bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P-49 Unexpected spontaneous evolution of a symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst
Authors: Elfekih Hamza , Gorchane Asma , Ach Taieb , Bnina Molka Ben , Abdessalem Fatma Ben , Ach Koussay , Maaroufi Amel , Abdelkrim Asma Ben , Chaieb Molka
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are relatively rare sellar and suprasellar lesions that arise from remnants of Rathke's pouch, an embryonic precursor to the anterior pituitary gland. These cysts are often found incidentally during neuroimaging studies for unrelated issues. Despite their non-neoplastic nature, RCCs can lead to a spectrum of clinical manifestations due to their potential to compress surrounding structures, including the pituitary gland, optic chiasm, and adjacent neurovascular structures. However, the majority of Rathke's cysts will remain asymptomatic and typically do not necessitate any medical intervention. Instances of spontaneous regression of these cysts are infrequent, and cases of regression occurring after a recurrence are exceptionally rare.

Clinical Case

The patient is a 57-year-old individual with a medical history of well-controlled type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Additionally, the patient had a history of right ocular trauma in 1989 resulting in a decrease of visual acuity.

The patient presented with persistent chronic headaches, leading to the detection of a Rathke's cleft cyst as revealed by a pituitary MRI showing a cystic structure measuring 15×11 mm in the sellar region. The cyst displayed a predominant left-sided lateralization and was characterized by T1 hypointensity as well as T2 hyperintensity. No enhancement was observed on post-gadolinium contrast injection. The cyst exerted a mass effect on the optic chiasm. Hypophyseal axis assessment revealed intact function. Notably, the patient exhibited significant visual field impairment in the right eye, marked by loss of the superior, nasal, and inferior fields, while the right visual field remained unaffected. The patient was managed conservatively based on the rationale that the visual disturbances were attributed to the ocular trauma and not linked to the RCC. Follow-up hypothalamo-hypophysial MRI conducted in April 2023 demonstrated complete spontaneous regression of the Rathke's cleft cyst, with an improvement of his chronic headache.

Conclusion

The natural history of RCCs is multifaceted leading to heterogenous outcomes ranging from volume progression with hormonal deficiencies and/or visual disturbances to stability over time to even spontaneous involution. The precise mechanism underlying the latter remains unclear. One possible explanation could involve disruptions in the equilibrium between the secretion and absorption of the cystic fluid, or even the potential occurrence of cyst rupture.

The potential for involution or stability of the cyst is influenced by the cyst size. The likelihood of spontaneous involution advocates for a conservative strategy in cases of symptomatic RCCs where headaches are the sole presenting symptom.
P-68 Misdiagnosed calcitonin negative Medullary thyroid carcinoma as Hurthle cell thyroid adenoma with fine needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: Mucha Argjent , Stojkoska Ivana Mladenovska , Limani Valbon , Stefanoska Marija Toshevska , Amzai Gazmend , Bogatinoska Milena Srbinoska , Prosheva Tatjana Bajraktarova
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Medullary carcinoma is a rare thyroid carcinoma, that originates from the malignant proliferation of parafollicular C cells. Medullary thyroid cancer produces calcitonin, and elevated calcitonin level is an essential feature of this tumor, so, most of them are associated with high levels of calcitonin. Calcitonin-negative medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland is an extremely rare entity and poorly understood primary neuroendocrine carcinoma that is characterized by classic medullary carcinoma of the thyroid morphology without raised serum calcitonin levels. Fine needle biopsy (FNAB) is a diagnostic test done in people with suspected thyroid cancer and it is very important for timely diagnosis and treatment of medullar thyroid cancer, especially when calcitonin levels are in normal range.

Clinical Case

A 35-year-old woman visited an endocrinologist due to swelling on the left side of the neck. Thyroid ultrasound showed hypoechogenic, heterogenous nodule in the left lobe with dimensions 29×28×35 mm and calcifications. Laboratory tests were normal: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) 3,0 mlU/ml; free T4 14,3 pmol/l; anti –thyroid peroxidase antibody (ATPO) 20IU/ml; human thyroglobulin 35IU/ml; calcitonin <2 pg/ml; carcinoembryonic acid (CEA) 0.742ng/ml. The FNAB were performed, with cytological finding for classification group I. Four months after the first biopsy, the FNAB was repeated and Hürthle cells were found, with pronounced degenerative changes as well as pronounced cytological atypia, cytological findings correspond to classification group III. Computed tomography of the neck was performed preoperatively and it showed hypodense nodule (slightly smaller than 4 cm) with numerous calcifications, and no significantly enlarged lymph nodes. Left lobectomy was performed with histopathological findings for Medullary thyroid carcinoma. Immunohistochemical tumor cells were positive for chromogranin A, CD56, focally for thyroglobulin and CK 19, and negative for S-100 and NSE. RET gene mutation analysis was performed and it was negative. Additional diagnostic tests were performed for MEN2A and MEN 2B and they were excluded. Postoperative levels of calcitonin and CEA were in normal range.

Conclusion

Normal calcitonin levels do not exclude medullar carcinoma. Follow-up and monitoring of the patients with thyroid nodules is very important for timely diagnososis and treatment of medullar carcinoma.
P-71 Track recurrence of follicular thyroid carcinoma after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach
Authors: Oh Moon Young , Chai Young Jun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

While track recurrence of thyroid cancer following endoscopic and robotic transaxillary surgeries has been reported previously, no such cases have been reported for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA).

