bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal and mechanical THz modulation of flexible all-dielectric metamaterial
Authors: Peng Shan , Lu Xueguang , Tang Lu , Chang Xue , Yan Jiazhen , Shi Qiwu , Chen Kefan , Li Jiang , Du Lianghui , Huang Wanxia
Published: December 2022

The implementation of Terahertz (THz) modulation is critical for applications in high-speed wireless communications, security screening and so on. Therefore, it is particularly significant to obtain THz wave modulation devices with stable and flexible performance, easy manipulation of the modulation method, and multi-functionality. Here, we propose a flexible all-dielectric metamaterial by embedding zirconia (ZrO2) microspheres into a vanadium dioxide/polydimethylsiloxane (VO2/PDMS) composite, which can achieve thermal and mechanical tuning of THz wave transmission. When the temperature of the ZrO2/VO2/PDMS metamaterial increases, VO2 changes from the insulating phase to the metallic phase, and the 1st (at 0.304 THz) and 2nd (at 0.414 THz) order magnetic resonances exhibit the tunability of 20 GHz and 15 GHz, respectively. When stretched, the 1st and 2nd order magnetic resonances show the tunability of 12 GHz and 10 GHz, respectively. In the meantime, there are accompanying changes in transmittance at the resonances. The ZrO2/VO2/PDMS all-dielectric metamaterial presented in this work provides an alternative strategy for developing actively tunable, flexible, and versatile THz devices. In addition, it has the merits of simple preparation and low cost, promising large-area and rapid preparation of meta-arrays.
Photonic super-resolution millimeter-wave joint radar-communication system using self-coherent detection
Authors: Bai Wenlin , Li Peixuan , Zou Xihua , Zhong Ningyuan , Pan Wei , Yan Lianshan , Luo Bin
Published: December 2022

A millimeter-wave (MMW) joint radar-communication (JRC) system with super-resolution is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, using optical heterodyne upconversion and self-coherent detection downconversion techniques. The point lies in the designed coherent dual-band constant envelope linear frequency modulation-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (LFM-OFDM) signal with opposite phase modulation indexes for the JRC system. Then the self-coherent detection, as a simple and low-cost means, is accordingly facilitated for both de-chirping of MMW radar and frequency downconversion reception of MMW communication, which circumvents costly high-speed mixers along with MMW local oscillators and, more significantly, achieves the real-time decomposition of radar and communication information. Furthermore, a super-resolution radar range profile is realized through the coherent fusion processing of dual-band JRC signals. In experiments, a dual-band LFM-OFDM JRC signal centered at 54 GHz and 61 GHz is generated. The two bands feature an identical instantaneous bandwidth of 2 GHz and carry an OFDM signal of 1 Gbaud, which helps to achieve a 6-Gbit/s data rate for communication and a 1.76-cm range resolution for radar.
Emulation of deep-ultraviolet lithography using rapid-prototyping, electron-beam lithography for silicon photonics design
Authors: Hammood Mustafa , Lin Stephen , Yun Han , Luan Enxiao , Chrostowski Lukas , Jaeger Nicolas A. F.
Published: December 2022

We demonstrate a method to emulate the optical performance of silicon photonic devices fabricated using advanced deep-ultraviolet lithography (DUV) processes on a rapid-prototyping electron-beam lithography process. The method is enabled by a computational lithography predictive model generated by processing SEM image data of the DUV lithography process. We experimentally demonstrate the emulation method’s accuracy on integrated silicon Bragg grating waveguides and grating-based, add-drop filter devices, two devices that are particularly susceptible to DUV lithography effects. The emulation method allows silicon photonic device and system designers to experimentally observe the effects of DUV lithography on device performance in a low-cost, rapid-prototyping, electron-beam lithography process to enable a first-time-right design flow.
Two-color pulse compounds in waveguides with a zero-nonlinearity point
Authors: Melchert O. , Bose S. , Willms S. , Babushkin I. , Morgner U. , Demircan A.
Published: December 2022

We study incoherently coupled two-frequency pulse compounds in waveguides with single zero-dispersion and zero-nonlinearity points. In such waveguides, supported by a negative nonlinearity, soliton dynamics can be obtained even in domains of normal dispersion. We demonstrate trapping of weak pulses by solitary-wave wells, forming nonlinear-photonics meta-atoms, and molecule-like bound-states of pulses. We study the impact of the Raman effect on these pulse compounds, finding that, depending on the precise subpulse configuration, they decelerate, accelerate, or are completely unaffected. Our results extend the range of systems in which two-frequency pulse compounds can be expected to exist and demonstrate further unique and unexpected behavior.
Spatiotemporal lasing dynamics in a Limaçon-shaped microcavity
Authors: Kim Kyungduk , Bittner Stefan , Jin Yuhao , Zeng Yongquan , Wang Qijie , Cao Hui
Published: December 2022

Limaçon-shaped microdisk lasers are promising on-chip light sources with low lasing threshold and unidirectional output. We conduct an experimental study on the lasing dynamics of Limaçon-shaped semiconductor microcavities. The edge emission exhibits intensity fluctuations over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. They result from multiple dynamic processes with different origins and occur on different spatiotemporal scales. The dominant process is an alternate oscillation between two output beams with a period as short as a few nanoseconds.
Coherent combination of micropulse tapered amplifiers at 828 nm for direct-detection LIDAR applications
Authors: Liu Qin , Janicot Sylvie , Georges Patrick , Lucas-Leclin Gaëlle
Published: December 2022

