bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness of Total Neoadjuvant Therapy With Selective Nonoperative Management for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Analysis of Data From the Organ Preservation for Rectal Adenocarcinoma Trial
Authors: Widmar Maria , McCain Mason , Mishra Meza Akriti , Ternent Charles , Briggs Andrew , Garcia-Aguilar Julio
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

The clinical efficacy of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) followed by selective nonoperative management (NOM) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) was examined in the Organ Preservation for Rectal Adenocarcinoma (OPRA) trial. We investigated the cost and quality-of-life implications of adopting this treatment approach.

METHODS

We analyzed clinical, cost, and quality-of-life outcomes for TNT with selective NOM in comparison with chemoradiotherapy (CRT)-surgery-adjuvant chemotherapy (standard of care [SOC]) using data from OPRA, prospective cohorts, and published studies. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated over varying willingness-to-pay thresholds, and sensitivity analyses evaluated cost-effectiveness for different surgical contexts and SOC variants as well as a 10-year time horizon.

RESULTS

SOC was dominated by TNT with selective NOM in the base case analysis. TNT in which CRT was followed by consolidation chemotherapy (CNCT) was the least costly at $89,712 in Medicare proportionate US dollars (MP$), followed by TNT in which induction chemotherapy was followed by CRT (INCT) at MP$90,259 and SOC at MP$98,755. INCT was the preferred strategy, with 4.56 quality-adjusted life years, followed by CNCT at 4.42 and SOC at 4.29. TNT with selective NOM dominated SOC in all sensitivity analyses except when SOC omitted adjuvant chemotherapy without an impact on disease-free survival. CNCT was more cost effective than SOC when the proportion of patients entering NOM after TNT was ≥22% or ≥43%, for SOC with and without adjuvant therapy, both well below the rates seen in OPRA.

CONCLUSION

TNT with selective NOM is cost effective. The cost-effectiveness of CNCT with NOM relative to SOC is dependent on CNCT being made available to a sufficiently large proportion of patients with LARC. Additional analyses are needed to validate these findings from a societal perspective and in the context of other emerging treatment paradigms for LARC.
Human Peripancreatic Adipose Tissue Paracrine Signaling Impacts Insulin Secretion, Blood Flow, and Gene Transcription
Authors: Bergman Bryan C , Zemski Berry Karin , Garfield Amanda , Keller Amy , Zarini Simona , Bowen Sophia , McKenna Colleen , Kahn Darcy , Pavelka Jay , Macias Emily , Uhlson Charis , Johnson Chris , Russ Holger A , Viesi Carlos H , Seldin Marcus , Liu Chengyang , Doliba Nicolai M , Schoen Jonathan , Rothchild Kevin , Hazel Kweku , Naji Ali
Published: November 2024

Context

Adipose tissue accumulation around nonadipose tissues is associated with obesity and metabolic disease. One relatively unstudied depot is peripancreatic adipose tissue (PAT) that accumulates in obesity and insulin resistance and may impact β-cell function. Pancreatic lipid accumulation and PAT content are negatively related to metabolic outcomes in humans, but these studies are limited by the inability to pursue mechanisms.

Objective

We obtained PAT from human donors through the Human Pancreas Analysis Program to evaluate differences in paracrine signaling compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), as well as effects of the PAT secretome on aortic vasodilation, human islet insulin secretion, and gene transcription using RNA sequencing.

Results

PAT had greater secretion of interferon-γ and most inflammatory eicosanoids compared to SAT. Secretion of adipokines negatively related to metabolic health were also increased in PAT compared to SAT. We found no overall effects of PAT compared to SAT on human islet insulin secretion; however, insulin secretion was suppressed after PAT exposure from men compared to women. Vasodilation was significantly dampened by PAT conditioned media, an effect explained almost completely by PAT from men and not women. Islets treated with PAT showed selective changes in lipid metabolism pathways while SAT altered cellular signaling and growth. RNA sequencing analysis showed changes in islet gene transcription impacted by PAT compared to SAT, with the biggest changes found between PAT based on sex.

Conclusion

The PAT secretome is metabolically negative compared to SAT, and impacts islet insulin secretion, blood flow, and gene transcription in a sex-dependent manner.
Relationship Between Extracellular Water to Total Body Water Ratio and Severe Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kajitani Nao , Umakoshi Hironobu , Kajitani Yusuke , Kaneko Hiroki , Matsuzaki Chitose , Miyachi Yasutaka , Sakamoto Ryuichi , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: November 2024

Context

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes, and identifying the risk factors for severe DR is important.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relationship between severe DR and the extracellular water to total body water ratio (ET ratio).

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional study at the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Kyushu University Hospital. A total of 205 adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups: nonproliferative DR (non-PDR; n = 161, 126 with no DR and 35 with simple DR) and proliferative DR (PDR; n = 44, 18 with preproliferative DR and 26 with PDR). The ET ratio was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results

The ET ratio was significantly higher in the PDR group than in the non-PDR group (0.390 vs 0.398; P < .0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the ET ratio was significantly associated with PDR, independent of known risk factors for DR progression. In the subgroup analysis by age, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the ET ratio and PDR, independent of known risk factors for DR progression in patients younger than 60 years. However, in patients 60 years and older, only the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) showed a significant association with PDR in a model using the UACR and the ET ratio.

