bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic regulation of human-specific gene expression in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Sun Weifen , Xie Gangcai , Jiang Xi , Khaitovich Philipp , Han Dingding , Liu Xiling
Published: May 2023

Background

Changes in gene expression levels during brain development are thought to have played an important role in the evolution of human cognition. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies, changes in brain developmental expression patterns, as well as human-specific brain gene expression, have been characterized. However, interpreting the origin of evolutionarily advanced cognition in human brains requires a deeper understanding of the regulation of gene expression, including the epigenomic context, along the primate genome. Here, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) to measure the genome-wide profiles of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), both of which are associated with transcriptional activation in the prefrontal cortex of humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques.

Results

We found a discrete functional association, in which H3K4me3HP gain was significantly associated with myelination assembly and signaling transmission, while H3K4me3HP loss played a vital role in synaptic activity. Moreover, H3K27acHP gain was enriched in interneuron and oligodendrocyte markers, and H3K27acHP loss was enriched in CA1 pyramidal neuron markers. Using strand-specific RNA sequencing (ssRNA-seq), we first demonstrated that approximately 7 and 2% of human-specific expressed genes were epigenetically marked by H3K4me3HP and H3K27acHP, respectively, providing robust support for causal involvement of histones in gene expression. We also revealed the co-activation role of epigenetic modification and transcription factors in human-specific transcriptome evolution. Mechanistically, histone-modifying enzymes at least partially contribute to an epigenetic disturbance among primates, especially for the H3K27ac epigenomic marker. In line with this, peaks enriched in the macaque lineage were found to be driven by upregulated acetyl enzymes.

Conclusions

Our results comprehensively elucidated a causal species-specific gene-histone-enzyme landscape in the prefrontal cortex and highlighted the regulatory interaction that drove transcriptional activation.
A unique effector secreted by Pseudozyma flocculosa mediates its biocontrol activity
Authors: Santhanam Parthasarathy , Madina Mst Hur , Albuini Fernanda Matias , Labbé Caroline , Fietto Luciano Gomes , Bélanger Richard R.
Published: May 2023

Background

Pseudozyma flocculosa is a highly efficient biocontrol agent (BCA) of powdery mildews whose mode of action remains elusive. It is known to secrete unique effectors during its interaction with powdery mildews but effectors have never been shown to be part of the arsenal of a BCA. Here, we characterize the role of the effector Pf2826 released by Pseudozyma flocculosa during its tripartite interaction with barley and the pathogen fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei.

Results

We utilized CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing and confirmed that secreted P. flocculosa effector Pf2826 is required for full biocontrol activity. We monitored the localization of the effector Pf2826 with C-terminal mCherry tag and found it localized around the haustoria and on powdery mildew spores. His-tagged Pf2826 recombinant protein was expressed, purified, and used as bait in a pull-down assay from total proteins extracted during the tripartite interaction. Potential interactors were identified by LC–MS/MS analysis after removing unspecific interactions found in the negative controls. A two-way yeast two-hybrid assay validated that Pf2826 interacted with barley pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins HvPR1a and chitinase and with an effector protein from powdery mildew.

Conclusions

In contrast to the usual modes of action of competition, parasitism, and antibiosis ascribed to BCAs, this study shows that effector pf2826 plays a vital role in the biocontrol activity of P. flocculosa by interacting with plant PR proteins and a powdery mildew effector, altering the host–pathogen interaction.
Progressive inflammation reduces high-frequency EEG activity and cortical dendritic arborisation in late gestation fetal sheep
Authors: Kelly Sharmony B. , Dean Justin M. , Zahra Valerie A. , Dudink Ingrid , Thiel Alison , Polglase Graeme R. , Miller Suzanne L. , Hooper Stuart B. , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J. , Galinsky Robert
Published: May 2023

Background

Antenatal infection/inflammation is associated with disturbances in neuronal connectivity, impaired cortical growth and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. The pathophysiological substrate that underpins these changes is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that progressive inflammation in late gestation fetal sheep would alter cortical neuronal microstructure and neural function assessed using electroencephalogram band power analysis.

Methods

Fetal sheep (0.85 of gestation) were surgically instrumented for continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) recording and randomly assigned to repeated saline (control; n = 9) or LPS (0 h = 300 ng, 24 h = 600 ng, 48 h = 1200 ng; n = 8) infusions to induce inflammation. Sheep were euthanised 4 days after the first LPS infusion for assessment of inflammatory gene expression, histopathology and neuronal dendritic morphology in the somatosensory cortex.

Results

LPS infusions increased delta power between 8 and 50 h, with reduced beta power from 18 to 96 h (P < 0.05 vs. control). Basal dendritic length, numbers of dendritic terminals, dendritic arborisation and numbers of dendritic spines were reduced in LPS-exposed fetuses (P < 0.05 vs. control) within the somatosensory cortex. Numbers of microglia and interleukin (IL)-1β immunoreactivity were increased in LPS-exposed fetuses compared with controls (P < 0.05). There were no differences in total numbers of cortical NeuN + neurons or cortical area between the groups.

