bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alu-Mediated MEN1 Gene Deletion and Loss of Heterozygosity in a Patient with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1
Authors: Yoshiji Satoshi , Iwasaki Yorihiro , Iwasaki Kanako , Honjo Sachiko , Hirano Koichi , Ono Katsuhiko , Yamazaki Yuto , Sasano Hironobu , Hamasaki Akihiro
Published: May 2020

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations of the tumor suppressor gene MEN1. Most of the germline MEN1 gene mutations have been small mutations, and the whole gene deletion is rarely observed. In the present study, we revealed Alu retrotransposon-mediated de novo germline deletion of the whole MEN1 gene and somatic copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in a patient with MEN1. The patient is a 39-year-old woman who was referred to our department for the management of prolactinoma. She was also diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism and suspected of MEN1. Although nucleotide sequencing did not detect any MEN1 gene mutations, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) revealed a large germline deletion of the MEN1 gene. Subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)–based copy number mapping showed a monoallelic loss of approximately 18.5-kilobase region containing the whole MEN1 gene. Intriguingly, the 2 breakpoints were flanked by Alu repetitive elements, suggesting the contribution of Alu/Alu-mediated rearrangements (AAMR) to the whole MEN1 gene deletion. Furthermore, copy number mapping using MLPA and qPCR in combination with single nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed copy-neutral LOH as a somatic event for parathyroid tumorigenesis. In conclusion, copy number mapping revealed a novel combination of Alu/Alu-mediated de novo germline deletion of the MEN1 gene and somatic copy-neutral LOH as a cytogenetic basis for the MEN1 pathogenesis. Moreover, subsequent in silico analysis highlighted the possible predisposition of the MEN1 gene to Alu retrotransposon-mediated genomic deletion.
Treatment and Survival of Elderly Patients with Stage I–II Pancreatic Cancer: A Report of the EURECCA Pancreas Consortium
Authors:   on behalf of the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group, Groen Jesse V. , Douwes Tom A. , van Eycken Elizabeth , van der Geest Lydia G. M. , Johannesen Tom B. , Besselink Marc G. , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Wilmink Johanna W. , Bonsing Bert A. , Portielje Johanna E. A. , van de Velde Cornelus J. H. , Bastiaannet Esther , Mieog J. Sven D.
Published: May 2020

Background

Elderly patients with pancreatic cancer are underrepresented in clinical trials, resulting in a lack of evidence.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare treatment and overall survival (OS) of patients aged ≥ 70 years with stage I–II pancreatic cancer in the EURECCA Pancreas Consortium.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of the Belgian (BE), Dutch (NL), and Norwegian (NOR) cancer registries. The primary outcome was OS, while secondary outcomes were resection, 90-day mortality after resection, and (neo)adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy.

Results

In total, 3624 patients were included. Resection (BE: 50.2%; NL: 36.2%; NOR: 41.3%; p < 0.001), use of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy (BE: 55.9%; NL: 41.9%; NOR: 13.8%; p < 0.001), palliative chemotherapy (BE: 39.5%; NL: 6.0%; NOR: 15.7%; p < 0.001), and 90-day mortality differed (BE: 11.7%; NL: 8.0%; NOR: 5.2%; p < 0.001). Furthermore, median OS in patients with (BE: 17.4; NL: 15.9; NOR: 25.4 months; p < 0.001) and without resection (BE: 7.0; NL: 3.9; NOR: 6.5 months; p < 0.001) also differed.

Conclusions

Differences were observed in treatment and OS in patients aged ≥ 70 years with stage I–II pancreatic cancer, between the population-based cancer registries. Future studies should focus on selection criteria for (non)surgical treatment in older patients so that clinicians can tailor treatment.
Novel Coronavirus Disease: A delicate balancing act between health and the economy
Authors: Moti Ukertor Gabriel , Goon Daniel Ter
Published: May 2020

The emergence of the deadly novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has resuscitated global attention on the state of health governance and well-being of citizens. Worldwide, countries are in dire dilemma of safeguarding the health of their citizens and equally salvaging economy, arising from the social distancing and lockdown strategies, which affects negatively the economic activities. This paper examines the intricate balance between health and the economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the policy options needed to assist countries to implement strategies to protect the health of their citizens and promote economic recovery in this unprecedented global crisis situation. There is need for a coordinated public-private sector partnership in the recovery plan of each country, taking into account their contextual and country specific health system and economy, but not discarding the universal application thereof. Global, regional, national geo-political and public health collaboration is needed to save the world from COVID-19 catastrophic consequences.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2751

