bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Agreement between Frequency-Specific Chirp Auditory Steady-State Response and Pure Tone Audiometry in Adults by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient
Authors: Chen Mo , Wei Yi , Wang Xianren , Liu Liman , Liu Min , Jiang Guangli , Wei Fanqin
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Chirp auditory steady-state response (ASSR) can be used to assess frequency-specific hearing thresholds. However, its reliability has not been confirmed yet. The purpose of this proposed study is to analyze the agreement of thresholds measured by chirp-ASSR and pure tone audiometry (PTA) to investigate the value of chirp-ASSR in hearing threshold evaluation. Methods: Participants with normal hearing (age: 18–66, 108 ears) and patients with sensorineural hearing loss (age: 22–82, 75 ears) were tested using PTA and chirp-ASSR at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot were introduced to analyze the agreement between the 2 methods. Results: One-hundred eight participants underwent both chirp-ASSR and PTA to estimate their thresholds. The ICCs yielded by these 2 methods are 0.757, 0.893, 0.883, and 0.921 (p < 0.001) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz carrier frequency, respectively. However, there is a significant difference between the 2 methods at 2 kHz: the mean value of the ASSR thresholds is 5.27 dB HL higher than the value of PTA thresholds. Additionally, the 95% limits of agreement range from −27.48 to 26.66 dB HL at 0.5 kHz, from −18.19 to 17.87 dB HL at 1 kHz, from −12.01 to 22.55 dB HL at 2 kHz, and from −21.29 to 19.17 dB HL at 4 kHz, which are large enough to affect clinical decision-making. Conclusion: In this study, we have confirmed good to excellent correlation between chirp-ASSR and PTA in threshold estimation for adults with and without hearing loss. The degree of correlations is higher for participants with hearing loss and for measurements at high frequencies. However, significant systematic difference and large limits of agreement between the 2 methods have been found. These findings show that chirp-ASSR can be treated as a supplementary method to PTA when evaluating the hearing level, but the 2 methods are not interchangeable due to their systematic difference and large limits of agreement.
A Very Rare Fracture: Isolated Fresh Lunate Fracture
Authors: Karslioglu Bulent , Keskin Ahmet , Ocak Olcayto , Imren Yunus , Dedeoglu Suleyman Semih
Published: May 2021

Lunate fractures are rare and usually occur together with other fractures, dislocations, or ligament disruptions. We want to report an acute fresh isolated lunate fracture without additional ligamentous injury fixated with early surgical intervention. A 23-year-old right-hand-dominated male patient was admitted to our hospital after falling from 1.5-meter ladder over right hand’s palmar face. Standard radiographs diagnosed a displaced lunate fracture. In the intraoperative evaluation, it was observed that there was only lunate dislocation, and there was no ligament lesion or other carpal bone pathology. Fracture was fixed with a headless cannulated screw. Radiographs showed bony union at 6-week follow-up. There was no evidence for Kienböck’s disease 6 months after surgery. Case report regarding fresh isolated lunate fracture that results in clinical success with early intervention without developing avascular necrosis as in our report is extremely rare. In conclusion, satisfying results can be obtained in these patients with careful surgical intervention.
The Organic Cation Transporter 2 Inhibitor Quinidine Modulates the Neuroprotective Effect of Nerve Growth Factor and Memantine on Cholinergic Neurons of the Basal Nucleus of Meynert in Organotypic Brain Slices
Authors: Gulsun Tugba , Ucar Buket , Sahin Selma , Humpel Christian
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder of the brain characterized by degeneration of cholinergic neurons which is directly linked to cognitive decline. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the most potent protective factor for cholinergic neurons, additionally the NMDA antagonist memantine blocks glutamate-mediated excitotoxic activity. Quinidine is an inhibitor of organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2). OCT2 is located on cholinergic neurons and plays a role in presynaptic reuptake and recycling of acetylcholine in the brain. We hypothesize that quinidine can modulate the protective effects of NGF and memantine on cholinergic neurons in organotypic brain slices of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nBM). Methods: Organotypic brain slices of nBM were incubated with 100 ng/mL NGF, 10 µM memantine, 10 µM quinidine, and combinations of these treatments for 2 weeks. Cholinergic neurons were immunohistochemically stained for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Results: Our data show that NGF as well as memantine counteracted the cell death of cholinergic nBM neurons. Quinidine alone had no toxic effect on cholinergic neurons but inhibited the protective effect of NGF and memantine when applied simultaneously. Discussion/Conclusion: Our data provide evidence that quinidine modulates the survival of cholinergic nBM neurons via OCT2.
Rethinking the Climate–Conflict Nexus: A Human–Environmental–Climate Security Approach
Authors: Daoudy Marwa
Published: May 2021

