bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of steroid therapy on pediatric acute liver failure: prognostic implication and interplay between TNF-α and miR-122
Authors: El-Shanawany Rania M. , El-Maadawy Eman A. , El-Araby Hanaa A. , Talaat Roba M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare illness marked by rapid deterioration of liver function, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in children. While steroids have been observed to correlate with improved survival, evidence supporting their efficacy in ALF children remains limited. miR-122, a liver-specific microRNA, plays a pivotal role in liver pathology, with its expression significantly altered in various liver diseases. Thus, it is considered a potential biomarker for disease progression, aids in prognosis, and identifies therapeutic targets. Our study aims to assess the expression of miR-122 in 24 children with ALF, both before and after steroid therapy, alongside its relationship with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), to better understand its potential role in treatment response and disease outcomes. miR-122 levels were determined using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), while TNF-α levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patient sera.

Results

In ALF children who survived after steroid treatment, miR-122 was markedly decreased compared to both pre-treatment levels (p = 0.003) and levels in deceased patients (p = 0.01). In addition, TNF-α levels significantly increased in surviving patients compared to pre-treatment levels (p = 0.008) and levels in deceased children (p = 0.028). A negative correlation was observed between TNF-α and miR-122 following steroids (r=-0.46, p = 0.04). miR-122 demonstrated 72% sensitivity and 67% specificity in distinguishing survivors and non-survivors, as indicated by its receiver-operated characteristic curve. A positive correlation was found between miR-122 before steroid therapy and both aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) before (r = 0.641, p = 0.002 and r = 0.512, p = 0.02, respectively) and after (r = 0.492, p = 0.03 and r = 0.652, p = 0.003, respectively) steroids treatment.

Conclusion

Our data implies that lower miR-122 levels in steroids-treated ALF children are associated with a better outcome. Although miR-122 is not a strong standalone marker, it could be valuable in a biomarker panel. The increased TNF-α levels and decreased miR-122 expression indicate their involvement in the disease’s pathophysiology. More studies are needed to validate our results.
Li-ion transport in two-dimensional nanofluidic membranes
Authors: Kim Gyu Won , Lee Minwoo , Bae Jihong , Han Jihoon , Park Seokmin , Shim Wooyoung
Published: December 2024

The growing demand for lithium, driven by its critical role in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and other applications, has intensified the need for efficient extraction methods from aqua-based resources such as seawater. Among various approaches, 2D channel membranes have emerged as promising candidates due to their tunable ion selectivity and scalability. While significant progress has been made in achieving high Li+/Mg2+ selectivity, enhancing Li+ ion selectivity over Na+ ion, the dominant monovalent cation in seawater, remains a challenge due to their similar properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental mechanisms underlying Li+ selectivity in 2D channel membranes, focusing on the dehydration and diffusion processes that dictate ion transport. Inspired by the principles of biological ion channels, we identify key factors—channel size, surface charge, and binding sites—that influence energy barriers and shape the interplay between dehydration and diffusion. We highlight recent progress in leveraging these factors to enhance Li+/Na+ selectivity and address the challenges posed by counteracting effects in ion transport. While substantial advancements have been made, the lack of comprehensive principles guiding the interplay of these variables across permeation steps represents a key obstacle to optimizing Li+/Na+ selectivity. Nonetheless, with their inherent chemical stability and fabrication scalability, 2D channel membranes offer significant potential for lithium extraction if these challenges can be addressed. This review provides insights into the current state of 2D channel membrane technologies and outlines future directions for achieving enhanced Li+ ion selectivity, particularly in seawater applications.

Graphical Abstract
Efficient transformation and genome editing in a nondomesticated, biocontrol strain, Bacillus subtilis GLB191
Authors: Zhao Yu , Wang Zhenshuo , Wang Qian , Wang Bing , Bian Xiaoning , Zeng Qingchao , Lai Daowan , Wang Qi , Li Yan
Published: December 2024

Bacillus subtilis has been widely used as a biological control agent in agricultural production. Environmental strains of B. subtilis are an important source of biological control agents. However, due to its low genetic transformation efficiency, the genetic manipulation of the environmental and nondomesticated strains is challenging. In this study, the impact of competent cell preparation, pulse electroporation, and recovery culture on the electroporation efficiency of B. subtilis GLB191 was assessed utilizing response surface methodology. Results indicated that the concentration of glycine, DL-threonine, and Tween 80 used in a cell wall weakening solution during competent cell preparation, and the voltage applied during pulse electroporation were the primary factors affecting electroporation efficiency. Optimization of these factors led to nearly a three-fold increase (reaching 74.00 ± 5.10 CFU/µg DNA) in electroporation efficiency. The elimination of dam and dcm modifications to mitigate the influence of host restriction-modification systems was integrated to further increase the electroporation efficacy. An electroporation efficiency for replicative plasmids of 1.96 ± 0.05 × 106 CFU/µg DNA was achieved using the optimized strategy. Utilizing this improved methodology, the temperature-sensitive plasmid pJOE8899 was efficiently transformed into B. subtilis GLB191, resulting in a markerless knockout of pdeH. The optimized transformation strategy significantly enhances the efficiency of markerless genome editing of nondomesticated B. subtilis, offering the potential for future interpretation of their modes of action, which is critical for the development of the nondomesticated B. subtilis strains.
Associations Between Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk Factors According to Age and Sex
Authors: Baretella Oliver , Blum Manuel R , Abolhassani Nazanin , Alwan Heba , Wildisen Lea , Del Giovane Cinzia , Tal Kali , Moutzouri Elisavet , Åsvold Bjørn O , Cappola Anne R , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Iacoviello Massimo , Iervasi Giorgio , Imaizumi Misa , Weiler Stefan , Razvi Salman , Sgarbi José A , Völzke Henry , Brown Suzanne J , Walsh John P , Vaes Bert , Yeap Bu B , Dullaart Robin P F , Bakker Stephan J L , Kavousi Maryam , Ceresini Graziano , Ferrucci Luigi , Aujesky Drahomir , Peeters Robin P , Bauer Douglas C , Feller Martin , Rodondi Nicolas
Published: December 2024

