürgen
Published: June 2024

Strong coupling between a single resonator mode and a single quantum emitter is key to a plethora of experiments and applications in quantum science and technology and is commonly described by means of the Jaynes–Cummings model. Here, we show that the Jaynes–Cummings model only applies when the cavity does not significantly change the emitter’s decay rate into free-space. Most notably, the predictions made by the Jaynes–Cummings model become increasingly wrong when approaching the ideal emitter-resonator systems with no free-space decay channels. We present a Hamiltonian that provides, within the validity range of the rotating wave approximation, a correct theoretical description that applies to all regimes. As minimizing the coupling to free-space modes is paramount for many cavity-based applications, a correct description of strong light-matter interaction is therefore crucial for developing and optimizing quantum protocols.
Steering abrupt autofocusing beams with metasurfaces [Invited]
Authors: Lin Rong , Yao Jin , Zhang Jingcheng , Che Xiaoyu , Leng Borui , Wang Zhihui , Chen Muku , Tsai Din Ping
Published: June 2024

Abrupt autofocusing (AAF) beams, known for their non-diffractive
properties, extended focal depth, and self-healing capabilities, are
advantageous over conventional Gaussian beams in the biomedical field.
Compared to the previous
method that can only generate
a passive AAF beam, we introduce metasurfaces to achieve a dynamically
steered AAF beam at the incident wavelength of 532 nm. By rotating the
two metasurfaces in opposite directions of an angle
θ,
both the generated position of the AAF beam and the autofocusing
direction can be altered. Our theoretical analysis and full-wave
simulation results confirmed that the deflection angle of the AAF beam
can be finely adjusted from to 11°
without significantly affecting the focal length or focusing
efficiency. This capability allows for precision operation in
biomedical applications, including enhanced laser surgery, optical
tweezing, and optimized photodynamic therapy.
Spatially resolved dual-comb sensing with a single electro-optic modulator
Authors: Escobar-Vera Camilo , Moreno-Oyervides Aldo , Soriano-Amat Miguel , Martin-Lopez Sonia , Bonilla-Manrique Oscar E. , Fernández-Ruiz María R. , Gonzalez-Herraez Miguel , Martín-Mateos Pedro , Durán Vicente
Published: June 2024

We demonstrate spatially resolved sensing by a novel approach that combines an infrared camera and a simplified dual-comb illumination arrangement. Specifically, our scheme employs a continuous-wave laser and only one electro-optic modulator to simultaneously create a pair of mutually coherent optical frequency combs, each one with a slightly different line spacing. The system operates by measuring this dual-comb spectrum from a sequence of acquired images, in order to recover the spectral response of every spatial point of a sample. Thanks to its excellent stability, our approach ensures integration times well in excess of 10 s. The result is an utterly simple multi-spectral imager, capable of resolving up to 127 independent comb lines (spectral channels) across 16 k individual spatial positions, with a digitization sampling rate close to 1 kHz. As a proof of concept, we measure spatial variations of the refractive index of a low-reflectivity etalon undergoing a heating process. This sensing unit has a great potential to work as a field-deployable system for the determination of the spatial distribution of external perturbations such as temperature or strain. We comprehensively discuss the current advantages and limitations of our sensing approach, as well as its further developments.
Compact silicon photonic-lantern mode (de)multiplexer based on tilt slot waveguide
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Wu Rui , Chen Yijie , Qiao Xin
Published: June 2024

As the key component in on-chip mode-division multiplexing systems, a compact silicon photonic-lantern mode (de)multiplexer is proposed and demonstrated using the shallow-etched tilt slot waveguide. The proposed six-mode (de)multiplexer is designed as a constant coupling length of 11.7 µm for each mode conversion and eliminates the adiabatic transition tapers for cascaded asymmetric directional couplers, which have an ultra-short total length of 69 µm. The measured peak insertion losses of the fabricated device for all mode channels are less than 1.2 dB, and the crosstalk is below -12.6 dB in a 60 nm waveband. Additionally, the simulation results indicate that the device has a good fabrication tolerance. The proposed mode (de)multiplexer is scalable and could provide a feasible solution for the dense integration of on-chip mode division multiplexing systems.
Resonant edge-state switching across topological bulk bands
Authors: Li Chunyan , Huang Changming
Published: June 2024

