1,191 results on '"Cusini A"'
Search Results
2. Multipass wide-field phase imager
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Cuevas, Álvaro, Tiemann, Daniel, Camphausen, Robin, Cusini, Iris, Panzani, Antonio, Mukherjee, Rajdeep, Villa, Federica, and Pruneri, Valerio
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Physics - Optics ,Quantum Physics - Abstract
Advances in optical imaging always look for an increase in sensitivity and resolution among other practicability aspects. Within the same scope, in this work we report a versatile interference contrast imaging technique, capable of sub-nm sample-thickness resolution, with a large field-ofview of several mm2. Sensitivity is increased through the use of a self-imaging non-resonant cavity, which causes photons to probe the sample in multiple rounds before being detected, where the configuration can be transmissive or reflective. Phase profiles can be resolved individually for each round thanks to a specially designed single-photon camera with time-of-flight capabilities and true pixels-off gating. Measurement noise is reduced by novel data processing combining the retrieved sample profiles from multiple rounds. Our protocol is specially useful under extremely low light conditions as require by biological or photo-sensitive samples. Results demonstrate more than a four-fold reduction in phase measurement noise, compared to single round imaging, and close valuesto the predicted sensitivity in case of the best possible cavity configuration, where all photons are maintained until n rounds. We also find a good agreement with the theoretical predictions for low number of rounds, where experimental imperfections would place a minor role. The absence of a laser or cavity lock-in mechanism makes the technique an easy to use inspection tool., Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures in main manuscript and 2 more figures in Supplementary Material
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- 2023
3. Association of institutional masking policies with healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections in Swiss acute care hospitals during the BA.4/5 wave (CH-SUR study): a retrospective observational study
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Dörr, Tamara, Güsewell, Sabine, Flury, Domenica, Süveges, Maria, Gaza Valera, Camille Beatrice, Botero-Mesa, Sara, Zanella, Marie-Céline, Iten, Anne, Balmelli, Carlo, Troillet, Nicolas, Tschudin-Sutter, Sarah, W Schreiber, Peter, Jent, Philipp, Damonti, Lauro, Sommerstein, Rami, Portmann, Lea, Vuichard-Gysin, Danielle, Cusini, Alexia, Nussbaumer-Ochsner, Yvonne, Heininger, Ulrich, Berger, Christoph, Zimmermann, Petra, Gardiol, Céline, Keiser, Olivia, Schlegel, Matthias, Kohler, Philipp, and P Kuster, Stefan
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- 2024
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4. A phase-field model for hydraulic fracture nucleation and propagation in porous media
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Fei, Fan, Costa, Andre, Dolbow, John E., Settgast, Randolph R., and Cusini, Matteo
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Physics - Geophysics - Abstract
Many geo-engineering applications, e.g., enhanced geothermal systems, rely on hydraulic fracturing to enhance the permeability of natural formations and allow for sufficient fluid circulation. Over the past few decades, the phase-field method has grown in popularity as a valid approach to modeling hydraulic fracturing because of the ease of handling complex fracture propagation geometries. However, existing phase-field methods cannot appropriately capture nucleation of hydraulic fractures because their formulations are solely energy-based and do not explicitly take into account the strength of the material. Thus, in this work, we propose a novel phase-field formulation for hydraulic fracturing with the main goal of modeling fracture nucleation in porous media, e.g., rocks. Built on the variational formulation of previous phase-field methods, the proposed model incorporates the material strength envelope for hydraulic fracture nucleation through two important steps: (i) an external driving force term, included in the damage evolution equation, that accounts for the material strength; (ii) a properly designed damage function that defines the fluid pressure contribution on the crack driving force. The comparison of numerical results for two-dimensional (2D) test cases with existing analytical solutions demonstrates that the proposed phase-field model can accurately model both nucleation and propagation of hydraulic fractures. Additionally, we present the simulation of hydraulic fracturing in a three-dimensional (3D) domain with various stress conditions to demonstrate the applicability of the method to realistic scenarios.
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- 2023
5. Single-pair measurement of the Bell parameter
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Virzì, Salvatore, Rebufello, Enrico, Atzori, Francesco, Avella, Alessio, Piacentini, Fabrizio, Lussana, Rudi, Cusini, Iris, Madonini, Francesca, Villa, Federica, Gramegna, Marco, Cohen, Eliahu, Degiovanni, Ivo Pietro, and Genovese, Marco
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Quantum Physics - Abstract
Bell inequalities are one of the cornerstones of quantum foundations, and fundamental tools for quantum technologies. Recently, the scientific community worldwide has put a lot of effort towards them, which culminated with loophole-free experiments. Nonetheless, none of the experimental tests so far was able to extract information on the full inequality from each entangled pair, since the wave function collapse forbids performing, on the same quantum state, all the measurements needed for evaluating the entire Bell parameter. We present here the first single-pair Bell inequality test, able to obtain a Bell parameter value for every entangled pair detected. This is made possible by exploiting sequential weak measurements, allowing to measure non-commuting observables in sequence on the same state, on each entangled particle. Such an approach not only grants unprecedented measurement capability, but also removes the need to choose between different measurement bases, intrinsically eliminating the freedom-of-choice loophole and stretching the concept of counterfactual-definiteness (since it allows measuring in the otherwise not-chosen bases). We also demonstrate how, after the Bell parameter measurement, the pair under test still presents a noteworthy amount of entanglement, providing evidence of the absence of (complete) wave function collapse and allowing to exploit this quantum resource for further protocols., Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures
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- 2023
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6. Association of institutional masking policies with healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections in Swiss acute care hospitals during the BA.4/5 wave (CH-SUR study): a retrospective observational study
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Tamara Dörr, Sabine Güsewell, Domenica Flury, Maria Süveges, Camille Beatrice Gaza Valera, Sara Botero-Mesa, Marie-Céline Zanella, Anne Iten, Carlo Balmelli, Nicolas Troillet, Sarah Tschudin-Sutter, Peter W Schreiber, Philipp Jent, Lauro Damonti, Rami Sommerstein, Lea Portmann, Danielle Vuichard-Gysin, Alexia Cusini, Yvonne Nussbaumer-Ochsner, Ulrich Heininger, Christoph Berger, Petra Zimmermann, Céline Gardiol, Olivia Keiser, Matthias Schlegel, Philipp Kohler, and Stefan P Kuster
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Covid-19 ,Masking policies ,Healthcare workers ,Healthcare-associated infection ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background In the initial phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, masking has been widely accepted in healthcare institutions to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infection. Evidence, however, is still scant and the role of masks in preventing healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 acquisition remains unclear.We investigated the association of variation in institutional mask policies with healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections in acute care hospitals in Switzerland during the BA.4/5 2022 wave. Methods SARS-CoV-2 infections in hospitalized patients between June 1 and September 5, 2022, were obtained from the “Hospital-based surveillance of COVID-19 in Switzerland”-database and classified as healthcare- or community-associated based on time of disease onset. Institutions provided information regarding institutional masking policies for healthcare workers and other prevention policies. The percentage of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections was calculated per institution and per type of mask policy. The association of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections with mask policies was tested using a negative binominal mixed-effect model. Results We included 2’980 SARS-CoV-2 infections from 13 institutions, 444 (15%) were classified as healthcare-associated. Between June 20 and June 30, 2022, six (46%) institutions switched to a more stringent mask policy. The percentage of healthcare-associated infections subsequently declined in institutions with policy switch but not in the others. In particular, the switch from situative masking (standard precautions) to general masking of HCW in contact with patients was followed by a strong reduction of healthcare-associated infections (rate ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.30–0.49). In contrast, when compared across hospitals, the percentage of health-care associated infections was not related to mask policies. Conclusions Our findings suggest switching to a more stringent mask policy may be beneficial during increases of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections at an institutional level.
