bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensor driven-position adaptive versus conventional spinal cord stimulation in failed back surgery syndrome: a retrospective case series
Authors: Akbas Mert , Salem Haitham Hamdy , Emara Tamer Hussien , Dinc Bora , Karsli Bilge
Published: December 2019

Background

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a common problem affecting 20–40% of cases undergoing spine surgeries. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to be an efficient and relatively safe treatment in managing many intractable chronic pain syndromes.

Objectives

This study compares the efficacy and safety of MR-compatible sensor driven-position adaptive SCS and conventional SCS in treating FBSS.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of 120 consecutive FBSS patients who underwent SCS between February 2011 and March 2018. Pain levels, analgesic/opioid use, and sleep problems were assessed before and 3 months after the procedure in patients who received either conventional SCS (group 1;n= 62) or sensor-driven position adaptive SCS (group 2;n= 34). The degree of patient satisfaction, the change in the activities of daily living (ADLs) together with the rate of complications were compared in both treatment groups.

Results

The two treatment groups were homogenous at baseline. Patients in both groups improved significantly regarding pain, opioid consumption, sleep, and ADLs. The magnitude of improvement was statistically higher in group 2. An absolute reduction of 6 points on the VAS in patients who received position adaptive SCS vs a 3.3 point reduction in conventional SCS cases (p< 0.0001). Half of the patients in group 2 (n= 17) showed excellent satisfaction after the procedure versus 14.5% of cases in group 1 (n= 9).

Conclusion

SCS is an efficient and reliable treatment in FBSS. MR-compatible sensor driven-position adaptive SCS can be a more effective treatment in this patient group.
Efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss, blood and blood products requirements in Cesarian sections for patients with placenta accreta
Authors: Ibrahim Tamer Hamed
Published: December 2019

Background

Placenta accreta is an obstetric emergency and the main cause of maternal morbidity and mortality due to the associated bleeding and coagulopathy. Tranexamic acid has been widely used to decrease blood loss in trauma patients and patients with postpartum hemorrhage. We aimed at studying the effect of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss and blood transfusion in patients with placenta accreta.

Methods

In a double-blinded randomized controlled study, 46 patients were recruited and divided into two groups, Group A is the tranexamic group where patients received 10 mg/kg tranexamic acid after cord clamping and continued on tranexamic infusion 10 mg/kg/h till the end of the surgery. Group B is the placebo where patients received normal saline instead. Primary outcome was the amount of intraoperative blood loss, and other outcomes included the number of blood and blood products transfused intraoperative and in the first 24 h postoperative, the immediate postoperative Hb level, platelet count, and coagulation profile. Data were collected, coded, tabulated, and then analyzed using Minitab® 16.1.0 statistics software package. Variables were presented as mean and standard deviation and analyzed using unpaired t test. Any difference with p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Amount of intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the tranexamic group 2232 ± 1204 ml compared to the placebo group 3405 ± 1193 ml (p value 0.002), and patients in the tranexamic group received less units of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets compared to those in the placebo group (4.2 ± 1.9 vs 6.1 ± 2.2 with p value 0.003, 3.4 ± 1.3 vs 4.2 ± 1.2 with P value 0.036 and 4.8 ± 2.1 vs 6.2 ± 2.4 with p value 0.041, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the first postoperative Hb level, platelet count, and coagulation profile between the two groups; however, the amount of blood and products transfused in the first 24 h postoperative were significantly less in the tranexamic group

Conclusion

Tranexamic acid infusion was effective in reducing intraoperative blood loss and intraoperative and postoperative blood and blood products’ transfusion.
Quantitative assessment of surface runoff at arid region: a case study in the Middle of Nile Delta
Authors: Mohamed E. S. , Belal Abdel-Aziz , Abu-hashim Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Background

Evaluation of surface runoff is an essential factor in the precision water and soil conservation management through their main extreme impacts on soil properties. The natural resource conservation service curve number model (NRCS-CN) model is used to estimate the magnitude of runoff. Collected topographic data is used to explain the effects of slope variation on water retention and surface runoff. Twenty-eight soil profiles are prepared in Nile delta, Egypt to cover different geomorphic units and hydrological soil groups in the study area.

Results

The results revealed that the highest value of surface runoff was distinguished close to the urban area and ranges between 40 and 50 mm. In urban areas, the surfaces are paved and there are no infiltration of water. Consequently, the runoff water directly flows to the storm channels. Runoff values ranging between 30 and 40 mm occurred at the north of the study area. The sloping surface and the nature of the clay soil contributed to generate more runoff than do lowland areas.

Conclusion

The study presented and tested the hydric runoff estimation based-model on the integrating of hydric balance parameters. The GIS tools analyze and compose these parameters to perform an indirect method for the quantity of water that results in direct surface runoff flow. This method helps to gain clear imaging of the surface runoff risks in the study area.
Percutaneous transhepatic hemodialysis catheters in chronic hemodialysis patients: technique, functional outcome, and complications from a large population study
Authors: Khallaf Osama Abuel Naga , Abd El Tawab Karim A. , Korashi Hazem Ibrahim , Ibrahim Ghada Samir , Mohamed Rasha Samir
Published: December 2019

Background

Chronic renal failure is one of the main health problems in Egypt. Arterio-venous fistulas, grafts, as well as conventional sites for placement of the dialysis catheters are liable to thrombosis; stenosis, and occlusions, so alternative routes are considered as life-saving ways in such cases. Transhepatic permcath is one of the new and up to date methods for inferior vena cava and right atrium catheterization. Few studies with rather limited nomber are available to evaluate transhepatic permcath. The aim of our study is to emphasize the technique, complications, and efficacy of application of percutaneous transhepatic hemodialysis catheters.

