bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA-binding FMRP and Staufen sequentially regulate the Coracle scaffold to control synaptic glutamate receptor and bouton development
Authors: Song Chunzhu , Leahy Shannon N. , Rushton Emma M. , Broadie Kendal
Published: April 2022

Both mRNA-binding Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP; Fmr1) and mRNA-binding Staufen regulate synaptic bouton formation and glutamate receptor (GluR) levels at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) glutamatergic synapse. Here, we tested whether these RNA-binding proteins act jointly in a common mechanism. We found that both dfmr1 and staufen mutants, and trans-heterozygous double mutants, displayed increased synaptic bouton formation and GluRIIA accumulation. With cell-targeted RNA interference, we showed a downstream Staufen role within postsynaptic muscle. With immunoprecipitation, we showed that FMRP binds staufen mRNA to stabilize postsynaptic transcripts. Staufen is known to target actin-binding, GluRIIA anchor Coracle, and we confirmed that Staufen binds to coracle mRNA. We found that FMRP and Staufen act sequentially to co-regulate postsynaptic Coracle expression, and showed that Coracle, in turn, controls GluRIIA levels and synaptic bouton development. Consistently, we found that dfmr1, staufen and coracle mutants elevate neurotransmission strength. We also identified that FMRP, Staufen and Coracle all suppress pMad activation, providing a trans-synaptic signaling linkage between postsynaptic GluRIIA levels and presynaptic bouton development. This work supports an FMRP–Staufen–Coracle–GluRIIA–pMad pathway regulating structural and functional synapse development.
Temporal and spatially controlled APP transgene expression using Cre-dependent alleles
Authors: Koller Emily J. , Comstock Melissa , Bean Jonathan C. , Escobedo Gabriel , Park Kyung-Won , Jankowsky Joanna L.
Published: April 2022

Although a large number of mouse models have been made to study Alzheimer's disease, only a handful allow experimental control over the location or timing of the protein being used to drive pathology. Other fields have used the Cre and the tamoxifen-inducible CreER driver lines to achieve precise spatial and temporal control over gene deletion and transgene expression, yet these tools have not been widely used in studies of neurodegeneration. Here, we describe two strategies for harnessing the wide range of Cre and CreER driver lines to control expression of disease-associated amyloid precursor protein (APP) in modeling Alzheimer's amyloid pathology. We show that CreER-based spatial and temporal control over APP expression can be achieved with existing lines by combining a Cre driver with a tetracycline-transactivator (tTA)-dependent APP responder using a Cre-to-tTA converter line. We then describe a new mouse line that places APP expression under direct control of Cre recombinase using an intervening lox-stop-lox cassette. Mating this allele with a CreER driver allows both spatial and temporal control over APP expression, and with it, amyloid onset.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Endometrial organoids derived from Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome patients provide insights into disease-causing pathways
Authors: Brucker Sara Y. , Hentrich Thomas , Schulze-Hentrich Julia M. , Pietzsch Martin , Wajngarten Noel , Singh Anjali Ralhan , Rall Katharina , Koch André
Published: April 2022

The uterus is responsible for the nourishment and mechanical protection of the developing embryo and fetus and is an essential part in mammalian reproduction. Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is characterized by agenesis of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal ovarian function. Although heavily studied, the cause of the disease is still enigmatic. Current research in the field of MRKH mainly focuses on DNA-sequencing efforts and, so far, has been unable to decipher the nature and heterogeneity of the disease, thereby holding back scientific and clinical progress. Here, we developed long-term expandable organoid cultures from endometrium found in uterine rudiment horns of MRKH patients. Phenotypically, they share great similarity with healthy control organoids and are surprisingly fully hormone responsive. Transcriptome analyses, however, identified an array of dysregulated genes that point to potentially disease-causing pathways altered during the development of the female reproductive tract. We consider the endometrial organoid cultures to be a powerful research tool that promise to enable an array of studies into the pathogenic origins of MRKH syndrome and possible treatment opportunities to improve patient quality of life.
Upregulated flotillins and sphingosine kinase 2 derail AXL vesicular traffic to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Genest Mallory , Comunale Franck , Planchon Damien , Govindin Pauline , Noly Dune , Vacher Sophie , Bièche Ivan , Robert Bruno , Malhotra Himanshu , Schoenit Andreas , Tashireva Liubov A. , Casas Josefina , Gauthier-Rouvière Cécile , Bodin Stéphane
Published: April 2022

Altered endocytosis and vesicular trafficking are major players during tumorigenesis. Flotillin overexpression, a feature observed in many invasive tumors and identified as a marker of poor prognosis, induces a deregulated endocytic and trafficking pathway called upregulated flotillin-induced trafficking (UFIT). Here, we found that in non-tumoral mammary epithelial cells, induction of the UFIT pathway promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and accelerates the endocytosis of several transmembrane receptors, including AXL, in flotillin-positive late endosomes. AXL overexpression, frequently observed in cancer cells, is linked to EMT and metastasis formation. In flotillin-overexpressing non-tumoral mammary epithelial cells and in invasive breast carcinoma cells, we found that the UFIT pathway-mediated AXL endocytosis allows its stabilization and depends on sphingosine kinase 2, a lipid kinase recruited in flotillin-rich plasma membrane domains and endosomes. Thus, the deregulation of vesicular trafficking following flotillin upregulation, and through sphingosine kinase 2, emerges as a new mechanism of AXL overexpression and EMT-inducing signaling pathway activation.
Oh, snap! A within-wing sonation in black-tailed trainbearers
Authors: Rico-Guevara Alejandro , Echeverri-Mallarino Laura , Clark Christopher J.
Published: April 2022