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- 2024
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7. Non-Line-of-Sight Tracking and Mapping with an Active Corner Camera
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Seidel, Sheila, Rueda-Chacon, Hoover, Cusini, Iris, Villa, Federica, Zappa, Franco, Yu, Christopher, and Goyal, Vivek K
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Electrical Engineering and Systems Science - Image and Video Processing ,Computer Science - Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition ,Physics - Optics - Abstract
The ability to form non-line-of-sight (NLOS) images of changing scenes could be transformative in a variety of fields, including search and rescue, autonomous vehicle navigation, and reconnaissance. Most existing active NLOS methods illuminate the hidden scene using a pulsed laser directed at a relay surface and collect time-resolved measurements of returning light. The prevailing approaches include raster scanning of a rectangular grid on a vertical wall opposite the volume of interest to generate a collection of confocal measurements. These are inherently limited by the need for laser scanning. Methods that avoid laser scanning track the moving parts of the hidden scene as one or two point targets. In this work, based on more complete optical response modeling yet still without multiple illumination positions, we demonstrate accurate reconstructions of objects in motion and a 'map' of the stationary scenery behind them. The ability to count, localize, and characterize the sizes of hidden objects in motion, combined with mapping of the stationary hidden scene, could greatly improve indoor situational awareness in a variety of applications.
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- 2022
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8. A Multi-Resolution Approach to Hydraulic Fracture Simulation
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Costa, Andre, Cusini, Matteo, Jin, Tao, Settgast, Randolph, and Dolbow, John
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Computer Science - Computational Engineering, Finance, and Science - Abstract
We present a multi-resolution approach for constructing model-based simulations of hydraulic fracturing, wherein flow through porous media is coupled with fluid-driven fracture. The approach consists of a hybrid scheme that couples a discrete crack representation in a global domain to a phase-field representation in a local subdomain near the crack tip. The multi-resolution approach addresses issues such as the computational expense of accurate hydraulic fracture simulations and the difficulties associated with reconstructing crack apertures from diffuse fracture representations. In the global domain, a coupled system of equations for displacements and pressures is considered. The crack geometry is assumed to be fixed and the displacement field is enriched with discontinuous functions. Around the crack tips in the local subdomains, phase-field sub-problems are instantiated on the fly to propagate fractures in arbitrary, mesh independent directions. The governing equations and fields in the global and local domains are approximated using a combination of finite-volume and finite element discretizations. The efficacy of the method is illustrated through various benchmark problems in hydraulic fracturing, as well as a new study of fluid-driven crack growth around a stiff inclusion.
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- 2022
9. Seroprevalence trends of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated risk factors: a population-based study
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Tancredi, Stefano, Chiolero, Arnaud, Wagner, Cornelia, Haller, Moa Lina, Chocano-Bedoya, Patricia, Ortega, Natalia, Rodondi, Nicolas, Kaufmann, Laurent, Lorthe, Elsa, Baysson, Hélène, Stringhini, Silvia, Michel, Gisela, Lüdi, Chantal, Harju, Erika, Frank, Irene, Imboden, Medea, Witzig, Melissa, Keidel, Dirk, Probst-Hensch, Nicole, Amati, Rebecca, Albanese, Emiliano, Corna, Laurie, Crivelli, Luca, Vincentini, Julia, Gonseth Nusslé, Semira, Bochud, Murielle, D’Acremont, Valérie, Kohler, Philipp, Kahlert, Christian R., Cusini, Alexia, Frei, Anja, Puhan, Milo A., Geigges, Marco, Kaufmann, Marco, Fehr, Jan, and Cullati, Stéphane
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- 2023
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10. Phase Field Modeling of Near-Wellbore Hydraulic Fracture Nucleation and Propagation
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Cusini, Matteo, primary and Fei, Fan, additional
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- 2024
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11. Molecular epidemiology of invasive Group A streptococcal infections before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland
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Andrianaki, Angeliki M., Andreoni, Federica, Franz, Jessica, Bergada-Pijuan, Judith, Scheier, Thomas C., Duwe, Tanja, Pfister, Marc, Vostokova, Ekaterina, Seth-Smith, Helena, Roloff, Tim, Kolesnik-Goldmann, Natalia, Burkhard, Sara H., Cusini, Alexia, Karrer, Urs, Rüegg, Christian, Schibli, Adrian, Schrenzel, Jacques, Musumeci, Stefano, Kouyos, Roger D., Egli, Adrian, Brugger, Silvio D., and Zinkernagel, Annelies S.
