bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous magnetic field and temperature measurement with high resolution based on cascaded microwave photonic filters
Authors: Zhang Naihan , Wang Muguang , Gao Pufeng , Han Mengyao , Yin Bin , Cai Shiyi , Wu Beilei , Liu Yan , Chen Desheng
Published: September 2023

A simultaneous magnetic field and temperature sensing scheme based on cascaded microwave photonic filters (MPFs) with high resolution is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. A polarization maintaining fiber bonded with a giant magnetostrictive material acts both as a magnetic field sensing probe and an important unit of a dispersion-induced MPF. A 500 m single mode fiber in a two-tap MPF is used to perform temperature compensation. The power fading frequency of the dispersion-induced MPF and the dip frequency of the two-tap MPF are selected to monitor the magnetic field and temperature changes. When temperature changes, both power fading frequency and dip frequency will change. While only power fading frequency shifts as magnetic field changes. Consequently, dual parameter sensing can be achieved by monitoring the characteristic microwave frequencies of the two MPFs. The temperature cross-sensitivity is well resolved in this way. In the experiment, the microwave frequency changes 5.84 MHz as external magnetic field increases by 1 mT. The corresponded theoretical resolution can reach 0.17 nT, which is only limited by the minimum resolution of vector network analyzer.
Entanglement generation and steering implementation in a double-cavity-magnon hybrid system
Authors: Cong Long-Jiang , Luo Yi-Xiong , Zheng Zhi-Gang , Liu Hong-Yu , Ming Ying , Yang Rong-Can
Published: September 2023

We demonstrate a scheme for the generation of bipartite and tripartite entanglement, as well as he implementation of stable and controllable long-distance one-way and asymmetric two-way steering in a cavity-magnon hybrid system. This system consists of a magnon mode and two coupled microwave cavities. The first cavity is driven by a flux-driven Josephson parametric amplifier, which generates squeezed vacuum fields, and is coupled to the other cavity through optical tunneling interaction. The second cavity and magnon mode are coupled through magnetic dipole interaction. We find that under weak coupling between the two cavities, and strong coupling between the second cavity and magnon mode, remote controllable one-way steering and tripartite entanglement can be achieved. Our scheme may have potential applications in quantum information.
Internal moisture barrier layer for improving high-humidity reliability of miniature light emitting diode die without encapsulation
Authors: Hsu Chia-Hsun , Luo Hai-Long , Li Shi-Tao , Bian Fu-Qiang , Chen Ya-Zhen , Gao Peng , Wu Wan-Yu , Wuu Dong-Sing , Lai Feng-Min , Lien Shui-Yang , Zhu Wen-Zhang
Published: September 2023

Atomic layer deposited Al2O3 films are incorporated into miniature light emitting diodes (mini-LEDs) as an internal moisture barrier layer. The experimental results show that the water vapor transmission rate reaches ≤10−4 g/m2/day when the Al2O3 thickness is ≥40 nm. The mini-LED with a 40 nm-thick Al2O3 layer shows negligible degradation after 1000 h of 85°C/85% relative humidity testing, whereas the device without an Al2O3 layer fails after only 500 h due to delamination occurring at the GaN surface. Current-voltage characteristics of the device without an Al2O3 moisture barrier layer indicate an increase in series resistance and ideality factor. This study provides a simple, light-weighting method to have a satisfactory encapsulation function for miniature LEDs.
Very low excess noise Al0.75Ga0.25As0.56Sb0.44 avalanche photodiode
Authors: Jin Xiao , Lewis Harry I. J. , Yi Xin , Xie Shiyu , Liang Baolai , Tian Qingyu , Huffaker Diana L. , Tan Chee Hing , David John P. R.
Published: September 2023

AlxGa1-xAsySb1-y grown lattice-matched to InP has attracted significant research interest as a material for low noise, high sensitivity avalanche photodiodes (APDs) due to its very dissimilar electron and hole ionization coefficients, especially at low electric fields. All work reported to date has been on Al concentrations of x = 0.85 or higher. This work demonstrates that much lower excess noise (F = 2.4) at a very high multiplication of 90 can be obtained in thick Al0.75Ga0.25As0.56Sb0.44 grown on InP substrates. This is the lowest excess noise that has been reported in any III-V APD operating at room temperature. The impact ionization coefficients for both electrons and holes are determined over a wide electric field range (up to 650 kV/cm) from avalanche multiplication measurements undertaken on complementary p-i-n and n-i-p diode structures. While these ionization coefficients can fit the experimental multiplication over three orders of magnitude, the measured excess noise is significantly lower than that expected from the β/α ratio and the conventional local McIntyre noise theory. These results are of importance not just for the design of APDs but other high field devices, such as transistors using this material.
High-resolution on-chip spatial heterodyne Fourier transform spectrometer based on artificial neural network and PCSBL reconstruction algorithm
Authors: Long Xiaojing , Huang Zhuili , Tian Ye , Du Jihe , Liu Yufei
Published: September 2023

