bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailored detection efficiency for linear variable filter-based sensors: applying simulation models of spectral characteristics in optical design
Authors: Kobylinskiy Aliaksei , Uwurukundo Xavier , Hillmer Hartmut , Brunner Robert
Published: July 2024

To accurately model the specific detection characteristics of spectral sensors based on linear variable filters (LVFs) within an optical design tool, it is essential to consider crucial position-variable spectral properties, such as peak transmittance, central wavelength, half width, or slope steepness. In this context, we propose a straightforward approach, integrating a dynamic link library (DLL) containing all position-dependent spectral properties of the LVF into a commercial optical design software. Exemplary investigations are conducted for an LVF with a detection range of 450–850 nm. For ease of use, the measured position-, wavelength-, and angle-dependent transmission properties of the LVF have been described through a simple yet highly accurate model system. Moreover, to highlight the essential value of this simulation for specific applications, an efficiency-enhancing spectral module is simulated, which is an LVF-mirror arrangement characterized by a multiple-reflected beam path. The introduced optical design tool demonstrates its particular strength by enabling the optimization of the highest detection efficiency for either the short- or long-wavelength range.
Rapid inverse design of metasurfaces with an asymmetric transfer function for all-optical image processing using a mode matching model
Authors: Priscilla Niken , Wesemann Lukas , Clark Lincoln , Sulejman Shaban B. , Rickett Jon , Davis Timothy J. , Roberts Ann
Published: July 2024

Metasurfaces have recently emerged as an ultra-compact solution to perform all-optical image processing, including phase contrast imaging. Most metasurfaces used in imaging processing applications operate over a restricted numerical aperture. This limitation imposes constraints on the discernible features that can be effectively visualized and consequently leads to the appearance of undesirable artifacts. Engineering a metasurface that exhibits an asymmetric linear optical transfer function over a relatively large numerical aperture, while maintaining a strong contrast, has proven to be a challenge. In this study, we present a novel approach to designing relatively high numerical aperture and contrast nonlocal metasurfaces (up to a numerical aperture of around 0.5 and an intensity contrast of approximately 50%) with unit cells consisting of several plasmonic nanorods through the use of a rapid, quasi-analytic mode-matching technique, coupled with an optimization algorithm. The combination of these methods facilitates the rapid conceptualization of nonintuitive arrangements of metallic nanoparticles, specifically tailored to perform phase contrast imaging. These designs hold substantial promise in the development of ultra-compact imaging systems.
FOV adjustable liquid lens driven by electrowetting effect
Authors: Yin Wenqi , Wang Ziyuan , Li Lei
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a FOV (field of view) adjustable liquid lens driven by electrowetting effect is demonstrated. The proposed lens consists of a window glass, a bottom electrode, four sidewall electrodes, two supporting shafts, and a deflectable aperture. The deflectable aperture is nested on the supporting shafts between the two liquids to limit the position of the liquid-liquid (L-L) interface. Different from the conventional FOV adjustable liquid lenses, the proposed lens can realize focal length adjustment and FOV deflection by applying voltages to the four sidewall electrodes, which has a simple structure and a miniaturized drive. The experiment shows that the aperture of the lens is 9 mm, the optical power range is -21 m-1 to -7 m-1 and the tilt angle of the L-L surface is ∼ 18° (± 9°). With a compact structure and easy drive, the proposed lens has great potential for applications in scanning, imaging, and inspection.
Enhanced single-frame interferometry via hybrid conv-transformer architecture for ultra-precise phase retrieval
Authors: Hu Ke , Sun Duiyang , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2024

Precise dynamic single-frame interferometry based on virtual phase shifting technique remains challenging due to the difficulty in satisfying the requirements for the quality and amount of fine-grained fringe’s interferograms. Here we introduce a novel deep learning architecture, the Transformer Encoder-Convolution Decoder Phase Shift Network (TECD-PSNet), that achieves high-fidelity interferogram reconstruction. TECD-PSNet seamlessly integrates the strengths of transformer blocks in capturing global descriptions and convolution blocks in efficient feature extraction. A key process is the incorporation of a residual local negative feedback enhancement mechanism that adaptively amplifies losses in high-error regions to boost fine-grained detail sensitivity. This approach enables accurate phase retrieval for diverse pupil shapes, enhancing adaptability to various optical setups, while significantly reducing the amount of training data required. Experiments demonstrate a 22.9% improvement in PSNR for reconstructed interferograms and a 36.7% reduction in RMS error for retrieved phases compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Design framework of a computer-generated hologram that performs volumetric beam shaping for advanced laser processing
Authors: Kuroo Nami , Hayasaki Yoshio
Published: July 2024