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- 2024
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12. Non-line-of-sight snapshots and background mapping with an active corner camera
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Seidel, Sheila, Rueda-Chacón, Hoover, Cusini, Iris, Villa, Federica, Zappa, Franco, Yu, Christopher, and Goyal, Vivek K
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- 2023
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13. Changes in socioeconomic resources and mental health after the second COVID-19 wave (2020–2021): a longitudinal study in Switzerland
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Tancredi, Stefano, Ulytė, Agnė, Wagner, Cornelia, Keidel, Dirk, Witzig, Melissa, Imboden, Medea, Probst-Hensch, Nicole, Amati, Rebecca, Albanese, Emiliano, Levati, Sara, Crivelli, Luca, Kohler, Philipp, Cusini, Alexia, Kahlert, Christian, Harju, Erika, Michel, Gisela, Lüdi, Chantal, Ortega, Natalia, Baggio, Stéphanie, Chocano-Bedoya, Patricia, Rodondi, Nicolas, Ballouz, Tala, Frei, Anja, Kaufmann, Marco, Von Wyl, Viktor, Lorthe, Elsa, Baysson, Hélène, Stringhini, Silvia, Schneider, Valentine, Kaufmann, Laurent, Wieber, Frank, Volken, Thomas, Zysset, Annina, Dratva, Julia, and Cullati, Stéphane
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- 2023
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14. SARS-CoV-2 immunity and reasons for non-vaccination among healthcare workers from eastern and northern Switzerland: results from a nested multicentre cross-sectional study
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Selina Albrecht, Fabian Grässli, Alexia Cusini, Angela Brucher, Stephan Goppel, Elsbeth Betschon, J. Carsten Möller, Manuela Ortner, Markus Ruetti, Reto Stocker, Danielle Vuichard-Gysin, Ulrike Besold, Lorenz Risch, Matthias von Kietzell, Matthias Schlegel, Pietro Vernazza, Stefan P. Kuster, Christian R. Kahlert, and Philipp Kohler
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Medicine - Abstract
AIMS OF THE STUDY: We aimed to assess the extent of SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity elicited by previous infections and/or vaccination among healthcare workers, and to identify reasons why healthcare workers decided against vaccination. METHODS: This nested cross-sectional study included volunteer healthcare workers from 14 healthcare institutions in German-speaking Switzerland. In January 2021, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were available for healthcare workers. In May and June 2022, participants answered electronic questionnaires regarding baseline characteristics including SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (with one or more vaccine doses defined as vaccinated) and previous SARS-CoV-2 infections. Unvaccinated participants indicated their reasons for non-vaccination. Participants underwent testing for SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (anti-S) and anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) antibodies. Antibody prevalence was described across age groups. In addition, we performed multivariable logistic regression to identify baseline characteristics independently associated with non-vaccination and described reasons for non-vaccination. RESULTS: Among 22,438 eligible employees, 3,436 (15%) participated; the median age was 43.7 years (range 16–73), 2,794 (81.3%) were female, and 1,407 (47.7%) identified as nurses; 3,414 (99.4%) underwent serology testing, among whom 3,383 (99.0%) had detectable anti-S (3,357, 98.3%) antibodies, anti-N (2,396, 70.1%) antibodies, or both (2,370, 69.4%). A total of 296 (8.6%) healthcare workers were unvaccinated, whereas 3,140 (91.4%) were vaccinated. In multivariable analysis, age (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.02 per year, 95% CI 1.01–1.03), being a physician (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.75–5.92) or administrator (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.27–2.80), and having higher education (aOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.09–4.57) were positively associated with vaccine uptake, whereas working in non-acute care (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.34–0.97), active smoking (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.91), and taking prophylactic home remedies against SARS-CoV-2 (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.31–0.56) were negatively associated. Important reasons for non-vaccination were a belief that the vaccine might not have long-lasting immunity (267/291, 92.1%) and a preference for gaining naturally acquired instead of vaccine-induced immunity (241/289, 83.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Almost all healthcare workers in our cohort had specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from natural infection and/or from vaccination. Young healthcare workers and those working in non-acute settings were less likely to be vaccinated, whereas physicians and administrative staff showed higher vaccination uptake. Presumed ineffectiveness of the vaccine is an important reason for non-vaccination.
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- 2024
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15. Long-term trajectories of densely reported depressive symptoms during an extended period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland: Social worries matter
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N. Probst-Hensch, M. Imboden, A. Jeong, D. Keidel, T. Vermes, M. Witzig, S. Cullati, S. Tancredi, N. Noor, P.-Y. Rodondi, E. Harju, G. Michel, I. Frank, C. Kahlert, A. Cusini, N. Rodondi, P.O. Chocano-Bedoya, J.B. Bardoczi, M.J. Stuber, F. Vollrath, J. Fehr, A. Frei, M. Kaufmann, M. Geigges, V. von Wyl, M.A. Puhan, E. Albanese, L. Crivelli, and G.F. Lovison
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Mental health ,COVID-19 ,Depression ,Population-based ,Cohort ,Longitudinal ,Psychiatry ,RC435-571 - Abstract
Previous mental health trajectory studies were mostly limited to the months before access to vaccination. They are not informing on whether public mental health has adapted to the pandemic. The aim of this analysis was to 1) investigate trajectories of monthly reported depressive symptoms from July 2020 to December 2021 in Switzerland, 2) compare average growth trajectories across regions with different stringency phases, and 3) explore the relative impact of self-reported worries related to health, economic and social domains as well as socio-economic indicators on growth trajectories. As part of the population-based Corona Immunitas program of regional, but harmonized, adult cohorts studying the pandemic course and impact, participants repeatedly reported online to the DASS-21 instrument on depressive symptomatology. Trajectories of depressive symptoms were estimated using a latent growth model, specified as a generalised linear mixed model. The time effect was modelled parametrically through a polynomial allowing to estimate trajectories for participants' missing time points. In all regions level and shape of the trajectories mirrored those of the KOF Stringency-Plus Index, which quantifies regional Covid-19 policy stringency. The higher level of average depression in trajectories of those expressing specific worries was most noticeable for the social domain. Younger age, female gender, and low household income went along with higher mean depression score trajectories throughout follow-up. Interventions to promote long-term resilience are an important part of pandemic preparedness, given the observed lack of an adaptation in mental health response to the pandemic even after the availability of vaccines in this high-income context.
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- 2024
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16. A quantum-enhanced wide-field phase imager
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Camphausen, Robin, Cuevas, Álvaro, Duempelmann, Luc, Terborg, Roland A., Wajs, Ewelina, Tisa, Simone, Ruggeri, Alessandro, Cusini, Iris, Steinlechner, Fabian, and Pruneri, Valerio
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Quantum Physics ,Physics - Optics - Abstract
Quantum techniques can be used to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio in optical imaging. Leveraging the latest advances in single photon avalanche diode array cameras and multi-photon detection techniques, here we introduce a super-sensitive phase imager, which uses space-polarization hyper-entanglement to operate over a large field-of-view without the need of scanning operation. We show quantum-enhanced imaging of birefringent and non-birefringent phase samples over large areas, with sensitivity improvements over equivalent classical measurements carried out with equal number of photons. The practical applicability is demonstrated by imaging a biomedical protein microarray sample. Our quantum-enhanced phase imaging technology is inherently scalable to high resolution images, and represents an essential step towards practical quantum imaging.