Conclusions

Exposure to antenatal infection/inflammation was associated with impaired dendritic arborisation, spine number and loss of high-frequency EEG activity, despite normal numbers of neurons, that may contribute to disturbed cortical development and connectivity.
Maternal dendritic cells influence fetal allograft response following murine in-utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kandasamy Karthikeyan , Johana Nuryanti Binti , Tan Lay Geok , Tan Yvonne , Yeo Julie Su Li , Yusof Nur Nazneen Binte , Li Zhihui , Koh Jiayu , Ginhoux Florent , Chan Jerry K. Y. , Choolani Mahesh , Mattar Citra N. Z.
Published: May 2023

Background

Intrauterine hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (IUT), potentially curative in congenital haematological disease, is often inhibited by deleterious immune responses to donor cells resulting in subtherapeutic donor cell chimerism (DCC). Microchimerism of maternal immune cells (MMc) trafficked into transplanted recipients across the placenta may directly influence donor-specific alloresponsiveness, limiting DCC. We hypothesized that dendritic cells (DC) among trafficked MMc influence the development of tolerogenic or immunogenic responses towards donor cells, and investigated if maternal DC-depletion reduced recipient alloresponsiveness and enhanced DCC.

Methods

Using transgenic CD11c.DTR (C57BL/6) female mice enabled transient maternal DC-depletion with a single dose of diphtheria toxin (DT). CD11c.DTR females and BALB/c males were cross-mated, producing hybrid pups. IUT was performed at E14 following maternal DT administration 24 h prior. Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells were transplanted, obtained from semi-allogenic BALB/c (paternal-derived; pIUT), C57BL/6 (maternal-derived; mIUT), or fully allogenic (aIUT) C3H donor mice. Recipient F1 pups were analyzed for DCC, while maternal and IUT-recipient immune cell profile and reactivity were examined via mixed lymphocyte reactivity functional assays. T- and B-cell receptor repertoire diversity in maternal and recipient cells were examined following donor cell exposure.

Results

DCC was highest and MMc was lowest following pIUT. In contrast, aIUT recipients had the lowest DCC and the highest MMc. In groups that were not DC-depleted, maternal cells trafficked post-IUT displayed reduced TCR & BCR clonotype diversity, while clonotype diversity was restored when dams were DC-depleted. Additionally, recipients displayed increased expression of regulatory T-cells and immune-inhibitory proteins, with reduced proinflammatory cytokine and donor-specific antibody production. DC-depletion did not impact initial donor chimerism. Postnatal transplantation without immunosuppression of paternal donor cells did not increase DCC in pIUT recipients; however there were no donor-specific antibody production or immune cell changes.

Conclusions

Though maternal DC depletion did not improve DCC, we show for the first time that MMc influences donor-specific alloresponsiveness, possibly by expanding alloreactive clonotypes, and depleting maternal DC promotes and maintains acquired tolerance to donor cells independent of DCC, presenting a novel approach to enhancing donor cell tolerance following IUT. This may have value when planning repeat HSC transplantations to treat haemoglobinopathies.
Effects of plastic film mulching and legume rotation on soil nutrients and microbial communities in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Shi Mingfu , Guo Aixia , Kang Yichen , Yang Xinyu , Zhang Weina , Liu Yuhui , Zhang Ruyan , Wang Yong , Qin Shuhao
Published: May 2023

Background

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) continuous cropping causes the decrease of tuber yield, deterioration of quality and soil degradation in the semi-arid area. These negative effects can generally be mitigated by legume rotation and mulching. However, little is known about how can mulching and legume rotation alleviate the above damage through altering soil environment.

Methods

A field experiment was conducted to investigate changes in soil properties and microbial community in response to legume rotation and mulching under six planting patterns: potato continuous cropping without film mulching (PC), potato continuous cropping with film mulching (PCF), potato–broad bean rotation without film mulching (R1), potato–broad bean rotation with film mulching (R1F), potato–pea rotation without film mulching (R2) and potato–pea rotation with film mulching (R2F).

Results

Compared with the PC, the R1F and R2F had significantly enhanced the contents of alkaline nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN), but reduced soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC). The Shannon index of fungi in R1F and R2 was significantly higher than other treatments. The dominant bacterial and fungal phyla of each treatment was Proteobacteria and Ascomycota. R1, R1F, R2 and R2F enhanced the relative abundance of metabolic fungi and altered key differential microbial species. Soil EC, AN and AK were major factors influencing the soil bacterial and fungal communities.

Conclusion

Overall, the study demonstrated that potato-broad bean/pea rotation with mulching can be adopted as the preferred cropping systems to alleviate potato continuous cropping obstacles through enhancing soil fertility and regulating soil microbial communities in the semi-arid of Loess Plateau, China.