We propose a physical mechanism allowing topological excitations with the same Bloch momentum belonging to distinct gaps to be resonant switched. This offers an opportunity to observe both intra-gap and inter-gap resonant edge-state switching. Increasing modulation depth significantly accelerates the resonant switching, while frequency de-tuning inhibits the switching. However, for the same set of parameters, the inter-gap conversion is always faster and more efficient than the intra-gap conversion. Furthermore, weak nonlinearity nearly completely hinders intra-gap switching, but it has almost no effect on inter-gap switching. This fact indicates that inter-gap resonant edge-state switching is more applicable for the nonlinear polaritons system. Additionally, we found that the dependence of switching time on the Bloch momentum qualitatively differed for these two different types of resonant edge-state switching. The results can be applied to a Bose Einstein condensate system to realize cold-atom resonant edge-state switching.
Real-time representation and rendering of high-resolution 3D light field based on texture-enhanced optical flow prediction
Authors: Li Ningchi , Yu Xunbo , Gao Xin , Yan Binbin , Li Donghu , Hong Jianhao , Tong Yixiang , Wang Yue , Hu Yunfan , Ning Chenyu , He Jinhong , Ji Luyu , Sang Xinzhu
Published: June 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) light field displays can provide an immersive visual perception and have attracted widespread attention, especially in 3D light field communications, where 3D light field displays can provide face-to-face communication experiences. However, due to limitations in 3D reconstruction and dense views rendering efficiency, generating high-quality 3D light field content in real-time remains a challenge. Traditional 3D light field capturing and reconstruction methods suffer from high reconstruction complexity and low rendering efficiency. Here, a Real-time optical flow representation for the high-resolution light field is proposed. Based on the principle of 3D light field display, we use optical flow to ray trace and multiplex sparse view pixels. We simultaneously synthesize 3D light field images during the real-time interpolation process of views. In addition, we built a complete capturing-display system to verify the effectiveness of our method. The experiments' results show that the proposed method can synthesize 8 K 3D light field videos containing 100 views in real-time. The PSNR of the virtual views is around 32 dB and SSIM is over 0.99, and the rendered frame rate is 32 fps. Qualitative experimental results show that this method can be used for high-resolution 3D light field communication.
Manufacturability-based optical design optimization for advanced Kirkpatrick–Baez X-ray focusing mirrors
Authors: Huang Lei , Wang Tianyi , Yamada Jumpei , Rebuffi Luca , Austin Corey , Choi Heejoo , Kang Hyukmo , Negi Vipender , Kim Daewook , Idir Mourad
Published: June 2024

The advanced Kirkpatrick–Baez (AKB) mirror setup is an effective and compelling solution to provide stable X-ray nano-focusing for synchrotron radiation or free-electron laser beamlines. We propose an AKB mirror design optimization approach to mitigate the difficulties associated with mirror fabrication by minimizing the total slope ranges of the four curved mirrors while achieving the expected focusing performance. In the optimization, we have considered geometry constraints to ensure the beam acceptance with the required clear aperture, the diffraction-limited focal size with the adequate numerical aperture, and the desired mirror gaps for adjustment and the necessary working distance for the sample stage. Additionally, practical constraints linked to mirror metrology and fabrication, such as mirror length limits and curvature uncertainty in measurement, are taken into account. Furthermore, progressive objective optimization eliminates the need for any initial guess, fully automating the AKB optimization process. This approach facilitates the development of an elegant Wolter-I or Wolter-III type AKB design solution that satisfies these multiple constraints. In cases where constraints cannot be simultaneously satisfied, the optimization results provide valuable insights into areas where trade-offs need to be considered. Simulations with ray tracing and wavefront propagation validate the optimized AKB design showing high tolerance to the beam incident angle.
Direct measurement of topological invariants in a double emitter system
including plasmonic antennae
Authors: Simone Giuseppina
Published: June 2024

In the context of nonconservative open systems, multilayers serve as valuable emitters. Recent studies have shed
light on the non-Hermitian nature of these multilayers,
presenting exciting opportunities for further exploration
and understanding. Here, a multilayer decorated with
plasmonic antennae has been examined. By combining the
surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and waveguide modes, a
new hybrid waveguide resonance mode has been generated. Interestingly, the enhancement of spontaneous emission at exceptional points is characterized by dark and
bright resonances. It has been demonstrated that in the
open hybrid cavity/antenna and non-Hermitian systems
the intrinsic nature of the exceptional points improves
emission and emission, and therefore, the sensitivity is expected to be influenced
Low-complexity turbulence resilience enabled by a multi-mode bi-directional transceiver
Authors: Daly Ultan , Iga Fortune , Boldin Aleksandr , Vallance Adam , Cox Mitchell , Lavery Martin
Published: June 2024

Free-space optical (FSO) communication systems are acutely affected by the pointing issues and distortions that result from mechanical instability and environmental factors such as turbulence. These distortions have generally prevented single-mode bi-directional systems from being deployed without adaptive optics due to high optical losses. We investigate and compare the performance of both step and graded index multi-mode fibers for bi-directional communications over an emulated 400 m FSO channel. We propose that OM5 graded index fiber will simultaneously provide a near Gaussian optical transmission mode and a factor of greater than 5 increase in the field of view compared to single-mode fiber. We demonstrate that OM5 can support an error-free throughput of 10 Gbps for low-turbulence (𝐷/𝑟0 = 3) and 9.1 Gbps for high-turbulence (𝐷/𝑟0 = 9) using commercial bi-directional small form-factor pluggable (SFP+)
19 transceivers with no adaptive optical components.
Ereignisvariable Tarife zur Lastverschiebung von steuerbaren Verbrauchseinrichtungen im Prosumer-Haushalt
Authors: Kübler Claudius , Essers Julien , Niehs Eike , Engel Bernd , Grandel Matthias
Published: June 2024