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- 2021
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17. Long-term trajectories of densely reported depressive symptoms during an extended period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland: Social worries matter
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Probst-Hensch, N., Imboden, M., Jeong, A., Keidel, D., Vermes, T., Witzig, M., Cullati, S., Tancredi, S., Noor, N., Rodondi, P.-Y., Harju, E., Michel, G., Frank, I., Kahlert, C., Cusini, A., Rodondi, N., Chocano-Bedoya, P.O., Bardoczi, J.B., Stuber, M.J., Vollrath, F., Fehr, J., Frei, A., Kaufmann, M., Geigges, M., von Wyl, V., Puhan, M.A., Albanese, E., Crivelli, L., and Lovison, G.F.
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- 2024
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18. Non-line-of-sight snapshots and background mapping with an active corner camera
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Sheila Seidel, Hoover Rueda-Chacón, Iris Cusini, Federica Villa, Franco Zappa, Christopher Yu, and Vivek K Goyal
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Science - Abstract
Abstract The ability to form reconstructions beyond line-of-sight view could be transformative in a variety of fields, including search and rescue, autonomous vehicle navigation, and reconnaissance. Most existing active non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging methods use data collection steps in which a pulsed laser is directed at several points on a relay surface, one at a time. The prevailing approaches include raster scanning of a rectangular grid on a vertical wall opposite the volume of interest to generate a collection of confocal measurements. These and a recent method that uses a horizontal relay surface are inherently limited by the need for laser scanning. Methods that avoid laser scanning to operate in a snapshot mode are limited to treating the hidden scene of interest as one or two point targets. In this work, based on more complete optical response modeling yet still without multiple illumination positions, we demonstrate accurate reconstructions of foreground objects while also introducing the capability of mapping the stationary scenery behind moving objects. The ability to count, localize, and characterize the sizes of hidden objects, combined with mapping of the stationary hidden scene, could greatly improve indoor situational awareness in a variety of applications.
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- 2023
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19. Simulation of coupled multiphase flow and geomechanics in porous media with embedded discrete fractures
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Cusini, Matteo, White, Joshua A., Castelletto, Nicola, and Settgast, Randolph R.
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Mathematics - Numerical Analysis - Abstract
In fractured natural formations, the equations governing fluid flow and geomechanics are strongly coupled. Hydrodynamical properties depend on the mechanical configuration, and they are therefore difficult to accurately resolve using uncoupled methods. In recent years, significant research has focused on discretization strategies for these coupled systems, particularly in the presence of complicated fracture network geometries. In this work, we explore a finite-volume discretization for the multiphase flow equations coupled with a finite-element scheme for the mechanical equations. Fractures are treated as lower dimensional surfaces embedded in a background grid. Interactions are captured using the Embedded Discrete Fracture Model (EDFM) and the Embedded Finite Element Method (EFEM) for the flow and the mechanics, respectively. This non-conforming approach significantly alleviates meshing challenges. EDFM considers fractures as lower dimension finiten volumes which exchange fluxes with the rock matrix cells. The EFEM method provides, instead, a local enrichment of the finite-element space inside each matrix cell cut by a fracture element. Both the use of piecewise constant and piecewise linear enrichments are investigated. They are also compared to an Extended Finite Element (XFEM) approach. One key advantage of EFEM is the element-based nature of the enrichment, which reduces the geometric complexity of the implementation and leads to linear systems with advantageous properties. Synthetic numerical tests are presented to study the convergence and accuracy of the proposed method. It is also applied to a realistic scenario, involving a heterogeneous reservoir with a complex fracture distribution, to demonstrate its relevance for field applications.
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- 2020
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20. High Fidelity Modeling of WELL58-32 DFITS
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Cusini, M., primary and Fei, F., additional
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- 2023
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21. Changes in socioeconomic resources and mental health after the second COVID-19 wave (2020–2021): a longitudinal study in Switzerland
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Stefano Tancredi, Agnė Ulytė, Cornelia Wagner, Dirk Keidel, Melissa Witzig, Medea Imboden, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Rebecca Amati, Emiliano Albanese, Sara Levati, Luca Crivelli, Philipp Kohler, Alexia Cusini, Christian Kahlert, Erika Harju, Gisela Michel, Chantal Lüdi, Natalia Ortega, Stéphanie Baggio, Patricia Chocano-Bedoya, Nicolas Rodondi, Tala Ballouz, Anja Frei, Marco Kaufmann, Viktor Von Wyl, Elsa Lorthe, Hélène Baysson, Silvia Stringhini, Valentine Schneider, Laurent Kaufmann, Frank Wieber, Thomas Volken, Annina Zysset, Julia Dratva, Stéphane Cullati, and the Corona Immunitas Research Group
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COVID-19 ,Depressive symptoms ,Anxiety ,Stress ,Socioeconomic condition ,Financial resources ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background During the 2020/2021 winter, the labour market was under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in socioeconomic resources during this period could have influenced individual mental health. This association may have been mitigated or exacerbated by subjective risk perceptions, such as perceived risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 or perception of the national economic situation. Therefore, we aimed to determine if changes in financial resources and employment situation during and after the second COVID-19 wave were prospectively associated with depression, anxiety and stress, and whether perceptions of the national economic situation and of the risk of getting infected modified this association. Methods One thousand seven hundred fifty nine participants from a nation-wide population-based eCohort in Switzerland were followed between November 2020 and September 2021. Financial resources and employment status were assessed twice (Nov2020–Mar2021, May–Jul 2021). Mental health was assessed after the second measurement of financial resources and employment status, using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). We modelled DASS-21 scores with linear regression, adjusting for demographics, health status, social relationships and changes in workload, and tested interactions with subjective risk perceptions. Results We observed scores above thresholds for normal levels for 16% (95%CI = 15–18) of participants for depression, 8% (95%CI = 7–10) for anxiety, and 10% (95%CI = 9–12) for stress. Compared to continuously comfortable or sufficient financial resources, continuously precarious or insufficient resources were associated with worse scores for all outcomes. Increased financial resources were associated with higher anxiety. In the working-age group, shifting from full to part-time employment was associated with higher stress and anxiety. Perceiving the Swiss economic situation as worrisome was associated with higher anxiety in participants who lost financial resources or had continuously precarious or insufficient resources. Conclusion This study confirms the association of economic stressors and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the exacerbating role of subjective risk perception on this association.