Context

Subclinical thyroid dysfunction (ScTD), comprising subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper), has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events.

Objective

To assess associations between ScTD and cardiovascular risk factors (cvRFs) according to age and sex.

Methods

This analysis of pooled participant data from large prospective cohort studies from the Thyroid Studies Collaboration assessed cvRFs (blood pressure [BP], lipid levels, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) among participants aged 18 to 103 years with SHypo (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] > 4.50 mU/L, normal fT4) and SHyper (TSH < 0.45 mU/L, normal fT4) vs euthyroid (TSH 0.45-4.50 mU/L).

Results

Of 69 006 participants (mean age 62 years, 55% women, 25% current smokers) from 16 international cohorts, 3748 (5.4%) had SHypo and 3428 (5.0%) had SHyper. In both women and men, systolic and diastolic BP were similar regardless of thyroid status. Exceptions were lower diastolic BP in women with SHyper compared to euthyroid participants (adjusted mean difference [aMD] −1.3 mmHg, 95% CI −2.0 to −0.5), and lower systolic BP in men with SHyper compared to euthyroid participants (aMD −3.1 mmHg, 95% CI −4.8 to −1.4). In both women and men, lipid levels (total, HDL, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides) and hs-CRP were similar regardless of thyroid status. The only exception were women with SHyper who had lower LDL-cholesterol vs euthyroid (aMD −0.17 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.05).

Conclusion

Participants with ScTD and euthyroid participants have similar cvRFs and differences are arguably too small to explain the increased cardiovascular risk in ScTD observed in previous studies.
Producing Rooted Knowledge
Authors: Sa'di-Ibraheem Yara
Published: December 2024

Israeli universities’ discrimination against Palestinian students, the vast majority of whom are Israeli citizens, has been amply researched and documented. Some attention has also been given to these institutions’ small percentages of Palestinian staff. Yet the implications of these discriminatory practices for Palestinian students and staff with regard to psychological well-being, experiences of acquiring and producing knowledge, and the ethics of the research in which they participate as assistants, surveyors, or local informants have received little attention. These consequences can be traced by reading accounts of the daily experiences of Palestinian students and faculty members. Research on such experiences reveals that, overall, Palestinian students and faculty in Israeli universities have strong feelings of anxiety toward the spaces where they work and intellectual milieu in which they study and teach. These sites, therefore, could serve as good locations for reflecting on questions of positionality and contributing to thinking about the relationship between ethics and politics in knowledge production from a Palestinian perspective.
Time and the Lyric
Authors: Subramaniam Shiv
Published: December 2024

While many poems in the South Asian literary archive cannot be classified as stories, it is less clear whether they can be meaningfully classified as lyrics. This article suggests that the lyric is indeed a meaningful concept by proposing a feature that short, nonnarrative poems tend to share: a resistance to the laws of time. In order to illustrate what this resistance to time amounts to, the article begins with a reading of the Caurapañcāśikā (The Thief's Fifty), an exemplary collection of Sanskrit lyrics attributed to the eleventh-century poet Bilhaṇa. The Caurapañcāśikā shows us a lovesick speaker who responds to a hostile world by imagining an alternative reality, one where past moments of union with the beloved can be remembered so vividly that they are indistinguishable from the present. In conclusion, the article suggests that the speaker's desire to evade temporal laws is also, if less obviously, the desire that generates the lyric.
Voices from the African Diaspora in India
Authors: Graves Eyssallenne Jazmin
Published: December 2024

The Islamic devotional tradition of Sidis, Indians of East African ancestry, in Gujarat and Mumbai in western India involves the performance of devotional songs. These songs constitute an oral archive that the Sidi community has preserved over generations. This article examines the lyric poetry of the Sidi devotional song corpus, contextualizing the corpus with reference to genres of premodern and early modern Indian Sufi poetry composed in regional registers of the lingua franca, Hindavi. The article analyzes Sidi devotional songs and their ritual performance contexts to characterize the Sidi devotional tradition as Sufi. At the heart of this tradition is the Sufi practice of remembrance of God, the Prophet, and Sufi saints, especially the Sidi ancestor-saints. In Sidi ritual contexts, remembrance engenders ecstatic states through which devotees mediate the blessings of the ancestor-saints. Sidi women, as saints or ritual musicians, specialists and participants, play a critical role in this process.
Breaking point: Case series of tendon ruptures in Hemodialysis patients
Authors: Nazeer Muhammed Ehsan , Haphiz Dr Askhar , Nazeer Dr Muhammed , Moni Dr Pradeep , Muraleedharan Dr Praveen
Published: December 2024

