bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and the comprehensive expression analysis of tobacco valine-glutamine genes in response to trichomes development and stress tolerance
Authors: Yan Xiaoxiao , Luo Rui , Liu Xiangyang , Hou Zihang , Pei Wenyi , Zhu Wenqi , Cui Hong
Published: July 2023

Valine-glutamine genes (VQ) acted as transcription regulators and played the important roles in plant growth and development, and stress tolerance through interacting with transcription factors and other co-regulators. In this study, sixty-one VQ genes containing the FxxxVQxxTG motif were identified and updated in the Nicotiana tobacum genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that NtVQ genes were divided into seven groups and genes of each group had highly conserved exon-intron structure. Expression patterns analysis firstly showed that NtVQ genes expressed individually in different tobacco tissues including mixed-trichome (mT), glandular-trichome (gT), and nonglandular-trichome (nT), and the expression levels were also distinguishing in response to methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), gibberellic acid (GA), ethylene (ETH), high salinity and PEG stresses. Besides, only NtVQ17 of its gene family was verified to have acquired autoactivating activity. This work will not only lead a foundation on revealing the functions of NtVQ genes in tobacco trichomes but also provided references to VQ genes related stress tolerance research in more crops.
Tabular and latent space synthetic data generation: a literature review
Authors: Fonseca Joao , Bacao Fernando
Published: July 2023

The generation of synthetic data can be used for anonymization, regularization, oversampling, semi-supervised learning, self-supervised learning, and several other tasks. Such broad potential motivated the development of new algorithms, specialized in data generation for specific data formats and Machine Learning (ML) tasks. However, one of the most common data formats used in industrial applications, tabular data, is generally overlooked; Literature analyses are scarce, state-of-the-art methods are spread across domains or ML tasks and there is little to no distinction among the main types of mechanism underlying synthetic data generation algorithms. In this paper, we analyze tabular and latent space synthetic data generation algorithms. Specifically, we propose a unified taxonomy as an extension and generalization of previous taxonomies, review 70 generation algorithms across six ML problems, distinguish the main generation mechanisms identified into six categories, describe each type of generation mechanism, discuss metrics to evaluate the quality of synthetic data and provide recommendations for future research. We expect this study to assist researchers and practitioners identify relevant gaps in the literature and design better and more informed practices with synthetic data.
The influence of steroid type on outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Yoshihro Shodai , Taito Shunsuke , Yatabe Tomoaki
Published: July 2023

Background

Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested that low-dose steroids are effective in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recent guidelines recommend the use of low-dose steroids instead of high-dose steroids. These systematic reviews were conducted based on the concept that the effect of steroids is constant regardless of their type. We discuss whether the type of steroid used influences the outcomes in patients with ARDS.

Main body

From a pharmacological standpoint, methylprednisolone has little activity as a mineralocorticoid and may cause pulmonary hypertension. The results of the rank probability of our previous network meta-analysis revealed that low-dose methylprednisolone might be an optimal treatment compared to using other types of steroids or no steroids in terms of ventilator-free days. Similarly, an analysis of individual data from four randomized controlled trials suggested that low-dose methylprednisolone was associated with decreased mortality in patients with ARDS. Dexamethasone has attracted the attention of clinicians as a novel adjunct therapy for ARDS.

Conclusion

Recent evidence has shown that low-dose methylprednisolone may be an effective treatment option for ARDS. The timing of initiation and duration of low-dose methylprednisolone therapy should be verified in future studies.
Mimicking biological synapses with a-HfSiOx-based memristor: implications for artificial intelligence and memory applications
Authors: Ismail Muhammad , Rasheed Maria , Mahata Chandreswar , Kang Myounggon , Kim Sungjun
Published: July 2023

Memristors, owing to their uncomplicated structure and resemblance to biological synapses, are predicted to see increased usage in the domain of artificial intelligence. Additionally, to augment the capacity for multilayer data storage in high-density memory applications, meticulous regulation of quantized conduction with an extremely low transition energy is required. In this work, an a-HfSiOx-based memristor was grown through atomic layer deposition (ALD) and investigated for its electrical and biological properties for use in multilevel switching memory and neuromorphic computing systems. The crystal structure and chemical distribution of the HfSiOx/TaN layers were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The Pt/a-HfSiOx/TaN memristor was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and showed analog bipolar switching behavior with high endurance stability (1000 cycles), long data retention performance (104 s), and uniform voltage distribution. Its multilevel capability was demonstrated by restricting current compliance (CC) and stopping the reset voltage. The memristor exhibited synaptic properties, such as short-term plasticity, excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), spiking-rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP), post-tetanic potentiation (PTP), and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). Furthermore, it demonstrated 94.6% pattern accuracy in neural network simulations. Thus, a-HfSiOx-based memristors have great potential for use in multilevel memory and neuromorphic computing systems.

