bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deleting fibroblast growth factor 2 in macrophages aggravates septic acute lung injury by increasing M1 polarization and inflammatory cytokine secretion
Authors: Yi Lingxian , Chen Yu , Zhang Yaoyang , Huang Haiquan , Li Jiahui , Qu Yirui , Weng Tujun , Chai Jiake
Published: October 2024

Septic lung injury is strongly associated with polarization of M1 macrophages and excessive cytokine release. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling plays a role in both processes. However, the impact of FGF2 deficiency on macrophage polarization and septic acute lung injury remains unclear. To investigate this, we obtained macrophages from FGF2 knockout mice and examined their polarization and inflammatory cytokine expression. We also eliminated endogenous macrophages using clodronate liposomes and administered FGF2 knockout or WT macrophages intravenously in conjunction with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery to induce sepsis. In vitro analysis by flow cytometry and real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that FGF2 deficiency resulted in increased expression of M1 markers (iNOS and CD86) and inflammatory cytokines (CXCL1, IL1β, and IL6), especially after LPS stimulation. Additionally, immunofluorescence demonstrated increased nuclear translocation of p65 NF-κB in FGF2 knockout macrophages and RNA-seq analysis showed enrichment of differentially expressed genes in the IL17 and TNFα inflammatory signaling pathways. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that depletion of FGF2 in macrophages worsened sepsis-induced lung inflammation, lung vascular leak, and lung histological injury, accompanied by an increase in CD86-positive cells and apoptosis. Our study suggests that FGF2 deficiency in macrophages plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of septic ALI, possibly because of the enhanced M1 macrophage polarization and production of proinflammatory cytokines. These findings provide empirical evidence for potential therapeutic interventions targeting FGF2 signaling to modulate the polarization of M1 and M2 macrophages in the management of sepsis-induced acute lung injury.
A Model for Emotional Intelligence in Biology Education Research
Authors: Tea Ash , Ovid Dax
Published: October 2024

The connection between stress, emotional invalidation, and mental health as it relates to undergraduate science is reviewed. We propose a “Model for Emotional Intelligence in Biology Education Research” to advocate for the development of Emotional Intelligence interventions to promote emotional management among students and instructors.
Effects of a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet on β-Cell Response in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gower Barbara A , Goss Amy M , Yurchishin Marian L , Deemer Sarah E , Sunil Bhuvana , Garvey William T
Published: October 2024

Context

β-Cell response to glucose is compromised in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), possibly due in part to excessive carbohydrate consumption.

Objective

This study was conducted to determine if a eucaloric carbohydrate-restricted (CR) diet (∼9% energy from carbohydrate, 65% energy from fat), compared to a eucaloric higher carbohydrate (HC) diet (∼55% energy from carbohydrate, 20% energy from fat), would improve β-cell response to glucose in participants with T2D.

Methods

Participants were 57 African American and European American adults with T2D not using insulin. Medications were discontinued 1 to 2 weeks prior to baseline testing. A hyperglycemic clamp was used to assess the acute (first-phase) and maximal (arginine-stimulated) C-peptide response to glucose at baseline and after 12 weeks of controlled diet therapy (all food provided). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to assess the disposition index (DI).

Results

At 12 weeks, a statistically significant effect of diet was observed on acute C-peptide response (2-fold greater with the CR diet; P < .01). For maximal C-peptide, a significant effect of diet was observed (22% greater with the CR diet; P < .05), as was a significant diet-by-race interaction (P < .05), indicating that the diet effect was specific to European Americans (48% greater with the CR diet; P < .01). OGTT results showed a significant effect of diet on DI at 12 weeks (32% greater with the CR diet; P < .05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that a eucaloric CR diet has beneficial effects on β-cell function in patients with mild T2D.
Hypercalcemia Due to Progressive Disseminated Histoplasmosis
Authors: Thandiyekkal Rajan Lakshmipriya , Aggarwal Naman , Menon Jayakrishnan C , Yadav Subhash , Marak Rungmei S K
Published: October 2024

Hypercalcemia is a relatively common clinical problem, and evaluation for its etiology may often prove to be challenging. However, a thorough etiological workup can guide effective therapy and can often prove to be lifesaving. We describe a 61-year-old man who presented with fever, anorexia, and weight loss for 3 months, and altered sensorium for around 1 week. His evaluation revealed severe hypercalcemia, correction of which led to improvement in his symptoms. Workup for the cause revealed that he had parathyroid hormone–independent hypercalcemia with elevated levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, suggesting a granulomatous disease. Radiological evaluation was suggestive of a multisystem disorder with bilateral adrenal enlargement, generalized lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. Biopsy from the adrenal gland and bone marrow clinched the diagnosis of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis, which required treatment with liposomal amphotericin B for a total duration of 4 weeks, followed by oral itraconazole. The effective treatment was associated with normalization of serum calcium and disappearance of symptoms. Histoplasmosis represents a rare cause of hypercalcemia, with only around 22 such cases having been reported worldwide.
The TSH Receptor Antibody Reactome Contributes to Retro-Orbital Inflammation
Authors: Morshed Syed , Mansoori Maryam , Davies Terry F
Published: October 2024