Conclusion

In patients with T2D younger than 60 years, the ET ratio may be a useful indicator for identifying severe DR.
Impaired Muscle Parameters in Individuals With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: A Pilot Study
Authors: Samad Navira , Chiu Wei Ling , Nguyen Hanh H , Lu Zhong X , Zacharin Margaret , Ebeling Peter R , Teede Helena , Scott David , Milat Frances , Vincent Amanda J
Published: November 2024

Context

Although bone loss is a recognized consequence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), the impact on skeletal muscle health is less well-defined.

Objective

To compare muscle mass and function parameters between women with POI and controls.

Methods

Cross-sectional study from a tertiary health network and community between 2017 and 2023. Participants were women aged 20 to 40 years with POI associated with Turner syndrome (TS; n = 11) and spontaneous normal karyotype POI (s-POI; n = 7) compared with age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls (n = 45).

Results

All women with POI (mean age 28.70 ± 5.58) were using hormone therapy. Appendicular lean mass (ALM)/total fat mass and ALM/ BMI was lower in the POI group. Height-adjusted muscle mass parameters did not differ between groups. Compared with controls, women with TS and s-POI had lower muscle strength (TS 19.72 ± 4.89; s-POI 22.73 ± 5.35; controls 28.67 ± 5.65 kg; P < .001) and muscle quality (TS 11.09 ± 2.06; s-POI 10.89 ± 2.01; controls 14.10 ± 1.99 kg/kg; P < .001). Higher C-reactive protein levels, higher depression scores, and lower sex-steroid and physical activity levels were observed in women with POI (P < .05). Creatinine/cystatin C ratio, insulin-like growth factor-1, and transthyretin did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Despite hormone therapy usage, women with POI exhibited compromised muscle parameters compared with age-matched controls. Potential contributory factors were identified. Further research is required to clarify pathophysiology and inform management strategies.
Efficacy of Tocilizumab in Refractory Graves Orbitopathy From Real-World Clinical Practice: An Observational Study
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Qin Bixuan , Liu Cuihong , Liu Honglei , Li Dongmei
Published: November 2024

Context

The efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) in treating Graves orbitopathy (GO) remains uncertain due to the small sample sizes of earlier studies, and there is a lack of research on the drug for juvenile GO.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of TCZ in treating GO that is resistant to conventional therapy.

Design

This observational study at a tertiary care center included 79 Chinese GO patients, 15 of whom were pediatric patients, with 52 of these patients having moderate to severe active GO (all adult patients having steroid-resistant GO). Intravenous infusion of TCZ 8 mg/kg was given every 28 days for 4 months. Changes from baseline in visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), proptosis, clinical activity score (CAS), and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) levels throughout TCZ therapy were assessed at baseline (T0), the fifth month (T4), and follow-up (T5). Additionally, improvements in CAS by at least 2 points and CAS < 4 points at T4 and T5 were evaluated.

Results

Significant improvements were found in VA, IOP, proptosis, CAS, and TRAb levels in the adult group, and proptosis in the pediatric group at T5 (P < .05). Additionally, significant improvements were identified in TRAb levels and CAS (active GO at T0) in the pediatric group at T4 (P < .05). In the adult and pediatric group with active GO at T5, 71.4% and 60% experienced a decrease in CAS by ≥ 2 points, respectively; 89.3% and 60% achieved the response criterion of low activity disease (CAS < 4 points), respectively.

Conclusion

TCZ emerged as a valuable therapeutic option for Chinese patients with active, corticosteroid-resistant, moderate to severe GO.
Colectiva Feminista en Construcción
Authors: Ortiz Aurora Santiago
Published: November 2024

Colectiva Feminista en Construcción (La Cole) is a Black feminist political organization that emerged in 2014 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This article discusses the ways La Cole’s public discourse around sexism, racism, and homophobia in the archipelago is articulated through the collective’s presence at marches, demonstrations, and on social media. While core membership is small, La Cole has been able to convene collaborators and supporters to organize against the imposition of neoliberal economic and public policies that negatively impact the most dispossessed populations in Puerto Rico, namely Black, poor, queer, and trans women. La Cole has constructed a transnational intersectional feminist pedagogy as a means of political education both within the organization itself and more broadly in Puerto Rico’s public sphere. The organization’s pedagogical strategies include the rewriting of Christmas songs and plenas, an Afro Puerto Rican musical genre, and their Radical Feminist School, a political education space open to nonmembers. Through these pedagogical interventions La Cole simultaneously calls attention to the ways state and structural gender-based violence and femicides, housing precarity, and austerity measures affect the most marginalized sectors of the archipelago while carving out their identity as a decolonial Black feminist political organization.
“Enhancing Human Dignity Here and Around the World”
Authors: Upton Azzam Aisha A.
Published: November 2024