A novel compact on-chip Fourier transform (FT) spectrometer has been proposed based on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform with wide operating bandwidth and high resolution. The spectrometer consists of a 16-channel power splitter and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) array of 16 MZIs with linearly increasing optical path length (OPL) difference. We have also developed a spectral retrieval algorithm based on the pattern-coupled sparse Bayesian learning (PCSBL) algorithm and artificial neural network (ANN). The experimental results show that the designed spectrometer has a flat transmission characteristic in the wavelength range between 1500 nm and 1600 nm, indicating that the device has a wide operating bandwidth of 100 nm. In addition, with the assistance of the spectral retrieval algorithm, our spectrometer has the ability to reconstruct narrowband signals with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.5 nm and a triple-peaked signal separated by a 3-nm distance.
Design and experimental demonstration of a silicon five-mode (de)multiplexer based on multi-phase matching condition
Authors: Jiang Weifeng , Xie Longqin , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2023

A compact 5-mode (de)multiplexer [(De)MUX] is proposed and experimentally demonstrated based on the principle of multi-phase matching. The proposed device comprises a cascaded asymmetric directional coupler (ADC) based on 3-mode phase-matching, a polarization beam combiner, and a taper waveguide connecting them. The multiple modes in the access waveguides are matched to different modes in the same bus waveguide, which eliminates the need for additional taper structures and results in a total coupling length of only 18.9 µm. Experimental results exhibit that the insertion losses of the five modes are below 3.4 dB, and the mode crosstalks are below -15 dB at the central wavelength. The 3-dB bandwidths of TM0, TM1, TE0, TE1, and TE2 modes are greater than 100 nm, 46 nm, 100 nm, 28 nm, and 37 nm, respectively. The proposed device can serve as a key functional component in highly integrated on-chip mode-division multiplexing systems.
Does the degree of polarization of vector beams remain unchanged on atmospheric propagation?
Authors: Tao Zhiwei , Abdukirim Azezigul , Dai Congming , Wu Pengfei , Mei Haiping , Luo Chuankai , Feng Yunsong , Rao Ruizhong , Wei Heli , Ren Yichong
Published: September 2023

All roads lead to Rome. In this article we propose a novel theoretical framework to demonstrate vector beams whose degree of polarization does not change on atmospheric propagation. Inspired by the Fresnel equations, we derive the reflected and refracted field of vector beams propagating through a phase screen by employing the continuity of electromagnetic field. We generalize the conventional split-step beam propagation method by considering the vectorial properties in the vacuum diffraction and the refractive properties of a single phase screen. Based on this vectorial propagation model, we extensively calculate the change of degree of polarization (DOP) of vector beams under different beam parameters and turbulence parameters both in free-space and satellite-mediated links. Our result is that whatever in the free-space or satellite-mediated regime, the change of DOP mainly fluctuates around the order of 10−13 to 10−6, which is almost negligible.
3D nanoprinting for fiber-integrated achromatic diffractive lens
Authors: He Minfei , Shen Xiaoming , Liu Xin , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu
Published: September 2023

Achromatic performance is crucial for numerous multi-wavelength optical fiber applications, including endoscopic imaging and fiber sensing. This paper presents the design and nanoprinting of a fiber-integrated achromatic diffractive lens within the visible spectrum (450–650 nm). The 3D nanoprinting is achieved by a high-resolution direct laser writing technology, overcoming limitations in the optical performance caused by the lack of an arbitrary 3D structure writing capability and an insufficient feature resolution in the current manufacturing technology for visible light broadband achromatic diffractive lenses. A three-step optimization algorithm is proposed to effectively balance optical performance with writing difficulty. The characterization results demonstrate excellent achromatic focusing performance, paving the way towards the development of nanoprinted flat optical devices for applications such as optical fiber traps, miniature illumination systems, and integrated photonic chips.
Intrinsic signal optoretinography revealing AD-induced retinal photoreceptor hyperexcitability before a detectable morphological abnormality
Authors: Ma Guangying , Kim Tae-Hoon , Son Taeyoon , Ding Jie , Ahmed Shaiban , Adejumo Tobiloba , Yao Xincheng
Published: September 2023

Neuronal hyperexcitability promises an early biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, in vivo detection of neuronal hyperexcitability in the brain is technically challenging. The retina, one part of the central nervous system, presents a unique window for noninvasive monitoring of the brain function. This study aims to test the feasibility of using intrinsic signal optoretinography (ORG) for mapping retinal hyperexcitability associated with early-stage AD. Custom-designed optical coherence tomography (OCT) was employed for both morphological measurement and functional ORG of wild-type mice and 3xTg-AD mice. Comparative analysis revealed AD-induced retinal photoreceptor hyperexcitability prior to detectable structural degeneration.
Single-frequency fiber laser of 315 mW at 1940 nm based on a Tm : YAG/Ho : YAG-co-derived silica fiber
Authors: Wei Zhenshuai , Luan Jizhe , Huang Lu , Zhao Wei , Zhao Xian , Zhao Zhigang , Cong Zhenhua , Liu Zhaojun
Published: September 2023