Vertebrates communicate through a wide variety of sounds, but few mechanisms of sound production, besides vocalization, are well understood. During high-speed dives, male trainbearer hummingbirds (Lesbia spp.) produce a repeated series of loud snaps. Hypotheses for these peculiar sounds include the birds employing their elongated tails and/or striking their wings against each other. Each snap to human ears seems like a single acoustic event, but sound recordings revealed that each snap is actually a couplet of impulsive, atonal sounds produced ∼13 ms apart. Analysis of high-speed videos refutes these previous hypotheses, and furthermore suggests that this sonation is produced by a within-wing mechanism – each instance of a sound coincided with a distinctive pair of deep wingbeats (with greater stroke amplitude, measured for one display sequence). Across many displays, we found a tight alignment between a pair of stereotyped deep wingbeats (in contrast to shallower flaps across the rest of the dive) and patterns of snap production, evidencing a 1:1 match between these sonations and stereotyped kinematics. Other birds including owls and poorwills are reported to produce similar sounds, suggesting that this mechanism of sound production could be somewhat common within birds, yet its physical acoustics remain poorly understood.
Heat Therapy Can Improve Hepatic Mitochondrial Function and Glucose Control
Authors: Johnson Chelsea N. , Jensen Reilly S. , Von Schulze Alex T. , Geiger Paige C.
Published: April 2022

This review proposes the novel hypothesis that heat can be used as an alternative therapy to exercise to improve hepatic mitochondrial function and glucose regulation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although exercise has proven benefits in treating NAFLD, barriers to exercise in the majority of patients necessitate an alternative method of treatment.
SCUBA Diver’s Knee: A Case Report
Authors: Klass Scott , Burton Adam , Price Chane
Published: April 2022

With more than 9 million recreational certified self-contained underwater breathing apparatus divers in the United States, clinicians should be aware of the unique diving-related injuries. One of the most common diving-related injuries is type 1 decompression sickness, or “the bends.” The bends commonly manifest as localized joint pain, most often occurring within 24 h of surfacing and resolving over the following 1 to 2 d. We report a unique case of a patient who experienced an exacerbation of musculoskeletal joint pain following initial recovery. This 35-year-old man had nearly complete resolution of his joint pain following the bends, then developed severe right knee pain with swelling after a high-volume lower body workout. Following unremarkable imaging and unsuccessful conservative treatment, ultrasound-guided aspiration of his right knee was performed, which resolved the patient's symptoms. This case highlights a unique presentation of the bends and demonstrates a potentially beneficial treatment if recurrence of the bends is suspected.
An Overview of Blood Flow Restriction Physiology and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Martin Peter Mitchell , Bart Ryan M. , Ashley Robert L. , Velasco Teonette , Wise Sean R.
Published: April 2022

The utilization of blood flow restriction has garnished considerable attention due to its widespread application and benefits that include strength enhancement, muscle hypertrophy, and increased level of function for specific populations. Blood flow restriction induces a hypoxic environment within a muscle group, initiating a metabolic cascade that stimulates muscle protein synthesis, altered gene regulation of muscle satellite cells, and increased muscle fiber recruitment, ultimately resulting in improved strength and endurance. When using blood flow restriction, consideration of the individual patient, occlusion pressure, cuff width, and cuff size are paramount. Blood flow restriction has been proven to be a consistently safe and effective tool for augmenting rehabilitative regimens for the upper and lower extremity.
Ειδικές μαθησιακές δυσκολίες και μαθηματικά
Authors: Χιδερίδου-Μανδαρή Αναστασία
Published: April 2022

