bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All-semiconductor-based systems for atom interferometry experiments in space
Authors: Bagheri Mahmood , Hunacek Jonathon , Kittlaus Eric , Langlois Mehdi , Nejadriahi Hani , Yasar Firat , Chiow Sheng-wey , Yu Nan , Forouhar Siamak
Published: July 2024

Quantum atomic sensors based on atom interferometry (AI) have recently led to the development of new techniques for the measurement of inertial forces, finding important applications in both fundamental physics and applied research. As these types of sensors have begun to mature, they have received increasing interest for deployment in the field and even in space. There has been significant effort in the past in reducing the size and complexity of the system for applications in size, weight, and power (SWaP) challenging environments such as space. Here, we report on a design and assembly of a low-SWaP all-semiconductor-based laser and optical system (LOS) suitable for operating an AI system for potential space applications.
Variable optical attenuator using a multi-path interferometer embedded in an optical cavity
Authors: Dash Aneesh , Priyadarshini Pratyasha
Published: July 2024

Variable optical attenuators (VOAs) used in photonic integrated circuits suffer from trade-off between dynamic range of attenuation and large footprint and introduce inadvertent changes in optical phase while attenuating the input signal. In this work, we propose a VOA architecture using micro-ring resonators which provides ≥60dB optical attenuation of selected wavelengths, while preserving the input optical phase, in a compact footprint. It enables tailoring of the dynamic range and insertion loss for different circuit applications in photonic signal processing, programmable photonics, high performance computing, and datacenter communication.
Inverted optical functionality of phase change material surfaces through Mie resonances of VO2@Si core–shell structures
Authors: Pirouzfam Niloufar , Mashinchi Abbasi Payam , Sendur Kursat
Published: July 2024

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has attracted extensive attention due to its reversible transition from the insulator to metal phase at a critical temperature of 68°C. Below the critical temperature VO2 transmits the infrared radiation in the insulator phase, whereas above the critical temperature VO2 reflects the infrared portion of the incident radiation. However, smart surface interfaces for high-temperature emitter surfaces require the opposite functionality within the 1–3 µm spectral range. Here, we demonstrate that a core–shell structure, composed of VO2@Si, which is deposited on a thin layer of Ag, achieves the inverted optical functionality within the 1–3 µm spectral range, making it ideal as smart interfaces for radiative heat applications as high-temperature emitters. The proposed material architecture also increases the thermal stability of VO2 in addition to enhancing its optical properties in near-infrared region. The results were obtained using numerical simulations. Our results indicate that in its metallic state, the core–shell structure with metallic underlayer promotes efficient absorption in the near-infrared spectrum. On the other hand, in its insulating state dielectric resonances within the core–shell structure along with the metallic underlayer, resulting in increased reflection, offer inverse optical functionalities. Our findings present a significant step toward designing dynamic filters that can efficiently capture and respond to changing conditions in the near-infrared spectrum.
Symmetry-protected TM modes in rib-like, plus-shaped optical waveguides with shallow etching
Authors: Üstün Necati , Farheen Henna , Hammer Manfred , Förstner Jens
Published: July 2024

Lateral leakage of TM modes in dielectric optical waveguides of rib/ridge or strip-loaded types can be fully suppressed, if the waveguide core is formed not through a strip that protrudes at one side (up) from the remaining lateral guiding slab, but through parallel strips on both sides (up and down), such that the resulting cross section becomes vertically symmetric. The fairly general arguments underlying the leakage suppression apply to TM modes of all orders simultaneously, and are independent of wavelength. These plus-shaped waveguides support strictly guided, non-leaky TM modes for, in principle, arbitrarily shallow etching.
Structured light routing in CROW-endowed add-drop filters
Authors: Alexeyev C. N. , Barshak E. V. , Lapin B. P. , Yavorsky M. A.
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we study the propagation of optical vortices (OVs) through the add-drop filter that comprises a coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW). We develop a fully vectorial theory not based on transfer matrix formalism and apply it to the description of CROWs based on multimode fibers. We study the transmission of higher-order OVs through a CROW-endowed add-drop filter and demonstrate the possibility of transmitting such OVs along the CROW chain. We show that during such transmission OVs may invert their topological charges and determine the condition under which an OV propagates without such charge inversion. We suggest that such a system can be used for the generation of OV frequency combs. We also study group delay time and show that this system may be used as a time delay line for OVs.
Enhancement of terahertz emission from aqueous NaCl solutions
Authors: Zhang Yong , Shen Tao , Wang Haoyang , Li Hong , Wang Tianwu , He Guangchao , Chang Chao , Li Lirong
Published: July 2024