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- 2023
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22. Spatially Resolved Event-Driven 24 × 24 Pixels SPAD Imager With 100% Duty Cycle for Low Optical Power Quantum Entanglement Detection.
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Fabio Severini, Iris Cusini, Francesca Madonini, Davide Brescia, Robin Camphausen, álvaro Cuevas, Simone Tisa, and Federica A. Villa
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- 2023
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23. Simulation of Chilled-water Injection at EGS Collab Testbed 2 using the GEOS simulation framework
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Cusini, M, primary, Fei, F, additional, and Morris, J, additional
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- 2023
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24. Closing the loop between in-situ stress complexity and EGS fracture complexity
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Cusini, Matteo, primary and Bunger, Andrew, additional
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- 2023
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25. Three-wavelength SPAD-based photoplethysmography.
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Iris Cusini, Riccardo Rinaldi, Paolo Castiglioni, Andrea Faini, and Federica A. Villa
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- 2022
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26. Multi-wavelength SPAD photoplethysmography for cardio-respiratory monitoring
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Iris Cusini, Riccardo Rinaldi, Paolo Castiglioni, Andrea Faini, and Federica Villa
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SPAD ,photoplethysmography ,PPG ,heart rate ,oxygen saturation ,Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
There is a growing interest in photoplethysmography (PPG) for the continuous monitoring of cardio-respiratory signals by portable instrumentation aimed at the early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. In this context, it is conceivable that PPG sensors working at different wavelengths simultaneously can optimize the identification of apneas and the quantification of the associated heart-rate changes or other parameters that depend on the PPG shape (e.g., systematic vascular resistance and pressure), when evaluating the severity of breathing disorders during sleep and in general for health monitoring. Therefore, the objective of this work is to present a novel pulse oximeter that provides synchronous data logging related to three light wavelengths (green, red, and infrared) in transmission mode to optimize both heart rate measurements and a reliable and continuous assessment of oxygen saturation. The transmission mode is considered more robust over motion artifacts than reflection mode, but current pulse oximeters cannot employ green light in transmission mode due to the high absorbance of body tissues at this wavelength. For this reason, our device is based on a Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) with very short deadtime (less than 1 ns) to have, at the same time, the single photon sensitivity and high-count rate that allows acquiring all the wavelengths of interest on the same site and in transmission mode. Previous studies have shown that SPAD cameras can be used for measuring the heart rate through remote PPG, but oxygen saturation and heart-rate measures through contact SPAD-based PPG sensors have never been addressed so far. The results of the preliminary validation on six healthy volunteers reflect the expected physiological phenomena, providing rms errors in the Inter Beat Interval estimation smaller than 70 ms (with green light) and a maximum error in the oxygen saturation smaller than 1% during the apneas. Our prototype demonstrates the reliability of SPAD-based devices for continuous long-term monitoring of cardio-respiratory variables as an alternative to photodiodes especially when minimal area and optical power are required.
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- 2023
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27. Is living in a household with children associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in adults? Results from the Swiss national seroprevalence study Corona Immunitas
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Jacob Blankenberger, Marco Kaufmann, Emiliano Albanese, Rebecca Amati, Daniela Anker, Anne-Linda Camerini, Patricia Chocano-Bedoya, Stéphane Cullati, Alexia Cusini, Jan Fehr, Erika Harju, Philipp Kohler, Susi Kriemler, Gisela Michel, Nicolas Rodondi, Pierre-Yves Rodondi, Alexandre Speierer, Stefano Tancredi, Milo A. Puhan, Christian R. Kahlert, and on behalf of the Corona Immunitas Research Group
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SARS-CoV-2 ,Serology ,COVID-19 ,Children ,Household ,Antibody ,Medicine - Abstract
Abstract Background We aimed to determine whether living in a household with children is associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in adults and investigated interacting factors that may influence this association. Methods SARS-CoV-2 serology testing was performed in randomly selected individuals from the general population between end of October 2020 and February 2021 in 11 cantons in Switzerland. Data on sociodemographic and household characteristics, employment status, and health-related history was collected using questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of living with children
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- 2022
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28. Multi-Channel FPGA Time-to-Digital Converter With 10 ps Bin and 40 ps FWHM.
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Davide Portaluppi, Klaus Pasquinelli, Iris Cusini, and Franco Zappa
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- 2022
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29. Fast Skin Segmentation on Low-Resolution Grayscale Images for Remote PhotoPlethysmoGraphy.
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Marco Paracchini, Marco Marcon, Federica A. Villa, Iris Cusini, and Stefano Tubaro
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- 2022
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30. Is living in a household with children associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in adults? Results from the Swiss national seroprevalence study Corona Immunitas
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Blankenberger, Jacob, Kaufmann, Marco, Albanese, Emiliano, Amati, Rebecca, Anker, Daniela, Camerini, Anne-Linda, Chocano-Bedoya, Patricia, Cullati, Stéphane, Cusini, Alexia, Fehr, Jan, Harju, Erika, Kohler, Philipp, Kriemler, Susi, Michel, Gisela, Rodondi, Nicolas, Rodondi, Pierre-Yves, Speierer, Alexandre, Tancredi, Stefano, Puhan, Milo A., and Kahlert, Christian R.