Clinical Case

This case report describes the first documented case of recurrence of thyroid cancer along the surgical track after TOETVA. The patient underwent TOETVA to perform a right thyroidectomy for a 4 cm follicular thyroid carcinoma that was initially diagnosed as a benign follicular nodule on preoperative gun biopsy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography conducted 27 months after surgery revealed suspected track recurrence. A re-operation was done in two stages to perform a completion thyroidectomy, bilateral central lymph node dissection, and excision of recurrent nodules, which were pathologically confirmed as metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma. The patient underwent two treatments of radioactive iodine therapy for remnant thyroid tissues, and post-therapeutic whole-body scintigraphy showed no iodine uptake after the second treatment. Follow-up computed tomography conducted one year after re-operation showed no recurrences. Careful monitoring after TOETVA is essential due to the rare but potential risk of track recurrence. Surgeons should be aware of this atypical complication and be prepared to recommend surgical and/or medical strategies to manage any local seeding of thyroid tissue that may occur.Figure 1.Track recurrence after TOETVA
Overnight 1-mg DST Serum Cortisol in Various Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease—Normative Data and Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Garg Robin , Memon Saba Samad , Lila Anurag , Sarathi Vijaya , Patil Priyanka , Jamale Tukaram , Bose Sreyashi , Karlekar Manjiri , Patil Virendra , Shah Nalini , Bandgar Tushar
Published: January 2024

Context

Data on the overnight 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test (ONDST) in renal dysfunction are limited.

Objective

We aim to determine the normative range of ONDST cortisol across chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages and reasons for its alteration.

Methods

Prospectively, 180 CKD (30 each in G2-G5/5D) patients and 30 healthy controls underwent ONDST 8 Am serum cortisol (chemiluminescent immunoassay [CLIA]). In an exploratory cohort, 45 (15 each: G3b/G4, G5/G5D, and healthy controls) individuals’ blood biochemistry for basal (8 Am) cortisol and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), post-ONDST 8 Am dexamethasone, ACTH, cortisol (CLIA and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry), and 4 Pm cortisol was collected.

Results

Post-ONDST cortisol (µg/dL) correlated inversely (r = 0.47; P < .005) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (mL/min/1.73 m2), with 95th percentile being 1.2 in controls, 3.0 in G2, 3.2 in G3a, 4.3 in G3b, 4.7 in G4, 5.7 in G5, and 7.1 in G5D. In the exploratory cohort, basal 8 Am cortisol and ACTH, and post-ONDST dexamethasone were similar among controls and CKD subgroups. ONDST ACTH (for evaluating the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis) was slightly higher in G5/5D vs controls (8.9 vs 6.1 pg/mL), while it was similar in G3b/G4 vs controls. Median 8 Am ONDST cortisol was similar on CLIA and LC-MS/MS in controls and higher on CLIA in G3b/4 (1.7 vs 1.1 µg/dL; P = .012) and G5/5D (2.4 vs 1.7 µg/dL; P = .002) than LC-MS/MS. Post-ONDST serum cortisol drop from 8 Am to 4 Pm was significant in controls (0.5-<0.2 µg/dL) and G3b/4 (1.7-1.2 µg/dL), but not in G5/5D (2.4-2.2 µg/dL).

Conclusion

The normative data of ONDST serum cortisol with eGFR-based cutoffs are useful in evaluating Cushing syndrome in CKD. Prolonged cortisol half-life and immunoassay-related assay cross-reaction are likely contributors to higher ONDST cortisol.
Διερεύνηση ανοσολογικών δεικτών στην ψωριασική αρθρίτιδα
Authors: Πατρικίου Ελένη
Published: January 2024