We report on the design of a compact master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) diode laser architecture at 828 nm suitable for direct-detection LIDARs, specifically applied to water vapor differential absorption LIDARs. Coherent beam combination of two pulsed high-brightness tapered amplifiers (1 μs, 10 kHz), seeded by a DBR laser diode, is demonstrated. The phase dynamics during the pulses have been thoroughly investigated. The main limitation to the CBC efficiency is quantified. The maximum combined pulse energy reaches 10.3 μJ with combining efficiency above 82% ± 5%.
A mathematical model of potassium homeostasis: Effect of feedforward and feedback controls
Authors: Stadt Melissa M. , Leete Jessica , Devinyak Sophia , Layton Anita T.
Published: December 2022

Maintaining normal potassium (K+) concentrations in the extra- and intracellular fluid is critical for cell function. K+ homeostasis is achieved by ensuring proper distribution between extra- and intracellular fluid compartments and by matching K+ excretion with intake. The Na+-K+-ATPase pump facilitates K+ uptake into the skeletal muscle, where most K+ is stored. Na+-K+-ATPase activity is stimulated by insulin and aldosterone. The kidneys regulate long term K+ homeostasis by controlling the amount of K+ excreted through urine. Renal handling of K+ is mediated by a number of regulatory mechanisms, including an aldosterone-mediated feedback control, in which high extracellular K+ concentration stimulates aldosterone secretion, which enhances urine K+ excretion, and a gastrointestinal feedforward control mechanism, in which dietary K+ intake increases K+ excretion. Recently, a muscle-kidney cross talk signal has been hypothesized, where the K+ concentration in skeletal muscle cells directly affects urine K+ excretion without changes in extracellular K+ concentration. To understand how these mechanisms coordinate under different K+ challenges, we have developed a compartmental model of whole-body K+ regulation. The model represents the intra- and extracellular fluid compartments in a human (male) as well as a detailed kidney compartment. We included (i) the gastrointestinal feedforward control mechanism, (ii) the effect of insulin and (iii) aldosterone on Na+-K+-ATPase K+ uptake, and (iv) aldosterone stimulation of renal K+ secretion. We used this model to investigate the impact of regulatory mechanisms on K+ homeostasis. Model predictions showed how the regulatory mechanisms synthesize to ensure that the extra- and intracelluller fluid K+ concentrations remain in normal range in times of K+ loading and fasting. Additionally, we predict that without the hypothesized muscle-kidney cross talk signal, the model was unable to predict a return to normal extracellular K+ concentration after a period of high K+ loading or depletion.
Safety and immunogenicity of a reduced dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (REDU-VAC): A single blind, randomized, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Pannus Pieter , Depickère Stéphanie , Kemlin Delphine , Houben Sarah , Neven Kristof Y. , Heyndrickx Leo , Michiels Johan , Willems Elisabeth , De Craeye Stéphane , Francotte Antoine , Chaumont Félicie , Olislagers Véronique , Waegemans Alexandra , Verbrugghe Mathieu , Schmickler Marie-Noëlle , Van Gucht Steven , Dierick Katelijne , Marchant Arnaud , Desombere Isabelle , Ariën Kevin K. , Goossens Maria E.
Published: December 2022

Fractional dosing of COVID-19 vaccines could accelerate vaccination rates in low-income countries. Dose-finding studies of the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) suggest that a fractional dose induces comparable antibody responses to the full dose in people <55 years. Here, we report the safety and immunogenicity of a fractional dose regimen of the BNT162b2 vaccine. REDU-VAC is a participant-blinded, randomised, phase 4, non-inferiority study. Adults 18–55 years old, either previously infected or infection naïve, were randomly assigned to receive 20μg/20μg (fractional dose) or 30μg/30μg (full dose) of BNT162b2. The primary endpoint was the geometric mean ratio (GMR) of SARS-CoV-2 anti-RBD IgG titres at 28 days post second dose between the reduced and full dose regimens. The reduced dose was considered non-inferior to the full dose if the lower limit of the two-sided 95% CI of the GMR was >0.67. Primary analysis was done on the per-protocol population, including infection naïve participants only. 145 participants were enrolled and randomized, were mostly female (69.5%), of European origin (95%), with a mean age of 40.4 years (SD 7.9). At 28 days post second dose, the geometric mean titre (GMT) of anti-RBD IgG of the reduced dose regimen (1,705 BAU/mL) was not non-inferior to the full dose regimen (2,387 BAU/mL), with a GMR of 0.714 (two-sided 95% CI 0.540–0.944). No serious adverse events occurred. While non-inferiority of the reduced dose regimen was not demonstrated, the anti-RBD IgG titre was only moderately lower than that of the full dose regimen and, importantly, still markedly higher than the reported antibody response to the licensed adenoviral vector vaccines. These data suggest that reduced doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine may offer additional benefit as compared to the vaccines currently in use in most low and middle-income countries, warranting larger immunogenicity and effectiveness trials.

