bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray adaptive zoom condenser utilizing an intermediate virtual focus
Authors: Matsuyama Satoshi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Inoue Takato , Nishioka Yuka , Yamada Jumpei , Sano Yasuhisa , Kohmura Yoshiki , Yabashi Makina , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Yamauchi Kazuto
Published: April 2021

We propose an extended X-ray adaptive zoom condenser that can form an intermediate virtual focus. The system comprises two deformable mirrors for focusing within a single dimension and can vary its numerical aperture (NA) without changing the positions of the light source, mirrors, or final focus. The desired system NA is achieved simply by controlling the mirror surfaces, which enables conversion between convex and concave forms, by varying the position of the intermediate virtual focus. A feasibility test at SPring-8 under a photon energy of 10 keV demonstrated that the beam size can be varied between 134 and 1010 nm.
Freeform illumination optics for 3D targets through a virtual irradiance transport
Authors: Zhu Zhengbo , Wei Shili , Li Wenyi , Fan Zichao , Ma Donglin
Published: April 2021

Freeform illumination optics design for 3D target surfaces is a challenging and rewarding issue. The current researches on freeform illumination optics are mostly involved in planar targets, especially for the cases where the targets are perpendicular to the optical axis. Here, we propose a general method to design freeform optics for illuminating 3D target surfaces for zero-étendue sources. In this method, we employ a virtual observation plane which is perpendicular to the optical axis and transfer the irradiance on the 3D target surface to this virtual plane. By designing freeform optics to generate the transferred irradiance distribution, the prescribed irradiance distribution on the 3D target can be realized automatically. The influence of the freeform optics size is considered in the optics design process, which makes it possible to design illumination system for near-field configuration where the influence of the freeform optics size cannot be ignored. We demonstrate the robustness and elegance of the proposed method with three design examples.
Phonon lasing with an atomic thin membrane resonator at room temperature
Authors: Li Wei-Jie , Cheng Ze-Di , Kang Li-Zhi , Zhang Rui-Ming , Fan Bo-Yu , Zhou Qiang , Wang You , Song Hai-Zhi , Arutyunov Konstantin Yu. , Niu Xiao-Bin , Deng Guang-Wei
Published: April 2021

Graphene has been considered as one of the best materials to implement mechanical resonators due to their excellent properties such as low mass, high quality factors and tunable resonant frequencies. Here we report the observation of phonon lasing induced by the photonthermal pressure in a few-layer graphene resonator at room temperature, where the graphene resonator and the silicon substrate form an optical cavity. A marked threshold in the oscillation amplitude and a narrowing linewidth of the vibration mode are observed, which confirms a phonon lasing process in the graphene resonator. Our findings will stimulate the studies on phononic phenomena, help to establish new functional devices based on graphene mechanical resonators, and might find potential applications in classical and quantum sensing fields, as well as in information processing.
Tunable dual-band mid-infrared absorber based on the coupling of a graphene surface plasmon polariton and Tamm phonon-polariton
Authors: Han Jing , Shao Yabin , Chen Chunyu , Wang Jun , Gao Yang , Gao Yachen
Published: April 2021

We propose and demonstrate a tunable dual-band mid-infrared absorber structure based on the coupling effect of a surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and Tamm phonon-polariton (TPhP). The structure is composed of the distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), air layer, SiC and graphene ribbons. In the air layer, the graphene ribbons are embedded to realize the localized SPP (LSPP), which makes the structure support both the graphene LSPP (GLSPP) and TPhP. The absorption properties of the structure are investigated theoretically and numerically. It is found that strong coupling of the GLSPP and TPhP can be realized by choosing reasonable parameters, which causes a dual-frequency perfect absorption and makes the maximum Rabi splitting of the coupled mode reach 5.76 meV. Furthermore, the mode coupling and absorption intensity can be tuned by adjusting the thickness of the air layer and the Fermi level of the graphene ribbons. This work might provide new possibilities for the development of mid-infrared band sensors, filters and emitters based on the coupling of multiple modes.
Demonstration of various optical directed logic operations by using an integrated photonic circuit
Authors: Xiao Huifu , Han Xu , Jiang Yongheng , Ren Guanghui , Mitchell Arnan , Gao Daqiang , Yang Jianhong , Tian Yonghui
Published: April 2021

Optical directed logic is a novel logic operation scheme that employs electrical signals as operands to control the working states of optical switches to perform the logic operations. In this Letter, we propose and demonstrate an integrated photonic circuit which can implement five different optical logic operations by utilizing two optical modes. The proposed device is fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator substrate by using electron beam lithography and inductively coupled plasma etching processes. The static experimental results show that the fabricated device can implement five different operations correctly—XOR, XNOR, NOR, NOT, and AND—from which we can see that the signal-to-noise ratios are larger than 17.6 dB over the entire C band for all five logic functions. At last, all five logic operations with the speed of 10 Kbps are demonstrated. The proposed device with simple structure, large bandwidth, and versatility would be a promising candidate for information processing in optical mode division multiplexing networks.
Nonlinear super-resolution imaging via orientationally enhanced photorefractive effect in polymer
Authors: Han Jing , Xu Qinfeng , Chen Jiannong , Zhu Linwei
Published: April 2021