In the second half of the twentieth century, Black sororities began establishing chapters and social programs across the globe, an intentional social action that Aisha A. Upton Azzam conceptualizes as the Black sorority movement (BSM). In this piece, Upton Azzam explores the style and extent of such international engagement. She illuminates the marginalized aspect of the movement’s international activism while clarifying how such activism may have also employed the very neoliberal, neocolonial, and patriarchal ideas and practices that the movement explicitly stated that they wished to resist and overturn.
The challenges, opportunities and future of comparative physiology in the Global South: perspectives of early-career researchers
Authors: Bars-Closel Melissa , Capparelli Mariana V. , Conradie Shannon R. , Diele-Viegas Luisa Maria , Donaldson Ashleigh C. , Kosmala Georgia K. , Madelaire Carla B. , de Mello Daniela M. D. , Majelantle Tshepiso L. , Martins Mariana F. , Moreira Daniel C. , Ngcamphalala Celiwe A. , Noakes Matthew J. , Shankar Anusha , Webster Andrea B.
Published: October 2024

Researchers in the Global South (GS, developing countries) make valuable contributions to the field of comparative physiology, but face economic and scientific disparities and several unique challenges compared with colleagues in the Global North (developed countries). This Perspective highlights some of the challenges, knowledge gaps and disparities in opportunity faced by GS researchers, especially those at early-career stages. We propose collaborative solutions to help address these issues, and advocate for promoting investment and cultural and societal change for a more inclusive research community. Additionally, we highlight the role of GS researchers in contributing expert knowledge on local biodiversity and the environment; this knowledge can help to shape the future of comparative physiology, allowing us to achieve a better understanding of the evolution of physiological mechanisms and to develop innovative solutions to environmental and biomedical challenges. With this Perspective, we hope to highlight the need to foster a more diverse, equitable and inclusive research landscape in comparative physiology; one that empowers GS scientists to address the global challenges associated with biodiversity loss, climate change and environmental pollution.
Education is necessary but not sufficient for addressing disparities in concussion knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions
Authors: Wilkes James R. , Krusen Sarah , Calandra Lindsey M. , Wu Joe , Arbogast Kristy B. , Master Christina L.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Concussion leads to immediate cognitive, physiological, psychological, and emotional consequences that, if left untreated, may persist resulting in longer-term effects. Concussion education programs provide students with the knowledge necessary for them to make an informed decision to seek care should an injury occur.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, youth participating in public middle or high school athletics in a suburban county in Pennsylvania were asked to complete a survey to assess their concussion knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions before and after concussion education.

Results

All students increased scores from pre- to posteducation (mean difference, 0.08 to 0.67). Students from noncontact sports, higher grades, and higher Child Opportunity Index (COI) schools tended to have higher scores both before and after concussion education compared to students from contact sports, lower grades, or lower COI schools.

Discussion

Disparities were identified before and after the educational intervention between sport participation, grade level, and schools with different COI. Although concussion education was successful, with students showing improvement in all questions related to concussion knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions, this study identifies a need for the development of more equitable educational support systems. Understanding these differences may provide opportunities for targeted educational strategies, which might result in improved outcomes for younger athletes, those participating in contact sports, and those from lower COI schools.
Pricing Carbon: Evidence from Expert Recommendations
Authors: Drupp Moritz A. , Nesje Frikk , Schmidt Robert C.
Published: October 2024

We study the variation of carbon price recommendations and their determinants using survey evidence from more than 400 experts across almost 40 countries. We quantify the extent of disagreement and reveal that a majority of experts can agree on short- and medium-term global carbon price levels, and on unilateral carbon price levels in most countries. The majority of recommendations do not exhibit a “ free riding” pattern of lower unilateral than global carbon prices. Furthermore, border carbon adjustment facilitates higher unilateral price recommendations. We show how recommendations vary with additional survey responses, and with country and expert characteristics. (JEL H43, Q54, Q58)
Prevalence and risk factors for depression in native and immigrant pregnant women in a Health Region- retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Perejón López Daniel , Gascó Serna Laura , Serna Arnaiz Maria Catalina , Oros Ruiz Miriam , Siscart Viladegut Júlia , Pifarré Paredero Josep
Published: November 2024

Background We analysed the prevalence of depression under among pregnant women both in the immigrant and native populations in a Health Region of Spain, and evaluated the maternal factors associated with it. Methods We performed a retrospective observational cohort study in pregnant women in the Health Region of Lleida between 2012 and 2018. We analysed the following variables: age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, country of origin, and antidepressant drug prescribed. We performed a multivariate analysis and obtained the linear regression coefficients and their 95% confidence interval (CI). Results In a sample of 17177 pregnant women, 2.5% had a diagnosis of depression. The patients with depression had an average age of 32 years (SD 5.56) compared to the rest of the women who had an average age of 30 (SD 5.85) years of age. Obesity was present in 17.7% of patients with depression compared to 14.3% in the rest. A high percentage of women from Western Europe presented depression (2.9%); followed by women from Latin America (2.6%) and Eastern Europe (2.3%). The values for Africa, (0.8%) and Asia and the Middle East (0.5%) were significantly lower. We did not observe any relationship between depression and hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Conclusions In our study, we found a prevalence of depression similar to the one found in other publications. As main risk factors, we identified age, weight, and geographical origin.
The genome sequence of the small nettle, Urtica urens L. (Urticaceae)
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Twyford Alex D. ,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2024