Στην παρούσα έρευνα εξετάζεται το μαθηματικό προφίλ παιδιών με Ειδικές Αναγνωστικές Δυσκολίες (ΕΑΔ) Β´, Δ´ και ΣΤ´ τάξης και συγκρίνεται με τη μαθηματική επίδοση συνομήλικων παιδιών τυπικής ανάπτυξης. Επίσης, ερευνάται η ύπαρξη μίας υπο-ομάδας παιδιών, με μαθηματικό προφίλ παρόμοιο με αυτό των παιδιών με Ειδικές Μαθησιακές Δυσκολίες στα Μαθηματικά (ΕΜΔΜ). Επιδιώκεται, επίσης, να αναδειχθεί η συνεισφορά της εργαζόμενης μνήμης και των επιτελικών λειτουργιών στην πρόβλεψη της μαθηματικής επίδοσης των παιδιών με και χωρίς ΕΑΔ και στις τρεις τάξεις. Στην έρευνα συμμετείχαν 134 παιδιά με ΕΑΔ και 147 παιδιά τυπικής ανάπτυξης. Για τη μέτρηση της μαθηματικής τους επίδοσης, τα παιδιά αξιολογήθηκαν σε πέντε μαθηματικές περιοχές (Απαρίθμηση, Γνώση και Έννοια του αριθμού, Υπολογισμοί, Επίλυση προβλημάτων και Χρόνο) μέσω μαθηματικού κριτηρίου που κατασκευάστηκε για τους σκοπούς της έρευνας. Για την εκτίμηση των γνωστικών παραγόντων χορηγήθηκαν τέσσερα έργα για την αξιολόγηση της εργαζόμενης μνήμης και δύο έργα για τις επιτελικές λειτουργίες. Από τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας φάνηκε ότι οι κυρίαρχες δυσκολίες των παιδιών με ΕΑΔ και στις τρεις τάξεις αφορούσαν μαθηματικές δεξιότητες που ενέπλεκαν άμεσα ή έμμεσα τον φωνολογικό κώδικα, ενώ τα παιδιά με ΕΑΔ φάνηκε να σημειώνουν καθυστέρηση περίπου δύο ετών σε σχέση με τα παιδιά τυπικής ανάπτυξης. Επίσης, εντοπίστηκε υπο-ομάδα παιδιών με ΕΜΔΜ στα παιδιά με ήδη διαγνωσμένες ΕΑΔ, παραπέμποντας στην ύπαρξη μίας συνδυαστικής ομάδας διαταραχών ΕΑΔ/ΕΜΔΜ. Κυρίαρχη αδυναμία της συνδυαστικής ομάδας και μεγαλύτερη σε μέγεθος διαφορά από τα παιδιά αποκλειστικά με ΕΑΔ αποτέλεσε η χαμηλή τους επίδοση στο έργο των αριθμογραμμών, αντανακλώντας ελλείμματα σε δεξιότητες της Έννοιας του αριθμού. Τέλος, διαπιστώθηκε ότι τόσο η εργαζόμενη μνήμη όσο και οι επιτελικές λειτουργίες που ελέγχθηκαν κατάφεραν να προβλέψουν ένα μέρος της μαθηματικής επίδοσης των παιδιών με ΕΑΔ και τυπικής ανάπτυξης, παρουσιάζοντας όμως διαφοροποιήσεις ως προς την προβλεπτική τους αξία ανάλογα με την ομάδα, την τάξη και τη μαθηματική περιοχή. Τα ευρήματα της έρευνας συμβάλλουν στον προσδιορισμό συγκεκριμένων δεικτών και τρόπων ανίχνευσης καθώς και κατάλληλων διδακτικών παρεμβάσεων.
A feasibility pilot study of the effects of neurostimulation on swallowing function in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sasegbon Ayodele , Hammerbeck Ulrike , Michou Emilia , Cheng Ivy , Zhang Mengqing , James Charlotte , Hamdy Shaheen
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Dysphagia often occurs during Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can have severe consequences. Recently, neuromodulatory techniques have been used to treat neurogenic dysphagia. Here we aimed to compare the neurophysiological and swallowing effects of three different types of neurostimulation, 5 Hertz (Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), 1 Hz rTMS and pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) in patients with PD.

Method: 12 PD patients with dysphagia were randomised to receive either 5 Hz rTMS, 1 Hz rTMS, or PES. In a cross-over design, patients were assigned to one intervention and received both real and sham stimulation. Patients received a baseline videofluoroscopic (VFS) assessment of their swallowing, enabling penetration aspiration scores (PAS) to be calculated for: thin fluids, paste, solids and cup drinking. Swallowing timing measurements were also performed on thin fluid swallows only. They then had baseline recordings of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from both pharyngeal and (as a control) abductor pollicis brevis (APB) cortical areas using single-pulse TMS. Subsequently, the intervention was administered and post interventional TMS recordings were taken at 0 and 30 minutes followed by a repeat VFS within 60 minutes of intervention.

Results: All interventions were well tolerated. Due to lower than expected recruitment, statistical analysis of the data was not undertaken. However, with respect to PAS swallowing timings and MEP amplitudes, there was small but visible difference in the outcomes between active and sham.

Conclusion: PES, 5 Hz rTMS and 1 Hz rTMS are tolerable interventions in PD related dysphagia. Due to small patient numbers no definitive conclusions could be drawn from the data with respect to individual interventions improving swallowing function and comparative effectiveness between interventions. Larger future studies are needed to further explore the efficacy of these neuromodulatory treatments in Parkinson’s Disease associated dysphagia.
Effect of elevated temperature on SARS-CoV-2 viability
Authors: Harapan Harapan , Johar Edison , Maroef Chairin Nisa , Sriyani Ida Yus , Iqhrammullah Muhammad , Kusuma Hendrix Indra , Syukri Maimun , Razali Razali , Hamdani Hamdani , Kurniawan Rudi , Irwansyah Irwansyah , Sofyan Sarwo Edhy , Myint Khin Saw , Mahlia T.M. Indra , Rizal Samsul
Published: April 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a worldwide disruption of global health putting healthcare workers at high risk. To reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, in particular during treating the patients, our team aims to develop an optimized isolation chamber. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of temperature elevation against SARS-CoV-2 viability, where the information would be used to build the isolation chamber. 0.6 mL of the Indonesian isolate of SARS-CoV-2 strain 20201012747 (approximately 1013 PFU/mL) was incubated for one hour with a variation of temperatures: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65°C in digital block heater as well as at room temperature (21-23°C) before used to infect Vero E6 cells. The viability was determined using a plaque assay. Our data found a significant reduction of the viral viability from 1013 PFU/mL to 109 PFU/mL after the room temperature was increase to 40°C. Further elevation revealed that 55°C and above resulted in the total elimination of the viral viability. Increasing the temperature 40°C to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 survival could create mild hyperthermia conditions in a patient which could act as a thermotherapy. In addition, according to our findings, thermal sterilization of the vacant isolation chamber could be conducted by increasing the temperature to 55°C. In conclusion, elevating the temperature of the isolation chamber could be one of the main variables for developing an optimized isolation chamber for COVID-19 patients.
Participant recruitment among vulnerable populations: An experience from a qualitative study among refugee adolescents in Germany
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Marjan , Taras Asra , Stock Christiane
Published: April 2022