Scholars of environmental politics and policy experts have long debated whether climate change can be linked to violent conflict. I present a new framework called human–environmental–climate security (HECS), which integrates critiques of traditional security frameworks while offering a systematized method of process tracing. Using existing concepts of vulnerability and resilience, I illustrate the empirical utility of centering the human subject and local conceptions of security when analyzing the role of climate in armed conflict. I develop this framework using the cases of Syria, Sudan, and Morocco. I argue that the ecological drivers of conflicts in Sudan and Syria are best understood as a result of policy decisions that reflected the ideology and preferences of ruling elites rather than direct functions of climate change. Conversely, I present the case of Morocco as a counterfactual in which sound government policy attenuated environmental drivers of conflict. In doing so, this approach considers the impacts of international and domestic structures of inequality on people’s climate vulnerability and resilience.
Geometric simulation for warp-knitted tubular bandages with the mesh model
Authors: Liu Haisang , Jiang Gaoming , Dong Zhijia
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this paper is to geometrically simulate warp-knitted medical tubular bandages with a computer-aided simulator. A flat mesh model is established according to unfolded fabric considering the knitting characteristics of double-needle bed warp-knitted tubular fabrics. Moreover, a 3D (three-dimensional) mesh model corresponding to the actual product shape is created. To better describe the spatial geometry of stitches, eight-point models are introduced, and stitches are generated with the flat mesh model. Founded on matrix operations, the stitch position in the 3D mesh model is determined through coordinate mapping. Various stitch paths are rendered in computer programming languages C# and JavaScript to conduct simulations. Warp-knitted medical tubular bandages with a large number of shapes are effectively modeled.
Prevalence of constipation in adults with obesity class II and III and associated factors
Authors: Silveira Erika Aparecida , Santos Annelisa Silva e Alves de Carvalho , Ribeiro Jessivane Nascimento , Noll Matias , dos Santos Rodrigues Ana Paula , de Oliveira Cesar
Published: May 2021

Background

Constipation and obesity have common risk factors. However, little is known about the occurrence of constipation in individuals with severe obesity and the associated factors.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of intestinal constipation and its associated factors in adults with obesity class II and III.

Method

This study analyzed baseline data from a randomized clinical trial with adults aged 18–64 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2, living in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, lifestyle, level of obesity, presence of comorbidities, water intake and food consumption variables. The outcome variable was constipation assessed by the Rome III criteria and the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Multiple Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the association between explanatory variables and the outcome.

Results

Among the 150 participants, the prevalence of constipation was 24.67% (95% CI: 17.69–31.64). After multiple regression analyses constipation was associated with polypharmacy (adjusted PR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.18–7.57, p = 0.021), younger age group i.e. 18–29 years (adjusted PR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.21–8.06, p = 0.019) and former smoking (adjusted PR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.28–9.14, p = 0.014). There was no statistically significant association between constipation and daily consumption of fiber-rich foods, however, the non-consumption of whole grains was borderline significant (adjusted PR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.00 to 8.49, p = 0.050).

Conclusion

A high prevalence of constipation was found in adults with obesity class II and III. Constipation was significantly associated with the simultaneous use of five or more medications, younger age group and being a former smoker.
An Italian individual-level data study investigating on the association between air pollution exposure and Covid-19 severity in primary-care setting
Authors: Pegoraro Valeria , Heiman Franca , Levante Antonella , Urbinati Duccio , Peduto Ilaria
Published: May 2021

Background

Several studies have been focusing on the potential role of atmospheric pollutants in the diffusion and impact on health of Covid-19. This study’s objective was to estimate the association between ≤10 μm diameter particulate matter (PM10) exposure and the likelihood of experiencing pneumonia due to Covid-19 using individual-level data in Italy.

Methods

Information on Covid-19 patients was retrieved from the Italian IQVIA® Longitudinal Patient Database (LPD), a computerized network of general practitioners (GPs) including anonymous data on patients’ consultations and treatments. All patients with a Covid-19 diagnosis during March 18th, 2020 – June 30th, 2020 were included in the study. The date of first Covid-19 registration was the starting point of the 3-month follow-up (Index Date). Patients were classified based on Covid-19-related pneumonia registrations on the Index date and/or during follow-up presence/absence. Each patient was assigned individual exposure by calculating average PM10 during the 30-day period preceding the Index Date, and according to GP’s office province. A multiple generalized linear mixed model, mixed-effects logistic regression, was used to assess the association between PM10 exposure tertiles and the likelihood of experiencing pneumonia.

Results

Among 6483 Covid-19 patients included, 1079 (16.6%) had a diagnosis of pneumonia. Pneumonia patients were older, more frequently men, more health-impaired, and had a higher individual-level exposure to PM10 during the month preceding Covid-19 diagnosis. The mixed-effects model showed that patients whose PM10 exposure level fell in the second tertile had a 30% higher likelihood of having pneumonia than that of first tertile patients, and the risk for those who were in the third tertile was almost doubled.

