bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aprepitant attenuates NLRC4-dependent neuronal pyroptosis via NK1R/PKCδ pathway in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Jin Peng , Qi Dongqing , Cui Yuhui , Lenahan Cameron , Zhang John H. , Tao Xiaogen , Deng Shuixiang , Tang Jiping
Published: August 2022

Background

Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death mediated by inflammasomes. Previous studies have reported that inhibition of neurokinin receptor 1 (NK1R) exerted neuroprotection in several neurological diseases. Herein, we have investigated the role of NK1R receptor inhibition using Aprepitant to attenuate NLRC4-dependent neuronal pyroptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), as well as the underlying mechanism.

Methods

A total of 182 CD-1 mice were used. ICH was induced by injection of autologous blood into the right basal ganglia. Aprepitant, a selective antagonist of NK1R, was injected intraperitoneally at 1 h after ICH. To explore the underlying mechanism, NK1R agonist, GR73632, and protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), were injected intracerebroventricularly at 1 h after ICH induction, and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for NLRC4 was administered via intracerebroventricular injection at 48 h before ICH induction, respectively. Neurobehavioral tests, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were performed.

Results

The expression of endogenous NK1R and NLRC 4 were gradually increased after ICH. NK1R was expressed on neurons. Aprepitant significantly improved the short- and long-term neurobehavioral deficits after ICH, which was accompanied with decreased neuronal pyroptosis, as well as decreased expression of NLRC4, Cleaved-caspase-1, GSDMD (gasdermin D), IL-1β, and IL-18. Activation of NK1R or PKCδ abolished these neuroprotective effects of Aprepitant after ICH. Similarly, knocking down NLRC4 using siRNA produced similar neuroprotective effects.

Conclusion

Aprepitant suppressed NLRC4-dependent neuronal pyroptosis and improved neurological function, possibly mediated by inhibition of NK1R/PKCδ signaling pathways after ICH. The NK1R may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of ICH.
Assessment of semen quality of taxi drivers exposed to whole body vibration
Authors: Zarei Sirvan , Dehghan Somayeh Farhang , Vaziri Mohammad Hossein , Gilani Mohammad Ali Sadighi , Ardakani Soheila Khodakarim
Published: August 2022

Whole body vibration (WBV) is a recognized occupational hazard for many workers such as drivers and operators of heavy and light machinery and exposure to it is accompanied by physical and mental repercussions. Only the limited studies have been done on the effects of vibration exposure on reproductive indices, however vibration exposure has been indicated as being a hazardous agents with the potential of being able to directly affect the reproductive system. Considering the importance of infertility, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating semen quality among taxi drivers in Tehran and determine the effect of exposure to WBV on sperm parameters. The study population consisted of 70 taxi drivers and 70 office employee who attended infertility clinics for diagnostic purposes in the past year. The participants had to meet the entry criteria of the study while also being willing to recruit. Data was collected in the form of demographic questionnaires and general health questionnaires as well as sperm analysis conducted in an infertility clinic according to standard laboratory guidelines. The 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure to of WBV in automobile was measured as per ISO 2631-1. The TWA exposure to WBV among the taxi drivers and office employees were 0.697 ± 0.13 m/s2 and 0.068 ± 0.09 m/s2 respectively (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference in total sperm count, progressive motility, non-progressive motility and total motility was observed between the taxi drivers and the office employees (P < 0.05). According to the univariate analysis of variance, exposure to WBV had negative effect on sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology (P > 0.05); moreover exposure to WBV resulted in the larger effect size (B) on sperm parameters than the demographic variables (P > 0.05). Being taxi drivers increase the chance of the decreased semen quality (P > 0.05). It is difficult to draw definitive conclusions regarding the effects of WBV while intervening factors exist, such as psychological stressors, quality of sleep, background issues as well as environmental factors such as chemical pollutants (heavy metals) or ergonomic factors (body posture and working while sitting down).
Machine learning-based prediction of emergency neurosurgery within 24 h after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Moyer Jean-Denis , Lee Patrick , Bernard Charles , Henry Lois , Lang Elodie , Cook Fabrice , Planquart Fanny , Boutonnet Mathieu , Harrois Anatole , Gauss Tobias ,   The Traumabase Group®, Abback Paer-Selim , Audibert Gérard , Geeraerts Thomas , Langeron Olivier , Leone Marc , Pottecher Julien , Stecken Laurent , Hanouz Jean-Luc
Published: August 2022

Background

Rapid referral of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients requiring emergency neurosurgery to a specialized trauma center can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. Currently, no model has been reported to predict the need for acute neurosurgery in severe to moderate TBI patients. This study aims to evaluate the performance of Machine Learning-based models to establish to predict the need for neurosurgery procedure within 24 h after moderate to severe TBI.

Methods

Retrospective multicenter cohort study using data from a national trauma registry (Traumabase®) from November 2011 to December 2020. Inclusion criteria correspond to patients over 18 years old with moderate or severe TBI (Glasgow coma score ≤ 12) during prehospital assessment. Patients who died within the first 24 h after hospital admission and secondary transfers were excluded. The population was divided into a train set (80% of patients) and a test set (20% of patients). Several approaches were used to define the best prognostic model (linear nearest neighbor or ensemble model). The Shapley Value was used to identify the most relevant pre-hospital variables for prediction.