Exploration of terahertz sources with high electric fields and broad bandwidth is of great importance for terahertz application. In this work, the enhancement of terahertz emission from aqueous NaCl solutions induced by femtosecond laser pulses has been demonstrated by experiments. The power of the terahertz wave emission from the NaCl solution with a concentration of 30% is 1.86 times stronger than that from liquid water under equivalent excitation conditions. By means of a liquid circulation system with accurate pressure and temperature control, the influence of parameters such as solution concentration, liquid temperature, and medium size on the terahertz emission has been investigated. According to the experiment results, strong terahertz pulses are radiated from NaCl solutions with higher concentration, higher temperature, and smaller diameter. In addition, the physical mechanisms responsible for strong terahertz radiation have been analyzed by actual measurements and numerical simulations.
Design and experimental demonstration of a high-performance all-silicon transverse magnetic polarizer using tilted-elliptical-hole arrays
Authors: Yu Yaxin , Guo Zhenzhao , Wu Shengbao , Xiao Jinbiao
Published: July 2024

This study presents the design and experimental demonstration of a high-performance all-silicon transverse magnetic (TM) polarizer. The tilted-elliptical-hole arrays are designed to effectively reflect transverse electric (TE) modes while propagating TM modes with low loss. The device bandwidth (BW) is controlled by changing the tilting angle of the elliptical hole or by combining it with changes in other parameters. The device operates beyond 326 nm (1385–1711 nm) in BW, achieving an average insertion loss (IL) below 1.0 dB and a polarization extinction ratio (PER) over 20 dB. A 20 nm shift in BW can be obtained with a 30° deflection, and an 80 nm shift can be achieved with multiple parameter changes. The experimental results confirm the theoretical analysis. The present device with the advantages of simple structure, flexible design, and broad BW has great potential applications in silicon photonics.
Portable single-shot lens-free tomographic microscope for imaging dynamic specimens
Authors: Qin Zhen-Wei , Yang Yang , Ma Yan-Ling , Han Ya-Bo , Liu Xian-Long , Huang Hong-Yi , Guo Cheng-Shan , Yue Qing-Yang
Published: July 2024

We present a portable single-shot lens-free tomographic microscope, based on spatial multiplexing in-line digital holography, for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of dynamic specimens. The simplified system is realized by only a laser diodes array, a rectangular aperture, and a CMOS image sensor with a global shutter, which enables the recording of all the complex fields of a dynamic specimen from different illumination angles without any scanning mechanism by a multiplexing hologram, in a single camera exposure. Using our proposed data processing method, high-quality 3D tomograms, with a lateral resolution of 3.36μm and an axial resolution of 6.39μm within an imaging field-of-view of 5.06 mm2, can be eventually reconstructed from a multiplexing hologram. Experimental results of free-swimming paramecium in water demonstrates the systems potential in 3D imaging living or rapidly moving specimens in resource-limited environments.
Phase unwrapping error identification and suppression method in φ-OTDR systems based on PELT-VMD-ARIMA
Authors: Wu Hao , Jing Siqi , Zhang Ranhao , Zhang Fudong , Jiang Chuandong
Published: July 2024

In phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer (φ-OTDR) systems, phase unwrapping errors can distort vibration information. To address this issue, a phase unwrapping error identification and suppression method combining pruned exact linear time (PELT) changepoint detection, variational mode decomposition (VMD), and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models, termed PELT-VMD-ARIMA, is proposed. Firstly, the principle of the proposed method is introduced, and its effectiveness is verified through a series of numerical simulation experiments. Next, piezoelectric transducers (PZTs) are employed as seismic sources in experiments involving single-frequency and chirp signals. Compared to the mean-shift method, the proposed method reduces the average root mean square error (RMSE) by 70.36% within 2δ range around the changepoints. Finally, the proposed method was validated through an active source seismic application. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method in identifying and suppressing phase unwrapping errors, thereby enhancing signal quality. This method enhances the vibration recognition capability of φ-OTDR systems, which facilitates precise distributed acoustic sensing applications.
High-dimensional signal encoding and decoding method based on multi-ring perfect vortex beam
Authors: Pan Yanxi , Ou Jun , Chi Hao
Published: July 2024

The perfect optical vortex beam (POVB), renowned for its consistent beam radius across various orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes, excels in applications such as optical tweezers and communication. In our study, we achieved a significant milestone by creating a multi-ring perfect optical vortex beam (MR-POVB) through the superposition of multiple POVBs. This beam design maintains the inherent advantages of POVB while enabling multidimensional encoding via adjustable topological charges, radii, and intensities of each ring, thereby augmenting the free-space optical communication’s channel capacity. To maximize MR-POVB’s encoding potential, we introduced a novel encoding method tailored for vortex beams in optical communication. This method utilizes predefined rules to control beam transmission for efficient encoding. Additionally, we implemented a machine learning-based code group selection approach, combining cosine similarity and spectral clustering algorithms, to optimize encoding and enhance decoding accuracy. During decoding, MR-POVB’s coaxial interference with the Gaussian beam reveals petal-like patterns and a deep learning approach is employed to accurately identify these features, facilitating signal decoding. The introduction of the MR-POVB encoding and decoding technique in this paper not only boosts channel capacity but also improves decoding accuracy, driving advancements in the field of free-space optical communication.
Supermode lasing and light amplification in multicore bismuth-doped fiber
Authors: Alyshev Sergey , Vakhrushev Alexander , Umnikov Andrey , Velmiskin Vladimir , Oleinik Denis , Melkumov Mikhail , Semjonov Sergey , Riumkin Konstantin , Khegai Aleksandr , Firstova Elena , Iskhakova Lyudmila , Firstov Sergei
Published: July 2024