Conclusion

The consistent findings toward a positive association between PM10 levels and the likelihood of experiencing pneumonia due to Covid-19 make the implementation of new strategies to reduce air pollution more and more urgent.
Investigating the burden of mental distress among nurses at a provincial COVID-19 referral hospital in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Marthoenis  , Maskur  , Fathiariani Liza , Nassimbwa Jacqueline
Published: May 2021

Background

The current outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has distorted the physical, mental, and psychological condition of frontline healthcare providers in health facilities. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, and risk factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among nurses working in a COVID-19 referral hospital in Indonesia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 491 nurses, aged between 31, and 56 years, using a self-administered questionnaire. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), and demographic questions were used to screen the presence of psychological problems, and their associated factors.

Results

The prevalence of moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress was 8.5 %, 20.6 and 6.3 %, respectively. Regression analysis showed that anxiety was significantly higher among nurses working in non-COVID wards (p = .01), those who experienced social rejection (p < .05), and those who frequently watched television (p < .05). Those who had temporary contracts were more stressed (p < .05), and those who faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly experienced depression, anxiety, and stress at 10.5 %, 23.5 %, and 8.1 % respectively(p < .05).

Conclusions

While the prevalence of mental distress in this hospital is low, it exists, and hospital management should consider training for all nurses, public sensitization on COVID-19, and provision of financial subsidies for frontline workers, in order to manage the risk factors.
Governance of community health worker programs in a decentralized health system: a qualitative study in the Philippines
Authors: Dodd Warren , Kipp Amy , Nicholson Bethany , Lau Lincoln Leehang , Little Matthew , Walley John , Wei Xiaolin
Published: May 2021

Background

Community health worker (CHW) programs are an important resource in the implementation of universal health coverage (UHC) in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, in countries with decentralized health systems like the Philippines, the quality and effectiveness of CHW programs may differ across settings due to variations in resource allocation and local politics. In the context of health system decentralization and the push toward UHC in the Philippines, the objective of this study was to explore how the experiences of CHWs across different settings were shaped by the governance and administration of CHW programs.

Methods

We conducted 85 semi-structured interviews with CHWs (n = 74) and CHW administrators (n = 11) in six cities across two provinces (Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental) in the Philippines. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data with specific attention to how the experiences of participants differed within and across geographic settings.

Results

Health system decentralization contributed to a number of variations across settings including differences in the quality of human resources and the amount of financial resources allocated to CHW programs. In addition, the quality and provider of CHW training differed across settings, with implications for the capacity of CHWs to address specific health needs in their community. Local politics influenced the governance of CHW programs, with CHWs often feeling pressure to align themselves politically with local leaders in order to maintain their employment.

Conclusions

The functioning of CHW programs can be challenged by health system decentralization through the uneven operationalization of national health priorities at the local level. Building capacity within local governments to adequately resource CHWs and CHW programs will enhance the potential of these programs to act as a bridge between the local health needs of communities and the public health system.
Technical assessment of the NDI Polaris Vega optical tracking system
Authors: Fattori Giovanni , Lomax Antony John , Weber Damien Charles , Safai Sairos
Published: May 2021

The Polaris product line from Northern Digital Inc. is well known for accurate optical tracking measurements in research and medical environments. The Spectra position sensor, to date often found in image guided radiotherapy suites, has however reached its end-of-life, being replaced by the new Vega model. The performance in static and dynamic measurements of this new device has been assessed in controlled laboratory conditions, against the strict requirements for system integration in radiation therapy. The system accuracy has improved with respect to the Spectra in both static (0.045 mm RMSE) and dynamic (0.09 mm IQR, < 20 cm/s) tracking and brings marginal improvement in the measurement latency (14.2 ± 1.8 ms). The system performance was further confirmed under clinical settings with the report of early results from periodic QA tests within specifications. Based on our tests, the Polaris Vega meets the quality standards of radiotherapy applications and can be safely used for monitoring respiratory breathing motion or verifying patient positioning.
Correction to: Walking the tightrope-perspectives on local politicians’ role in implementing a national social care policy on evidence-based practice
Authors: Bäck A. , Ståhl C. , von Thiele Schwarz U. , Richter A. , Hasson H.
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Ozone therapy as an alternative method for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: a case report
Authors: Faraji Navid , Goli Rasoul , Choobianzali Babak , Bahrami Soheyla , Sadeghian Ali , Sepehrnia Nazila , Ghalandari Mahmoodreza
Published: May 2021

Background

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most important complications of diabetes that can lead to amputation. Treatment of DFUs is a major challenge and places a heavy economic and social burden on patients and their families.