Υφιστάμενη Γνώση: Η ψωρίαση και η ψωριασική αρθρίτιδα (ΨΑ), γνωστές αθροιστικά ως ψωριασική νόσος, είναι ανοσοεπαγόμενες φλεγμονώδεις παθήσεις που συχνά εμφανίζουν αντι-πυρηνικά αντισώματα (ΑΝΑ) με δυσδιάκριτους αντιγονικούς στόχους και χωρίς προφανή υποκείμενο μηχανισμό που να εξηγεί την επαγωγή τους. Σκοπός: Κύριος σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης ήταν να μελετήσει λεπτομερώς την συχνότητα εμφάνισης των ΑΝΑ και την κλινική τους σημασία αλλά κυρίως να εξακριβώσει αν τα αυτοαντισώματα αυτά στοχεύουν 23 γνωστά πυρηνικά αντιγόνα. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψιν μελέτες ότι παθογόνα όπως το ελικοβακτηρίδιο του πυλωρού (Helicobacter pylori, Hp) μπορεί να επάγει την παραγωγή των ΑΝΑ και ότι το συγκεκριμένο παθογόνο συσχετίζεται με την ενεργότητα της νόσου στην ψωρίαση, μελετήσαμε επίσης τις αντιγονοειδικές αποκρίσεις σε ΑΝΑ θετικούς και ΑΝΑ αρνητικούς ασθενείς με ψωρίαση και ΨΑ. Επίσης μελετήθηκαν κυτταρικές ανοσιακές αποκρίσεις σε αντιπροσωπευτικό αριθμό ασθενών για να μελετηθεί η επίδραση βιολογικής της θεραπείας και συγκεκριμένα της σεκουκινουμάμπης στην ανάπτυξη αντιγονοειδικών ΑΝΑ. Μέθοδοι και υλικό: Ανάλογα με τους κύριο και δευτερογενείς σκοπούς της μελέτης χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ως και 203 ασθενείς με ψωριασική νόσο συμπεριλαμβανομένων 89 ασθενών με ΨΑ και 114 ασθενών με ψωρίαση. Η μελέτη των αυτοαντισωμάτων έγινε με συμβατικό έμμεσο ανοσοφθορισμό και γραμμική ανοσοαποτύπωση. Η μελέτη αντισωμάτων κατά κύριων και δευτερευόντων αντιγόνων του Hp έγινε με western blot.T και Β φαινοτυπικοί υποπληθυσμοί μελετήθηκαν με κυτταρομετρία ροής και σχετικά συζευγμένα αντισώματα χρησιμοποιώντας απομονωμένα μονοκύτταρα περιφερικού αίματος ασθενών. Αποτελέσματα: Επιβεβαιώνουμε την παρουσία ΑΝΑ σε ασθενείς με ψωριασική νόσο, τόσο μετά όσο και πριν τις βιολογικές θεραπείες. και αποδείξαμε ότι ένα σημαντικό ποσοστό των οροθετικών περιπτώσεων ΑΝΑ στοχεύει το DFS70 αλλά ένα σημαντικό ποσοστό ANA θετικών δειγμάτων δεν αναγνώρισε κανένα από τα 23 πυρηνικά αντιγόνα που ελέγχθηκαν. Σε ασθενείς που έλαβαν σεκουκινουμάμπη, τα αντιγονοειδικά αντισώματα εξαλείφθηκαν ή μειώθηκαν σημαντικά και η σεκουκινουμάμπη μείωσε μεταξύ άλλων τους πλασμοβλάστες και τα follicular Β κύτταρα. Δεν βρέθηκε καμία άλλη σημαίνουσα κλινική συσχέτιση. Επίσης δεν βρέθηκε καμία σημαντική συσχέτιση μεταξύ αντισωμάτων σε συγκεκριμένα αντιγόνα του Hp και της οροθετικότητας ANA. Τέλος, τα ποσοστά αποκρίσεων στα περισσότερα Hp αντιγόνα στην ΨΑ και στην ψωρίαση δεν διέφεραν σε σύγκριση με τους υγιείς. Συμπεράσματα: Τα ΑΝΑ είναι συχνά στην ψωριασική νόσο, και σε ένα ποσοστό στρέφονται κατά του DFS70. Η σεκουκινουμάμπη σχετίζεται με μείωση των ΑΝΑ και των πλασμαβλαστών. Το ελικοβακτηρίδιο του πυλωρού δεν φαίνεται να επάγει την εμφάνισή τους ούτε να συσχετίζεται με τη ψωριασική νόσο.
Bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells conditioned medium prevents TMT-induced neurotoxicity mediated by the upregulation of brain-derived neurotropic factors on the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Saragih Golda Rani , Winarsih Sugi , Wihadmadyatami Hevi , Kusindarta Dwi Liliek
Published: January 2024

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by damage to the central nervous system through the progressive decrease in the structure and function of neurons, followed by neuronal death. Current therapy for these diseases is still limited. Bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells conditioned medium (BUVEC-CM) is a medium harvested from culture of bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells (BUVEC). This study aimed to evaluate the capability of BUVEC-CM to prevent neurotoxicity induced by trimethyltin (TMT) on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

Methods: The tests carried out were a viability test with MTT and CCK-8 assay, scratch wound assay to determine cell migration, Hoechst 33342 and AO/PI staining to detect apoptosis, ELISA test to measure the concentration of BDNF, and RT-qPCR to determine the expression of CD68, caspase-7 and caspase-9, and DCFH-DA staining to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Results: BUVEC-CM maintained the viability of cells, increase cell migration, prevent cell apoptosis, increase BDNF levels, decrease the expression of CD68, as well as the caspase-7 and -9 genes, and suppress ROS generation.

Conclusions: BUVEC-CM can protect from neurodegeneration in SH-SY5Y cells through upregulation of BDNF and downregulation of CD68, caspase-7 and caspase-9.
Load-induced blood marker kinetics in patients with medial knee compartment osteoarthritis are associated with accumulated load and patient reported outcome measures
Authors: Mündermann Annegret , Nüesch Corina , Herger Simon , Liphardt Anna-Maria , Chammartin Frédérique , De Pieri Enrico , Egloff Christian
Published: January 2024