How to cite this:Moti UG, Goon DT. Novel Coronavirus Disease: A delicate balancing act between health and the economy. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S134-S137. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2751

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Perceptions of students regarding E-learning during Covid-19 at a private medical college
Authors: Abbasi Sahar , Ayoob Tahera , Malik Abdul , Memon Shabnam Iqbal
Published: May 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of students towards e-learning during the lock down.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry. MBBS and BDS students of all levels participated in the study with a sample size calculated as 377. A self-administered questionnaire was developed. After validation from the Medical Education Experts, pilot test was run on 30 participants before the administration of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to the participants for data collection. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined. Independent T-test was applied for determining the perceptions of students towards e-learning. Frequencies and percentages were also computed for demographics.

Results: Total 382 responses were received.137 males and 245 females participated in the study. 0.851 was calculated as Cronbach’s alpha of the questionnaire. Overall, 77% students have negative perceptions towards e-learning. 76% of the students use mobile device for their e-learning.

Conclusion: Students did not prefer e-teaching over face-to-face teaching during the lock down situation. Administration and faculty members should take necessary measures for improving e-teaching for better learning during lock down.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2766

How to cite this:Abbasi S, Ayoob T, Malik A, Memon SI. Perceptions of students regarding E-learning during Covid-19 at a private medical college. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S57-S61. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2766

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
How Nutrition can help to fight against COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aman Faseeha , Masood Sadia
Published: May 2020

Currently Covid-19 pandemic is a leading challenge across the globe. It is mandatory to attain and maintain good nutritional status to fight against virus. Nutritional status of individual is affected by several factors such as age, sex, health status, life style and medications. Nutritional status of individuals has been used as resilience towards destabilization during this COVID-19 pandemic. Optimal nutrition and dietary nutrient intake impact the immune system, therefore the only sustainable way to survive in current context is to strengthen the immune system. There is no evidence found that supplement can cure the immune system except Vit C, which is one of the best way to improve immune system. A proper diet can ensure that the body is in proper state to defeat the virus. However along with the dietary management guidelines the food safety management and good food practices is compulsory. This article explores the importance of nutrition to boost immunity and gives some professional and authentic dietary guidelines about nutrition and food safety to withstand COVID-19.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2776

How to cite this:Aman F, Masood S. How Nutrition can help to fight against COVID-19 Pandemic. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S121-S123. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2776

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Chest X-rays findings in COVID 19 patients at a University Teaching Hospital - A descriptive study
Authors: Durrani Misbah , Haq Inam ul , Kalsoom Ume , Yousaf Anum
Published: May 2020

Objective: To analyze Chest X-ray findings in COVID 19 positive patients, presented at corona filtration center, Benazir Bhutto Hospital Rawalpindi, based on CXR classification of British Society of Thoracic Imaging (BSTI).

Methods: In this study, all RT-PCR COVID-19 positive patients screened at corona filtration center, Benazir Bhutto hospital Rawalpindi from 20th March 2020 to 10th April 2020 were included. Mean age of the cohort with age range was calculated. Presenting complaints & Co-morbid were analyzed and tabulated in frequencies and percentages. Portable CXR findings were classified according to BSTI classification and documented in frequencies and percentages.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 44 years. Presenting complaints were cough 20 (67%), fever 18 (60%), shortness of breath 11 (37%), sore throat six (20%), loss of sense of taste and smell four(13%). Main co-morbid was hypertension six (20%). Two (7%) patients had normal and seven (23%) had classical COVID CXRs. 21 (70%) patients were in indeterminate group with only one (3%) having unilateral lung disease. Three (10%) patients had diffuse lung involvement and 18(60%) had peripheral lung involvement. Majority of patients 19 (63%), had bilateral middle and lower zonal involvement.

Conclusions: In this study, COVID-19 CXRs generally manifested a spectrum of pure ground glass, mixed ground glass opacities to consolidation in bilateral peripheral middle and lower lung zones. BSTI CXR reporting classification of COVID-19 is valid in our patients with addition of middle zonal involvement in classical COVID-19 criteria as opposed to just lower zone involvement.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2778

How to cite this:Durrani M, Inam-ul-Haq, Kalsoom U, Yousaf A. Chest X-rays findings in COVID 19 patients at a University Teaching Hospital - A descriptive study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S22-S26. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2778

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Beyond transmission: Dire need for integration of nutrition interventions in COVID-19 pandemic-response strategies in Developing Countries like Pakistan
Authors: Hakeem Rubina , Sheikh Muhammad Adil
Published: May 2020