Der Artikel beschreibt zunächst die aktuellen technischen und regulatorischen Rahmenbedingungen für Lastverschiebung im Prosumer-Haushalt. Seit Ende 2023 sind alle Rahmenbedingungen weitestgehend definiert, um in den nächsten Jahren automatisierte tarifbasierte Lastverschiebungen in den Markt einzuführen. Die vom Gesetzgeber geforderten flexiblen Tarife als Anreiz zur Lastverschiebung werden näher analysiert. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt dabei auf dynamischen Tarifen, bei denen die Vertriebspreise dynamisch an die Marktergebnisse der Strombörse gekoppelt werden. Auf Basis einer Marktübersicht und der Ergebnisse einer qualitativen Expertenbefragung von 12 Stadtwerken und Lieferanten erfolgt eine Bewertung dynamischer Tarife. Es wird ein alternatives Tarifkonzept auf Basis des Tarifanwendungsfalles 5 (ereignisvariabler Tarif) vorgestellt. Bei diesem Tarif werden drei bzw. vier Tarifstufen dynamisch an den Börsenpreis angepasst. Dieses Tarifkonzept ist datensparsamer und einfacher in den IT-Systemen umzusetzen als die notwendige Zählerstandsgangmessung (Tarifanwendungsfall 7) mit einem Messwert pro ¼ h bzw. h bei dynamischen Tarifen. Auch weist der ereignisvariable Tarif eine geringere Komplexität sowie ein geringeres Kostenrisiko für die Endverbraucher auf. Der Beitrag beschreibt die dafür notwendige Signalisierung zwischen dem Messstellenbetreiber (Gateway-Administrator), dem Smart Meter Gateway und einem Home Energy Management System zur automatischen Übermittlung der Tarifsignale. In einem quantitativen Vergleich auf Basis der Börsenstrompreise des Jahres 2023 werden verschiedene Ausgestaltungsvarianten des ereignisvariablen Tarifs mit einem dynamischen Tarif und einem Einheitspreistarif verglichen.
An endothelial regulatory module links blood pressure regulation with elite athletic performance
Authors: Fegraeus Kim , Rosengren Maria K. , Naboulsi Rakan , Orlando Ludovic , Åbrink Magnus , Jouni Ahmad , Velie Brandon D. , Raine Amanda , Egner Beate , Mattsson C Mikael , Lång Karin , Zhigulev Artemy , Björck Hanna M. , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Eriksson Per , Andersson Göran , Sahlén Pelin , Meadows Jennifer R. S. , Lindgren Gabriella
Published: June 2024

The control of transcription is crucial for homeostasis in mammals. A previous selective sweep analysis of horse racing performance revealed a 19.6 kb candidate regulatory region 50 kb downstream of the Endothelin3 (EDN3) gene. Here, the region was narrowed to a 5.5 kb span of 14 SNVs, with elite and sub-elite haplotypes analyzed for association to racing performance, blood pressure and plasma levels of EDN3 in Coldblooded trotters and Standardbreds. Comparative analysis of human HiCap data identified the span as an enhancer cluster active in endothelial cells, interacting with genes relevant to blood pressure regulation. Coldblooded trotters with the sub-elite haplotype had significantly higher blood pressure compared to horses with the elite performing haplotype during exercise. Alleles within the elite haplotype were part of the standing variation in pre-domestication horses, and have risen in frequency during the era of breed development and selection. These results advance our understanding of the molecular genetics of athletic performance and vascular traits in both horses and humans.
Mortality among persons with tuberculosis in Zambian hospitals: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bwembya Josphat , Kumar Ramya , Musonda Victoria , Chimzizi Rhehab , Kasese-Chanda Nancy , Goma Lameck , Kabaso Mushota , Mihova Reford , Nyimbili Sulani , Makwambeni Vimbai , Nyirenda Soka , Mwinga Alwyn , Lungu Patrick
Published: June 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) mortality in Zambia remains high at 86 per 100,000 populations, translating to approximately 15,000 TB-related deaths annually. We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study to understand predictors, time to death, and probable causes of mortality among persons on TB treatment in Zambia. We reviewed medical records for persons with TB registered in 54 purposively selected hospitals in Zambia between January and December 2019. We fitted a Cox proportional hazards model to identify predictors of mortality. Of the 13,220 records abstracted, 10,987 were analyzed after excluding records of persons who transferred in from other hospitals, those with inconsistent dates and those whose treatment outcome was not evaluated. The majority of persons with TB were men, (61.5%, n = 6,761) with a median age of 36 years (IQR: 27–46 years). Overall, 1,063 (9.7%) died before completing TB treatment (incidence rate = 16.9 deaths per 1,000 person-months). Median age at death was 40 years (IQR: 31–52). The majority of deaths (75.7%, n = 799) occurred in the first two months of TB treatment, with a median time to death of 21 days (IQR: 6–57). Independent risk factors for TB mortality included age >54 years, being treated in Eastern, Southern, Western, Muchinga and Central provinces, receiving treatment from a third-level or mission hospital, methods of diagnosis other than Xpert MTB/RIF, extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), and positive HIV status. Probable causes of death were septic shock (18.8%), TB Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (TB IRIS) (17.8%), end-organ damage (13.4%), pulmonary TB (11.4%), anemia (9.6%) and TB meningitis (7.8%). These results show high mortality among people undergoing TB treatment in Zambia. Interventions targeted at persons most at risk such as the elderly, those with EPTB, and those living with HIV, can help reduce TB-related mortalities in Zambia.
Classification of white blood cells (leucocytes) from blood smear imagery using machine and deep learning models: A global scoping review
Authors: Asghar Rabia , Kumar Sanjay , Shaukat Arslan , Hynds Paul
Published: June 2024

Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models are being increasingly employed for medical imagery analyses, with both approaches used to enhance the accuracy of classification/prediction in the diagnoses of various cancers, tumors and bloodborne diseases. To date however, no review of these techniques and their application(s) within the domain of white blood cell (WBC) classification in blood smear images has been undertaken, representing a notable knowledge gap with respect to model selection and comparison. Accordingly, the current study sought to comprehensively identify, explore and contrast ML and DL methods for classifying WBCs. Following development and implementation of a formalized review protocol, a cohort of 136 primary studies published between January 2006 and May 2023 were identified from the global literature, with the most widely used techniques and best-performing WBC classification methods subsequently ascertained. Studies derived from 26 countries, with highest numbers from high-income countries including the United States (n = 32) and The Netherlands (n = 26). While WBC classification was originally rooted in conventional ML, there has been a notable shift toward the use of DL, and particularly convolutional neural networks (CNN), with 54.4% of identified studies (n = 74) including the use of CNNs, and particularly in concurrence with larger datasets and bespoke features e.g., parallel data pre-processing, feature selection, and extraction. While some conventional ML models achieved up to 99% accuracy, accuracy was shown to decrease in concurrence with decreasing dataset size. Deep learning models exhibited improved performance for more extensive datasets and exhibited higher levels of accuracy in concurrence with increasingly large datasets. Availability of appropriate datasets remains a primary challenge, potentially resolvable using data augmentation techniques. Moreover, medical training of computer science researchers is recommended to improve current understanding of leucocyte structure and subsequent selection of appropriate classification models. Likewise, it is critical that future health professionals be made aware of the power, efficacy, precision and applicability of computer science, soft computing and artificial intelligence contributions to medicine, and particularly in areas like medical imaging.
Structural characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of six plant phenolic acids
Authors: Kalinowska Monika , Świsłocka Renata , Wołejko Elżbieta , Jabłońska-Trypuć Agata , Wydro Urszula , Kozłowski Maciej , Koronkiewicz Kamila , Piekut Jolanta , Lewandowski Włodzimierz
Published: June 2024

Phenolic acids still gain significant attention due to their potential antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. In this study, we have investigated the antimicrobial of six phenolic acids, namely chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, rosmarinic, gallic and tannic acids in the concentration range 0.5–500 μM, against Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of these phenolic acids on two cancer cell lines, the colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell line and Dukes’ type C colorectal adenocarcinoma DLD-1 cell line was examined. To further understand the molecular properties of these phenolic acids, quantum chemical calculations were performed using the Gaussian 09W program. Parameters such as ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, chemical hardness, chemical softness, dipole moment, and electrophilicity index were obtained. The lipophilicity properties represented by logP parameter was also discussed. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of six phenolic acids, compounds deliberately selected due to their chemical structure. They are derivatives of benzoic or cinnamic acids with the increasing number of hydroxyl groups in the aromatic ring. The integration of experimental and computational methodologies provides a knowledge of the molecular characteristics of bioactive compounds and partial explanation of the relationship between the molecular structure and biological properties. This knowledge aids in guiding the development of bioactive components for use in dietary supplements, functional foods and pharmaceutical drugs.
Ferroptosis-related gene MAPK3 is associated with the neurological outcome after cardiac arrest
Authors: Hou Hong xiang , Pang Li , Zhao Liang , Xing Jihong
Published: June 2024

Background

Neuronal ferroptosis is closely related to the disease of the nervous system, and the objective of the present study was to recognize and verify the potential ferroptosis-related genes to forecast the neurological outcome after cardiac arrest.

Methods

Cardiac Arrest-related microarray datasets GSE29540 and GSE92696 were downloaded from GEO and batch normalization of the expression data was performed using “sva” of the R package. GSE29540 was analyzed to identify DEGs. Venn diagram was applied to recognize ferroptosis-related DEGs from the DEGs. Subsequently, The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed, and PPI network was applied to screen hub genes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were adopted to determine the predictive value of the biomarkers, and the GSE92696 dataset was applied to further evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the biomarkers. We explore transcription factors and miRNAs associated with hub genes. The “CIBERSORT” package of R was utilized to analyse the proportion infiltrating immune cells. Finally, validated by a series of experiments at the cellular level.