Resulting from the attenuation of evanescent waves in imaging, conventional microscopy techniques always yield few subwavelength features. In this Letter, a nonlinear far-field super-resolution technique is investigated, which is theoretically beyond the linear diffraction limitation. Based on the orientationally enhanced photorefractive effect of polymer, an inherently phase-matched diffraction grating is established and generates daughter modes by wave mixture. Almost all of these modes can pass through a finite-aperture filter and be sensed for reconstruction. An improvement of resolution of about four times is obtained and expected to be increased further. This work may provide a potential strategy for various subwavelength-resolved imaging applications.
Heavy-oxide glasses with superior mechanical assets for nonlinear fiber applications in the mid-infrared
Authors: Strutynski Clément , Calzavara Florian , Guerineau Théo , Loi Laura , Laberdesque Romain , Rampnoux Jean-Michel , Morency Steeve , Ledemi Yannick , Petit Yannick , Dussauze Marc , Désévédavy Frédéric , Smektala Frédéric , Danto Sylvain , Canioni Lionel , Messaddeq Younes , Fargin Evelyne , Cardinal Thierry
Published: April 2021

The ability to produce robust fiber-based integrated optical systems operating over a wide spectral domain (UV to mid-infrared), is one of today’s key challenges in photonics. This work reports on the production of crystal-free, light guiding fibers from rich Ga2O3 oxide-based glass compositions. These materials show optical transmission extending from ultraviolet wavelengths (∼0.280 µm) up to 6 µm in the IR for millimeter length scale while exhibiting relatively high vitreous transition temperatures (∼735 °C), nonlinear optical properties and improved surface micro-hardness. This combination of superior thermal, mechanical and optical properties represents a promising alternative for the development of robust fibers operating in the visible up to the 3–5 µm window.
Influence of low-temperature GaN-Cap layer thickness on the InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well structure and its luminescence
Authors: Zhao Yuntao , Li Guanghui , Zhang Shuai , Liang Feng , Zhou Mei , Zhao Degang , Jiang Desheng
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the influence of low-temperature GaN-cap (LT-Cap) layer thickness on the InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) structure and the related luminescence characteristics. The research results show that the thickness variation of LT-Cap layers seems not to have a substantial impact on the structure of MQWs, i.e., the well layer thickness, but strongly affects the indium composition of well layers. The LT-Cap layer can effectively weaken the decomposition of InGaN, however, the increase in the thickness of the LT-Cap layer will lead to an increase in the polarization effect, resulting in a red shift of the emission peak. Different LT-Cap layers will affect the distribution of the tail states, resulting in an energy shift of carrier emission from the local states. In addition, the thickness variation of LT-Cap layers also affects the luminescence characteristics of MQWs. It is found that as the thickness of the LT-Cap layer increases, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of the material gradually decreases, which may be due to the introduction of new non-radiative recombination centers.
Diode-pumped master oscillator power amplifier system based on cryogenically cooled Tm:Y2O3 transparent ceramics
Authors: Yue Fangxin , Jambunathan Venkatesan , David Samuel Paul , Mateos Xavier , Šulc Jan , Smrž Martin , Mocek Tomáš
Published: April 2021

We demonstrated a master oscillator power amplifier system using cryogenically cooled Tm:Y2O3 transparent ceramics. The electro-optically switched master oscillator acted as a seed source and could be tuned from 1 to 100 Hz. A maximum pulse energy of 1.35 mJ with a pulse duration of 30 ns amounting to a peak power of 45 kW was obtained at 10 Hz. The power amplification via double-pass geometry achieved maximum single pulse energy of 2.94 mJ at 10 Hz with a pulse duration of 32 ns. The results showed the pulsed lasing potential of Tm:Y2O3 transparent ceramics at cryogenic temperatures. This gain material can be considered as an alternative gain medium for high average and peak power laser development around 2 µm in nano-second regime.
Giant clam inspired high-speed photo-conversion for ultraviolet optical wireless communication
Authors: Subedi Ram Chandra , Rossbach Susann , Kang Chun Hong , Alkhazragi Omar , Sun Xiaobin , Holguin-Lerma Jorge A. , Mitra Somak , Roqan Iman S. , Behzad Ali R. , Sougrat Rachid , Ng Tien Khee , Bradley Donal D. C. , Duarte Carlos M. , Ooi Boon S.
Published: April 2021