Graphical Abstract
Complex evolution of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake revealed by teleseismic body waves
Authors: Ohara Kenta , Yagi Yuji , Yamashita Shinji , Okuwaki Ryo , Hirano Shiro , Fukahata Yukitoshi
Published: July 2023

The 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, New Zealand, ruptured more than a dozen faults, making it difficult to prescribe a model fault for analyzing the event by inversion. To model this earthquake from teleseismic records, we used a potency density tensor inversion, which projects multiple fault slips onto a single model fault plane, reducing the non-uniqueness due to the uncertainty in selecting the faults’ orientations. The resulting distribution of potency-rate density tensors is consistent with observed surface ruptures. In its initial stage, the rupture propagated northeastward primarily at shallow depths. Later, the rupture propagated northeastward at greater depths beneath a gap in reported surface ruptures. The main rupture phase started in the northeastern part of the Kekerengu fault after 50 s and propagated bilaterally to the northeast and southwest. The non-double-couple component grew to a large fraction of the source elements as the rupture went through the junction of the Jordan Thrust and the Papatea fault, which suggests that the rupture branched into both faults as it back-propagated toward the southwest. The potency density tensor inversion sheds new light on the irregular evolution of this earthquake, which produced a fault rupture pattern of unprecedented complexity. Our source model of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake (e.g., back-rupture propagation) could prompt research to determine a more realistic model with segmented faults using near-field data.
Successful surgical treatment of omphalocele with umbilical evagination of the bladder: an extremely rare presentation of neonatal case
Authors: Kobayashi Haruka , Baba Tokuro , Kuda Masaaki , Ieiri Satoshi , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa
Published: July 2023

Background

A few cases of small omphalocele with umbilical evagination of the bladder have been reported. However, its embryology is yet to be elucidated. Only a few reports have indicated the existence of urachal anomalies and umbilical cysts related to bladder evagination. The incidence of urachal anomalies at birth is reported to be 1 in 5000–8000 live birth, and urachal aplasia is rare. Herein, we report a rare, novel case of urachal aplasia.

Case presentation

We encountered a small omphalocele with bladder evagination associated with urachal aplasia for which the neonate underwent surgery one day after birth. The patient was a one-day-old boy with a prenatally diagnosed omphalocele. A fetal magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan (25 weeks of gestation) revealed a 30 × 33 mm (approximately 1.3 in.) cystic lesion which was suspected to be an umbilical cyst. The baby was born vaginally at 38 weeks, weighing 2956 g. An omphalocele (hernial orifice diameter, 4 cm × 3 cm) with bladder prolapse was recognized. After sac excision, the prolapsed bladder was resected and closed with two-layer sutures. In order to secure sufficient bladder capacity, we estimated the minimum residual volume as 21 ml after bladder plasty. The remaining bladder capacity was confirmed to be 30 ml by injecting a contrast dye and saline into the bladder. The neonate had no associated cardiac urogenital or skeletal anomalies. Postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was regularly followed up for two years after surgery and underwent umbilicoplasty. He had no trouble with urinary function.

Conclusion

In this case, we experienced extremely rare condition of a small omphalocele with bladder evagination associated with urachal aplasia and reviewed 7 case reports of anomalies similar to those in the present case. Umbilical cord cysts may be an informative indicator of these symptoms in utero. Therefore, ultrasonography scans should be conducted until delivery, despite the spontaneous disappearance of cord cysts.
Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Post Patellar Dislocation (PRePPeD)—protocol for an external pilot randomised controlled trial and qualitative study comparing supervised versus self-managed rehabilitation for people after acute patellar dislocation
Authors: Forde Colin , Costa Matthew L. , Cook Jonathan A. , Tutton Elizabeth , Appelbe Duncan , Franssen Marloes , Barker Rupert , Keene David J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Patellar dislocations mainly affect adolescents and young adults. After this injury, patients are usually referred to physiotherapy for exercise-based rehabilitation. Currently, limited high-quality evidence exists to guide rehabilitation practice and treatment outcomes vary. A full-scale trial comparing different rehabilitation approaches would provide high-quality evidence to inform rehabilitation practice. Whether this full-scale trial is feasible is uncertain: the only previous trial that compared exercise-based programmes in this patient population had high loss to follow-up. This study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a future full-scale trial comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of two different rehabilitation approaches for people with an acute patellar dislocation.

Methods

Two-arm parallel external pilot randomised controlled trial and qualitative study. We aim to recruit at least 50 participants aged ≥ 14 years with an acute first-time or recurrent patellar dislocation from at least three English National Health Service hospitals. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to supervised rehabilitation (four to six, one-to-one, physiotherapy sessions of advice and prescription of tailored progressive home exercise over a maximum of 6 months) or self-managed rehabilitation (one physiotherapy session of self-management advice, exercise, and provision of self-management materials). Pilot objectives are (1) willingness to be randomised, (2) recruitment rate, (3) retention, (4) intervention adherence, and (5) intervention and follow-up method acceptability to participants assessed through one-to-one semi-structured interviews (maximum 20 participants). Follow-up data will be collected 3, 6, and 9 months after randomisation. Quantitative pilot and clinical outcomes will be numerically summarised, with 95% confidence intervals generated for the pilot outcomes using Wilson’s and exact Poisson methods as appropriate.