Graphical Abstract
Highlights on Cell-Penetrating Peptides and Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticle: Overview and Therapeutic Applications for Targeted Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Bangera Pragathi Devanand , Kara Divya Dhatri , Tanvi Katikala , Tippavajhala Vamshi Krishna , Rathnanand Mahalaxmi
Published: May 2023

Polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLHNs) have been widely used as a vehicle for carrying anticancer owing to its unique framework of polymer and lipid combining and giving the maximum advantages over the lipid and polymer nanoparticle drug delivery system. Surface modification of PLHNs aids in improved targeting and active delivery of the encapsulated drug. Therefore, surface modification of the PLHNs with the cell-penetrating peptide is explored by many researchers and is explained in this review. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are made up of few amino acid sequence and act by disrupting the cell membrane and transferring the cargos into the cell. Ideally, we can say that CPPs are peptide chains which are cell specific and are biocompatible, noninvasive type of delivery vehicle which can transport siRNA, protein, peptides, macromolecules, pDNA, etc. into the cell effectively. Therefore, this review focuses on the structure, type, and method of preparation of PLHNs also about the uptake mechanism of CPPs and concludes with the therapeutic application of PLHNs surface modified with the CPPs and their theranostics.

Graphical Abstract
Glucocorticoid Receptors Drive Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Metabolic Reprogramming via PDK4
Authors: Dwyer Amy R , Perez Kerkvliet Carlos , Truong Thu H , Hagen Kyla M , Krutilina Raisa I , Parke Deanna N , Oakley Robert H , Liddle Christopher , Cidlowski John A , Seagroves Tiffany N , Lange Carol A
Published: May 2023

Corticosteroids act on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR; NR3C1) to resolve inflammation and are routinely prescribed to breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment to alleviate side effects. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) account for 15% to 20% of diagnoses and lack expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors as well as amplified HER2, but they often express high GR levels. GR is a mediator of TNBC progression to advanced metastatic disease; however, the mechanisms underpinning this transition to more aggressive behavior remain elusive. We previously showed that tissue/cellular stress (hypoxia, chemotherapies) as well as factors in the tumor microenvironment (transforming growth factor β [TGF-β], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF]) activate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which phosphorylates GR on Ser134. In the absence of ligand, pSer134-GR further upregulates genes important for responses to cellular stress, including key components of the p38 MAPK pathway. Herein, we show that pSer134-GR is required for TNBC metastatic colonization to the lungs of female mice. To understand the mechanisms of pSer134-GR action in the presence of GR agonists, we examined glucocorticoid-driven transcriptomes in CRISPR knock-in models of TNBC cells expressing wild-type or phospho-mutant (S134A) GR. We identified dexamethasone- and pSer134-GR-dependent regulation of specific gene sets controlling TNBC migration (NEDD9, CSF1, RUNX3) and metabolic adaptation (PDK4, PGK1, PFKFB4). TNBC cells harboring S134A-GR displayed metabolic reprogramming that was phenocopied by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) knockdown. PDK4 knockdown or chemical inhibition also blocked cancer cell migration. Our results reveal a convergence of GR agonists (ie, host stress) with cellular stress signaling whereby pSer134-GR critically regulates TNBC metabolism, an exploitable target for the treatment of this deadly disease.
The Acute Effects of Exercise on Saliva-Derived Regional Mitochondrial DNA from Trained Runners
Authors: McGlynn Mark L. , Rosales Alejandro M. , Collins Christopher W. , Slivka Dustin R.
Published: May 2023

Introduction/Purpose

Research has identified two regions within mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA), which seem to be more (major arc; mtMAJ) and less (minor arc; mtMIN) prone to oxidation and mtDNA lesion formation. Oxidation of mtDNA base pairs can result in reduced copy number and has been linked to chronic diseases. Interestingly, exercise can also induce acute copy number reductions; however, in a healthy population, there seems to be a restorative effect (i.e., gaining mtDNA copy numbers) that occurs within a couple of hours to days after exercise. Few have investigated these regional mtDNA changes in trained runners (>90th fitness percentile). Typical mtDNA procedures are invasive and inconvenient, requiring muscle biopsies, and/or blood draws; therefore, a simpler, less invasive method of specimen collection is appealing. The purpose of this study was to examine how salivary-derived molecular (mtMAJ and mtMIN), hormonal (cortisol), and oxidative (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) markers change after acute exercise.

Methods

Trained runners (n = 7; 52 ± 12 miles·wk−1 run in the past year; 28.8 ± 3.3 yr old; height, 1.76 ± 0.07 m; weight, 67.9 ± 11.3 kg; maximum oxygen consumption, 62.4 ± 5.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed a 60-min treadmill run at 70% peak oxygen consumption. Saliva samples were collected before exercise, 30 min after exercise (30Post), and 6 h after exercise (6hPost) and analyzed for changes in regional mtDNA via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and stress (cortisol and 8-OHdG) markers using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

mtMIN copy number decreased 30Post (−44.5%, P = 0.04) and 6hPost (−45.3% P = 0.03), but mtMAJ copy numbers were unchanged after exercise (P = 0.44). Neither of the stress-related saliva biomarkers changed after exercise (cortisol, P = 0.13; 8-OHdG, P = 0.77).