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- 2022
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31. Healthcare institutions’ recommendation regarding the use of FFP-2 masks and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare workers: a multicenter longitudinal cohort study
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Szajek, Katarzyna, Fleisch, Felix, Hutter, Sandra, Risch, Martin, Bechmann, Theresa, Luyckx, Valerie A., Güsewell, Sabine, Hirzel, Cédric, Cusini, Alexia, and Group, AMICO Study
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- 2022
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32. Thyroid Dysfunction and Metabolism: Diagnosis and Follow-Up
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Luzi, Livio, Massarini, Stefano, Terruzzi, Ileana, Ferrulli, Anna, Cusini, Claudio, and Luzi, Livio, editor
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- 2021
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33. Clinical Cases
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Cusini, Claudio and Luzi, Livio, editor
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- 2021
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34. Healthcare institutions’ recommendation regarding the use of FFP-2 masks and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare workers: a multicenter longitudinal cohort study
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Katarzyna Szajek, Felix Fleisch, Sandra Hutter, Martin Risch, Theresa Bechmann, Valerie A. Luyckx, Sabine Güsewell, Cédric Hirzel, Alexia Cusini, and AMICO Study Group
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SARS-CoV-2 ,Healthcare workers ,Seroconversion ,FFP-2 and surgical masks ,Mask policy ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background Health care workers (HCW) are heavily exposed to SARS-CoV-2 from the beginning of the pandemic. We aimed to analyze risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among HCW with a special emphasis on the respective healthcare institutions’ recommendation regarding the use of FFP-2 masks. Methods We recruited HCW from 13 health care institutions (HCI) with different mask policies (type IIR surgical face masks vs. FFP-2 masks) in Southeastern Switzerland (canton of Grisons). Sera of participants were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 6 months apart, after the first and during the second pandemic wave using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA, Roche Diagnostics). We captured risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection by using an online questionnaire at both time points. The effects of individual COVID-19 exposure, regional incidence and FFP-2 mask policy on the probability of seroconversion were evaluated with univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 99 of 2794 (3.5%) HCW at baseline and in 376 of 2315 (16.2%) participants 6 months later. In multivariable analyses the strongest association for seroconversion was exposure to a household member with known COVID-19 (aOR: 19.82, 95% CI 8.11–48.43, p
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- 2022
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35. Dermal Amyloid Deposits: A Possible Misleading Pathologic Finding
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Serena Giacalone, Carlo Alberto Maronese, Giovanni Genovese, Marco Cusini, and Angelo Valerio Marzano
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amyloid deposits ,drug eruption ,systemic amyloidosis ,cutaneos involvement ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 - Published
- 2023
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36. Post-surgical Persistent Hyperparathyroidism Successfully Treated with Parathyroid Radiofrequency Ablation: A Case Report
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Di Marco, Francesco, primary, Cusini, Claudio, additional, Ferrulli, Anna, additional, Mauri, Giovanni, additional, and Luzi, Livio, additional
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- 2024
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37. Gonococcal conjunctivitis: a severe extragenital manifestation of Neisseria gonorrheae
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DI MICHELE, Eleonora, primary, GIACALONE, Serena, additional, SILVIO, Martina, additional, MORINI, Nicole, additional, RAMONI, Stefano, additional, CUSINI, Marco, additional, and MARZANO, Angelo V., additional
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- 2024
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38. The Syphilis After the Year 2000
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Cusini, Marco, Ramoni, Stefano, Cristaudo, Antonio, editor, and Giuliani, Massimo, editor
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- 2020
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39. Change in newly diagnosed Graves’ disease phenotype between the twentieth and the twenty-first centuries: meta-analysis and meta-regression
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Ippolito, S., Cusini, C., Lasalvia, P., Gianfagna, F., Veronesi, G., Gallo, D., Masiello, E., Premoli, P., Sabatino, J., Mercuriali, A., Lai, A., Piantanida, E., Tanda, M. L., and Bartalena, L.
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- 2021
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40. High-throughput nanopore sequencing of Treponema pallidum tandem repeat genes arp and tp0470 reveals clade-specific patterns and recapitulates global whole genome phylogeny
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Nicole A. P. Lieberman, Thaddeus D. Armstrong, Benjamin Chung, Daniel Pfalmer, Christopher M. Hennelly, Austin Haynes, Emily Romeis, Qian-Qiu Wang, Rui-Li Zhang, Cai-Xia Kou, Giulia Ciccarese, Ivano Dal Conte, Marco Cusini, Francesco Drago, Shu-ichi Nakayama, Kenichi Lee, Makoto Ohnishi, Kelika A. Konda, Silver K. Vargas, Maria Eguiluz, Carlos F. Caceres, Jeffrey D. Klausner, Oriol Mitja, Anne Rompalo, Fiona Mulcahy, Edward W. Hook, Irving F. Hoffman, Mitch M. Matoga, Heping Zheng, Bin Yang, Eduardo Lopez-Medina, Lady G. Ramirez, Justin D. Radolf, Kelly L. Hawley, Juan C. Salazar, Sheila A. Lukehart, Arlene C. Seña, Jonathan B. Parr, Lorenzo Giacani, and Alexander L. Greninger
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Treponema pallidum ,syphilis ,nanopore ,genomics ,AlphaFold ,trRosetta ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Sequencing of most Treponema pallidum genomes excludes repeat regions in tp0470 and the tp0433 gene, encoding the acidic repeat protein (arp). As a first step to understanding the evolution and function of these genes and the proteins they encode, we developed a protocol to nanopore sequence tp0470 and arp genes from 212 clinical samples collected from ten countries on six continents. Both tp0470 and arp repeat structures recapitulate the whole genome phylogeny, with subclade-specific patterns emerging. The number of tp0470 repeats is on average appears to be higher in Nichols-like clade strains than in SS14-like clade strains. Consistent with previous studies, we found that 14-repeat arp sequences predominate across both major clades, but the combination and order of repeat type varies among subclades, with many arp sequence variants limited to a single subclade. Although strains that were closely related by whole genome sequencing frequently had the same arp repeat length, this was not always the case. Structural modeling of TP0470 suggested that the eight residue repeats form an extended α-helix, predicted to be periplasmic. Modeling of the ARP revealed a C-terminal sporulation-related repeat (SPOR) domain, predicted to bind denuded peptidoglycan, with repeat regions possibly incorporated into a highly charged β-sheet. Outside of the repeats, all TP0470 and ARP amino acid sequences were identical. Together, our data, along with functional considerations, suggests that both TP0470 and ARP proteins may be involved in T. pallidum cell envelope remodeling and homeostasis, with their highly plastic repeat regions playing as-yet-undetermined roles.
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- 2022
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41. A Case of Possible Loiasis Contracted in Cameroon and Diagnosed in Milan, Italy, and Review of Cases Published in Dermatological Journals
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Luisa Lunardon, Maurizio Romagnuolo, Marco Cusini, and Stefano Veraldi
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loa loa ,loiasis ,calabar swellings ,diethylcarbamazine ,ivermectin ,albendazole ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 - Abstract
Loiasis is an infestation of the skin and eyes caused by the nematode Loa loa. We report a case of loiasis in a woman who contracted the infestation in Cameroon. The clinical picture was characterized by Calabar swellings on the upper limbs and axillary lymphadenopathy. Laboratory tests revealed persistent leucocytosis with neutropenia, lymphopenia, and eosinophilia. The search for microfilariae was always negative. The patient was successfully treated with ivermectin and albendazole. Follow-up (5 years) was negative for both clinical manifestations and laboratory tests.