Synergistic associations between infection and nutrition are well known. Impact of nutrition interventions on the outcomes have been scientifically assessed and reported. The role of nutrition in limiting the infection related morbidity and mortality does not appear to be a debatable question but nutrition interventions do not appear to be an essential part of current COVID-19 management strategies. Given the nature of pandemic and lack of organism-specific evidence, variability in nutrition interventions and lack of nutrition interventions is not unexpected. However, delay in realization of the crucial need of nutrition interventions to limit the immediate and long term outcomes at personal and community level may aggravate health related issues that can have long term impact on quality of life and economy. Due to existing undernutrition and lack of nutrition related awareness and competence, need for timely and appropriate interventions is much more critical for developing countries. This manuscript highlights the need and feasibility of various nutrition interventions to assure optimum quality of life during and after COVID-19 pandemic. Available evidence provides enough guidance for nutrition interventions that are safe and promise to accrue various degrees of benefits with almost no likelihood of harm. Nutrition interventions suggested by author are: 1) population level efforts for promoting better use of existing resources; 2) quicker augmentation of nutrition status of high risk people and non-hospitalized cases by use of supplement and individualized guidance and 3) nutritional support of sever case by timely and adequate enteral and parenteral feeding.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2784

How to cite this:Hakeem R, Sheikh MA. Beyond transmission: Dire need for integration of nutrition interventions in COVID-19 pandemic-response strategies in Developing Countries like Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S85-S89. doi: https://doi.org/ 10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2784

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Risk Assessment of Healthcare Workers at the Frontline against COVID-19
Authors: Ali Saqib , Noreen Sara , Farooq Imran , Bugshan Amr , Vohra Fahim
Published: May 2020

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the frontline of treating patients infected with COVID-19. However, data related to its infection rate among HCWs are limited. The aim was to present evidence associated with the number of HCWs being infected with COVID-19 from most viral affected countries (Italy, China, United States, Spain, and France). Furthermore, we looked into the reasons for HCWs COVID 19 infections and strategies to overcome this problem. Early available evidence suggested that HCWs are being increasingly infected with the novel infection ranging from 15% to 18% and in some cases up to 20% of the infected population. Major factors for infection among HCWs include lack of understanding of the disease, inadequate use and availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), uncertain diagnostic criteria, unavailability of diagnostic tests and psychological stress. Therefore the protection of HCWs by authorities should be prioritized through education and training, the readiness of staff, incentives, availability of PPEs, and psychological support.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2790

How to cite this:Ali S, Noreen S, Farooq I, Bugshan A, Vohra F. Risk Assessment of Healthcare Workers at the Frontline against COVID-19. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S99-S103. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2790

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Inter-hospital communication and transfer practices during COVID-19 Pandemic in Karachi, Pakistan. A brief overview
Authors: Salman Saima , Saleem Syed Ghazanfar , Khatri Adeel , Jamal Imran , Maroof Quratulain , Alam Ashar
Published: May 2020

Objective: To discuss the referral mechanisms established for safe and expeditious inter-facility transfer of COVID 19 positive patients to ensure their referrals through establishing proper communication channels.

Methods: Mobile phone and WhatsApp based groups, administrated by The Indus Hospital were established in April 2020. Through detailed reports and frequent communication, factors like bed and ventilator availability across these facilities are shared. Weekly reports through zoom meetings updating the key stake holders, discussion of problems faced and planning for the week ahead are also done.

Result: The establishment of these groups has been successful in ensuring referral to and from The Indus Hospital to various healthcare facilities across Karachi using appropriate ambulance services.

Conclusion: The development of referral mechanisms is the need of the day that has been highlighted through the COVID 19 pandemic. It is our hope that these mechanisms are sustained after the pandemic and result in improvement in patient outcome through proper referrals.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2803

How to cite this: Salman S, Saleem SG, Khatri A, Jamal I, Maroof Q, Alam A. Inter-hospital communication and transfer practices during COVID-19 Pandemic in Karachi, Pakistan. A brief overview. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):COVID19-S118-S120. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2803

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
ALGUNS APONTAMENTOS PARA UMA CRÍTICA DA EaD NA EDUCAÇÃO BRASILEIRA EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA
Authors: De França Filho Astrogildo Luiz , Da França Antunes Charlles , Campos Couto Marcos Antonio
Published: May 2020