Results

2159 patients were included in the study. 914 patients (42%) required neurosurgical intervention within 24 h. The population was predominantly male (77%), young (median age 35 years [IQR 24–52]) with severe head injury (median GCS 6 [3–9]). Based on the evaluation of the predictive model on the test set, the logistic regression model had an AUC of 0.76. The best predictive model was obtained with the CatBoost technique (AUC 0.81). According to the Shapley values method, the most predictive variables in the CatBoost were a low initial Glasgow coma score, the regression of pupillary abnormality after osmotherapy, a high blood pressure and a low heart rate.

Conclusion

Machine learning-based models could predict the need for emergency neurosurgery within 24 h after moderate and severe head injury. Potential clinical benefits of such models as a decision-making tool deserve further assessment. The performance in real-life setting and the impact on clinical decision-making of the model requires workflow integration and prospective assessment.
Do obese patients benefit from isolated aortic valve replacement through a partial upper sternotomy?
Authors: Xie Xian-Biao , Dai Xiao-Fu , Qiu Zhi-Huang , Jiang De-Bin , Wu Qing-Song , Dong Yi , Chen Liang-Wan
Published: August 2022

Objective

Controversial opinions exist for aortic valve replacement (AVR) through partial upper sternotomy in obese patients. Moreover, this study sought to investigate the potential clinical advantage of partial upper sternotomy aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) over conventional full sternotomy aortic valve replacement (con-AVR) in obese patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective and observational study. From January 2015 to December 2020, a total of 184 obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg  m2] patients undergoing isolated primary AVR were included: 98 patients underwent conventional full sternotomy, and 86 patients underwent partial upper sternotomy. Propensity score (PS) matching was applied to eliminate the bassline imbalances in the mini-AVR and the con-AVR groups.

Results

After one-to-one propensity score matching, two groups of 60 patients were obtained. No in-hospital death occurred in the two groups. In addition, cardiopulmonary bypass time and total operative time were similar across the 2 groups, but the aortic cross-clamp time was significantly shorter in the con-AVR group (P = .0.022). The amount of mediastinal drainage at 48 h after surgery (P =  0.018) and postoperative blood transfusions (P =  0.014) were significantly lower in the mini-AVR group. There was no difference in ventilation time (P = .0.145), but a shorter intensive care unit stay time (P =  0.021) in the mini-AVR group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that aortic valve replacement through a mini-AVR in obese patients is a safe and effective procedure. It outperformed con-AVR in terms of blood loss, blood product transfusion, and ICU stay.
Safety of low-intensity repetitive transcranial magneTic brAin stimUlation foR people living with mUltiple Sclerosis (TAURUS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Makowiecki Kalina , Stevens Natasha , Cullen Carlie L. , Zarghami Amin , Nguyen Phuong Tram , Johnson Lewis , Rodger Jennifer , Hinder Mark R. , Barnett Michael , Young Kaylene M. , Taylor Bruce V.
Published: August 2022

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease, characterised by oligodendrocyte death and demyelination. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells can differentiate into new replacement oligodendrocytes; however, remyelination is insufficient to protect neurons from degeneration in people with MS. We previously reported that 4 weeks of daily low-intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in an intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) pattern increased the number of new myelinating oligodendrocytes in healthy adult mice. This study translates this rTMS protocol and aims to determine its safety and tolerability for people living with MS. We will also perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and symptom assessments as preliminary indicators of myelin addition following rTMS.

Methods

Participants (N = 30, aged 18–65 years) will have a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS. ≤2 weeks before the intervention, eligible, consenting participants will complete a physical exam, baseline brain MRI scan and participant-reported MS symptom assessments [questionnaires: Fatigue Severity Scale, Quality of Life (AQoL-8D), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; and smartphone-based measures of cognition (electronic symbol digit modalities test), manual dexterity (pinching test, draw a shape test) and gait (U-Turn test)]. Participants will be pseudo-randomly allocated to rTMS (n=20) or sham (placebo; n=10), stratified by sex. rTMS or sham will be delivered 5 days per week for 4 consecutive weeks (20 sessions, 6 min per day). rTMS will be applied using a 90-mm circular coil at low-intensity (25% maximum stimulator output) in an iTBS pattern. For sham, the coil will be oriented 90° to the scalp, preventing the magnetic field from stimulating the brain. Adverse events will be recorded daily. We will evaluate participant blinding after the first, 10th and final session. After the final session, participants will repeat symptom assessments and brain MRI, for comparison with baseline. Participant-reported assessments will be repeated at 4-month post-allocation follow-up.