Introduction Spontaneous tendon ruptures in end stage kidney disease patients have the potential to cause long- term morbidity, and timely intervention is required to prevent complications that can severely affect the functional status of the patient. Case presentation A series of six tendons (two triceps tendons and two bilateral patellar tendons) in three patients with ESKD undergoing hemodialysis is discussed in this case series. Patients were aged 61, 44 and 26 years, and on hemodialysis for 5, 10 and 5 years, respectively. Conclusion End -stage kidney disease is associated with a multitude of physiological changes, and the musculoskeletal system is no exception to this. Spontaneous tendon rupture is a multifactorial complication of ESKD, with serious implications for mobility and quality of life. As a result, these patients require a multifaceted approach to ensure optimum results and an early return to activity. We report a series of 6 spontaneous tendon ruptures in 3 patients with ESKD at our institution. We would like to outline the methods of repair for each case and further attempt to assess biochemical parameters that may have contributed to the disease process.
Examining the relationships between in-person and remote religious attendance and loneliness, quality of life, stress, and anxiety among older adults during COVID-19 in Ireland
Authors: O'Maoileidigh Brendan , Ward Mark , Kenny Rose Anne , Scarlett Siobhan
Published: December 2024

Background Religious attendance has been shown to have a positive effect on psychological health among the older people (Moon & Kim, 2013). Due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and precautionary health advice, many older adults struggled to attend service in-person. However, 87% of faith organisations provided a form of remote service between June and December 2020 (Ganiel, 2021). Methods Data were from Wave 6 (2021) of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Data were collected via telephone interview and self-completion questionnaires. The analysis sample was made up of 3,961 community-dwelling adults living in Ireland aged 60 years and older. To assess religious attendance, participants were asked about how often they attended in-person and how often they attended remotely using radio, television, or internet streaming. Relationships between religious attendance, Quality of Life (QoL), Loneliness, Stress, and Anxiety were modelled using linear regressions. Results The sample was 44.1% male and 55.9% female, with a mean age of 72.0 years. In-person religious attendance was positively related to higher QoL [Beta=192.92, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI)=9.45, 376.39, p<0.05]. Remote religious attendance was positively related to higher anxiety [IRR=1.03, 95% CI=1.02, 1.04, p<0.001]. Conclusion Results show that in-person attendance was positively related to QoL, while remote attendance was positively related to higher anxiety. This may be a result of the lack of social connectedness felt when practicing religion remotely or the higher level of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should focus on social connectedness felt during in-person religious practice and during remote practice.
Data sources on COVID-19 infection and vaccination in pregnancy on the island of Ireland: strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for future pandemic preparedness
Authors: Kelly Melissa , Given Joanne , Arnott Julie , Dolk Helen , Greene Richard A. , Khashan Ali S. , Leonard Seamus , Madigan Mairéad , O’Mahony Mary T. , Loane Maria , Maher Gillian M.
Published: December 2024

Background Monitoring coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection and vaccination during pregnancy is vital because of the increased susceptibility to severe disease. This article outlines the available data sources on COVID-19 infection and vaccination rates during pregnancy in Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and describes the processes, strengths, and weaknesses of available data. Methods Three data sources on COVID-19 vaccination and infection were identified in the ROI: the national computerized infectious disease reporting (CIDR) system used for reporting notifiable infectious diseases, the national dataset of all COVID-19 vaccinations for all residents (COVAX), and a regional Maternal and Newborn Clinical Management System (MN-CMS), which includes data on COVID-19 vaccination and infection. Four data sources were identified in NI: the NI maternity system (NIMATS) records maternity data, including COVID-19 infection and vaccination during pregnancy; datasets of COVID-19 antigen testing performed in hospitals (Pillar 1) and in the community (Pillar 2); and the NI Vaccine Management System dataset of COVID-19 Vaccinations. Results In the ROI, the CIDR database allows for the calculation of COVID-19 infection rates in women of reproductive age; however, pregnancy status remains largely unreported. The COVAX dataset includes pregnancy status, although the accuracy depends on whether the pregnancy is known at the time of vaccination. The MN-CMS tracks COVID-19 infection and vaccination during pregnancy. However, there are uncertainties regarding its reliability. In NI, COVID-19 data are available for all pregnant women using Health and Care numbers to link the NIMATS data to testing and vaccination databases. Conclusions Both countries track COVID-19 infection and vaccination rates, but the strength of the NI system is the use of unique identification numbers that allow linkage of maternal records to infection and vaccination databases. Both countries face delays in data access, underscoring the need for real-time systems to support future pandemic preparedness.
Devonian–Mississippian magmatism related to extensional collapse in Svalbard: implications for radiating dyke swarms
Authors: Koehl Jean-Baptiste P. , Tappe Sebastian , Foulger Gillian R. , Anell Ingrid M.
Published: December 2024