Em meio a atual crise do sistema capitalista, agora agravada pela crise sanitária mundial trazida à tona pela pandemia do Covid-19, um dos impactos gerados no âmbito educacional é o aumento vertiginoso da pressão no setor público e privado pela implantação da EaD em praticamente todos os níveis da educação básica e superior. O objetivo deste texto é apresentar um quadro básico que articule três elementos fundamentais deste processo. A forma com que o Estado Brasileiro vem organizando seu Sistema Nacional de Educação, a articulação desse Estado com o setor empresarial da educação privada e, ao final, alguns elementos que permitam situar a crítica a esta modalidade da educação como ponto de partida para pensar uma educação realmente necessária.
ECG of the month
Authors: Regan Martin
Published: May 2020

In this issue's ECG of the month, Martin Regan presents the case of a 64-year-old woman with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Examination of mares and fillies for breeding purposes
Authors: Crabtree James R. , Pycock Jonathan
Published: May 2020

This article provides an overview of the examination of mares and fillies for breeding purposes, with a suggested protocol for examination including: identification and history taking; physical examination; and screening for infectious reproductive diseases, potentially heritable defects and genetic diseases. Examination of the female reproductive tract is discussed based on its anatomical elements, along with guidance on assessment, indications for further investigations and conditions which may affect the future fertility of the individual. An in-depth evaluation of vulval conformation is described and quantitative assessment is illustrated using the ‘Caslick's index’. The limitations of the examination are described, along with guidance on certification of the examination findings.
Diagnosis and management of traumatic equine fractures
Authors: Findley Judith
Published: May 2020

For the most part equine fractures can be divided into those of traumatic origin and those caused by repetitive stress. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of the more commonly encountered traumatic fractures.
The Collagen Family: Biosynthesis and Degradation - Oral Pathologies Induced by Genes Mutations
Authors: Goldberg Michel
Published: May 2020

Mutations, deletion, insertions, and DNA splicing are involved in many pathologies of the oral sphere. Type I collagen is the major structural protein of bone and dentin. The genetic disease affects more than 1 in 10,000 individuals, and is characterized by fragile bones, skeletal deformities, frequent bone fractures, or even prenatal death. In addition to osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI), collagen mutations produce Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and Alport, Marfan, and Good pasture syndromes. The different forms of the collagen super family include the fibril-forming collagens, collagen forming a network (basement membrane), membrane collagen, and anchoring fibrils. This family of molecules comprises 28 members. For type I collagen collagen is formed by a-chains, cross banded at regular intervals of 67nm. Synthetized as procollagen (with a N- and C-propeptide), the terminal extensions are cleaved by zinc-dependent endopeptidases. Hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine and glycine, are present at every third position. Epidermolysis bullosa are due to collagen gene mutations, or either to the gene coding for cellular cytokeratins (type K5 and/or K14). Mutations are reaching the extra cellular anchoring filaments of the basement membrane (involved in junctional EB),or mutations of the collagen located in the papillary and reticular layers (dystrophic EB - DEB). Osteogenesis imperfecta and some other bone pathologies are detectable in the oral cavity. Mutations od collagens, such as oral submucous fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, kidney and squamous cell carcinoma, are the consequences of genetic diseases involved directly in several areas of the body, or interfering indirectly with the tissues if the oral cavity. Some drugs improve the symptoms of the diseases.
Attention to Prescriptive Norms Increases Dictator Game Generosity in Women but not Men: Using the 2D:4D Digit Ratio to Test the Role of Biology
Authors: Senci Carlos Maximiliano , Breccia Fermín , Freidin Esteban
Published: May 2020

Some authors propose that gender norms pose divergent effects on generosity, usually being women the gender expected to be kinder. Indeed, some economic experiments show women to be more generous than men in the Dictator Game (DG). Despite some claiming these results to be determined by socialization into gender norms, data do not speak against a biological explanation of sex differences. In fact, there is evidence that DG generosity varies with the level of pre-natal exposure to testosterone and estrogens, as indirectly measured using participants´ 2D:4D digit ratios. In any case, it is unclear whether DG generosity expresses pure altruism or compliance with social norms. Socialization and biological factors may have diverse effects on these two different motivations. In the present study, we aimed at contributing to this discussion. We randomly assigned participants to two independent conditions. In the prescriptive norm condition, participants were incentivized to accurately estimate others´ opinion about the most socially appropriate option in the DG (i.e., the prescriptive norm), and then made their decisions as dictators. Participants in the control conditions made their decisions as dictators without any prior estimation. We found that the normative exercise increased generosity (relative to the control condition) in women but not in men. In a sub-sample, we also measured participants´ 2D:4D digit ratios as a proxy of a socialization-free sex-dimorphic hormonal influence on behavior. We found no evidence that the normative effect of the estimation exercise was modulated by participants´ digit ratios. In contrast, generosity in the control condition was higher, the more extreme (highest and lowest) the digit ratios were. We conclude in favor of: 1) a socialization-modulated gender effect on responses to prescriptive norms of generosity; and 2) a biological effect of pre-natal hormonal levels on generosity when the norm was not elicited; in this last case, the relationship between pre-natal testosterone and empathic concern might be involved.
The limits of localism: a decade of disaster on homelessness in England
Authors: Fitzpatrick Suzanne , Pawson Hal , Watts Beth
Published: May 2020