The thyroid eye disease (TED) of Graves disease is associated with high titers of stimulating TSH receptor antibodies, retro-orbital inflammation, fibroblast release of cytokines and chemokines, and adipogenesis, which in turn leads to proptosis, muscle fibrosis, and dysfunction. Part of this scenario is the induction of fibroblast proliferation and autophagy secondary to synergism between the TSH receptor (TSHR) and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R). While TED is well associated with thyroid-stimulating antibodies to the TSHR, which is also well expressed on fibroblasts, in fact the TSHR reactome has a variety of TSHR antibodies with varying biological activity. Therefore, we have now evaluated the possible role of neutral TSHR antibodies (N-TSHR-mAbs), directed at the hinge region of the TSHR, which do not induce cell proliferation but are known to have effects on multiple proteins in thyroid cells including stress-related signaling molecules. We examined the consequences of an N-TSHR-mAb acting on TSHR-expressing fibroblasts and found marked cell stress, which initiated signaling pathways involving inflammasome activation. This response ended in widespread cell death by pyroptosis through activation of caspase 8 and gasdermin D. Hence, not only can stimulating TSHR autoantibodies influence TED inflammation but the N-TSHR antibodies, representing more of the reactome, may also exaggerate the retro-orbital inflammatory response seen in TED.
Disgendered
Authors: St. Clair Cody C.
Published: October 2024

In US literary history, the Great Depression stands as a wellspring of poetry and prose that imagines homelessness otherwise, that reads the embodiments and relationalities of homeless dispossession as an abolitionist horizon, cutting across the structural, epistemic violence of urban sociology, welfare bureaucracy, and the carceral state as well as practicing radical alternatives of relating to housing. Arguably influenced by discourses on subproletarian pathology, myriad Depression-era writers regarded the homeless as bereft of futurity, and they understood the condition of unhoused immiseration as a state of social death that marked the homeless as kinless. This literary vein conceived of homelessness as a disgendering experience in which the homeless body becomes an aberration from the heteropatriarchal gender binary. Alongside this literature of homeless nonfuturity, this article locates a literary countercurrent that explores how homeless persons continue to build kinships and collective futures that manifest through and exceed their bare existence. In particular, the article examines the poem “Homeless but Not Motherless” (1935) and the novel The Girl (ca. 1939), finding in both a recognition not only of the disgendering violence of homelessness but also of the potentialities for forging kinship across exclusions from labor, housing, family, and civil society.
The Light Outside Property
Authors: Thomas Virginia , Annmarie Stevens Laila
Published: October 2024

This is an introduction to selections from Laila Annmarie Stevens's photographic series “A House Is Not a Home.” The introduction discusses the impetus behind Stevens's photographs, the role of natural light in Stevens's work, and the ways in which the series challenges the concept of “home” as being bound up in private property.
The retrieval of neutral and positive autobiographical memories: a pilot study
Authors: Su Xinning , Midorikawa Akira
Published: October 2024

Background Several studies have shown that the retrieval of positive memories may play a role in emotional regulation. However, it is unclear whether the effects of neutral and positive autobiographical memories differ. It is necessary to confirm whether genuinely neutral autobiographical memories can be retrieved without bias when prompted to recall neutral memories. Methods In this pilot study, using “home” and “study” as cue words, we investigated whether participants were able to retrieve appropriate autobiographical memories when asked to recall a limited number of neutral or positive memories. Results Although participants were asked to recall neutral autobiographical memories, they tended to recall positive memories. Conclusions Our results support the concept of positive memory bias and suggest that future work should consider combining neutral and positive autobiographical memories by asking participants to recall neutral–positive memories.
A bibliometric review of functional ingredients and their efficacy in developing functional biscuits
Authors: Vishwakarma Kshama , Chandra Sekaran Varalakshmi , Patwardhan Vidya , Kamath Asha
Published: October 2024