Organisms have evolved the ability to manipulate light for vision, as a means to capture its energy, to protect themselves from damage, especially against ultraviolet (UV) and other high flux radiation, and for display purposes. The makeup of the structural elements used for this manipulation often discloses novel pathways for man-made photonic devices. Iridocytes in the mantle of giant clams in the Tridacninae subfamily manipulate light in many ways, e.g., as reflectors, scattering centers, and diffusers. There is, however, a void in understanding the absorption and photoluminescence (PL) emission dynamics of these cells. In turn, a profound understanding of iridocytes’ photophysics can offer the prospect for a new generation of advanced optoelectronic materials and devices. Here, the structural and optical properties of the iridocytes embedded in the mantle tissue of the Tridacna maxima are investigated and their use as a high-speed color convertor for UV photodetection, well-suited to application in UV optical wireless communication, is demonstrated.
Detecting adherence to the recommended childhood vaccination schedule from user-generated content in a US parenting forum
Authors: Betti Lorenzo , De Francisci Morales Gianmarco , Gauvin Laetitia , Kalimeri Kyriaki , Mejova Yelena , Paolotti Daniela , Starnini Michele
Published: April 2021

Vaccine hesitancy is considered as one of the leading causes for the resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases. A non-negligible minority of parents does not fully adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule, leading their children to be partially immunized and at higher risk of contracting vaccine preventable diseases. Here, we leverage more than one million comments of 201,986 users posted from March 2008 to April 2019 on the public online forum BabyCenter US to learn more about such parents. For 32% with geographic location, we find the number of mapped users for each US state resembling the census population distribution with good agreement. We employ Natural Language Processing to identify 6884 and 10,131 users expressing their intention of following the recommended and alternative vaccination schedule, respectively RSUs and ASUs. From the analysis of their activity on the forum we find that ASUs have distinctly different interests and previous experiences with vaccination than RSUs. In particular, ASUs are more likely to follow groups focused on alternative medicine, are two times more likely to have experienced adverse events following immunization, and to mention more serious adverse reactions such as seizure or developmental regression. Content analysis of comments shows that the resources most frequently shared by both groups point to governmental domains (.gov). Finally, network analysis shows that RSUs and ASUs communicate between each other (indicating the absence of echo chambers), however with the latter group being more endogamic and favoring interactions with other ASUs. While our findings are limited to the specific platform analyzed, our approach may provide additional insights for the development of campaigns targeting parents on digital platforms.
Analysis of cell-type-specific chromatin modifications and gene expression in Drosophila neurons that direct reproductive behavior
Authors: Palmateer Colleen M. , Moseley Shawn C. , Ray Surjyendu , Brovero Savannah G. , Arbeitman Michelle N.
Published: April 2021

Examining the role of chromatin modifications and gene expression in neurons is critical for understanding how the potential for behaviors are established and maintained. We investigate this question by examiningDrosophila melanogaster fru P1neurons that underlie reproductive behaviors in both sexes. We developed a method to purify cell-type-specific chromatin (Chromatag), using a tagged histone H2B variant that is expressed using the versatile Gal4/UAS gene expression system. Here, we use Chromatag to evaluate five chromatin modifications, at three life stages in both sexes. We find substantial changes in chromatin modification profiles across development and fewer differences between males and females. Additionally, we find chromatin modifications that persist in different sets of genes from pupal to adult stages, which may point to genes important for cell fate determination infru P1neurons. We generated cell-type-specific RNA-seq data sets, using translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP). We identify actively translated genes infru P1neurons, revealing novel stage- and sex-differences in gene expression. We also find chromatin modification enrichment patterns that are associated with gene expression. Next, we use the chromatin modification data to identify cell-type-specific super-enhancer-containing genes. We show that genes with super-enhancers infru P1neurons differ across development and between the sexes. We validated that a set of genes are expressed infru P1neurons, which were chosen based on having a super-enhancer and TRAP-enriched expression infru P1neurons.
Aurora kinase A is essential for meiosis in mouse oocytes
Authors: Blengini Cecilia S. , Ibrahimian Patricia , Vaskovicova Michaela , Drutovic David , Solc Petr , Schindler Karen
Published: April 2021

The Aurora protein kinases are well-established regulators of spindle building and chromosome segregation in mitotic and meiotic cells. In mouse oocytes, there is significant Aurora kinase A (AURKA) compensatory abilities when the other Aurora kinase homologs are deleted. Whether the other homologs, AURKB or AURKC can compensate for loss of AURKA is not known. Using a conditional mouse oocyte knockout model, we demonstrate that this compensation is not reciprocal because female oocyte-specific knockout mice are sterile, and their oocytes fail to complete meiosis I. In determining AURKA-specific functions, we demonstrate that its first meiotic requirement is to activate Polo-like kinase 1 at acentriolar microtubule organizing centers (aMTOCs; meiotic spindle poles). This activation induces fragmentation of the aMTOCs, a step essential for building a bipolar spindle. We also show that AURKA is required for regulating localization of TACC3, another protein required for spindle building. We conclude that AURKA has multiple functions essential to completing MI that are distinct from AURKB and AURKC.
An insulator blocks access to enhancers by an illegitimate promoter, preventing repression by transcriptional interference
Authors: Fujioka Miki , Nezdyur Anastasiya , Jaynes James B.
Published: April 2021