The rhetoric and practice of localism has attracted significant support within both political and academic circles in the UK in recent years. However, it is the contention of this article that there are, or should be, limits to localism as applied to the basic citizenship rights of vulnerable people. Drawing on a ten-year, mixed-methods study, we use the example of sharply rising homelessness in England to illustrate our argument that localist policymaking has an intrinsic tendency to disadvantage socially marginalised groups. While we acknowledge the central role played by austerity in driving up homelessness over the past decade, we advance the case that the post-2010 localist agenda of successive UK governments has also had an independent and malign effect. At the very least, we seek to demonstrate that localism cannot be viewed as a taken-for-granted progressive model, with centralism (that is, the consistent implementation of a policy across a whole country) also perfectly defensible on progressive grounds in relevant circumstances.
Stepped frequency comb generation based on electro-optic phase-code mode-locking for moderate-speed circular-ranging OCT
Authors: Kim Tae Shik , Vakoc Benjamin J.
Published: May 2020

Circular-ranging (CR) optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses frequency comb sources to improve long-range imaging. While the initial development of CR-OCT focused on extremely high-speed imaging (i.e., operation at A-line rates of several to tens of MHz), there are many applications and imaging strategies for which more moderate speeds are preferred. However, we lack suitable frequency comb sources to enable moderate speed CR-OCT imaging. Here, we describe a novel phase-code mode-locking (PCML) laser architecture that can be operated from the kilohertz to megahertz range, while also offering novel features such as dynamic re-configurability and simplified linear-in-time frequency stepping. We demonstrate a prototype CR-OCT system with a PCML laser and present imaging results at A-line rates from 176 kHz to 3.52 MHz with coherence-length limited imaging depths as high as 170 mm.
Spatio-temporal filtering in laser Doppler holography for retinal blood flow imaging
Authors: Puyo Léo , Paques Michel , Atlan Michael
Published: May 2020

Laser Doppler holography (LDH) is a full-field interferometric imaging technique recently applied in ophthalmology to measure blood flow, a parameter of high clinical interest. From the temporal fluctuations of digital holograms acquired at ultrafast frame rates, LDH reveals retinal and choroidal blood flow with a few milliseconds of temporal resolution. However, LDH experiences difficulties to detect slower blood flow as it requires to work with low Doppler frequency shifts which are corrupted by eye motion. We here demonstrate the use of a spatio-temporal decomposition adapted from Doppler ultrasound that provides a basis appropriate to the discrimination of blood flow from eye motion. A singular value decomposition (SVD) can be used as a simple, robust, and efficient way to separate the Doppler fluctuations of blood flow from those of strong spatial coherence such as eye motion. We show that the SVD outperforms the conventional Fourier based filter to reveal slower blood flow, and dramatically improves the ability of LDH to reveal vessels of smaller size or with a pathologically reduced blood flow.
Tamm plasmons in metal/nanoporous GaN distributed Bragg reflector cavities for active and passive optoelectronics
Authors: Lheureux G. , Monavarian M. , Anderson R. , Decrescent R. A. , Bellessa J. , Symonds C. , Schuller J. A. , Speck J. S. , Nakamura S. , DenBaars S. P.
Published: May 2020

We theoretically and experimentally investigate Tamm plasmon (TP) modes in a metal/semiconductor distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) interface. A thin Ag (silver) layer with a thickness (55 nm from simulation) that is optimized to guarantee a low reflectivity at the resonance was deposited on nanoporous GaN DBRs fabricated using electrochemical (EC) etching on freestanding semipolar (20