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- 2021
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42. Historical Perspectives, State of Art and Research Trends of SPAD Arrays and Their Applications (Part II: SPAD Arrays)
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Iris Cusini, Davide Berretta, Enrico Conca, Alfonso Incoronato, Francesca Madonini, Arianna Adelaide Maurina, Chiara Nonne, Simone Riccardo, and Federica Villa
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single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) ,quenching circuits ,SPAD arrays ,single photon counting (SPC) ,time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) ,Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
The ability to detect single photons is becoming an enabling key capability in an increasing number of fields. Indeed, its scope is not limited to applications that specifically rely on single photons, such as quantum imaging, but extends to applications where a low signal is overwhelmed by background light, such as laser ranging, or in which faint excitation light is required not to damage the sample or harm the patient. In the last decades, SPADs gained popularity with respect to other single-photon detectors thanks to their small size, possibility to be integrated in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor processes, room temperature operability, low power supply and, above all, the possibility to be fast gated (to time filter the incoming signal) and to precisely timestamp the detected photons. The development of large digital arrays that integrates the detectors and circuits has allowed the implementation of complex functionality on-chip, tailoring the detectors to suit the need of specific applications. This review proposes a complete overview of silicon SPADs characteristics and applications. In the previous Part I, starting with the working principle, simulation models and required frontend, the paper moves to the most common parameters adopted in literature for characterizing SPAD performance and describes single pixels applications and their performance. In this Part II, the focus is posed on the development of SPAD arrays, presenting some of the most notable examples found in literature. The actual exploitation of these designs in real applications (e.g., automotive, bioimaging and radiation detectors) is then discussed.
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- 2022
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43. Pityriasis rosea and pityriasis rosea-like eruption after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: a report of five cases and review of the literature
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Stefano Veraldi, Vinicio Boneschi, Marco Cusini, and Carlo Alberto Maronese
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Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ,AZD1222 ,BNT162b2 ,mRNA-1273 ,Pityriasis rosea ,Pityriasis rosea-like eruption ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 - Abstract
Only some cases of pityriasis rosea (PR)/pityriasis rosea-like eruption (PRLE) after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been reported. In the period May 2021 - February 2022 we observed five cases of clinically typical PR that appeared 2 to 3 weeks after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with BNT162b2 (3 patients) or mRNA-1273 (2 patients). In four patients PR appeared after the first vaccination; in one patient after the second one. In three patients a biopsy for histopathological examinations was carried out. Results were typical for PR. In all patients laboratory examinations were within normal ranges. All patients were treated with cetirizine. Complete remission was observed within 14-30 days. Four patients were subjected to the second vaccination, but no skin lesions appeared. All patients are currently in good general health. It is possible that a relationship anti-Sars-CoV-2 vaccination−PR/PRLE exists; however, it is very rare, in consideration of millions of vaccinated subjects and the low number of reported cases of PR/PRLE. The pathogenesis of this relationship is unknown. However, some hypotheses may be advanced: PR/PRLE following anti-Sars-CoV-2 vaccination may be just a coincidence; anti-Sars-CoV-2 vaccines cause a reactivation of HHV-6 and/or HHV-7; vaccines can induce a delayed hypersensitivity response clinically similar to drug-induced PRLE.
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- 2022
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44. Historical Perspectives, State of art and Research Trends of Single Photon Avalanche Diodes and Their Applications (Part 1: Single Pixels)
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Iris Cusini, Davide Berretta, Enrico Conca, Alfonso Incoronato, Francesca Madonini, Arianna Adelaide Maurina, Chiara Nonne, Simone Riccardo, and Federica Villa
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single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) ,quenching circuits ,SPAD arrays ,single photon counting (SPC) ,time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) ,Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
The ability to detect single photons is becoming an enabling key capability in an increasing number of fields. Indeed, its scope is not limited to applications that specifically rely on single photons, such as quantum imaging, but extends to applications where a low signal is overwhelmed by background light, such as laser ranging, or in which faint excitation light is required not to damage the sample or harm the patient. In the last decades, SPADs gained popularity with respect to other single-photon detectors thanks to their small size, possibility to be integrated in Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor processes, room temperature operability, low power supply and, above all, the possibility to be fast gated (to time filter the incoming signal) and to precisely timestamp the detected photons. The development of large digital arrays that integrates the detectors and circuits has allowed the implementation of complex functionality on-chip, tailoring the detectors to suit the need of specific applications. This review proposes a complete overview of silicon SPADs characteristics and applications. In this Part I, starting with the working principle, simulation models and required frontend, the paper moves to the most common parameters adopted in literature for characterizing SPADs, and describes single pixels applications and their performance. In the next Part II, the focus is then posed on the development of SPAD arrays, presenting some of the most notable examples found in literature. The actual exploitation of these designs in real applications (e.g., automotive, bioimaging and radiation detectors) is then discussed.
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- 2022
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45. Widespread Papules in a 70-year-old Man: A Quiz
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Italo F. Aromolo, Carlo A. Maronese, Giovanni Genovese, Marco Cusini, and Angelo V. Marzano
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papules ,mastocytosis ,lichen ,syringoma ,Dermatology ,RL1-803 - Abstract
Abstract is missing (Quiz)
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- 2022
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46. SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccination is Not Associated With Involuntary Childlessness in Female Healthcare Workers: A Multicenter Cohort Study.