When it comes to actual practice, comparing to theoretical plans, the study progress is much more complicated due to both predicted and unpredicted challenges in the study participant recruitment. The situation is even more difficult if the research team deal with a vulnerable population. The current article represents and discusses the recruitment process for a currently unpublished qualitative study, conducted in Germany in 2021, as the first phase of our project: SC-SD4ASA: A self-care/self-development guidebook for asylum-seeking adolescents. First a brief of the study methodology is outlined and then, the strategies used to reach the potential participants including major/government organizations for refugees, private organizations and local centers, social media, youth’s favorite public places, and participatory strategy are discussed. Finally, our experience of participant recruitment challenges in this study is reviewed. We hope that the points raised from our experience can be helpful to other researchers in the same field.
A survey to gather perspectives of DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance-funded researchers on public engagement with science
Authors: Iqbal Sarah , Kar Banya
Published: April 2022

Lately, the Indian research ecosystem has seen an upward trend in scientists showing interest in communicating their science and engaging with non-scientific audiences; however, the number and variety of science communication or public engagement activities undertaken formally by scientists remains low in the country. There could be many contributing factors for this trend. To explore this further, the science funding public charity in India, DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance (India Alliance), in a first of its kind of study by a funding agency in India, surveyed its 243 research grantees in November 2020 requesting their views on public engagement with science in India through an online survey. The survey included both quantitative as well as open-ended questions to assess the understanding of, participation in, and attitude of India Alliance Fellows/Grantees towards public engagement with research, identify the enablers, challenges, and barriers to public engagement for India Alliance Fellows/Grantees, understand the specific needs (training/capacity-building, funding, etc.) and develop recommendations for India Alliance as well as for the larger scientific ecosystem in the country. The survey showed that India Alliance grantees are largely motivated to engage with the public about science or their research but lack professional recognition and incentives, training and structural support to undertake public engagement activities.
Wojciech Krawczuk, Wierni królowi. Szwedzi i Finowie na uchodźstwie w Rzeczypospolitej Obojga Narodów w pierwszej połowie XVII wieku, Towarzystwo Wydawnicze "Historia Iagellonica", Kraków 2019, ss. 292
Authors: Szpaczyński Przemysław
Published: April 2022

Receznja książki Wojciecha Krawczuka Wierni królowi. Szwedzi i Finowie na uchodźstwie w Rzeczypospolitej Obojga Narodów w pierwszej połowie XVII wieku, Kraków 2019, ss. 292.
Ogólnopolska konferencja naukowa: „Od Cecory do Chocimia 1620-1621. 400. rocznica zwycięskiej obrony przed armią turecką”, Warszawa, 24-25 września 2021 r.
Authors: Balcerek Mariusz
Published: April 2022

Sprawozdanie z ogólnopolskiej konferencji naukowej: „Od Cecory do Chocimia 1620-1621. 400. rocznica zwycięskiej obrony przed armią turecką”, Warszawa, 24-25 września 2021 r.
Prevalence of and maternal factors associated with anaemia in pregnant women at antenatal care booking in Tamale, Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Opare-Asamoah Kwame , Majeed Saeed F , Darcha Rosina , Anueka-Toah Leleta Asuka , Korankye Esther Amoabeng
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims

Anaemia in pregnancy is a severe public health problem in low- and middle-income countries with consequences for both pregnant women and babies. Prevalence rates and associated factors in most Ghanaian communities are unknown. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anaemia and related factors at antenatal care booking among pregnant Ghanaian women in an urban setting.

Methods

This facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women reporting for booking at the antenatal clinic of the Tamale Central Hospital in Ghana. A self-designed data collection tool was used and the anaemic status of participants was determined using packed cell volume cut-off (<30.0%). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between participants' study variables and anaemia.

Results

A total of 606 pregnant women with a mean age of 27.7±5.4 years took part in the study. The prevalence of anaemia was 39.6%. Univariate analysis revealed that pregnant women aged 26–30 years (P=0.01) or >30 years (P<0.001), those who reported for booking in their first trimester of pregnancy (P=0.0043) and those who reported for booking during their second trimester (P=0.0011) were significantly associated with anaemia. In multivariate analysis, only women reporting for booking in their second trimester of pregnancy were significantly associated with anaemia (adjusted odds ratio: 1.8, P<0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of anaemia at booking among pregnant Ghanaian urban dwellers remains relatively high and calls for improved education on maternal health, most notably on the need to report early for booking at antenatal facilities to improve both maternal and infant birth outcomes.
Prevalence and correlates of burnout in nursing and midwifery students in Ghana
Authors: Osei Mavis , Emikpe Abigael , Dedu Vincent , Addo Deborah , Ofori Joshua
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims

Despite indications of extreme stress leading to burnout syndrome among healthcare students in Ghana, there is little evidence of this found in the literature. This study describes the prevalence of burnout, as well as the causes, risk factors and management strategies in place for coping with burnout syndrome among midwifery and nursing students in Ghana.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 135 midwifery and nursing students at the Pantang Nursing and Midwifery Training College. A questionnaire was used to obtain data on participants' demographic characteristics as well as emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment. Sources of academic and work-related stress were also reported. Descriptive data analysis and the chi-squared test was used to determine the effects of demographic characteristics on burnout.