Introduction Numerous studies have concluded that the functional ingredients benefit human health. Similarly, present times have seen exponential growth in functional food in bakery product segments like breads and biscuits. However, there is a lack of information on functional ingredients and their usefulness in developing functional bakery products. This bibliometric study addresses this gap by identifying the current research trends in functional ingredients. Objective To investigate current research trends on functional ingredients and their usefulness in developing functional biscuits. Method The study followed the “Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews” standards for retrieving literature. The study went through three major stages, “assembling”, “arranging”, and “assessing” to retrieve 612 articles from the Scopus database from 2013 to 2023. Through further filtering, 395 articles were selected. Result The analysis was conducted using R Studio and VOS viewer. The performance analysis and science mapping tools were used to evaluate the articles. The results showed a 5.76% annual growth in publication trends. The most researched functional ingredients were antioxidants, bioactive compounds, and dietary fiber. The review summarized the most studied foods used to develop functional biscuits and highlighted the most experimented technological advancements. Conclusion The study revealed the need for future research studies on functional ingredients with a focus on studying the implications of technical implications of technical advancements in extracting functional ingredients from foods. The study highlights the significance of future studies based on the acceptance of functional biscuits and their sensory properties focusing on the mass population. The study derives the knowledge on possible applicability of functional ingredients in developing new formulations from publications and their usefulness in developing new formulations. This insight on the applicability of functional ingredients provides an opportunity for biscuit/cookie manufacturing to boost consumption among the population to a new ascending graph.
Implementation of a genotyped African population cohort, with virtual follow-up: A feasibility study in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Tamuhla Tsaone , Coussens Anna K , Abrahams Maleeka , Blumenthal Melissa J , Lakay Francisco , Wilkinson Robert J , Riou Catherine , Raubenheimer Peter , Dave Joel A , Tiffin Nicki
Published: October 2024

Background There is limited knowledge regarding African genetic drivers of disease due to prohibitive costs of large-scale genomic research in Africa. Methods We piloted a cost-effective, scalable virtual genotyped cohort in South Africa, with participant recruitment using a tiered informed consent model and DNA collection by buccal swab. Genotype data was generated using the H3Africa Illumina micro-array, and phenotype data was derived from routine health data of participants. We demonstrated feasibility of nested case control genome wide association studies using these data for phenotypes type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and severe COVID-19. Results 2267346 variants were analysed in 459 participant samples. 78.6% of SNPs and 74% of samples passed quality control (QC). Principal component analysis showed extensive ancestry admixture in study participants. For 1780 published COVID-19-associated variants, 3 SNPs in the pre-imputation data and 23 SNPS in the imputed data were significantly associated with severe COVID-19 cases compared to controls. For 2755 published T2DM associated variants, 69 SNPs in the pre-imputation data and 419 SNPs in the imputed data were significantly associated with T2DM cases when compared to controls. Conclusions The results shown here are illustrative of what will be possible as the cohort expands in the future. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, recognising that the findings presented here are preliminary and require further validation once we have a sufficient sample size to improve statistical significance of findings. We implemented a genotyped population cohort with virtual follow up data in a resource-constrained African environment, demonstrating feasibility for scale up and novel health discoveries through nested case-control studies.
Limited Firm Insurance and Aggregate Implications
Authors: Wang Yicheng
Published: October 2024

This paper studies the impacts of financial shocks on firm insurance, firm dynamics, and macroeconomic implications. A key departure from the literature is that firms provide wage insurance contracts to risk-averse workers in a long-term relationship. Such contracts endogenously impose a form of inflexible debt liability to firms, and make firms with limited financial net worth more vulnerable to shocks than others. In our model, firms have heterogenous productivity and financial net worth, and also firms face financial frictions. Search and matching in the labor market endogenously determines the value of wage contract, and thus the level of liability to the firm. We have three new findings: (1) The wage dynamics of the quantitative model are consistent with those in empirical studies, with significant insurance against firm-level idiosyncratic shocks, and also a weak comovement between aggregate wage and GDP when there are aggregate shocks. (2) Firms with limited financial resources are hit by financial shocks significantly more than others, with larger negative impacts on dividends, credit borrowing, firm value, and firm entry; the endogenous wage insurance also becomes more limited, and there are more separations. These impacts on both firms and workers are different from—and cannot be accounted for by—standard models with a representative firm or worker. (3) Quantitative exercises for the Great Recession in the United States suggest that aggregate productivity shocks and financial shocks play different roles; without financial shocks, we cannot account for the dynamics of financial variables, including the reduced credit borrowing, spikes in credit spreads, and large drops in dividend payments. Lastly, we provide microlevel empirical supports for our model implications.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Funding: Y. Wang acknowledges the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72150003] and the grant from Shenzhen Municipal Government [Grant 1210614103].

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01627 .
Contos naturalistas da Guerra do Paraguai
Authors: Mendes Leonardo , Da Silva Gomes Maria Eduarda
Published: October 2024