Discussion

This study will assess the feasibility of conducting a full-scale trial comparing supervised versus self-managed rehabilitation for people after acute first-time or recurrent patellar dislocation. This full-scale trial’s results would provide high-quality evidence to guide rehabilitation provision for patients with this injury.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registryISRCTN14235231. Registered on 09 August 2022.
Contributing factors of delay in seeking treatment for childhood diarrheal diseases in Berbere Woreda, Ethiopia: an unmatched case–control study
Authors: Bekele Mebratu , Urgessa Megersso , Kumsa Kebede , Sinba Edao
Published: July 2023

Background

A major cause of diarrheal illness mortality is a failure to seek immediate medical assistance. There is currently no evidence on the reasons that induce caregivers in Berbere Woreda to delayed seeking timely treatment for under-five children with diarrheal illnesses. As a result, the goal of this study was to identify determinants of delay in seeking timely treatment for childhood diarrheal diseases in Berbere Woreda, Bale Zone Oromia Region, South Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

An unmatched case–control study on 418 child caregivers was conducted from April to May 2021. Cases were 209 children and their caregivers who sought treatment after 24 h of the onset of diarrheal disease symptoms, and controls were 209 children and their mothers/caregivers who sought treatment within 24 h of the onset of diarrheal disease symptoms. Data were collected through interviews and chart reviews using consecutive sampling. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out, with variables with a P-value of 0.05 considered statistically significant. The Hosmer–Lemshow goodness of fit test was used to validate the model, and the variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to test for multi-collinearity.

Results

In this study, we found that among 418 participants, determinants of delay in seeking timely treatment for childhood diarrheal diseases included mothers with more than two under-five children (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.21–4.11), Divorce (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.087–2.76), age of children < 24 months (AOR = 1.597, 95%,CI (1.008–2.531), and preference for a government health facility for treatment (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.51–4.34). Besides, the odds of mothers aged 25–34 years being two times more likely to delay seeking timely treatment for 5 children with diarrhea were 1.537 (0.560–4.213).

Conclusions

Age of children, age of mothers, number of children, preference of health facilities, and marital status were factors influencing the failure to seek treatment within 24 h of recognizing diarrhea in children under the age of five.
Endovascular treatment of distal middle cerebral artery dissecting aneurysm with intracerebral hemorrhage in a paediatric patient: a case report and literature review
Authors: Alam Mohammad Shahnawaz , Jha Vikas Chandra , Sinha Vivek Sharan
Published: July 2023

Background

Intracranial arterial aneurysms in the paediatric age group constitute less than 5% of all aneurysms. The most common form is spontaneous dissecting aneurysms (SDAs) (Peron et al. in Acta Neurochir 152(9):1511–1517, 2010; Huang et al. in Surg Neurol 63(5):424–432, 2005; Krishna et al. in Acta Neurochir 147(5):469–476, 2005; Ihn and Jung in J Korean Soc Radiol 65(5):441–445, 2011). It occurs most commonly in the posterior circulation and rarely in the anterior circulation, including the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (Chuang et al. in Asian J Surg 35(1):42–48, 2012; Ozaki et al. in World Neurosurg 113:208–211, 2018). MCA dissecting aneurysm even rarely presents with intracerebral haemorrhage (Ete et al. in J Case Rep 3(2):451–454, 2013; Ahmad in Interdiscip Neurosurg 18:100510, 2019; Bartoš et al. in Brain Sci 11(1):29, 2020).

Case description

A 12 years old non-diabetic, non-hypertensive female presented with distal right MCA (M2-M3 junction) dissecting aneurysm with right parieto-temporal haemorrhage. The patient was well managed with endovascular coil embolization with a good functional outcome.

Conclusion

Endovascular coil embolization had favourable clinical and angiographic outcomes in distal MCA dissecting aneurysms.
Vision transformer architecture and applications in digital health: a tutorial and survey
Authors: Al-hammuri Khalid , Gebali Fayez , Kanan Awos , Chelvan Ilamparithi Thirumarai
Published: July 2023

The vision transformer (ViT) is a state-of-the-art architecture for image recognition tasks that plays an important role in digital health applications. Medical images account for 90% of the data in digital medicine applications. This article discusses the core foundations of the ViT architecture and its digital health applications. These applications include image segmentation, classification, detection, prediction, reconstruction, synthesis, and telehealth such as report generation and security. This article also presents a roadmap for implementing the ViT in digital health systems and discusses its limitations and challenges.
Comparison of vitreous/retinal pigment epithelium relative intensity in proliferative vitreoretinopathy and uveitis
Authors: Djatikusumo Ari , Victor Andi Arus , Harahap Alida Roswita , Wibowo Heri , La Distia Nora Rina , Setiabudy Rianto , Sovani Iwan , Edwar Lukman , Permadi Annisa Citra , Ardhia Seruni Hanna
Published: July 2023

Background: Quantitative measurements of vitreous inflammation using vitreous/retinal pigment epithelium-relative intensity (VIT/RPE-Relative Intensity) have been described recently. In proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis, inducing retinal fibrosis and contraction. However, no attempts have yet to be made to analyze the severity of inflammation in PVR progression.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing OCT image sets obtained from patients divided into four groups: (1) proliferative vitreoretinopathy, (2) intermediate and posterior uveitis, (3) panuveitis, (4) normal healthy eyes in Cipto Mangunkusumo Kirana Eye Hospital between April 2021 – December 2021. OCT images were then analyzed in the ImageJ software for VIT/RPE-relative intensity.