A 1940 nm single-frequency distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) fiber laser was demonstrated based on a Tm : YAG/Ho : YAG-co-derived silica fiber (THCDSF). The THCDSF, which had a core dopant concentration of 8.02 wt.% Tm2O3 and 1.18 wt.% Ho2O3, was prepared via the melt-in-tube (MIT) method using a Tm : YAG and a Ho : YAG as the precursor core and a silica tube as the cladding. Employing 1.8 cm of the THCDSF, we achieved a maximum single-frequency output power of 315 mW at 1940 nm when pumped by a 1610 nm fiber laser. The slope efficiency of the laser was 29.68% for the absorbed pump power. The laser linewidth was less than 23.65 kHz, and the relative intensity noise (RIN) stabilized at −145 dB/Hz after exceeding 4.8 MHz. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a single-frequency DBR laser with a Tm3+/Ho3+ fiber as the gain medium.
Effective Faraday rotator based on the TbYO3 crystal with a high Verdet constant and a high thermal conductivity
Authors: Wu Jialing , Zheng Kailan , Zhao Yan , Ma Shihui , Wang Jiajia , Yu Hongwei , Hu Zhanggui
Published: September 2023

Facing the demand of high-power laser development, a high-quality magneto-optical crystal with a high Verdet constant and a high thermal conductivity is needed. Herein, an effective Faraday rotation based on a TbYO3 single crystal with a strong magneto-optical effect, grown by the laser floating zone method, is demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The TbYO3 crystal has the Verdet constant which is 2.16 times (106 rad·m−1 T−1) higher than that of the TGG crystal (49 rad·m−1 T−1) at 880 nm. Additionally, the TbYO3 crystal also has a thermal conductivity of 11.8 W·m−1·K−1 and a laser-induced damage threshold of 1.59 GW·cm−2. These advantages can allow the TbYO3 crystal to be an attractive magneto-optical material.
Visualizing lateral optical force through surface plasmon-coupled emission
Authors: Yu Hongda , Shen Zhe , Jiang Kaiwen
Published: September 2023

In this Letter, we report the intrinsic relationship among surface plasmon polaritons, lateral optical force, and surface plasmon-coupled emission. The spin–orbit coupling in the near field through circularly polarized beams would lead to the unidirectional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons, where the symmetry state of the electromagnetic field on the surface is broken. This asymmetric scattering would generate the counter-intuitive lateral optical force due to momentum conservation. As the inverse process of surface plasmon polaritons, surface plasmon-coupled emission enables the guide of the near-field surface plasmon polariton signal to the far field. We found that the lateral optical force produced by the unidirectional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons can be observed in the surface plasmon-coupled emission patterns. The elliptical dipole model was used to demonstrate these coupling processes. The magnitude and direction of lateral optical force can be a dipole, respectively. Moreover, the intensity convergence degree and direction of the surface plasmon-coupled emission distribution can reflect the magnitude and direction of lateral optical force, respectively. This work has great potential in the applications of weak force measurement, dynamic optical sorting, and light–matter interaction research.
Enhanced ultrafine multimode fiber imaging based on mode modulation through singular value decomposition
Authors: Zhan Ning , Zhenming Yu , Cheng Liming , Ma Jingyue , di jiayu , Lan Yueheng , Xu Kun
Published: September 2023

The utilization of multimode fibers (MMFs) displays significant potential for advancing the miniaturization of optical endoscopes. However, the imaging quality is constrained by the physical conditions of MMF, which is particularly serious in small-core MMFs because of the limited mode quantity. To break this limitation and enhance the imaging ability of MMF to the maximum, we propose a mode modulation method based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) of MMF’s transmission matrix (TM). Before injection into the MMF, a light beam is modulated by the singular vectors obtained by SVD. Because the singular vectors reflect the transfer characteristics of MMF and selectively excite the modes of different orders, the optimal distribution of the excited modes in MMF can be achieved, thereby improving the imaging quality of the MMF imaging system to the greatest extent. We conducted experiments on the MMF system with 40 µm and 105 µm cores to verify this method. Deep learning is utilized for image reconstruction. The experimental results demonstrate that the properties of the output speckle pattern were customized through the selective excitation of optical modes in the MMF. By applying singular vectors for mode modulation, the imaging quality can be effectively improved across four different types of scenes. Especially in the ultrafine 40 µm core MMF, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) can be increased by up to 6.82 dB, and the structural similarity (SSIM) can be increased by up to 0.103, indicating a qualitative performance improvement of MMF imaging in minimally invasive medicine.
Association of MG53 with presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycemic control, and diabetic complications
Authors: Andaç Burak , Özgün Eray , Bülbül Buket Yılmaz , Çolak Serpil Yanık , Okur Mine , Yekdeş Ali Cem , Öcal Eftal , Tapan Mehmet Emin , Çelik Mehmet
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Mitsugumin 53 (MG53) is a myokine that acts as a membrane repair protein in tissues. Data on the effect of MG53 on insulin signaling and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) are still unknown; most are from preclinical studies. Nevertheless, some researchers have argued that it may be a new pathogenic factor, and therapies targeting MG53 may be a new avenue for T2 DM. Our study aims to evaluate the relationship of circulating MG53 levels with the presence of diabetes, diabetic complications, and glycemic control.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study with 107 patients with T2 DM and 105 subjects without insulin resistance-related disease. Concurrent blood samples were used for serum MG53 levels and other biochemical laboratory data. MG53 concentration was measured using Human-MG53, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (Cat# CSB-EL024511HU).