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of small nettle, Urtica urens (Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Rosales; Urticaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 339.60 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 335.02 kilobases and 147.51 kilobases, respectively. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18,378 protein-coding genes.
SECEC Grammont Award 2024: The critical role of posture adjustment for range of motion simulation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty preoperative planning
Authors: Moroder Philipp , Poltaretskyi Sergii , Raiss Patric , Denard Patrick J. , Werner Brian C. , Erickson Brandon J. , Griffin Justin W. , Metcalfe Nick , Siegert Paul
Published: November 2024

Aims

The objective of this study was to compare simulated range of motion (ROM) for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) with and without adjustment for scapulothoracic orientation in a global reference system. We hypothesized that values for simulated ROM in preoperative planning software with and without adjustment for scapulothoracic orientation would be significantly different.

Methods

A statistical shape model of the entire humerus and scapula was fitted into ten shoulder CT scans randomly selected from 162 patients who underwent rTSA. Six shoulder surgeons independently planned a rTSA in each model using prototype development software with the ability to adjust for scapulothoracic orientation, the starting position of the humerus, as well as kinematic planes in a global reference system simulating previously described posture types A, B, and C. ROM with and without posture adjustment was calculated and compared in all movement planes.

Results

All movement planes showed significant differences when comparing protocols with and without adjustment for posture. The largest mean difference was seen in external rotation, being 62° (SD 16°) without adjustment compared to 25° (SD 9°) with posture adjustment (p < 0.001), with the highest mean difference being 49° (SD 15°) in type C. Mean extension was 57° (SD 18°) without adjustment versus 24° (SD 11°) with adjustment (p < 0.001) and the highest mean difference of 47° (SD 18°) in type C. Mean abducted internal rotation was 69° (SD 11°) without adjustment versus 31° (SD 6°) with posture adjustment (p < 0.001), showing the highest mean difference of 51° (SD 11°) in type C.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that accounting for scapulothoracic orientation has a significant impact on simulated ROM for rTSA in all motion planes, specifically rendering vastly lower values for external rotation, extension, and high internal rotation. The substantial differences observed in this study warrant a critical re-evaluation of all previously published studies that examined component choice and placement for optimized ROM in rTSA using conventional preoperative planning software.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1284–1292.
Frail patients require instrumentation of a more proximal vertebra for a successful outcome after surgery for adult spine deformity
Authors: Onafowokan Oluwatobi O. , Jankowski Pawel P. , Das Ankita , Lafage Renaud , Smith Justin S. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Lafage Virginie , Passias Peter G.
Published: November 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the level of upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) in frail patients undergoing surgery for adult spine deformity (ASD).

Methods

Patients with adult spinal deformity who had undergone T9-to-pelvis fusion were stratified using the ASD-Modified Frailty Index into not frail, frail, and severely frail categories. ASD was defined as at least one of: scoliosis ≥ 20°, sagittal vertical axis (SVA) ≥ 5 cm, or pelvic tilt ≥ 25°. Means comparisons tests were used to assess differences between both groups. Logistic regression analyses were used to analyze associations between frailty categories, UIV, and outcomes.

Results

A total of 477 patients were included (mean age 60.3 years (SD 14.9), mean BMI 27.5 kg/m2 (SD 5.8), mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) 1.67 (SD 1.66)). Overall, 74% of patients were female (n = 353), and 49.6% of patients were not frail (237), 35.4% frail (n = 169), and 15% severely frail (n = 71). At baseline, differences in age, BMI, CCI, and deformity were significant (all p = 0.001). Overall, 15.5% of patients (n = 74) had experienced mechanical complications by two years (8.1% not frail (n = 36), 15.1% frail (n = 26), and 16.3% severely frail (n = 12); p = 0.013). Reoperations also differed between groups (20.2% (n = 48) vs 23.3% (n = 39) vs 32.6% (n = 23); p = 0.011). Controlling for osteoporosis, baseline deformity, and degree of correction (by sagittal age-adjusted score (SAAS) matching), frail and severely frail patients were more likely to experience mechanical complications if they had heart failure (odds ratio (OR) 6.6 (95% CI 1.6 to 26.7); p = 0.008), depression (OR 5.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 25.7); p = 0.048), or cancer (OR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4); p = 0.004). Frail and severely frail patients experienced higher rates of mechanical complication than ‘not frail’ patients at two years (19% (n = 45) vs 11.9% (n = 29); p = 0.003). When controlling for baseline deformity and degree of correction in severely frail and frail patients, severely frail patients were less likely to experience clinically relevant proximal junctional kyphosis or failure or mechanical complications by two years, if they had a more proximal UIV.