Background This study aimed to quantify the mechanoresponse of 10 blood marker candidates for joint metabolism to a walking stress test in patients with knee osteoarthritis and to determine the association among marker kinetics and with accumulated load and patient reported outcomes. Methods 24 patients with knee osteoarthritis completed questionnaires, and a 30-minute walking stress test with six blood serum samples and gait analysis. Concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1, -3, and -9, epitope resulting from cleavage of type II collagen by collagenases (C2C), type II procollagen (CPII), interleukin (IL)-6, proteoglycan (PRG)-4, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4, and resistin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Joint load (moments and compartmental forces) was estimated using musculoskeletal modeling using gait analysis data. Results COMP and MMP-3 showed an immediate increase after the walking stress followed by a decrease. MMP-9 and resistin showed a delayed decrease below pre-stress levels. ∆COMP correlated with ∆MMP-3 for most time points. ∆MMP-9 correlated with ∆resistin for most time points. The load-induced increase in blood marker levels correlated among blood markers and time points. C2C and resistin correlated positively and C2C/CPII and MMP2 correlated negatively with load during gait. Immediate relative ∆CPII and ∆MMP1 and delayed relative ∆COMP, ∆IL6, ∆C2C, ∆CPII, ∆MMP1 and ∆MMP3 correlated with the load accumulated during the walking stress. Baseline C2C levels correlated with Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales and load-induced changes in MMP-3 with KOOS and Short Form 36 quality of life subscores (P<0.05). Conclusions The distinct and differentiated physiological response to the walking stress depends on accumulated load and appears relevant for patient reported osteoarthritis outcome and quality of life and warrants further investigation in the context of disease progression. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02622204
The impact of the ketogenic diet on the health of patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Samborska Julia , Więckowiak Paweł , Stelmaszak Karina , Stencel Katarzyna , Ogiegło-Kowalczyk Aleksandra , Wojtasik Monika , Głodzik Michał , Miśkiewicz Marek , Żak Katarzyna , Łęcka Martyna
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Diet is an integral element of every individual's health. Its impact on the functioning of the human body has fascinated scientists for years. One of the diets that alters the mechanism of the body's functioning is the ketogenic diet. The impact of the ketogenic diet on various disorders is still under investigation. It is known to have shown numerous benefits in reducing epileptic seizures, but its impact on other neurological disorders is less known. In this literature review, the efficacy of ketogenic therapies was assessed in Alzheimer's disease.

 

AIM OF STUDY:

Review of the current literature (since 2018) on the effects of implementing a ketogenic diet in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The review was based on data gathered from the PubMed database using the keywords: 'ketogenic diet in Alzheimer’s disease,' 'ketogenic therapies Alzheimer disease,' and 'ketogenic diet in neurological disease’.

 

SUMMARY:

The ketogenic diet enhances the daily functioning of Alzheimer's patients. It significantly improves their cognitive functions, and changes in brain blood flow are visible in imaging studies. The ketogenic diet also positively modulates the gut microbiome in Alzheimer's patients. It represents a promising option in combating cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Opiekunowie Kopca Kościuszki w Krakowie: Słownik biograficzny członków Komitetu Kopca Kościuszki 1820-2020
Authors: Rokosz Mieczysław , Barzycka-Paździor Agata
Published: January 2024

GUARDIANS OF THE KOŚCIUSZKO MOUND: A BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE KOŚCIUSZKO MOUND COMMITTEE 1820–2020 The Kościuszko Mound Committee is a civic body organically integrated with the object of its care: the Kościuszko Mound. The institution has been active for 200 years and continues to function today. The introductory piece outlines the history of the Committee since its beginning in light of various transformations of the government system in P oland thought these years. A fter the remains of General Tadeusz Kościuszko, the ‘last defender of the homeland’ and the head of state at the time of the 1794 insurrection, who died in Solothurn in Switzerland on October 15, 1817, were brought to P oland, commemorated at Kraków funeral celebrations and solemnly buried in the royal vaults in the Wawel Cathedral, an idea emerged to pay tribute to the hero with a ‘monument plain and lasting.’ I t was decided to follow the example of the prehistoric mounds near Kraków, shrouded in the legends about Krak, the mythical founder of the town, and his daughter Wanda, and erect a gigantic symbolic grave as a monument to Kościuszko, which over the years came to be known as the Kościuszko Mound. Poles readily contributed to this end from all regions of the country torn apart by Russia, Prussia and Austria. Soon after the work on the symbolic grave started on October 16, 1820, the Governing Senate of the Free City of Kraków (which was instituted by the Vienna Congress) established a Committee to supervise its construction. During its erection, the Mound received soil from battlefields of Racławice, Dubienka, Szczekociny, and Maciejowice and later, in 1926, from battlefields of A merican W ar of I ndependence. The Mound was the first of about 300 K ościuszko monuments that exist worldwide nowadays. After the construction was finalized in the seasons of 1820–1823, the Committee did not dissolve, but changed into a guardian of the monument. This earth structure could only last owing to everyday care of the place that was exposed to the elements (spring thaws, heavy rains) and the destructive impact of voles. Austrian land registers recorded the Mound as the National Foundation of the Grave Monument for Tadeusz Kościuszko, which means it was founded by the Polish Nation and stays in its possession, while the Committee takes care of and manages it on its behalf.
An Interactive Spreadsheet Model for Teaching Classification Using Logistic Regression
Authors: Roshanaei Vahid , Naderi Bahman , Baron Opher , Krass Dmitry
Published: January 2024

We present an interactive spreadsheet that supports teaching essential concepts in classification using the logistic regression (LoR) model for binary classification. The interactive spreadsheet demonstrates the capabilities of LoR by integrating computation with visualization. Students will reinforce concepts like probabilities, maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), and the use of likelihoods to optimize parameters for the LoR. We then discuss using LoR for classifications while adjusting its decision boundary (DB), demonstrating how to convert assigned likelihoods into classification using the DB; impact classification outcome by varying DBs; designate predictions as true positive, true negative, false positive, or false negative; and determine the classification accuracy. We use a variety of performance measures, including sensitivity, specificity, precision, negative predictive value, F1 and F2 scores, the receiver operating characteristics curve, and lift/decile charts. These measures are dynamically adjusted when the DB changes. We also reiterate the usage of these measures in the context of crossvalidation and imbalanced data sets. We provide a case study that implements LoR and an option for teaching the details behind MLE. We discuss the pedagogical aspects of this spreadsheet based on a survey of the 2022 student cohort in the Master of Management Analytics Program at the Rotman School of Management.
Synthesis and Characterization of Some Chlorosubstituted Azoles and their Screening Against Some Mushroom Crop Pathogens and Study of their Efficacy on Growth of Oyster Mushroom spp.
Authors: Ghodile Nitin Gopalsing , Bhade M. W.
Published: January 2024