A guerra é um dos temas naturalistas que foi obscurecido pela centralidade atribuída ao determinismo biológico na caracterização do movimento. A visão caricatural de uma literatura cientificista, fracassada e antiartística, obliterou significativamente os corpora naturalistas produzidos no Brasil. Neles, encontramos ficções sobre a Guerra do Paraguai (1864-1870) e a vida militar que aproximam o naturalismo no Brasil de experiências semelhantes retratadas no naturalismo francês relacionadas à Guerra Franco-Prussiana (1870- 1871). Os textos abordam o conflito a partir de vários ângulos, mas concordam que as situações criadas por ele são absurdas. O sentimento de horror e desengano que marca essa literatura a aproxima da vertente do “naturalismo desiludido” (Baguley, 1990), cuja principal estratégia era romper com o gênero clássico da guerra – a epopeia – como matriz do romance moderno. São histórias sobre viagens fracassadas e conflitos irresolvidos que assumem um posicionamento crítico às guerras e ao militarismo. Neste trabalho, vamos testar a hipótese em três contos brasileiros do fim do século XIX sobre a Guerra do Paraguai: “Vampa” (1890), de Oscar Rosas; “Uma noite” (1895), de Machado de Assis; e “Maria sem tempo” (1891), de Domício da Gama.
The greater tuberosity version angle: a novel method of acquiring humeral alignment during intramedullary nailing
Authors: Gutierrez-Naranjo Jose M. , Salazar Luis M. , Kanawade Vaibhav A. , Abdel Fatah Emam E. , Mahfouz Mohamed , Brady Nicholas W. , Dutta Anil K.
Published: October 2024

Aims

This study aims to describe a new method that may be used as a supplement to evaluate humeral rotational alignment during intramedullary nail (IMN) insertion using the profile of the perpendicular peak of the greater tuberosity and its relation to the transepicondylar axis. We called this angle the greater tuberosity version angle (GTVA).

Methods

This study analyzed 506 cadaveric humeri of adult patients. All humeri were CT scanned using 0.625 × 0.625 × 0.625 mm cubic voxels. The images acquired were used to generate 3D surface models of the humerus. Next, 3D landmarks were automatically calculated on each 3D bone using custom-written C++ software. The anatomical landmarks analyzed were the transepicondylar axis, the humerus anatomical axis, and the peak of the perpendicular axis of the greater tuberosity. Lastly, the angle between the transepicondylar axis and the greater tuberosity axis was calculated and defined as the GTVA.

Results

The value of GTVA was 20.9° (SD 4.7°) (95% CI 20.47° to 21.3°). Results of analysis of variance revealed that females had a statistically significant larger angle of 21.95° (SD 4.49°) compared to males, which were found to be 20.49° (SD 4.8°) (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study identified a consistent relationship between palpable anatomical landmarks, enhancing IMN accuracy by utilizing 3D CT scans and replicating a 20.9° angle from the greater tuberosity to the transepicondylar axis. Using this angle as a secondary reference may help mitigate the complications associated with malrotation of the humerus following IMN. However, future trials are needed for clinical validation.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(10):929–936.
Efficient Electromagnetic Compatibility Optimization Design Based on the Stochastic Collocation Method
Authors: Niu Xiaobing , Liu Shenglin , Qiu Runze
Published: October 2024

Nowadays, in the field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), numerical methods such as finite element analysis are often used for simulation analysis. These numerical methods take a long time to solve some complex simulation problems, which is not conducive to the optimal design of EMC. In particular, the intelligent optimization algorithm that needs continuous iterative calculation will not be realized because of the long optimization time. This paper realizes the innovative application of the uncertainty analysis method (Stochastic Collocation Method) in EMC optimization design. Two typical EMC optimization design problems, namely, the prediction of cable crosstalk and the design of shielding performance of metal boxes, are proposed to verify the effectiveness of the optimization algorithm. Meanwhile, its performance is compared with the classical intelligent optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithms and immune algorithms.
Plasmonic lithography fast imaging model based on least square fitting for periodic patterns
Authors: Ding Huwen , Dong Lisong , Li Ziqi , He Jianfang , Ma Le , Rui Dinghai , Wei Yayi
Published: October 2024

As a new and alternative lithography technology, plasmonic lithography can break through the diffraction limit of traditional lithography by exciting the surface plasmon polaritons to make the evanescent wave at the mask participate in imaging. Plasmonic lithography is capable of fabricating deep subwavelength structures for nanophotonics, metasurfaces, and various other applications, and it is expected to be applied to integrated circuit manufacturing. The photoresist aerial image distribution of different mask patterns can be calculated by establishing an imaging model, which is the basis for understanding and further optimizing imaging. Based on the idea of machine learning and least square fitting, a fast imaging model for plasmonic lithography is established, including a one-dimensional line/space periodic pattern and a two-dimensional square hole pattern, which can be used as a supplement to the previous model developed by Ding et al. [Opt. Express 31, 192 (2023)OPEXFF1094-408710.1364/OE.476825]. Compared with the rigorous numerical method, the fast imaging model can greatly improve the calculation speed with high accuracy. Under the same hardware conditions, the calculation speed of the 1D fast imaging model is improved by two orders of magnitude, and the 2D fast imaging model is improved by about 25 times, which creates conditions for the development of computational lithography technology.
Photometric stereo light calibration optimization and high-reflective distance fitness compensation method to improve reconstruction
Authors: Wang Biao , Lan Meiling , Zhang Yuxuan , Wang Yonghong , Li Guihua
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes an interpolated light calibration optimization and high-reflective
area compensation method to solve the accuracy loss caused by
idealization of the photometric stereo (PS) model and high-reflective
area. The spatial distribution model of light intensity is defined as
a cubic interpolation function, which is used to obtain an intensity
coefficient matrix to optimize the PS model.
A
light source adaptation model is adopted to select the appropriate
position of the light source based on the characteristics of the
object. Finally, a distance fitness compensation model
is established to repair the high-reflective area, which selects the
optimal pixel values of the non-high-reflective area. The experiment
result shows that the proposed method can obtain the light source
spatial characteristics, and high-reflective areas could be
repaired.
Drift compensation system of an autocollimator based on reciprocal roll angles and a feedback combination target
Authors: Li Kun , Cao Guohua , Ding Hongchang , Hou Han
Published: October 2024