21
¯

) GaN substrates. The reflectivity spectra of the DBRs are compared before and after the Ag deposition and with that of a blanket Ag layer deposited on GaN. The experimental results indicate the presence of a TP mode at ∼ 454 nm on the structure after the Ag deposition, which is also supported by theoretical calculations using a transfer-matrix algorithm. The results from mode dispersion with energy-momentum reflectance spectroscopy measurements also support the presence of a TP mode at the metal-nanoporous GaN DBR interface. An active medium can also be accommodated within the mode for optoelectronics and photonics. Moreover, the simulation results predict a sensitivity of the TP mode wavelength to the ambient (∼ 4-7 nm shift when changing the ambient within the pores from air with n = 1 to isopropanol n = 1.3), suggesting an application of the nanoporous GaN-based TP structure for optical sensing.
Motion-free TSOM using a deformable mirror
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , You Byeong Geon , Park Shin-Woong , Kim Hwi
Published: May 2020

Through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) is a model-based optical metrology method that involves the scanning of a target through the focus of an optical microscope. Unlike a conventional optical microscope that directly extracts the diffraction-limited optical information from a single in-focus image, the TSOM method extracts nanometer scale sensitive information by matching the target TSOM data/image to reference TSOM data/images that are either experimentally or computationally collected. Therefore, the sensitivity and accuracy of the TSOM method strongly depends on the similarities between the conditions in which the target and reference TSOM images are taken or simulated, especially the lateral instability during through-focus scanning. As a remedy to the lateral instability, we proposed the application of adaptive optics to the through-focus scanning operation and initially developed a closed-loop system with a tip/tilt mirror and a Shack-Hartmann sensor, with which we were able to keep the plane position within peak-to-valley (PV) 33 nm. We then further developed a motion-free TSOM tool reducing the instability down to practically zero by the replacement of the tip/tilt mirror with a deformable mirror that performs through-focus scanning by deforming its mirror surface. The motion-free TSOM tool with a × 50 (NA 0.55) objective lens could provide a scanning range of up to ± 25 µm with a minimum step of 25 nm at a maximum update rate of 4 kHz. The tool was demonstrated to have a recognition accuracy of < 4 nm for critical dimension (CD) values in the range of 60 ∼ 120 nm with a reference TSOM image library generated by a Fourier modal method matching various observations conditions.
Enhanced toroidal localized spoof surface plasmons in homolateral double-split ring resonators
Authors: Sun Bo , Yu Yingying , Yang Wenxing
Published: May 2020

In this paper, toroidal localized spoof surface plasmons (LSSPs) based on homolateral double-split ring resonators is proposed and experimentally demonstrated at microwave frequencies. By introducing a new split in the conventional single-split ring resonator, the magnetic field in resonator is locally modified. The double-split ring resonator can create the mixed coupling in the structure, leading to the enhancement of magnetic field. Both numerical simulations and experiments are in good agreement. Compared with traditional toroidal LSSPs based on the single-split ring resonators, the imperfection of toroidal LSSPs is resolved, the intensity of toroidal resonance and the figure of merit (FoM) are significantly enhanced. To understand and clarify the enhanced magnetic field phenomena, we analyze the role of the double-split ring resonator. The effect of location of source and spacing between two splits on the resonance intensity are also discussed. A higher intensity of toroidal LSSPs resonance could be achieved by changing the spacing between two splits. Additionally, it is experimentally demonstrated that the enhanced toroidal LSSPs resonance is sensitivity to the background medium. The results of our research provide a new idea for exciting the enhanced toroidal dipole.
Broadband spatio-temporal propagation characteristics of Airy plasmons
Authors: Singh Amit V. , Falkner Matthias , Steinert Michael , Kaiser Thomas , Isić Goran , Pertsch Thomas
Published: May 2020

We experimentally investigate the propagation of Airy surface plasmon polaritons (Airy SPPs) on a gold film by multiphoton Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) at different excitation wavelengths and compare the result with rigorous numerical simulations. The typical bent trajectories of the excited two-dimensional beams are observed and analyzed over a wide range of wavelengths. We furthermore investigate the generation bandwidth of the diffraction grating from modal overlap calculations and evaluate the possibility of creating ultrashort Airy plasmon pulses. This provides a viable route to engineer two-dimensional ultrashort non-diffracting pulsed beams in the field of ultrafast nanophotonics.
Precarious camera gazes and their articulated mode of operation in horror mockumentaries
Authors: Formenti Cristina
Published: May 2020