Case presentation

The present case report is of a 52-year-old kurdish male patient with a 7-year history of type 2 diabetes. While on a bike ride, he sustained a traumatic injury to his right leg, which caused a deep gash measuring 14 × 5 cm on the tibia. During the hospital stay, no improvement was observed after routine wound care including suturing, antibiotic therapy, and dressing change. The patient was referred to our wound-care team. In the first step, the necrotic tissues of his foot ulcer were irrigated and then debrided using mechanical debridement and saline. Next, the patient underwent a 70 μg/dL dose of ozone therapy over a 30-day period in 10 sessions (one 20-minute session every 3 days). Between each session, the patient's wound was wrapped in silver-containing gauze bandages. After 1 month of wound-care using ozone therapy, the patient's foot ulcer had healed and he was discharged from our wound-care service with a stable and good general condition.

Conclusion

Considering the effectiveness of ozone therapy along with silver-containing dressing in the treatment of DFUs, wound-care teams can utilize it as an adjunct to the standard methods of DFU treatment.
Community mobilisation approaches to preventing and reducing adolescent multiple risk behaviour: a realist review protocol
Authors: Tinner Laura , Caldwell Deborah , Campbell Rona
Published: May 2021

Background

Adolescent multiple risk behaviour (MRB) continues to be a global health issue. Most interventions have focused on the proximal causes of adolescent MRB such as peer or family influence, rather than targeting the wider environmental or structural context. There is increasing recognition that community mobilisation approaches could be beneficial for adolescent health. Despite this, there are gaps in the current literature, theory and implementation that would benefit from a realist approach due to the suitability of this methodology to analysing complex interventions. The objective of this study is to understand ‘how, why, for whom and in what circumstances and time periods’ do community mobilisation interventions work to prevent and/or reduce adolescent multiple risk behaviour.

Methods

This is a protocol for a realist review. The review will use a six-stage iterative process, guided by the RAMESES framework. We will systematically search PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL and Sociological Abstracts, from their inception to 2021. Studies will be screened for relevance to the programme theory and included based on a priori eligibility criteria including (1) reporting a community mobilisation intervention (2) targeting two health risk behaviors (3) for adolescent populations. Two independent reviewers will select, screen and extract data related to the program theory from all relevant sources. A realist logic of analysis will be used to identify all context-mechanism-outcome configurations that contribute to our programme theory. The findings will be synthesised to produce a refined programme theory model.

Discussion

The goal of this realist review is to identify and refine a programme theory for community mobilisation approaches to the prevention and/or reduction of adolescent multiple risk behaviour. Our aim is that the findings surrounding the programme theory refinement can be used to develop and implement adolescent multiple risk behaviour interventions and maintain collaboration between local policy makers, researchers and community members.

Systematic review registration

This realist review is registered on the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42020205342).
The Distributional Impacts of Active Labor Market Programs for Indigenous Populations
Authors: Feir Donna , Foley Kelly , Jones Maggie E.C.
Published: May 2021

We evaluate the distributional impacts of active labor market programming for indigenous peoples in Canada. Using administrative data and an empirical strategy that compares participants in high-intensity programs--skills interventions, job-creation partnerships, or wage subsidies--to those in low-intensity programs, such as employment assistance or job counseling, reveals large returns to high-intensity programming for above-median earnings. Returns are largest for women at the mean, suggesting that high-intensity programming may reduce gender gaps in earnings among participants, who represent 10 percent of all indigenous people in Canada. Larger returns at the top of the distribution indicate that overall inequality among participants could increase.
Constrained Retrospective Search
Authors: Urgun Can , Yariv Leeat
Published: May 2021

The search for good outcomes–be it government policies, technological breakthroughs, or lasting purchases–takes time and effort. At times, the decision process is unconstrained: an individual seeking a well-priced product determines her search scope and time as she wishes. At times, search is constrained, either through institutions or cognitive limitations. We consider retrospective search in both settings: an agent chooses the search scope and time, selecting the best observed outcome upon stopping. We analyze the impacts of constraints when observed samples are independent and correlated over time.
Diversity in Economics Seminars: Who Gives Invited Talks?
Authors: Doleac Jennifer L. , Hengel Erin , Pancotti Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Invited seminar talks are a primary way that economists get feedback on their work, disseminate their research, and build their professional networks. In this paper, we present descriptive evidence on who gave invited seminar talks in economics. We use a balanced panel of 66 departments between August 2014 and December 2019, focusing on the gender and underrepresented minority (URM) status of the speakers. We find that 76 percent of the talks in our sample were given by non-URM men, 23 percent by non-URM women, and less than 1 percent each by URM men and URM women. These averages mask substantial heterogeneity across departments.
Common Ownership and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Eldar Ofer , Grennan Jillian
Published: May 2021

We complement the literature on common ownership by presenting two new observations from entrepreneurial start-ups. First, given the increase in common ownership of start-ups by venture capital investors, inclusion of high-value start-ups in standard common ownership measures may actually increase aggregate measures of common ownership. Second, we suggest that even if public-firm common ownership leads to collusive inefficiency and higher prices in the short term, it may also create opportunities for entry of innovative high-growth start-ups. Consistent with this, we document that entrepreneurial activity and common ownership of start-ups tends to be higher in industries with higher common ownership among public firms.
Multicomponent compression system use in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: a real-life prospective study
Authors: Stücker Markus , Münter Karl-Christian , Erfurt-Berge Cornelia , Lützkendorf Steffen , Eder Stephan , Möller Udo , Dissemond Joachim
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Compression therapy is the cornerstone of therapeutic management of patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a multicomponent compression system in an unselected population of patients with CVI problems under real-life conditions.