Discussion

This study will determine whether this rTMS protocol is safe and tolerable for people with MS. MRI and participant-reported symptom assessments will serve as preliminary indications of rTMS efficacy for myelin addition to inform further studies.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001196134. Registered on 27 August 2019
Assessing the associations between Aedes larval indices and dengue risk in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka: a hierarchical time series analysis from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Liyanage Prasad , Tozan Yesim , Tissera Hasitha Aravinda , Overgaard Hans J. , Rocklöv Joacim
Published: August 2022

Background

Dengue is a major public health problem in Sri Lanka. Aedes vector surveillance and monitoring of larval indices are routine, long-established public health practices in the country. However, the association between Aedes larval indices and dengue incidence is poorly understood. It is crucial to evaluate lagged effects and threshold values of Aedes larval indices to set pragmatic targets for sustainable vector control interventions.

Methods

Monthly Aedes larval indices and dengue cases in all 10 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions in Kalutara district were obtained from 2010 to 2019. Using a novel statistical approach, a distributed lag non-linear model and a two-staged hierarchical meta-analysis, we estimated the overall non-linear and delayed effects of the Premise Index (PI), Breteau Index (BI) and Container Index (CI) on dengue incidence in Kalutara district. A set of MOH division-specific variables were evaluated within the same meta-analytical framework to determine their moderator effects on dengue risk. Using generalized additive models, we assessed the utility of Aedes larval indices in predicting dengue incidence.

Results

We found that all three larval indices were associated with dengue risk at a lag of 1 to 2 months. The relationship between PI and dengue was homogeneous across MOH divisions, whereas that with BI and CI was heterogeneous. The threshold values of BI, PI and CI associated with dengue risk were 2, 15 and 45, respectively. All three indices showed a low to moderate accuracy in predicting dengue risk in Kalutara district.

Conclusions

This study showed the potential of vector surveillance information in Kalutara district in developing a threshold-based, location-specific early warning system with a lead time of 2 months. The estimated thresholds are nonetheless time-bound and may not be universally applicable. Whenever longitudinal vector surveillance data areavailable, the methodological framework we propose here can be used to estimate location-specific Aedes larval index thresholds in any other dengue-endemic setting.

Graphical Abstract
Whole genome sequencing reveals the independent clonal origin of multifocal ileal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Mäkinen Netta , Zhou Meng , Zhang Zhouwei , Kasai Yosuke , Perez Elizabeth , Kim Grace E. , Thirlwell Chrissie , Nakakura Eric , Meyerson Matthew
Published: August 2022

Background

Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) are the most common neoplasms of the small bowel. The majority of tumors are located in the distal ileum with a high incidence of multiple synchronous primary tumors. Even though up to 50% of SI-NET patients are diagnosed with multifocal disease, the mechanisms underlying multiple synchronous lesions remain elusive.

Methods

We performed whole genome sequencing of 75 de-identified synchronous primary tumors, 15 metastases, and corresponding normal samples from 13 patients with multifocal ileal NETs to identify recurrent somatic genomic alterations, frequently affected signaling pathways, and shared mutation signatures among multifocal SI-NETs. Additionally, we carried out chromosome mapping of the most recurrent copy-number alterations identified to determine which parental allele had been affected in each tumor and assessed the clonal relationships of the tumors within each patient.

Results

Absence of shared somatic variation between the synchronous primary tumors within each patient was observed, indicating that these tumors develop independently. Although recurrent copy-number alterations were identified, additional chromosome mapping revealed that tumors from the same patient can gain or lose different parental alleles. In addition to the previously reportedCDKN1Bloss-of-function mutations, we observed potential loss-of-function gene alterations inTNRC6B, a candidate tumor suppressor gene in a small subset of ileal NETs. Furthermore, we show that multiple metastases in the same patient can originate from either one or several primary tumors.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates major genomic diversity among multifocal ileal NETs, highlighting the need to identify and remove all primary tumors, which have the potential to metastasize, and the need for optimized targeted treatments.
Targeting clock-controlled gene Nrf2 ameliorates inflammation-induced intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Peng Pandi , Wang Dong , Xu Xiaolong , Wang Di , Gao Bo , Wang Han , Jia Haoruo , Shang Qiliang , Zheng Chao , Gao Chu , Mao Jianxin , Luo Zhuojing , Yang Liu , Hu Xueyu
Published: August 2022

Background

Intervertebral disc (IVD) is a highly rhythmic tissue, which experiences a diurnal cycle of high/low mechanical loading via the changes of activity/rest phase. There are signs that disruption of the peripheral IVD clock is related to the process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, it is still unclear whether inflammation could disturb the IVD clock and thus induce the process of IDD.

Methods and results

In this study, we used IL-1β, a commonly used inflammatory factor, to induce IDD and found that the IVD clock was dampened in degenerated human nucleus pulposus specimens, rat nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues, and cells. In this study, we found that the circadian clock of NP cells was totally disrupted by knockdown of the core clock gene brain and muscle arnt-like protein-1 (Bmal1), which thus induced the dysfunction of NP cells. Next, we explored the mechanism of dampened clock-induced IDD and found that knockdown of Bmal1 decreased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a downstream target gene of Bmal1, and increased inflammatory response, oxidative stress reaction, and apoptosis of NP cells. In addition, NRF2 activation attenuated the dysfunction of NP cells induced by the dampened IVD clock and the degenerative process of NP tissues in an organotypic tissue-explant model.