Results

Students' experienced high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, with mean scores of 39.63±14.68 and 16.15±6.76 respectively. Female (74.1%), single (43.0%) and nonworking (71.1%) students reported high emotional exhaustion. Midwife trainees (57.8%) reported high levels of depersonalisation. Overall, low personal accomplishment was found in 39.9% of the students. Students between the age of 20–30 years (25.9%) as well as those who were single (25.9%) and female students (47.4%) most frequently experienced low personal accomplishment. Difficulty in understanding academic courses, a packed syllabus and long lectures were the major sources of academic stress, while an excessive workload and the influence of supervisors and those in charge as well as the distance involved in travelling to work were major causes of work stress.

Conclusions

Burnout among midwives and nurses manifested as high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Various sociodemographic characteristics were associated with high levels of burnout, depersonalisation and low accomplishment. Measures should be introduced to mitigate burnout among midwives and nurses during training. The curriculum needs to be reviewed, as high workload and a packed syllabus were key causes of stress. Providing recreational courses may help to mitigate burnout. Students should also be trained on coping strategies to reduce chronic stress.
Updates and innovations in medical aesthetics
Authors: Brown Sharron
Published: April 2022

Sharron Brown discusses some updates from the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses, introducing a licensing scheme and the terminology used in medical aesthetics
Beneficial Effects of Ethanolic Extract of the Medicinal Herb Mucuna Pruriens Against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Might be Limited in Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chandran Preeja , Chandramohan Khaviyaa , Iyer Krithika , Michael Felicia Mary , Venkatachalam Sankar
Published: April 2022

Experimental studies found extracts of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC, a plant used in the traditional medical systems to possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties among a wide range of other beneficial effects. Hypothesizing the possibility for a multifaceted beneficial effect, the therapeutic potential of the ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens (MP) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI) was tested using the highly standardized Multicenter Animal Spinal Cord Injury Study (MASCIS) animal model of contusive SCI. Male Wister rats with SCI were treated with the ethanolic extract of MP at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks. The outcome was assessed through molecular, biochemical, histological, and behavioral scoring parameters. Results indicated anti-apoptotic, anti-necrotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of MP. Nevertheless, many of these beneficial effects were not statistically significant and there was no functional improvement due to MP treatment. MP at comparable doses was reported to be significantly effective in mitigating oxidative stress and/or inflammation under various other pathological conditions. Lack of significance in the present study could be due to the presence of blood-spinal cord-barrier; that might have prevented the components of MP from reaching spinal cord tissue in adequate quantities. Additionally, heterogeneity in the function of the cells typical to the CNS environment could be the reason for the failure of recovery. To conclude, the limitations posed by the structural and functional distinctions in the spinal cord environment in comparison to other non-CNS tissue environments deserve attention while adjudicating the efficacies of herbal remedies for SCI.
Serodetection of Cytomegalovirus and Epstein - Barr virus Antibodies Among Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: N. Ibrahim Mohamed , S. Alhadi Mohamed , Y. Elbadawy Waleed
Published: April 2022

The infection with herpesviruses as Human herpes virus-5 (cytomegalovirus-CMV) and Human herpes virus-4 (Epstein – Barr virus -EBV) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. This study aims to investigate the serostatus of CMV and EBV in patients with renal failure who underwent hemodialysis. The study included 134 cases (55 females and 79 males) with an age range of 35-68 years (mean age 37.43±13.42 years). HCMV-IgG, IgM and EBV-IgG, EBV-IgM were determined in subjects' sera. 87 of 134 (65%) were underwent hemodialysis, while 47 (35%) had normal kidney functions without HCV infection. 68 (78.2%) and 31 (35.6%) cases out 87 hemodialysis patients were positive for CMV-IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. On the other hand, 56.3% and 20.7% of the 87 hemodialysis patients were positive for EBV-IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. There is no significant differences were observed between females and males in terms of seroprevelance rates. The rate of positive CMV-IgG among 48-64 years hemodialysis patients was high, Whereas, EBV-IgG were detected among 39-67 years. Our data suggest that seroprevalence of CMV and EBV antibodies among hemodialysis cases is a high and cause complications for these patients.
Allele Frequency of a Common Variants and Two Common Loss-of-Function Variants in Organic Cation Transporter 1 (OCT1) among Balinese Diabetic Patients
Authors: Aryastuti Sri Agung , Sintya Erly , Asri Lestarini Asri Lestarini , Witari Ni Putu Diah
Published: April 2022