Axial beam shaping is very effective for material laser processing, typically laser cutting, drilling, and grooving. We demonstrate a framework for designing a computer-generated hologram (CGH) that performs volumetric beam shaping. The procedure performs axial beam shaping with a continuous intensity distribution, unlike our previous research in which only discrete focal points were arranged three-dimensionally. This research is the more general approach for volumetric beam shaping. An important point in this research is finding an optimal interval in the optical axis direction and in calculating the CGH design. The design interval is half of the focusing length (the full width at half-maximum of the laser beam profile in the axial direction) given by the diffraction limit of the optical system. The optimal value is obtained using an axially shaped beam that is the reconstruction of the CGH calculated from Zernike polynomials. We also demonstrate that the optimal interval for evaluating the axially shaped beam is also half of the beam length. Following the CGH design procedure, we demonstrate CGHs that generate long-focus beams with an arbitrary axially shaped beam. We found a tradeoff relation between the focusing length and the intensity of the long-focus beam, suggesting that the use of a focused beam with an appropriate length according to the purpose will lead to improved processing efficiency.
High-speed two-photon microscopy with adaptive line-excitation
Authors: Li Yunyang , Guo Shu , Mattison Ben , Hu Junjie , Man Kwun Nok Mimi , Yang Weijian
Published: July 2024

We present a two-photon fluorescence microscope designed for high-speed
imaging of neural activity at cellular resolution. Our microscope uses
an adaptive sampling scheme with line illumination. Instead of
building images pixel by pixel via scanning a diffraction-limited spot
across the sample, our scheme only illuminates the regions of interest
(i.e., neuronal cell bodies) and samples a large area of them in a
single measurement. Such a scheme significantly increases the imaging
speed and reduces the overall laser power on the brain tissue. Using
this approach, we performed high-speed imaging of the neuronal
activity in mouse cortex in vivo. Our
method provides a sampling strategy in laser-scanning two-photon
microscopy and will be powerful for high-throughput imaging of neural
activity.
Spontaneous single-nucleotide substitutions and microsatellite mutations have distinct distributions of fitness effects
Authors: Plavskin Yevgeniy , de Biase Maria Stella , Ziv Naomi , Janská Libuše , Zhu Yuan O. , Hall David W. , Schwarz Roland F. , Tranchina Daniel , Siegal Mark L.
Published: July 2024

The fitness effects of new mutations determine key properties of evolutionary processes. Beneficial mutations drive evolution, yet selection is also shaped by the frequency of small-effect deleterious mutations, whose combined effect can burden otherwise adaptive lineages and alter evolutionary trajectories and outcomes in clonally evolving organisms such as viruses, microbes, and tumors. The small effect sizes of these important mutations have made accurate measurements of their rates difficult. In microbes, assessing the effect of mutations on growth can be especially instructive, as this complex phenotype is closely linked to fitness in clonally evolving organisms. Here, we perform high-throughput time-lapse microscopy on cells from mutation-accumulation strains to precisely infer the distribution of mutational effects on growth rate in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that mutational effects on growth rate are overwhelmingly negative, highly skewed towards very small effect sizes, and frequent enough to suggest that deleterious hitchhikers may impose a significant burden on evolving lineages. By using lines that accumulated mutations in either wild-type or slippage repair-defective backgrounds, we further disentangle the effects of 2 common types of mutations, single-nucleotide substitutions and simple sequence repeat indels, and show that they have distinct effects on yeast growth rate. Although the average effect of a simple sequence repeat mutation is very small (approximately 0.3%), many do alter growth rate, implying that this class of frequent mutations has an important evolutionary impact.
Canonical and noncanonical roles of Hop1 are crucial for meiotic prophase in the fungus Sordaria macrospora
Authors: Dubois Emeline , Boisnard Stéphanie , Bourbon Henri-Marc , Yefsah Kenza , Budin Karine , Debuchy Robert , Zhang Liangran , Kleckner Nancy , Zickler Denise , Espagne Eric
Published: July 2024

We show here that in the fungus Sordaria macrospora, the meiosis-specific HORMA-domain protein Hop1 is not essential for the basic early events of chromosome axis development, recombination initiation, or recombination-mediated homolog coalignment/pairing. In striking contrast, Hop1 plays a critical role at the leptotene/zygotene transition which is defined by transition from pairing to synaptonemal complex (SC) formation. During this transition, Hop1 is required for maintenance of normal axis structure, formation of SC from telomere to telomere, and development of recombination foci. These hop1Δ mutant defects are DSB dependent and require Sme4/Zip1-mediated progression of the interhomolog interaction program, potentially via a pre-SC role. The same phenotype occurs not only in hop1Δ but also in absence of the cohesin Rec8 and in spo76-1, a non-null mutant of cohesin-associated Spo76/Pds5. Thus, Hop1 and cohesins collaborate at this crucial step of meiotic prophase. In addition, analysis of 4 non-null mutants that lack this transition defect reveals that Hop1 also plays important roles in modulation of axis length, homolog-axis juxtaposition, interlock resolution, and spreading of the crossover interference signal. Finally, unexpected variations in crossover density point to the existence of effects that both enhance and limit crossover formation. Links to previously described roles of the protein in other organisms are discussed.
Retrieval of contextual memory can be predicted by CA3 remapping and is differentially influenced by NMDAR activity in rat hippocampus subregions
Authors: Miranda Magdalena , Silva Azul , Morici Juan Facundo , Coletti Marcos Antonio , Belluscio Mariano , Bekinschtein Pedro
Published: July 2024