To address the issues of limited field of view and beam drift in traditional autocollimation measurements, a novel, to our knowledge, autocollimation measurement method is proposed. This method is based on the principle of full-circle continuous measurement using reciprocal roll angles of a compound biaxial system, combined with a feedback and compensation mechanism for beam drift using both calibration and compensation targets. A self-collimating small-angle measurement system model, coupled with a compound biaxial turntable and combined target, is established using ray tracing and perspective projection transformation techniques. Additionally, a closed-loop beam drift compensation system is developed by applying a BP neural network and a PID control algorithm. Experimental tests on the compensation system demonstrate a significant improvement in measurement accuracy and stability. The results show that this method satisfies the requirements for small-angle autocollimation measurement, and the method also enhances the overall stability of the autocollimation system.
Theoretical design of an electrically and thermally dual-controlled double-band absorber based on graphene and InSb
Authors: Hu BaoJing , Huang Ming , Yang Li , Yang SuYun
Published: October 2024

A novel, to our knowledge, double-band metamaterial absorber based on graphene and InSb is proposed in the terahertz regime. The amplitude and center frequency of the absorber can be electrically tuned by adjusting the graphene chemical potential and thermally controlled by varying the InSb temperature independently. First, owing to the bright–bright mode coupling effect, the average absorption rate of double-band absorber can reach 97% in the FDTD simulation. Meanwhile, the physical absorption mechanism can be analyzed theoretically by the radiating two-oscillator model. Second, when the chemical potential of graphene increases, the absorption rates of the absorber decrease gradually, and the absorption frequencies are almost unchanged. Moreover, if the temperature of InSb increases, the absorption frequencies and rates of absorber increase simultaneously. Finally, the impact of parameters on the absorption spectra, and the excellent sensing performance of the dual-band absorber as a refractive index sensor, are further discussed. This work provides a theoretical basis for the designs of dual-tunable absorbers and sensors.
Effects of pressure difference and temperature on α-Ga2O3 growth by mist chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhang Chenrui , Wu You , Li Yanbin , Xiao Di , Zheng Yuanyuan , Jia Zhitai , Zhang Le
Published: October 2024

As a wide-bandgap semiconductor material, α-Ga2O3 has great potential in high-power devices and deep ultraviolet photodetectors. However, for α-Ga2O3 growth by mist chemical vapor deposition (mist-CVD), the clustering of mist flow often appears, resulting in poor crystallinity and rough surface of the α-Ga2O3 films. In this study, we established a homemade mist-CVD system with a heating structure and a cuboid chamber. The effects of the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the reaction chamber as well as the growth temperature on α-Ga2O3 film growth were systematically investigated. High-quality α-Ga2O3 thin films with a smooth surface were prepared at 450 °C under a 80 Pa pressure difference due to the weakened clustering effect of mist flow. The surface root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of the α-Ga2O3 films was as low as 1.32 nm, and the growth rate could reach 26.9 nm/min. The transmittance was higher than 80% in the near-ultraviolet to visible light region, and the optical band gap was determined to be 5.23 eV.
Revisiting the double-slit experiment of light: from wave theory to pulse theory
Authors: lyu zhiwei , Lv Nan , Lyu Tong
Published: October 2024

The double-slit interference experiment has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the wave theory of light. However, optical interference patterns are absent in everyday life, prompting many scientists to question the validity of the experiment under specific conditions. Until now, no experiments have definitively challenged this theory. Here, we revisit double-slit experiment through experimental validation. Results show that light and dark fringes are not caused by light wave interference, but rather by diffraction from vertical walls of the slits. This discovery challenges the conventional wave interference theory and presents a new perspective on the pulse nature of light, where overlapping spectra enhance energy without cancelation. This research offers novel insights into the nature of light and introduces new perspectives for optical research.
High-resolution, high-speed, chromotropic color printing based on fs-laser-induced gold/graphene HSFLs
Authors: Jiang Shiru , Lee Woo-Bin , Aberdeen Stuart , Lee Sang-Shin
Published: October 2024