Metformin is the most common drug prescribed for patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although it is widely used as first line therapy for T2DM, there were huge variations in its clinical efficacy among population. It was postulated that genetic polymorphisms of metformin transporter, especially organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) encoded by SLC22A1 gene, have a considerable effect on respon of metformin therapy. However, data for this polymorphism in Balinese population was not well established. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variation in OCT1, especially rs628031, rs122083571, and rs623442, in Balinese diabetic patients. It was a descriptive study to explore genetic variation in OCT1 encoded by SLC22A1 gene. A total of 133 diabetic patients were recruited from Departement of Internal Medicine at Sanjiwani Hospital Gianyar and Tabanan Hospital, Bali. DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to assess the polymorphism rs628031. While, polymorphism rs122083571 and rs623442 were assessed by direct sequencing. The minor allele frequency (MAF) for polymorphism rs628031 in this population was 0.59 with genotype frequency of AA, AG, and GG accounted for 16.5%; 48.9%, and 34.6% respectively. Minor allele frequency for polymorphism rs623442 was 0.20 with genotype frequency of CC, CA, and AA 5.4%; 29.0%; and 65.6% respectively. Polymorphism rs122083571 was not found in this population (100% genotype CC). Genetic polymorphism of OCT1 rs628031 in this population was occurred in relatively high frequency, while polymorphism OCT1 rs623442 was occurred only in one fifth of studied population. Further studies are needed to address the effect of this polymorphism to therapeutic respons of metformin in Balinese population.
A Retrospective Study of Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Pant Pallavi , Patil Yamini , Patil Sanjay Kumar
Published: April 2022

Objective: This study was aimed to study the prevalence of twin pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital in Karad and to evaluate the various factors that influence maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes of twin gestation. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karad, Maharashtra, for a period of two years. All women admitted with twin pregnancy (>28 weeks gestation) were considered for study. Maternal data including age, gestational age, parity, mode of conception, maternal interventions, mode of delivery, fetal death, intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR), twin to twin transfusion, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, birth asphyxia, low birth weight (LBW) and respiratory distress were recorded and analyzed Results: Incidence rate of twin pregnancy was 1.9%. Most women (56.48%) were aged 21-30 years and have completed 34-36 weeks of gestation (48.15%) with average gestational age of 34.97±2.35 weeks. Malpresentations (37.96%) followed by preterm labour (35.1%) was most common maternal complication. Cesarean section (62.04%) was most frequent mode of delivery. Most neonates had LBW (92.34%) and required NICU admissions (19.6%). Total rate of neonatal mortality is 3.34%. Birth asphyxia (42.85%) was the most frequent cause of neonatal mortality. Conclusion: Twin gestation necessitates special attention as there is increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early detection and anticipation of complications of twin gestation can greatly improve the maternal and fetal outcomes.
Antimalarial Effect of Doxorubicin on Plasmodium Falciparum: An in Vitro Study in FCR-3 Strain
Authors: Amari Mutiara Rahmah , Wiraswati Hesti Lina , Fauziah Nisa , Ma’ruf Ilma Fauziah
Published: April 2022

Plasmodium falciparum is the most common species of Plasmodium that causes malaria in Southeast Asia. Artemisinin, a drug with the mechanism of action by inducing oxidative stress in infected red blood cells (RBC) is currently used as the main therapy for malaria, after resistance to chloroquine has been found. However, evidence of artemisinin resistance was discovered in several regions in Southeast Asia. Therefore, a research is required to prove the existence of other drugs that have anti-malaria effects. A drug candidate, doxorubicin also can induce the formation of oxidative stress inside the cells. This study aims to determine the activity of doxorubicin to inhibit the development of P. falciparum in vitro. Red blood cell (RBC) infected with P. falciparum were treated with various concentrations of doxorubicin. Giemsa technique was applied to detect P. falciparum inside RBC. After 48 hours of incubation, the culture was observed to measure the number and the confluence of RBC and P. falciparum in the medium. This study revealed that doxorubicin reduced the number of RBC infected with P. falciparum lysis. The effective dose of doxorubicin-inhibit RBC cell lysis is 0.4 μM, which only reduces 81% RBC cell lysis compared to the control group that reduces 95% RBC cell lysis. At this concentration also found a decrease in the number of P. falciparum cells in the medium. The results proved that doxorubicin has an inhibitory effect on the development of P. falciparum and can decrease the lysis of RBC due to P. falciparum infection. This findings provide an insight that doxorubicin is a potential candidate for antimalarial drugs.
Effects of Density Profile on Bending Strength of Commercial Particleboard
Authors: Korai Hideaki
Published: April 2022

Face layer density is widely known to be important for increasing bending strength (i.e., modulus of rupture [MOR]), whereas outer core layer density is not regarded as such. This study reports the importance of the outer core layer density for commercial particleboards. The core and face layers were manufactured with coarse and fine particles, respectively. The coarse particles increased MOR because of the long wood fibers retained in the particle, whereas fine particles did not increase MOR because of the absence of long wood fibers. Long wood fibers in the outer core layer, as opposed to face layers, increase MOR. Moreover, the sampling position of the density profile specimen was important for the MOR. The MOR was influenced with the density profile specimens obtained near the center of the MOR specimen; thus, the low-density part near the center of the MOR specimen exerted a large influence by significantly decreasing the MOR.
High quality quasi-parallel x-ray microbeams based on a parabolic capillary
Authors: Wen Hao , Zhou Mo , Wu Yiming , Yuan Tianyu , Liu Zhiguo
Published: April 2022