Results

We found no difference in MG53 levels between the diabetic and control groups (p = 0.914). Furthermore, when the subjects were divided into tertiles according to their MG53 levels, we did not find any difference between the groups in terms of the presence of diabetes (p = 0.981). Additionally, no correlation was observed between weight, BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, albumin excretion in the urine, e-GFR levels, and MG53. Finally, MG53 levels were similar between the groups with and without microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes.

Conclusion

Our research finding provides insightful clinical evidence of lack of association between the levels of MG53 and T2 DM or glycemic control, at least in the studied population of Turkeys ethnicity. However, further clinical studies are warranted to establish solid evidence of the link between MG53, insulin resistance and glycemic control in a wider population elsewhere in the world.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis—Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Common Data Element item content analysis
Authors: Slavin Mary D. , Bailey Hannah M. , Hickey Emily J. , Vasudevan Ananya , Ledingham Aileen , Tannenbaum Linda , Bateman Lucinda , Kaufman David L. , Peterson Daniel L. , Ruhoy Ilene S. , Systrom David M. , Felsenstein Donna , Kazis Lewis E.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multisystem chronic disease estimated to affect 836,000–2.5 million individuals in the United States. Persons with ME/CFS have a substantial reduction in their ability to engage in pre-illness levels of activity. Multiple symptoms include profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive impairment, orthostatic intolerance, pain, and other symptoms persisting for more than 6 months. Diagnosis is challenging due to fluctuating and complex symptoms. ME/CFS Common Data Elements (CDEs) were identified in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Common Data Element Repository. This study reviewed ME/CFS CDEs item content.

Methods

Inclusion criteria for CDEs (measures recommended for ME/CFS) analysis: 1) assesses symptoms; 2) developed for adults; 3) appropriate for patient reported outcome measure (PROM); 4) does not use visual or pictographic responses. Team members independently reviewed CDEs item content using the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to link meaningful concepts.

Results

119 ME/CFS CDEs (measures) were reviewed and 38 met inclusion criteria, yielding 944 items linked to 1503 ICF meaningful concepts. Most concepts linked to ICF Body Functions component (b-codes; n = 1107, 73.65%) as follows: Fatiguability (n = 220, 14.64%), Energy Level (n = 166, 11.04%), Sleep Functions (n = 137, 9.12%), Emotional Functions (n = 131, 8.72%) and Pain (n = 120, 7.98%). Activities and Participation concepts (d codes) accounted for a smaller percentage of codes (n = 385, 25.62%). Most d codes were linked to the Mobility category (n = 69, 4.59%) and few items linked to Environmental Factors (e codes; n = 11, 0.73%).

Discussion

Relatively few items assess the impact of ME/CFS symptoms on Activities and Participation. Findings support development of ME/CFS-specific PROMs, including items that assess activity limitations and participation restrictions. Development of psychometrically-sound, symptom-based item banks administered as computerized adaptive tests can provide robust assessments to assist primary care providers in the diagnosis and care of patients with ME/CFS.
Assessing reward preference using operant behavior in male and female mice
Authors: Karlsson Rose-Marie , Cameron Heather A.
Published: September 2023

Many different solid food pellets are available as reinforcers for rodents in operant behavior tests. Different reward formulations have not been compared, so it is unclear whether mice show strong preferences for different rewards and whether such preferences are consistent within or across sex and background strain. Here we show that mice have strong preferences for two balanced diet food rewards over sucrose pellets, and preference for one balanced diet pellet formulation over another, in a simultaneous choice test using a low effort fixed ratio operant test. All mice, of both sexes and both CD1 and C57 background strains, showed the same strong preferences among these three types of reinforcers. In contrast, flavorings added to the reward pellets had relatively small and more variable effects on preference. The preference for balanced diet pellets over sucrose pellets was seen also in the total numbers of rewards consumed in low effort tests with food pellets or only sucrose pellets available. However, progressive ratio testing showed that mice worked harder for sucrose pellets than for the preferred balanced diet pellets. These findings indicate that reinforcers with similar and very different preference profiles are readily available and that testing with different rewards can produce different, and sometimes unexpected, results.
Development of a perioperative thermal insulation system: Testing comfort properties for different textile sets
Authors: Carvalho Isaura , Carvalho Miguel , Fontes Liliana , Martins Teresa , Abelha Fernando
Published: September 2023