Conclusion

Frail patients are at risk of a poor outcome after surgery for adult spinal deformity due to their comorbidities. Although a definitively prescriptive upper instrumented vertebra remains elusive, these patients appear to be at greater risk for a poor outcome if the upper instrumented vertebra is sited more distally.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(11):1342–1347.
Five lessons for the debate about health technology and productivity
Authors: Horton T , Moulds A , Gerhold M
Published: November 2024

It is important to understand how technology can improve surgical performance – and what we shouldn't expect.
Experimental verification of phase behaviors of MMI couplers and their application to spectrally flat WDM (de)multiplexers
Authors: Jeong Seok-Hwan , Park Heuk , Lee Joon Ki
Published: November 2024

Phase and amplitude behaviors of several types of 2:2 multimode interference (MMI) couplers are theoretically analyzed and experimentally verified using a fabricated silicon-nanowire waveguide-based interferometer scheme. The phase response of various structural MMI schemes is critical for realizing highly efficient wavelength-division-multiplexing optical (de)multiplexers in terms of spectral flatness, low insertion loss, and minimal crosstalk. We experimentally demonstrate these aspects through the fabrication of a silicon-nanowire-based interference testing scheme. Finally, based on the experimental results, we propose a method for designing spectrally flat optical (de)multiplexers with good fabrication tolerance.
ERG responses and the Ferry-Porter law
Authors: Kremers Jan , Aher Avinash J. , Huchzermeyer Cord
Published: October 2024

The Ferry-Porter law states that the psychophysically measured critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) is linearly correlated with the logarithm of the mean luminance. We studied the relationship between the CFFs of L- and M-cone driven ERGs (five normal trichromats; sinusoidal modulation; 18% cone contrast) and mean luminance. The measurements were performed at seven mean luminances between 2.84 and 284cd/m2. Close to the CFF, the ERG amplitudes versus temporal frequency could be described by a simple exponential function. The CFFs were higher for L- than for M-cone driven ERGs and depended linearly on the logarithm of the mean luminance (i.e., adhered to the Ferry-Porter law) with steeper slopes compared to psychophysical measurements.
Influence of exposure time on the aero-optical effects of a high-speed aircraft optical window
Authors: Xia Zihao , Ding Haolin , Sun Xiaobin , Yi Shihe , Liu Mingxing , Huo Jiabo , Luosu Yiming
Published: October 2024

Under high-speed conditions (Mach number > 3), the turbulent shear layer formed on the optical window causes phase changes in the light, resulting in the aero-optical effects, which significantly affect the imaging quality at different exposure times, τ. In this study, imaging data of an optical window were collected in a Mach 3.8 supersonic low-noise wind tunnel for a facula and a USAF 1951 resolution board, as well as distorted wavefront data of visible light. As τ increases from 0.2 ms to 5 ms, the centroid jitter of the facula shows an overall decreasing trend and the increase of τ mainly inhibits the jitter in the spanwise direction. While τ varies from 0.2 ms to 28 ms, structural analysis indicated that the structural similarity and stability of imaging improves and this improvement has an upper limit of τ0 = 22 ms, coined as the saturation exposure time. Normalized modulation transfer function curves derived from USAF 1951 images show a decrease in the imaging resolution as τ increases. The average wavefront distortion can be reduced by up to 71.7% as τ increases from 5 ms to 30 ms, while the standard deviation of wavefront distortion initially decreases and then stabilizes at 0.0025λ.
High performance SERS boosting by Fabry- Pérot cavities of silica-gold-silicon multilayers
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhou Yixi , Li Pan , Li Zhipeng
Published: October 2024

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), an advanced technique for molecular spectroscopy, relies heavily on the preparation of SERS active materials that can significantly enhance the Raman scattering signals for highly sensitive detection of trace molecules. Traditionally, SERS measurements are performed on silicon or silica substrates, the SERS performance is determined by the structure of SERS materials. Here, we show that the SERS signal can be amplified and modulated using Fabry-Pérot (F-P) cavities made of silica-silicon (SiO2-Si) or silica-gold-silicon (SiO2-Au-Si) multilayers as substrates. Periodic SERS signal variations as SiO2 thickness increases are observed, exhibiting optimal enhancement with the SiO2 thickness of 250 nm due to the optical interference in the cavity. Although the signal enhancement by optical interference is weaker than that by plasmonic resonance, additional signal amplification is essential for highly sensitive SERS materials. Moreover, we applied this strategy to detect thiram in bean sprout extracts, demonstrating that the detection sensitivity is two orders of magnitude higher than that using Si substrates. The utilization of the pseudo-internal standard intensity calibration method facilitates the quantitative analysis of thiram concentrations. Our results provide a promising approach for further amplification of SERS signals with great potential for practical applications.
Micro-spectrometer based on a broadband gradient plasmonic nano-islands filter
Authors: Li Huameng , Chen Rubo , Li Hongru , Shi Chaoying , Qi Han , Deng Guoliang , Zhang Hong , Zhou Hao
Published: October 2024