Multicore fibers are promising structures with specific light propagation properties, which can be managed to benefit several applications in optical communications, fiber lasers and amplifiers, high-resolution imaging, and fiber-based sensors. The current use of multicore fibers in laser technology is mainly focused on in-phase coherent beam combining in far-field regions (out-cavity) using bulk optical elements. However, this approach is challenging in terms of the power scalability of all-fiber lasers (intra-cavity), particularly with using low-gain media, where it is needed to provide mode-coupling (supermode propagation) stability along relatively long lengths. Here, we report a conceptual design and fabrication of a multicore bismuth-doped fiber that is capable of achieving light amplification and stable lasing in the E-telecom band inside the cavity using the supermode selection approach. By analysis of experimental and simulation data, it was found that the employment of the proposed design of a Bi-doped fiber provides a considerable advantage over the single-core fiber in terms of laser performance (output power, slope efficiency) in the cladding-pumped configuration. These results open up new opportunities for further advancement of the optical fiber technology towards efficient bismuth-doped fiber-integrated amplifiers and lasers for the O+E+S+C+L+U-telecom bands, which may find important applications, especially for the development of next-generation multiband optical transmission systems.
Self-focusing morphology of juxtaposed double-ring Airyprime-Gaussian beam arrays
Authors: Chen Jiahao , He Jian , Zhou Yimin , Wang Fei , Chen Ruipin , Zhou Guoquan
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the variation of self-focusing morphology and focusing interval of a juxtaposed double-ring Airyprime-Gaussian beam array (JDAPGBA) is investigated by changing the proportionality coefficient between the transverse displacements of the outer and the inner rings β. When β increases within a certain range, the JDAPGBA will change from a single self-focusing to the first self-focusing from the inner ring and the second self-focusing from the outer ring, accompanied by the gradual increase of the focusing interval. As β increases, the self-focusing ability of the inner ring is initially weaker than that of the outer ring, and then the self-focusing ability of the inner ring increases. In contrast, the self-focusing ability of the outer ring weakens until the two self-focusing skills are equal to each other. The generation of the double self-focusings of the JDAPGBA is explained in terms of the physical mechanism. In addition, the effects of the transverse displacement of the inner ring din and the distribution factor g on the focusing interval of the JDAPGBA are analyzed in detail. If din increases, the focusing interval also increases, both self-focusing abilities enhance, and the modulation range of β decreases as well. If the distribution factor g increases, the focusing interval rises, both self-focusing abilities weaken, the modulation range of β increases as well. Finally, the correctness of the above conclusions is confirmed by the experimental measurements of the self-focusing properties of the JDAPGBA. The above research provides a new scheme on how to generate double self-focusings and freely change the focusing interval, as well as new insights into the practical application of juxtaposed double-ring self-focusing beam arrays.
Vector irradiance modelling in a seawater column for assessing the detection capabilities of an oil-in-water emulsion
Authors: Lednicka Barbara , Otremba Zbigniew , Piskozub Jacek
Published: July 2024

The possibility of tracking oil pollution in the sea has been an issue that has been analysed for a long time, and the use of light interactions with the sea polluted with various forms of oil has been the subject of numerous studies. This paper presents the results of the Monte Carlo simulations of the fate of a large number of virtual photons to demonstrate changes in the downwelling vector irradiance and upwelling vector irradiance in oil-free seawater and analogously seawater column polluted with an oil-in-water emulsion. The analyses were carried out for eight wavelengths ranging from 412 to 676 nm, upon the assumption of an oil concentration of 10 ppm, taking into account the data of absorption and scattering properties of the southern Baltic Sea. The most favourable combination of wavelengths for the detection of an oil-in-water emulsion was 555/412 for all tested depths.
Fully automated OCT-based tissue screening system
Authors: Pi Shaohua , Ganjee Razieh , Wang Lingyun , Arbuckle Riley K. , Zhao Chengcheng , Sahel Jose A , Wang Bingjie , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: July 2024

This study introduces an innovative optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system dedicated to high-throughput screening applications using ex vivo tissue culture. Leveraging OCT’s non-invasive, high-resolution capabilities, the system is equipped with a custom-designed motorized platform and tissue detection ability for automated, successive imaging across samples. Transformer-based deep-learning segmentation algorithms further ensure robust, consistent, and efficient readouts meeting the standards for screening assays. Validated using retinal explant cultures from a mouse model of retinal degeneration, the system provides robust, rapid, reliable, unbiased, and comprehensive readouts of tissue response to treatments. This fully automated OCT-based system marks a significant advancement in tissue screening, promising to transform drug discovery, as well as other relevant research fields.
Helically twisted nonlinear photonic crystals
Authors: Yu Chen , Liu Shan , Xu Tianxiang , Zhao Ruwei , Sheng Yan
Published: July 2024