The poorly physical and psychological conditions of the patients make the body thermal protection crucial in the perioperative context, due to the risk of hypothermia. The lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of textile coverings in protecting patients in the operating room, underscores the recommendation of the forced warming system using non-woven fabric for ensuring the best thermal protection in the perioperative context. This study is part of a development process of a three-layered thermal insulation system, a blanket for use in the perioperative context. After previous selection of two fabrics for the mid and outer layers, in this study three fabric samples for the inner layer with same soft tactile sensation and different textile compositions were tested to find its effect on increasing the thermal insulation of the whole set, using a thermal manikin. The serial method was used to calculate the thermal insulation properties of the sets. The best thermal insulation and thermal comfort performance was obtained by the set using an inner layer composed of polypropylene, polyamide, and elastane whose results were the highest thermal conductivity and thickness and the lowest maximum stationary heat flow density. The results indicated that this fabric influenced positively the values of the whole set once increased its thermal protection effectiveness when compared to the other tested sets. This set is more suitable for future testing in patients during their stay in the perioperative setting.
Grammatical impairment in schizophrenia: An exploratory study of the pronominal and sentential domains
Authors: Chaves Monica F. , Rodrigues Cilene , Ribeiro Sidarta , Mota Natália B. , Copelli Mauro
Published: September 2023

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe mental disorder associated with a variety of linguistic deficits, and recently it has been suggested that these deficits are caused by an underlying impairment in the ability to build complex syntactic structures and complex semantic relations. Aiming at contributing to determining the specific linguistic profile of SZ, we investigated the usage of pronominal subjects and sentence types in two corpora of oral dream and waking reports produced by speakers with SZ and participants without SZ (NSZ), both native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. Narratives of 40 adult participants (20 SZ, and 20 NSZ–sample 1), and narratives of 31 teenage participants (11 SZ undergoing first psychotic episode, and 20 NSZ–sample 2) were annotated and statistically analyzed. Overall, narratives of speakers with SZ presented significantly higher rates of matrix sentences, null pronouns—particularly null 3Person referential pronouns—and lower rates of non-anomalous truncated sentences. The high rate of matrix sentences correlated significantly with the total PANSS scores, suggesting an association between the overuse of simple sentences and SZ symptoms in general. In contrast, the high rate of null pronouns correlated significantly with positive PANSS scores, suggesting an association between the overuse of null pronominal forms and the positive symptoms of SZ. Finally, a cross-group analysis between samples 1 and 2 indicated a higher degree of grammatical impairment in speakers with multiple psychotic episodes. Altogether, the results strengthen the notion that deficits at the pronominal and sentential levels constitute a cross-cultural linguistic marker of SZ.
The combination of quercetin and leucine synergistically improves grip strength by attenuating muscle atrophy by multiple mechanisms in mice exposed to cisplatin
Authors: Hsu Te-Hsing , Wu Ting-Jian , Tai Yu-An , Huang Chin-Shiu , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Yeh Shu-Lan
Published: September 2023

Both quercetin and leucine have been shown to exert moderately beneficial effects in preventing muscle atrophy induced by cancers or chemotherapy. However, the combined effects of quercetin and leucine, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms against cisplatin (CDDP)-induced muscle atrophy and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) remain unclear. To investigate the issues, male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to the following groups for 9 weeks: Control, CDDP (3 mg/kg/week), CDDP+Q (quercetin 200 mg/kg/day administrated by gavage), CDDP+LL (a diet containing 0.8% leucine), CDDP+Q+LL, CDDP+HL (a diet containing 1.6% leucine), and CDDP+Q+HL. The results showed that quercetin in combination with LL or HL synergistically or additively attenuated CDDP-induced decreases in maximum grip strength, fat and muscle mass, muscle fiber size and MyHC level in muscle tissues. However, the combined effects on locomotor activity were less than additive. The combined treatments decreased the activation of the Akt/FoxO1/atrogin-1/MuRF1 signaling pathway (associated with muscle protein degradation), increased the activation of the mTOR and E2F-1 signaling pathways (associated with muscle protein synthesis and cell cycle/growth, respectively). The combined effects on signaling molecules present in muscle tissues were only additive or less. In addition, only Q+HL significantly increased glycogen levels compared to the CDDP group, while the combined treatments considerably decreased CDDP-induced proinflammatory cytokine and MCP-1 levels in the triceps muscle. Using tumor-bearing mice, we demonstrated that the combined treatments did not decrease the anticancer effect of CDDP. In conclusion, this study suggests that the combination of quercetin and leucine enhanced the suppressed effects on CDDP-induced muscle weakness and CRF through downregulating muscle atrophy and upregulating the glycogen level in muscle tissues without compromising the anticancer effect of CDDP. Multiple mechanisms, including regulation of several signaling pathways and decrease in proinflammatory mediator levels in muscles may contributed to the enhanced protective effect of the combined treatments on muscle atrophy.
Fucoxanthin inhibits cardiac fibroblast transdifferentiation by alleviating oxidative stress through downregulation of BRD4
Authors: Han Jinxia , Zhang Yanfang , Peng Haisheng
Published: September 2023