Through achieving high-spatial-frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures (HSFLs) on a gold/graphene hybrid film, we introduce a high-speed, high-resolution, and wide-gamut chromotropic color printing technique. This method effectively addresses the trade-off between throughput and resolution in laser coloring. To realize Au HSFL, disordered lattice structures and high transmittance of amorphous Au (a-Au) thin film are used to overcome the rapid hot-electron diffusion and loss of plasmonic coherence typically observed on low-loss metal surfaces, respectively. Coupled with crystallization in Au and modulated surface plasmon polaritons by artificial “seed” pre-structure growing in a SiO2/Si substrate, HSFL emerged with a period of 100 nm on crystalline Au after single and rapid femtosecond laser scanning. This equips the proposed color printing with high-resolution and high-speed features simultaneously. In addition, the crystallization process is demonstrated to initiate change in the complex refractive index of Au, which causes wide-gamut colors. The chromotropic capability, which facilitates the background color to be tailored in color as well as into desirable shapes independently, enables three-level anti-counterfeiting based on the proposed color printing. Therefore, the proposed color printing is amenable for practical implementation in diverse applications, including security marking and data storage, ranging from nanoscale to large-scale fabrication.
Dual-function switchable terahertz surface plasmon device driven by a GST metasurface
Authors: Xu Guanghong , Li Quan , Su Hao , Dong Yisheng , Guo Guanxuan , Wang Huirong , Huang Hai , Chen Tai , Wang Shuang , Zhang Xueqian , Tian Zhen
Published: October 2024

Surface plasmons (SPs) are one of the most effective information carriers for on-chip systems due to their two-dimensional propagation properties. Benefitting from the highly flexible designability, metasurfaces have emerged as a promising route in realizing SP devices. However, related studies are mainly focused on passive devices. Here, by introducing nonvolatile phase-change material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) into the metasurface design, we experimentally demonstrate a dual-function switchable SP device in the terahertz regime. Specifically, the device works as a spin-dependent directional plane-wave SP coupler when GST is in the amorphous state, while it works as a spin-dependent directional SP Fresnel zone plate (FZP) when GST is in the crystalline state. The states of GST are switched back and forth using thermal excitation and nanosecond laser illumination, respectively. Our method is simple and robust, and can find broad applications in on-chip photonic devices.
How do gender norms contribute to stunting in Ntchisi District, Malawi? a qualitative study
Authors: Mphangwe Whitney , Nolan Ann , Vallières Frédérique , Finn Mairéad
Published: October 2024

Background and aim

Despite adequate food production and nutrition intervention coverage, stunting remains an enduring problem in Ntchisi, Malawi. Globally, gender and social norms are known to influence nutritional outcomes in children. This study explores how gender norms contribute to child stunting, in Ntchisi district, Central Malawi.

Research methods

Informed by the UNICEF Framework for Malnutrition, nine focus group discussions were conducted with a target population of mothers (n = 24), fathers (n = 23) purposively targeted through growth monitoring sessions, and members of policy and health treatment committees (n = 21), spanning three different areas of Ntchisi district. Data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis, guided by the framework for Research in Gender and Ethics (RinGs).

Results

Three primary themes were identified: 1) gender unequal decision making on the consumption, sale and distribution of food; 2) enshrined community norms influence feeding practices underpinned by gender-based violence; and 3) policy disconnections and gaps that reinforce gender norms regarding nutrition. Themes encompassed practices across household, health treatment, and policy level.

Conclusion

Gender norms that underpin inequalities in decision making for production and consumption of food undermine children’s nourishment and contributes towards sustained child malnutrition in Ntchisi. Existing policy documents should revise their guidelines to incorporate gender norms as key determinants of malnutrition.
Steroid-sparing strategy for the treatment of vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
Authors: Egorova O. N. , Tarasova G. M. , Datsina A. V. , Issayeva B. G. , Dilmanova D. S. , Issayeva S. M , Lila A. M.
Published: October 2024

Glucocorticoids (GC) and immunosuppressants (IS) are traditional treatments for vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), often resulting in the development of infections, diabetes mellitus and other adverse events (AEs). The development of a steroid-sparing strategy using biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs, including rituximab, etc.) and synthetic targeted drugs (avacopan) has radically improved the course of the disease. Currently, there are increasing number of basic and clinical trials of numerous bDMARDs that effectively reduce the number of AEs associated with GC and IS. The steroid-sparing therapeutic strategy not only shows considerable efficacy, but also opens up new perspectives for the treatment of patients with ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis.
Celecoxib in rheumatic diseases: possibilities and prospects. Brief descriptive survey
Authors: Karateev A. E.
Published: October 2024

Chronic pain is the main manifestation of rheumatic diseases (RD), it determines the main complaints and worsens the quality of life of patients. The problem of effective control of chronic pain in rheumatology remains a current issue despite the successes in the development of new drugs for pathogenetic therapy, especially in immunoinflammatory RD. For example, 40-50% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), even those receiving biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and Janus kinase inhibitors, require analgesics. According to several population studies, about 50% of patients with the most common RD, osteoarthritis (OA) are forced to take various analgesics on a regular basis.