Results: A total of 19 PVR eyes, 12 intermediate-posterior uveitis eyes, 16 panuveitis eyes, and 28 normal healthy eyes were recruited for this study.  The VIT/RPE-Relative Intensity was significantly higher in PVR eyes (0.415±0.178) than in intermediate-posterior uveitis (0.236±0.043, p=0.002) and panuveitis eyes (0.30±0.07, p=0.023). Compared to the normal eyes, PVR and both uveitis groups have significantly higher VIT/RPE relative intensity (p = <0.001 in each group). 

Conclusions: VIT/RPE-relative intensity may offer quantitative measurements of vitreous inflammation in the role of the pathogenesis of PVR. Comparison with cellular inflammation in the vitreous is required to validate this finding.
Comparative evaluation of apical debris extrusion during root canal preparation using three different rotary file systems
Authors: Rajnekar Rutuja , Mankar Nikhil , Nikhade Pradnya , Chandak Manoj
Published: July 2023

Background: Endodontic success depends on the complete cleaning and shaping of the root canal. In order to achieve this goal, debris removal is essential. Even with improvements in instrument design, apical debris extrusion continues to be a cause of periradicular inflammation. The current study aimed to compare the amount of apically extruded debris throughout the canal instrumentation with TruNatomy, ProTaper Next, 2Shape rotary systems.

Methods: A total of 60 freshly extracted single‑rooted mandibular premolars were use. An access opening was made, and a working length was estimated. The samples were arbitrarily allocated into three groups i.e. Group I: TruNatomy (n = 20), Group II: ProTaper Next (n = 20), Group III: 2Shape (n = 20). During the canal instrumentation, the extruded debris were collected in preweighed Eppendorf tubes. Post-instrumentation, the tubes were placed in a hot air oven at 140°C for five hours. For calculating the dry debris weight, the tube’s pre-instrumentation weight was deducted from the post-instrumentation weight. The data was analysed using one‑way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey’s test.

Results: Extrusion of debris was noted in all the specimens. TruNatomy rotary system showed least debris extrusion in comparison to ProTaper Next and 2Shape (P < 0.05). However, the results were statistically non-significant between ProTaper Next and 2Shape (P > 0.05). 

Conclusions: It was noted that all instruments apically extruded debris, with TruNatomy system being related to minimum extrusion.
An assessment of the moral value of neuronal cell models and brain organoids
Authors: van Till Sietske A.L. , Maksimova Mariia V. , van Thiel Ghislaine J.M.W. , Bunnik Eline M.
Published: July 2023

Advances in stem cell technology enable neuroscientists to develop induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based neuronal models of varying complexity, ranging from single human brain cells to two-dimensional neuronal cell models and three-dimensional brain organoids. While the discussion on the moral status of brain organoids is taking center stage in the bioethical literature and is invariably linked to the presumed capacity of future brain organoids to develop some form of consciousness, analyses of the moral status of other – less complex – iPSC-based neuronal models are lacking. In this paper we aim to clarify the moral value of various types of existing neuronal models, including brain organoids. We show how it is made up of several layers that may encompass various sorts of considerations, including moral values, the results of empirical research, and biological characteristics. We identify four such layers – instrumental, intrinsic, symbolic, and relational – that are relevant for the assessment of the moral value of neuronal models. We demonstrate that it lies not in a capacity to develop some form of consciousness (which is absent in current iPSC-based neuronal models, including brain organoids), but in other considerations, including the genetic links between models and donors, the ability of models to mimic brain (dys)function, and their symbolic value, all of which are often overlooked in the bioethical literature. Also, we demonstrate that the 'thickness' of the layers (i.e., their moral weight) increases when the neuronal model is more complex. Finally, we discuss the practical-ethical implications of our analysis for the use of neuronal models in research settings, for instance in relation to informed consent and biobank governance. Our four-layer framework can be applied also in moral assessments of other iPSC-based models, including emerging and future cell models.
STUDY OF THE OPERATION OF A VORTEX PNEUMATIC SPRAYER OF DISINFECTANT LIQUIDS
Authors: Ivanov Boris , Ziganshin Bulat , Gayfullin Ilnur , Rudakov Aleksandr , Zaycev Petr
Published: July 2023