Conclusions

Saliva-derived DNA findings point to mtMIN, supposedly the more stable of the two regions, as a greater contributor to copy number reductions within our cohort of trained runners. These results contribute to the understanding of aerobic exercise’s influence over saliva-derived, regional mtDNA dynamics.
A commentary on the National Medical Licensing Examination in Vietnam: why, what, who and how
Authors: Ha Thuy Minh
Published: May 2023

As a result of increasing societal demands and economic development, the number of medical schools in Vietnam has increased significantly over the past decade. In order to ensure physician competency, it is imperative that medical training meets a minimal threshold before entering clinical practice. The prospects of the National Medical Licensing Exam (NMLE) have been discussed extensively and are expected to be instrumental in influencing curriculum reform, thus enhancing the quality of medical education. This paper discusses briefly why NMLE is necessary for Vietnam, what should be considered when establishing it, who could be the responsible organization, and how good practices can be learned and used as personal recommendations for educators and policymakers.
ENISA: 5G design and architecture of global mobile networks; threats, risks, vulnerabilities; cybersecurity considerations
Authors: Paskauskas R. Andrew
Published: May 2023

Abstract —The literature on 5G design and architecture numbers in the hundreds of thousands, which makes analyzing this vast corpus of technical knowledge impossible within the scope of a single article. A rigorous literature scan has revealed investigations of various specific 5G components, or specific aspects of 5G design, architecture, or security, but none that are comprehensive in scope, encompassing all of the aforementioned categories, or that take into account the associated vulnerabilities, threats and risks to the basic 5G infrastructure.

In this sense the 5G framework advocated by The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) in its comprehensive report is singular in relation to the extensive literature associated with the 5G domain and the fragmented character of scientific reporting related to 5G technology.

It is the purpose of this article to go beyond the existing literature and examine in depth the details of the ENISA 5G Threat Landscape Report and reveal ENISA’s painstaking efforts to stand out among other leading-edge players in the 5G arena and achieve its strategic aims of integrating cybersecurity considerations with threats, risks, and vulnerabilities into an architecture of 5G right from the start of the design and development process.

In formulating such a framework, ENISA has set the stage for standardization of cybersecurity considerations in relation to 5G design and architecture that may be considered a first approximation towards best practice in the field.

ENISA’s role in the European Union as a leader in setting the pace of development of 5G networks is acknowledged in EU’s legislation and its directives. Significantly, its strategic direction targets future implementations of 5G networks by vendors, operators, and practitioners. This should equip EU with the necessary resilience to withstand hybrid threat onslaughts on its Pan-European network, a topic to be dealt with in full in a follow-on paper.
Meanings for the degrowth society: From the Great Acceleration to the semiosis of the living
Authors: Maran Timo
Published: May 2023

The global ecological crisis has often been related to the so-called Great Acceleration, i.e. the rapid growth of many social metrics (population size, gross domestic product, energy usage, etc.) from the mid-20th century onwards. The degrowth movement has opposed the great economic expansion by advocating for a simplified society and decreased human use of energy and natural resources. In this paper, I will analyse the semiotic aspects of this process as a semiotic acceleration, and argue that transformation into the degrowth society can be supported by the restructuration of human semiotic systems towards more coherence and better connectivity with ecological processes. The semiotic acceleration manifests as a massive multiplication and spread of abstract signs and information content that is detached from ecological and material processes, and lacks value-based organization. To support the degrowth transformation, I propose the semiosis of the living as an understanding that significance arises first and foremost from semiotic participation in specific lived ecologies (cultural, ecological, and material), placement and rootedness of the given act of semiosis in the particular semiotic fabric and the unfolding of the world. The semiosis of the living re-grounds the human semiotic processes in the patterns of iconic and indexical relations shared by humans and non-human species alike.
Clinical Evaluation of Pediatric Patients Diagnosed with Membranous Glomerulonephritis
Authors: KARAKAYA Deniz , YAZILITAŞ Fatma , KARGIN ÇAKICI Evrim , GÜNGÖR Tülin , ÇELİKKAYA Evra , BÜLBÜL Mehmet
Published: May 2023