Conclusions

Taken together, our study extends the relationship between peripheral clock and IVD homeostasis and provides a potential therapeutic method for the prevention and recovery of IDD by targeting the clock-controlled gene Nrf2.
Alternatives to common approaches for training change of direction performance: a scoping review
Authors: Buhmann Robert , Stuelcken Max , Sayers Mark
Published: August 2022

Background

Research focuses heavily upon the effect of strength and power training on change of direction performance. The objective of this scoping review is to highlight alternative approaches to training change of direction.

Methods

Four databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus) were searched with no date restrictions. To be included studies must (i) investigate change of direction performance following an intervention or investigate the relationships between variables of interest and change of direction performance; (ii) recruit participants > 18 years old; (iii) recruit participants involved in competitive sport. The majority of included studies investigated the effect of strength and/or power training, or, relationships between strength and/or power variables with change of direction performance.

Results

Despite fewer studies, alternative training methods resulted in greater improvements (compared with strength and/or power) in change of direction performance, with smaller training durations. Few studies included reactive agility as an outcome measure.

Conclusion

Despite much of the literature focusing on strength and/or power, there are alternative training modalities that demonstrate merit for improving change of direction performance. Future studies should investigate the effect of alternative training interventions on reactive agility performance, to provide a more valid indication of transfer to competition.
Overexpressing HPGDS in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells reduces inflammatory state and improves wound healing in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Ouyang Long , Qiu Daojing , Fu Xin , Wu Aiping , Yang Pengyuan , Yang Zhigang , Wang Qian , Yan Li , Xiao Ran
Published: August 2022

Background

In diabetes, delayed wound healing was considered as the result of excessive recruitment and retention of pro-inflammatory cells and factors. Hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS) was identified from differently expressed genes of diabetic human foot skin. HPGDS is responsible for the production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), an inflammatory mediator. Therefore, we aim to explore whether HPGDS could be a therapeutic target in the diabetic wound (DW).

Method

In this study, we compared gene expression profilings of diabetic human foot skin and non-diabetic human foot skin from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We detected the characteristics of immune components in diabetic mice wound and investigated the role and underlying mechanism of the differently expressed Hpgds for the diabetic wound healing. For in vivo studies, we engineered ADSC to overexpress Hpgds (ADSCHpgds) and evaluated its effects on diabetic wound healing using a full-thickness skin wound model. For in vitro studies, we evaluated the role of ADSCHpgds conditioned medium and PGD2 on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced macrophage.

Results

Hpgds was significantly down-regulated in type 2 diabetic mice wound and its deficiency delayed normal wound healing. ADSCHpgds accelerated DW healing by reducing neutrophil and CD8T cell recruitment, promoting M2 macrophage polarization and increasing the production of growth factors. ADSCHpgds conditioned medium showed superior capability in promoting M2 macrophage transition than conditioned medium derived from ADSC alone.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that Hpgds is required for wound healing, and ADSCHpgds could accelerate DW healing by improving anti-inflammatory state and normalizing the proliferation phase of wound healing in mice. These findings provide a new insight in the therapeutic strategy of diabetic wound.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles protect retina in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa by anti-inflammation through miR-146a-Nr4a3 axis
Authors: Zhang Jia , Li Pengdong , Zhao Guifang , He Siqi , Xu Di , Jiang Weijie , Peng Qian , Li Zhaohui , Xie Zhongjian , Zhang Han , Xu Ying , Qi Ling
Published: August 2022

Background

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rod-cone degenerative disease that induces irreversible vision loss. This study probed the protective capacity of mesenchymal stem cell-derived small EVs (MSC-EVs) on the retinas of rd10 mice and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

MSC-EVs were injected into the vitreous of rd10 mice at postnatal day 14 and P21; morphology and function were examined at P28. The mechanism of action was explored by using co-culture of photoreceptor cell line 661 W and microglia cell line BV2.

Results

Treatment with MSC-EVs increased the survival of photoreceptors and preserved their structure. Visual function, as reflected by optomotor and electroretinogram responses, was significantly enhanced in MSC-EVs-treated rd10 mice. Mechanistically, staining for Iba1, GFAP, F4/80, CD68 and CD206 showed that MSC-EVs suppressed the activation of microglial, Müller glial and macrophages. Furthermore, western blotting showed that the treatment inhibited the NF-κB pathway. RNA-seq and qPCR showed that MSC-EVs upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines while downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. MSC-EVs application in vitro decreased the number of TUNEL-positive 661 W cells co-cultured with LPS-stimulated BV2, with similar impact on the cytokine expression as in vivo study. Genetic screening predicted miR-146a to be the downstream target of MSC-EVs, which was detected in MSC-EVs and upregulated in co-cultured 661 W cells and BV2 cells after MSC-EVs treatment. Upregulation of miR-146a by using its mimic decreased the expression of the transcription factor Nr4a3, and its downregulation inhibition promoted Nr4a3 expression in both 661 W and BV2 cells. Nr4a3 was further identified as the target gene of miR-146a by dual-luciferase assay. Furthermore, overexpressing miR-146a significantly decreased the expression of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in BV2 cells.