Trial Registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04852861).
Spatial analysis of human and livestock anthrax in Dien Bien province, Vietnam (2010–2019) and the significance of anthrax vaccination in livestock
Authors: Tan Luong Minh , Hung Doan Ngoc , My Do Thai , Walker Morgan A. , Ha Hoang Thi Thu , Thai Pham Quang , Hung Tran Thi Mai , Blackburn Jason K.
Published: December 2022

Anthrax is a serious zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects wild herbivorous animals with spillover into humans. The disease occurs nearly worldwide but is poorly reported in Southeast Asian countries. In Vietnam, anthrax is underreported, and little is known about its temporal and spatial distributions. This paper examines the spatio-temporal distribution and epidemiological characteristics of human and livestock anthrax from Dien Bien province, Vietnam from 2010 to 2019. We also aim to define the role of livestock vaccination in reducing human cases. Historical anthrax data were collected by local human and animal health sectors in the province. Spatial rate smoothing and spatial clustering analysis, using Local Moran’s I in GeoDa and space-time scan statistic in SaTScan, were employed to address these objectives. We found temporal and spatial overlap of anthrax incidence in humans and livestock with hotspots of human anthrax in the east. We identified three significant space-time clusters of human anthrax persisting from 2010 to 2014 in the east and southeast, each with high relative risk. Most of the human cases were male (69%), aged 15–59 years (80%), involved in processing, slaughtering, or eating meat of sick or dead livestock (96.9%) but environmental and unknown exposure were reported. Animal reports were limited compared to humans and at coarser spatial scale, but in areas with human case clusters. In years when livestock vaccination was high (>~25%), human incidence was reduced, with the opposite effect when vaccine rates dropped. This indicates livestock vaccination campaigns reduce anthrax burden in both humans and livestock in Vietnam, though livestock surveillance needs immediate improvement. These findings suggest further investigation and measures to strengthen the surveillance of human and animal anthrax for other provinces of Vietnam, as well as in other countries with similar disease context.
Modulation of the long non-coding RNA Mir155hg by high, but not moderate, hydrostatic pressure in cartilage precursor cells
Authors: Montagne Kevin , Furukawa Katsuko S. , Taninaka Yuki , Ngao Brandon , Ushida Takashi
Published: December 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease in older adults and is characterized by a gradual degradation of articular cartilage due to decreased cartilage matrix gene expression and increased expression of genes involved in protein degradation, apoptosis and inflammation. Due to the high water content of cartilage, one of the main physical stimuli sensed by chondrocytes is hydrostatic pressure. We previously showed that high pressure above 20 MPa induced gene expression changes in chondrocyte precursor cells similar to what is observed in OA. Micro-RNAs are small non-coding RNAs essential to many physiological and pathological process including OA. As the micro-RNA miR-155 has been found increased in OA chondrocytes, we investigated the effects of high pressure on the expression of the miR-155 host gene Mir155hg. The chondrocyte progenitor cell line ATDC5 was pressurized under hydrostatic pressure up to 25 MPa and the expression of Mir155hg or the resulting micro-RNAs were measured; pharmacological inhibitors were used to identify the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of Mir155hg. We found that Mir155hg is strongly and rapidly up-regulated by high, but not moderate, pressure in chondrocyte progenitor cells. This up-regulation likely involves the membrane channel pannexin-1 and several intracellular signaling molecules including PKC and Src. MiR-155-5p and -3p were also up-regulated by pressure though somewhat later than Mir155hg, and a set of known miR-155-5p target genes, including Ikbke, Smarca4 and Ywhae, was affected by pressure, suggesting that Mir155hg may have important roles in cartilage physiology.
Optimising reporting of adverse events following immunisation by healthcare workers in Ghana: A qualitative study in four regions
Authors: Aborigo Raymond Akawire , Welaga Paul , Oduro Abraham , Shaum Anna , Opare Joseph , Dodoo Alex , Ampadu Hilda , Gidudu Jane F.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Despite the emphasis on reporting of Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) during didactic training sessions, especially prior to new vaccine introductions, it remains low in Ghana. We explored the factors underlying the under-reporting of AEFI by healthcare workers (HCWs) to provide guidance on appropriate interventions to increase reporting.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory descriptive in-depth study of the factors contributing to low reporting of AEFI among HCWs in four regions in Ghana. Key informant interviews (KII) were held with purposively selected individuals that are relevant to the AEFI reporting process at the district, regional, and national levels. We used KII guides to conduct in-depth interviews and used NVivo 10 qualitative software to analyse the data. Themes on factors influencing AEFI reporting were derived inductively from the data, and illustrative quotes from respondents were used to support the narratives.

Results

We conducted 116 KIIs with the health managers, regulators and frontline HCWs and found that lack of information on reportable AEFIs and reporting structures, misunderstanding of reportable AEFIs, heavy workload, cost of reporting AEFIs, fear of blame by supervisors, lack of motivation, and inadequate feedback as factors responsible for underreporting of AEFIs. Respondents suggested that capacity building for frontline HCWs, effective supervision, the provision of motivation and feedback, simplification of reporting procedures, incentives for integrating AEFI reporting into routine monitoring and reporting, standardization of reporting procedures across regions, and developing appropriate interventions to address the fear of personal consequences would help improve AEFI reporting.