Results

Two hundred-ninety six chronic renal dialysis patients were included in this prospective interventional study. They include 180 males and 116 females with mean age of 53.2 years ± 11.7 years ranging from 38 to 65 years. Percutaneous transhepatic hemodialysis catheters were inserted for all patients. Technical success of the procedure was achieved in all cases (100%). Post-procedure patency and function of the catheters were followed up with mean follow-up period 750 days. Mean of primary and secondary devices service intervals were 290 and 270 days respectively. Mean time catheter in situ was 280 days. Mean cumulative duration of catheter in situ was 557 days. Catheters migration, sepsis, thrombosis, and exit site infection rates were 0.14, 0.15, 0.18, and 0.32 per 100 catheter-days respectively. Three patients had hepatic subcapsular hematoma (1%). No mortality or other complications were related to the procedure.

Conclusions

Combined ultrasound and fluoroscopic-guided transhepatic permanent dialysis catheter application for patients with exhausted classic venous access routes and non-functioning/thrombosed AV fistulas or grafts showed excellent technical success with good short and mid-term patency rates and low complications rates. Thus, this study encourages us to expand this promising technique for application of dialysis catheter in indicated cases.
Intrahepatic bile duct variation: MR cholangiography and implication in hepatobiliary surgery
Authors: El Hariri Mona , Riad Mohamed M.
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of biliary anatomical variants using 3-T MR cholangiography (MRC) with its impact in reduction of the complication of hepatobiliary surgical techniques.

Results

MRC was applied to 120 subjects (24 potential liver donors and 96 volunteers) and the right posterior hepatic duct insertion was documented, and accordingly, the biliary variants were classified based on Huang classification (Huang et al, Transplant Proc 28: 1669–1670, 1996).

Biliary anatomic variants were divided based on Huang classification: Huang A1, 65.83% (n = 79); Huang A2, 11.67% (n = 14); Huang A3, 13.3% (n = 16); Huang A4, 7.5% (n = 9); and Huang A5, 1.67% (n = 2). The total frequency for A2, A3, A4, and A5 was 34.17% (n = 41). The distance between RPHD insertion and the junction of right and left hepatic ducts (L) was measured, and Huang A1 cases were then subtyped into S1 subtype (L > 1 cm) and S2 subtype (L ≤ 1 cm). We had 52 subjects with subtype S1 (43.33%) and 27 subjects with subtype S2 (22.5%).

Twenty-three subjects had bile duct exploration or intraoperative cholangiograms and showed Huang type A1 in 14 (60.87%), type A2 in 3 (13.05%), and type A3 in 6 (26.08%). Twenty-two (95.65%) had the same classification in MRC and intraoperative while only one case (4.35%) was considered as A2 at MRC but the intraoperative classification was Huang A3, which was attributed to the insertion of the RPHD insertion at the distal end of the left hepatic duct.

Conclusion

MRC is an accurate tool for biliary tract mapping before hepatobiliary surgery to provide excellent identification of biliary variants which can reduce the incidence of biliary complications.
Five years’ experience of combined intralesional therapy in infantile hemangioma
Authors: Helal Ahmed Abdelghaffar , Daboos Mohammad Alsayed
Published: December 2019

Background

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common vascular tumors. Although it involutes spontaneously, outcomes are unpredictable. Intralesional therapy is one of its treatment modality. We present our experience with combined intralesional therapy for IHs over a 5-year duration. A total of 427 patients were treated and followed at Al-Azhar University Hospitals during the study period of 5 years. All patients were treated by intralesional therapy in the form of combined injection of triamcinolone and bleomycin. All patients were followed for the response. Response to the treatment was graded as marked, partial, and poor improvement.

Results

IHs were noticed within the first month of life in 90.2% of patients. The commonest site of involvement was head and neck in 90% of patients. The commonest clinical presentation was swelling with discoloration. Mean age was 7.43 ± 6.04 months and mean IHs size was 15.54 ± 11.13 cm2. The response to the treatment was highest for patients below 1 year of age. The reported complications were ulceration, scarring, and subcutaneous atrophy in some cases.

Conclusion

Combined intralesional therapy in IHs showed good efficacy in most patients. It is a reliable and safe treatment modality with clear curative effects and minimal complications. If IHs treatment is indicated, combined intralesional therapy should be considered as an alternative effective treatment modality.
Lung Cancer Surveillance After Definitive Curative-Intent Therapy: ASCO Guideline
Authors: Schneider Bryan J. , Ismaila Nofisat , Aerts Joachim , Chiles Caroline , Daly Megan E. , Detterbeck Frank C. , Hearn Jason W.D. , Katz Sharyn I. , Leighl Natasha B. , Levy Benjamin , Meyers Bryan , Murgu Septimiu , Nekhlyudov Larissa , Santos Edgardo S. , Singh Navneet , Tashbar Joan , Yankelevitz David , Altorki Nasser
Published: December 2019

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing clinicians on radiographic imaging and biomarker surveillance strategies after definitive curative-intent therapy in patients with stage I-III non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SCLC.