The most popular class of analgesics with proven efficacy in RA, spondyloarthritis (SpA) and OA are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As has been shown in several meta-analyses, NSAIDs are superior to placebo and paracetamol in their therapeutic effect, are not inferior to opioids and are better tolerated overall. However, the use of NSAIDs can be associated with the development of dangerous adverse events (AEs), which requires careful monitoring of the patient's condition, considering comorbid diseases and risk factors. It is very important to choose a drug with a balanced ratio of efficacy and low risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular AEs. One such drug is celecoxib, whose therapeutic potential and relative safety have been confirmed in RA, SpA and OA. A differentiated approach to celecoxib prescription makes it possible to achieve a maximum therapeutic result with a minimum risk of AEs. For severe pain, treatment starts with a dose of 400 mg/day, followed by a switch to a maintenance dose of 200 mg/day.
Complex therapy of musculoskeletal pain: the role of centrally acting muscle relaxants
Authors: Karateev A. E. , Alekseeva L. I. , Akhtyamov I. F. , Antonenko L. M. , Devlikamova F. I. , Dydykina I. S. , Zhivolupov S. A. , Kuzin A. V. , Parfenov V. A. , Samartsev I. N. , Tanashyan M. M , Titova N. V.
Published: October 2024

Chronic pain is the main manifestation of musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), leading to deterioration of quality of life and loss of ability to work. The importance of this problem is determined by the widespread prevalence of MSDs, osteoarthritis (OA), acute and chronic non-specific back pain (NBP), periarticular soft tissues lesions. Introduction of effective methods of treatment of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) into medical practice is one of the fundamental tasks of modern medicine.

The pathogenesis of MSP includes mechanisms such as injury, inflammation, peripheral sensitization, biomechanical disorders, dysfunction of the nociceptive system and psychoemotional disorders. Painful muscle tension plays an important role in the development of MSP, especially in NBP. Given the complex pathogenesis of MSP, its treatment is based on the combined use of drugs with different mechanisms of action and nonpharmacological methods. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a central place in this context. However, they can cause serious adverse reactions (ARs), so when choosing NSAIDs, it is necessary to consider comorbid pathology and risk factors. One of the most acceptable NSAIDs with a pronounced analgesic effect and low incidence of ARs is aceclofenac, which is available in various dosage forms (tablets, sachets, topical cream for external use). This medication is characterized by proven efficacy and good tolerability.

Centrally acting muscle relaxants (CM) play an important role in the treatment of MSP. They eliminate muscle spasm, enhance the effect of analgesics and reduce the need for NSAIDs. The effect of CM has been demonstrated in spasticity and NBP. However, the use of many drugs of this group can be associated with serious ARs, which limits their use.

Tolperisone has the best combination of efficacy and favorable safety profile among CM. Its positive effect in the complex treatment of NBP has been confirmed in several well-organized, placebo-controlled trials. There are also studies demonstrating the efficacy of tolperisone in OA. An important advantage of this drug is virtually no sedative effect, and no negative impact on hemodynamics and on the ability to perform concentration-intensive work. Emergence of a new form of tolperisone – extended-release tablets (Mydocalm® Long 450 mg) – increases patient compliance with CM therapy and facilitates the physician's work.
Pharmacoeconomic analysis of rituximab and belimumab therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gerasimova D. A. , Gontarenko V. A. , Gerasimova E. V. , Zakharova O. V. , Lobuteva L. А. , Popkova T. V. , Lila A. M.
Published: October 2024

The progressive course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with high activity and severe internal organs involvement requires the prescription of expensive biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), rituximab (RTM) and belimumab (BLM), whose comparative clinical and economic efficacy has not been adequately studied.

Objective: to evaluate the clinical and economic efficacy of RTM and BLM therapy in patients with SLE.

Material and methods. The study included 50 SLE patients who were divided into two groups and received RTM (group 1, n=25) or BLM (group 2, n=25) therapy for 12 months. The clinical and economic analysis was performed with the cost-effectiveness method using the cost-per-responder (CPR) model. A clinically significant improvement in SLEDAI-2K (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index modified 2K; Δ ≥4) was considered a response to therapy. Direct and indirect costs were considered in the analysis.

Results and discussion. Against a background of therapy, there was a decrease in SLE activity with a decrease in median SLEDAI-2K in group 1 from 12 [10.5; 18] to 8 [4; 10] and in group 2 from 10 [8; 14.5] to 4 [2; 4] (p< 0.001 in both cases). A clinically significant improvement was observed in 56% of patients in group 1 and 72% of patients in group 2. The peculiarities of the BLM dosing regimen caused higher (1.7 times) total costs than in the case of RTM. According to the CPR value, RTM showed a greater benefit (1.3 times) than BLM (954 thousand rubles versus 1.25 million rubles). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was 1.4 million rubles, which does not exceed the threshold of willingness to pay for a domestic patient.