Method:

A prospective, multicentre, observational study with a multicomponent two-bandage compression system (UrgoK2, Laboratoires Urgo, France) was conducted in 103 centres in Germany. Main outcomes included wound healing rate, wound healing progression, assessment of oedema and ankle mobility, local tolerability and acceptance of the compression therapy.

Results:

A total of 702 patients with venous leg ulcers (VLU) and/or with lower limb oedema due to CVI were treated with the evaluated system for a mean (±standard deviation) duration of 27±17 days. By the last visit, 30.9% of wounds had healed and 61.8% had improved. Limb oedema was resolved in 66.7% of patients and an improvement of ankle mobility was reported in 44.2% of patients. The skin condition under the compression therapy was also considered as improved in 73.9% of patients and a substantial reduction of pain was achieved, both in number of patients reporting pain and in pain intensity. Compression therapy with the evaluated system was ‘very well’ or ‘well’ tolerated and ‘very well’ or ‘well’ accepted by >95% of patients. These positive outcomes were in line with the general opinion of physicians on the evaluated compression bandages, which were judged ‘very useful’ or ‘useful’ for >96.6% of patients. Similar results were reported regardless of the treated condition, VLU and/or limb oedema.

Conclusion:

Real-life data documented in this large observational study of non-selected patients receiving compression therapy in daily practice confirm the benefits and safety profile of the evaluated compression system. This study also confirms the high-level of performance and acceptability of the system, regardless of the characteristics of the wounds or patients at initiation of the treatment. The data support the use of this multicomponent compression system as one first-line intervention in patients with symptoms caused by CVI.
Phytochemical Properties and Pharmacological Role of Plants: Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Kaushik Bhupesh , Sharma Jatin , Yadav Keshav , Kumar Prithik , Shourie Abhilasha
Published: May 2021

Over the past decades, there has been increasing attention tothe study of medicinal plants that contain many phytochemicals beneficial for human health. A number of secondary metabolites derived from various plants have been used as drug components to treat several human disorders since ancient times. The traditional therapeutic applications of secondary metabolites have been reported in the whole world. Numerous bioactive phytochemicals constituents have been identified and isolated using many advanced techniques. These bioactive phytochemicals are responsible for many pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, and antimicrobial infection. These secondary metabolites are not only beneficial for human health but also protect plants themselves from biotic and abiotic stress. These secondary metabolites are classified into many subclasses like terpenoids, alkaloids and phenolics. Each class of secondary metabolites has its pharmacological activities, which is required to be studied thoroughly for better use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and other industries. Therefore, this review paper represents many medicinal plants that contain bioactive secondary metabolites and show pharmacological activities, which provides an opportunity to utilize them for improvement of human health and discover new herbal medicines.
Educación, Gobierno Abierto y progreso: los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) en el ámbito educativo. Una visión crítica de la LOMLOE
Authors: Montero Caro María Dolores
Published: May 2021

La Agenda 2030 aprobada por Naciones Unidas en 2015, supuso un impulso a los Estados Miembros para atender a unos objetivos universales en materia de desarrollo sostenible, los conocidos como ODS. Evidentemente, y teniendo en consideración que entre los países firmantes se encuentran muchos en desarrollo, la garantía en el acceso a una educación de calidad conforma uno de los objetivos fundamentales de esta Agenda. Al respecto, España ha dado pasos importantes en la implementación de este objetivo, muestra de ello es la creación de un Ministerio específico sobre Derechos Sociales y Agenda 2030 compartido con la Vicepresidencia segunda del Gobierno. Si bien es cierto que, en lo concerniente al ámbito normativo, la reciente aprobación de la LOMLOE, también conocida como Ley Celáa, ha sido la que ha puesto sobre la mesa cambios y medidas concretas para alcanzar las metas del ODS4.Por otra parte, la reciente aprobación del IV Plan de Acción de Gobierno Abierto 2020-2024 incorpora entre los elementos dirigidos a construir una sociedad más democrática basada en los valores de paz, justicia e instituciones más sólidas (ODS 16), algunas iniciativas y compromisos que fomentan la participación de los más jóvenes como fundamento también de una educación de calidad.
Autonomous Raman amplifiers in multi-band software-defined optical transport networks
Authors: Borraccini Giacomo , Straullu Stefano , D’Amico Andrea , Nespola Antonino , Piciaccia Stefano , Tanzi Alberto , Galimberti Gabriele , Curri Vittorio
Published: May 2021