Conclusions

MSC-EVs delays retinal degeneration in rd10 mice mainly by its anti-inflammatory effect via the miR-146a-Nr4a3axis. Hence, MSC-EVs may be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
JSON-based control model for SQL and NoSQL data conversion in hybrid cloud database
Authors: Zhang Lei , Pang Ke , Xu Jiangtao , Niu Bingxin
Published: August 2022

A data interaction transformation model, XYJSON, that is suitable for all data using current standard SQL syntax and JSON document data is proposed to solve the problem of increasing development workload and difficulty caused by using different control methods for corresponding types of databases under the cloud hybrid storage. A control program was studied to control relational and NoSQL data at the same time, by establishing a general conversion model between relational and NoSQL data and converting standard SQL statements into JSON. The performance of XYJSON was compared with that of the traditional mode. The results show that the performance difference between XYJSON and the traditional mode is small. In addition, a developer survey was conducted on XYJSON for user friendliness and compatibility. All developers rated XYJSON as excellent. The current cloud hybrid storage cannot use a unified control model to realize data control. XYJSON breaks through this bottleneck, making it easier and more efficient to control different types of databases under cloud hybrid storage.
An Improved Linear Complementarity Solver for the Dynamic Analysis of Blast Loaded Structures
Authors: Khan Azam , Tariq Moiz , Ullah Asad , Hussain Arshad
Published: August 2022

The linear complementarity problem (LCP) approach, expedited by using the simple rigid–plastic theory, has been utilized successfully in predicting the numerical response of the ductile steel or concrete structures subjected to short-duration, high-intensity dynamic loads. The current study attempts to improve the computational stability of this powerful technique while determining the response of skeletal structures under blast loading. The performance of the Lemke LCP solver is amplified by introducing an automatic time-stepping scheme to efficiently trace the complex dynamic response using either lumped mass or continuous mass discretization. The computational efficiency of this solver is tested against carefully chosen three numerical examples, and the acquired results are in good agreement with the derived closed-form solution and results from other sources.
Effectiveness of polarized polychromatic light therapy on myofascial trigger points in chronic non-specific low back pain: a single blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shiryan Ghoufran Tukaram , Amin Fatmaa Sedik , Embaby Eman Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Background

Phototherapy has been used for the treatment of chronic low back pain. However, the effect of linear polarized polychromatic light (PL) has not been examined on myofascial trigger points in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).

Objectives

To investigate the effectiveness of PL on pain intensity, pain sensitivity of active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in gluteus medius (GM) and quadratus lamborum (QL) muscles, back disability, and lumbar range of motion in chronic NSLBP.

Methods

Forty-two participants of both genders with chronic NSLBP were randomly allocated into two equal groups: group A (Linear polarized polychromatic light (PL): 21 participants received polarized light therapy in the range of red and near-infrared rays on myofascial trigger points of bilateral GM and QL muscles for 5 min/point followed by stretching and strengthening exercises for 4 weeks. Group B (Sham PL): 21 participants received the same program but with sham linear polarized polychromatic light therapy. Numeric pain rating scale, pressure algometer, and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire were used to measure pain intensity, pain sensitivity (as represented by pain pressure threshold (PPT) of MTrPs of the target muscles and back disability respectively. Further, lumbar flexion, extension, and bilateral rotation were examined with a tape measure, while bilateral side bending were examined with a universal goniometer.

Results

After the intervention program, significant improvements (p < 0.05) in pain intensity, PPT of MTrPs of left GM (Effect Size (ES): 1.23) and bilateral QL muscles (ES Rt QL: 0.9; Lt QL: 1.56) were found in group A in comparison with group B. Nevertheless, the two groups displayed similar improvements (p > 0.05) in lumbar range of motion and back disability.

Conclusion

Linear polarized polychromatic light therapy in the range of red and near-infrared rays improves pain intensity and pain sensitivity of myofascial trigger points in chronic NSLBP.

Trial registration

PACTR, PACTR202111577053926. Registered 22 June 2019-Prospectively registered.
The contribution of British diplomacy to the resolution of the Qatari crisis (2017-2021)
Authors: Gasanov K. , Sadygzade M.
Published: August 2022

This study analyzes the contribution of British diplomacy in resolving the Qatari diplomatic crisis of 2017, which became one of the significant challenges for the British foreign policy strategy "Global Britain". The purpose of this work is to identify the position of the United Kingdom in relation to the parties that are active actors in the Qatari crisis. The work used factor analysis, through which the political and socio-economic planes of interaction between the UK and Qatar and the states initiating the diplomatic blockade were considered. The disclosure of the problem of this study became even more relevant after on January 5, 2021, at a meeting of the GCC in the city of Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt signed a statement of reconciliation with Qatar. Based on the results of the analysis, it was confirmed that the United Kingdom, for political, strategic, financial, and economic reasons, equally values its ties with both the State of Qatar and the coalition of its opponents. Due to the geopolitical significance of the Persian Gulf region, the British authorities could not allow the escalation of the conflict, which could have a negative impact on the world economy, and on the interests of Great Britain in the region. Thus, British diplomacy adopted a discreetly optimal and balanced course of managing the crisis to neutralize the possibility of a large-scale conflict and realize its own interests.
Using Deep Learning to Overcome Privacy and Scalability Issues in Customer Data Transfer
Authors: Anand Piyush , Lee Clarence
Published: August 2022