The production of high-quality livestock products is achieved not only by breeding productive livestock breeds, but also by observing zootechnical requirements and ensuring sanitary well-being in livestock buildings. To maintain the proper sanitary condition of livestock buildings, modern technologies, technical means and preparations for disinfecting surfaces are used, and non-compliance with the requirements for the operation of technical means and the consumption rates of disinfectant liquids leads to an increase in the resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs. The effectiveness of disinfection largely depends on the technical capabilities of disinfection units, and to a greater extent on spray devices. Many researchers solve complex problems of optimizing the design and technological parameters of spray devices, thereby improving their spray quality. In this regard, a vortex pneumatic liquid sprayer has been developed to perform various technologies and disinfection modes. The dispersed composition of aerosols of disinfecting liquids was obtained under various operating modes by the proposed design of the sprayer. Based on the experimental data, graphical dependencies are constructed that affect the degree of dispersion of the working pressures of the disinfectant liquid and compressed air in the channels of their supply. The values of flow rates of a vortex pneumatic atomizer during its operation in various modes are obtained. Graphic dependences of the disinfectant liquid flow rate through the sprayer are plotted at different pressure ratios in the media supply channels (disinfectant liquid and compressed air) and the angles between them. Based on the obtained technical characteristics, the rational design parameters of the new design of the vortex pneumatic atomizer were determined, namely, the angle between the pneumatic and liquid inlet channels α=90o, the diameter of the outlet d=2.0 mm.
Exploring Customer Citizenship Behavior Through Customer–Organization Identification
Authors: Xie Lishan , Zhang Wenxuan , Guan Xinhua , Huan Tzung-Cheng
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to investigate the influence of customer–organization identification from a customer–employee relationship perspective. Specifically, this paper examines the mediating effects of the customer–employee identification and customer–employee trust between the relationship between customer–organization identification and customer citizenship behavior. Based on social identity theory, this paper builds a research framework that is empirically tested using a sample of 465 patients or their families from one of the largest high-level hospitals in China. Structural equation modeling and a bootstrapping method were adopted to test the model and the mediation effects. Results of data analysis reveal that customer–organization identification has a direct positive influence on customer citizenship behavior, and customer–employee identification and customer–employee trust have positive mediation effects between customer–organization identification and customer citizenship behavior.

Funding: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 71772186 to L. Xie and Grant 71802052 to X. Guan].
Deciphering the Role of Phosphoglycerate Kinase 1 in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome using Differential Gene Expression Analysis Approach
Authors: Sengupta Abhishek , Narad Priyanka , Gupta Romasha , Gupta Aayushi , Abbasi Nagma
Published: July 2023

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is perhaps the most common Metabolic, Endocrine disorder characterized in females before menopause. PCOS majorly elevates Androgen (AR) levels and irregularities in menstrual cycles or can be morphologically seen as multiple cysts in the ovary. Patients with PCOS are more likely to develop obesity, cardiovascular disease, as well as insulin resistance. The etiology of this disease is still not known, but research suggests it can be due to environmental factors, lifestyle, or diet. According to a recent study, the glycolytic enzyme Phosphoglycerate Kinase 1 (PGK1) has an effective role in PCOS patients as it binds with AR, which is high gets expressed in PCOS patients. Thus, it can be a main causable factor for PCOS patients. The granulosa cells of the ovary provide nutrients to oocytes for development. The energy to the oocytes comes via cycle glycolysis. In PCOS patients, these granulosa cells show degradation. As a result, there may be a malfunction in the energy supply via granulosa cells, with Phosphoglycerate Kinase 1(PGK1) being one of the key glycolysis enzymes. And as the high levels of AR remain in proximity with disordered follicle development in PCOS. The actual significance of AR in the fertility of PCOS patients is still not known. Thus, we can have a close look at Androgen binding Receptors (ARs) and the role of PGK1. In this research, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequence data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), including data from control Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and PGK1-DHT of PCOS patients generated by deep sequencing in triplicate. Further, we explain the transcriptomic dynamics by co-expression network analysis and evaluate the differences between PCA and limmavoom analysis to discover which genes are differentially expressed. By calculating the p-value and performing gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, we were able to identify multiple genes with greater expression levels in the PGK1-DHT samples of PCOS patients, including insulin-related, glycolytic, tumor-associated, and apoptotic genes. We also carried out Functional enrichment and gene co-expression network analysis. Its biological, molecular, and cellular domain lies in the intracellular membrane-bound organelle. Gene co-expression network and functional enrichment found significant enrichment and highly differentially expressed genes in the intracellular cellular domain.
Toxicity Effects of Kirinyuh Leaf Ethanol Extract (Chromolaena Odorata L.) on White Rats (Rattus Novergicus)
Authors: Tedjasulaksana Regina , Ratmini Ni Ketut
Published: July 2023

Kirinyuh leaves (Chromolaena odorata L.) are natural medicinal plants for wound healing. WHO (World Health Organization) recommends and concern about the safety of plant medicines. Due to limited toxicity study of Chromolaena odorata, this study aimed to determine the acute toxicity of the ethanolic extract of C. odorata in terms of LD50 and its effect on liver and kidney function of male white rats. The observed toxicity parameters were LD50 and delayed toxic effects for 14 days, including toxic symptoms, body weight, AST, ALT and creatinine test, liver and kidney histopathology. The study used 24 white male rats divided into 4 groups, namely the control group NaCMC 0.5%, the treatment group of C. odorata leaf ethanol extract 5 g/kg bw, 10 g/kg bw and 15g/kg bw with a single dose. The results showed that no white rats died during the 14 days of observation. Toxic symptoms that appear only white rats lack of appetite. Other parameter was body weight between days 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14 for each treatment group was significantly different and tended to decrease. The AST, ALT and creatinine values ??were not significantly different for all treatments. Histopathology of the liver and kidneys showed no abnormalities. Based on these results, the LD50 of kirinyuh leaf extract was 15 g/kg bw and delayed toxic effects in the form of lack of appetite which caused weight loss in all treatment groups.
3D quantum ghost imaging
Authors: Pitsch Carsten , Walter Dominik , Gasparini Leonardo , Bürsing Helge , Eichhorn Marc
Published: July 2023