High quality quasi-parallel x-ray microbeams have an appreciable application value in the x-ray diffraction analysis technique, which is currently one of the most significant non-destructive analysis techniques. A simulation of a parabolic single capillary is carried out based on the Monte Carlo simulation toolkit Geant4. The simulation results show that it is feasible to obtain high quality quasi-parallel x-ray microbeams based on a parabolic capillary and a traditional laboratorial x-ray source. We manufacture a parabolic capillary based on the simulation results. The physical parameters of the obtained x-ray beams are characterized by building an x-ray imaging system. The experimental results show that the x-ray beam with submicrometer size and almost zero divergence can be obtained from the traditional laboratorial x-ray source by utilizing a parabolic single capillary as a collimator.
Vector distribution measurement of PMD in optical fiber links employing a wavelength-tunable SOP-OTDR
Authors: Huo Jiahao , Wang Jian , Wang Yaping , Shang Chao , Huangfu Wei , Liu Lanlan , Wang Zhi , Long Keping , Wu Chongqing
Published: April 2022

A measurement of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) vector distribution is implemented with a wavelength-tunable state-of-polarization-detection-based optical time domain reflectometry (SOP-OTDR). Derived from the dynamic equation between the PMD vector and the birefringence vector with a piecewise approximation method, we present an equation for piecewise expression of the relation between the two vectors based on the approximation that the second-order partial derivative of the PMD vector with respect to the length is negligible in each short-enough segment of optical fiber. Utilizing the birefringence vector distributions at three adjacent wavelengths, both the magnitude and the direction distributions of the PMD vector have been calculated through the numerical solution algorithm. The calculation results indicate that the measured magnitudes of PMD vectors are consistent with the statistical experience, which is the Maxwell probability distribution, and the second-order partial derivative magnitudes of the PMD vectors conform to the lognormal distribution. This method could provide a distributed approach for optical performance monitoring by PMD-related characteristics in optical fiber links.
Frequency measurement of microwave signals in a wide frequency range based on an optical frequency comb and channelization method
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Guo Yifeng , Wu Shibao
Published: April 2022

We propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, scheme for the frequency measurement of wideband microwave signals by applying the optical frequency comb (OFC) and channelization technique. Unlike the usual method of using radio-frequency driving signals to generate an OFC, our scheme uses digital driving signals, which makes the comb spacing adjustable and the comb bandwidth wider. In the measurement process, multiple sets of beat signals can be obtained at the same time, and multiple frequency components of the microwave signals can be measured at the same time. The theoretical analysis model of the scheme is established, and the scheme is validated by VPI simulation software. The results show that the range of frequency measurement is

0

∼

50

G
H
z

, and it can be further expanded by extending the width of the OFC.
Endoscopic displacement measurement based on fiber optic bundles
Authors: Feng Haogong , Zhan Liuwei , Zhu Runze , Wang Haoshang , Xu Fei
Published: April 2022

In-line monitoring and routine inspection are essential for using and maintaining complex equipment. The simultaneous implementation of visual positioning and displacement measurement allows the accurate acquisition of characteristics, including object dimensions and mechanical vibrations, while rapidly locking the target position. However, the internal structure of equipment is frequently obscured, making direct visual inspection challenging; therefore, flexible and bendable fiber optic–based endoscopes are extremely valuable in harsh conditions. This study enables all-fiber visual displacement measurement using a single-mode fiber and an imaging fiber bundle. Based on optical triangulation and spot centers extraction method from fiber bundle images, 0.07 mm precision at a measurement distance of 40.12 mm is achieved vertically for rough objects. We demonstrate its surface reconstruction and vibration measurement functions. Factors that affect measurement accuracy, such as light source and object roughness, are also discussed.
Noise optimization of single-photon avalanche diodes fabricated in 110 nm CMOS image sensor technology
Authors: Ha Won-Yong , Park Eunsung , Park Byungchoul , Chae Youngcheol , Choi Woo-Young , Lee Myung-Jae
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the effect of shallow trench isolation (STI) on the dark count rate (DCR) and after-pulsing probability (APP) of deep-junction-based single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). Two different SPADs were fabricated in 110 nm CMOS image sensor technology, one with STI and the other without STI between its anode and cathode. With TCAD simulations and measurements, we have clearly demonstrated that the SPAD without STI enables a dramatic decrease in DCR by more than three orders of magnitude without suffering from the lateral leakage current between the anode and cathode. By excluding the STI from the device, the proposed SPAD also achieves a negligible APP while the SPAD with STI shows a very high APP of 92%. Thanks to the low-noise performance, the proposed SPAD becomes operable with higher excess bias voltage so that it achieves good photon detection probability, 58.3% at 500 nm and 3% at 940 nm, and timing jitter, 71 ps full width at half maximum at 670 nm, when the reverse bias voltage is 17 V.
Connector-style hollow-core fiber interconnections
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Ding Wei , Jia Anqing , Hong Yifeng , Chen Yi , Sun Yizhi , Gao Shoufei , Huang Sujuan , Wang Yingying
Published: April 2022