In recent years, advancements in micro- and nano-optical technologies
have led to significant breakthroughs in the development of enabling
the widespread application of micro-spectral analyzers in complex
fields such as biomedical and environmental science.
Micro-spectrometers are highly valued for their portability,
precision, and versatility. Innovations in spectral reconstruction
techniques have further enhanced the performance of these devices. In
this work, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a computationally
reconstructed miniature spectrometer based on a linear gradient Ag/Au
mixed-metal plasmonic nano-islands filter, which is successfully
prepared on a large-area quartz substrate through optimized sputtering
and rapid annealing processes. The various angle-insensitive (the
incident angle is up to 35°) transmission spectra of the microfilter
are expanded to cover 250–900 nm by controlling the sizes, alloy
ratios, and surrounding refractive index of the nano-islands. The
efficient reconstruction of the incident spectra is achieved within
the visible range (420–720 nm) through compressed sensing and l1-norm
minimization methods. The reconstructed spectrum has a resolution of
up to 0.6 nm, with wavelength accuracy within 0.4 nm. The root mean
square error (RMSE) for monochromatic and broadband light
reconstruction is below 0.05 and 0.07, respectively. This study offers
valuable insights for the development of highly integrated,
high-resolution, angle-insensitive micro-spectrometers with broad
operating wavelength bands.
Recycling self-assembled colloidal quantum dot supraparticle lasers
Authors: Downie Dillon H. , Eling Charlotte J. , Charlton Bethan K. , Alves Pedro U. , Edwards Paul R. , Laurand Nicolas
Published: November 2024

Supraparticles comprising semiconductor colloidal quantum dots as building blocks are a new class of microscopic lasers with a wide host of applications, including photocatalysis, biological and environmental sensing, integrated photonics, and medicine. Despite the recent advances in their fabrication, there have been no reports of their quantum dot components being recovered for use in a circular economy. Herein, we demonstrate a novel method for the recycling of these whispering-gallery-mode supraparticle lasers with a quantum dot recovery yield of 85%. The photoluminescence quantum yield of the recycled quantum dots is retained at 83 ± 16% from the initial batch of 86 ± 9%. These recycled quantum dots are then used again to synthesize distinct supraparticles via an oil-in-water emulsion self-assembly technique, allowing for the recreation of lasing supraparticles with similar thresholds to their freshly made precursors at 32.8 ± 8.2 mJ·cm-2 and 34.8 ± 8.6 mJ·cm-2, respectively. This proof-of-concept for recyclability has the potential to complement and enhance the manufacturing of supraparticle lasers, as well as to contribute to the overall recycling efforts of a broad spectrum of colloidal nanoparticle species, aiming to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the technology.
Self-focusing and stimulated Brillouin scattering effect of low-temporal coherence light and corresponding damage characteristics in fused silica
Authors: Shan Chong , Li Fuajian , Zhao Xiaohui , Cui Yong , Ji Lailin , Wang Erxi , He Ruijing , Rao Daxing , Lian Yafei , Zhao Yuan’an , Sui Zhan , Gao Yanqi
Published: November 2024

Laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDTs) of input/exit surfaces and filamentation of fused silica under low-temporal coherence light (LTCL) and a corresponding damage mechanism are investigated. By comparing self-focusing effects of fused silica for each incident laser, the lower LIDT of filamentation damage under LTCL irradiation is mainly attributed to stronger self-focusing than traditional single longitudinal mode (SLM) pulse lasers. Meanwhile, differences in LIDTs for input/exit surfaces by LTCL and SLM pulse laser irradiation are attributed to self-focusing effects and backward stimulated Brillouin scattering. Finally, influences of fused silica thickness and incident laser polarization on LIDT are demonstrated. The research contributes to exploring safe boundaries for fused silica application in high-power LTCL devices.
Reconfigurable spin-decoupled conformal metasurface: 3D-printing with independent beam shaping and multi-focusing dual-channel reconfigurability techniques
Authors: Fu Yang , Zhou Xiaofeng , Cheng Houyuan , Yang Yuejie , Zhou Xiangli , Ding Fan , Jin Jing , Yang Helin
Published: November 2024

This paper describes a 3D-printed conformal reconfigurable spin-decoupled metasurface and supports both independent beam shaping and dual-channel reconfigurability. The increasing complexity of metasurface structures and reconfigurable spin-decoupling among conformal structures are rarely reported due to their challenging properties. In this paper, a reconfigurable metasurface based on 3D-printing technology is proposed for reconfigurable spin-decoupled curved structures at 13.5–14.5 GHz. Curved surface spin-decoupling is realized for the first time and verified by simulation and experiment. Beam deflection (20° and 35°) and near-field focusing (100 mm and 150 mm) were achieved at different circularly polarized wave incidences. Switching the beam between the two states was achieved by incorporating the water-based metasurface. As a proof of concept, metasurfaces that have anomalous reflections in both channels were fabricated and measured. Furthermore, reconfigurable spin-decoupling was achieved using a water-based metasurface. This work extends the phase engineering approach in metasurfaces and may have a wide range of applications in communications, sensing, imaging, and camouflage.
Freestanding metamaterial with constant coupling response for terahertz flexible functional devices
Authors: Zeng Qiuming , Shi Tingting , Huang Yi , Zhong Shuncong , Sun Fuwei , Guan Chenglong , Chen Jianxiong , Lin Tingling , Zhong Yujie , Huang Yonglin
Published: November 2024