Conclusion

From the perspectives of a broad range of key informants at all levels of the vaccine safety system, we found multiple factors (both structural and behavioural), that may impact HCW reporting of AEFI in Ghana. Improvements in line with the suggestions are necessary for increased AEFI reporting in Ghana.
A pragmatic parallel arm randomized-controlled trial of a multi-pronged electronic health record-based clinical decision support tool protocol to reduce low-value antipsychotic prescriptions among older adults with Alzheimer’s and related dementias
Authors: Mafi John N. , Walling Anne M. , Villaflores Chad , Vangala Sitaram , Sorensen Andrea , Cheng Eric , Turner Ashley , Trutner Zoe , Cheng Grace , Arbanas Julia Cave , Waterman Benjamin , Shu Suzanne , Goldstein Noah , Sarkisian Catherine
Published: December 2022

Among patients with Alzheimer’s disease and its related dementias (ADRD) with behavioral disturbances, antipsychotic prescriptions have limited efficacy and increase the risk of death. Yet, physicians continue to routinely prescribe low-value antipsychotic medications for behavioral disturbances among patients with ADRD. We designed a pragmatic randomized-controlled trial to measure the impact of a behavioral economic electronic health record (EHR) clinical decision support (CDS) intervention to reduce physician prescriptions of new antipsychotic medications among patients with ADRD. Utilizing a pragmatic parallel arm randomized-controlled trial design, the study will randomize eligible physicians from a large academic health system to either receive a EHR CDS intervention or not (control) when they prescribe a new antipsychotic medication during visits with patients with ADRD. The intervention will include three components: 1) alerts prescribers that antipsychotic prescriptions increase mortality risk (motivating physicians’ intrinsic desire for non-malfeasance); 2) offers non-pharmacological behavioral resources for caregivers; 3) auto-defaults the prescription to contain the lowest dose and number of pill-days (n = 30) without refills if the prescriber does not cancel the order (appealing to default bias). Over 1 year, we will compare the cumulative total of new antipsychotic pill-days prescribed (primary outcome) by physicians in the intervention group versus in the control group. The study protocol meets international SPIRIT guidelines. Behavioral economics, or the study of human behavior as a function of more than rational incentives, considering a whole host of cognitive and social psychological preferences, tendencies, and biases, is increasingly recognized as an important conceptual framework to improve physician behavior. This pragmatic trial is among the first to combine two distinct behavioral economic principles, a desire for non-malfeasance and default bias, to improve physician prescribing patterns for patients with ADRD. We anticipate this trial will substantially advance understanding of how behavioral-economic informed EHR CDS tools can potentially reduce harmful, low-value care among patients with ADRD.
Are most published research findings false in a continuous universe?
Authors: Neves Kleber , Tan Pedro B. , Amaral Olavo B.
Published: December 2022

Diagnostic screening models for the interpretation of null hypothesis significance test (NHST) results have been influential in highlighting the effect of selective publication on the reproducibility of the published literature, leading to John Ioannidis’ much-cited claim that most published research findings are false. These models, however, are typically based on the assumption that hypotheses are dichotomously true or false, without considering that effect sizes for different hypotheses are not the same. To address this limitation, we develop a simulation model that overcomes this by modeling effect sizes explicitly using different continuous distributions, while retaining other aspects of previous models such as publication bias and the pursuit of statistical significance. Our results show that the combination of selective publication, bias, low statistical power and unlikely hypotheses consistently leads to high proportions of false positives, irrespective of the effect size distribution assumed. Using continuous effect sizes also allows us to evaluate the degree of effect size overestimation and prevalence of estimates with the wrong sign in the literature, showing that the same factors that drive false-positive results also lead to errors in estimating effect size direction and magnitude. Nevertheless, the relative influence of these factors on different metrics varies depending on the distribution assumed for effect sizes. The model is made available as an R ShinyApp interface, allowing one to explore features of the literature in various scenarios.
Changes in genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence among urban females a decade after the Malaysian HPV vaccination program
Authors: Khoo Su Pei , Muhammad Ridzuan Tan Nor Adriana , Rajasuriar Reena , Nasir Nazrila Hairizan , Gravitt Patti , Ng Chiu Wan , Woo Yin Ling
Published: December 2022

To increase the coverage of HPV vaccination, Malaysia implemented a national school-based vaccination program for all 13-year-old girls in 2010. Two years later, a clinic-based catch-up program was started for 16 to 21-year-old girls. We assessed the prevalence of a range of HPV genotypes, among a sample of urban women within the age groups of 18–24 and 35–45 years in 2019–2020, a decade into the national vaccination program. The HPV prevalence was then compared to that reported in an unvaccinated population in 2013–2015. We sampled a total of 1134 participants, comprising of 277 women aged 18–24 years and 857 women aged 35–45 years, from several urban clinics in the state of Selangor. Participants provided a self-acquired vaginal sample for HPV genotyping. Comprehensive sociodemographic and vaccination history were collected. The HPV vaccination coverage among women in the younger age group increased from 9.3% in 2013–2015 to 75.5% in 2019–2020. The prevalence of vaccine-targeted HPV16/18 decreased 91% (CI: 14.5%–99.0%) among the younger women, from 4.0% in 2013–2015 to 0.4% in 2019–2020. There was also an 87% (CI: 27.5%–97.5%) reduction in HPV6/11/16/18. There was no difference in the prevalence of non-vaccine targeted HPV genotypes among younger women. The HPV prevalence among older women, for both vaccine targeted and non-vaccine targeted genotypes in 2019–2020, did not differ from 2013–2015. The observed decline in prevalence of vaccine-targeted HPV genotype among younger women a decade after the national HPV vaccination program is an early indication of its effectiveness in reducing the burden of cervical cancer.
Bidirectional association between depression and diabetic nephropathy by meta-analysis
Authors: Fang Tingting , Zhang Qiuling , Wang Zhiguo , Liu Jun-Ping
Published: December 2022

Background

Studies suggested that the association between depression and diabetic nephropathy may be bi-directional, but this hypothesis remains investigating. In this meta-analysis, the bi-directional relationship between depression and diabetic nephropathy was investigated.