Episodic memory is essential to navigate in a changing environment by recalling past events, creating new memories, and updating stored information from experience. Although the mechanisms for acquisition and consolidation have been profoundly studied, much less is known about memory retrieval. Hippocampal spatial representations are key for retrieval of contextually guided episodic memories. Indeed, hippocampal place cells exhibit stable location-specific activity which is thought to support contextual memory, but can also undergo remapping in response to environmental changes. It is unclear if remapping is directly related to the expression of different episodic memories. Here, using an incidental memory recognition task in rats, we showed that retrieval of a contextually guided memory is reflected by the levels of CA3 remapping, demonstrating a clear link between external cues, hippocampal remapping, and episodic memory retrieval that guides behavior. Furthermore, we describe NMDARs as key players in regulating the balance between retrieval and memory differentiation processes by controlling the reactivation of specific memory traces. While an increase in CA3 NMDAR activity boosts memory retrieval, dentate gyrus NMDAR activity enhances memory differentiation. Our results contribute to understanding how the hippocampal circuit sustains a flexible balance between memory formation and retrieval depending on the environmental cues and the internal representations of the individual. They also provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the contributions of hippocampal subregions to generate this balance.
A catalogue of recombination coldspots in interspecific tomato hybrids
Authors: Fuentes Roven Rommel , Nieuwenhuis Ronald , Chouaref Jihed , Hesselink Thamara , van Dooijeweert Willem , van den Broeck Hetty C. , Schijlen Elio , Schouten Henk J. , Bai Yuling , Fransz Paul , Stam Maike , de Jong Hans , Trivino Sara Diaz , de Ridder Dick , van Dijk Aalt D. J. , Peters Sander A.
Published: July 2024

Increasing natural resistance and resilience in plants is key for ensuring food security within a changing climate. Breeders improve these traits by crossing cultivars with their wild relatives and introgressing specific alleles through meiotic recombination. However, some genomic regions are devoid of recombination especially in crosses between divergent genomes, limiting the combinations of desirable alleles. Here, we used pooled-pollen sequencing to build a map of recombinant and non-recombinant regions between tomato and five wild relatives commonly used for introgressive tomato breeding. We detected hybrid-specific recombination coldspots that underscore the role of structural variations in modifying recombination patterns and maintaining genetic linkage in interspecific crosses. Crossover regions and coldspots show strong association with specific TE superfamilies exhibiting differentially accessible chromatin between somatic and meiotic cells. About two-thirds of the genome are conserved coldspots, located mostly in the pericentromeres and enriched with retrotransposons. The coldspots also harbor genes associated with agronomic traits and stress resistance, revealing undesired consequences of linkage drag and possible barriers to breeding. We presented examples of linkage drag that can potentially be resolved by pairing tomato with other wild species. Overall, this catalogue will help breeders better understand crossover localization and make informed decisions on generating new tomato varieties.
Unveiling the regulatory network controlling natural transformation in lactococci
Authors: Toussaint Frédéric , Henry de Frahan Marie , Poncelet Félix , Ladrière Jean-Marc , Horvath Philippe , Fremaux Christophe , Hols Pascal
Published: July 2024

Lactococcus lactis is a lactic acid bacterium of major importance for food fermentation and biotechnological applications. The ability to manipulate its genome quickly and easily through competence for DNA transformation would accelerate its general use as a platform for a variety of applications. Natural transformation in this species requires the activation of the master regulator ComX. However, the growth conditions that lead to spontaneous transformation, as well as the regulators that control ComX production, are unknown. Here, we identified the carbon source, nitrogen supply, and pH as key factors controlling competence development in this species. Notably, we showed that these conditions are sensed by three global regulators (i.e., CcpA, CodY, and CovR), which repress comX transcription directly. Furthermore, our systematic inactivation of known signaling systems suggests that classical pheromone-sensing regulators are not involved. Finally, we revealed that the ComX-degrading MecA-ClpCP machinery plays a predominant role based on the identification of a single amino-acid substitution in the adaptor protein MecA of a highly transformable strain. Contrasting with closely-related streptococci, the master competence regulator in L. lactis is regulated both proximally by general sensors and distantly by the Clp degradation machinery. This study not only highlights the diversity of regulatory networks for competence control in Gram-positive bacteria, but it also paves the way for the use of natural transformation as a tool to manipulate this biotechnologically important bacterium.
Assessing the modification impact of vaccination on the relationship of the Discomfort Index with hand, foot, and mouth disease in Guizhou: A multicounty study
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhang Wangjian , Yao Guanghai , Gu Jing , Wu Wenjing , Wang Dan , Du Zhicheng , Hao Yuantao
Published: July 2024

Background

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a major public health issue in China while temperature and humidity are well-documented predictors. However, evidence on the combined effect of temperature and humidity is still limited. It also remains unclear whether such an effect could be modified by the enterovirus 71 (EV71) vaccination.