The article focuses on the peculiar employment that in horror mockumentaries is made of the precarious and limited gazes of one or more intra-diegetic cameras, in order to illustrate how, aside from carrying out a veridictive function, these aesthetics simultaneously fulfil various other tasks. In particular, it is shown that, on the one hand, they also operate as a narrative device in support of horror cinema’s traditional modes of storytelling, illustrating how they are used to place us in an ideal fruition situation, to foreground our primal fear of the unknown in a powerful way, and to indicate us when the lives of the protagonists are at risk. On the other hand, always through them is carried out mockumentary’s typical critique to the theories and practices of the documentary film.
Philosophy’s dark heir: On Nick Land’s abstract horror fiction
Authors: Le Vincent
Published: May 2020

Nick Land is a British philosopher who developed a compelling transcendental materialist critique of anthropocentric philosophies throughout the 1990s before leaving academia at the turn of the century and moving to Shanghai. While he is now best known for his controversial pro-capitalist political writings, he has also recently developed a theory of what he calls ‘abstract horror fiction’, as well as applied it in practice by writing two abstract horror novellas. Although one might think that Land’s horror fiction, like his recent far-right politics, marks a new and independent body of work from his earlier academic writings as a philosopher, this article argues that Land turns to writing horror fiction, because he sees the genre as a better compositional form than traditional philosophy to continue his critique of anthropomorphism insofar as it is able to stage a confrontation with that which lies beyond all parochial human comprehension. I begin by outlining Land’s earlier critique of anthropocentric philosophies with recourse to the brute fact of humanity’s inexorable extinction as a way to undermine their attempts to project human values and concepts onto an inhuman cosmos for all time. I then examine Land’s theory of abstract horror to see how he envisions horror fiction as the best aesthetic means for transcendentally channeling the traumatic limits of human experience. I conclude with an analysis of Land’s two horror novellas, Phyl-Undhu and Chasm, to draw out the ways in which his earlier critical philosophy continues to inform their literary motifs. What ultimately emerges from this analysis of Land’s fiction is a conception of horror as the dark heir to critical philosophy.
Daemons in the pocket: Contract, commodities and witchcraft in Massachusetts Bay
Authors: Green Ian
Published: May 2020

New England in 1692 was a community grappling with the cosmic meaning of capitalism in an age during which the market came to define life in the Atlantic world. Binding contracts, mobile capital and commodity exchange offered both philosophical proof and significant peril for a community rooted in a firm belief in the sacredness of contract covenants and in the reality of spectral forces intervening into the material world. As a result, the legal documents produced during the bloody witchcraft crisis that swept Massachusetts in those terrible years articulate a widespread anxiety about the potentially accursed nature of commodities that travel through and index social connections, the morally ambiguous incursions of invisible economic forces into everyday life, the compelling experience of contracts given divine or diabolical aegis and the cultural syncretism of a constellated culture bound together through market interrelations. As tales of witchcraft have taken root firmly as American narrative touchstones, those anxieties have remained central to representations of the witch trials in popular imagination. The novels, plays and films that return to the crisis’ collection of legal documents, economic contracts and oral performances, position contested issues of obliterative commodification, troubled economic social contact and cultural and racial insecurity at the heart of American folklore. This reading re-centres both primary sources and subsequent popular depictions of the witch crisis around the stories told through contracts and around the commodities and commodity exchanges that remained persistent features of Massachusetts Bay’s imbricated modes of storytelling. It reads these documents as evidence for the emergence of Atlantic market capitalism as a cosmic force, an obscure but interventionist God made powerful through market logic, and it argues that this force continues to define America’s central bloody myth of self.
‘Tell me, what are you becoming?’ Hannibal and the inescapable presence of the grotesque
Authors: García Alberto N.
Published: May 2020

Aesthetics philosopher Noël Carroll affirms that grotesque forms ‘are all violations of our standing categories or concepts; they are subversions of our common expectations of the natural and ontological order’. In breaking structural boundaries, consequently, the grotesque appears as deformations, aberrations, exaggerations, metamorphosis or startling portmanteaus. Given both its nightmarish texture and the evil ingenuity of Dr Lecter’s murders,Hannibal(NBC, 2013–15) ploughs fertile ground in putting together conceptually distant and even contradictory elements. Hence, this article explores how the aesthetic and philosophical principles of the grotesque are a pervasive presence throughout the entireHannibalTV series, defining its style, characters’ personality and metaphorical themes. Putting art theory in dialogue with theHannibaltelevised text, this article demonstrates how the grotesque – one of the key concepts in Gothic horror – permeates every level of the show, from the opening credits to the protagonist’s inner transformation, converting the narrative into a comprehensive and cohesive liminal artistic ecosystem.
‘Something to be haunted by’: Adaptive monsters and regional mythologies in ‘The Forbidden’ and Candyman
Authors: Ochonicky Adam
Published: May 2020