METHODS

ASCO convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, pulmonary, radiology, primary care, and advocacy experts to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 2000 through 2019. Outcomes of interest included survival, disease-free or recurrence-free survival, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 14 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Patients should undergo surveillance imaging for recurrence every 6 months for 2 years and then annually for detection of new primary lung cancers. Chest computed tomography imaging is the optimal imaging modality for surveillance. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging should not be used as a surveillance tool. Surveillance imaging may not be offered to patients who are clinically unsuitable for or unwilling to accept further treatment. Age should not preclude surveillance imaging. Circulating biomarkers should not be used as a surveillance strategy for detection of recurrence. Brain magnetic resonance imaging should not be used for routine surveillance in stage I-III NSCLC but may be used every 3 months for the first year and every 6 months for the second year in patients with stage I-III small-cell lung cancer who have undergone curative-intent treatment.
Plasma membrane processes are differentially regulated by type I phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5-kinases and RASSF4
Authors: de la Cruz Lizbeth , Traynor-Kaplan Alexis , Vivas Oscar , Hille Bertil , Jensen Jill B.
Published: December 2019

Phosphoinositide lipids regulate many cellular processes and are synthesized by lipid kinases. Type I phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5-kinases (PIP5KIs) generate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2]. Several phosphoinositide-sensitive readouts revealed the nonequivalence of overexpressing PIP5KIβ, PIP5KIγ or Ras association domain family 4 (RASSF4), believed to activate PIP5KIs. Mass spectrometry showed that each of these three proteins increased total cellular phosphatidylinositol bisphosphates (PtdInsP2) and trisphosphates (PtdInsP3) at the expense of phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PtdInsP) without changing lipid acyl chains. Analysis of KCNQ2/3 channels and PH domains confirmed an increase in plasma membrane PtdIns(4,5)P2 in response to PIP5KIβ or PIP5KIγ overexpression, but RASSF4 required coexpression with PIP5KIγ to increase plasma membrane PtdIns(4,5)P2. Effects on the several steps of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) were not explained by plasma membrane phosphoinositide increases alone. PIP5KIβ and RASSF4 increased STIM1 proximity to the plasma membrane, accelerated STIM1 mobilization and speeded onset of SOCE; however, PIP5KIγ reduced STIM1 recruitment but did not change induced Ca2+ entry. These differences imply actions through different segregated pools of phosphoinositides and specific protein–protein interactions and targeting.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
The inactivation domain of STIM1 acts through intramolecular binding to the coiled-coil domain in the resting state
Authors: Lee Sang Kwon , Lee Min-hsun , Jeong Su Ji , Qin Xianan , Lee Ah Reum , Park Hyokeun , Park Chan Young
Published: December 2019

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a major Ca2+ influx pathway that is controlled by the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1. Abnormal activation of STIM1 directly influences Ca2+ influx, resulting in severe diseases such as Stormorken syndrome. The inactivation domain of STIM1 (IDstim) has been identified as being essential for Ca2+-dependent inactivation of STIM1 (CDI) after SOCE occurs. However, it is unknown whether IDstim is involved in keeping STIM1 inactive before CDI. Herein, we show that IDstim helps STIM1 keep inactive through intramolecular binding with the coiled-coil domain. Between IDstim and the coiled-coil domain, we found a short conserved linker whose extension or mutation leads to the constitutive activation of STIM1. We have demonstrated that IDstim needs the coiled-coil domain 1 (CC1) to inhibit the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) activation domain (CAD) activity and binds to a CC1-CAD fragment. Serial deletion of CC1 revealed that CC1α1 is a co-inhibitory domain of IDstim. CC1α1 deletion or leucine mutation, which abolishes the closed conformation, impaired the inhibitory effect and binding of IDstim. These results suggest that IDstim cooperates with CC1α1 to help STIM1 keep inactive under resting conditions.
Research on neurorehabilitation results in vertebro-medullary post-traumatic conditions associating fractures, in a politramatic context
Authors: DAIA Cristina Octaviana , GHERGHICEANU Alina-Elena , IVAN Elena , CAZACU Ioana , CROITORU Ștefana , SCUTUROIU Ruxandra , DAIA Octaviana , ONOSE Gelu
Published: December 2019