This paper demonstrates that marketers can leverage recent advances in machine learning, GANs, to tackle customer data transfer while preserving privacy.
In safe hands
Authors: Cummings Ellen
Published: August 2022

Ellen Cummings explains how dental nurses can limit the damage caused to skin by handwashing.
Small injuries, big consequences
Authors: Waters Rebecca
Published: August 2022

Rebecca Waters looks at the dangers of needlestick injuries.
Why you need a lead dental nurse in your practice right now!
Authors: Carter Stephanie
Published: August 2022

Stephanie Carter considers the importance of targeting team members to upskill in a changing dental landscape.
Seeking a new route on your career journey?
Authors: Revelo-Saltos Sara , Pyle Lizzie , Summers Helen
Published: August 2022

Three locum dental nurses discuss the motives for taking on a roaming role.
Dental nurse to student dentist
Authors: Revelo-Saltos Sara
Published: August 2022

Sara Revelo-Saltos shares her journey and acknowledges those who were there to see all the tears and smiles.
A refresher on sugar and oral health
Authors: Morgan Maria , Fairchild Ruth
Published: August 2022

Maria Morgan and Ruth Fairchild consider why nutrition is an important consideration for dental teams.
The risk of tibial eminence avulsion fracture with bi-unicondylar knee arthroplasty
Authors: Stoddart Jennifer C. , Garner Amy , Tuncer Mahmut , Cobb Justin P. , van Arkel Richard J.
Published: August 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the risk of tibial eminence avulsion intraoperatively for bi-unicondylar knee arthroplasty (Bi-UKA), with consideration of the effect of implant positioning, overstuffing, and sex, compared to the risk for isolated medial unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA-M) and bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (BCR-TKA).

Methods

Two experimentally validated finite element models of tibia were implanted with UKA-M, Bi-UKA, and BCR-TKA. Intraoperative loads were applied through the condyles, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and the risk of fracture (ROF) was evaluated in the spine as the ratio of the 95th percentile maximum principal elastic strains over the tensile yield strain of proximal tibial bone.

Results

Peak tensile strains occurred on the anterior portion of the medial sagittal cut in all simulations. Lateral translation of the medial implant in Bi-UKA had the largest increase in ROF of any of the implant positions (43%). Overstuffing the joint by 2 mm had a much larger effect, resulting in a six-fold increase in ROF. Bi-UKA had ~10% increased ROF compared to UKA-M for both the male and female models, although the smaller, less dense female model had a 1.4 times greater ROF compared to the male model. Removal of anterior bone akin to BCR-TKA doubled ROF compared to Bi-UKA.

Conclusion

Tibial eminence avulsion fracture has a similar risk associated with Bi-UKA to UKA-M. The risk is higher for smaller and less dense tibiae. To minimize risk, it is most important to avoid overstuffing the joint, followed by correctly positioning the medial implant, taking care not to narrow the bone island anteriorly. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(8):575–584.
Engaging hard‐to‐reach men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men with sexual health screening: Qualitative interviews in an Australian sex‐on‐premises‐venue and sexual health service
Authors: Ooi Catriona , Lewis David A. , Newman Christy E.
Published: August 2022

Context

Compared with the general population in Australia, men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men (MSM) have higher rates of HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Despite widespread advice to test regularly, a minority of these men remain “hard to reach.” We undertook qualitative interviews with a group of such men in Sydney to better understand their views and experiences in relation to sexual health screening.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with men engaging with HIV/STI screening services at a sex‐on‐premises‐venue and the local Sexual Health Service in Greater Western Sydney. We analyzed these data for content and themes.

Results

Sexual behaviors and identities were diverse, often discordant and compartmentalized from everyday lives. Overall, reported HIV/STI knowledge was poor and men did not see themselves at risk of HIV/STIs regardless of sexual behavior. Men took calculated risks and balanced with pleasure and escapism. Reasons for avoidance of testing included fear, unwillingness to disclose behavior, privacy concerns, and perceived low risk. Men viewed sexual health care as distinct from general health care. Service delivery preferences varied by service venue. Participants highlighted convenience, confidentiality, and trust as critical factors for a testing service.