A controller architecture for managing multi-band Raman amplification within software-defined optical transport networks is presented. In the perspective of optical fiber network softwarization and disaggregation, this work provides an operative description of a system capable of autonomously handling Raman amplification on a single fiber span, achieving the working point requested by the control plane in terms of mean gain and tilt. The developed architecture is composed of two software modules: the Raman design unit (RDU) and the Raman controller unit (RCU). First, the RDU defines the nominal optimal working point designing the power level configuration of the Raman card pumps according to the required amplification constraints without considering any channel spectral load. Then, due to the telemetry feedback, the RCU performs a tracking operation of the mean gain towards the target one, linearizing the problem at the nominal optimal working point. The fiber physical parameters needed by the controller for correct operation of the system are extracted through a conceived probing procedure. The proposal shows a high degree of adaptability of the defined Raman amplifier to the particular in-field scenario in which it is deployed, also counteracting spectral load modifications. The behavior of the described system is validated by means of an experimental session, confirming the effectiveness of the controller architecture design and the high accuracy achieved in terms of performance.
SPR sensor based on Bessel-like beam
Authors: Liu Zhihai , Liu Wei , Lai Bin , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yaxun , Yang Xinghua , Zhang Jianzhong , Yuan Libo
Published: May 2021

A proposal toward the enhancement in the sensitivity of a fiber-based surface plasma resonance (SPR) refractive index (RI) sensor is explored experimentally using a Bessel-like beam as the input source. We splice a section of single-mode fiber and a section of multimode fiber to construct the Bessel-like beam, which contains a series of concentric rings for the consistency of the resonance angle configuration to improve the performance of the SPR sensor. We fabricate a dual-truncated-cone (DTC) structure of the fiber to excite and receive the SPR signals. The larger the number of concentric rings, the higher the sensitivity. The number of concentric ring is determined by the length of the multimode fiber. When the grinding angle of the DTC-sensing probe is 15° and the length of the multimode fiber is 500 µm, the maximum testing average sensitivity is 6908.3 nm/RIU, which is more sensitive than the previous SPR sensor introduced by the Gaussian beam as the input source in multimode fibers.
Spin–orbit interactions in a nonlinear medium due to a nonlinear-induced geometric phase
Authors: Guan Fuxin , Hu Yue , Dai Xiaoyu , Ling Xiaohui , Ma Shaojie , Lin Jing , Dong Shaohua , Xiang Yuanjiang
Published: May 2021

In general, a spin-polarized light beam cannot couple its spin angular momentum (SAM) with intrinsic orbital angular momentum (IOAM) without spin reversal. Here we find that nonlinear media can give the spin-polarized photon an IOAM, as they travel in the media due to the nonlinear susceptibility along the transmission direction, which does not require spin reversal. To characterize this SAM-to-IOAM conversion process, we establish an evolution ray equation for photons carrying IOAM by reference to the Schrödinger equation. We further reveal the inherent physics of such a phenomenon from a full-wave perspective and find that the vortex generation originates from the nonlinear-induced geometric phase.
Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths following sustained implementation of routine preventive chemotherapy: Demographics and baseline results of a cluster randomised trial in southern Malawi
Authors: Witek-McManus Stefan , Simwanza James , Chisambi Alvin B. , Kepha Stella , Kamwendo Zachariah , Mbwinja Alfred , Samikwa Lyson , Oswald William E. , Kennedy David S. , Timothy Joseph W. S. , Legge Hugo , Galagan Sean R. , Emmanuel-Fabula Mira , Schaer Fabian , Ásbjörnsdóttir Kristjana , Halliday Katherine E. , Walson Judd L. , Juziwelo Lazarus , Bailey Robin L. , Kalua Khumbo , Pullan Rachel L.
Published: May 2021

Malawi has successfully leveraged multiple delivery platforms to scale-up and sustain the implementation of preventive chemotherapy (PCT) for the control of morbidity caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Sentinel monitoring demonstrates this strategy has been successful in reducing STH infection in school-age children, although our understanding of the contemporary epidemiological profile of STH across the broader community remains limited. As part of a multi-site trial evaluating the feasibility of interrupting STH transmission across three countries, this study aimed to describe the baseline demographics and the prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors of STH infection in Mangochi district, southern Malawi. Between October-December 2017, a community census was conducted across the catchment area of seven primary healthcare facilities, enumerating 131,074 individuals across 124 villages. A cross-sectional parasitological survey was then conducted between March-May 2018 in the censused area as a baseline for a cluster randomised trial. An age-stratified random sample of 6,102 individuals were assessed for helminthiasis by Kato-Katz and completed a detailed risk-factor questionnaire. The age-cluster weighted prevalence of any STH infection was 7.8% (95% C.I. 7.0%-8.6%) comprised predominantly of hookworm species and of entirely low-intensity infections. The presence and intensity of infection was significantly higher in men and in adults. Infection was negatively associated with risk factors that included increasing levels of relative household wealth, higher education levels of any adult household member, current school attendance, or recent deworming. In this setting of relatively high coverage of sanitation facilities, there was no association between hookworm and reported access to sanitation, handwashing facilities, or water facilities. These results describe a setting that has reduced the prevalence of STH to a very low level, and confirms many previously recognised risk-factors for infection. Expanding the delivery of anthelmintics to groups where STH infection persist could enable Malawi to move past the objective of elimination of morbidity, and towards the elimination of STH.