To go beyond the fundamental limits imposed by latency, nonlinearity, and laser damage threshold in silica glass fibers, the hollow-core fiber (HCF) technique has been intensively investigated for decades. Recent breakthroughs in ultralow-loss HCF clearly imply that long-haul applications of HCF in communications and lasers are going to appear. Nevertheless, up to now, the HCF technique as a whole is still hampered by the limited length of a single span and the lack of HCF-based functional devices. To resolve these two issues, it is of importance to develop ultralow-loss and plug-and-play HCF interconnections. In this work, we report on HCF interconnections with the lowest-ever insertion losses (0.10 dB for HCF to standard single-mode fiber (SMF) and 0.13 dB for HCF to itself in the 1.5 µm waveband) and in a pluggable means. Two fiber mode-field adapters, one based on a graded-index multi-mode fiber (GIF) and the other utilizing a thermally expanded core (TEC) SMF, have been tested and compared. An extra insertion loss arising from imperfect refractive index distribution in a commercial GIF is observed. Our HCF interconnections also realize a back-reflection of <-35 dB over a 100 nm bandwidth as well as other critical metrics in favor of practical applications. Our technique is viable for any type of HCF.
Towards fine recognition of orbital angular momentum modes through smoke
Authors: Qian Yufeng , Chen Huaijian , Huo Pingping , Wang Xiao , Gao Shaoyan , Zhang Pei , Gao Hong , Liu Ruifeng , Li Fuli
Published: April 2022

Light beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have been constantly developing in free-space optical (FSO) communications. However, perturbations in the free space link, such as rain, fog, and atmospheric turbulence, may affect the transmission efficiency of this technique. If the FSO communications procedure takes place in a smoke condition with low visibility, the communication efficiency also will be worse. Here, we use deep learning methods to recognize OAM eigenstates and superposition states in a thick smoke condition. In a smoke transmission link with visibility about 5 m to 6 m, the experimental recognition accuracy reaches 99.73% and 99.21% for OAM eigenstates and superposition states whose Bures distance is 0.05. Two 6 bit/pixel pictures were also successfully transmitted in the extreme smoke conditions. This work offers a robust and generalized proposal for FSO communications based on OAM modes and allows an increase of the communication capacity under the low visibility smoke conditions.
Explicit-restriction convolutional framework for lensless imaging
Authors: Ma Yuchen , Wu Jiachen , Chen Shumei , Cao Liangcai
Published: April 2022

Mask-based lensless cameras break the constraints of traditional lens-based cameras, introducing highly flexible imaging systems. However, the inherent restrictions of imaging devices lead to low reconstruction quality. To overcome this challenge, we propose an explicit-restriction convolutional framework for lensless imaging, whose forward model effectively incorporates multiple restrictions by introducing the linear and noise-like nonlinear terms. As examples, numerical and experimental reconstructions based on the limitation of sensor size, pixel pitch, and bit depth are analyzed. By tailoring our framework for specific factors, better perceptual image quality or reconstructions with 4× pixel density can be achieved. This proposed framework can be extended to lensless imaging systems with different masks or structures.
Transverse light-shift in a spin-exchange relaxation-free co-magnetometer: measurement, decoupling, and suppression
Authors: Liu Sixun , Wang Ruigang , Yuan Linlin , Wu Jiaqi , Yuan Qi , Zhu Jun , Fan Wenfeng , Wang Zhuo , Du Pengcheng
Published: April 2022

The transverse light-shift can induce non-negligible polarization error in the output signal of spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) co-magnetometer. In this paper, a novel method for rapid measurement of transverse light-shift based on the error of steady-state response of co-magnetometer is proposed firstly, then the sources of transverse light-shift in a compact SERF co-magnetometer is modeled and analyzed from three aspects: the non-ideal linear polarization of probe laser, the circular dichroism of the atomic spin ensembles, and the stress-induced birefringence effect of the cell wall. Furthermore, the decoupling and suppression methods of transverse light-shift based on a degree of circular polarization (DOCP) regulation scheme is presented, to realize the decoupling measurement of the transverse light-shift introduced by the whole co-magnetometer cell, and cancel it out with the non-ideal linear polarization of the probe laser. Eventually, the DOCP regulation scheme suggested in this paper achieves more than a 67% suppression ratio in transverse light-shift, and the short- and long-term performance of SERF co-magnetometer are improved due to the reduction of the coupling effect between the probe laser power and transverse field. Moreover, the measurement, decoupling and suppression methods provided in this paper also have the potential to be applied to other atomic sensors, such as the SERF magnetometers and nuclear spin co-magnetometers.
Demonstration of a highly bandwidth-efficient optical interconnection with symbol division multiplexing pulse amplitude modulation
Authors: Dong Ze , Xin Xiangjun
Published: April 2022

A novel symbol division multiplexing (SDM) technology is proposed in an intensity modulation and direct detection (IM/DD) pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) optical interconnection. The SDM-PAM4 symbol is the multiplexing of two standard 3-bit PAM8 symbols based on many-to-one (MTO) mapping, increasing by an extra 50% the line rate compared with a typical PAM4 under the same symbol rate and channel bandwidth. The forward error correction (FEC) based on low-density parity-check coding establishes a mechanism between the codewords of both intra- and inter-SDM-PAM4 symbols, to theoretically support the iterative decoding of symbol de-multiplexing employing an optimized bit-interleaved coded modulation iterative decoding (BICM-ID) system. Furthermore, since SDM evidently reduces the mapping order of the PAM signal, the transmission reliability can be effectively improved by alleviating the impairments mainly caused by fiber chromatic dispersion and Kerr nonlinearity. The experimental results indicate that the SDM-PAM4 can achieve more than 5 dB superior systematic receiver power sensitivity over 10-km single mode fiber transmission, and thus represent an important development in coding and modulation multiplexing techniques for optical interconnection systems.