Results

112 overlapping ferroptosis-related DEGs were further obtained via intersecting these DEGs and ferroptosis-related genes. The GO and KEGG analysis demonstrate that ferroptosis-related DEGs are mainly involved in response to oxidative stress, ferroptosis, apoptosis, IL-17 signalling pathway, autophagy, toll-like receptor signalling pathway. The top 10 hub genes were selected, including HIF1A, MAPK3, PPARA, IL1B, PTGS2, RELA, TLR4, KEAP1, SREBF1, SIRT6. Only MAPK3 was upregulated in both GSE29540 and GAE92696. The AUC values of the MAPK3 are 0.654 and 0.850 in GSE29540 and GSE92696 respectively. The result of miRNAs associated with hub genes indicates that hsa-miR-214-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p can regulate the expression of MAPK3. MAPK3 was positively correlated with naive B cells, macrophages M0, activated dendritic cells and negatively correlated with activated CD4 memory T cells, CD8 T cells, and memory B cells. Compared to the OGD4/R24 group, the OGD4/R12 group had higher MAPK3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels and more severe ferroptosis.

Conclusion

In summary, the MAPK3 ferroptosis-related gene could be used as a biomarker to predict the neurological outcome after cardiac arrest. Potential biological pathways provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of cardiac arrest.
An energy landscape approach reveals the potential key bacteria contributing to the development of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhang Kaiyang , Nakaoka Shinji
Published: June 2024

The dysbiosis of microbiota has been reported to be associated with numerous human pathophysiological processes, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With advancements in high-throughput sequencing, various methods have been developed to study the alteration of microbiota in the development and progression of diseases. However, a suitable approach to assess the global stability of the microbiota in disease states through time-series microbiome data is yet to be established. In this study, we have introduced a novel Energy Landscape construction method, which incorporates the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model and the pairwise Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model for their complementary advantages, and demonstrate its utility by applying it to an IBD time-series dataset. Through this approach, we obtained the microbial assemblages’ energy profile of the whole microbiota under the IBD condition and uncovered the hidden stable stages of microbiota structure during the disease development with time-series microbiome data. The Bacteroides-dominated assemblages presenting in multiple stable states suggest the potential contribution of Bacteroides and interactions with other microbial genera, like Alistipes, and Faecalibacterium, to the development of IBD. Our proposed method provides a novel and insightful tool for understanding the alteration and stability of the microbiota under disease states and offers a more holistic view of the complex dynamics at play in microbiota-mediated diseases.
Completion and predictors of maternity continuum of care among women in the post-partum period in Gedeb district, southern Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Alemayehu Gemechu , Birhanu Simon , Alemayehu Afework , Mulatu Teshale
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Maternal and neonatal complications related to pregnancy and childbirth pose a significant risk of morbidity and mortality to both the mother and the child. Despite its benefits in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with pregnancy and childbirth, the majority of Ethiopian mothers were dropped from the maternal continuum of care. Furthermore, there is a dearth of data regarding the status of the maternal continuum of care and its underlying factors in southern Ethiopia.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the completion of the maternity continuum of care and its predictors among postpartum women who had given birth in the previous six months in the Gedeb district of Gedio Zone, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 625 postpartum women selected by simple random sampling from June 1 to 30, 2022. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using pretested, structured questionnaires. The association between the explanatory variables and the maternity continuum of care was examined using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was employed to measure the strength of association and the level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

In this study, only 32.00% (95% CI: 28.45, 35.77) of the women completed the maternal continuum of care. Attending primary education (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.55), secondary and above education (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.87), receiving counseling during ANC (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.92), being well prepared for birth and complications readiness (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 2.23, 7.62), and having good knowledge of pregnancy danger signs (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 2.60, 6.55) were all significantly associated with completing the maternity continuum of care.

Conclusion

Nearly one-third of the women completed the maternity continuum of care. Enhancing women’s knowledge, offering counseling during prenatal visits, ensuring women’s awareness of pregnancy danger signs, and implementing health promotion programs targeted at enhancing birth preparedness and complications readiness for all are crucial.
Probiotic LB101 alleviates dry eye in mice by suppressing matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression through the regulation of gut microbiota-involved NF-κB signaling
Authors: Ma Xiaoyang , Shin Yoon-Jung , Yun Soo-Won , Jang Seok Won , Han Seung-Won , Kim Dong-Hyun
Published: June 2024