Background Despite extensive studies of the Mesozoic–Cenozoic magmatic history of Svalbard, little has been done on the Paleozoic magmatism due to fewer available outcrops. Methods 2D seismic reflection data were used to study magmatic intrusions in the subsurface of eastern Svalbard. Results This work presents seismic evidence for west-dipping, Middle Devonian–Mississippian sills in eastern Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The sills crosscut a late Neoproterozoic Timanian thrust system, which was reworked during Caledonian contraction. The sills are unconformably overlain by relatively undeformed Pennsylvanian–Mesozoic sedimentary rocks and crosscut by Cretaceous dykes of the High Arctic Large Igneous Province. The sills probably intruded along extensional fractures during post-Caledonian reactivation–overprinting of the late Neoproterozoic thrust system. Kimberlitic accessory minerals in exposed contemporaneous intrusions and the chemical composition of chromium spinel grains in Upper Triassic sedimentary rocks in Svalbard suggest that the Middle Devonian–Mississippian intrusions in eastern Spitsbergen show affinities with diamond-rich kimberlites in northwestern Russia. Overall, the sills were emplaced during a regional episode of extension-related Devonian–Carboniferous magmatism in the Northern Hemisphere including the Kola–Dnieper and Yakutsk–Vilyui large igneous provinces. Conclusions This work presents the first evidence for extensive Middle Devonian–Mississippian magmatism in Svalbard. These intrusions may be part of the Kola–Dnieper Large Igneous Province and intruded parallel to preexisting, Proterozoic–early Paleozoic orogenic structures. Their strike is inconsistent with a source from a potential mantle plume center in the eastern Barents Sea. Thus, the radiating emplacement pattern of the magmatic intrusions of the Kola–Dnieper Large Igneous Province are not the product of plume-related uplift but of structural inheritance. A similar line of reasoning is successfully applied to intrusions of the Yakutsk–Vilyui and High Arctic large igneous provinces.
Sudanese totalitarianism: violent jihad as a state policy
Authors: Zielińska Karolina
Published: December 2024

The case of Sudanese violent jihadism is a specific one, starting from 1881–1899 Mahdist’s uprising. Since the 1956 independence, the history of Sudan has been marked by civil wars taking place in various parts of its huge territory; violence under the outwardly jihadist banner culminated in the 1990s. The Islamic state used violent jihad, by the army and by militias, as a way to impose unitary rule (state-building) and shari’a law upon a significantly diversified population. Violent Jihad was thus called for three purposes: to mobilise resources for fight with non-Muslim southern Sudanese; to consolidate the Muslim north internally in the context of the struggle of the totalitarian regime against opposition and struggles within the regime itself; and to define the international role of Sudan as a supporter of radical Islamic movements. The case of Sudan is thus one in which violent jihad was part of the state ideology and an instrument of policy.
Health rights of inmates in correctional facilities in Korea as of
2016: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ju Young Su , Kim Myoung-hee , Yim Jun , Choung Minyoung
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the health rights of inmates
in correctional facilities from the perspective of unmet needs and to explore
institutional improvement plans that could yield substantial qualitative and
quantitative advancements.
Methods: Data on capacity and actual occupancy, external and
internal medical services, the number of inmates with mental health conditions,
and cell area were obtained from the Ministry of Justice. Overall, 1,057 inmates
were surveyed, representing 1.84% of the total inmate population of 57,560 as of
September 30, 2016. A structured questionnaire was distributed to these inmates,
and upon collection, the responses were analyzed. Furthermore, a request was
submitted to the Ministry of Justice to survey the status of healthcare
personnel and medical services across 52 correctional facilities nationwide.
Results: Between 2014 and 2015, the Ministry of Justice in South
Korea allocated approximately 14 to 22 billion Korean won for healthcare
services in correctional facilities. The major facilities with the most inmates
with mental health conditions had 160 such inmates in 2014 and 161 in 2015.
Overcrowding and insufficient cooling pose ongoing health risks. Inmates face
challenges accessing medical care, with unmet needs for dental and psychiatric
services.
Conclusion: Strategies to improve inmates’ health rights
include establishing a primary healthcare system, improving governance,
alleviating overcrowding, and introducing mental health programs. Emphases are
placed on managing severe illnesses such as cancer, strengthening emergency
care, and ensuring oversight by the National Human Rights Commission. Regular
education of prison staff is also recommended to improve inmate health
management.
Challenges and strategies for cultivating young teachers in
pathophysiology departments at Chinese medical colleges: a narrative
review
Authors: Li Jin , Luo Ying , Li Youxing , Zhao Yufeng , Zhong Yeli , Hu Rentong , Zhong Bin , Li Yanli , Zhao Shuang
Published: December 2024