Trial registration: NCT03014167.
A question of (perfect) timing: A preceding head turn increases the head-fake effect in basketball
Authors: Polzien Andrea , Güldenpenning Iris , Weigelt Matthias
Published: May 2021

In many kinds of sports, deceptive actions are frequently used to hamper the anticipation of an opponent. The head fake in basketball is often applied to deceive an observer regarding the direction of a pass. To perform a head fake, a basketball player turns the head in one direction, but passes the ball to the opposite direction. Several studies showed that reactions to passes with head fakes are slower and more error-prone than to passes without head fakes (head-fake effect). The aim of a basketball player is to produce a head-fake effect for as large as possible in the opponent. The question if the timing of the deceptive action influences the size of the head-fake effect has not yet been examined systematically. The present study investigated if the head-fake effect depends on the temporal lag between the head turn and the passing movement. To this end, the stimulus onset asynchrony between head turn, and pass was varied between 0 and 800 ms. The results showed the largest effect when the head turn precedes the pass by 300 ms. This result can be explained better by facilitating the processing of passes without head fake than by making it more difficult to process passes with a head fake. This result is discussed regarding practical implications and conclusions about the underlying mechanism of the head–fake effect in basketball are drawn.
Radiocarbon in otoliths of tropical marine fishes: Reference Δ14C chronology for north Caribbean waters
Authors: Shervette Virginia R. , Overly Katherine E. , Rivera Hernández Jesús M.
Published: May 2021

Reef fishes support important fisheries throughout the Caribbean, but a combination of factors in the tropics makes otolith microstructure difficult to interpret for age estimation. Therefore, validation of ageing methods, via application of Δ14C is a major research priority. Utilizing known-age otolith material from north Caribbean fishes, we determined that a distinct regional Δ14C chronology exists, differing from coral-based chronologies compiled for ageing validation from a wide-ranging area of the Atlantic and from an otolith-based chronology from the Gulf of Mexico. Our north Caribbean Δ14C chronology established a decline series with narrow prediction intervals that proved successful in ageing validation of three economically important reef fish species. In examining why our north Caribbean Δ14C chronology differed from some of the coral-based Δ14C data reported from the region, we determined differences among study objectives and research design impact Δ14C temporal relationships. This resulted in establishing the first of three important considerations relevant to applying Δ14C chronologies for ageing validation: 1) evaluation of the applicability of original goal/objectives and study design of potential Δ14C reference studies. Next, we determined differences between our Δ14C chronology and those from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico were explained by differences in regional patterns of oceanic upwelling, resulting in the second consideration for future validation work: 2) evaluation of the applicability of Δ14C reference data to the region/location where fish samples were obtained. Lastly, we emphasize the application of our north Caribbean Δ14C chronology should be limited to ageing validation studies of fishes from this region known to inhabit shallow water coral habitat as juveniles. Thus, we note the final consideration to strengthen findings of future age validation studies: 3) use of Δ14C analysis for age validation should be limited to species whose juvenile habitat is known to reflect the regional Δ14C reference chronology.
Interplay between H1N1 influenza a virus infection, extracellular and intracellular respiratory tract pH, and host responses in a mouse model
Authors: Okda Faten A. , Perry S. Scott , Webby Richard J. , Russell Charles J.
Published: May 2021

During influenza A virus (IAV) entry, the hemagglutinin (HA) protein is triggered by endosomal low pH to undergo irreversible structural changes that mediate membrane fusion. HA proteins from different isolates vary in the pH at which they become activated in endosomes or become irreversible inactivated if exposed to extracellular acid. Little is known about extracellular pH in the upper respiratory tracts of mammals, how pH may shift during IAV infection, and its impact on replication of viruses that vary in HA activation pH. Here, we inoculated DBA/2J mice intranasally with A/TN/1-560/2009 (H1N1) (activation pH 5.5) or a mutant containing the destabilizing mutation HA1-Y17H (pH 6.0). We measured the kinetics of extracellular pH during infection using an optical pH-sensitive microsensor probe placed in the naris, nasal sinus, soft palate, and trachea. We also measured intracellular pH of single-cell suspensions of live, primary lung epithelial cells with various wavelength pH-sensitive dyes localized to cell membranes, cytosol, endosomes, secretory vesicles, microtubules, and lysosomes. Infection with either virus decreased extracellular pH and increased intracellular pH. Peak host immune responses were observed at 2 days post infection (DPI) and peak pH changes at 5 DPI. Extracellular and intracellular pH returned to baseline by 7 DPI in mice infected with HA1-Y17H and was restored later in wildtype-infected. Overall, IAV infection altered respiratory tract pH, which in turn modulated replication efficiency. This suggests a virus-host pH feedback loop that may select for IAV strains containing HA proteins of optimal pH stability, which may be approximately pH 5.5 in mice but may differ in other species.
Discovery of human ACE2 variants with altered recognition by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Heinzelman Pete , Romero Philip A.
Published: May 2021