We present current results of a novel, to the best of our knowledge, type of setup for quantum ghost imaging based on asynchronous single photon timing using single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors, first presented in [Appl. Opt. 60, F66 (2021)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.423634]. The scheme enables photon pairing without fixed delays and, thus, overcomes some limitations of the widely used heralded setups for quantum ghost imaging [Nat. Commun. 6, 5913 (2015)NCAOBW2041-172310.1038/ncomms6913]. It especially allows three-dimensional (3D) imaging by direct time of flight methods, the first demonstration of which will be shown here. To our knowledge, it is also the first demonstration of 3D quantum ghost imaging at all.
Reconfigurable coaxial single-photon LIDAR based on the SPAD array
Authors: Xue Ruikai , Kang Yan , Li Weiwei , Meng Fanxing , Wang Xiaofang , Li Lifei , Zhao Wei , Zhang Tongyi
Published: July 2023

The single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array with time-to-digital converter (TDC) circuits on each pixel is an excellent candidate detector for imaging LIDAR systems. However, the low fill-factor of the SPAD array does not allow for efficient use of laser energy when directly adopted in a LIDAR system. Here, we design a reconfigurable coaxial single-photon LIDAR based on the SPAD array and diffractive optical elements (DOEs). We use the DOE and beam expander to shape the laser beam into a laser dot matrix. The total divergence angle of the DOE spot beam is strictly matched to the total field of view (FOV) angle of the SPAD array. Meanwhile, each focused beamlet is individually matched to every active area of the SPAD array detector, which increases the use of output energy about 100 times compared to the diffusion illumination system. Besides, the system uses the active area as the minimum pixel and can support sub-pixel scanning, resulting in higher resolution images. Through this coaxial structure, two different telescope systems after transceiver switching can be reconfigured for imaging targets at different distances. Based on our single-photon LIDAR system, we achieved 3D imaging of targets at 100 m and 180 m using two different telescope configurations.
Transient dynamics of dissipative solitons formation in a net-normal dispersion mode-locked fiber laser based on nonlinear polarization evolution
Authors: Pan Denghui , Liu Xuanyi , Ye Feng , Li Qian , Fu Hongyan
Published: July 2023

In mode-locked fiber lasers, the formation of ultrashort pulses from noisy or unstable states is a crucial area of research. Investigating these complex nonlinear dynamics can lead to valuable insights and new practical engineering techniques, particularly for the design and optimization of optical systems. Time-stretch dispersive Fourier transform, utilized in our study to investigate dissipative solitons formation in a net-normal dispersion nonlinear polarization evolution mode-locked fiber laser, provides a window into the intricate dynamics of such systems. In our experiments, the identification of five distinct transient stages in the formation process sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of dissipative soliton (DS) formation. The five distinct transient stages involved in the formation process include relaxation oscillation, modulation instability, spectral broadening, soliton explosions (SEs), and stable mode-locking. Notably, we also observed the generation of dissipative rogue waves during the SE stage. Our findings shed light on the intricate dynamics of DS formation and offer valuable insights for the design and optimization of mode-locked fiber lasers.
Flexible scattering order formulation of the discrete dipole approximation
Authors: Hefets Ynon , Haspel Carynelisa
Published: July 2023

The discrete dipole approximation (DDA) is a well-known method for
computation of the scattering of light from nonspherical particles.
Here, we present a new scattering order formulation (SOF) of the DDA
that allows the user to represent the scattering particle with higher
flexibility than in conventional DDAs, while the computer memory
required always scales as O(N). In our new SOF, the user can locate
each dipole independently, or off-grid, in space, assign each dipole a
unique size and a unique dipole shape as appropriate, and assign each
dipole a unique magnetoelectric polarizability with no constraints.
The cost of this flexibility is that the computation time is increased
from O(NlogN) to O(N2). To compensate, our model allows the
user to vary the range of dipole interaction in a unique manner. We
find that, in cases in which the scatterer has at least one dimension
that is sufficiently small compared with the wavelength, a relatively
small number of iterations is required for convergence of the
simulation, and in addition, a small dipole interaction range can be
invoked to reduce the computation time to O(N) while still producing results that
are sufficiently accurate.
Hybrid full-pose parameter calibration of a freeform illuminator for Fourier ptychographic microscopy
Authors: Zhou Guocheng , Li Tong , Zhang Shaohui , Hao Qun
Published: July 2023