Applicability of azoles possessing nitrogen and oxygen atom as a heteroatom are well known in the fields of agriculture, medicine, and industries. One of the fast-growing research areas in the heterocyclic chemistry has been directed towards the synthesis of isoxazoline derivatives; as a structural unit frequently found in natural products and many bioactive molecules. They exhibit various biological activities. Isoxazoline having Imidazole moiety have been reported as an ingredient of various pesticides useful for the control of pest in agriculture arena. Some derivatives exhibit antimicrobial and growth regulatory properties. The farmers in the tropical belt of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra were in the habit of cultivation of mushroom. However, these mushroom growers are worried about susceptibility of their crop towards some plant pathogenic attack. As a result, the amount of yield they have produced has been found incommensurate with their efforts and investment. The greater efficacy of biological properties exhibited by isoxazoline moiety stimulated the research work to develop new synthetic approaches for their synthesis and study their activity. To safeguard the mushroom crop from the pathogenic attack, there arose a need to develop a potent pathogen inhibiter. Thus, with this aim, we attempted to synthesis some nitrogen and oxygen containing chlorosubstituted isoxazolines and studied their efficacy against some mushroom crop affecting pathogens viz. some fungi V. fungicola, G. roseum and some bacteria viz. B. gladioli, P. fluorescene, P. alcaligens, P. stutzeri. Beside this, efficacy of synthesised compounds on development of Pleurotus sajor-caju have been studied.
Correlation and Path Analysis for Fiber Yield and Its Constituent Component Characters in Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.)
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Pandey Manoj Kumar , Priya Akanksha , Suman Sushant Kumar
Published: January 2024

The research work was conducted at the BCKV, research station in Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal in 2020, thirty jute genotypes were evaluated for fibre yield and related traits. It was revealed that 14 yield-related characters, such as basal diameter, bark thickness after 120 DAS, plant height, green weight plant-1, node number plant-1, and internodes length, showed moderate genetic advance and high heritability. These traits were found to be significantly different. Plant height, node number plant-1, internode length, basal diameter, petiole length, leaf area, bark thickness, green weight plant-1, chlorophylls 'a' and 'b', and total chlorophyll, as well as dry stick weight plant-1, all displayed a significantly positive correlation with dry fibre weight at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. The path coefficient analysis results showed that node number plant-1, internode length, plant height, basal diameter, petiole length, bark thickness both at 90 DAS and 120 DAS, chlorophyll 'b' and total chlorophyll had significant direct effects on dry fibre yield. These characters should be taken into consideration as important selection criteria to increase the yield of fibre in tossa jute.
Femoral Cystic Lesion in Bone Mineral Densitometry
Authors: Seo Han-Kyung , Choi Do-Cheol , Shim Cheol-Min , Jo Jin-Hyeong
Published: January 2024

A 78-year-old woman referred by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology was recommended for orthopedic surgery because a cystic lesion in the left femoral proximal area was found by bone mineral densitometry (BMD). Computed tomography (CT) scan and general X-ray performed in the orthopedic department found a benign tumor. An intramedullary nail was inserted. Curettage and bone graft were performed. A radiologic technologist is important for the morphological observation of the femur in femoral BMD.
A Discussion on Glucose Loading Method in 18F-FDG PET/CT for Cerebral Gliomas
Authors: Choi Yong-Hoon , Park Min-Soo , Lim Han-Sang , Kim Jae-Sam
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the glucose loading method (GLM) is useful in the differentiation of cerebral gliomas by comparing it with fasting images. Materials and Methods: The patients were 70 people diagnosed with cerebral gliomas, and the equipment was Discovery 710 (GE Healthcare, MI, USA). All patients fasted for more than 6 hours, and fasting images and GLM were performed under the same imaging conditions, and the examination interval was 1 to 14 days. GLM administered 250 ㎖ of 10% glucose solution prior to radiopharmaceutical injection. SUVmax of cerebral glioma and SUVmean of cerebral cortex were measured and then compared and analyzed by tumor-to-normal brain cortex ratio (TNR). Statistical analysis confirmed the difference between the two images with an independent-sample t-test. Results: The averages of GLM and fasting TNR were 1.26 and 1.09, respectively, which were 15.6% higher in GLM. In low-grade, the difference in TNR was insignificant at 4%, but in high-grade, 23%, GLM was high. There was a statistically significant difference between the two images (P=0.008), but there was no statistically significant difference in TNR in the low grade (P=0.473), and there was a very significant difference in the high grade (P=0.005). Conclusion: GLM increased TNR for cerebral gliomas. In particular, it was found that the TNR increased more in the high grade. Therefore, GLM is considered to be useful for the differentiation of high-grade gliomas.
Result Analysis according to Population Distribution Trends when Reagents are Changed
Authors: Park Hye-Mi , Lim Soo-Yeon , Yoo Seon-Hee , Lee Sun-Ho
Published: January 2024