Several distinct activities and functions have been described for chromatin insulators, which separate genes along chromosomes into functional units. Here, we describe a novel mechanism of functional separation whereby an insulator prevents gene repression. When the homie insulator is deleted from the end of a Drosophila even skipped (eve) locus, a flanking P-element promoter is activated in a partial eve pattern, causing expression driven by enhancers in the 3’ region to be repressed. The mechanism involves transcriptional read-through from the flanking promoter. This conclusion is based on the following. Read-through driven by a heterologous enhancer is sufficient to repress, even when homie is in place. Furthermore, when the flanking promoter is turned around, repression is minimal. Transcriptional read-through that does not produce anti-sense RNA can still repress expression, ruling out RNAi as the mechanism in this case. Thus, transcriptional interference, caused by enhancer capture and read-through when the insulator is removed, represses eve promoter-driven expression. We also show that enhancer-promoter specificity and processivity of transcription can have decisive effects on the consequences of insulator removal. First, a core heat shock 70 promoter that is not activated well by eve enhancers did not cause read-through sufficient to repress the eve promoter. Second, these transcripts are less processive than those initiated at the P-promoter, measured by how far they extend through the eve locus, and so are less disruptive. These results highlight the importance of considering transcriptional read-through when assessing the effects of insulators on gene expression.
Coordinating the morphogenesis-differentiation balance by tweaking the cytokinin-gibberellin equilibrium
Authors: Israeli Alon , Burko Yogev , Shleizer-Burko Sharona , Zelnik Iris Daphne , Sela Noa , Hajirezaei Mohammad R. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Tohge Takayuki , Ori Naomi , Bar Maya
Published: April 2021

Morphogenesis and differentiation are important stages in organ development and shape determination. However, how they are balanced and tuned during development is not fully understood. In the compound leaved tomato, an extended morphogenesis phase allows for the initiation of leaflets, resulting in the compound form. Maintaining a prolonged morphogenetic phase in early stages of compound-leaf development in tomato is dependent on delayed activity of several factors that promote differentiation, including the CIN-TCP transcription factor (TF) LA, the MYB TF CLAU and the plant hormone Gibberellin (GA), as well as on the morphogenesis-promoting activity of the plant hormone cytokinin (CK). Here, we investigated the genetic regulation of the morphogenesis-differentiation balance by studying the relationship between LA, CLAU, TKN2, CK and GA. Our genetic and molecular examination suggest that LA is expressed earlier and more broadly than CLAU and determines the developmental context of CLAU activity. Genetic interaction analysis indicates that LA and CLAU likely promote differentiation in parallel genetic pathways. These pathways converge downstream on tuning the balance between CK and GA. Comprehensive transcriptomic analyses support the genetic data and provide insights into the broader molecular basis of differentiation and morphogenesis processes in plants.
Mobile Type VI secretion system loci of the gut Bacteroidales display extensive intra-ecosystem transfer, multi-species spread and geographical clustering
Authors: García-Bayona Leonor , Coyne Michael J. , Comstock Laurie E.
Published: April 2021

The human gut microbiota is a dense microbial ecosystem with extensive opportunities for bacterial contact-dependent processes such as conjugation and Type VI secretion system (T6SS)-dependent antagonism. In the gut Bacteroidales, two distinct genetic architectures of T6SS loci, GA1 and GA2, are contained on Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICE). Despite intense interest in the T6SSs of the gut Bacteroidales, there is only a superficial understanding of their evolutionary patterns, and of their dissemination among Bacteroidales species in human gut communities. Here, we combine extensive genomic and metagenomic analyses to better understand their ecological and evolutionary dynamics. We identify new genetic subtypes, document extensive intrapersonal transfer of these ICE to Bacteroidales species within human gut microbiomes, and most importantly, reveal frequent population fixation of these newly armed strains in multiple species within a person. We further show the distribution of each of the distinct T6SSs in human populations and show there is geographical clustering. We reveal that the GA1 T6SS ICE integrates at a minimal recombination site leading to their integration throughout genomes and their frequent interruption of genes, whereas the GA2 T6SS ICE integrate at one of three different tRNA genes. The exclusion of concurrent GA1 and GA2 T6SSs in individual strains is associated with intact T6SS loci and with an ICE-encoded gene. By performing a comprehensive analysis of mobile genetic elements (MGE) in co-resident Bacteroidales species in numerous human gut communities, we identify 74 MGE that transferred to multiple Bacteroidales species within individual gut microbiomes. We further show that only three other MGE demonstrate multi-species spread in human gut microbiomes to the degree demonstrated by the GA1 and GA2 ICE. These data underscore the ubiquity and dissemination of mobile T6SS loci within Bacteroidales communities and across human populations.
How geographic access to care shapes disease burden: The current impact of post-exposure prophylaxis and potential for expanded access to prevent human rabies deaths in Madagascar
Authors: Rajeev Malavika , Guis Hélène , Edosoa Glenn Torrencelli , Hanitriniaina Chantal , Randrianarijaona Anjasoa , Mangahasimbola Reziky Tiandraza , Hierink Fleur , Ramiandrasoa Ravo , Nely José , Heraud Jean-Michel , Andriamandimby Soa Fy , Baril Laurence , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Hampson Katie
Published: April 2021

Background

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective at preventing human rabies deaths, however access to PEP is limited in many rabies endemic countries. The 2018 decision by Gavi to add human rabies vaccine to its investment portfolio should expand PEP availability and reduce rabies deaths. We explore how geographic access to PEP impacts the rabies burden in Madagascar and the potential benefits of improved provisioning.