As a typical computational method, Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) can realize high spatial resolution and quantitative phase imaging while preserving the large field of view with a low numerical aperture (NA) objective. A programmable light-emitting diode (LED) array is used as a typical illuminator in an FPM system, and the illumination parameters of each LED element are crucial to the success of the FPM reconstruction algorithm. Compared with LED arrays arranged in rectangular arrays, LED arrays with special structures such as domes or rings can effectively improve FPM imaging results and imaging efficiency. As a trade-off, their calibration difficulty is greatly increased due to the lack of geometric constraints of rectangular arrays. In this paper, we propose an effective hybrid full-pose parameter calibration method for freeform LED array illuminators, combining stereoscopic 3D imaging techniques and the geometric constraints of the microscopic platform. First, a stereovision system is used to obtain the accurate 3D position of each LED element of the freeform illuminator and to construct a rigid 3D coordinate LED array system. Then, calibration between the coordinate system of the LED array and that of the optical imaging component is realized according to the geometric features of the brightfield-to-darkfield edges. Finally, we verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method through full-pose parameter calibration of LED arrays with different arrangement rules.
ZrN-based plasmonic sensor: a promising alternative to traditional noble metal-based sensors for CMOS-compatible and tunable optical properties
Authors: Rakib A. K. M. , Rahad Rummanur , Faruque Md. Omar , Sagor Rakibul Hasan
Published: July 2023

In this article, we introduce a novel comb shaped plasmonic refractive index sensor that employs a ZrN-Insulator-ZrN configuration. The sensor is constructed using Zirconium Nitride (ZrN), an alternative refractory material that offers advantages over traditional metals such as silver and gold, as ZrN is standard Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible and has tunable optical properties. The sensor has recorded a maximum sensitivity, figure of merit (FOM), and sensing resolution of 1445.46 nm/RIU, 140.96, and 6.91 × 10−7 RIU−1, respectively. Beyond that, the integration of ZrN offers the sensor with various advantages, including higher hardness, thermal stability at high temperatures, better corrosion and abrasion resistance, and lower electrical resistivity, whereas traditional plasmonic metals lack these properties, curtailing the real-world use of plasmonic devices. As a result, our suggested model surpasses the typical noble material based Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) arrangement and offers potential for the development of highly efficient, robust, and durable nanometric sensing devices which will create a bridge between nanoelectronics and plasmonics.
SNR improved digital-delta-sigma-modulation radio-over-fiber scheme for D-band 4.6-km photonics-aided wireless fronthaul
Authors: Wang Mingxu , Yu Jianjun , Zhao Xianming , Li Weiping , Wei Yi , Yang Xiongwei , Shi Junting , Bian Chengzhen , Xie Tangyao , Zhao Feng , Yu Jianguo , Zhou Wen , Wang Kaihui
Published: July 2023

We propose a digital-delta-sigma-modulation radio-over-fiber (DDSM-RoF) scheme for wireless fronthaul and validate it experimentally in a D-band photonics-aided RoF transmission system. The 10-Gbaud DDSM-RoF signal with a common public radio interface equivalent data rate (CPRI-EDR) of 55.8 Gb/s is successfully transmitted in a 130-GHz 4.6-km wireless channel. The spectral efficiency (SE) is 5.58 bit/s/Hz and the capacity-distance product reaches 257 Gb/s·km. Up to 34.4-dB recovered signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is observed to support the 1024-quadrature-amplitude-modulation (1024-QAM) transmission. Compared with the digital-analog-RoF (DA-RoF) scheme, the proposed DDSM-RoF achieves an SNR improvement of 5.9 dB.
The species distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Nocardia species in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chaohong , Sun Qing , Yan Jun , Liao Xinlei , Long Sibo , Zheng Maike , Zhang Yun , Yang Xinting , Shi Guangli , Zhao Yan , Wang Guirong , Pan Junhua
Published: July 2023

Background

Nocardia species can cause local or disseminated infection. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of nocardiosis are required, because it can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of local species distribution and susceptibility patterns is important to appropriate empiric therapy. However, knowledge on the epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of clinical Nocardia species remains limited in China.

Methods

The data of isolation of Nocardia species were collected from databases such as Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase as well as Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang and VIP). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Random effect models were used and tested with Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics taking into account the possibility of heterogeneity between studies.

Results

In total, 791 Nocardia isolates were identified to 19 species levels among all the recruited studies. The most common species were N. farcinica (29.1%, 230/791), followed by N. cyriacigeorgica (25.3%, 200/791), N. brasiliensis (11.8%, 93/791) and N. otitidiscaviarum (7.8%, 62/791). N. farcinica and N. cyriacigeorgica were widely distributed, N. brasiliensis mainly prevalent in the south, N. otitidiscaviarum mainly distributed in the eastern coastal provinces of China. Totally, 70.4% (223/317) Nocardia were cultured from respiratory tract specimens, 16.4% (52/317) from extra-pulmonary specimens, and 13.3% (42/317) from disseminated infection. The proportion of susceptible isolates as follows: linezolid 99.5% (197/198), amikacin 96.0% (190/198), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 92.9% (184/198), imipenem 64.7% (128/198). Susceptibility varied by species of Nocardia.