Objective: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a rare immune complex disease in pediatric population then adults. The prognosis of MN is variable, ranging from spontaneous complete remission to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The lack of large multicenter studies precludes the possibility of examining in detail the treatment options and clinical outcomes in these patients. The present study aimed to expand the literature on the clinical findings, treatment, and prognosis of MN in pediatric patients.
Material and Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 13 patients with a diagnosis of primary and secondary membranous nephropathy.
Results: The mean age of the sample was 12.29±3.67 years. Complete remission occurred in 7 (53.8%) patients (of which 1 case was spontaneous remission), and partial remission occurred in 4 (30.8%) patients. In long-term follow-ups; one patient had chronic kidney disease (CKD) and one patient had end-stage renal disease (ESRD). At the last-follow up, proteinuria was noted in 6 (46.2%) patients and microscopic hematuria was noted in 4 (30.8%) and 9 patients were still using low-dose steroids.
Conclusion: The current findings have not identified any significant risk factors associated with the prognosis of MN in pediatric patients, but are thought to contribute to the limited data on pediatric MN. Most of the available data on the natural history, treatment options, and long-term outcomes of MN in the pediatric population consists of small, uncontrolled case series. Therefore, we think that larger-scale clinical trials are necessary to clearly elucidate the factors related to the prognosis of pediatric MN.
The Effects of Sandplay Therapy on the Degree of Overdependence, Impulsiveness, and Interpersonal Problems of Smartphone Overdependent College Students
Authors: Jo Yun , Park Sungmin
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the effects of Sandplay therapy on smartphone overdependence, impulsiveness, and interpersonal problems in college students. A survey was conducted on 359 four-year college students, and 10 smartphone overdependent students were selected for both the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 10 sessions of Sandplay therapy. Results showed that Sandplay therapy reduced the degree of overdependence, impulsiveness, and interpersonal problems in smartphone overdependent college students. Qualitative analysis identified common themes such as “being left alone,” “a side of myself I want to hide,” and “struggling to escape.” This study highlights the potential of Sandplay therapy as a treatment program for smartphone overdependence in college students. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
KGW and YVO4: two excellent nonlinear materials for high repetition rate infrared supercontinuum generation
Authors: Marčiulionytė Vaida , Reggui Kawthar , Tamošauskas Gintaras , Dubietis Audrius
Published: May 2023

We present an experimental investigation of supercontinuum generation in potassium gadolinium tungstate (KGW) and yttrium vanadate (YVO4) crystals pumped with 210 fs, 1030 nm pulses from an amplified Yb:KGW laser operating at 2 MHz repetition rate. We demonstrate that compared to commonly used sapphire and YAG, these materials possess considerably lower supercontinuum generation thresholds, produce remarkable red-shifted spectral broadenings (up to 1700 nm in YVO4 and up to 1900 nm in KGW) and exhibit less bulk heating due to energy deposition during filamentation process. Moreover, durable damage-free performance was observed without any translation of the sample, suggesting that KGW and YVO4 are excellent nonlinear materials for high repetition rate supercontinuum generation in the near and short-wave infrared spectral range.
Viewing angle enhancement for integral imaging display using two overlapped panels
Authors: Li Chao , Ma Haowen , Li Jingnan , Cao Shuo , Liu Juan
Published: May 2023

Integral imaging three-dimensional (3D) display relies on display panel to provide visual information, but the intrinsic trade-off between the wide viewing angle and high resolution refrains its application in high-throughput 3D display. We propose a method to enhance the viewing angle without sacrificing the resolution by using two overlapped panels. The additionally introduced display panel is composed of two parts: the information area and the transparent area. The transparent area loaded with blank information enables light passing through without any modulation, while the opaque information area is loaded with element image array (EIA) for 3D display. The configuration of the introduced panel can block crosstalk from the original 3D display and establish a new and viewable perspective. Experimental results show that the horizontal viewing angle can be effectively extended from 8° to 16°, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of our proposed method. This method provides the 3D display system with a higher space-bandwidth product, making it a potential technique to be applied for high information-capacity display, including integral imaging and holography.
True-color light-field display system with large depth-of-field based on joint modulation for size and arrangement of halftone dots
Authors: Yu Xunbo , Zhang Zhaohe , Liu Boyang , Gao Xin , Qi Haocheng , Hu Yingqian , Zhang Kaiqing , Liu Kexin , Zhang Tingyu , Wang Hanbo , Yan Binbin , Sang Xinzhu
Published: May 2023

A true-color light-field display system with a large depth-of-field (DOF) is demonstrated. Reducing crosstalk between viewpoints and increasing viewpoint density are the key points to realize light-field display system with large DOF. The aliasing and crosstalk of light beams in the light control unit (LCU) are reduced by adopting collimated backlight and reversely placing the aspheric cylindrical lens array (ACLA). The one-dimensional (1D) light-field encoding of halftone images increases the number of controllable beams within the LCU and improves viewpoint density. The use of 1D light-field encoding leads to a decrease in the color-depth of the light-field display system. The joint modulation for size and arrangement of halftone dots (JMSAHD) is used to increase color-depth. In the experiment, a three-dimensional (3D) model was constructed using halftone images generated by JMSAHD, and a light-field display system with a viewpoint density of 1.45 (i.e. 1.45 viewpoints per degree of view) and a DOF of 50 cm was achieved at a 100 ° viewing angle.
Scaling comb-driven resonator-based DWDM silicon photonic links to multi-Tb/s in the multi-FSR regime
Authors: James Aneek , Novick Asher , Rizzo Anthony , Parsons Robert , Jang Kaylx , Hattink Maarten , Bergman Keren
Published: May 2023