Methods

A search for the publications on depression and diabetic nephropathy in the databases of PubMed, Web of science, and Embase from the earliest available to August 2022 was conducted. Two sets of pooled risk estimates were calculated using random effects models: diabetic nephropathy predicting depression and depression predicting diabetic nephropathy. Cross-sectional studies were assessed using Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), cohort and case-control studies were assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Result

Of the 974,121 patients in 30 clinical studies, 24 studies met eligibility for diabetic nephropathy predicting onset of depression, representing 28,438 incident cases. The other 6 studies met criteria for depression predicting onset of diabetic nephropathy, representing 945,683 incident cases. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of diabetic nephropathy predicting depression was 1.46 (95% CI 1.27–1.67). The OR of depression predicting diabetic nephropathy was 1.22 (95% CI 1.13–1.31).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis shows that the relationship between depression and diabetic nephropathy may be bidirectional. Diabetic nephropathy may be a predictor of depression, and depression may also be an indicator of diabetic nephropathy. The mechanisms underlying the bidirectional relationship need to be further investigated and interventions of the comorbidity of depression and diabetic nephropathy need be studied in clinical practice.
Characteristics and predictors of Long COVID among diagnosed cases of COVID-19
Authors: Arjun M. C. , Singh Arvind Kumar , Pal Debkumar , Das Kajal , G. Alekhya , Venkateshan Mahalingam , Mishra Baijayantimala , Patro Binod Kumar , Mohapatra Prasanta Raghab , Subba Sonu Hangma
Published: December 2022

Background

Long COVID or long-term symptoms after COVID-19 has the ability to affect health and quality of life. Knowledge about the burden and predictors could aid in their prevention and management. Most of the studies are from high-income countries and focus on severe acute COVID-19 cases. We did this study to estimate the incidence and identify the characteristics and predictors of Long COVID among our patients.

Methodology

We recruited adult (≥18 years) patients who were diagnosed as Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) confirmed SARS-COV-2 infection and were either hospitalized or tested on outpatient basis. Eligible participants were followed up telephonically after four weeks and six months of diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 infection to collect data on sociodemographic, clinical history, vaccination history, Cycle threshold (Ct) values during diagnosis and other variables. Characteristics of Long COVID were elicited, and multivariable logistic regression was done to find the predictors of Long COVID.

Results

We have analyzed 487 and 371 individual data with a median follow-up of 44 days (Inter quartile range (IQR): 39,47) and 223 days (IQR:195,251), respectively. Overall, Long COVID was reported by 29.2% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 25.3%,33.4%) and 9.4% (95% CI: 6.7%,12.9%) of participants at four weeks and six months of follow-up, respectively. Incidence of Long COVID among patients with mild/moderate disease (n = 415) was 23.4% (95% CI: 19.5%,27.7%) as compared to 62.5% (95% CI: 50.7%,73%) in severe/critical cases(n = 72) at four weeks of follow-up. At six months, the incidence among mild/moderate (n = 319) was 7.2% (95% CI:4.6%,10.6%) as compared to 23.1% (95% CI:12.5%,36.8%) in severe/critical (n = 52). The most common Long COVID symptom was fatigue. Statistically significant predictors of Long COVID at four weeks of follow-up were—Pre-existing medical conditions (Adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.16,3.44), having a higher number of symptoms during acute phase of COVID-19 disease (aOR = 11.24, 95% CI: 4.00,31.51), two doses of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.17,4.58), the severity of illness (aOR = 5.71, 95% CI: 3.00,10.89) and being admitted to hospital (Odds ratio (OR) = 3.89, 95% CI: 2.49,6.08).

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of COVID-19 cases reported Long COVID symptoms. More research is needed in Long COVID to objectively assess the symptoms and find the biological and radiological markers.
Relationship between dairy product intake and sense of coherence among middle and high school students in Japan
Authors: Yoshiko Kato , Nagano Kazumi , Hu Chenghong , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki
Published: December 2022

Despite the growing attention toward the effects of dairy intake on stress and mental health, its relationship to psychological constructs that affect mental health remains poorly understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study (Study 1) and a longitudinal study (Study 2) to examine the association between food intake and stress resilience in Japanese middle and high school students. In Study 1, 865 participants (412 males and 453 females) completed the questionnaires. In Study 2, 109 students (51 males and 58 females) participated each year from 2016 to 2018. Dietary intake was assessed using a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. Stress resilience was evaluated using a 13-item sense of coherence (SOC) questionnaire. Correlation coefficients were calculated in Study 1 to investigate the relationship between food group intake and SOC. In Study 2, a cross-lagged panel model was tested using structural equation modeling to investigate the effect of dairy product consumption on SOC. Study 1 revealed that only dairy product intake positively correlated with SOC and other food intake indicated no significant relationship. Study 2 indicated that augmented dairy product intake was positively associated with SOC. Among all foods, only dairy products were associated with SOC in adolescents. Although the association was weak, the longitudinal study confirmed that dairy consumption was associated with SOC. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to examine the causal relationship.
Acute pre-exercise hydrogen rich water intake does not improve running performance at maximal aerobic speed in trained track and field runners: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study
Authors: Valenta Michal , Botek Michal , Krejčí Jakub , McKune Andrew , Sládečková Barbora , Neuls Filip , Bajgar Robert , Klimešová Iva
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study investigated the effects of acute, pre-exercise, hydrogen rich water (HRW) ingestion on running time to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed in trained track and field runners.