Nonlinear photonic crystals with a helical structure in the second-order nonlinear coefficient (χ(2)) are fabricated using infrared femtosecond laser poling in ferroelectric Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6 crystals. The quasi-orbital angular momentum of the helical χ(2) structure can be imprinted on the interacting photons during nonlinear optical processes, allowing the topological charge of the generated photons at new frequencies to be controlled. Here we study the case of a double-helix nonlinear photonic structure for the generation of a second-harmonic vortex beam from a Gaussian pump beam without phase singularity. The conservation law for orbital angular momentum in the second-harmonic process is also verified, with the topological charge of the pump photons being fully compensated by the double-helix structure. The flexible control of light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) at new frequencies will find important applications in both classical and quantum photonics, such as nonlinear wavefront shaping and multidimensional entanglement of photons.
Resolving ambiguities in phase correction term for optical field encoding
Authors: Rouxel Antoine , Gauthier-Lafaye Olivier , Monmayrant Antoine
Published: July 2024

This article addresses ambiguities regarding the existence and definition of a phase correction term in phase and amplitude optical field encoding techniques. We present a generalized mixed Fourier–Taylor series expansion that is valid for any phase-wrapping interval. Our theoretical analysis, along with numerical and experimental validations, confirm that maintaining consistency within a given phase-wrapping convention ensures equivalent results and reconciles previously conflicting interpretations.
Unlocking superior performance of broadband powerful mid-IR optical parametric amplifiers with a BaGa2GeS6 crystal pumped at 1.24 µm
Authors: Migal E. A. , Suleimanova D. Z. , Badikov D. V. , Potemkin F. V.
Published: July 2024

We report on the development of a tunable (1.5–6.5 µm) femtosecond optical parametric amplifier (OPA) based on a novel, to the best of our knowledge, BaGa2GeS6 (BGGS) crystal with a Cr:Forsterite pumping laser. Total conversion efficiency as high as 28% is achieved in a robust two-stage setup resulting in the generation of a 340-µJ 1.67-µm signal and 100-µJ 4.65-µm idler pulses. A 5-optical-cycles 94-fs 6-µm idler pulses are demonstrated with a propriate dispersion compensation by Ge and GaAs plates. An experimental estimate is given for the effective nonlinearity of a BGGS material, which for our nonlinear process reaches 19.5 pm/V for Type II phase matching. The crystal is additionally tested as a final amplifier in a high-energy OPA, where total output reaches 1.2 mJ with more than 40% conversion efficiency. The demonstrated high nonlinearity, high damage threshold, and chemical stability of the polished surface make BGGS crystal an ideal candidate for the development of high-energy OPAs with multi-millijoule pumping lasers.
Research on Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectrum Signal Denoising Based on CSGOW-SVMD-SVD method
Authors: Liu Longtai , Wang Kunyang , tianzhi jiang , LUO shiyu , Xu Shiqing
Published: July 2024

To mitigate the susceptibility of absorption lines to noise interference during gas measurement using the off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) technique, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy, this paper introduces a novel denoising method. This method synergistically integrates Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Cuckoo Search (CS) with Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Sequential Variational Mode Decomposition (SVMD). Initially, the optimal solution for the quadratic penalty coefficient in SVMD is ascertained via iterative optimization using the CSGWO algorithm. Subsequently, a circulant matrix is established to extract the singular values of each modal component. A threshold is set to discriminate between noise and useful signals, and the singular values corresponding to noise are nullified. The useful signal components are then reconstructed, yielding the final processed signal. The proposed algorithm was applied to both simulated and experimental target signals and compared with common filtering algorithms such as WT, VMD-WTD, and S-G. Results indicate that the proposed algorithm exhibits superior identification and noise suppression capabilities compared to other algorithms. In the experimental signal processing results, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the absorption spectrum signal improved from 21.4 to 39.95, and the correlation coefficient increased from 0.99715 to 0.99946. These findings demonstrate the proposed algorithm has significant potential for application in noise reduction.
Active control of terahertz quasi-BIC and asymmetric transmission in a liquid-crystal-integrated metasurface
Authors: Xu Shi-Tong , Fan Junxing , Xue Zhanqiang , Sun Tong , Li Guoming , Li Jiandi , Lu Dan , Cong Longqing
Published: July 2024

Quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) offer an excellent platform for the flexible and efficient control of light-matter interactions by breaking the structural symmetry. The active quasi-BIC device has great application potential in fields such as optical sensing, nonlinear optics, and filters. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate an active terahertz (THz) quasi-BIC device induced by the polarization conversion in a liquid crystal (LC)-integrated metasurface, which consists of a symmetrically broken double-gap split ring resonator (DSRR), an LC layer, and double graphite electrodes. In the process of LC orientation control under the external field, the device realizes the active control from the OFF state to the ON state. In the OFF state, the LC has no polarization conversion effect, and the device behaves in a non-resonant state; but for the ON state, the device exhibits obvious quasi-BIC resonance. Furthermore, we achieve asymmetric transmission based on polarization-induced quasi-BIC modulation precisely at the quasi-BIC resonance position, and its isolation can be controlled by the external field. The study on dynamic quasi-BIC by the LC-integrated metasurface introduces a very promising route for active THz devices, which guarantees potential applications for THz communications, switching, and sensing systems.
A pilot study of dimeticone oils versus sodium carbonate treatment for tungiasis: A randomized cohort trial in Homa Bay County, Kenya
Authors: Suzuki Kana , Kamiya Yasuhiko , Smith Chris , Kaneko Satoshi , Okomo Gordon , Ongaya Asiko , Amukoye Evans
Published: July 2024