Since Bernard Rose’s Candyman (1992) was first released more than 25 years ago, there has been a great deal of scholarly commentary on the film’s treatment of class, race, gender and urban legends. To a lesser degree, Clive Barker’s short story, ‘The Forbidden’ (1986), has received some critical attention largely because of its status as the source material for the film’s general premise and now-iconic central monster. This article expands on such existent scholarship by analysing regional mythologies and the cross-cultural adaptation of place-specific monsters within and across both texts. To develop these primary arguments, this article extracts a theory of adaptation and location from Neil Gaiman’s novel, American Gods ([2001] 2011), and applies that theory to the acts of adaptation pervading ‘The Forbidden’ and Candyman. In complementary ways, all three of these texts explicitly reflect on the complexities of adapting monsters to precise locales. Notably, both American Gods and Candyman take place in the American Midwest; this regional setting greatly impacts the conceptualization of each narrative’s supernatural beings (Gaiman’s cohort of gods and the Candyman, respectively). Within popular culture, the Midwest is regularly depicted as both a site of nostalgic memory and a cultural space defined by the willful forgetting or elision of history. This article asserts the importance of recognizing the Midwest as a recurrent staging ground for horror narratives, particularly those featuring monsters who embody forgotten, misremembered, suppressed or denied pieces of history. Further, by examining such regional dynamics in American Gods and Candyman, this article develops the concept of ‘adaptive monsters’, which describes horrific beings who assume symbolic attributes of the historical, cultural and/or spatial environments into which they are adapted. Overall, through analyses of ‘The Forbidden’, Candyman and American Gods, this article demonstrates how regional mythologies (especially those of the Midwest) shape the adaptation of monstrous beings in horror narratives and across textual forms.
John Kramer for President: The rise of authoritarian horror
Authors: Goodall Reece
Published: May 2020

In 2016, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States of America, to great surprise. His election has been connected to the emergence of authoritarianism as a political force in America, as political scholars have argued Trump’s campaign success lay in how his rhetoric is authoritarian in nature, and how it activates an authoritarian tendency in a sizeable portion of the voter base in response to social and demographic changes within the country. This article argues that contemporary horror cinema reflects and responds to the rise of American authoritarianism. Building on the work of scholars of authoritarianism, this article outlines a number of characteristics of authoritarian horror films. Specifically, it analyses the case study of Jigsaw to argue that two understandings are possible, linked to the coding of both the authoritarianism associated with the villain and the social threats they react to as troubling. It then draws on a number of further examples (Unfriended, Don’t Hang Up and the Purge films) to suggest that the emergence of this tendency within horror cinema is reflective of an increasingly polarized population and that, although the films explicitly condemn authoritarianism through their villain characters, they simultaneously cater to both halves of this divide by also depicting the world in which these authoritarians rise as horrific.
Celery (Apium graveolens) as a potential antibacterial agent and its effect on cytokeratin-17 and other healing promoters in skin wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Prakoso Yos Adi , Rini Chylen Setiyo , Rahayu Asih , Sigit Miarsono , Widhowati Dyah
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem caused by extensive utilization of antibiotics that promote gene resistant among bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to analyze the potential effects of celery (Apium graveolens) extract as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and Methods: Celery was extracted and tested against a MRSA isolate in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against MRSA for the celery extract (CE) was determined to be 0.1% and it was formulated into a cream. A total of 30 female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Group 1, negative control; Group 2, positive control; Group 3, treated with 0.05% CE cream; Group 4, 0.1% CE cream; and Group 5, 0.2% CE cream. All animals in the groups were exposed to a full-thickness skin biopsy on the dorsal portion, and they were infected with 30 μL of 105 colony-forming units of the MRSA isolate. The treatment was administered twice a day for 7 days. The skin samples were collected on days 3 and 7 after the treatment. The skin tissue was examined histologically using hematoxylin and eosin, Gram staining, and immunohistochemistry against cytokeratin (CK)-17.

Results: Results showed that 0.2% of CE cream was the best treatment for wounds infected with MRSA. CE (0.2%) cream increased skin reepithelialization, fibroblast proliferation, and CK-17 expression; it also decreased the percentage of wound area, inflammatory cell infiltration, and bacterial colonization in skin wound tissue compared to the other treatments (p≤0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that celery could be utilized as an alternative herbal therapy against MRSA-associated skin infections.