Methods

Based on 320,042 reported HFMD cases during the summer months between 2012 and 2019, we conducted a study utilizing Distributed Lag Non-Linear Models (DLNM) and time-varying DLNM to examine how China’s HFMD EV71 vaccine strategy would affect the correlation between meteorological conditions and HFMD risk.

Results

The incidence of HFMD changed with the Discomfort Index in an arm-shaped form. The 14-day cumulative risk of HFMD exhibited a statistically significant increase during the period of 2017–2019 (following the implementation of the EV71 vaccine policy) compared to 2012–2016 (prior to the vaccine implementation). For the total population, the range of relative risk (RR) values for HFMD at the 75th, 90th, and 99th percentiles increased from 1.082–1.303 in 2012–2016 to 1.836–2.022 in 2017–2019. In the stratified analyses, Han Chinese areas show stronger relative growth, with RR values at the 75th, 90th, and 99th percentiles increased by 14.3%, 39.1%, and 134.4% post-vaccination, compared to increases of 22.7%, 41.6%, and 38.8% in minority areas. Similarly, boys showed greater increases (24.4%, 47.7%, 121.5%) compared to girls (8.1%, 28.1%, 58.3%). Additionally, the central Guizhou urban agglomeration displayed a tendency for stronger relative growth compared to other counties.

Conclusions

Although the EV71 vaccine policy has been implemented, it hasn’t effectively controlled the overall risk of HFMD. There’s been a shift in the main viral subtypes, potentially altering population susceptibility and influencing HFMD occurrences. The modulating effects of vaccine intervention may also be influenced by factors such as race, sex, and economic level.
A Nanobody/Monoclonal Antibody “hybrid” sandwich technology offers an improved immunoassay strategy for detection of African trypanosome infections
Authors: Odongo Steven , Jin Bo-Kyung , Nguyen Hang Thi Thu , Radwanska Magdalena , Magez Stefan
Published: July 2024

The scarcity of reliable devices for diagnosis of Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) presents a limitation to control of the disease. Existing high-sensitivity technologies such as PCR are costly, laborious, time-consuming, complex, and require skilled personnel. Hence, utilisation of most diagnostics for AAT is impracticable in rural areas, where the disease occurs. A more accessible point-of-care test (POCT) capable of detecting cryptic active infection, without relying on expensive equipment, would facilitate AAT detection. In turn, early management, would reduce disease incidence and severity. Today, several ongoing research projects aim at modifying complex immunoassays into POCTs. In this context, we report the development of an antigen (Ag) detection sandwich ELISA prototype for diagnosis of T. congolense infections, which is comprised of nanobody (Nb) and monoclonal antibody (mAb) reagents.

The Nb474H used here, originated from a past study. Briefly, the Nb was engineered starting from mRNA of peripheral blood lymphocytes of an alpaca immunized with soluble lysate of Trypanosoma congolense (TC13). T. congolense glycosomal fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (TcoALD) was discovered as the cognate Ag of Nb474H. In this study, splenocytes were harvested from a mouse immunized with recombinant TcoALD and fused with NS01 cells to generate a hybridoma library. Random screening of the library on TcoALD retrieved a lone binder, designated IgM8A2. Using Nb474H as Ag-capture reagent in combination with the IgM8A2 monoclonal antibody Ag-detection reagent resulted in a tool that effectively detects native TcoALD released during infection by T. congolense parasites.

Hitherto, development of POCT for detection of active trypanosome infection is elusive. The Nanobody/Monoclonal Antibody (Nb/mAb) “hybrid” sandwich technology offers prospects for exploration, using the unique specificity of Nb as a key determinant in Ag capturing, while using the versatility of monoclonal Ab to adapt to various detection conditions.
Indicators to assess temporal variability in marine connectivity processes: A semi-theoretical approach
Authors: Clavel-Henry Morane , Bahamon Nixon , Aguzzi Jacopo , Navarro Joan , López Miguel , Company Joan B.
Published: July 2024

Oceanographic connectivity in an effective network of protected areas is crucial for restoring and stabilising marine populations. However, temporal variability in connectivity is rarely considered as a criterion in designing and evaluating marine conservation planning. In this study, indicators were defined to characterise the temporal variability in occurrence, flux, and frequency of connectivity in a northwestern Mediterranean Sea area. Indicators were tested on semi-theoretically-estimated connections provided by the runs of a passive particle transport model in a climatological year and in three years between 2006–2020, showing large deviation from the climatological year. The indicators allowed comparing the temporal variability in connectivity of four zones, highlighted differences in connectivity due to their locations and the mesoscale hydrodynamics, and identified areas that require further investigation. The three indicators also showed that the temporal variability in connectivity was influenced by the duration and depth of particle transport, although no consistent pattern was observed in the indicator variations of the compared zones. Provided that specific objectives will be given when parameterising transport models (i.e., selection of focus species and time period), indicators of temporal variability in connectivity have potential to support spatial conservation planning, prioritise the protection of marine resources, and measure the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas, in line with a long-term vision of ocean management.
Topology degree results on a G-ABC implicit fractional differential equation under three-point boundary conditions
Authors: Rezapour Shahram , Thabet Sabri T. M. , Rafeeq Ava Sh. , Kedim Imed , Vivas-Cortez Miguel , Aghazadeh Nasser
Published: July 2024