Conclusions

N. farcinica and N. cyriacigeorgica are the most frequently isolated species, which are widely distributed in China. Pulmonary nocardiosis is the most common type of infection. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can still be the preferred agent for initial Nocardia infection therapy due to the low resistance rate, linezolid and amikacin could be an alternative to treat nocardiosis or a choice in a combination regimen.
Impact of the covid-19 pandemic on mental health and sexuality of female doctors
Authors: de Souza Ziegler Nadine , Muller Gabriel Cardozo , Grossi Fernanda Santos , Pacagnella Rodolfo de Carvalho , Hermel Julia Schneider , Vettorazzi Janete
Published: July 2023

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has changed people’s lives around the world due to restrictive measures adopted by governments. The impact of this change on female sexuality needs to be further investigated, particularly between female doctors who are more at risk as they are directly involved with health care services.

Methods

An online survey has been filled out by female doctors. The questionnaire evaluates sexual function, depression, anxiety, burnout, sociodemographic and professional data, and it was answered during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. The main outcome is female doctors’ sexual function during COVID-19 pandemic, which was evaluated by analyzing FSFI questionnaires. The secondary outcome is related to their mental health, assessed via depression, anxiety and burnout questionnaires.

Results

A sample of 388 female doctors filled out the questionnaire. The median age was 34.0 (29.0, 43.0) years old. The total FSFI median score was 23.8 [18.9, 26.8] with desire domain median of 5.0 [3.0, 7.0]. In our sample, 231 (59.5%) women had depression and/or anxiety, out of these, 191 (82.7%) had depression and 192 (83.2%), anxiety. From these samples of doctors with depression and/or anxiety, 183 (79.2%) had sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

This finding suggests that doctors are experiencing a high risk of sexual dysfunction and mental illness during the COVID-19 outbreak. A high index of depression and/or anxiety was shown in the studied population, with almost 80% of them reaching criteria for sexual dysfunction. Working in the frontline is related to worse mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety were found as potential mediators of burnout effect on sexual function.
Effects of heterozygous deletion of autism-related gene Cullin-3 in mice
Authors: Xia Qiang-qiang , Walker Angela K. , Song Chenghui , Wang Jing , Singh Anju , Mobley James A. , Xuan Zhong X. , Singer Jeffrey D. , Powell Craig M.
Published: July 2023

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder in which children display repetitive behavior, restricted range of interests, and atypical social interaction and communication. CUL3, coding for a Cullin family scaffold protein mediating assembly of ubiquitin ligase complexes through BTB domain substrate-recruiting adaptors, has been identified as a high-risk gene for autism. Although complete knockout of Cul3 results in embryonic lethality, Cul3 heterozygous mice have reduced CUL3 protein, demonstrate comparable body weight, and display minimal behavioral differences including decreased spatial object recognition memory. In measures of reciprocal social interaction, Cul3 heterozygous mice behaved similarly to their wild-type littermates. In area CA1 of hippocampus, reduction of Cul3 significantly increased mEPSC frequency but not amplitude nor baseline evoked synaptic transmission or paired-pulse ratio. Sholl and spine analysis data suggest there is a small yet significant difference in CA1 pyramidal neuron dendritic branching and stubby spine density. Unbiased proteomic analysis of Cul3 heterozygous brain tissue revealed dysregulation of various cytoskeletal organization proteins, among others. Overall, our results suggest that Cul3 heterozygous deletion impairs spatial object recognition memory, alters cytoskeletal organization proteins, but does not cause major hippocampal neuronal morphology, functional, or behavioral abnormalities in adult global Cul3 heterozygous mice.
Validation of a French version of the Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool in cancer patients: Factorial structure, reliability and responsiveness
Authors: Perceau-Chambard Elise , Roche Sylvain , Tricou Colombe , Mercier Catherine , Barbaret Cécile , Davies Andrew , Webber Katherine , Filbet Marilène , Serge Economos Guillaume Pierre
Published: July 2023

Objective

Breakthrough cancer pain should be properly assessed for better-personalized treatment plan. The Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool is a 14-item tool validated in English developed for this purpose; no French version is currently available and validated. This study aimed to translate it in French and assess the psychometric properties of a French version of the Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool (BAT-FR).

Methods

First, translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the 14 items (9 ordinal and 5 nominal) of the original BAT tool in French language was made. Second, assessments of validity (convergent, divergent and discriminant validity), factorial structure (exploratory factor analysis) and test-retest reliability of the 9 ordinal items were done with data of 130 adult cancer patients suffering from breakthrough pain in a hospital-academic palliative care center. Test-retest reliability and responsiveness of total and dimension scores derived from these 9 items were also assessed. Acceptability of the 14 items was also assessed on the 130 patients.

Results

The 14 items had good content and face validity. Convergent and divergent validity, discriminant validity and test-retest reliability of the ordinal items were acceptable. Test-retest reliability and responsiveness of total and dimensions derived from ordinal items were also acceptable. The factorial structure of the ordinal items had two dimensions similar to the original version: “1—pain severity and impact” and “2—pain duration and medication”. Items 2 and 8 had a low contribution to the dimension 1 they were assigned and item 14 clearly changed of dimension compared with the original tool. The acceptability of the 14 items was good.

Conclusion

The BAT-FR has shown acceptable validity, reliability and responsiveness supporting its use for assessing breakthrough cancer pain in French-speaking populations. Its structure needs nevertheless further confirmation.