This narrative review examines the challenges, strategies, and future directions
in the development of young teachers within the pathophysiology departments of
Chinese medical colleges. A thorough review of 49 studies published between 2013
and 2024 was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, and various Chinese
databases. The primary challenges identified include teaching innovation (cited
in 84.2% of the studies), research pressure (91.2%), disciplinary
characteristics (87.7%), and career development (80.7%). Medical schools have
responded by enhancing training systems (94.7%), innovating teaching methods
(93.0%), and bolstering research support (96.5%). Looking ahead, trends are
shifting toward the application of new technologies, interdisciplinary
integration, and international collaboration. The focus on cultivating young
teachers is increasingly geared towards personalization and diversification,
which are essential for advancing education in pathophysiology. High-quality
young teachers are pivotal in raising teaching standards, fostering research
innovation, and facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges. Based on these
insights, we recommend several practical measures to enhance the quality of
pathophysiology education in China. These include establishing comprehensive
training programs that integrate teaching innovation and research skills;
developing structured mentorship systems with clear pathways for career
advancement; creating platforms that support technology-enhanced teaching and
international collaboration; and implementing systematic evaluation mechanisms
to assess teaching effectiveness. These targeted interventions will require a
coordinated effort from department heads, educational institutions, and
policymakers to ensure a sustained improvement in the quality of pathophysiology
education.
Representation of migrating mothers in children’s and young adult literature on transnational families
Authors: Jendrzey Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

This analysis examines literary representations of migrating mothers in seven Polish children’s and young adult books on transnational families, evaluated through grounded theory. While media discourse oversimplifies migration as a deviation from the normative ideal of the present mother, resulting in the deprecating label ‘Euro-orphans’, literary depictions offer a more nuanced perspective. The study identifies three distinct types of mothers – ‘deviant’, ‘incomplete’ and ‘complete’ – with migration portrayed as a juncture in family life that challenges their maternal status. The narratives reveal different family trajectories and obstacles while offering nuanced portrayals of mothers, including their biographies and character traits. Ultimately, however, they reinforce conventional norms of ‘good’ motherhood by portraying transnational family and motherhood as deviations from the norm. Nonetheless, the narratives acknowledge children’s active roles in co-shaping their family arrangements and the evolving status of the ‘good’ mother, emphasising that children are not merely victims of their circumstances.
Towards long-term care system innovation in Europe: lessons learnt during the COVID-19 emergency from six European Union countries
Authors: Casanova Georgia , Penning Nehle , Perek-Białas Jolanta , Teti Andrea
Published: December 2024

Population ageing is one of the most impactful phenomena in contemporary Western societies. COVID-19 put great pressure on worldwide public health and long-term care (LTC) systems, demanding substantial investments in search of new sustainability. This study analyses the opinions of European experts on the positive and negative aspects of the impact of COVID-19 on their national LTC systems to identify valuable lessons and innovative policies for European LTC strategy after this recent health emergency. A content analysis was performed on interviews with and focus groups of experts and stakeholders from selected countries. The findings argue for an innovative, open and comprehensive LTC model.
Frequency multiplexing in millimeter-wave over fiber fronthaul transmission links with an InAs/InP quantum dash mode-locked laser
Authors: Xie Xiaoran , Liu Guocheng , Lu Zhenguo , Liu Jiaren , Poole Philip J. , Mao Youxin , Vachon Martin , Barrios Pedro , Song Chunying , Chen Xianling , Zhang Xiupu
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates and compares four millimeter-wave (mmWave) radio-over-fiber (RoF) frequency multiplexing techniques considering InAs/InP quantum dash (QD) mode-locked lasers (MLLs) for optical carriers. The QD-MLL can generate multiple coherent optical carriers simultaneously with consistent frequency differences. Following heterodyne detection, the radio frequency linewidths of the QD-MLL can be minimized to 2.4 kHz. In this paper, four distinct RoF-based mmWave frequency multiplexing architectures are presented and compared experimentally. It is shown that the error vector magnitude of two 2 GBaud/s 16-QAM mmWave signals can reach as low as 7.1% after demultiplexing for all four techniques.
Enhanced dual-mode terahertz absorption in a graphene-dielectric metasurface by quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Ding Hongwei , Wang Baoku , Li Yuan , Qin Zengming , Yan Fei , Wang Feng , Li Li
Published: December 2024

A graphene-dielectric metasurface driven by quasi-bound states in the continuum (BICs) is proposed for enhanced dual-mode absorption in the terahertz (THz) regime. The graphene-dielectric metasurface is composed of a periodic array of cross-shaped slabs and monolayer graphene. By introducing symmetry perturbation for the cross-shaped slab metasurface, the symmetry-protected BICs transform into quasi-BICs. Subsequently, monolayer graphene is introduced to the cross-shaped slab metasurface to demonstrate the potential of the enhanced dual-mode THz absorption. When the system reaches the critical coupling, each quasi-BIC can achieve the theoretical maximum absorption, with the Q-factor reaching 9033 and 2432, highlighting the unique capacity for tuning and efficient light absorption. This work provides a valuable approach for applications in absorption and manipulation of THz waves.
In vivo three-photon fluorescence imaging of mouse brain vasculature labeled by Evans blue excited at the NIR-III window
Authors: Tong Shen , Liu Hongji , Huang Jie , Zhong Jincheng , Yan Jiemei , Wang Heng , Zhang Xiao , Qiu Ping , Wang Ke
Published: December 2024