This research manuscript aims to study a novel implicit differential equation in the non-singular fractional derivatives sense, namely Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo (A B C) of arbitrary orders belonging to the interval (2, 3] with respect to another positive and increasing function. The major results of the existence and uniqueness are investigated by utilizing the Banach and topology degree theorems. The stability of the Ulam-Hyers (U H) type is analyzed by employing the topics of nonlinear analysis. Finally, two examples are constructed and enhanced with some special cases as well as illustrative graphics for checking the influence of major outcomes.
Modeling normal mouse uterine contraction and placental perfusion with non-invasive longitudinal dynamic contrast enhancement MRI
Authors: Cortes Devin Raine Everaldo , Stapleton Margaret C. , Schwab Kristina E. , West Dalton , Coulson Noah W. , O’Donnell Mary Gemmel , Christodoulou Anthony G. , Powers Robert W. , Wu Yijen L.
Published: July 2024

Background

The placenta is a transient organ critical for fetal development. Disruptions of normal placental functions can impact health throughout an individual’s entire life. Although being recognized by the NIH Human Placenta Project as an important organ, the placenta remains understudied, partly because of a lack of non-invasive tools for longitudinally evaluation for key aspects of placental functionalities.

Objective

Our goal is to create a non-invasive preclinical imaging pipeline that can longitudinally probe murine placental health in vivo. We use advanced imaging processing schemes to establish functional biomarkers for non-invasive longitudinal evaluation of placental development.

Methodology

We implement dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and analysis pipeline to quantify uterine contraction and placental perfusion dynamics. We use optic flow and time-frequency analysis to quantify and characterize contraction-related placental motion. Our novel imaging and analysis pipeline uses subcutaneous administration of gadolinium for steepest slope-based perfusion evaluation, enabling non-invasive longitudinal monitoring.

Results

We demonstrate that the placenta exhibits spatially asymmetric contractile motion that develops from E14.5 to E17.5. Additionally, we see that placental perfusion, perfusion delivery rate, and substrate delivery all increase from E14.5 to E17.5, with the High Perfusion Chamber (HPC) leading the placental changes that occur from E14.5 to E17.5

Discussion

We advance the placental perfusion chamber paradigm with a novel, physiologically based threshold model for chamber localization and demonstrate spatially varying placental chambers using multiple functional metrics that assess mouse placental development and remodeling throughout gestation.

Conclusion

Our pipeline enables the non-invasive, longitudinal assessment of multiple placenta functions from a single imaging session. Our pipeline serves as a key toolbox for advancing research in mouse models of placental disease and disorder.
DarwinGSE: Towards better image retrieval systems for intellectual property datasets
Authors: António João , Valente Jorge , Mora Carlos , Almeida Artur , Jardim Sandra
Published: July 2024

A trademark’s image is usually the first type of indirect contact between a consumer and a product or a service. Companies rely on graphical trademarks as a symbol of quality and instant recognition, seeking to protect them from copyright infringements. A popular defense mechanism is graphical searching, where an image is compared to a large database to find potential conflicts with similar trademarks. Despite not being a new subject, image retrieval state-of-the-art lacks reliable solutions in the Industrial Property (IP) sector, where datasets are practically unrestricted in content, with abstract images for which modeling human perception is a challenging task. Existing Content-based Image Retrieval (CBIR) systems still present several problems, particularly in terms of efficiency and reliability. In this paper, we propose a new CBIR system that overcomes these major limitations. It follows a modular methodology, composed of a set of individual components tasked with the retrieval, maintenance and gradual optimization of trademark image searching, working on large-scale, unlabeled datasets. Its generalization capacity is achieved using multiple feature descriptions, weighted separately, and combined to represent a single similarity score. Images are evaluated for general features, edge maps, and regions of interest, using a method based on Watershedding K-Means segments. We propose an image recovery process that relies on a new similarity measure between all feature descriptions. New trademark images are added every day to ensure up-to-date results. The proposed system showcases a timely retrieval speed, with 95% of searches having a 10 second presentation speed and a mean average precision of 93.7%, supporting its applicability to real-word IP protection scenarios.
The effectiveness of preventive home visits on resilience and health-related outcomes among community dwelling older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Ramli Dayang Balkis , Shahar Suzana , Mat Sumaiyah , Ibrahim Norhayati , Tohit Noorlaili Mohd
Published: July 2024

Background

This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of preventive home visits (PHVs) in enhancing resilience and health-related outcomes among older adults living in the community.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in nine databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library. The search was undertaken between March 15 and 31, 2022 with subsequent updates performed on October 15, 2023 and April 10, 2024. This review also included grey literature sourced via Google, Google Scholar and backward citation searches.