Conclusion

A variety of testing options are needed to engage hard‐to‐reach MSM. Opportunities to enhance testing may include expanding health messaging, demystifying testing, and delinking sexual identity from sexual behavior and risk, thus promoting advantages of testing and establishing testing as standard of care.
Phase regeneration of 8PSK signal using phase-sensitive amplification based on an organic–Ge hybrid waveguide
Authors: Ren Li , Li Xuefeng , Wu Xiao , Liu Hongjun
Published: August 2022

We numerically demonstrate the phase regeneration of eight-phase-shift keying (8PSK) in an organic–Ge hybrid waveguide with

10

µ

m

length. Through filling graphene oxide with a high Kerr coefficient and engineering of waveguide dimensions, an ultrahigh nonlinear coefficient with

5

.86

×

10

6

W

−

1

m

−

1

is attained at 1550 nm. The phase regeneration of 8PSK signal is achieved by using phase-sensitive amplification of the dual-conjugated-pump degenerate four-wave mixing scheme. The error-vector magnitude (EVM), optical signal-to-noise ratio, as well as constellation diagrams of 8PSK signal are also used to evaluate the phase regeneration capacity quantitatively. A reduction of EVM from 39.25% to 1.34% for 8PSK signal is found. The results show great phase regeneration and noise-squeezing ability, which indicate that such a phase-sensitive amplifier of a waveguide can find critical promising applications in all-optical signal processing.
Avalanche ionization during UV filamentation in fused silica: suppression of blueshifted spectra extent
Authors: Tian Ya , Gong Cheng , Kong Deyi , Hu Xiangming
Published: August 2022

In general, ionization-induced free-electron plasma is considered to increase spectral blueshift during femtosecond laser filamentation. Here we theoretically show that the enhancement of plasma density via avalanche ionization decreases the blueshift of supercontinuum (SC) spectra associated with a ultraviolet filament in fused silica. By numerically solving the forward Maxwell equations, our simulations show that the arrest of beam collapse is ascribed to multiphoton absorption rather than plasma defocusing. In addition, SC spectral broadening is mainly dominated by Kerr self-phase modulation (SPM), while the plasma generated by ionization plays a more significant role in absorbing the laser pulse energy, which would suppress the Kerr SPM effect, than in reducing the refractive index. Our work provides a clearer understanding of ultraviolet laser propagation dynamics in condensed media.
Rapid aberration correction for diffractive X-ray optics by additive manufacturing
Authors: Seiboth Frank , Kubec Adam , Schropp Andreas , Niese Sven , Gawlitza Peter , Garrevoet Jan , Galbierz Vanessa , Achilles Silvio , Patjens Svenja , Stuckelberger Michael E. , David Christian , Schroer Christian G.
Published: August 2022

Diffraction-limited hard X-ray optics are key components for high-resolution microscopy, in particular for upcoming synchrotron radiation sources with ultra-low emittance. Diffractive optics like multilayer Laue lenses (MLL) have the potential to reach unprecedented numerical apertures (NA) when used in a crossed geometry of two one-dimensionally focusing lenses. However, minuscule fluctuations in the manufacturing process and technical limitations for high NA X-ray lenses can prevent a diffraction-limited performance. We present a method to overcome these challenges with a tailor-made refractive phase plate. With at-wavelength metrology and a rapid prototyping approach we demonstrate aberration correction for a crossed pair of MLL, improving the Strehl ratio from 0.41(2) to 0.81(4) at a numerical aperture of 3.3 × 10−3. This highly adaptable aberration-correction scheme provides an important tool for diffraction-limited hard X-ray focusing.
Quantum non-Gaussianity certification of photon number-resolving detectors
Authors: Grygar Jan , Hloušek Josef , Fiurášek Jaromír , Ježek Miroslav
Published: August 2022

We report on direct experimental certification of the quantum non-Gaussian character of a photon number-resolving detector. The certification protocol is based on an adaptation of the existing quantum non-Gaussianity criteria for quantum states to quantum measurements. In our approach, it suffices to probe the detector with a vacuum state and two different thermal states to test its quantum non-Gaussianity. The certification is experimentally demonstrated for the detector formed by a spatially multiplexed array of ten single-photon avalanche photodiodes. We confirm the quantum non-Gaussianity of POVM elements

Π
^

m

associated with the m-fold coincidence counts, up to m = 7. The experimental ability to certify from the first principles the quantum non-Gaussian character of

Π
^

m

is for large m limited by low probability of the measurement outcomes, especially for vacuum input state. We find that the injection of independent Gaussian background noise into the detector can be helpful and may reduce the measurement time required for reliable confirmation of quantum non-Gaussianity. In addition, we modified and experimentally verified the quantum non-Gaussianity certification protocol employing a third thermal state instead of a vacuum to speed up the whole measurement. Our findings demonstrate the existence of efficient tools for the practical characterization of fundamental non-classical properties and benchmarking of complex optical quantum detectors.
Improved performance of a hybrid optical/digital imaging system with fast piecewise Wiener deconvolution
Authors: Fontbonne Alice , Sauer Hervé , Goudail François
Published: August 2022

We quantitatively investigate how spatially varying deblurring algorithms can improve the imaging performance of hybrid optical/digital systems affected by field aberrations. To this end, we validate a theoretical model of the maximal gain that linear and spatially varying deblurring can bring to any given lens, and derive a practical algorithm to implement this type of deblurring with low computational complexity. The results demonstrate the usefulness to properly coordinate and balance the roles of the imaging optical system and raw image post-processing: optimal final imaging quality can be obtained by a lens that has been optically designed to reduce field aberrations at the price of lower average raw optical quality, associated with a fast and “slightly” spatially varying piecewise Wiener deconvolution algorithm.
Cosinusoidal encoding multiplexed structured illumination multispectral ghost imaging
Authors: Sun Yusong , Jian Huang , Shi Dongfeng , Zha Linbin , Guo Zijun , Yuan Kee , Hu Shunxing , Wang Yingjian
Published: August 2022