The use of chip-based micro-resonator Kerr frequency combs in conjunction with dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) enables massively parallel intensity-modulated direct-detection data transmission with low energy consumption. Resonator-based modulators and filters used in such systems can limit the number of usable wavelength channels due to practical constraints on the maximum achievable free spectral range (FSR). In this work, we introduce the design of multi-Tb/s comb-driven resonator-based silicon photonic links by leveraging the multi-FSR regime. We demonstrate the viability of the link architecture with yield estimates that are supported by extensive wafer-scale measurements of 704 micro-resonators fabricated in a commercial complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor foundry. We show that a 2.80 Tb/s link is realizable with a ≥6σ yield (∼99.999%), and that aggregate bandwidths of 3.76 Tb/s and 4.72 Tb/s are possible if yield targets are relaxed (3σ and 1σ, respectively). All designs represent a 1.94−3.28× boost to aggregate link bandwidth while maintaining BER≤10−10 performance, with a theoretical bandwidth of 10.51 Tb/s being possible for sufficiently robust resonators. We use high-speed BER measurements to inform co-optimization of data rate and aggressor spacing (λag), limiting any additional loss-based power penalties to off-resonance insertion loss (IL) and routing loss. This work demonstrates that, through the multi-FSR regime, there is a clear path toward Kerr comb-driven ultra-broadband, high bandwidth silicon photonic links that can support next-generation data centers and high-performance computers.
People with long-term conditions sharing personal health data via digital health technologies: A scoping review to inform design
Authors: Rathbone Amy , Stumpf Simone , Claisse Caroline , Sillence Elizabeth , Coventry Lynne , Brown Richard D. , Durrant Abigail C.
Published: May 2023

The use of digital technology amongst people living with a range of long-term health conditions to support self-management has increased dramatically. More recently, digital health technologies to share and exchange personal health data with others have been investigated. Sharing personal health data with others is not without its risks: sharing data creates threats to the privacy and security of personal data and plays a role in trust, adoption and continued use of digital health technology. Our work aims to inform the design of these digital health technologies by investigating the reported intentions of sharing health data with others, the associated user experiences when using these digital health technologies and the trust, identity, privacy and security (TIPS) considerations for designing digital health technologies that support the trusted sharing of personal health data to support the self-management of long-term health conditions. To address these aims, we conducted a scoping review, analysing over 12,000 papers in the area of digital health technologies. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of 17 papers that described digital health technologies that support sharing of personal health data, and extracted design implications that could enhance the future development of trusted, private and secure digital health technologies.
Inequities in birth registration, violent discipline, and child labour by disability status and sex: Evidence from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in 24 countries
Authors: Bhatia Amiya , Davey Calum , Bright Tess , Rotenberg Sara , Eldred Emily , Cappa Claudia , Kuper Hannah , Devries Karen
Published: May 2023

Nearly 240 million children are estimated to have a disability globally. We describe inequities by disability status and sex in birth registration, child labour, and violent discipline outcomes. Data come from Round 6 of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey programme and includes 323,436 children, aged 2–17 years in 24 countries. We estimated non-registration of birth, child labour, and violent discipline, stratified by sex and disability in each country. We estimated age-adjusted prevalence ratios and prevalence differences, accounting for survey design, to calculate inequities by disability. There was large variation across countries in the percentage of children with disabilities (range: 4% to 28%), in non-registration (range: 0% to73%), child labour (range: 2% to 40%), and violent discipline (range: 48% to 95%). We found relative inequities by disability in birth registration in two countries among girls and one country among boys, and in birth certification in two countries among girls and among boys. Child labour was higher among girls with disabilities in two countries and among boys in three countries. We found larger and more prevalent inequities by disability in hazardous labour in six countries among girls (aPR range: 1.23 to 1.95) and in seven countries among boys (aPR range: 1.24 to 1.80). Inequities in the prevalence of violent discipline by disability were significant in four countries among girls (aPR range: 1.02 to 1.18) and among boys (aPRs: 1.02 to 1.15) and we found inequities in severe punishment nine countries among girls (aPR range: 1.12 to 2.27) and in 13 countries among boys (aPRs: 1.13 to 1.95). Context specific research is needed to understand the large variations in inequities by disability status and sex within and across countries. Monitoring inequities in child rights by disability status and sex is important to achieve the SDGs and ensure child protection programs reduce inequities.
The economic impact of premature mortality in Cabo Verde: 2016–2020
Authors: Fernandes Ngibo Mubeta , Silva Janilza Solange Gomes Silveira , Varela Domingos Veiga , Lopes Edna Duarte , Soares Janice de Jesus Xavier
Published: May 2023