Understanding how human ACE2 genetic variants differ in their recognition by SARS-CoV-2 can facilitate the leveraging of ACE2 as an axis for treating and preventing COVID-19. In this work, we experimentally interrogate thousands of ACE2 mutants to identify over one hundred human single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) that are likely to have altered recognition by the virus, and make the complementary discovery that ACE2 residues distant from the spike interface influence the ACE2-spike interaction. These findings illuminate new links between ACE2 sequence and spike recognition, and could find substantial utility in further fundamental research that augments epidemiological analyses and clinical trial design in the contexts of both existing strains of SARS-CoV-2 and novel variants that may arise in the future.
SARS-CoV-2 transmission in students of public schools of Catalonia (Spain) after a month of reopening
Authors: Llupià Anna , Borràs-Santos Alícia , Guinovart Caterina , Utzet Mireia , Moriña David , Puig Joaquim
Published: May 2021

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 transmission within schools and its contribution to community transmission are still a matter of debate.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study in all public schools in Catalonia was conducted using publicly available data assessing the association between the number of reported SARS-CoV-2 cases among students and staff in weeks 1–2 (Sept 14-27th, 2020) of the academic year with school SARS-CoV-2 incidence among students in weeks 4–5. A multilevel Poisson regression model adjusted for the community incidence in the corresponding basic health area (BHA) and the type of school (primary or secondary), with random effects at the sanitary region and BHA levels, was performed.

Results

A total of 2184 public schools opened on September 14th with 778,715 students. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between the total number of SARS-CoV-2 cases in a centre in weeks 1–2 and the SARS-CoV-2 school incidence among students in weeks 4–5 (Risk Ratio (RR) 1.074, 95% CI 1.044–1.105, p-value <0.001). The adjusted BHA incidence in the first two weeks was associated with school incidence in weeks 4–5 (RR 1.002, 95% CI 1.002–1.003, p-value <0.001). Secondary schools showed an increased incidence in weeks 4 and 5 (RR primary vs secondary 1.709 95% CI 1.599–1.897, p-value <0.001).

Conclusions

Safety measures adopted by schools were not enough to stop related-to-school transmission in students and could be improved. The safest way to keep schools open is to reduce community transmission down to a minimum.
Differences in risk perception, knowledge and protective behaviour regarding COVID-19 by education level among women and men in Germany. Results from the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO) study
Authors: Rattay Petra , Michalski Niels , Domanska Olga Maria , Kaltwasser Anna , De Bock Freia , Wieler Lothar H. , Jordan Susanne
Published: May 2021

The main strategy for combatting SARS-CoV-2 infections in 2020 consisted of behavioural regulations including contact reduction, maintaining distance, hand hygiene, and mask wearing. COVID-19-related risk perception and knowledge may influence protective behaviour, and education could be an important determinant. The current study investigated differences by education level in risk perception, knowledge and protective behaviour regarding COVID-19 in Germany, exploring the development of the pandemic over time. The COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring study is a repeated cross-sectional online survey conducted during the pandemic in Germany from 3 March 2020 (waves 1–28: 27,957 participants aged 18–74). Differences in risk perception, knowledge and protective behaviour according to education level (high versus low) were analysed using linear and logistic regression. Time trends were accounted for by interaction terms for education level and calendar week. Regarding protective behaviour, interaction terms were tested for all risk perception and knowledge variables with education level. The strongest associations with education level were evident for perceived and factual knowledge regarding COVID-19. Moreover, associations were found between low education level and higher perceived severity, and between low education level and lower perceived probability. Highly educated men were more worried about COVID-19 than those with low levels of education. No educational differences were observed for perceived susceptibility or fear. Higher compliance with hand washing was found in highly educated women, and higher compliance with maintaining distance was found in highly educated men. Regarding maintaining distance, the impact of perceived severity differed between education groups. In men, significant moderation effects of education level on the association between factual knowledge and all three protective behaviours were found. During the pandemic, risk perception and protective behaviour varied greatly over time. Overall, differences by education level were relatively small. For risk communication, reaching all population groups irrespective of education level is critical.