Metamaterials (MMs) have become increasingly prominent in terahertz flexible devices. However, bending deformation often alters the structure of the unit, which affects the response performance and stability of MMs. Here, a metal-aperture metamaterial (MA-MM) utilizing the strong coupling effect induced by two resonance modes is innovatively proposed to address the mentioned limitations. Specifically, it is found that the coupling state between multiple resonance modes remains consistent at different bending angles. Under these circumstances, the generated Rabi splitting peak presents stable response performance even under low resonance intensity caused by excessive deformation. The experimental results demonstrate that despite the amplitude of two resonant peaks decreasing significantly by 87.6%, the Q-factor of the Rabi splitting only reduced by 14.8%. Furthermore, armed with the response mode of the Rabi splitting being unaffected by plasma excitation range, the designed MA-MMs are able to maintain constant Q-factors and frequencies on curved surfaces of varying sizes. These findings exhibit the characteristics of electromagnetic response for multi-mode resonance-coupled MA-MMs on different curved surfaces, presenting a novel design approach for terahertz flexible functional devices.
Clustering based on renal and inflammatory admission parameters in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU
Authors: Mascle Olivier , Dupuis Claire , Brailova Marina , Bonnet Benjamin , Mirand Audrey , De Beauchene Romain Chauvot , Philipponnet Carole , Adda Mireille , Calvet Laure , Cassagnes Lucie , Henquell Cécile , Sapin Vincent , Evrard Bertrand , Souweine Bertrand
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with significant variability in acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence, leading to concerns regarding patient heterogeneity. The study’s primary objective was a cluster analysis, to identify homogeneous subgroups of patients (clusters) using baseline characteristics, including inflammatory biomarkers. The secondary objectives were the comparisons of MAKE-90 and mortality between the different clusters at three months.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study was conducted in the Medical Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, France. Baseline data, clinical and biological characteristics on ICU admission, and outcomes at day 90 were recorded. The primary outcome was the risk of major adverse kidney events at 90 days (MAKE-90). Clusters were determined using hierarchical clustering on principal components approach based on admission characteristics, biomarkers and serum values of immune dysfunction and kidney function.

Results

It included consecutive adult patients admitted between March 20, 2020 and February 28, 2021 for severe COVID-19. A total of 149 patients were included in the study. Three clusters were identified of which two were fully described (cluster 3 comprising 2 patients). Cluster 1 comprised 122 patients with fewer organ dysfunctions, moderate immune dysfunction, and was associated with reduced mortality and a lower incidence of MAKE-90. Cluster 2 comprised 25 patients with greater disease severity, immune dysfunction, higher levels of suPAR and L-FABP/U Creat, and greater organ support requirement, incidence of AKI, day-90 mortality and MAKE-90.

Conclusions

This study identified two clusters of severe COVID-19 patients with distinct biological characteristics and renal event risks. Such clusters may help facilitate the identification of targeted populations for future clinical trials. Also, it may help to understand the significant variability in AKI incidence observed in COVID-19 patients.
Limited carry-over effects of socioemotional manipulations on subsequent unrelated memory tasks
Authors: Ford Jaclyn H. , Daley Ryan , Maybury Julia , Stedman Cortney , Swiatek Julia , Van Boxtel Rachel , Welch Erin , Kensinger Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

Although age is typically associated with significant impairments in memory performance, several domains exist in which these impairments are reduced or even eliminated. These “pockets of preservation” in older adults’ memory can be seen in tasks involving socioemotional processing and may be supported by distinct encoding or retrieval modes relative to neutral content. The current study examines whether engaging in socioemotional tasks prior to encoding or retrieval allows older adults to enter an encoding or retrieval mode that better supports memory performance. In two online studies, adults across the lifespan were asked to complete a memory task where they incidentally encoded and retrieved neutral (Experiment 1, N = 1621) or emotional (Experiment 2, N = 409) word-image pairs. Participants were randomly assigned to a control (i.e., no manipulation), pre-encoding, or pre-retrieval socioemotional manipulation condition. There were no main effects of manipulation condition, suggesting that such manipulations may not reliably enhance memory. However, future research is needed to follow up on exploratory analyses that highlighted particular conditions under which these manipulations may convey benefits. There were also no age-by-manipulation interactions. While these null effects may suggest that these manipulations are not better suited to older adults, this may also be a result of the unexpected age-related increases (Experiment 1) and age invariance (Experiment 2) in overall memory accuracy in the current study. Socioemotional manipulations should also be examined in older adults who underperform younger adults.
Emerging technologies and research ethics: Developing editorial policy using a scoping review and reference panel
Authors: Knight Simon , Viberg Olga , Mavrikis Manolis , Kovanović Vitomir , Khosravi Hassan , Ferguson Rebecca , Corrin Linda , Thompson Kate , Major Louis , Lodge Jason , Hennessy Sara , Cukurova Mutlu
Published: October 2024

Background

Emerging technologies and societal changes create new ethical concerns and greater need for cross-disciplinary and cross–stakeholder communication on navigating ethics in research. Scholarly articles are the primary mode of communication for researchers, however there are concerns regarding the expression of research ethics in these outputs. If not in these outputs, where should researchers and stakeholders learn about the ethical considerations of research?