Introduction
Polytrauma is considered to be an array of traumatic injuries, of which at least one is directly life-threatening. In another deffinition, polytrauma refers to the existence of two or more organ and / or system impairments, one of which is life-threatening, leading to physical, cognitive, psychological, psychosocial and consecutive functional disabilities, all requiring a complex and long-lasting rehabilitation program. The essential condition for polytrauma is the existence of a severe damage that involves one of the vital functions of the body. The first aim of this paper is to evidence the functional benefit of the specific rehabilitation program of patients with polytrauma, mainly associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) and other fractures. Materials and method. We performed a retrospective analysis of 68 patients having their consent and The Theaching Emergency Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni” ethics Committee approval, N.O. 684/21.02.2019. Patients were admitted to the Neuro-Muscular Rehabilitation Clinic Division, between October 2017 and May 2019 between the ages of 19 and 79, divided into two lots of 34 patients: the study group, composed by patients with SCI and associated fractures and the control group composed by patients who had only SCI. Results. The level of severity is much higher in the study group, which includes AIS A patients (38%) and AIS C (29%), than the control group composed mostly by incomplete patients - AIS D (41%) and C (26%). The FIM average at admission and discharge is statistically significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group both at admission (25.05 versus 42.29; p = 0.001) and at discharge (38.47 vs. 55.55; P = 0.009). Conclusions. Spinal cord injury in combination with multiple fractures is a negative functioning prognostic factor, both before and after the rehabilitation program.

Key words: Polytrauma, spinal cord injury (SCI), rehabilitation program,
Multimodal therapeutical-rehabilitative approches in a complex case of pathology including possibly evolving discariotic type- case report.
Authors: REBEDEA Ana-Carmen , POPESCU Laura Georgiana , NIRLU Luminița , SAGLAM Ali Osman , STAVRICĂ Alexandru , ONOSE Gelu
Published: December 2019

Introduction Having the patient’s consent and The Teaching Emegency Hospital “Bagdasar-Arseni” Ethics Committeee N.O 20270 from 26.06.2019, the current case report presents the case of a female patients with both hemiplegia following a thalamic vascular accident and a long history of neglected auricular melanoma. The management of a patient diagnosed with melanoma is a complex one, involving wide local excisions with safety margins, with sentinel lymph node biopsy. Auricular melanomas have recently evolved from radical procedures involving the amputation of the involved organ, to much less radical procedures, which help save more of the patient’s tissue and functionality. (1) Another important factor that threatens the rehabilitation process in the case of hemiplegic patients is the presence of clinical depression, both as a pre-existing comorbidity and as a common psychiatric complication of stroke. (2) Depression jeopardizes the patient’s quality of life and increases mortality. (2) There is also relevant date supporting the hypotheses that depression history is associated with melanoma risk, although no effect on survival was observed. (3) Materials and Methods A 70 years old pacient, which suffered right thalamic vascular accident in december 2018 was admitted in our Neuromuscular clinic division with the following comorbidities: basal-cell carcinoma (BCC), diagnosed 20 years ago, with slow evolution. When admittedin our division, the pacient presented with a moderately large ulcerated tumor in the temporal region and the left auricular pavilion – with surgical indication. She was also diagnosed with arterial hypertension stage III, chronic, cardiac insufficiency class III NYHA, chronic cervicalgia and lumbosacralgia, class II obesity, clinical depression. She was admitted into our clinic for hemiplegic motor deficit, sensibility disorders, severe locomotor and self-grooming dysfunction. Results The patient improved on most of the assessment scales/scores implemented in our Clinic’s Division Motor FIM (Functiona Independence Measure) from 35/91 to 38/91, FAC
(Functional Ambulation Categories) from 0/5 to 1/5, GOS-E (The Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale) from 4/8 to 5/8. The most important improvemet in our patent’s evolution was her ability to start walking again. During her admission into our Clinic, she was also briefly admitted into the hospital’s Plastic Survery Divison, where she received the necessary surgical trateament for the melanoma. Conclusions Following a complex neuro-recovery program developed by a multidisciplinary team made of doctors, kinesio-therapists, middle and allied health personnel, the patient had an extremely good evolution (during a short period of time) - attested on the scales and also - on a psycho-cognitive and behavioral level.

Key words: neuromuscular rehabilitation, stroke, hemiplegia, melanoma, basal-call carcinoma,
Rehabilitation protocol with or without mobile health in overweight and obese
knee osteoarthritis patients - a pilot study
Authors: RAFIQ Muhammad Tariq , A HAMID Mohamad Shariff , HAFIZ Eliza , AMIN Sakib
Published: December 2019

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and weight bearing joint disease that resulted from wear and tear of articular cartilage. It is more common in the overweight and obese knee OA patients. The objectives of pilot study were to assess the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of study design, study setting and tools of lower limb rehabilitation protocol among the knee OA patients who are overweight and obese. Twelve overweight and obese knee OA patients attending a Teaching Bay in the Pakistan were enrolled in the study and completed 6 training sessions over 2 weeks. The participants were divided randomly into Intervention Group with Mobile Health (IGW-mH), Intervention Group without Mobile Health (IGWO-mH) and the Control Group (CG). Both intervention groups were provided fifteen days of lower limb rehabilitation protocol but the CG did not. Two text messages per day for three days a week were sent to IGW-mH as a reminder to carry on their training session and instructions of daily care. All participants of intervention groups showed willingness to randomization and adherence to training sessions. The results indicated that eligibility criteria, recruitment rate and randomization procedures were feasible and there were no adverse events from training sessions. The participants demanded Urdu translation and pictures of lower limb rehabilitation protocol.
Key words: mobile health technology, overweight, knee, osteoarthritis,
Typology, technical efficiency and scale economy of dibiteries in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Orou Seko Malik , Ossebi Walter , Traoré Gnamien Sylvain , Ndour Andrée Prisca Ndjoug , Saric Jasmina , Fokou Gilbert , Dao Daouda , Bonfoh Bassirou
Published: December 2019

Background: In recent years, a profound transformation has been observed in the eating habits of the populations of African cities, induced by accelerated socioeconomic and demographic growth. In Senegal, these changes have manifested in the proliferation of collective informal catering enterprises, such as the ‘dibiteries’, where the roasted meat of sheep is prepared and sold. The rise of the average household income has contributed substantially to increasing levels of meat consumption, leading to the expansion of the dibiteries. The purpose of the current work was to evaluate the managerial performance of these establishments in Dakar, Senegal.