Methodology & principal findings

We use spatially resolved data on numbers of bite patients seeking PEP across Madagascar and estimates of travel times to the closest clinic providing PEP (N = 31) in a Bayesian regression framework to estimate how geographic access predicts reported bite incidence. We find that travel times strongly predict reported bite incidence across the country. Using resulting estimates in an adapted decision tree, we extrapolate rabies deaths and reporting and find that geographic access to PEP shapes burden sub-nationally. We estimate 960 human rabies deaths annually (95% Prediction Intervals (PI): 790–1120), with PEP averting an additional 800 deaths (95% PI: 640–970) each year. Under these assumptions, we find that expanding PEP to one clinic per district (83 additional clinics) could reduce deaths by 19%, but even with all major primary clinics provisioning PEP (1733 additional clinics), we still expect substantial rabies mortality. Our quantitative estimates are most sensitive to assumptions of underlying rabies exposure incidence, but qualitative patterns of the impacts of travel times and expanded PEP access are robust.

Conclusions & significance

PEP is effective at preventing rabies deaths, and in the absence of strong surveillance, targeting underserved populations may be the most equitable way to provision PEP. Given the potential for countries to use Gavi funding to expand access to PEP in the coming years, this framework could be used as a first step to guide expansion and improve targeting of interventions in similar endemic settings where PEP access is geographically restricted and baseline data on rabies risk is lacking. While better PEP access should save many lives, improved outreach, surveillance, and dog vaccination will be necessary, and if rolled out with Gavi investment, could catalyze progress towards achieving zero rabies deaths.
Diagnostic accuracy of the WHO clinical definitions for dengue and implications for surveillance: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Raafat Nader , Loganathan Shanghavie , Mukaka Mavuto , Blacksell Stuart D. , Maude Richard James
Published: April 2021

Background

Dengue is the world’s most common mosquito-borne virus but remains diagnostically challenging due to its nonspecific presentation. Access to laboratory confirmation is limited and thus most reported figures are based on clinical diagnosis alone, the accuracy of which is uncertain. This systematic review assesses the diagnostic accuracy of the traditional (1997) and revised (2009) WHO clinical case definitions for dengue fever, the basis for most national guidelines.

Methodology/Principal findings

PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, OpenGrey, and the annual Dengue Bulletin were searched for studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of the unmodified clinical criteria. Two reviewers (NR/SL) independently assessed eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias using a modified QUADAS-2. Additional records were found by citation network analysis. A meta-analysis was done using a bivariate mixed-effects regression model. Studies that modified criteria were analysed separately. This systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020165998). We identified 11 and 12 datasets assessing the 1997 and 2009 definition, respectively, and 6 using modified criteria. Sensitivity was 93% (95% CI: 77–98) and 93% (95% CI: 86–96) for the 1997 and 2009 definitions, respectively. Specificity was 29% (95% CI: 8–65) and 31% (95% CI: 18–48) for the 1997 and 2009 definitions, respectively. Diagnostic performance suffered at the extremes of age. No modification significantly improved accuracy.

Conclusions/Significance

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical criteria is poor, with significant implications for surveillance and public health responses for dengue control. As the basis for most reported figures, this has relevance to policymakers planning resource allocation and researchers modelling transmission, particularly during COVID-19.
Utility of cell-free DNA concentrations and illness severity scores to predict survival in critically ill neonatal foals
Authors: Colmer Sarah Florence , Luethy Daniela , Abraham Michelle , Stefanovski Darko , Hurcombe Samuel David
Published: April 2021

Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels have been associated with disease and survival status in septic humans and dogs. To date, studies investigating cfDNA levels in association with critical illness in foals are lacking. We hypothesized that cfDNA would be detectable in the plasma of foals, that septic and sick-nonseptic foals would have significantly higher cfDNA levels compared to healthy foals, and that increased cfDNA levels would be associated with non-survival. Animals used include 80 foals of 10 days of age or less admitted to a tertiary referral center between January and July, 2020 were stratified into three categories: healthy (n = 34), sick non-septic (n = 11) and septic (n = 35) based on specific criteria. This was a prospective clinical study. Blood was collected from critically ill foals at admission or born in hospital for cfDNA quantification and blood culture. Previously published sepsis score (SS) and neonatal SIRS score (NSIRS) were also calculated. SS, NSIRS, blood culture status and cfDNA concentrations were evaluated to predict survival. Continuous variables between groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA with Dunn’s post hoc test. Comparisons between two groups were assessed using the Mann-WhitneyU-test or Spearman rank for correlations. The performance of cfDNA, sepsis score and NSIRS score to predict survival was assessed by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis including area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity using cutoffs. Plasma cfDNA was detectable in all foals. No significant differences in cfDNA concentration were detected between healthy foals and septic foals (P= 0.65) or healthy foals and sick non-septic foals (P= 0.88). There was no significant association between cfDNA and culture status, SS, NSIRS or foal survival. SS (AUC 0.85) and NSIRS (AUC 0.83) were superior to cfDNA (AUC 0.64) in predicting survival. Although cfDNA was detectable in foal plasma, it offers negligible utility to diagnose sepsis or predict survival in critical illness in neonates.
let-7e downregulation characterizes early phase colonic adenoma in APCMin/+ mice and human FAP subjects
Authors: Contursi Annalisa , Arconzo Maria , Cariello Marica , Piglionica Marilidia , D’Amore Simona , Vacca Michele , Graziano Giusi , Gadaleta Raffaella Maria , Valanzano Rosa , Mariani-Costantini Renato , Villani Gaetano , Moschetta Antonio , Piccinin Elena
Published: April 2021