Myocardial fibrosis can lead to ischemic damage of the myocardium, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Cardiac fibroblast (CF) transdifferentiation is an important process in myocardial fibrosis. Fucoxanthin (FX) plays a key role in ameliorating myocardial fibrosis; however, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. This study investigated the role of FX in the angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced transdifferentiation of CFs and its potential mechanisms of action. We found that FX inhibited Ang II-induced transdifferentiation of CFs. Simultaneously, FX downregulated bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) expression in CFs and increased nuclear expression of nuclear factorerythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). FX reverses AngII-induced inhibition of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and elevates the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). FX failed to reverse Ang II-induced changes in fibrosis-associated proteins and ROS levels after Nrf2 silencing. BRD4 silencing reversed the inhibitory effect of Ang II on the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signalling pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrated that FX inhibited Ang II-induced transdifferentiation of CFs and that this effect may be related to the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by reducing BRD4 expression and, ultimately, oxidative stress.
The impact of executive compensation incentive on corporate innovation capability: Evidence from agro-based companies in China
Authors: Shang Yue , Xu Jian , Li Jing
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to examine the impact of executive compensation incentive on corporate innovation capability by dividing executive compensation incentive into short-term monetary incentive and long-term equity incentive. We also investigate the interaction between the two types of executive compensation incentive. Data are collected from China’s agro-based companies during 2012–2019, and multiple regression analysis is utilized. The empirical results show that short-term monetary incentive has no impact on innovation capability, while long-term equity incentive stimulates innovation capability. Regarding company ownership, the impact of long-term equity incentive in state-owned enterprises is greater than that in private-owned enterprises. In addition, the complementary effect between short-term and long-term compensation incentive has a positive impact on innovation capability regardless of company ownership. The findings of this paper could help agribusiness managers to design the reasonable incentive system to incentivize corporate executives and enhance the capability of independent innovation.
Engineering conjugative CRISPR-Cas9 systems for the targeted control of enteric pathogens and antibiotic resistance
Authors: Sheng Haiqing , Wu Sarah , Xue Yansong , Zhao Wei , Caplan Allan B. , Hovde Carolyn J. , Minnich Scott A.
Published: September 2023

Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica pose serious public health threats due to their ability to cause severe gastroenteritis and life-threatening sequela, particularly in young children. Moreover, the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance in these bacteria have complicated control of infections. Alternative strategies that effectively target these enteric pathogens and negate or reduce the need of antibiotics are urgently needed. Such an alternative is the CRISPR-Cas9 system because it can generate sequence-specific lethal double stranded DNA breaks. In this study, two self-transmissible broad host range conjugative plasmids, pRK24 and pBP136, were engineered to deliver multiplexed CRSIPR-Cas9 systems that specifically target Enterohemorrhagic and Enteropathogenic strains of E. coli (EHEC and EPEC), S. enterica, and blaCMY-2 antibiotic resistance plasmids. Using in vitro mating assays, we show that the conjugative delivery of pRK24-CRISPR-Cas9 carrying guide RNAs to the EPEC/EHEC eae (intimin) gene can selectively kill enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157 eae+ cells (3 log kill at 6 h) but does not kill the isogenic Δeae mutant (P<0.001). Similar results were also obtained with a pBP136 derivative, pTF16, carrying multiplexed guide RNAs targeting E. coli eae and the S. enterica ssaN gene coding for the type III secretion ATPase. Another pBP136 derivative, TF18, carries guide RNAs targeting S. enterica ssaN and the antibiotic resistance gene, blaCMY-2, carried on the multi-drug resistant pAR06302. Introduction of pTF18 into bacteria harboring pAR06302 showed plasmids were cured at an efficiency of 53% (P<0.05). Using a murine neonate EPEC infection model, pTF16 was delivered by a murine derived E. coli strain to EPEC infected mice and showed significant reductions of intestinal EPEC (P<0.05). These results suggest that establishing conjugative CRISPR-Cas9 antimicrobials in the intestinal microbiome may provide protection from enteric pathogens and reduce antibiotic resistance without disrupting the normal microbiota.
The sweet spot study—Developing e-liquid product standards for nicotine form and concentration to improve public health: Protocol for a randomized, double-blinded, crossover study
Authors: Cho Yoo Jin , Brinkman Marielle C. , Hinton Alice , Nshimiyimana Jean D. , Mehta Toral , Adeniji Ayomipo , Norton Kaila , El Hellani Ahmad , Wagener Theodore L.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

E-cigarettes pose significant risks to youth, but smokers may benefit from switching to e-cigarettes by reducing their exposure to toxicants, which creates a challenge for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regulating e-cigarettes to protect population health. This study aims to develop e-liquid product standards for nicotine form and concentration that reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes to young people while keeping e-cigarettes available as a safer alternative for smokers.

Design and participants

A single-visit, double-blinded, randomized crossover design will be used to examine the effects of e-liquids with varying fractions of free-base nicotine (5%, 25%, 45%, 65%, 85%) among a sample of 66 young adult EC users and 66 older adult smokers, across ecologically valid total nicotine concentrations (20 mg or 50 mg/mL).

Interventions and outcomes

A 2-puff session will be conducted to test each of the 10 e-liquids in randomly assigned sequences, followed by a 10-minute washout period and participant ratings on appeal and sensory attributes such as throat hit and harshness, as well as behavioral intentions for continued use. Generalized linear mixed models will be used to determine a free-base nicotine level that has limited or no appeal to young adult e-cigarette users while remaining acceptable to smokers.