Tear matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is an inflammatory signal in patients with dry eye (DE). In the present study, to understand the action mechanism of probiotic LB101 (Lactobacillus plantarum NK151 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NK175 [4:1] mix) against DE, we investigated its effect on tear amount and inflammatory marker expression levels in mice with unilateral exorbital lacrimal gland excision/atropine-benzalkonium chloride application (EB) or fecal microbiota transplantation from mice with EB (eFMT). Oral gavage of LB101 increased EB-suppressed tear amount and decreased EB-induced blinking number. Furthermore, LB101 decreased EB-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9 expression, TNF-α+ and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell populations, and edema in the conjunctiva, while EB-suppressed IL-10 and occludin expression increased. LB101 also decreased EB-induced TNF-α and IL-1β expression and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell population in the colon. eFMT also decreased tear amount and increased blinking number in the transplanted mice. eFMT increased TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9 expression and TNF-α+ and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell populations in the conjunctiva and TNF-α and IL-1β expression and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell populations in the colon. Oral gavage of LB101 increased eFMT-suppressed tear amount and decreased eFMT-induced blinking number. Furthermore, LB101 decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9 expression, TNF-α+ and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell populations, and edema in the conjunctiva and TNF-α and IL-1β expression and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell population in the colon, while eFMT-suppressed IL-10 and occludin expression decreased. Furthermore, LB101 increased eFMT-suppressed Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Lactobacillaceae populations in the gut microbiota, while eFMT-induced Bacteroidaceae population decreased. These findings suggest that DE may cause gut dysbiosis, which may be a risk factor for DE, and LB101 may alleviate DE with gut inflammation by suppressing the expression of MMP-9 and proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β with the regulation of gut microbiota-involved NF-κB signaling.
Assessing the impact of jail-initiated medication for opioid use disorder: A multisite analysis of the SOMATICS collaborative
Authors: Lee Joshua D. , Goldfeld Keith , Schwartz Robert P. , McDonald Ryan , Xu Yifan , Chandler Redonna , Hallgren Kevin , Kelly Sharon M. , Mitchell Shannon Gwinn , Sharma Anjalee , Farabee David
Published: June 2024

The objective of this study was to estimate the associations of jail-initiated medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and patient navigation (PN) with opioid use disorder (OUD) at 6 months post-release. Three randomized trials (combined N = 330) were combined to assess whether MOUD (extended-release naltrexone or interim methadone) initiated prior to release from jail with or without PN would reduce the likelihood of a DSM-5 diagnosis of OUD 6 months post-release relative to enhanced treatment-as-usual (ETAU). Across the three studies, assignment to MOUD compared to ETAU was not associated with an OUD diagnosis at 6 months post-release (69% vs. 75%, respectively, OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.42 to 1.20). Similarly, PN compared to MOUD without PN was not associated with an OUD diagnosis (63% vs 77%, respectively, OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.27 to 1.53). Results underscore the need to further optimize the effectiveness of MOUD for patients initiating treatment in jail, beginning with an emphasis on post-release treatment adherence.
Implementation and effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions, including mask mandates and ventilation, on SARS-CoV-2 transmission (alpha variant) in primary schools in the Netherlands
Authors: Gorgels Koen M. F. , Mujakovic Suhreta , Stallenberg Eline , Hackert Volker H. , Hoebe Christian J. P. A.
Published: June 2024

There has been a lot of discussion about the role of schools in the transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, where many countries responded with school closures in 2020. Reopening of primary schools in the Netherlands in February 2021 was sustained by various non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) following national recommendations. Our study attempted to assess the degree of regional implementation and effectiveness of these NPIs in South Limburg, Netherlands. We approached 150 primary schools with a structured questionnaire containing items on the implementation of NPIs, including items on ventilation. Based on our registry of cases, we determined the number of COVID-19 cases linked to each school, classifying cases by their source of transmission. We calculated a crude secondary attack rate by dividing the number of cases of within-school transmission by the total number of children and staff members. Two-sample proportion tests were performed to compare these rates between schools stratified by the presence of a ventilation system and mask mandates for staff members. A total of 69 schools responded. Most implemented NPIs were aimed at students, except for masking mandates, which preferentially targeted teachers over students (63% versus 22%). We observed lower crude secondary attack rates in schools with a ventilation system compared to schools without a ventilation system (1.2% versus 2.8%, p<0.01). Mandatory masking for staff members had no effect on the overall crude secondary attack rate (2.0% versus 2.1%, p = 0.03) but decreased the crude secondary attack rate among staff members (2.3% versus 1.7%, p<0.01). Schools varied in their implementation of NPIs, most of which targeted students. Rates of within-school transmission were higher compared to other studies, possibly due to a lack of proper ventilation. Our research may help improve guidance for primary schools in future outbreaks.
Deprescribing interventions in older adults: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Chua Shiyun , Todd Adam , Reeve Emily , Smith Susan M. , Fox Julia , Elsisi Zizi , Hughes Stephen , Husband Andrew , Langford Aili , Merriman Niamh , Harris Jeffrey R. , Devine Beth , Gray Shelly L. ,   the Expert Panel
Published: June 2024

Objective

The growing deprescribing field is challenged by a lack of consensus around evidence and knowledge gaps. The objective of this overview of systematic reviews was to summarize the review evidence for deprescribing interventions in older adults.