The crypt-villus axis represents the essential unit of the small intestine, which integrity and functions are fundamental to assure tissue and whole-body homeostasis. Disruption of pathways regulating the fine balance between proliferation and differentiation results in diseases development. Nowadays, it is well established that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the homeostasis maintenance and perturbation of their levels may promote tumor development. Here, by using microarray technology, we analysed the miRNAs differentially expressed between the crypt and the villus in mice ileum. The emerged miRNAs were further validated by Real Time qPCR in mouse model (ApcMin/+), human cell lines and human tissue samples (FAP) of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our results indicated that miRNAs more expressed in the villi compartment are negatively regulated in tumor specimens, thus suggesting a close association between these microRNAs and the differentiation process. Particularly, from our analysis let-7e appeared to be a promising target for possible future therapies and a valuable marker for tumor staging, being upregulated in differentiated cells and downregulated in early-stage colonic adenoma samples.
Parasites and RNA viruses in wild and laboratory reared bumble bees Bombus pauloensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Uruguay
Authors: Salvarrey Sheena , Antúnez Karina , Arredondo Daniela , Plischuk Santiago , Revainera Pablo , Maggi Matías , Invernizzi Ciro
Published: April 2021

Bumble bees (Bombusspp.) are important pollinators insects involved in the maintenance of natural ecosystems and food production.Bombus pauloensisis a widely distributed species in South America, that recently began to be managed and commercialized in this region. The movement of colonies within or between countries may favor the dissemination of parasites and pathogens, putting into risk while populations ofB.pauloensisand other native species. In this study, wildB.pauloensisqueens and workers, and laboratory reared workers were screened for the presence of phoretic mites, internal parasites (microsporidia, protists, nematodes and parasitoids) and RNA viruses (Black queen cell virus (BQCV), Deformed wing virus (DWV), Acute paralysis virus (ABCV) and Sacbrood virus (SBV)). Bumble bee queens showed the highest number of mite species, and it was the only group where Conopidae andS.bombiwere detected. In the case of microsporidia, a higher prevalence ofN.ceranaewas detected in field workers. Finally, the bumble bees presented the four RNA viruses studied forA.mellifera, in proportions similar to those previously reported in this species. Those results highlight the risks of spillover among the different species of pollinators.
Time-course transcriptomic analysis of Petunia ×hybrida leaves under water deficit stress using RNA sequencing
Authors: Park Suejin , Wijeratne Asela J. , Moon Youyoun , Waterland Nicole L.
Published: April 2021

Water deficit limits plant growth and development, resulting in quality loss of horticultural crops. However, there is limited information on gene regulation and signaling pathways related to water deficit stress response at multiple time points. The objective of this research was to investigate global gene expression patterns under water deficit stress to provide an insight into how petunia (Petunia ×hybrida ‘Mitchell Diploid’) responded in the process of stress. Nine-week-old petunias were irrigated daily or placed under water stress by withholding water. Stressed plants reduced stomatal conductance after five days of water deficit, indicating they perceived stress and initiated stress response mechanisms. To analyze transcriptomic changes at the early stage of water deficit, leaf tissue samples were collected 1, 3, and 5 days after water was withheld for RNA sequencing. Under water deficit stress, 154, 3611, and 980 genes were upregulated and 41, 2806, and 253 genes were downregulated on day 1, 3, and 5, respectively. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that redox homeostasis processes through sulfur and glutathione metabolism pathways, and hormone signal transduction, especially abscisic acid and ethylene, were enriched under water deficit stress. Thirty-four transcription factor families were identified, including members of AP2/ERF, NAC, MYB-related, C2H2, and bZIP families, and TFs in AP2/ERF family was the most abundant in petunia. Interestingly, only one member of GRFs was upregulated on day 1, while most of TFs were differentially expressed on day 3 and/or 5. The transcriptome data from this research will provide valuable molecular resources for understanding the early stages of water stress-responsive networks as well as engineering petunia with enhanced water stress tolerance.
Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) in patients with gastric cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Junhua , Liu Huiling , Zeng Xueyun , Zhao Yujun , Jiang Dejun , Lu Hang , Qian Jun
Published: April 2021

Background

In recent years, many studies have explored the potential prognostic utility of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) in patients with gastric cancer (GC), however, the results remain conflicting. We thus performed a meta-analysis to determine the association of CAR and prognosis of GC.