The information dimension obtained by multispectral ghost imaging is more abundant than in single-band ghost imaging. Existing multispectral ghost imaging systems still meet some shortages, such as complex structure or reconstruction time-consuming. Here, an approach of cosinusoidal encoding multiplexed structured illumination multispectral ghost imaging is proposed. It can capture the multispectral image of the target object within one projection cycle with a single-pixel detector while maintaining high imaging efficiency and low time-consuming. The core of the proposed approach is the employed novel encoding strategy which is apt to decode and reconstruct the multispectral image via the Fourier transform. Specifically, cosinusoidal encoding matrices with specific frequency characteristics are fused with the orthogonal Hadamard basis patterns to form the multiplexed structured illumination patterns. A broadband photomultiplier is employed to collect the backscattered signals of the target object interacted by the corresponding structured illumination. The conventional linear algorithm is applied first to recover the mixed grayscale image of the imaging scene. Given the specific frequency distribution of the constructed cosinusoidal encoding matrices, the mixed grayscale image can be converted to the frequency domain for further decoding processing. Then, the pictures of multiple spectral components can be obtained with some manipulations by applying Fourier transform. A series of numerical simulations and experiments verified our proposed approach. The present cosinusoidal encoding multiplexed structured illumination can also be introduced in many other fields of high-dimensional information acquisition, such as high-resolution imaging and polarization ghost imaging.
Transmission characteristics of femtosecond laser pulses in a polymer waveguide
Authors: Wang Chaoyang , Liu Jinyuan , Zhang Ziyang
Published: August 2022

Femtosecond lasers have been widely employed in scientific and industrial applications, including the study of material properties, fabrication of structures on the sub-micrometer scale, surgical and medical treatment, etc. In these applications, the ultrafast laser is implemented either in free space or via an optical fiber-based channel. To investigate the light-matter interaction on a chip-based dimension, laser pulses with extremely high peak power need to be injected into an integrated optical waveguide. This requires the waveguide to be transparent and linear at this power, but also capable of providing a highly efficient and reliable interface for fiber-chip coupling. Contrary to the common belief that polymer materials may suffer from stability issues, we show that a polymer waveguide fabricated under simple and low-cost technology using only commercial materials can indeed transmit femtosecond laser pulses with similar characteristics as low-power continuous-wave laser. The coupling efficiency with a lensed fiber is ∼76% per facet. The pulse broadening effect in the polymer waveguide is also well fitted by the material and waveguide dispersion without nonlinear behavior. This study paves the way for developing a low-cost, highly efficient, polymer-based waveguide platform for the investigation of ultrafast phenomena on a chip.
Time domain analysis of photon scattering and Huygens-Fresnel back projection
Authors: Laurenzis Martin , Christnacher Frank
Published: August 2022

Stand-off detection and characterization of scattering media such as fog and aerosols is an important task in environmental monitoring and related applications. We present, for the first time, a stand-off characterization of sprayed water fog in the time domain. Using a time correlated single photon counting, we measure transient signatures of photons reflected off a target within the fog volume. We can distinguish ballistic from scattered photon. By application of a forward propagation model, we reconstruct the scattered photon paths and determine the fog’s mean scattering length μscat. in a range of 1.55 m to 1.86m. Moreover, in a second analysis, we project the recorded transients back to reconstruct the scene using virtual Huygens-Fresnel wavefronts. While in medium-density fog some contribution of ballistic remain in the signatures, we could demonstrate that in high-density fog, all recorded photons are at least scattered a single time. This work may path the way to novel characterization tools of and enhanced imaging in scattering media.
Rational number harmonic mode-locked dual-loop optoelectronic oscillator with low supermode noise and low intermodulation distortions
Authors: Li Bo , Wu RuiHuan , Wang ZiYang , Wang XiaoYi , Zhang XiaoHao , Hong WeiYi , Liu HongZhan
Published: August 2022

A rational number harmonic mode-locked dual-loop optoelectronic oscillator (RHML-DL-OEO) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In the proposed system, an external radio frequency (RF) signal and a feedback oscillating microwave signal drive two arms of a dual-drive Mach–Zehnder modulator (DMZM). Mode locking is realized by frequency detuning. The larger effective free spectrum range (FSR) and higher side-mode suppression result from the Vernier effect effectively suppress supermode noise and intermodulation distortions (IMDs). Experimental results demonstrate that the microwave frequency comb (MFC) signals with repetition frequencies of 901.8 kHz, 2.3046 MHz and 5.3106 MHz are generated by 9th-, 23rd- and 53rd-order rational number harmonic mode-locking, respectively. Compared with the rational number harmonic mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator based on single-loop structure, the supermode noise suppression ratios of the scheme we propose are improved by 30.5 dB, 27.6 dB and 20.3 dB, respectively. Furthermore, the performance of single sideband (SSB) phase noise is also investigated.