Results

Out of 5,621 records, 20 articles were found to meet the inclusion criteria with a total of 8,035 participants involved and the mean age ranged from 74.0 to 84.4 years. Using McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies, we ascertained that the studies included in our analysis had moderate to high levels of quality. In addition to health-related outcomes, PHV interventions were also conducted to evaluate psychological effects (16 studies) and social outcomes (seven studies). Five studies conducted financial assessment to evaluate the costs of health and social care utilisation during PHV interventions. Regarding the results of the review, seven studies showed favourable outcomes, five indicated no effect and eight had equivocal findings. Only one study assessed resilience and determined that PHV had no effect on the resilience of the subjects.

Conclusion

This review found that the effectiveness of PHV interventions was uncertain and inconclusive. PHV interventions often prioritise health-related objectives. The incorporation of a holistic approach involving psychosocial health into PHV interventions is relatively uncommon. Due to the paucity of research on resilience as PHV outcome, we are unable to draw a conclusion on the effectiveness of PHV on resilience. Resilience should be prioritised as a psychological assessment in the future development of comprehensive PHV interventions, as it enables older adults to adapt, manage, and respond positively to adversities that may arise with age. Performing financial analysis such as costs and benefits analysis to incorporate the return on investment of PHV interventions is an added value for future research on this topic.

Clinical trial registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022296919.
Understanding sexual health service access for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis: Findings from the EMERGE survey
Authors: Shanley Adam , O’Donnell Kate , Weatherburn Peter , Gilmore John , Witzel T. Charles
Published: July 2024

Background

In the Republic of Ireland, the COVID-19 crisis led to sexual health service closures while clinical staff were redeployed to the pandemic response. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) face pre-existing sexual health inequalities which may have been exacerbated. The aim of this study is to understand sexual health service accessibility for gbMSM in Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis.

Methods

EMERGE recruited 980 gbMSM in Ireland (June-July 2021) to an anonymous online survey investigating well-being and service access through geo-location sexual networking apps (Grindr/Growlr), social media (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter) and collaborators. We fit multiple regression models reporting odds ratios (ORs) to understand how demographic and behavioural characteristics (age, sexual orientation, HIV testing history/status, region of residence, region of birth and education) were associated with ability to access services.

Results

Of the respondents, 410 gbMSM accessed sexual health services with some or no difficulty and 176 attempted but were unable to access services during the COVID-19 crisis. A further 382 gbMSM did not attempt to access services and were excluded from this sample and analysis.

Baseline: mean age 35.4 years, 88% gay, 83% previously tested for HIV, 69% Dublin-based, 71% born in Ireland and 74% with high level of education.

In multiple regression, gbMSM aged 56+ years (aOR = 0.38, 95%CI:0.16, 0.88), not previously tested for HIV (aOR = 0.46, 95%CI:0.23, 0.93) and with medium and low education (aOR = 0.55 95%CI:0.35, 0.85) had lowest odds of successfully accessing services.

GbMSM with HIV were most likely to be able to access services successfully (aOR = 2.68 95%CI:1.83, 6.08).

Most disrupted services were: STI testing, HIV testing and PrEP.

Conclusions

Service access difficulties were found to largely map onto pre-existing sexual health inequalities for gbMSM. Future service development efforts should prioritise (re)engaging older gbMSM, those who have not previously tested for HIV and those without high levels of education.
Same old story with a different ending: Homophily and preferential selection of information within the US climate policy network
Authors: Jasny Lorien , Jayko W. Chris , Fisher Dana R.
Published: July 2024

The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act has been perceived as a substantial shift away from the history of more contentious climate politics in the US. We apply social network methods to interrogate an updated dataset that assesses the degree to which recent policy outcomes are a shift away from earlier policies and positions. We empirically test for homophily, a building block of polarisation, analysing four waves of survey data collected over 12 years from the community of political elites engaged in the issue of climate politics. Using Exponential Random Graph (ERG) modeling, we provide clear evidence that the stances of the top policy actors working on climate change have not shifted substantially. Instead, we document how the policy was successful due to its ability to combine the Administration’s desire to support clean energy along with fossil fuel interests’ aims of expanding extraction and profiting from a transition away from fossil fuels.
Influenza A viral burst size from thousands of infected single cells using droplet quantitative PCR (dqPCR)
Authors: Zath Geoffrey K. , Thomas Mallory M. , Loveday Emma K. , Bikos Dimitri A. , Sanche Steven , Ke Ruian , Brooke Christopher B. , Chang Connie B.
Published: July 2024