Methods: To achieve this, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 dibiteries using a questionnaire. Efficiency scores were determined via the data envelopment analysis method. The pure technical scores thereby obtained were subsequently used as dependent variables in a Tobit model to identify the socioeconomic determinants of dibiterie efficiency.

Results: The resulting average score of the dibiteries suggests that the majority are operating inefficiently (79.6%). Moreover, it was demonstrated that this inefficiency seems to be related to scale rather than technical issues. However, few of the dibiteries assessed (20.4%) were nevertheless in a situation of constant scale economy. Among the socioeconomic variables tested, experience, leadership (family or individual-run), the ownership status of the restaurant building (own or lease) and the type of workforce (family, recruited, mixed or without) had a significant impact on the efficiency of the establishments.

Conclusions: The scale economy and waste reduction in food production can result in economic gains that can in turn be used in the safety of finished products. Indeed, by following best practices, dibiteries can make gains which could be used to invest in good hygiene practices on handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting grilling tools, optimizing work space and training staff.
GC-MS profiling and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the bark of Tampoi (Baccaurea macrocarpa)
Authors: Erwin Erwin , Pusparohmana Widar Ristiyani , Sari Indah Permata , Hairani Rita , Usman Usman
Published: December 2019

Background : Tampoi ( Baccaurea macrocarpa) is a tropical rainforest plant that produces edible fruit and is native to Southeast Asia, especially East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Previous research showed that Tampoi potentially can be developed as a drug. It was reported that the extract of Tampoi fruit displayed antioxidant activity, which was correlated with its phenolic and flavonoid substances. There is no information about the antioxidant activity of other parts of this plant, such as the bark, which might also have this kind of activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical using GC-MS analysis, toxicity againt Artemia salina, and antioxidant activity with DPPH radical scavenging method of the bark of Tampoi.

Methods : The bark of Tampoi was extracted with methanol and concentrated using rotary evaporator to obtain the methanol extract of the bark. Secondary metabolites of this extract was determined using phytochemical analysis. Afterward, the methanol extract was tested for its toxicity using brine shrimp lethality test and antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method.

Results : Phytochemical evaluation results showed that the methanol extract of bark of this plant contains several secondary metabolites including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids, and triterpenoids. The toxicity test displayed no toxic property due to a LC 50 value above 1000 ppm. For antioxidant activity, the result exhibited that the methanol extract of bark of this plant could be categorized as an active extract with IC 50 value of 11.15 ppm. Moreover, based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis, there are 37 isolated compounds from the bark, one of which is methylparaben, a phenolic predicted to act as an antioxidant.

Conclusion: The results obtained in this research demonstrated that the bark of Tampoi (B. macrocarpa) has potential as an antioxidant.
Cost-effectiveness of adjunct haemoglobin spray in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds in a UK NHS primary care setting
Authors: Elg Fredrik , Bothma Gerhard
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of topical haemoglobin spray as adjunct therapy in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds within a UK National Health Service (NHS) community setting.

Method:

In a previously published comparative clinical evaluation, 50 consecutive patients treated with topical haemoglobin spray, as adjunct to standard care and followed up over 26 weeks, were compared with 50 consecutive retrospective controls from the same clinic treated with the same standard care protocol in the year prior to the introduction of adjunct topical haemoglobin spray. A de novo cost-effectiveness and break-even analysis were performed, using data from the previously published clinical evaluation, for all patients (intent-to-treat) and for patients with complete follow-up using a micro-costing approach and considering only wound care dressing costs.

Results:

At 26 weeks, the total cost of dressings for all patients in the intervention group was £6953 with 874 cumulative weeks healed, compared with £9547 with 278 cumulative weeks healed for all patients in the control group. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), the incremental cost per additional week healed with adjunct topical haemoglobin spray, is therefore negative (dominant). Total treatment costs per week were lower from week six onwards, with break-even estimated to be at week 10.2. When considering only patients with complete follow-up, the results were similarly dominant, with a mean 10.9 more weeks healed, a mean dressing cost saving per patient of £81.83 by week 26 (–37%). Cost savings were realised from week five, and a break-even was estimated to occur at week 8.0.