Multiphoton fluorescence microscopy (MFM), renowned for its noninvasiveness and high spatiotemporal resolution, is extensively applied in brain structure imaging in vivo. Three-photon fluorescence (3PF) imaging, excited at the NIR-III window, can penetrate the deepest mouse cerebrovascular. Evans blue, a substance known for its low toxicity, high water solubility, and resistance to metabolism, is frequently employed to assess blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. However, its suitability for multiphoton fluorescence imaging of mouse cerebrovascular at the NIR-III window in vivo remains unexplored. In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the multiphoton excitation and emission characterization of Evans blue when excited at the NIR-III window. Our findings indicate that 1) Evans blue can generate 3PF signals; 2) it exhibits a substantial three-photon action cross-section (ησ3) in plasma; 3) its three-photon emission spectrum measured in vivo agrees with that measured in plasma ex vivo. Drawing upon these findings, we successfully demonstrated the application of 3PF imaging of mouse brain vasculature labeled with Evans blue. Notably, the maximum depth of cerebrovascular is 1550 μm beneath the brain surface, spanning the entire gray matter layer and white matter layer and extending into the hippocampus. Evans blue is thus highly ideal for brain cerebrovascular 3PF imaging in vivo.
Holographic detection for fast fringe projection profilometry of deep micro-scale objects
Authors: Ryan Conor , Haist Tobias , Reichelt Stephan
Published: December 2024

Phase-shifting Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) excels in 3D measurements for many macro-scale applications, but as features-of-interest shrink to the microscopic scale, depth-of-field limitations slow measurements and necessitate mechanical adjustments. To address this, we introduce digital holography (DH) for fringe image capture, enabling numerical refocusing of defocused object regions. Our experiments validate this approach and compare depth measurement noise with other DH and FPP methods. Results show that for slight defocus, incoherent FPP surpasses coherent techniques, while under significant defocus, the new method minimizes measurement uncertainty and matches the performance of other DH techniques, facilitating faster measurement of deep, micro-scale objects.
Fs-laser significantly enhances both above- and below-bandgap absorption in germanium
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Gnatyuk Dmytro V. , Halmela Julius , Vähänissi Ville , Savin Hele
Published: December 2024

Fs-laser irradiation is a promising fabrication method for future broadband optoelectronic applications as it creates antireflective micro- and nanoscale structures on semiconductor surfaces and introduces below-bandgap absorption; however, its application has mainly been limited to silicon. This paper demonstrates that fs-laser technology enables high optical absorption both above and below the bandgap in germanium (Ge). With optimized laser parameters, we achieve a maximum above-bandgap absorptance of 95% and over 70% below-bandgap absorptance, due to the creation of surface microstructures and structural defects, respectively. Raman spectroscopy reveals that under intense laser irradiation, Ge may undergo a phase transition to structures with a narrower bandgap extending the absorption to the mid-infrared region. Furthermore, we develop a hyperdoping process using Ti coating pre-laser processing followed by rapid thermal annealing, which results in 90% above-bandgap absorption and a 12% relative increase in below-bandgap absorption along with a high degree of crystallinity. The increased below-bandgap absorption is attributed to Ti doping and is twice as high as reported earlier. Our findings should have significant implications for the future Ge-based infrared applications.
Predicting visual field boundaries from head features
Authors: Nakade Uday , Spitschan Manuel
Published: December 2024

Light exposure profoundly affects human physiology, including circadian rhythms and hormonal regulation. Current methods to assess light exposure often ignore anatomical factors that influence how much light reaches the retina. This study introduces a novel simulation pipeline to model visual field (VF) boundaries as a function of head anatomy and skin reflectance. Using the parametric ICT Face Model and the Mitsuba3 rendering engine, we generated diverse 3D head shapes and simulated light interactions to predict VF boundaries. The results reveal significant variability in VF boundaries, influenced by anatomical features such as the nose, cheeks, and eyebrows, leading to differences in VF of up to 16.95\% in projected solid angle. This study highlights the importance of individual approaches in estimating light exposure.
Understanding health system responsiveness to public feedback at the sub-national level: Insights from Kilifi County, Kenya
Authors: Kagwanja Nancy , Gilson Lucy , Tsofa Benjamin , Olivier Jill , Leli Hassan , Molyneux Sassy
Published: December 2024

Responsiveness is one of four health system goals alongside health outcomes, equity in financing and efficiency. Many studies examining responsiveness report a composite satisfaction index or proportions of patients describing satisfaction with dimensions of responsiveness. Consequently, responsiveness is predominantly based on collation of service users’ feedback and could be termed service responsiveness. We conceptualise system responsiveness more broadly, as how the health system more widely responds to concerns or needs of the public. In this paper we share a system responsiveness framework to reflect this wider conceptualisation and illustrate how we used this framework combined with Aragon’s insights on organisational capacity, to explore system responsiveness practices at sub-national level in Kenya. Drawing on interviews and group discussions we specifically consider how two governance structures -Health Facility Committees (HFCs) and Sub-County Health Management Teams (SCHMTs)- found in many Low-and-Middle-Income (LMIC) health systems receive, process, and respond to public feedback. HFCs are formal structures with community representation linked to a health facility to support community participation in service provision and health outcomes. SCHMTs comprise middle-level managers with oversight over primary health care facilities and are commonly known as district health management teams in other LMICs. There were multiple feedback mechanisms through which the health system could receive public feedback, but these mechanisms had limited functionality, often worked in isolation, and inadequately represented vulnerable groups. Our analysis also revealed the organisational capacity gaps that constrain health system responsiveness. These gaps ranged from inadequate funding and staffing of feedback mechanisms (hardware), through absence of clear procedures and guidelines (tangible software), to norms, actor relationships and power dynamics (intangible software elements). Our findings are relevant to similar low-and-middle-income contexts and draw attention to the importance of integrating multiple mechanisms and forms of feedback, alongside considering system capacities and their interactions, in strengthening health system responsiveness.
Recall, understanding, use, and impact of front-of-package warning labels on ultra-processed foods: A qualitative study with mothers of preschool children in Peru
Authors: Diez-Canseco Francisco , Najarro Lizzete , Cavero Victoria , Saavedra-Garcia Lorena , Taillie Lindsey Smith , Carpentier Francesca R. Dillman , Miranda J. Jaime
Published: December 2024