Methods

11 databases were searched from 1st January 2005 to 16th March 2023 to identify systematic reviews. We summarized and synthesized the results in two steps. Step 1 summarized results reported by the included reviews (including meta-analyses). Step 2 involved a narrative synthesis of review results by outcome. Outcomes included medication-related outcomes (e.g., medication reduction, medication appropriateness) or twelve other outcomes (e.g., mortality, adverse events). We summarized outcomes according to subgroups (patient characteristics, intervention type and setting) when direct comparisons were available within the reviews. The quality of included reviews was assessed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2).

Results

We retrieved 3,228 unique citations and assessed 135 full-text articles for eligibility. Forty-eight reviews (encompassing 17 meta-analyses) were included. Thirty-one of the 48 reviews had a general deprescribing focus, 16 focused on specific medication classes or therapeutic categories and one included both. Twelve of 17 reviews meta-analyzed medication-related outcomes (33 outcomes: 25 favored the intervention, 7 found no difference, 1 favored the comparison). The narrative synthesis indicated that most interventions resulted in some evidence of medication reduction while for other outcomes we found primarily no evidence of an effect. Results were mixed for adverse events and few reviews reported adverse drug withdrawal events. Limited information was available for people with dementia, frailty and multimorbidity. All but one review scored low or critically low on quality assessment.

Conclusion

Deprescribing interventions likely resulted in medication reduction but evidence on other outcomes, in particular relating to adverse events, or in vulnerable subgroups or settings was limited. Future research should focus on designing studies powered to examine harms, patient-reported outcomes, and effects on vulnerable subgroups.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO CRD42020178860.
Estimating time-varying epidemiological parameters and underreporting of Covid-19 cases in Brazil using a mathematical model with fuzzy transitions between epidemic periods
Authors: Lima Hélder Seixas , Tupinambás Unaí , Guimarães Frederico Gadelha
Published: June 2024

Our study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, spanning five waves over three years. We employed a novel Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Dead-Susceptible (SIRDS) model with a fuzzy transition between epidemic periods to estimate time-varying parameters and evaluate case underreporting. The initial basic reproduction number (R0) is identified at 2.44 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.42–2.46), decreasing to 1.00 (95% CI: 0.99–1.01) during the first wave. The model estimates an underreporting factor of 12.9 (95% CI: 12.5–13.2) more infections than officially reported by Brazilian health authorities, with an increasing factor of 5.8 (95% CI: 5.2–6.4), 12.9 (95% CI: 12.5–13.3), and 16.8 (95% CI: 15.8–17.5) in 2020, 2021, and 2022 respectively. Additionally, the Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) is initially 0.88% (95% CI: 0.81%–0.94%) during the initial phase but consistently reduces across subsequent outbreaks, reaching its lowest value of 0.018% (95% CI: 0.011–0.033) in the last outbreak. Regarding the immunity period, the observed uncertainty and low sensitivity indicate that inferring this parameter is particularly challenging. Brazil successfully reduced R0 during the first wave, coinciding with decreased human mobility. Ineffective public health measures during the second wave resulted in the highest mortality rates within the studied period. We attribute lower mortality rates in 2022 to increased vaccination coverage and the lower lethality of the Omicron variant. We demonstrate the model generalization by its application to other countries. Comparative analyses with serological research further validate the accuracy of the model. In forecasting analysis, our model provides reasonable outbreak predictions. In conclusion, our study provides a nuanced understanding of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, employing a novel epidemiological model. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on pandemic dynamics, underreporting, and the effectiveness of health interventions.
Cultural hierarchies in health: Does inherited sociocultural position (biraderi) shape diet and nutrition among British Pakistani children? Protocol for a mixed-methods study
Authors: Bhatia Komal , Intezar Hannah , Akhtar Parveen
Published: June 2024

This study aims to explore links between biraderi–a form of identity-based social grouping and stratification which cuts across religions among South Asians–and infant and child nutrition among British Pakistanis using data from the Born in Bradford cohort study. The study will entail a mixed-methods approach to (i) develop an operational framework of biraderi for epidemiologic analyses and apply it to longitudinal data from the Born in Bradford cohort study, (ii) quantify and describe child nutrition and dietary patterns for biraderi sub-groups, and (iii) investigate whether known mechanisms of identity-based segregation, graded inequality, and network effects operate through diet and nutrition in the UK. Using Krieger’s ecosocial theory as an integrative framework we will (iv) re-conceptualise and interpret the role of biraderi / caste in the social construction and embodied experience of how infants and children eat in the UK. Following a literature review on biraderi and health, we will convene and consult a lay consultation group in Bradford through focus groups and academic experts through a Delphi study to guide planning, implementation, interpretation and dissemination of our secondary data analysis. In addition to being the first study to look at biraderi-based nutritional inequalities in the UK, our study is innovative in that we will formally involve experts and users in the design and interpretation of our quantitative analyses. Findings will be applicable in any part of the world where children experience disadvantage linked to sociocultural hierarchy and identity. Our findings will be of particular use in (i) identifying women and children at particular risk of suboptimal breastfeeding practices, poor complementary feeding, and unhealthy diets in primary school in the UK, and (ii) elucidating the sociocultural pathways through which inequalities in population health nutrition outcomes are expressed.
New insights into population structure, demographic history, and effective population size of the critically endangered blue shark Prionace glauca in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Dolfo Violaine , Boissin Emilie , Lapinski Matthieu , Planes Serge
Published: June 2024