Methods

Twenty-four, male runners aged 17.5 ± 1.8 years, with body mass index = 21.0 ± 1.3 kg⋅m-2, and maximal oxygen uptake = 55.0 ± 4.6 ml⋅kg-1⋅min-1(mean ± standard deviation) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. All runners ingested 1260 ml of HRW which was divided into four doses and taken at 120 min (420 ml), 60 min (420 ml), 30 min (210 ml), and 10 min (210 ml) prior to exercise. The running protocol consisted of three phases: warm-up performed at 10 km⋅h-1for 3 min, followed by a transition phase performed at an individually determined speed (10 km⋅h-1+ maximal aerobic speed)/2 for 1 min, and finally the third phase performed at individual maximal aerobic speed until exhaustion. Time to exhaustion, cardiorespiratory variables, and post-exercise blood lactate concentration were measured.

Results

When running to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed, compared with placebo, HRW had no significant effects on the following variables: time to exhaustion (217 ± 49 and 227 ± 53 s,p= 0.20), post-exercise blood lactate concentration (9.9 ± 2.2 and 10.1 ± 2.0 mmol⋅L-1,p= 0.42), maximal heart rate (186 ± 9 and 186 ± 9 beats⋅min-1,p= 0.80), and oxygen uptake (53.1 ± 4.5 and 52.2 ± 4.7 ml⋅kg-1⋅min-1,p= 0.33). No variable assessed as a candidate moderator was significantly correlated with time to exhaustion (Spearman’s correlation coefficients ranged from −0.28 to 0.30, allp≥ 0.16).

Conclusions

Pre-exercise administration of 1260 ml of HRW showed no ergogenic effect on running performance to exhaustion at maximal aerobic speed in trained track and field runners.
Newborn genetic testing in the United States and access to needed specialist care, National Survey of Children’s Health, 2020: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wiener R. Constance
Published: December 2022

Newborn screening tests (NST) are important public health procedures with potential to improve quality of life, and decrease morbidity/mortality by identifying metabolic, genetic, enzymatic, and endocrinological diseases/conditions. In the United States (U.S.), Hawaii conducts the fewest NST (28) and Connecticut conducts the most (75). The purpose of this research is to determine if difficulty receiving specialty care for children with genetic diseases is associated with NST determination of the genetic condition. The research hypothesis is that parents/guardians of children with determination of genetic disease from NST are more likely to report no/slight difficulty accessing specialty care versus parents/guardians of children with genetic diseases whose determination was other than NST. This study has a cross-sectional design with National Survey of Children’s Health, 2020 data. Data were analyzed for frequency, Rao Scott Chi square, and logistic regression analyses. Of 833 children with genetic diseases, most parents/guardians reported no/slight difficulty in receiving needed specialty care; however, children whose determination of a genetic condition was other than NST were 4.82 times as likely (95%CI: 1.66, 14.02; p = 0.0040) to have difficulty. In analysis adjusted for sex, race, age, premature birth, and birthweight, the adjusted odds ratio was 6.71 (95% CI:1.91, 23.60 p = 0.0031). Parents/guardians of children screened with a positive NST reported less difficulty in receiving needed specialist care as compared with reports of parents/guardians of children with genetic conditions who were diagnosed later. The implication is there would be greater population level benefits realized in the U.S. if NST were expanded in states conducting minimal testing.
Monocyte distribution width (MDW) as a useful indicator for early screening of sepsis and discriminating false positive blood cultures
Authors: Jo Sung Jin , Kim Sei Won , Choi Jung-Hyun , Choi Seoung Pill , Lee Jehoon , Lim Jihyang
Published: December 2022

Background

Severe sepsis and septic shock are the leading cause of in-hospital death. As sepsis progresses, expression and activity of endogenous mediators of inflammation change. Early detection of biomarkers can play a role in sepsis screening and in improvement of patient outcomes. Recent studies suggest that increase in monocyte volume may be helpful in early detection of sepsis. Therefore, we evaluated the utility of monocyte distribution width (MDW) for the early assessment of sepsis compared with the blood culture and other inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods

Medical records of 1,404 patients (aged ≥19 years) who were admitted to the emergency department owing to clinically suspected infectious disease and requested blood cultures from Oct 2019 to Jan 2021 were reviewed. The patients were grouped based on Sepsis-3 criteria. They had undergone other laboratory tests to evaluate their clinical status. MDW was analyzed using DxH900 hematology analyzer (Beckman Coulter, Brea, California, USA). To determine the diagnostic performance of MDW, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) for sepsis, the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics curves and their sensitivity and specificity were measured.

Results

Among 1,404 patients, 520 patients were designated the sepsis group based on Sepsis-3 criteria. In the sepsis group, MDW value was 24.1 (median, IQR 21.6–28.1); AUC values for MDW, CRP, and PCT were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.64–0.69), 0.66 (95% CI, 0.63–0.68), and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.72–0.77), respectively. For diagnosis of the sepsis, the cut-off value of MDW was 21.7 (sensitivity 74% and specificity 54%). Measured values of MDW were higher for the blood culture positive group than that of the blood culture contamination group (P<0.001, 95% CI, -5.9 to -3.0) or blood culture negative group (P<0.001, 95% CI = -5.8 to -4.2).