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Dörr, Tamara, Güsewell, Sabine, Cusini, Alexia, Brucher, Angela, Goppel, Stephan, Grässli, Fabian, Betschon, Elsbeth, Möller, J. Carsten, Ortner, Manuela, Ruetti, Markus, Stocker, Reto, Vuichard‐Gysin, Danielle, Besold, Ulrike, Risch, Lorenz, von Kietzell, Matthias, Schlegel, Matthias, Kuster, Stefan P., Kahlert, Christian R., and Kohler, Philipp
- Subjects
MEDICAL personnel ,SARS-CoV-2 ,VACCINE hesitancy ,INFERTILITY ,VACCINATION ,COHORT analysis - Abstract
Background: There is debate about the causes of the recent birth rate decline in high‐income countries worldwide. During the pandemic, concern about the effects on reproductive health has caused vaccine hesitancy. We investigated the association of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and infection with involuntary childlessness. Methods: Females in fertility age within a prospective multicenter cohort of healthcare workers (HCW) were followed since August 2020. Data on baseline health, SARS‐CoV‐2‐infection, and vaccination were obtained and regularly updated, in which serum samples were collected repetitively and screened for anti‐nucleocapsid and anti‐spike antibodies. In October 2023, participants indicated the presence of involuntary childlessness with onset during the pandemic, whereas those indicating an onset before the pandemic were excluded. The association of involuntary childlessness and SARS‐CoV‐2‐vaccination and infection was investigated using univariable and multivariable analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to compare those reporting involuntary childlessness with those birthing a child since 2020. Results: Of 798 participants, 26 (3.2%) reported involuntary childlessness starting since the pandemic. Of the involuntary childless women, 73.1% (19/26) were vaccinated compared to 86.0% (664/772) without involuntary childlessness (p = 0.73). SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was reported by 76.9% (20/26) compared to 72.4% (559/772) of controls (p = 0.64). Neither SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination (aOR 0.91 per dose, 95%CI 0.67–1.26) nor infection (aOR per infection 1.05, 95%CI 0.62–1.71) was associated with involuntary childlessness. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. Conclusions: Among female HCW of fertility age, 3.2% indicated involuntary childlessness, which is comparable to pre‐pandemic data. No association between involuntary childlessness and SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination or infection was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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47. Granulomatous interstitial nephritis in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection
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Katarzyna Szajek, Marie-Elisabeth Kajdi, Valerie A. Luyckx, Thomas Hans Fehr, Ariana Gaspert, Alexia Cusini, Karin Hohloch, and Philipp Grosse
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COVID-19 ,Acute kidney injury ,Hemolysis ,Granulomatous interstitial nephritis ,Corticosteroids ,Case report ,Diseases of the genitourinary system. Urology ,RC870-923 - Abstract
Abstract Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with severe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is common and is a significant predictor of morbidity and mortality, especially when dialysis is required. Case reports and autopsy series have revealed that most patients with COVID-19 – associated acute kidney injury have evidence of acute tubular injury and necrosis - not unexpected in critically ill patients. Others have been found to have collapsing glomerulopathy, thrombotic microangiopathy and diverse underlying kidney diseases. A primary kidney pathology related to COVID-19 has not yet emerged. Thus far direct infection of the kidney, or its impact on clinical disease remains controversial. The management of AKI is currently supportive. Case Presentation The patient presented here was positive for SARS-CoV-2, had severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure. Within days of admission to the intensive care unit he developed oliguric acute kidney failure requiring dialysis. Acute kidney injury developed in the setting of hemodynamic instability, sepsis and a maculopapular rash. Over the ensuing days the patient also developed transfusion-requiring severe hemolysis which was Coombs negative. Schistocytes were present on the peripheral smear. Given the broad differential diagnoses for acute kidney injury, a kidney biopsy was performed and revealed granulomatous tubulo-interstitial nephritis with some acute tubular injury. Based on the biopsy findings, a decision was taken to adjust medications and initiate corticosteroids for presumed medication-induced interstitial nephritis, hemolysis and maculo-papular rash. The kidney function and hemolysis improved over the subsequent days and the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility, no-longer required dialysis. Conclusions Acute kidney injury in patients with severe COVID-19 may have multiple causes. We present the first case of granulomatous interstitial nephritis in a patient with COVID-19. Drug-reactions may be more frequent than currently recognized in COVID-19 and are potentially reversible. The kidney biopsy findings in this case led to a change in therapy, which was associated with subsequent patient improvement. Kidney biopsy may therefore have significant value in pulling together a clinical diagnosis, and may impact outcome if a treatable cause is identified.
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- 2021
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48. Efficacy and safety of prolonged-release hyaluronic acid derivative vaginal application in the postpartum period: a prospective randomised clinical trial
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Claudio Gustavino, Paolo Sala, Nadia Cusini, Brunella Gravina, Cecilia Ronzini, Diletta Marcolin, Valerio Gaetano Vellone, Michele Paudice, Rossella Nappi, Sergio Costantini, Simone Ferrero, and Fabio Barra
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Prolonged-release hyaluronic acid derivative vaginal gel ,hydeal-D ,sexual function ,postnatal depression ,vaginal maturation index ,vaginal dryness ,Medicine - Abstract
AbstractIntroduction In puerperium, the hypoestrogenic state induced by delivery and subsequently sustained by lactation may lead to vaginal dryness, burning, and itching sensation, contributing to the onset of sexual dysfunction.Material and methods This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label study (NCT04560283) for evaluating the effects of application of a prolonged-release hyaluronic acid derivative vaginal gel in restoring sexual function during the postpartum period. Eighty-five patients were randomized to apply prolonged-release Hydeal-D 0.2% vaginal gel (Fidia Farmaceutici, Abano Terme, Italy; n = 43) every three days for 12 consecutive weeks or expectant management (n = 42).Results Women undergoing treatment had a more elevate increase in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) total score (+15.1 ± 11.9 vs +6.5 ± 8.9, p < 0.001) and a higher decrease in vaginal pH (−1.2 ± 0.7 vs −0.2 ± 1.1; p < 0.001). Moreover, the proportion of vaginal smears with maturation index (VMI) >65 was significantly higher in patients treated (80.6% vs 35.3%; p = 0.004). Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) decreased significantly in both groups with no inter-group difference (p = 0.459). Only two cases (4.8%) of moderate vaginal burning sensation were reported in patients undergoing local vaginal therapy.Conclusions The results of our study demonstrated that hyaluronic acid derivative vaginal gel (Hydeal-D) was able to improve sexual function of puerperal women in the short-term treatment.KEY MESSAGEIn the puerperium, the hypoestrogenic state induced by delivery and subsequently sustained by lactation may lead to vaginal dryness, burning, and itching sensation, contributing to the onset of sexual dysfunction.Hydeal-D is a prolonged-release hyaluronic acid derivative characterised by elevated resistance to enzymatic breakdown. During puerperium, its local application may improve the vaginal microenvironment by ensuring a better migration and proliferation of cells involved in local tissue repair.Among puerperal women, Hydeal-D vaginal gel causes a significant improvement of sexual function, including desire, arousal, and lubrification, compared to expectant management. Furthermore, it leads to a decrease in vaginal pH and an increase of the trophic status of vaginal epithelium.
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- 2021
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49. Non-Line-of-Sight Tracking and Mapping with an Active Corner Camera.
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Sheila W. Seidel, Hoover Rueda-Chacon, Iris Cusini, Federica A. Villa, Franco Zappa, Christopher C. Yu, and Vivek K. Goyal
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- 2022
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50. A Multi-Resolution Approach to Hydraulic Fracture Simulation.
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Andre Costa, Matteo Cusini, Tao Jin, Randolph R. Settgast, and John Dolbow
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- 2022
- Full Text
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