The blue shark,Prionace glauca, is the most abundant pelagic shark in the open ocean but its vulnerability remains poorly understood while being one of the most fecund sharks. In the Mediterranean Sea, the blue shark is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The species is facing a strong decline due to fishing, and scientific data regarding its genetic structure and vulnerability are still lacking. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity, demographic history, and population structure of the blue shark within the Mediterranean Sea, from samples of the Gulf of Lion and Malta, using sequences of the mtDNA control region and 22 microsatellite markers. We also compared our mitochondrial data to previous studies to examine the Atlantic-Mediterranean population structure. We assessed the blue shark’s genetic vulnerability in the Mediterranean basin by modelling its effective population size. Our results showed a genetic differentiation between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean basins, with limited gene flow between the two areas, and distinct demographic histories making the Mediterranean population an independent management unit. Within the Mediterranean Sea, no sign of population structure was detected, suggesting a single population across the Western and Central parts of the sea. The estimated effective population size was low and highlighted the high vulnerability of the Mediterranean blue shark population, as the estimated size we calculated might not be sufficient to ensure the long-term persistence of the population. Our data also provide additional evidence that the Gulf of Lion area acts as a nursery forP.glauca, where protection is essential for the conservation strategy of the species in the Mediterranean.
Periodontal inflammation as a potential driver of HIV low level viremia
Authors: Stam Arjen J. , Groenewegen Hester , Vissink Arjan , Wensing Annemarie M. J. , Nijhuis Monique , Bierman Wouter F. W.
Published: June 2024

HIV can be successfully suppressed to undetectable levels by antiretroviral therapy (ART) in most people with HIV (PWH). However, a small proportion continues to have persistent low-level viremia (LLV) during ART. A presumed source of LLV is production or replication from viral reservoirs, which are maintained in the presence of ART. It is unknown whether the oral cavity can be considered an HIV reservoir. As periodontal inflammation is a common problem in PWH, we hypothesize that periodontal inflammation in the oral cavity activates (latently) infected cells and thus might be associated with LLV. We included 11 individuals with HIV LLV, and compared HIV-RNA levels in saliva and plasma at baseline and at week 24 after switch of ART. We compared the LLV-group at baseline with 11 age-matched controls with suppressed viremia. To investigate the severity of periodontitis we used Periodontal Inflamed Surface Areas (PISA) by measuring probing depth, gingival recession, bleeding on probing and clinical attachment level. Severity of periodontitis was classified according to the CDC-AAP case definition. Additional insights in periodontal inflammation were obtained by comparing immune activation markers and the presence of periodontal pathogens. In four individuals of the LLV group, residual levels of HIV-RNA were detected in saliva at baseline (N = 1) or at week 24 (N = 2) or both (N = 1). Of the four individuals with LLV, three had residual levels of HIV-RNA in saliva. All 22 individuals had moderate to severe periodontitis. PISA was not significantly different between cases with LLV and controls. Similarly, periodontal pathogens were frequently observed in both groups. Total activated HLA-DR+CD38+ CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells were significantly higher in the LLV group than in the control group (p = <0.01). No immune markers were associated with LLV. In conclusion, periodontal inflammation is an unlikely driver of HIV LLV compared to HIV suppressed individuals.
MicroRNA-focused CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies miR-142 as a key regulator of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation
Authors: Chen Yan , Kincaid Rodney P. , Bastin Kelley , Fachko Devin N. , Skalsky Rebecca L.
Published: June 2024

Reactivation from latency plays a significant role in maintaining persistent lifelong Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Mechanisms governing successful activation and progression of the EBV lytic phase are not fully understood. EBV expresses multiple viral microRNAs (miRNAs) and manipulates several cellular miRNAs to support viral infection. To gain insight into the host miRNAs regulating transitions from EBV latency into the lytic stage, we conducted a CRISPR/Cas9-based screen in EBV+ Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells using anti-Ig antibodies to crosslink the B cell receptor (BCR) and induce reactivation. Using a gRNA library against >1500 annotated human miRNAs, we identified miR-142 as a key regulator of EBV reactivation. Genetic ablation of miR-142 enhanced levels of immediate early and early lytic gene products in infected BL cells. Ago2-PAR-CLIP experiments with reactivated cells revealed miR-142 targets related to Erk/MAPK signaling, including components directly downstream of the B cell receptor (BCR). Consistent with these findings, disruption of miR-142 enhanced SOS1 levels and Mek phosphorylation in response to surface Ig cross-linking. Effects could be rescued by inhibitors of Mek (cobimetinib) or Raf (dabrafenib). Taken together, these results show that miR-142 functionally regulates SOS1/Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling initiated through the BCR and consequently, restricts EBV entry into the lytic cycle.