Background

Tungiasis is a cutaneous parasitosis caused by the female flea Tunga penetrans. Two-component dimeticone (NYDA) is the only treatment for tungiasis recommended by the World Health Organization; however, this topical drug is not available in Kenya. In Western Kenya, sodium carbonate is commonly used in the treatment of tungiasis. This study evaluated the 7-day cure rates for tungiasis by comparing sodium carbonate and NYDA treatments in Homa Bay County, Kenya.

Methodology/Principal findings

This was a randomized, observer-blinded, parallel-treatment cohort trial. Twenty-three eligible children with 126 flea infections were matched and randomized. All participants received both treatments, with one treatment on each foot. We recorded all health conditions/information, including inflammation scores and adverse events. Observations were performed on days 3, 5, and 7 using a digital microscope to confirm dead or live fleas based on the viability signs. Twenty-three children aged 3–13 years were analyzed. The proportion of dead fleas on day 7 was higher after NYDA treatment than after 5% sodium carbonate treatment (87% versus 64%, respectively, P = 0.01) NYDA. Median survival was 5 days for both treatments; NYDA had significantly higher trend of flea non-viability rate than 5% sodium carbonate (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the inflammation score or pain/itchiness between the two treatments. On the last day, 14 children indicated their preference for NYDA in future treatment of tungiasis, whereas nine children preferred the 5% sodium carbonate solution.

Conclusions/Significance

NYDA was significantly more effective than 5% sodium carbonate for tungiasis treatment. Both treatments were safe but the children preferred NYDA more. Future studies with more participants and an extended observation period are warranted to confirm our findings. The findings suggest that NYDA should be made more available in tungiasis endemic area.

Trial registration

UMIN-CTR; UMIN 000044320
Differentiation in pyroptosis induction by Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia thailandensis in primary human monocytes, a possible cause of sepsis in acute melioidosis patients
Authors: Khongpraphan Suphasuta , Ekchariyawat Peeraya , Sanongkiet Sucharat , Luangjindarat Chularat , Sirisinha Stitaya , Ponpuak Marisa , Midoeng Panuwat , Pudla Matsayapan , Utaisincharoen Pongsak
Published: July 2024

Melioidosis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei is an infectious disease with a high mortality rate. In acute melioidosis, sepsis is a major cause of death among patients. Once the bacterium enters the bloodstream, immune system dysregulation ensues, leading to cytokine storms. In contrast to B. pseudomallei, a closely related but non-virulent strain B. thailandensis has rarely been reported to cause cytokine storms or death in patients. However, the mechanisms in which the virulent B. pseudomallei causes sepsis are not fully elucidated. It is well-documented that monocytes play an essential role in cytokine production in the bloodstream. The present study, therefore, determined whether there is a difference in the innate immune response to B. pseudomallei and B. thailandensis during infection of primary human monocytes and THP-1 monocytic cells by investigating pyroptosis, an inflammatory death pathway known to play a pivotal role in sepsis. Our results showed that although both bacterial species exhibited a similar ability to invade human monocytes, only B. pseudomallei can significantly increase the release of cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as the increases in caspase-1 and gasdermin D activations in both cell types. The results were consistent with the significant increase in IL-1β and IL-18 production, key cytokines involved in pyroptosis. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in other cytokine secretion, such as IL-1RA, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-8, and IL-23 in cells infected by both bacterial species. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that ROS production played a crucial role in controlling pyroptosis activation during B. pseudomallei infection in primary human monocytes. These findings suggested that pyroptosis induced by B. pseudomallei in the human monocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis of sepsis in acute melioidosis patients.
CircRNA_012164/MicroRNA-9-5p axis mediates cardiac fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Honglin , Wang Eric Zi Rui , Feng Biao , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: July 2024

Noncoding RNAs play a part in many chronic diseases and interact with each other to regulate gene expression. MicroRNA-9-5p (miR9) has been thought to be a potential inhibitor of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Here we examined the role of miR9 in regulating cardiac fibrosis in the context of diabetic cardiomyopathy. We further expanded our studies through investigation of a regulatory circularRNA, circRNA_012164, on the action of miR9. We showed at both the in vivo and in vitro level that glucose induced downregulation of miR9 and upregulation of circRNA_012164 resulted in the subsequent upregulation of downstream fibrotic genes. Further, knockdown of circRNA_012164 shows protective effects in cardiac endothelial cells and reverses increased transcription of genes associated with fibrosis and fibroblast proliferation through a regulatory axis with miR9. This study presents a novel regulatory axis involving noncoding RNA that is evidently important in the development of cardiac fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Ascorbic acid as serine protease inhibitor in lung cancer cell line and human serum albumin
Authors: Sil Bijon Kumar , Jamiruddin Mohd. Raeed , Paul Pijush Kumar , Aekwattanaphol Nattanit , Nakpheng Titpawan , Haq Md. Ahsanul , Buatong Wilaiporn , Srichana Teerapol
Published: July 2024