Objectives

Drawing on a scoping review, analysis of policy in a specific disciplinary context (learning and technology), and reference group discussion, we address concerns regarding research ethics, in research involving emerging technologies through developing novel policy that aims to foster learning through the expression of ethical concepts in research.

Approach

This paper develops new editorial policy for expression of research ethics in scholarly outputs across disciplines. These guidelines, aimed at authors, reviewers, and editors, are underpinned by:

a cross-disciplinary scoping review of existing policy and adherence to these policies;

a review of emerging policies, and policies in a specific discipline (learning and technology); and,

a collective drafting process undertaken by a reference group of journal editors (the authors of this paper).

Results

Analysis arising from the scoping review indicates gaps in policy across a wide range of journals (54% have no statement regarding reporting of research ethics), and adherence (51% of papers reviewed did not refer to ethics considerations). Analysis of emerging and discipline-specific policies highlights gaps.

Conclusion

Our collective policy development process develops novel materials suitable for cross-disciplinary transfer, to address specific issues of research involving AI, and broader challenges of emerging technologies.
A novel esterase regulates Klebsiella pneumoniae hypermucoviscosity and virulence
Authors: Wang Lijun , Wang Zhe , Zhang Hua , Jin Qian , Fan Shuaihua , Liu Yanni , Huang Xueting , Guo Jun , Cai Chao , Zhang Jing-Ren , Wu Hui
Published: October 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae, an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen, exhibits hypermucoviscosity (HMV) as a critical virulence trait mediated by its capsular polysaccharide (CPS). Recent discoveries have determined acetylation as a significant modification for CPS, although its impact on HMV and virulence was previously unknown. This study elucidates the roles of two enzymes: Klebsiella pneumoniae Acetylated CPS Esterase (KpACE), an esterase that removes acetyl groups from CPS, and WcsU, an acetyltransferase that adds acetyl groups to CPS. KpACE is highly upregulated in an ompR-deficient mutant lacking HMV, and its overexpression consistently reduces HMV and diminishes virulence in a mouse model of pneumonia. The esterase domain-containing KpACE effectively deacetylates model sugar substrates and CPS-K2. Site-directed mutagenesis of the conserved catalytic histidine residue at position 370 significantly reduces its enzymatic activity. This reduction correlates with decreased HMV, affecting key virulence traits including biofilm formation and serum resistance. Similarly, a deficiency in the wcsU gene abolishes CPS acetylation, and reduces HMV and virulence. These results highlight the importance of the delicate balance between CPS acetylation by WcsU and deacetylation by KpACE in regulating the pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae. Understanding this balance provides new insights into the modulation of virulence traits and potential therapeutic targets for combating K. pneumoniae infections.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Therapy Landscape
Authors: Bhushan Sheena , Sohal Aalam , Kowdley Kris V.
Published: October 2024

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are rare, and chronic cholestatic diseases that can progress to liver failure. The goals of treatment are to halt the progression of liver disease to cirrhosis and/or liver failure, and alleviate symptoms associated with these diseases. Ursodeoxycholic acid has historically been the first-line treatment of PBC, with obeticholic acid and fibrates used as second-line or adjunctive therapies. However, the treatment landscape is rapidly expanding. Recently, 2 new second-line agents gained US Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of PBC, and several other therapies remain under investigation with promising results. Although significant progress has been made in the development of therapies for PBC, there are no current approved treatments of PSC other than liver transplantation although several emerging therapies have shown encouraging results. This review outlines the current and upcoming treatments of PBC and PSC.
Aportes do pensamento de Paul Ricoeur para uma hermenêutica de nossa condição histórico-educativa
Authors: Almeida Doris Bittencourt , Hinterholz Marcos Luiz
Published: November 2024

O artigo, de caráter ensaístico, busca pensar o papel de uma hermenêutica da nossa condição histórico-educativa para as ciências da educação e para o sujeito que pensa a si mesmo. Essa teorização sobre os planos epistemológico e existencial das pesquisas e dos saberes fundantes da história da educação deu-se a partir das contribuições da obra A memória, a história, o esquecimento, de Paul Ricoeur (2007).  O autor nos convoca a complexificar, nos planos fenomenológico, epistêmico, hermenêutico e existencial, o reconhecimento das imagens de outrora, referentes do passado, que no presente se manifestam, e com elas produzir compreensões.  A escrita da história, e sua função simbolizadora, permite que uma sociedade se situe ao atribuir-se um passado na linguagem. Assim, a história da educação foi pensada como um saber capaz de criar novas sensibilidades que, por sua vez, criam novas relações consigo, com o outro, com a educação e com o mundo.