Purpose: In this study, the monthly population distribution was calculated for statistical verification of 10 tests (CA19-9, CA15-3, testosterone, PTH, calcitonin, AFP, CEA, CA72-4, PSA, estradiol) with changed reagents, and the trend of change By comparing and analyzing the results, we want to verify the accuracy of the results and improve the reliability of the test. Materials and Methods: From June 2021 to February 2023, for the 10 items in which the reagent was changed, the monthly percentage and standard deviation index before and after the reagent change were compared, respectively. At this time, the reference value was arbitrarily set for the comparison group in consideration of the reference value of the test item, and the groups were subdivided and compared, and the standard deviation index allowed range was -2.0 or more and 2.0 or less. Results: For CA19-9, CA15-3, AFP, CEA, and calcitonin 5 test items, the change in monthly ratio in all test sections before and after the reagent change was kept constant. On the other hand, for CA72-4, PSA, testosterone, PTH, and estradiol items, the standard deviation index exceeded the acceptable standard after changing the reagent. CA72-4 test items showed an increasing trend in standard deviation index in the test section exceeding the reference value. In the case of the PSA test item, the maintenance ratio of 0.04 ng/mL was significantly decreased after changing the reagent. The testosterone test item had a standard deviation index of -2.5 in the test section exceeding 10.1 ng/mL after changing the reagent, and the standard deviation index of the PTH test item was out of the acceptable range in all test sections. It was confirmed that the estradiol test item showed an overall increase in the result value. Conclusion: Through this study, the continuity and accuracy of the test results could be verified. It is considered that the stability of the test can be secured by analyzing the factors affecting the test result and solving the cause for the test item whose standard deviation index is out of the acceptable standard.
Investigation of Personal Dosimeter Loss Case and Measures to Prevent Loss
Authors: Park Seong-Woo , Park Hyeon-Sik , Park Yeong-Jae , Lee Geong-Jae , Oh Gi-Baek , Lee Seong-Ha , Kim Min-Seok , Park Ju-Eon , Won Moon-Hui
Published: January 2024

Purpose: It is intended to improve the management efficiency of personal dosimeters by analyzing and sharing personal dosimeter loss cases and loss prevention measures. Materials and Methods: From 2017 to 2021, data on the number of lost personal dosimeters were collected at large hospitals, and the number of personal dosimeters issued and lost were investigated. Results: In order to prevent loss by institution, methods such as the use of auxiliary rings, contact stickers and dosimeter necklaces were implemented. Conclusion: Hospitals are a business that frequently changes clothes, such as surgical gowns and work clothes, so there is a lot of loss. In addition, it was confirmed that the loss rate increases as the number of personal dosimeters issued increases.
"The right we have to our owne bodies, goods, and liberties": The Freedom of the Ancient Constitution and Common Law in Milton's Early Prose
Authors: Woodford Benjamin
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Scholars have long recognized the importance of liberty in Milton's early prose, but they tend to center their analysis on republicanism. Although he would go on to express republicanism, Milton's early tracts tie liberty to English political and legal traditions rather than classical ones. Milton, in his early tracts, utilizes the language of the ancient constitution and the common law as he centers liberty on the property and bodies of English citizens, thus framing liberty in distinctly English terms. Additionally, Milton's early prose accepts the power of the monarch, revealing Milton's initial commitment to the existing political structure.
Psychiatry and Decolonization: Histories of Transcultural Psychiatry in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Antić Ana
Published: January 2024

Abstract: This review essay explores recent historical and anthropological literature on the emergence and development of transcultural psychiatry in the second half of the twentieth century. It examines how postcolonial psychiatry attempted to remove itself from its erstwhile colonial frameworks and strove to introduce new concepts and paradigms to make itself relevant in the context of decolonization and postwar reconstruction. The essay looks at both continuities and discontinuities between colonial and post-colonial transcultural psychiatry, asking how the recent surge of scholarly literature in this field engaged with these issues. It also aims to identify the most important avenues for future research.
Laser speckle imaging of the hippocampus
Authors: Mikkelsen Signe H. , Skøtt Mia V. , Gutierrez Eugenio , Postnov Dmitry D.
Published: January 2024

Research on hippocampal blood flow is essential for gaining insight into its involvement in learning and memory and its role in age-related cognitive impairment and dementia. In this study, we applied laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and dynamic light scattering imaging (DLSI) to monitor perfusion in mouse hippocampus via a chronic, optically transparent window. LSCI scans showed hippocampal blood vessels appear more out of focus than similar caliber vessels in the mouse cortex. We hypothesize that it is caused by the inverse vascular topology and increased contribution of multiply-scattered photons detected from the upper layers of the hippocampus. We support the hypothesis with DLSI, showing a 1300% increased contribution of multiple-scattering unordered dynamics regime in large hippocampal vessels.
Measuring the visual angle of polarization-related entoptic phenomena using structured light
Authors: Kapahi C. , Silva A. E. , Cory D. G. , Kulmaganbetov M. , Mungalsingh M. A. , Pushin D. A. , Singh T. , Thompson B. , Sarenac D.
Published: January 2024

The ability to perceive polarization-related entoptic phenomena arises from the dichroism of macular pigments held in Henle’s fiber layer of the retina and can be inhibited by retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, which alters the structure of the macula. Structured light tools enable the direct probing of macular pigment density and retinal structure through the perception of polarization-dependent entoptic patterns. Here, we directly measure the visual angle of an entoptic pattern created through the illumination of the retina with a structured state of light and a perception task that is insensitive to corneal birefringence. The central region of the structured light stimuli was obstructed, with the size of the obstruction varying according to a psychophysical staircase. Two stimuli, one producing 11 azimuthal fringes and the other three azimuthal fringes, were presented to 24 healthy participants. The pattern with 11 azimuthal fringes produced an average visual angle threshold of 10° ± 1° and a 95% confidence interval (C.I.) of [6°, 14°]. For the pattern with three azimuthal fringes, a threshold extent of 3.6° ± 0.3° C.I. = [1.3°, 5.8°] was measured, a value similar to the published extent of Haidinger’s brush (4°). The increase in apparent size and clarity of entoptic phenomena produced by the presented structured light stimuli offers the potential to detect the early signs of macular disease over perception tasks using uniform polarization stimuli.
Study of ultraviolet light emitting diodes with InGaN quantum dots and lattice matched superlattice electron blocking layers
Authors: Zhang Aoxiang , Yao Jiayi , Qu Yipu , Wang Fang , Liou Juin J. , Liu Yuhuai
Published: January 2024

Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) face the challenges including insufficient hole injection and severe electron leakage. Quantum dots (QDs) have been proven to provide three-dimensionally localized states for carriers, thereby enhancing carrier confinement. Therefore, UV-LEDs employing InGaN QDs are designed and studied in this paper. The APSYs software is used to simulate UV-LEDs. Simulation results indicate that the QDs effectively improve the electron and hole concentration in the active region. However, UV-LEDs with QDs experience efficiency droop due to serious electron leakage. What’s more, the lattice mismatch between last quantum barrier (LQB) and electron blocking layer (EBL) leads to the polarization field, which induces the downward band bending at the LQB/EBL interface and reduces effective barrier height of EBL for electrons. The AlInGaN/AlInGaN lattice matched superlattice (LMSL) EBL is designed to suppress electron leakage while mitigating lattice mismatch between LQB and EBL. The results indicate that the utilization of QDs and LMSL EBL contributes to increasing the electron and hole concentration in the active region, reducing electron leakage, enhancing radiative recombination rate, and reducing turn-on voltage. The efficiency droop caused by electron leakage is mitigated. When the injection current is 120 mA, the external quantum efficiency is increased to 9.3% and the output power is increased to 38.3 mW. This paper provides a valuable reference for addressing the challenges of insufficient hole injection and severe electron leakage.
Dual-coupling effect enables a high-performance self-powered UV photodetector
Authors: Lin Xianqi , Wan Lingyu , Chen Zhengbang , Ren Jinlong , Lin Shuixiu , Yuan Dingcheng , Sun Wenhong , Peng Biaolin
Published: January 2024

Self-powered ultraviolet photodetectors generally operate by utilizing the built-in electric field within heterojunctions or Schottky junctions. However, the effectiveness of self-powered detection is severely limited by the weak built-in electric field. Hence, advances in modulating the built-in electric field within heterojunctions are crucial for performance breakthroughs. Here, we suggest a method to enhance the built-in electric field by taking advantage of the dual-coupling effect between heterojunction and the self-polarization field of ferroelectrics. Under zero bias, the fabricated AgNWs/TiO2/PZT/GaN device achieves a responsivity of 184.31 mA/W and a specific detectivity of 1.7 × 1013 Jones, with an on/off ratio of 8.2 × 106 and rise/decay times reaching 0.16 ms/0.98 ms, respectively. The outstanding properties are primarily attributed to the substantial self-polarization of PZT induced by the p-GaN and the subsequent enhancement of the built-in electric field of the TiO2/PZT heterojunction. Under UV illumination, the dual coupling of the enhanced heterojunction and the self-polarizing field synergistically boost the photo-generated carrier separation and transport, leading to breakthroughs in ferroelectric-based self-powered photodetectors.
Systematic prediction method for flip-chip bonding connectivity of ultra-large array infrared detector
Authors: Li Huihao , Wang Jindong , Chen Yan , Liao Qingjun , Sun Changhong , Ye Zhenhua
Published: January 2024

The flip-chip bonding technique utilized in ultra-large array infrared detectors has a substantial impact on connectivity rates. The electrical connectivity of the flip-chip bonding process exhibits randomness due to the difficulties in the surface control of large-scale devices. This restriction hinders the development of ultra-large array devices. In this work, the surface shape matching calculation is performed based on the surface shape distributions measured from infrared detector chips and readout circuits. The multi combinations and multi rotation angles are employed to calculate the distribution of combined surface distances, and the combined PV (peak-to-valley) value is applied to describe the severity of surface mismatch. Test devices with combined PV values ranging from 7.460 µm to 4.265 µm are prepared and tested, and the connectivity rate achieves an improvement from 74.57% to 99.75% between mismatched devices and matching devices. The electrical test results of test devices indicate that disconnections tend to cluster in areas where surface distance is over 5 µm, which is determined by extracting and analyzing the surface distance correlated to electrical test results. A standard based on the combined PV value is established to select matching combinations and ensure a high connectivity rate of 99% or 97% for infrared detectors, while the connectivity rates of randomly selected devices are no higher than 91%. This work presents a systematic method to predict and improve the connectivity rate of flip-chip bonding process for ultra-large array infrared detector.
Performance evaluation of data embedding schemes for two-dimensional display field communication
Authors: Kim Tae-Min , Singh Pankaj , Jung Sung-Yoon
Published: January 2024