Serine proteases (SPs) are distributed among all living cells accounting for almost one-third of all proteases. Dysregulation of SPs during inflammation and/or infection can result in devastating consequences, such as skin and lung inflammation, neuroinflammation, arthritis, as well as metastasis of cancerous cells. Such activities are tightly regulated by various inhibitors known as serine protease inhibitors (SERPIN). The thermodynamic investigations previously revealed that L-ascorbic acid binds to trypsin more firmly than pepsin and the binding force of L-ascorbic acid is driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. However, the physiochemical effects of such interaction on trypsin and/or pepsin have not yet been reported. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is one of the essential nutrients and most common food supplements, fortificants, and preservatives. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effects of ascorbic acid on serine proteases at various concentrations on the in-vitro digestion and/or hydrolysis of intercellular matrix of cell monolayer and human serum albumin (HSA). The inhibitory effects of ascorbic on trypsin are investigated by qualitative and quantitative analysis using SDS-PAGE imaging and NIH densitometric software. Upon the addition of ascorbic acid in both indicator systems, the detachment and/or dissociation of cell monolayer and the digestion of HSA were inhibited in the presence of EDTA-Trypsin. The inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid on the digestion of intercellular matrix and/or hydrolysis of HSA showed a dose-dependent trend until it reached the maximum extent of inhibition. At an equal concentration (2.5mg/mL) ascorbic acid and EDTA-Trypsin exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect on the in vitro digestion of protein either in the form of intercellular matrix in cell monolayer and/or HSA respectively. Overall, our results based on two indicator systems strongly indicate that ascorbic acid may function as a serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) beyond other important functions.
A pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial of air filtration to prevent symptomatic winter respiratory infections (including COVID-19) in care homes (AFRI-c) in England: Trial protocol
Authors: Brierley Rachel C. M. , Taylor Jodi , Turner Nicholas , Rees Sophie , Thorn Joanna , Metcalfe Chris , Henderson Emily J. , Clement Clare , Welsh Tomas J. , Sargent Karen , Morgan Gemma , Ready Derren , Mellon Dominic , Wen Liping , Kipping Ruth , Hay Alastair D.
Published: July 2024

Background

Respiratory tract infections are readily transmitted in care homes. Airborne transmission of pathogens causing respiratory tract illness is largely unmitigated. Portable high-efficiency-particulate-air (HEPA) filtration units capture microbial particles from the air, but it is unclear whether this is sufficient to reduce infections in care home residents. The Air Filtration to prevent symptomatic winter Respiratory Infections (including COVID-19) in care homes (AFRI-c) randomized controlled trial will determine whether using HEPA filtration units reduces respiratory infection episodes in care home residents.

Methods

AFRI-c is a cluster randomized controlled trial that will be delivered in residential care homes for older people in England. Ninety-one care homes will be randomised to take part for one winter period. The intervention care homes will receive HEPA filtration units for use in communal areas and private bedrooms. Normal infection control measures will continue in all care homes. Anonymised daily data on symptoms will be collected for up to 30 residents. Ten to 12 of these residents will be invited to consent to a primary care medical notes review and (in intervention homes) to having an air filter switched on in their private room. The primary outcome will be number of symptomatic winter respiratory infection episodes. Secondary outcomes include specific clinical measures of infection, number of falls / near falls, number of laboratory confirmed infections, hospitalisations, staff sickness and cost-effectiveness. A mixed methods process evaluation will assess intervention acceptability and implementation.

Discussion

The results of AFRI-c will provide vital information about whether portable HEPA filtration units reduce symptomatic winter respiratory infections in older care home residents. Findings about effectiveness, fidelity, acceptability and cost-effectiveness will support stakeholders to determine the use of HEPA filtration units as part of infection control policies.
Better prognosis in surgical aortic valve replacement patients with lower red cell distribution width: A MIMIC-IV database study
Authors: Ruan Liancheng , Zhu Lingxiao , Su Lang , Hu Sheng , Wang Silin , Guo Qiang , Wan Bingen , Qiu Shengyu , Zhang Yang , Wei Yiping
Published: July 2024

Background

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) currently stands as a primary surgical intervention for addressing aortic valve disease in patients. This retrospective study focused on the role of the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in predicting adverse outcomes among SAVR patients.

Methods

The subjects for this study were exclusively derived from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database (MIMIC IV 2.0). Kaplan‒Meier (K-M) curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to assess the correlation between RDW, one-year mortality, and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). The smooth-fitting curves were used to observe the relative risk (RR) of RDW in one-year mortality and POAF. Furthermore, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the continuous-net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were employed for comprehensive assessment of the prognostic value of RDW.