Conclusions

This study will provide the FDA with scientific evidence regarding the effect of product standards that mandate a minimum threshold for the fraction of free-base nicotine.

Trial registration

The study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT05864586.
Interweaving nationalism and cosmopolitanism in the cultivation of Confucian citizens through classics reading in contemporary China
Authors: Wang Canglong
Published: September 2023

Focusing on nationalism and cosmopolitanism as elements influencing the discourse and practice of citizenship and citizenship education, this study discusses how they are construed and implemented by contemporary Confucian educational practitioners. By analysing the theoretical discourses of Confucian classical education and the pedagogical practices of a specific Confucian school, this study reveals the interweaving of nationalism and cosmopolitanism and the pedagogical practices involved in cultivating students as Confucian cosmopolitan citizens with a Chinese national identity. These findings contribute from an Indigenous perspective to the understanding of the shaping of civic subjectivity embedded in the Chinese Confucian context, in line with the ongoing intellectual shift towards post-orientalist citizenship. The study concludes that Confucian education has the potential to inspire citizenship and citizenship education studies by contributing ideas regarding the complexities of the relationship between national identity and global awareness emerging from Chinese politico-cultural circumstances to the internationally recognized rhetoric on citizenship.
Adipomyokines in children with obesity
Authors: Burmitskaya Yu. V. , Vasyukova O. V. , Okorokov P. L. , Zuraeva Z. T. , Bezlepkina O. B.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Adipomyokines are synthesized and secreted into the bloodstream by cells of both muscle and adipose tissue. They can have both a negative metabolic effect, acting as pro-inflammatory adipokines in obesity, and a positive one, increasing in response to physical exertion in the form of myokines.AIM: To study the features of adipocytokine secretion in children with constitutionally exogenous obesity.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 80 patients: 60 adolescents aged 15 [13; 16] years with constitutionally exogenous obesity SDS BMI: 3.0 [2.6; 3.3] and 20 control group children aged 16 [15; 17] years without excess weight SDS BMI: -0.3 [-1.25; 0.33]. Commercial enzyme immunoassay kits were used to determine the level of adipomyokines. The compositional composition of the body was evaluated by bioimpedance analysis (InBody 770 analyzer, South Korea) in the morning, on an empty stomach. Statistical processing was carried out using STATISTICA v.12.0 (StatSoft Inc., USA). The results are presented in the form of median (Me) and quartiles (Q1; Q3) corresponding to 25 and 75 percentiles. The critical significance level (p) was assumed to be <0.05.RESULTS: Levels of IL-6 and irisin are statistically significantly higher in obese adolescents compared to the control group: 0.55 [0.226; 1.35] pg/ml vs 0.202 [0.128; 0.652] pg/ml (p=0.041) and 11.16 [6.6; 22.76] mcg/ml vs 7.36 [6.48; 9.68] mcg/ml (p=0.043), respectively. Concentrations of IL-6, myostatin and decorin increase with an increase in the degree of obesity: grade I vs III: 0.226 [0.224; 0.398] vs 0.80 [0.36; 1.81] pg/ml (p=0,0197), 25,85 [21,53; 28,23] vs 31.41 [24.36; 35.06] ng/ml (p=0.03), 4065.3 [3244.9; 5245.5] vs 5322.5 [4199.8; 7702.4] pg/ml (p=0.0376), respectively. In obese children, IL-6 levels positively correlate with BMI, SDS BMI and the amount of adipose tissue, and myostatin — with BMI and SDS BMI. The concentration of irisin in the blood serum is significantly higher in obese girls than in obese boys and healthy girls. Obese patients, compared with lean peers, are characterized by a statistically significantly higher content of both fat and lean mass. With the progression of obesity, there is a statistically significant increase in the ratio of fat to lean mass (I degree — 0.66 [0.56; 0.7], III — 0.78 [0.68; 0.98] (p=0.0073).CONCLUSION: Patients with obesity and normal body weight have different levels of adipomyokines. An increase in the level of IL-6 with the progression of obesity is directly related to an increase in the content of adipose tissue. Further study of the features of adipocytokine secretion, their relationship with the features of the body composition and metabolic complications in obesity is required.
Synergistic effects of GABA and hypoglycemic drugs
Authors: Tyurenkov I. N. , Faibisovich T. I. , Bakulin D. A.
Published: September 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of premature death and disability. Despite a significant number of drugs, the effectiveness of therapy aimed at normalizing the level of glycemia and preventing complications does not fully satisfy doctors and patients. Therefore, the search for new approaches for the prevention and treatment of DM and its complications continues. Significant resources are used to develop new drugs, but recently the possibility of using «old» widely available drugs with newly discovered pleiotropic properties has been substantiated. These may include preparations of gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) and agents that directly or indirectly activate GABAergic transmission, which have a pronounced pancreatic protective effect, which has been widely discussed in foreign literature over the past 10–15 years. However, there are few such publications in the domestic literature.It has been established that the content of GABA in β-cells in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is reduced and this correlates with the severity of the disease. Genetic suppression of GABA receptors causes a significant decrease in the mass of β-cells and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, which confirms the importance of GABA in ensuring glucose homeostasis and the advisability of replenishing the GABA deficiency in DM with its additional administration. It has been established that in animals with DM, GABA suppresses apoptosis and stimulates the regeneration of β-cells, increases β-cell mass and insulin production.Experimental data have been obtained indicating a synergistic effect of GABA when combined with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, when a more pronounced pancreoprotective effect is observed, due to decrease in oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, increase in the level of Klotho protein, Nrf-2 activity and antioxidant defense enzymes, suppression of NF-kB activity and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. As a result, all this leads to a decrease in apoptosis and death of β-cells, an increase in β-cell mass, insulin production and, at the same time, a decrease in glucagon levels and insulin resistance.The review substantiates the feasibility of using GABA and drugs with a positive GABAeric effect in combination with new generation antidiabetic agents: GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT-2 inhibitors in order to increase their antidiabetic potential.The search was carried out in the databases Pubmed, eLibrary, Medline. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1 receptor agonists, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. The search was carried out from 2000 to 2022, but the review presents the results studies published mainly in the last 3 years, due to the requirements of the journal for the maximum amount of work and the number of sources.
Legal issues of the use of continuous glucose monitoring in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Malievskiy O. A. , Yulchurin S. A.
Published: September 2023