Mortality analysis studies in Cabo Verde are scarce and those available are limited to short periods of analysis and to specific population groups. National mortality data reports do not quantify the burden of disease associated with premature mortality. This study estimated the years of potential life lost (YPLL), years of potential productive life lost (YPPLL) and the costs associated with them in Cabo Verde from 2016 to 2020 and aimed to determine trends of early mortality due to all causes of death. Mortality data were obtained from the Ministry of Health, Cabo Verde. Deaths that occurred from 2016 to 2020, in individuals aged between one (1) and 73 years old were analyzed by sex, age group, municipality and cause of death. YPLL, YPPLL and cost of productivity lost (CPL) were estimated using life expectancy and the human capital approach methods, respectively. There were 6100 deaths recorded in the sample population and males represented 68.1% (n = 4,154) of the reported deaths. The number of deaths verified corresponded to 145,544 YPLL, of which 69.0% (n = 100,389) were attributed to males. There were 4,634 deaths among individuals of working age, which resulted in 80 965 YPPLL, with males contributing 72.1% (n = 58,403) of the total YPPLL. The estimated CPL due to premature death was 98,659,153.23 USD. Injuries and external causes together accounted for 21,580,954.42 USD (21.9%) of CPL, while diseases of the circulatory system 18,843,260.42 USD (19.1%) and certain infectious and parasitic diseases accounted for 16,633,842.70 USD (16.9%). The study demonstrated the social and economic burden of premature mortality. The YPLL, YPPLL and CPL measures can be used to complement measures traditionally used to demonstrate the burden and loss of productivity due to premature mortality and to support resource allocation and public health decision making in Cabo Verde.
Social deprivation and the use of healthcare services over one year by children less than 18 years of age in 2018: A French nationwide observational study
Authors: Pergeline Jeanne , Rivière Sébastien , Rey Sylvie , Fresson Jeanne , Rachas Antoine , Tuppin Philippe
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to describe the health status of children and how social deprivation affects their use of healthcare services and mortality. Children living in mainland France were selected from the national health data system (SNDS) on their date of birth or birthday in 2018 (< 18 years) and followed for one year. Information included data on healthcare reimbursements, long-term chronic diseases (LTDs) eligible for 100% reimbursement, geographic deprivation index (FDep) by quintile (Q5 most disadvantaged), and individual complementary universal insurance (CMUc) status, granted to households with an annual income below the French poverty level. The number of children who had at least one annual visit or hospital admission was compared using the ratio of geographic deprivation (rQ5/Q1) and CMUc (rCMUc/Not) after gender and age-standardization. Over 13 million children were included; 17.5% had CMUc, with an increase across quintiles (rQ5/Q1 = 3.5) and 4.0% a LTD (rQ5/Q1 = 1.44). The 10 most frequent LTDs (6 psychiatric) were more common as the deprivation increased. Visits to general practitioners (GPs) were similar (≈84%) for each FDep quintile and the density of GPs similar. The density decreased with increasing deprivation for specialists and visits: paediatricians (rQ5/Q1 = 0.46) and psychiatrists (rQ5/Q1 = 0.26). Dentist visits also decreased (rQ5/Q1 = 0.86) and deprived children were more often hospitalised for dental caries (rQ5/Q1 = 2.17, 2.1% vs 0.7%). Emergency department (ED) visits increased with deprivation (rCMUc/Not = 1.35, 30% vs 22%) but 50% of CMUc children lived in a municipality with an ED vs. 25% without. Approximately 9% of children were admitted for a short stay and 4.5% for a stay > 1 night (rQ5/Q1 = 1.44). Psychiatric hospitalization was more frequent for children with CMUc (rCMUc/Not = 3.5, 0.7% vs 0.2%). Higher mortality was observed for deprived children < 18 years (rQ5/Q1 = 1.59). Our results show a lower use of pediatricians, other specialists, and dentists among deprived children that may be due, in part, to an insufficient supply of care in their area of residence. These results have been used to recommend optimization and specifically adapted individual or area-wide policies on the use of healthcare services, their density, and activities.
Acute clinical and financial outcomes of esophagectomy at safety-net hospitals in the United States
Authors: Sakowitz Sara , Mabeza Russyan Mark , Bakhtiyar Syed Shahyan , Verma Arjun , Ebrahimian Shayan , Vadlakonda Amulya , Revels Sha’shonda , Benharash Peyman
Published: May 2023

Background

While safety-net hospitals (SNH) play a critical role in the care of underserved communities, they have been associated with inferior postoperative outcomes. This study evaluated the association of hospital safety-net status with clinical and financial outcomes following esophagectomy.

Methods

All adults (≥18 years) undergoing elective esophagectomy for benign and malignant gastroesophageal disease were identified in the 2010–2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Centers in the highest quartile for the proportion of uninsured/Medicaid patients were classified as SNH (others: non-SNH). Regression models were developed to evaluate adjusted associations between SNH status and outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, and resource use. Royston-Parmar flexible parametric models were used to assess time-varying hazard of non-elective readmission over 90 days.

Results

Of an estimated 51,649 esophagectomy hospitalizations, 9,024 (17.4%) were performed at SNH. While SNH patients less frequently suffered from gastroesophageal malignancies (73.2 vs 79.6%, p<0.001) compared to non-SNH, the distribution of age and comorbidities were similar. SNH was independently associated with mortality (AOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03–1.50), intraoperative complications (AOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.20–1.74) and need for blood transfusions (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.35–1.93). Management at SNH was also associated with incremental increases in LOS (+1.37, 95% CI 0.64–2.10), costs (+10,400, 95% CI 6,900–14,000), and odds of 90-day non-elective readmission (AOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00–1.23).