Results

Analysis of RDW revealed a distinctive inverted U-shaped relationship with one-year mortality, while its association with POAF appeared nearly linear. Cox multiple regression models showed that RDW > 14.35%, along with preoperative potassium concentration and perioperative red blood cell transfusion, were significantly linked to one-year mortality (K-M curves, log-rank P < 0.01). Additionally, RDW was associated with both POAF and prolonged hospital stays (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in length of stay in ICU. Notably, the inclusion of RDW in the predictive models substantially enhanced its performance. This was evidenced by the time-dependent ROC curve (AUC = 0.829), NRI (P< 0.05), IDI (P< 0.05), and K-M curves (log-rank P< 0.01).

Conclusions

RDW serves as a robust prognostic indicator for SAVR patients, offering a novel means of anticipating adverse postoperative events.
Trend of prevalence and characteristics of preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm): Nationwide population-based survey between 2010 and 2019
Authors: Choi Hyunji , Oak Chul-Ho , Jung Mann-Hong , Jang Tae-Won , Nam Sung-Jin , Yoon Taemin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, trends, and factors of preserved ratio with impaired spirometry (PRISm) by using a nationally representative sample.

Patients and methods

The datasets of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2019 were used: of total 32,949 participants aged ≥40 and no missing data on spirometry, 24,523 with normal, 4,623 with obstructive, and 3,803 with PRISm were identified. PRISm was defined as FEV1/FVC ≥70% and FEV1% of the predicted value (%pred) <80. PRISm-lower limit of normal (LLN) was defined when FEV1/FVC ≥LLN and FEV1 <LLN. The prevalence and trend of PRISm were estimated using the Joinpoint regression method. The trend was calculated for the periods 2010–2015 and 2017–2019, due to a change in spirometry device in June, 2016. A complex sample multivariable-adjusted regression model was used to identify factors associating PRISm.

Results

Estimated average prevalence of PRISm was 10.4% (PRISm-LLN 11.1%). Joinpoint regression analyses found a relatively stable trend of PRISm for both fixed ratio and LLN. The multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model showed female sex, BMI ≥25 kg/m2, metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia, abdominal obesity, low HDL-choleterol, hypertension, and diabetes were associated with the increased probability of PRISm.

Conclusion

Whenever a PRISm pattern is identified in a clinical context, it may be necessary to measure absolute lung volumes to investigate underlying physiological abnormalities and to identify factors that is modifiable.
Head circumferences measured during developmental monitoring visits before diagnosis of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma
Authors: Beckhaus Julia , Peng Junxiang , Boekhoff Svenja , Bison Brigitte , Friedrich Carsten , Müller Hermann L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Craniopharyngiomas (CP) are histologically benign (WHO grade 1), embryonal malformations which are related to remnants of the Rathke’s pouch and are located in the (peri)sellar region. Already before CP diagnosis, many patients show a reduced growth velocity and tend to present with weight gain. However, it is unknown whether patients with CP develop an increased head circumference (HC) before CP diagnosis, which could be a useful early diagnostic indicator.

Patients and methods

For a cohort of 83 patients recruited in the multicenter studies KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000 and HIT-ENDO data on HC could be analyzed, based on medical records assessed in developmental monitoring visits performed at defined time points before CP diagnosis.

Results

When comparing HC standard deviation scores (SDS) before CP diagnosis in 83 patients at defined time points between birth and 4 years of age, all HC were in the upper normal range. However, CP patients diagnosed at an age ≤4 years with initial hypothalamic involvement presented with a tendency towards an increased HC SDS early before CP diagnosis at routine medical examinations during the first 7 months of life.

Conclusions

We conclude that monitoring of growth and weight development including HC can lead to early CP diagnosis and treatment. This might prevent higher grades of hypothalamic involvement and lead to an improvement of quality of life after CP. Further studies on the specific value of HC as a diagnostic marker are warranted.
Exploring the role of ferroptosis-related genes as biomarkers in acute kidney injury
Authors: Luo Gang , Gao Yi , Zheng Ziyu , Gao Baobao , Wang Lini , Tang Xuemiao , Lei Chong
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe condition with high morbidity and mortality. Innovative biomarkers and treatments are essential for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to investigate the role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in AKI for identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Methods

We analyzed mRNA expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO: GSE139061) dataset, comparing 36 AKI samples with 9 normal samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the R software package limma. Functional enrichment analyses were conducted using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Key biomarkers were validated through area under the curve (AUC) values, and immune cell infiltration was analyzed using CIBERSORT.

Results

We identified 78 differentially expressed FRGs, with 27 up-regulated and 51 down-regulated genes. Key signaling pathways included MAPK, ferroptosis, and p53. Five genes—NR4A1, GLRX5, USP35, AEBP2, and MDM4—were identified as potential biomarkers, each demonstrating AUC values greater than 0.800. Specifically, MDM4 showed significant potential by promoting the phosphorylation of p53 at Ser46, enhancing mitochondrial apoptotic activity. Immune analysis revealed a significant elevation of M0 macrophages in AKI samples compared to normal samples (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the critical role of ferroptosis-related genes in AKI, identifying NR4A1, GLRX5, USP35, AEBP2, and MDM4 as key biomarkers with high diagnostic potential. These results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of AKI.
Development of the ECLIPSE model of meaningful outcome domains following lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation, through systematic review and best fit framework synthesis
Authors: Ostler Chantel , Dickinson Alex , Metcalf Cheryl , Donovan-Hall Maggie
Published: July 2024