Conclusion:

Topical haemoglobin spray has the potential to restore the healing process, reduce healing times and reduce dressing costs in a NHS community setting, within a few weeks of adoption.
Investigation of the reaction mechanism and optical transparency in nanosecond laser welding of glasses assisted with titanium film
Authors: Zhang Xin , Guo Liang , Zhang Qingmao , Li Jiaming , Zhao Deqiang , Wang Hao , Lue Qitao
Published: December 2019

The welding of glasses is widely used in many fields, such as optics, microfluidics, and microelectromechanical systems. In this paper, two pieces of 1 mm soda lime glass substrates were welded using a 1064 nm nanosecond laser assisted with a 14 nm titanium-coated thin film coating. Results show that after the laser irradiation, the welded area becomes highly transparent much like uncoated glass. The maximum change rate of transmittance of the welded zone is 8.88% in the wavelength range of 400–1800 nm, compared to a piece of 2 mm glass substrate. The chemical reaction process between the titanium film and the glass substrate of the highly transparent welded sample was analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Welded quality and shear strength were characterized by scanning acoustic microscopy and shear tests.
Broadband single-polarization optical fiber based on surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Tian Fengjun , Su Zhenlan , Bai Ruolan , Li Li , Yang Xinghua , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: December 2019

We present, to the best of our knowledge, a new scheme of broadband single-polarization optical fiber with high extinction ratio based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The double-hole optical fiber with a Ge-doped core is modified by integrating the stacks of conductive and dielectric layers to support SPR. The strong couplings between the guided modes and surface plasmon mode can bring about serious polarization loss of TM mode, while supporting the efficient transmission of TE polarization in broadband. The achievable extinction ratio can be more than 25 dB covering a wide telecom band of 1.17–1.42 µm in short fiber

l
e
n
g
t
h
s

=

2.5

m
m

. Meanwhile, the insertion loss of the fiber is less than 0.25 dB. The modified SPR fiber shows promising application in high-quality fiber-integrated polarizers.
Computational absorption and reflection studies of normal human skin at 0.45 THz
Authors: Vilagosh Zoltan , Lajevardipour Alireza , Wood Andrew W.
Published: December 2019

Applications using terahertz (THz) frequency radiation will inevitably lead to increased human exposure. The power density and specific absorption rate (SAR) simulations of thin skin at 0.45 THz show the bulk of the energy being absorbed in the upper stratum spinosum, and the maximal temperature rise is in the lower stratum spinosum. There are regions of SAR increase of 100% above the local average at the stratum spinosum/stratum basale boundary. The dead Stratum Corneum layer protects underlying tissues in thick skin. Reflection studies suggest that acute angles and the use of polarised incident radiation may enhance the assessment of diabetic neuropathy.
Introduction to indoor networking concepts and challenges in LiFi
Authors: Haas Harald , Yin Liang , Chen Cheng , Videv Stefan , Parol Damian , Poves Enrique , Alshaer Hamada , Islim Mohamed Sufyan
Published: December 2019

LiFi is networked, bidirectional wireless communication with light. It is used to connect fixed and mobile devices at very high data rates by harnessing the visible light and infrared spectrum. Combined, these spectral resources are 2600 times larger than the entire radio frequency (RF) spectrum. This paper provides the motivation behind why LiFi is a very timely technology, especially for 6th generation (6G) cellular communications. It discusses and reviews essential networking technologies, such as interference mitigation and hybrid LiFi/Wi-Fi networking topologies. We also consider the seamless integration of LiFi into existing wireless networks to form heterogeneous networks across the optical and RF domains and discuss implications and solutions in terms of load balancing. Finally, we provide the results of a real-world hybrid LiFi/Wi-Fi network deployment in a software defined networking testbed. In addition, results from a LiFi deployment in a school classroom are provided, which show that Wi-Fi network performance can be improved significantly by offloading traffic to the LiFi.
Linear and nonlinear spin-orbital coupling in golden-angle spiral quasicrystals
Authors: Niu Kaikun , Fang Ming , Ren Xingang , Huang Zhixiang , Ren Hao , Wu Xianliang , Sha Wei E. I.
Published: December 2019

The appealing characteristics of quasi-crystalline nanostructure offer tremendous possibilities to tailor the transmission of the angular momenta. Moreover, the second harmonic generation existing in nonlinear nanostructures also exhibits remarkable potential in the fundamental and applied research areas of the angular momenta conversion. By systematically studying the general angular momenta conservation law, we show that the high-dimensional angular momenta transformation and spin-orbital coupling are realized by the nonlinear sunflower-type quasicrystals, which feature the high-fold rotational symmetry and possess an increasing degree of rotational symmetry in Fourier space. Interestingly, since the sequential Fibonacci numbers are essentially encoded in the distinctive nonlinear sunflower-type patterns, the high-fold angular momenta transformation regularly occurs at both linear and nonlinear wavelengths. The investigations of fundamental physics for the unique quasi-crystals reveal scientific importance for manipulating the angular momenta of nonlinear optical signals, which plays a key role in the promotion and development of modern physics.
Enhanced range of the dynamic strain measurement in phase-sensitive OTDR with tunable sensitivity
Authors: He Haijun , Yan Lianshan , Qian Heng , Zhang Xinpu , Luo Bin , Pan Wei
Published: December 2019

Phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) realizes quantitative measurement of the dynamic strain employing phase demodulation. Unfortunately, it is difficult to measure the large dynamic strain with the conventional Φ-OTDR due to the restriction of the unwrapping algorithm. In this work, an approach based on two-wavelength probe is proposed and demonstrated to improve the measurable range of the dynamic strain in Φ-OTDR. By utilizing the difference between the two phases acquiring with two different lasers, the large dynamic strain can be recovered. In experiments, dynamic strains with peak values from 10.32 uɛ to 24.08 uɛ are retrieved accurately, which cannot be recovered with the conventional Φ-OTDR. Moreover, the tunable sensitivity is also demonstrated through adjusting the wavelengths of the probe. With the increment of the wavelength interval from 9.06 nm to 23.06 nm, the normalized sensitivity increases from 0.4 to 1 accordingly. That agrees well with the theoretical prediction. Foreseeably, the proposed method will extend the scope of application fields for Φ-OTDR, which requires large dynamic strain recognition.
Enhancing upconversion photoluminescence by plasmonic-photonic hybrid mode
Authors: Gao Yuan , Murai Shunsuke , Zhang Feifei , Tamura Sayaka , Tomita Koji , Tanaka Katsuhisa
Published: December 2019

Upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) of rare-earth ions has attracted much attention due to its potential application in cell labeling, anti-fake printing, display, solar cell and so forth. In spite of high internal quantum yield, they suffer from very low external quantum yield due to poor absorption cross-section of rare-earth ions. In the present work, to increase the absorption by rare earth ions, we place the emitter layer on a diffractive array of Al nanocylinders. The array is designed to trap the near infrared light in the emitter layer via excitation of the plasmonic-photonic hybrid mode, a collective resonance of localized surface plasmons in nanocylinders via diffractive coupling. The trapped near-infrared light is absorbed by the emitter, and consequently the intensity of UCPL increases. In sharp contrast to the pure localized surface plasmons which are bound to the surface, the hybridization with diffraction allows the mode to extend into the layer, and the enhancement up to 9 times is achieved for the layer with 5.7 µm thick. This result explicitly demonstrates that coupling the excitation light to plasmonic-photonic hybrid modes is a sensible strategy to enhance UCPL from a thick layer.
Application of polydimethylsiloxane surface texturing on III-V//Si tandem achieving more than 2 % absolute efficiency improvement
Authors: Yi Chuqi , Ma Fa-Jun , Mizuno Hidenori , Makita Kikuo , Sugaya Takeyoshi , Takato Hidetaka , Mehrvarz Hamid , Bremner Stephen , Ho-Baillie Anita
Published: December 2019

Silicon based multi-junction solar cells are a promising approach for achieving high power conversion efficiencies using relatively low-cost substrates. In recent years, 2-terminal triple-junction solar cells using GaInP/GaAs as top cells and Si bottom cell have achieved excellent efficiencies. Epitaxial growth or wafer bonding has been used for the integration of the cells. This requires the top surface of the Si cell to be polished for effective integration, sacrificing the light trapping in the Si cell. The poor long wavelength light absorption in silicon limits the tandem cell efficiency as it is limited by current mismatch. In this work, for the first time, an external surface texturing is attached onto a GaInP/GaAs//Si wafer bonded triple-junction solar cell, using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers with surface geometries replicated from various pyramidally-textured silicon wafers. With reduced reflection, the short circuit current density is increased by 0.95 mA/cm2, while the overall cell efficiency is boosted by more than 2 % absolute.
Correction of 2D-telecentric scan systems with freeform surfaces
Authors: Zhong Yi , Tang Ziyao , Gross Herbert
Published: December 2019

For scanning systems the resolution, distortion as well as the telecentricity are important performance criteria. For two-dimensional scanning systems, scan mirrors deflecting in only one transverse direction are not allowing for telecentricity in x and y simultaneously in case of an axisymmetric system. It is possible to achieve two-dimensional telecentricity by splitting the pupils in x- and y-direction and shifting the principal planes in one dimension by changing the focal power using an anamorphic setup. However, for higher specifications concerning a large aperture and wide scanning angle, using cylindrical lenses are not enough to achieve a good system quality. It has been proved in many researches that freeform surfaces are effective to improve the resolution of systems without rotational symmetry. In this work, a systematic case study is presented to investigate the potential of freeform surfaces to improve the resolution, telecentricity, and distortion simultaneously. It is shown as a result that freeform surfaces offer large correction ability in all the three aspects concerning high specifications of 2D-telecentric anamorphic scan systems. This contribution provides the insight into the application of freeform surfaces in non-rotationally symmetric optical systems with refractive components.
Helicity multiplexed terahertz multi-foci metalens
Authors: Zhou Tao , Du Juan , Liu Yongsheng , Zang Xiaofei
Published: December 2019

Metasurfaces have shown unprecedented capabilities in the manipulation of the light’s wavefront at subwavelength scale, enabling compact functional devices that can outperform conventional bulk components. A device with multiple functionalities is a continuing trend of device miniaturization and system integration. Here, we propose an approach to design a helicity-dependent multi-foci metalens that can independently generate longitudinally (or transversely) multiple focal points under the illumination of left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized terahertz waves. When this metalens is illuminated with linearly polarized terahertz waves, all of the helicity-dependent multiple focal points are observed simultaneously, leading to the multiplexing of helicity-dependent multiple focal spots. A dielectric metasurface consisting of micropillars with different in-plane orientations is utilized to demonstrate these characteristics. This approach for achieving a helicity multiplexed terahertz multi-foci metalens may open an avenue for designing future multifunctional devices.
Resonant radiation from Peregrine solitons
Authors: Baronio Fabio , Chen Shihua , Trillo Stefano
Published: December 2019