Methods

This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. PubMed, Web of science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of included studies were pooled to estimate the prognostic value of CAR.

Results

Eight studies with a total of 3,216 patients were included in this meta-analysis. High CAR was significantly associated with poor OS (HR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.36–1.85, p<0.001) and worse CSS (HR = 1.65, 95%CI = 1.21–2.25, p = 0.002). In addition, high CAR was significantly associated with male sex (OR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.31–2.47, p<0.001), advanced tumor stage (OR = 2.14, 95%CI = 1.48–3.09, p<0.001), and tumor size ≥3cm (OR = 2.69, 95%CI = 1.84–3.93, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Elevated pretreatment CAR is a prognostic marker of poor OS and CSS in patients with GC. Furthermore, high CAR levels are associated with clinicopathological features reflecting tumor progression.
Disease-dependent variations in the timing and causes of readmissions in Germany: A claims data analysis for six different conditions
Authors: Ruff Carmen , Gerharz Alexander , Groll Andreas , Stoll Felicitas , Wirbka Lucas , Haefeli Walter E. , Meid Andreas D.
Published: April 2021

Background

Hospital readmissions place a major burden on patients and health care systems worldwide, but little is known about patterns and timing of readmissions in Germany.

Methods

We used German health insurance claims (AOK, 2011–2016) of patients ≥ 65 years hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), a composite of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or atrial fibrillation (S/AF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), type 2 diabetes mellitus, or osteoporosis to identify hospital readmissions within 30 or 90 days. Readmissions were classified into all-cause, specific, and non-specific and their characteristics were analyzed.

Results

Within 30 and 90 days, about 14–22% and 27–41% index admissions were readmitted for any reason, respectively. HF and S/AF contributed most index cases, and HF and COPD accounted for most all-cause readmissions. Distributions and ratios of specific to non-specific readmissions were disease-specific with highest specific readmissions rates among COPD and AMI.

Conclusion

German claims are well-suited to investigate readmission causes if longer periods than 30 days are evaluated. Conditions closely related with the primary disease are the most frequent readmission causes, but multiple comorbidities among readmitted cases suggest that a multidisciplinary care approach should be implemented vigorously addressing comorbidities already during the index hospitalization.
Calibration and validation of a novel hybrid model of the lumbosacral spine in ArtiSynth–The passive structures
Authors: Remus Robin , Lipphaus Andreas , Neumann Marc , Bender Beate
Published: April 2021

In computational biomechanics, two separate types of models have been used predominantly to enhance the understanding of the mechanisms of action of the lumbosacral spine (LSS): Finite element (FE) and musculoskeletal multibody (MB) models. To combine advantages of both models, hybrid FE-MB models are an increasingly used alternative. The aim of this paper is to develop, calibrate, and validate a novel passive hybrid FE-MB open-access simulation model of a ligamentous LSS using ArtiSynth. Based on anatomical data from the Male Visible Human Project, the LSS model is constructed from the L1-S1 rigid vertebrae interconnected with hyperelastic fiber-reinforced FE intervertebral discs, ligaments, and facet joints. A mesh convergence study, sensitivity analyses, and systematic calibration were conducted with the hybrid functional spinal unit (FSU) L4/5. The predicted mechanical responses of the FSU L4/5, the lumbar spine (L1-L5), and the LSS were validated against literature data from in vivo and in vitro measurements and in silico models. Spinal mechanical responses considered when loaded with pure moments and combined loading modes were total and intervertebral range of motions, instantaneous axes and centers of rotation, facet joint contact forces, intradiscal pressures, disc bulges, and stiffnesses. Undesirable correlations with the FE mesh were minimized, the number of crisscrossed collagen fiber rings was reduced to five, and the individual influences of specific anatomical structures were adjusted to in vitro range of motions. Including intervertebral motion couplings for axial rotation and nonlinear stiffening under increasing axial compression, the predicted kinematic and structural mechanics responses were consistent with the comparative data. The results demonstrate that the hybrid simulation model is robust and efficient in reproducing valid mechanical responses to provide a starting point for upcoming optimizations and extensions, such as with active skeletal muscles.
A robust fuzzy logic-based model for predicting the critical total drawdown in sand production in oil and gas wells
Authors: Alakbari Fahd Saeed , Mohyaldinn Mysara Eissa , Ayoub Mohammed Abdalla , Muhsan Ali Samer , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A.
Published: April 2021