Background

Little is known about which outcome domains characterise meaningful recovery following prosthetic rehabilitation and should be measured. Our previous qualitative work developed a conceptual model of outcome domains which are meaningful to patients. This qualitative synthesis aims to develop that model by exploring views and experiences of recovery captured in the limb loss literature, and use these to produce a second iteration of the model describing outcome domains of importance following prosthetic rehabilitation from the patient’s perspective.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted using CINAHL, Psychinfo and Web of Science from 2011 to early 2023. Studies with a qualitative design focusing on views and experiences of lower limb prosthetic users were eligible for inclusion. Quality was assessed using the CASP tool. ‘Best Fit’ framework synthesis was used to synthesise the evidence and develop the conceptual model.

Results

40 studies were included, describing the experiences of 539 participants. Data supported the pre-existing conceptual model and led to development of four of the five domains. The newly named ECLIPSE model describes meaningful outcome domains as 1) Being able to participate in important activities and roles, 2) Participating in the way I want to, 3) My prosthesis works for me, 4) If I am in pain, I can manage it, and 5) I am able to accept my new normal. Studies came from 15 countries showing good coverage of high-income settings. Few participants from low-and-middle-income countries were included, it is unclear if the ECLIPSE model describes outcome domains of importance in these settings.

Conclusions

This synthesis provides a rigorous foundation for understanding outcome domains of importance following lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation from the patient’s perspective. The ECLIPSE model is an accessible representation of recovery which could direct rehabilitation programmes, as well as inform the evaluation of prosthetic care through the selection of outcome measures.
Impact of stakeholder pressure on digital process innovation: An empirical analysis
Authors: Jin Yi , Yao Xun , Huang Minying
Published: July 2024

Digital technologies can bring about fundamental changes in corporate processes, which may result in a shift from process innovation to digital process innovation. However, owing to resource constraints and various stakeholders, digital process implementation is extremely challenging for firms. Based on stakeholder theory, this study explores whether and how stakeholder pressure for digitalization can facilitate corporate digital process innovation and unravels the mediating effect of routine reconfiguration and the moderating effect of strategic flexibility. The findings from a survey of 351 firms prove that stakeholder pressure for digitalization can facilitate corporate digital process innovation via routine reconfiguration. Moreover, this study finds that increased strategic flexibility can strengthen the positive mediating effect of routine reconfiguration. The findings contribute to the deep understanding of digital process innovation and offer a boundary condition for the effectiveness of stakeholder pressure.
Göktepe Marble Identification in the Hadrian Portrait of Los Torrejones (Yecla, Murcia) and some Considerations on the Presence of this Marble in Hispania
Authors: Lapuente Mercadal M.ª Pilar , Gutiérrez García-M. Anna , Noguera Celdrán José Miguel , Ruiz Molina Liborio
Published: July 2024

This work characterises the high-quality white marble used in the bust of Emperor Hadrian found in the Roman villa of Los Torrejones (Yecla, Murcia). The analytical results, compared with the databases pertaining to Hispanic and Mediterranean quarry marbles, reveal its source in the quarries of Göktepe, in Muğla province, Western Turkey. The historical implications of the presence in the villa of an imperial portrait of such quality are discussed. The results also emphasise the importance of undertaking future complete archaeometric analysis of marble materials used in the sculptures of Hispania, only way to certify the provenance of the stone and, in this case, to better understand the distribution reached by the varieties of Göktepe marble in the Iberian Peninsula.
Exploring molecular targets in cancer: Unveiling the anticancer potential of Paeoniflorin through a comprehensive analysis of diverse signaling pathways and recent advances
Authors: Jan Kounser , Hassan Neelofar , James Antonisamy , Hussain Ishraq , Rashid Shahzada Mudasir
Published: July 2024

Tumors have posed significant threats to human health for over 250 years, emerging as the foremost cause of death. While chemotherapeutic drugs are effective in treating tumors, their side effects can sometimes be challenging to manage during therapy. Nonetheless, there is growing interest in exploring natural compounds as alternatives, which potentially achieve therapeutic outcomes comparable to conventional chemotherapeutics with fewer adverse effects. Paeoniflorin (PF), a monoterpene glycoside derived from the root of Paeonia lactiflora, has garnered significant attention lately due to its promising anti-cancer properties. This review offers an updated outline of the molecular mechanisms underlying PF’s anti-tumor function, with a focus on its modulation of various signaling pathways. PF exerts its anti-tumor activity by regulating crucial cellular processes including apoptosis, angiogenesis, proliferation, and metastasis. We explored the multifaceted impact of PF while modulating through signaling pathways, encompassing nuclear factor kappa B, NOTCH, caspase cascade, transforming growth factor-β, NEDD4, P53/14-3-3, STAT 3, MAPK, MMP-9, and SKP2 signaling pathways, highlighting its versatility in targeting diverse malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss future research directions aimed at exploring innovative and targeted cancer therapies facilitated by PF.