Conclusions

MDW is a new hematological parameter that is simultaneously calculated during complete blood cell counting by Beckman Coulter hematology analyzer. MDW is expected to serve as a useful indicator for early screening of sepsis in conjunction with CRP and PCT. MDW is especially useful for sepsis assessment in patients with a suspected infection. MDW can also assist in discriminating false positive blood cultures.
Unpredictable maternal sensory signals in caregiving behavior are associated with child effortful control
Authors: Holmberg Eeva , Kataja Eeva-Leena , Davis Elysia Poggi , Pajulo Marjukka , Nolvi Saara , Lahtela Hetti , Nordenswan Elisabeth , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Korja Riikka
Published: December 2022

Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to unpredictable patterns of maternal sensory signals during infancy is associated with child neurodevelopment, including poorer effortful control. However, longitudinal effects on child development and possible sex differences are understudied. The aims of the present study were to explore whether exposure to unpredictable maternal sensory signals during infancy is related to child effortful control at 5 years of age and whether child sex moderates these associations. In addition, we examined how exposure to very high vs. low/moderate unpredictability using categorical cut-offs is related to child effortful control. Participants (133 mother–child pairs, all Caucasian) were drawn from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study in Finland. Maternal sensory signals (auditory, visual, tactile) were coded from the 10-min free-play episode on a moment-on-moment basis using Observer XT 11 (Noldus), and the unpredictability of maternal sensory signals was characterized as the entropy rate when the infant was 8 months of age. Child effortful control was assessed via mother reports using the Child Behavior Questionnaire very short form (CBQ-VSF) when the child was 5 years old. Correlational analyses showed that higher unpredictability of maternal sensory signals had a modest association with children’s poorer effortful control at 5 years of age. Notably, the linear regression model showed that child sex moderated these associations, as higher exposure to unpredictable maternal sensory signals was related to poorer effortful control among males, but not among females. Moreover, the general linear model showed that exposure to very high unpredictability was associated with poorer child effortful control at 5 years of age and remained significant when adjusted for possible confounding factors. These results are in line with previous findings and suggest that the unpredictability of maternal sensory signals is potentially an important aspect of early caregiving behavior associated with the development of child effortful control.
O agrohidronegócio no centro das disputas territoriais e de classe no Brasil do século XXI
Authors: Thomaz Junior Antonio
Published: December 2022

A expansão da agropecuária capitalista, no Brasil, referenciada no modelo agroexportador, se consolida territorialmente no que denominamos de Polígono do Agrohidronegócio, a contar com o Oeste de São Paulo, Leste do Mato Grosso do Sul, Noroeste do Paraná, Triângulo Mineiro e Sul-Sudoeste de Goiás. Está-se diante de 80% das plantações de cana-de-açúcar, também de concentração das plantas agroprocessadoras, de produção de álcool e de açúcar do país, bem como 30% das terras com soja e onde se registra os maiores avanços em termos de área com plantações de eucaliptos. A partir dos resultados das pesquisas enfatizamos o conteúdo dos conflitos territoriais por meio do qual temos o fio condutor das ações dos sujeitos envolvidos nesse cenário de expansão e consolidação do agrohidronegócio. Isto é, as ações que antepõem trabalhadores e capital, as fissuras intercapital reveladas pela necessidade de terras planas, férteis e com disponibilidade hídrica, portanto aptas à mecanização, e entre os próprios trabalhadores, mediante as ocupações de terra e a ações no âmbito da luta pela terra. Estamos diante de exemplos significativos das disputas territoriais e de classe no Brasil no século XXI, ainda não visíveis para a maioria da sociedade, ofuscada, pois, pelas campanhas de marketing milionárias do capital e/ou afinada ao projeto destrutivo de desenvolvimento da agricultura com base no modelo das grandes áreas monoculturas para exportação, em detrimento da produção de alimentos para o consumo humano, em pequenas unidades familiares.
Agricultura e indústria no Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Ariovaldo Umbelino de
Published: December 2022

Este trabalho trata das relações entre a agricultura e a indústria no Brasil. Procura-se, à luz da concepção de que o desenvolvimento do capitalismo tem que ser entendido como processo (contraditório) de reprodução capitalista ampliada do capital, estudar as relações entre a agricultura e a indústria. Deve-se ressaltar também que este processo de reprodução ampliada deve ser entendido como reprodução de formas sociais não-capitalista, embora a lógica, a dinâmica seja plenamente capitalista. Ou seja, a expansão do modo capitalista de produção (na sua reprodução capitalista ampliada ao capital), além de redefinir antigas relações subordinando-as à sua reprodução engendra relações não-capitalistas iguais e contraditoriamente necessárias à sua reprodução. Dessa forma procura-se analisar as relações entre as relações entre a agricultura e a indústria partindo desse pressuposto teórico, através do estudo das formas de apropriação da renda da terra pelo capital. Discute-se pois, a ação do capital monopolista e a produção no campo. Essa ação é estudada a partir da análise da subordinação da circulação à produção (monopólio na produção), e do caso dominante na agricultura brasileira, que é a sua subordinação da produção a circulação, quando são estudadas as formas de subordinação praticadas pelo capital industrial e comercial. Discute-se ainda a permanência e subordinação consequente da pequena indústria doméstica no campo, ao capital. Como resultado, discute-se o desenvolvimento da questão política no campo e o atravessamento desta na compreensão das relações entre a agricultura e a indústria no Brasil.
Noroeste do Paraná: o avanço das lavouras de cana e a nova dinâmica do uso do solo nas zonas de contato arenito-basalto
Authors: Serra Elpidio
Published: December 2022