An important aspect of how viruses spread and infect is the viral burst size, or the number of new viruses produced by each infected cell. Surprisingly, this value remains poorly characterized for influenza A virus (IAV), commonly known as the flu. In this study, we screened tens of thousands of cells using a microfluidic method called droplet quantitative PCR (dqPCR). The high-throughput capability of dqPCR enabled the measurement of a large population of infected cells producing progeny virus. By measuring the fully assembled and successfully released viruses from these infected cells, we discover that the viral burst sizes for both the seasonal H3N2 and the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strains vary significantly, with H3N2 ranging from 101 to 104 viruses per cell, and H1N1 ranging from 101 to 103 viruses per cell. Some infected cells produce average numbers of new viruses, while others generate extensive number of viruses. In fact, we find that only 10% of the single-cell infections are responsible for creating a significant portion of all the viruses. This small fraction produced approximately 60% of new viruses for H3N2 and 40% for H1N1. On average, each infected cell of the H3N2 flu strain produced 709 new viruses, whereas for H1N1, each infected cell produced 358 viruses. This novel method reveals insights into the flu virus and can lead to improved strategies for managing and preventing the spread of viruses.
Transforming place-based management within watersheds in Fiji: The watershed interventions for systems health project
Authors: Jupiter Stacy D. , Jenkins Aaron P. , Negin Joel , Anthony Shylett , Baleinamau Ponipate , Devi Rachel , Gavidi Sikeli , Latinne Alice , Mailautoka Kini Koto , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Naivalu Kelera , Naivalulevu Timoci , Naivalulevu Vilisi , Nasim Nabeela , Naucunivanua Sikeli , Nelson Sarah , Qauqau Ingrid , Ratu Anaseini , Ravoka Mereia , Thomas Jacqueline , Tukana Andrew , van Nimwegen Paul , Wakwella Ama , Wenger Amelia , Wilson Donald , Horwitz Pierre
Published: July 2024

Watersheds offer opportunities for place-based interventions to transform systems health via preventative versus reactive approaches to management that achieve multiple co-benefits for public and environmental health. The Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji) project embraced participatory knowledge co-production and action-oriented research to identify risks to public and ecosystem health, prioritize interventions to address risks, and monitor responses of the system to interventions. We used screening filters and local knowledge to collaboratively identify five watersheds for action with high prior incidence of water-related diseases (Fiji’s “three plagues” of leptospirosis, typhoid and dengue) and high risk to downstream environmental health. We reviewed literature to identify disease risk factors, evaluated overlaps with risks for downstream environmental impact, and designed 13 instruments to collect information about baseline risk. Following consultations to obtain free, prior and informed consent, we enrolled 311 households across 29 communities. We synthesized data to identify key risks at the household, community, and landscape level, which were communicated to community water and resource management committees and government leaders as part of developing water and sanitation safety plans for each community. Local committees identified 339 priority risk reduction actions across nine main categories: animal management; drainage; health systems surveillance; hygiene; integrated planning; land use management; sanitation systems; waste management; and water systems. As of October 2022, 154 interventions were implemented in the five watersheds across different risk categories and scales. While we can track changes to factors that reduce risk of water-related disease and improve environmental health, direct evaluation of impacts to public health is limited due to poor geolocation of case records. The WISH Fiji project is a model of cross-sectoral coordination that efficiently progresses multiple Sustainable Development Goals, but scaling requires sustained investment in interventions to realize full benefits, particularly for nature-based solutions that exhibit lagged responses.
Curating in an ecological framework through sensuous pedagogy
Authors: Friis Joachim Aagaard
Published: July 2024

In this article, I take up the educational turn in curating and recontextualize it in my current curatorial practice that seeks to cultivate ecological awareness in its participants, defined as developing relationships between human and other-than-human beings through a process of sensuous pedagogy. With a post-qualitative approach, I analyse my own working process of curating the exhibition Habitat at Agder Kunstsenter in Kristiansand, Norway, in 2022. Partly taking place in the nature park Lista and in the city of Kristiansand, I made a framework for the exhibition that questions and explores our notions of inhabitation for both human and more-than-human beings. As one of the specific projects in the Habitat programme, I further explore the process of curating the participatory performance work CITY MATTERS with artist Tora Balslev. It is a personal account of how we experienced and created sensuous pedagogy between human and more-than-human beings in Kristiansand.
Defending the nation: The discourse on youth nationalist organizations in the Polish press
Authors: Wolniewicz-Slomka Klaudia
Published: July 2024

The article presents the results of press discourse analysis on selected youth organizations in the context of the celebrations of the centenary of Poland’s independence in 2018. It focuses on two nationalist organizations: the All-Polish Youth (APY) and the National Radical Camp (NRC), which most often appeared in 2018 press materials in the context of Poland’s Independence Day. The analysis covers eight press titles: five dailies and three weeklies. The article tries to answer the following research questions: how are these organizations presented in press discourse; who are their members; what characteristics are attributed to them; how are they assessed and from what perspective analysed discourse is conducted? A qualitative research method was used together with an analysis of the discursive strategies: nomination, predication and perspectivization. The results show that press titles fight for symbolic power over the readers in the same way (using the same discursive strategies), having the same aim (defending the nation), but using different arguments. This battle for power is between the press that is favourable to the ruling party or hostile to it.
Features of Coverage of the SARS-COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic in the Ukrainian Audiovisual Media (on the Example of News Releases of Central and Regional Television Channels and Public Service Broadcasters of Ukraine)
Authors: Liudmyla Pavlenko
Published: July 2024