Sand management is essential for enhancing the production in oil and gas reservoirs. The critical total drawdown (CTD) is used as a reliable indicator of the onset of sand production; hence, its accurate prediction is very important. There are many published CTD prediction correlations in literature. However, the accuracy of most of these models is questionable. Therefore, further improvement in CTD prediction is needed for more effective and successful sand control. This article presents a robust and accurate fuzzy logic (FL) model for predicting the CTD. Literature on 23 wells of the North Adriatic Sea was used to develop the model. The used data were split into 70% training sets and 30% testing sets. Trend analysis was conducted to verify that the developed model follows the correct physical behavior trends of the input parameters. Some statistical analyses were performed to check the model’s reliability and accuracy as compared to the published correlations. The results demonstrated that the proposed FL model substantially outperforms the current published correlations and shows higher prediction accuracy. These results were verified using the highest correlation coefficient, the lowest average absolute percent relative error (AAPRE), the lowest maximum error (max. AAPRE), the lowest standard deviation (SD), and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE). Results showed that the lowest AAPRE is 8.6%, whereas the highest correlation coefficient is 0.9947. These values of AAPRE (<10%) indicate that the FL model could predicts the CTD more accurately than other published models (>20% AAPRE). Moreover, further analysis indicated the robustness of the FL model, because it follows the trends of all physical parameters affecting the CTD.
A scoping review of internal hospital crises and disasters in the Netherlands, 2000–2020
Authors: Klokman Vincent W. , Barten Dennis G. , Peters Nathalie A. L. R. , Versteegen Marieke G. J. , Wijnands Jaap J. J. , van Osch Frits H. M. , Gaakeer Menno I. , Tan Edward C. T. H. , Boin Arjen
Published: April 2021

Background

Internal hospital crises and disasters (IHCDs) are events that disrupt the routine functioning of a hospital while threatening the well-being of patients and staff. IHCDs may cause hospital closure, evacuations of patients and loss of healthcare capacity. The consequences may be ruinous for local communities. Although IHCDs occur with regularity, information on the frequency and types of these events is scarcely published in the medical literature. However, gray literature and popular media reports are widely available. We therefore conducted a scoping review of these literature sources to identify and characterize the IHCDs that occurred in Dutch hospitals from 2000 to 2020. The aim is to develop a systematic understanding of the frequency of the various types of IHCDs occurring in a prosperous nation such as the Netherlands.

Methods

A systematic scoping review of news articles retrieved from the LexisNexis database, Google, Google News, PubMed and EMBASE between 2000 and 2020. All articles mentioning the closure of a hospital department in the Netherlands were analyzed.

Results

A total of 134 IHCDs were identified in a 20-year time period. Of these IHCDs, there were 96 (71.6%) emergency department closures, 76 (56.7%) operation room closures, 56 (41.8%) evacuations, 26 (17.9%) reports of injured persons, and 2 (1.5%) reported casualties. Cascading events of multiple failures transpired in 39 (29.1%) IHCDs. The primary causes of IHCDs (as reported) were information and communication technology (ICT) failures, technical failures, fires, power failures, and hazardous material warnings. An average of 6.7 IHCDs occurred per year. From 2000–2009 there were 32 IHCDs, of which one concerned a primary ICT failure. Of the 102 IHCDs between 2010–2019, 32 were primary ICT failures.

Conclusions

IHCDs occur with some regularity in the Netherlands and have marked effects on hospital critical care departments, particularly emergency departments. Cascading events of multiple failures transpire nearly a third of the time, limiting the ability of a hospital to stave off closure due to failure. Emergency managers should therefore prioritize the risk of ICT failures and cascading events and train hospital staff accordingly.
Sex differences in multimorbidity and polypharmacy trends: A repeated cross-sectional study of older adults in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Maxwell Colleen J. , Mondor Luke , Pefoyo Koné Anna J. , Hogan David B. , Wodchis Walter P.
Published: April 2021

Background

Multimorbidity is increasing among older adults, but the impact of these recent trends on the extent and complexity of polypharmacy and possible variation by sex remains unknown. We examined sex differences in multimorbidity, polypharmacy (5+ medications) and hyper-polypharmacy (10+ medications) in 2003 vs 2016, and the interactive associations between age, multimorbidity level, and time on polypharmacy measures.

Methods and findings

We employed a repeated cross-sectional study design with linked health administrative databases for all persons aged ≥66 years eligible for health insurance in Ontario, Canada at the two index dates. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted; models included interaction terms between age, multimorbidity level, and time period to estimate polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy probabilities, risk differences and risk ratios for 2016 vs 2003. Multimorbidity, polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy increased significantly over the 13 years. At both index dates prevalence estimates for all three were higher in women, but a greater absolute increase in polypharmacy over time was observed in men (6.6% [from 55.7% to 62.3%] vs 0.9% [64.2%-65.1%] for women) though absolute increases in multimorbidity were similar for men and women (6.9% [72.5%-79.4%] vs 6.2% [75.9%-82.1%], respectively). Model findings showed that polypharmacy decreased over time among women aged < 90 years (especially for younger ages and those with fewer conditions), whereas it increased among men at all ages and multimorbidity levels (with larger absolute increases typically at older ages and among those with 4 or fewer conditions).

Conclusions

There are sex and age differences in the impact of increasing chronic disease burden on changes in measures of multiple medication use among older adults. Though the drivers and health consequences of these trends warrant further investigation, the findings support the heterogeneity and complexity in the evolving association between multimorbidity and polypharmacy measures in older populations.