Conclusion. When comparing BLM and RTM therapy for SLE patients in real-life clinical practice, greater clinical and economic efficiency was demonstrated for RTM. BLM therapy was found to be “cost-effective”.
Ultrasonography of the salivary glands in Sjögren's disease: own data analysis
Authors: Khvan Yu. I. , Torgashina A. V. , Volkov A. V. , Glukhov S. I.
Published: October 2024

Objective: to investigate feasibility of using ultrasonography (US) to evaluate structural changes of salivary glands (SG) in patients with Sjögren's disease (SD).

Material and methods. The study included 159 patients who were examined in V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology from 2016 to 2022 who met V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology 2001, and/or ACR 2012, and/or ACR/EULAR 2016 criteria for SD, and who had not previously received immunosuppressive therapy. All patients underwent a comprehensive classical examination (ophthalmological, dental, immunological) to diagnose SD. Disease activity was determined using ESSDAI index. US of the parotid gland (PG) and submandibular SGs was performed using a GE LOGIQ 9 device, and the images obtained were scored according to the OMERACT SGUS scoring system (SGUS SS).

Results and discussion. All SGUS SS scores statistically significantly correlated (p<0.05) with mouth sicca symptoms, enlargement of PG, ESSDAI activity index, presence of lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and focus score in labial SG biopsy, and parenchymatous parotitis according to sialography. No significant correlation was found with the results of sialometry. There was a significant correlation between the changes detected by US and sialography (r=0.422; p=0.001). Considering the data obtained, the consistency of the results of the different examination methods was analyzed. Bland-Altman diagrams were created to reflect the dependence of the differences between the results of US and sialography. At various stages of the comparison, not all data points were within the standardized range. In addition, 5% of the parameters were not within the interval of two standard deviations. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed a systematic discrepancy indicating a low degree of agreement between the two methods for determining structural changes in SG. According to the ROC analysis, sensitivity of ultrasound was 94% and specificity 51%. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.787 (95% confidence interval 0.700–0.875).

Conclusion. SG US and sialography are not interchangeable, but complement each other in the assessment of SG structure. SG US is a safer and non-invasive method of SG examination that does not require contrast agent administration and is likely to play an important role in the dynamic monitoring of patients during the therapy. However, sialography is a more accurate method of diagnostics and assessment of the extent of SG lesions.
Muscle relaxers in acute musculoskeletal back pain
Authors: Mukhametzyanova A. Kh. , Isaikin A. I.
Published: October 2024

Treatment of patients with back pain is a global public health problem. The diagnosis of acute non-specific (musculoskeletal) back pain (ANBP) is made based on anamnestic data, results of somatic, neurological and neuroorthopaedic examinations, and exclusion of specific causes of back pain and discogenic radiculopathy. For ANBP, pharmacological treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxers (MR). Most modern clinical guidelines recommend non-benzodiazepine MR as the treatment of choice for ANBP. The results of randomized clinical trials have shown the efficacy and good tolerability of tolperisone (Mydocalm) as monotherapy and in combination with NSAIDs for ANBP. Tolperisone (Mydocalm) has analgesic properties and its main advantage over other MR is that it has no sedative effect.
Resolution of the Expert Council on the problem of early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bogolepova A. N. , Vasenina E. E. , Vakhnina N. V. , Vorobyеv S. V. , Gavrilova S. I. , Emelin А. Yu. , Zakharov V. V. , Illarioshkin S. N. , Kosivtsova O. V. , Kostyuk G. P. , Levin O. S. , Mkhitaryan E. A. , Parfenov V. А. , Tkacheva O. N. , Shpilyukova Yu. A.
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. In daily practice, AD is often diagnosed late, while the early stages of the disease are overlooked or mistaken for cerebrovascular pathology. However, the efficacy of existing and newly developed (disease-modifying) AD therapies is the greatest in the early stages of the disease. An accurate diagnosis of AD is possible when biological markers of the main pathological process (cerebral amyloidosis, tauopathy) are detected using positron emission tomography or neurochemical examination of cerebrospinal fluid, which are gradually being introduced into practice in Russia. The experts discussed the clinical aspects of the use of biological markers, obtained in the leading specialized centers of our country for the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment (CI). First and foremost, biomarker testing is indicated in patients with mild CI and mild dementia possibly associated with AD, so that disease-modifying (pathogenetic) therapy can be initiated as early as possible upon on its availability (currently, drugs for anti-amyloid disease-modifying therapy are not registered in the Russian Federation). Patients with a non-classical (non-amnestic) or atypical AD phenotype are another group of patients in whom it is also advisable to analyze biomarkers for differential diagnostic purposes.