This paper explores some patterns of coverage of the coronavirus pandemic in the news programs of television and radio channels of the National Public Television and Radio Company of Ukraine. The process of pandemic coverage is reflexive and does not have a clear strategy or policy. The study is the first in this direction, and this is its scientific novelty. The most stable characteristic of vaccination coverage by Ukrainian Radio news is informing the audience about everything related to COVID-19 vaccinations.
Association of tumor budding and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes with clinicopathological parameters in gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Ahuja Sana , Khan Adil Aziz , Verma Pooja , Zaheer Sufian
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) poses significant challenges in oncology due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. The lack of effective biomarkers for early detection and prognosis exacerbates the prognosis for GBC patients. Tumor budding (TB) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have emerged as potential prognostic indicators in various cancers, reflecting tumor-host immune interactions and tumor aggressiveness. The study of TB and TILs in GBC is particularly important due to the limited literature available.Methods: This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the association of TB and TILs with clinicopathological parameters in GBC patients. Clinicopathological data were collected from patients with histologically confirmed GBC who underwent surgical resection. The sections were evaluated for TB and TILs using standardized methods. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between these parameters and clinicopathological variables.Results: Tumor stage and grade showed significant associations with TB and TILs, indicating their potential as prognostic markers. High TB correlated with advanced tumor stage and higher grade, while high TIL infiltration was associated with early tumor stage and lower grade. Additionally, TILs exhibited a significant association with lymphovascular invasion. Interestingly, an inverse association was observed between TB and TILs, highlighting the dynamic interplay between tumor aggressiveness and host immune response.Conclusion: TB and TILs hold prognostic significance in GBC, offering insights into its pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. Future research exploring the mechanistic underpinnings of tumor-host immune interactions in GBC is crucial for translating these findings into clinical applications and improving outcomes for patients.
Prediction of the minimum amount of anti-adhesive agent required for entire intra-abdominal cavity using fluorescent dye
Authors: Park Ji-Hyeon , Park A Reum , Kim Kiwon , Shin Seo Hyun , Jeon Youngbae , Lee Woon Kee , Lee Donghyuk , Baek Jeong-Heum
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Studies on the appropriate amount of anti-adhesive agents for preventing postoperative adhesion are lacking. This animal study aimed to investigate the distribution of an anti-adhesive agent in the abdominal cavity and estimate the necessary amount to cover the entire cavity.Methods: Fluorescent dye Flamma-552 was conjugated to Guardix-sol to create Guardix-Flamma, which was laparoscopically applied to the abdominal cavity of two 10-kg pigs in different amounts: 15 mL for G1 and 35 mL for G2. After 24 hours, the distribution of Guardix-Flamma was examined under the near-infrared mode of the laparoscope, and the thickness was measured in tissues from the omentum, small, and large intestine by immunohistochemistry.Results: The average area of the abdominal cavity in 10 kg pigs was 2,755 cm2. Guardix-Flamma fluorescence was detected in the greater omentum, ascites in the pelvis, and right quadrant area in G1, whereas in G2, it was detected everywhere. On average, the total thickness of G1 and G2 were 12.68 ± 9.80 μm and 18.16 ± 15.57 μm, respectively. Guardix-Flamma thickness applied to the omentum, small, and large intestines of G2 were 1.31-, 1.45-, and 1.49-times thicker than those of G1, respectively, and were all statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The entire abdominal cavity of the 10 kg pig was not evenly covered with 15 mL of Guardix. Although 35 mL of Guardix is sufficient to cover the same area with an average thickness of 18 µm, further studies should evaluate the minimum thickness required for an effective anti-adhesive function.
Rectal metastasis arising from breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Kim Kyeong Eui , Lee Hye Won , Bae Sung Uk
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Breast cancer often metastasizes to the regional lymph nodes, bone, brain, liver, and lungs, whereas gastrointestinal tract metastases are rare. Herein, we present a rare case of rectal metastasis from breast cancer that occurred during palliative chemotherapy. A 69-year-old female with a history of invasive ductal carcinoma, negative for hormonal receptors and positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptor, underwent various treatments, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy, breast-conserving surgery, and adjuvant therapy. Eight months postoperatively, the patient experienced axillary lymph node recurrence, requiring palliative chemotherapy. Despite ongoing treatment, metastatic lesions were confirmed in the lungs and pleura. During palliative chemotherapy, the patient developed anal pain, and subsequent examination revealed an infiltrating rectal lesion. Despite histological confirmation of metastatic breast carcinoma and tubular adenoma, a multidisciplinary decision was made regarding palliative chemotherapy over surgical intervention. Eribulin was administered, but due to the patient’s inability to tolerate the treatment, she passed away 3 months after rectal lesion diagnosis. Although breast cancer metastasis to the rectum is rare, clinicians should consider the possibility of rectal involvement and perform a digital rectal examination if anal symptoms are present.