In its efforts to reduce increasing rates of obesity and nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases, Peru implemented front-of-package (FOP) warning labels (also called warnings) on processed and ultra-processed foods in June 2019. The goal was to inform consumers about high levels of sugars, saturated fats, sodium, and trans fats in packaged products. We designed a qualitative study to reveal the recall, understanding, and use of the warnings and to explore the perceived changes in purchasing behaviors among mothers of preschool children in Peru. In mid-2021 we conducted 18 focus groups with 98 mothers from 2 socioeconomic strata (SES) residing in 4 geographically and culturally diverse cities. We analyzed the focus group transcripts for themes relating to the mothers’ awareness, understanding, and use of the warnings and the warnings’ influence. Our results show that most mothers remembered the warnings and understood their general purpose and meaning, although some warnings were more easily remembered and understood than others. For example, sugar was easier than trans fats. Many mothers considered the warnings in their purchase decisions, although the impact of the warnings on final purchase decisions varied. The warnings were less effective for products that mothers already knew were high in critical nutrients, that they considered essential for certain preparations (e.g., butter), or that they enjoyed (e.g., chocolate). Most mothers reported changes in their purchasing and eating habits due to the warnings, mainly in reducing the frequency and quantity of some processed food intake and opting instead for homemade preparations or warning-free packaged products. Our study shows the usefulness of the FOP warning labels for informing consumers from different settings and SES about the healthfulness of packaged products. The study identifies key areas in which Peru can improve the policy and offers valuable lessons for other countries interested in the implementation of FOP warning labels.
Methodological review to develop a list of bias items for adaptive clinical trials: Protocol and rationale
Authors: Staibano Phillip , McKechnie Tyler , Thabane Alex , Olteanu Daniel , Nanji Keean , Zhang Han , Lunny Carole , Au Michael , Gupta Michael K. , Pasternak Jesse D. , Parpia Sameer , Young JEM (Ted) , Bhandari Mohit
Published: December 2024

Background

Randomized-clinical trials (RCTs) are the gold-standard for comparing health care interventions, but can be limited by early termination, feasibility issues, and prolonged time to trial reporting. Adaptive clinical trials (ACTs), which are defined by pre-planned modifications and analyses that occur after starting patient recruitment, are gaining popularity as they can streamline trial design and time to reporting. As adaptive methodologies continue to be adopted by researchers, it will be critical to develop a risk of bias tool that evaluates the unique methodological features of ACTs so that their quality can be improved and standardized for the future. In our proposed methodological review, we will develop a list of risk of bias items and concepts, so that a risk of bias tool specific to ACTs can be developed.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a systematic database search to capture studies that have proposed or reviewed items pertaining to methodological risk, bias, and/or quality in ACTs. We will perform a comprehensive search of citation databases, such as Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, the Cochrane library, and Web of Science, in addition to multiple grey literature sources to capture published and unpublished literature related to studies evaluating the methodological quality of ACTs. We will also search methodological registries for any risk of bias tools for ACTs. All screening and review stages will be performed in duplicate with a third senior author serving as arbitrator for any discrepancies. For all studies of methodological quality and risk of bias, we will extract all pertinent bias items, concepts, and/or tools. We will combine conceptually similar items in a descriptive manner and classify them as referring to bias or to other aspects of methodological quality, such as reporting. We will plan to generate pertinent risk of bias items to generate a candidate tool that will undergo further refinement, testing, and validation in future development stages.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require ethics approval as human subjects are not involved. As mentioned previously, this study is the first step in developing a tool to evaluate the risk of bias and methodological quality of ACTs. The findings of this review will inform a Delphi study and the development of a risk of bias tool for ACTs. We plan on publishing this review in a peer-reviewed journal and to present these findings at international scientific conferences.
Mediation Tasks across ELT Resources
Authors: R. Luís Ana
Published: December 2024

Mediation is one of the four primary modes of communication defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Council of Europe, 2001), alongside reception, production and interaction. It emphasises the need for learners to act as intermediaries to enable effective communication across linguistic and cultural barriers, whether within the same language or across different languages. Despite its importance, mediation remains underexplored in English language learning within the Portuguese context. This study examines the integration of mediation tasks within two English language textbooks, Harmonize Starter and Harmonize 1, using the framework provided by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Companion Volume (Council of Europe, 2020).
VIAJANDO NOS ATLAS: DO LIVRO PARA A INTERNET NO ENSINO REMOTO
Authors: D’Arrochella Marcio Luiz Gonçalves , Najarro Guzmán Christy Beatriz
Published: December 2024