We investigate the phenomenon of resonant radiation emitted by Peregrine solitons. We show that, unlike bright or dark solitons of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation, the radiation process is affected by the intrinsic local longitudinal variation of the soliton wavenumber. We give a phase-matching condition that allows the prediction of the multiple spectral peaks of the resonant radiation.
Reflective objective-based ultraviolet photoacoustic remote sensing virtual histopathology
Authors: Haven Nathaniel J. M. , Kedarisetti Pradyumna , Restall Brendon S. , Zemp Roger J.
Published: December 2019

Histopathological examination typically involves tissue resection or biopsy, fixation, sectioning, and staining protocols. A non-contact high-resolution photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy system is presented which is capable of depth-resolved imaging of cell nuclei in fixed and fresh tissues without the need for stains or labels. The reflection-mode system is based on a 0.5 numerical aperture reflective objective and enables fast optical scanning using a 600 kHz repetition rate fiber laser to produce histological-like images with 0.39 µm resolution and with close agreement to traditional H&E and fluorescence staining.
Thermal annealing of Ge-Se thin films and its influence on waveguide performance
Authors: Guo Panpan , Li Chengdong , Huang Wei , Zhang Wei , Zhang Peiqing , Xu Tiefeng
Published: December 2019

Ge-Se thin film waveguide is used in optical devices because of its excellent optical properties. We investigated the structural and optical properties of as-deposited and thermally annealed Ge18Se82 films and the associated waveguides. The optimized annealing condition at 170 °C was determined for Ge18Se82 films. This study reveals that the annealing process can reduce the density of homopolar bonds and voids in the films. After the annealing process, Ge18Se82 waveguides with the dimensions of 1.0 µm×4.0 µm and 1.5 µm×4.0 µm present 0.22 dB/cm and 0.26 dB/cm propagation loss reduction, respectively. This finding suggests that thermal annealing is an appropriate method for improving the performance of chalcogenide glass devices.
Laser ablation synthesis of gold nanoparticles in tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Naharuddin Noor Zirwatul Ahlam , Sadrolhosseini Amir Reza , Abu Bakar Muhammad Hafiz , Tamchek Nizam , Mahdi Mohd Adzir
Published: December 2019

We demonstrate the synthesis of gold nanoparticles in tetrahydrofuran
using the pulsed laser ablation technique. Both ablation time and
solution stirring effect were investigated. At an ablation time of 30
minutes, the average size of synthesized gold nanoparticles
significantly reduced from 11 nm to 6 nm. Additionally, the percentage
of gold nanoparticles greater than 15 nm reduced as well, from
20.00% to 0.47%. These observations were caused by
forced convection flow and shock waves from the rapid laser pulse that
fragmented the ablated gold nanoparticles further into smaller
sizes.
Experimental demonstration of Bi2Te3 saturable absorption with whispering gallery modes in an InGaAsP microdisk laser
Authors: Lin Hsiang-Ting , Qiao Junpeng , Lan Jia-Chi , Sung Wei-Heng , Yu Chen-Li , Shih Min-Hsiung , Lee Chao-Kuei
Published: December 2019

In this study, Bi2Te3 cluster was applied as a saturable absorber to investigate the mode-locking behavior of InGaAsP multiple quantum wells (MQWs) whispering gallery mode (WGM). Under optical excitation, the ultralow saturation absorption of Bi2Te3 from bulk state had modulated the intensity inside the microdisk, multi-lasing at different wavelengths with equal spectral spacing was realized. The achieved pulse repetition rate was as high as an estimated 4 THz. Additionally, a clear degenerate breaking was observed with a frequency shift of approximately 1 THz for each lasing mode. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a passively mode-locked WGM laser. These findings may have applications in dual-comb device.
Ultra-broadband conversion of OAM mode near the dispersion turning point in helical fiber gratings
Authors: Ren Kaili , Cheng Minhui , Ren Liyong , Jiang Yunhui , Han Dongdong , Wang Yongkai , Dong Jun , Liu Jihong , Yang Li , Xi Zhanqiang
Published: December 2019

Based on the dual-resonance principle around the dispersion turning point (DTP), for the first time, an ultra-broadband orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode converter formed by the helical long-period fiber grating (HLPG) is proposed. The converter used for delivering the OAM operation with 3-dB bandwidth of 287 nm, which is about 7 times of general OAM converters and has only one mode. Furthermore, by chirping the HLPG working around DTP, a flat-top broadband OAM mode converter with bandwidth of ∼182 nm@3 dB is conveniently achieved. The flatness of spectrum can be increased by apodizing and optimizing the length of the chirped HLPG. Subsequently, we significantly developed a flat-top broadband rejection filter with >30 dB bandwidth of a high level of ∼100 nm@1 dB by double-cascading the HLPG. It is shown that the performances of the OAM mode converter and the flat-top broadband rejection filter can be remarkably improved by accomplishing the DTP in the mode phase-matching for the HLPG.