Conclusions

Care at safety-net hospitals was associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, and non-elective rehospitalization following elective esophagectomy. Efforts to provide sufficient resources at SNH may serve to reduce complications and overall costs for this procedure.
Changes in the gut microbiota of NOD mice in response to an oral Salmonella-based vaccine against type 1 diabetes
Authors: Cobb Jacob , Soliman Sameh S. M. , Retuerto Mauricio , Quijano Janine C. , Orr Chris , Ghannoum Mahmoud , Kandeel Fouad , Husseiny Mohamed I.
Published: May 2023

We developed an oralSalmonella-based vaccine that prevents and reverses diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Related to this, the gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex dynamic population of microorganisms, the gut microbiome, that influences host homeostasis and metabolism. Changes in the gut microbiome are associated with insulin dysfunction and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Oral administration of diabetic autoantigens as a vaccine can restore immune balance. However, it was not known if aSalmonella-based vaccine would impact the gut microbiome. We administered aSalmonella-based vaccine to prediabetic NOD mice. Changes in the gut microbiota and associated metabolome were assessed using next-generation sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). TheSalmonella-based vaccine did not cause significant changes in the gut microbiota composition immediately after vaccination although at 30 days post-vaccination changes were seen. Additionally, no changes were noted in the fecal mycobiome between vaccine- and control/vehicle-treated mice. Significant changes in metabolic pathways related to inflammation and proliferation were found after vaccine administration. The results from this study suggest that an oralSalmonella-based vaccine alters the gut microbiome and metabolome towards a more tolerant composition. These results support the use of orally administeredSalmonella-based vaccines that induced tolerance after administration.
Deployed Veterans exhibit distinct respiratory patterns and greater dyspnea during maximal cardiopulmonary exercise: A case-control study
Authors: Alexander Thomas , Watson Matthew A. , Klein-Adams Jacquelyn C. , Ndirangu Duncan S. , Serrador Jorge M. , Falvo Michael J. , Lindheimer Jacob B.
Published: May 2023

Background

Exertional dyspnea and exercise intolerance are frequently endorsed in Veterans of post 9/11 conflicts in Southwest Asia (SWA). Studying the dynamic behavior of ventilation during exercise may provide mechanistic insight into these symptoms. Using maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to experimentally induce exertional symptoms, we aimed to identify potential physiological differences between deployed Veterans and non-deployed controls.

Materials and methods

Deployed (n = 31) and non-deployed (n = 17) participants performed a maximal effort CPET via the Bruce treadmill protocol. Indirect calorimetry and perceptual rating scales were used to measure rate of oxygen consumption (V˙O2), rate of carbon dioxide production (V˙CO2), respiratory frequency (f R), tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (V˙E), heart rate (HR), perceived exertion (RPE; 6–20 scale), and dyspnea (Borg Breathlessness Scale; 0–10 scale). A repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) model (2 groups: deployed vs non-deployed X 6 timepoints: 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% V˙O2peak) was conducted for participants meeting valid effort criteria (deployed = 25; non-deployed = 11).

Results

Significant group (η2partial = 0.26) and interaction (η2partial = 0.10) effects were observed such that deployed Veterans exhibited reduced f R and a greater change over time relative to non-deployed controls. There was also a significant group effect for dyspnea ratings (η2partial = 0.18) showing higher values in deployed participants. Exploratory correlational analyses revealed significant associations between dyspnea ratings and fR at 80% (R2 = 0.34) and 100% (R2 = 0.17) of V˙O2peak, but only in deployed Veterans.

Conclusion

Relative to non-deployed controls, Veterans deployed to SWA exhibited reduced fR and greater dyspnea during maximal exercise. Further, associations between these parameters occurred only in deployed Veterans. These findings support an association between SWA deployment and affected respiratory health, and also highlight the utility of CPET in the clinical evaluation of deployment-related dyspnea in Veterans.
A systematic review of the protein composition of whole saliva in subjects with healthy periodontium compared with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Sánchez-Medrano Ana G. , Martinez-Martinez Rita E. , Soria-Guerra Ruth , Portales-Perez Diana , Bach Horacio , Martinez-Gutierrez Fidel
Published: May 2023

Context

Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease linked to oral microbiota dysbiosis. This disease progresses to infection that stimulates a host immune/inflammatory response, with progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting structures.

Objective

This systematic review aims to present a robust critical evaluation of the evidence of salivary protein profiles for identifying oral diseases using proteomic approaches and summarize the use of these approaches to diagnose chronic periodontitis.

Data sources

A systematic literature search was conducted from January 1st, 2010, to December 1st, 2022, based on PICO criteria following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and by searching the three databases Science Direct, Scopus, and Springer Link.

Study selection

According to the inclusion criteria, eight studies were identified to analyze the proteins identified by proteomics.

Results

The protein family S100 was identified as the most abundant in patients with chronic periodontitis. In this family, an increased abundance of S100A8 and S100A9 from individuals with the active disease was observed, which strongly relates to the inflammatory response. Moreover, the ratio S100A8/S100A9 and the metalloproteinase-8 in saliva could differentiate distinct periodontitis groups. The changes in protein profile after non-surgical periodontal therapy improved the health of the buccal area. The results of this systematic review identified a set of proteins that could be used as a complementary tool for periodontitis diagnosis using salivary proteins.

Conclusion

Biomarkers in saliva can be used to monitor an early stage of periodontitis and the progression of the disease following therapy.