Display field communication (DFC) is an unobtrusive display-to-camera technology that transmits data within the frequency domain of images, ensuring that the embedded data are hidden and do not disrupt the viewing experience. The display embeds data into image frames, while the receiver captures the display and extracts it. Two-dimensional DFC (2D-DFC) focuses on embedding data in the width and height of an image. This study explores two methods to minimize the error rate in 2D-DFC without affecting the quality of the displayed image. The orthogonal method embeds data in the orthogonal direction of an image. On the other hand, the diagonal embedding method strategically embeds the data in the diagonal direction. Experiments show the diagonal method maintains a higher peak signal-to-noise ratio and surpasses the orthogonal embedding method in terms of bit error rate. 2D-DFC is expected to have practical applications in digital signage, advertising and informational displays at airports and train stations, as well as at large-scale displays for events, sports arenas, and performance venues.
Impact of non-Gaussian noise on GMI and LDPC performance in neural network equalized systems
Authors: Lu Weiqi , Liu Zexu , Xu Zhaopeng , Liu Lei , Zou Yang , Dai Xiaoxiao , Yang Qi , Shieh William
Published: January 2024

In this Letter, the impact of non-Gaussian noise caused by a nonlinear equalizer on low-density parity-check code (LDPC) performance is investigated in a 25-km 50-Gb/s pulse amplitude modulation4 (PAM4) direct detection system. The lookup table (LUT)-based log-likelihood ratio (LLR) calculation method is proposed to enhance the LDPC performance for the non-Gaussian noise case. Compared to the conventional LLR calculation method based on Gaussian distribution, the proposed method can improve 0.6-dB sensitivity in artificial neural network (ANN) equalizer systems. In addition, the conventional generalized mutual information (GMI) is proven to be an imperfect predictor of LDPC performance after nonlinear equalizers, such as decision feedback equalization (DFE) and ANN equalizer.
Mid-infrared–near-infrared double-resonance spectroscopy of molecules with kilohertz accuracy
Authors: Tan Yan-Dong , Cheng Cun-Feng , Tan Yan , Hu Shui-Ming
Published: January 2024

Precision measurements of molecular transitions to highly excited states are needed in potential energy surface modeling, state-resolved chemical dynamics studies, and astrophysical spectra analysis. Selective pumping and probing of molecules are often challenging due to the high state density and weak transition moments. We present a mid-infrared and near-infrared double-resonance spectroscopy method for precision measurements. As a demonstration, Doppler-free stepwise two-photon absorption spectra of 13CO2 were recorded by pumping the fundamental transition of R14 (00011)-(00001) and probing the P15 (00041)-(00011) transition enhanced by a high-finesse optical cavity, and the transition frequencies were determined with an accuracy of a few kilohertz.
Light control of a movable microbubble in an ethanol-filled fiber microcavity for displacement measurement
Authors: Li Tianyi , Liu Yi , Xu Weijiang , Sun Chongbin , Li Yan
Published: January 2024

An optical fiber displacement sensor based on a light-controlled microbubble in an ethanol-filled fiber microcavity is proposed. The single-frequency 1550 nm laser in the side-lead-in single-mode fiber (SMF) produces an uneven temperature gradient by side irradiation in the ethanol-filled fiber microcavity. The microbubble shifts to the laser irradiation position along the microcavity due to the Marangoni effect and finally stops at the laser irradiation position. When the side-lead-in SMF moves, the microbubble follows. The surfaces of the microcavity and microbubble form a Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI). The optical path difference (OPD) of the FPI is demodulated by the position of the side-lead-in SMF, which can be used for the displacement measurement with ultrahigh sensitivity (1.1 × 10−3 nm−1/µm). What is more, the proposed structure is only sensitive to a one-dimensional direction and has the advantages of non-contact, large range, and high resolution, which makes it a perfect candidate for displacement sensors.
Modified SiP single-polarization CADD receiver
Authors: Li Jingchi , Wang Zhen , Li Xingfeng , Shieh William , Su Yikai
Published: January 2024

In cost-sensitive application scenarios, increasing the data rate per channel under a limited receiver bandwidth is critical, and thus, the transceivers with low costs and high electrical spectral efficiencies (ESEs) are highly desirable. In this Letter, we demonstrate a modified silicon photonic (SiP) carrier-assisted differential detection (CADD) receiver with a record ESE for single polarization. The ESE of the conventional CADD is mainly limited by the transfer function that originated from the optical delay and hybrid. We modify the transfer function of the CADD by placing an additional delay in parallel to the original delay path. Consequently, the modified transfer function exhibits a sharper slope around the zero frequency, leading to a higher ESE. Here we employ complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor-compatible SiP integration to further reduce the cost and footprint of the modified CADD receiver. In the experiment, 280-Gb/s raw rate (net 226-Gb/s) 16-QAM OFDM signal after 80-km SMF transmission was detected using a 36.5-GHz SiP modified CADD receiver, with a bit error ratio below the 24% SD-FEC threshold. To our best knowledge, we achieve a record net 6.2-b/s/Hz ESE for an integrated single-polarization DD receiver with a 16-QAM format.
Holistic calibration method of deflectometry by holonomic framework priors
Authors: Lang Wei , Zhang Xiangchao , Chen Yunuo , Chen Ting , Jiang Xiangqian
Published: January 2024

Phase measuring deflectometry is a powerful measurement tool of optical surfaces, but the measuring accuracy relies on the quality of system calibration. Calibration errors arise from the oversimplified imaging models, error accumulation and amplification, and the bias in numerical optimization. A holistic calibration method is proposed to shorten the error propagation chain. The descriptive prowess of the imaging system is enhanced by calculating each incident ray independently and compensating the systematic errors resulting from the form error of the calibration mirror. Finally, a holonomic framework prior is defined to guarantee the calibration reliability by utilizing the physical constraints of the measurement system. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method improves measurement accuracy by at least 38% compared to traditional approaches.