Os Atlas Escolares são materiais paradidáticos que tradicionalmente constam nas bibliotecas das escolas públicas, no entanto são pouco utilizados nos dias atuais, seja por estarem desatualizados, em mal estado de conservação ou pela chegada das geotecnologias. No entanto, a falta de internet nas escolas faz com que ambos os recursos não sejam utilizados. Com as medidas de isolamento social impostas pela pandemia de Covid 19, resultando na adoção do ensino remoto, a falta de infraestrutura de estudos em casa por alunos de escolas públicas do Rio de Janeiro levou professores a buscarem estratégias didáticas diferenciadas. Este artigo relata a experiência da utilização de Atlas Escolares a partir de videoaulas produzidas e disponibilizadas em canal na internet, dirigidas a professores e alunos, permitindo o letramento cartográfico e a revalorização do Atlas enquanto material didático.
GEOGRAFIA, ENSINO, TECNOLOGIAS E EDUCAÇÃO NO CONTEXTO DA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19: PARA UM BOM EDUCADOR, MEIA TECNOLOGIA BASTA?
Authors: Coêlho Wilcilene da Silva Corrêa , Lima Vilma Terezinha de Araújo
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo de revisão bibliográfica, resultante de parte de um Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso da Licenciatura em Geografia, tem por objetivo principal propor uma análise acerca do uso de tecnologias no ensino de Geografia e seu desenrolar no contexto pandêmico. Isso porque se acredita que apesar dos empecilhos para a continuidade das aulas de geografia com uso de tecnologia, houve avanços no fazer dessa ciência no contexto escolar, inclusive no contexto das desigualdades sociais escancaradas por esse momento de quebra de paradigmas. Buscou-se para essa discussão estudos relacionando tecnologia, ensino de Geografia e os desafios para avançar no contexto pandêmico, destacando-se os resultados de três estudos de 2021 e 2022 acerca dos principais desafios relacionados pelos pesquisadores nos níveis fundamental e médio, em estágio no nível superior e com o uso de geotecnologias. Desse modo, por mais que tenham ocorrido empecilhos, o empenho e dedicação dos professores foram essenciais em seu fazer profissional, com competência e criatividade para fazer acontecer o ensino de geografia em meio à pandemia de Covid 19.
Reserva de carbono en el bosque nublado Amaru-Huachocolpa-Chihuana Huancavelica, Perú: estimación y valoración económica
Authors: Jaime Huamán Emerson , Aponte Héctor , Damián-Parizaca Alexander , La Torre-Cuadros María
Published: December 2024

Esta investigación buscó realizar la valoración económica de la reserva de carbono en la biomasa aérea (RCBA) en dos tipos de cobertura vegetal en el Área de Conservación Regional Bosque Nublado Amaru-Huachocolpa-Chihuana (ACRBNA), Huancavelica, Perú. Para ello, se estimó la biomasa aérea en dos parcelas de 0.5 ha establecidas en un bosque de montaña altimontano (P1) y en un bosque de montaña montano (P2). La RCBA fue mayor en P2, con 36.78 tC (74 tC.ha-1), alcanzando un valor económico de USD$ 5726. Las cinco especies que tuvieron un mayor aporte en reserva de carbono representaron el 46.61 %. El valor de la RCBA en P1 fue 20.72 tC (41 tC.ha-1), alcanzando un valor económico de USD$ 3226, y las cinco especies con el mayor aporte representaron el 70.27 % del valor total de biomasa. Estos datos facilitan el desarrollo de una propuesta de bonos de carbono y constituyen información base para valorar económicamente las reservas de carbono.
Identificación de áreas prioritarias para conectar fragmentos boscosos en una zona de los Andes, Colombia
Authors: Carvajal Ortiz Alex Javier , Romero Ramírez Brayan Armando , Díaz-López Sandra Milena , Bolívar-Santamaría Sergio
Published: December 2024

Los Andes tropicales son un hotspot de biodiversidad, pero la fragmentación de sus paisajes por cambios en el uso del suelo hacia la ganadería y la agricultura ha causado la pérdida de servicios ecosistémicos. Este estudio identificó áreas clave para reconectar fragmentos de bosque en la cordillera oriental de Colombia y mejorar la conectividad de la Reserva Nacional de la Sociedad Civil La Llanada. Se realizaron clasificaciones de coberturas y se estimaron métricas de fragmentación y conectividad, utilizando un análisis multicriterio para priorizar áreas a conectar con sistemas agroforestales. La matriz del paisaje muestra una cobertura de bosque denso (Bd), con 135 fragmentos de un total de 1227 identificados. Aunque el Bd tiene continuidad espacial, los parches son irregulares, lo que afecta la conectividad. La metodología propuesta ayuda a definir zonas prioritarias para implementar sistemas agroforestales, mejorando la conectividad y la conservación entre fragmentos de bosque.