O trabalho analisa o avanço e a territorialização das lavouras de cana no Noroeste do Paraná e as consequências que gera em termos de concentração fundiária, mudanças nas relações de trabalho e submissão dos proprietários rurais ao capital financeiro e industrial manipulado pelas usinas de açúcar e álcool.
A educação ambiental na recuperação e conservação de recursos naturais: a percepção de assentados rurais no Cerrado goiano
Authors: Souza José Carlos Moreira de , Gonçalves Lenicio , Soares Ana Maria Dantas
Published: December 2022

O presente trabalho foi realizado com os parceleiros do Assentamento Poções, localizado às margens do Rio das Almas no município de Rialma, Estado de Goiás. O objetivo consistiu em diagnosticar, analisar e compreender como os parceleiros interagem com o ambiente no seu cotidiano e implementar uma ação extensionista nessa realidade. O método utilizado foi a pesquisa qualitativa, através de revisão bibliográfica e levantamento de dados por meio da observação participante e aplicação de questionários a 46 proprietários de parcelas. Constatou-se que a maioria dos parceleiros entrevistados, embora inseridos num processo de uso e produção do espaço que não estão de acordo às práticas sustentáveis, demonstram o domínio de conceitos relacionados ao uso sustentável dos recursos naturais. A partir dessas percepções, buscou-se propor uma concepção de Educação Ambiental (EA) que vislumbre a necessidade de colocar em prática os conhecimentos construídos, principalmente no que se refere ao uso correto dos recursos naturais. As experiências vivenciadas junto ao Assentamento Poções mostraram o quanto é importante a valorização das percepções de uma dada comunidade a respeito do ambiente em que vive. A pesquisa desdobrou-se numa proposta de (EA) na perspectiva da recuperação e conservação dos recursos naturais, a ser adotada pelo Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Ceres (IF Goiano) em atividades/projetos de extensão rural. Busca-se, através desse tipo de intervenção, garantir o uso racional dos recursos naturais do Assentamento e desenvolver uma nova perspectiva para a atuação da Instituição enquanto executora de políticas públicas.
A produção e o consumo de biocombustíveis no mundo atual: questões-chave para analisar a sua sustentabilidade
Authors: Caseiro Cláudia
Published: December 2022

Os biocombustíveis são combustíveis provenientes de matérias-primas naturais e renováveis, como óleos vegetais, plantas ricas em açúcares ou amidos, gorduras animais e óleos ou gorduras residuais, utilizados como substitutos do gasóleo e da gasolina. Esta alternativa ao combustíveis de origem fóssil tem sido apresentada como uma escolha atractiva, sobretudo, devido aos seus benefícios ambientais, dos quais se destacam o facto de ser biodegradável, não ser tóxico e a sua combustão reduzir a emissão de gases com efeito de estufa para a atmosfera. Contudo para se verificar a sustentabilidade de um produto não é suficiente analisar os impactos do seu consumo final, é necessário observar todo o seu ciclo de produção, desde a obtenção das suas matérias-primas. Neste sentido, este artigo pretende para além de caracterizar a produção e o consumo de biocombustíveis no Mundo, apresentar as questões-chave que devem ser ponderadas para analisar a sustentabilidade destes combustíveis.
Transformaciones agroproductivas e indicadores de sustentabilidad en el Partido de Tandil (Provincia de Buenos Aires), durante los períodos 1988-2002 y 2002-2010
Authors: Vazquez Patricia , Zulaica Laura
Published: December 2022

La agricultura pampeana, movida principalmente por los mercados externos, juega un rol central en la economía Argentina. El partido de Tandil, inserto en la Pampa Austral, manifiesta una clara tendencia al "proceso de agriculturización". El presente trabajo plantea como objetivo analizar las transformaciones agroproductivas del Partido durante dos períodos (1988-2002 y 2002-2010), examinando algunas de sus consecuencias ambientales. Para ello se realizó una clasificación supervisada (ENVI 4.5) de imágenes satelitales (sensor TM, Landsat 5), se efectuaron campaÃ±as de campo y se estimaron dos indicadores de sustentabilidad (Riesgo de Contaminación por Plaguicidas, RCP, y Riesgo de Intervención del Hábitat, RIH). En ambos períodos se evidencia el avance de la agricultura en desmedro de la ganadería. La tasa de agriculturización anual alcanzó el 1,65% y 1,66% en cada período, respectivamente. La tasa de crecimiento anual de las áreas ganaderas manifiesta una tendencia negativa más acentuada en el segundo período (1988-2002: -0,93; 2002-2010: -1,41). Esta misma tendencia, se observa al comparar la tasa de crecimiento anual del indicador RIH (primer período, 0,07% y 0,18% en el segundo). Los resultados de RCP muestran también diferencias más significativas en 2002-2010 (tasa de incremento anual: 8,57% y 114,2%) asociadas con la fuerte intensificación agrícola. Asimismo, el avance de la agricultura se vio favorecido por la presencia de aÃ±os más secos, especialmente entre 2002 y 2010.