Continuous glucose monitoring is an effective method of monitoring glycaemia, allowing to achieve optimal glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children. After the approval of the new «Standard of medical care for children with type 1 diabetes (diagnosis and treatment)» (registered with the Ministry of Justice of Russia on 02/18/2021 No. 62543), hundreds of lawsuits were initiated in many regions of the country against regional public authorities in the field of healthcare and medical organizations demanding free supply of systems for continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels and/or sensors to them. This article analyzes the current legislation regarding the validity of the claims for free supply of disabled children with type 1 diabetes with continuous glucose monitoring.
Effect of components of the renin-angiotensin system, rs2106809 polymorphism of the ACE2 gene, and therapy with RAS blockers on the severity of COVID-19
Authors: Zuraeva Z. T. , Vikulova O. K. , Malysheva N. M. , Nikankina L. V. , Zaytceva N. V. , Sukhareva O. Y. , Shamhalova M. S. , Shestakova M. V. , Mokrysheva N. G.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), providing counter-regulation of its effects and, simultaneously, a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 entering. It is suggested that factors regulating the balance of the major components of RAS, including ACE2 gene polymorphism, therapy with RAS blockers (ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers) — may affect the severity of COVID-19.AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of RAS components, the relationship of ACE2 gene polymorphism rs2106809 and ACEi/ARBs therapy with the COVID-19 severity.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Endocrinology research centre (n = 173), who were divided into groups of moderate and severe course. Determination of RAS components was performed by ELISA, identification of polymorphism by PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric statistical methods; differences in the distribution of genotype frequencies were assessed using Fisher’s exact test χ2.RESULTS: The groups differed significantly in age, blood glucose levels, and inflammatory markers: leukocytes, neutrophils, IL-6, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, ferritin and liver enzymes, which correlated with the severity of the disease. When comparing patients in terms of ACE, ACE2, angiotensin II, ADAM17 there were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p=0.544, p=0.054, p=0.836, p=1.0, respectively), including the distribution by gender (in men: p=0.695, p=0.726, p=0.824, p=0.512; in women: p=0.873, p=0.196, p=0.150, p=0.937). Analysis of the distribution of AA, AG, and GG genotypes of the rs2106809 polymorphism of the ACE2 gene also revealed no differences between patients: χ2 1.35, p=0.071 in men, χ2 5.28, p=0.244 in women. There were no significant differences in the use of RAS blockers between groups with different course severity: χ2 0.208, p=0.648 for ACEi, χ2 1.15, p=0.283 for ARBs.CONCLUSION: In our study, the influence of activation of RAS components (ACE, ACE2, AT II, ADAM17) and ACE2 gene polymorphism on the severity of COVID-19 course was not confirmed. The severity of COVID-19 course correlated with the level of standard inflammatory markers, indicating the general principles of the infection as a systemic inflammation, regardless of the genetic and functional status of the RAS.
Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is a «signal disease» in the multiorgan autoimmune syndrome
Authors: Troshina E. A.
Published: September 2023

The current century has been declared by the WHO as the «century of autoimmune diseases», of which there are more than a hundred today. The natural course of any autoimmune disease is characterized by progression from a latent and subclinical to a clinical stage and is associated with the presence of specific circulating autoantibodies. During the life of a person with one verified autoimmune disease, there is a high probability of consecutive manifestation of other autoimmune pathologies. Every fourth patient with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis develops autoimmune non-thyroid pathologies during his life, and vice versa, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is present among people with non-thyroid autoimmune diseases. Modern ideas about the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development and progression of autoimmune diseases make it possible to consider chronic autoimmune thyroiditis as a «signal pathology» in the multiorgan autoimmune syndrome.