bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chemoattractant Trp-Lys-Tyr-Met-Val-D-Met activates eosinophils through the formyl peptide receptor and one of its homologues, formyl peptide receptor-like 1
Authors: Svensson Lena , Dahlgren Claes , Wennerås Christine
Published: September 2022

Whereas prokaryotes use L- and D-isomers of amino acids in their protein synthesis, eukaryotic proteins as a rule incorporate only L-isomers. Hence, D-isomers may constitute danger signals to the innate immune system. A D-methionine-containing peptide, Trp-Lys-Tyr-Met-Val-D-Met-NH2 (WKYMVm), has been shown to be a stronger activator of neutrophils than f-Met-Leu-Phe. The aim of this study was to compare the responsiveness of eosinophils to WKYMVm with that of neutrophils. The peptide was found to induce chemotaxis and respiratory burst in eosinophils. However, it did not mobilize granule constituents, as evidenced by a lack of eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil peroxidase, and interleukin-5 in the supernatants of stimulated eosinophils. In contrast, WKYMVm caused the release of complement receptor 3 from secretory vesicles in neutrophils. Different members of the formyl peptide receptor family were preferentially engaged by the peptide in the two classes of granulocytes: the formyl peptide receptor itself in eosinophils and formyl peptide receptor-like 1 in neutrophils.
An essential role of macrophage inflammatory protein 1α/CCL3 on the expression of host's innate immunities against infectious complications
Authors: Takahashi Hitoshi , Tashiro Tsuguhiko , Miyazaki Masaru , Kobayashi Makiko , Pollard Richard B , Suzuki Fujio
Published: September 2022

Sepsis was induced by well-controlled cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α)/CCL3 knockout (CCL3−/−) and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. CCL3−/− mice and their littermates (CCL3+/+ mice) treated with anti-CCL3 monoclonal antibodies were susceptible (0–20% survival) to CLP-induced sepsis, and CCL3−/− mice supplemented with recombinant (r)CCL3 (250 ng/mouse) and CCL3+/+ mice were resistant (70–80% survival). The resistance of SCID mice to CLP was markedly improved by the rCCL3 administration (88% survival), and SCID mice treated with saline were shown to be middling resistant to the same CLP (45% survival). However, the resistance of SCID-M mice (SCID mice depleted of the macrophage function) to CLP was not improved by the rCCL3 administration (11% survival), and 41% of SCID-M mice reconstituted with normal peritoneal macrophages and 79% of SCID-M mice inoculated with CCL3-treated peritoneal macrophages survived. In addition, the resistance of SCID-MN mice (SCID mice depleted of functional macrophages and neutrophils) to CLP was improved by the inoculation of CCL3-treated macrophages (78% survival), and all of SCID-MN mice inoculated with CCL3-treated neutrophils died. CCL3 is shown to be essential to the host resistance against bacterial sepsis. Macrophages but not neutrophils are highlighted as the major effector cells when protective innate immunities against sepsis are improved by CCL3.
Fraternal Forms and Forest Figures: Politics and Metapolitics in the Thought of Norman O. Brown
Authors: Carter Stephen
Published: September 2022

This essay explores Norman O. Brown's conception of politics and metapolitics. Brown describes politics via Freud's family romance, as a sphere of conflict between fathers and sons. The first part of the argument focuses on Brown's notion of the fraternal—collectivities organized via metaphorical extensions of brotherhood—as a central, underemphasized, and socially ambiguous aspect of his understanding of politics. The second part discusses Brown's use of figures drawn from ecological or environmental spaces, in particular trees and forests, to outline a notion of metapolitics, even while he also critiques conventional connections between the natural world and motherhood as still beholden to familial frameworks. The essay closes by arguing that Brown's forest imagery combines functional competent stewardship with playful wilderness pleasure, aiming to articulate forms of collective life that transcend Oedipal drama.
The Translatability of Experience
Authors: Mercier Lucie K.
Published: September 2022

Fanon considered that colonial alienation produced multiple forms of relational pathologies, many of which expressed themselves in and through blockages in communication rather than through explicit conflict. Exposing the role of language as a vector of racial violence and colonial oppression, Fanon also presented it as a potentially revolutionary medium of decolonization. The article has two aims: firstly, to give an account of Fanon's ongoing concern with language, in part by underscoring three very different influences in Fanon's expansive conception of its role—those of Aimé Césaire, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and François Tosquelles. Secondly, the article aims to rearticulate the function of language in Fanon's theory of colonial disalienation by drawing on a specific trajectory in his clinico-political thought: from diagnoses of untranslatability or incommunicability to analyses of decolonization as the radical transformation of the subject's experience of language.
A dual involvement of Protocadherin 18a in stromal cell development guides the formation of a functional hematopoietic niche
Authors: Touret Anne-Lou , Vivier Catherine , Schmidt Anne , Herbomel Philippe , Murayama Emi
Published: September 2022

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells emerge from the aorta and migrate to the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT) of zebrafish larvae, the hematopoietic equivalent of the mammalian fetal liver, for their proliferation and differentiation. We previously reported that somite-derived stromal cells were a key component of the CHT niche. Here, we found that the cell adhesion protein Protocadherin 18a (Pcdh18a) is expressed in the stromal cell progenitors (SCPs) emigrating from somites toward the future CHT. Deletion of most of the Pcdh18a intracellular domain caused a decrease in the number of SCPs, the directionality of their migration, and the cell-contact mediated repulsion that normally occurs between migrating SCPs. These defects were followed by abnormal morphogenesis of the venous plexus that forms the CHT framework, and the inability of the CHT to function as a niche for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Finally, we found that the extracellular domain of Pcdh18a mediates trans heterophilic adhesion of stromal cells to endothelial cells in vivo and thereby the reticular versus perivascular fate of SCPs. Thus, Pcdh18a expression in SCPs is essential for the proper development of the hematopoietic niche.
Lifetime Earnings in the United States over Six Decades
Authors: Guvenen Fatih , Kaplan Greg , Song Jae , Weidner Justin
Published: September 2022

Between the 1957 and 1983 labor market entry cohorts, median lifetime earnings declined by 10–19 percent for men and increased by 22–33 percent for women, albeit relative to very low median lifetime earnings for the early cohorts. The difference between newer and older cohorts comes from differences in median earnings at the time of labor market entry. Inequality in lifetime earnings has increased significantly within each gender group, but the closing lifetime gender gap has kept overall lifetime inequality flat. The increase among men is largely attributable to subsequent cohorts entering the labor market with progressively higher levels of inequality. (JEL D15, J16, J31, J32)
Comment on “Temperature and Decisions: Evidence from 207,000 Court Cases”
Authors: Spamann Holger
Published: September 2022

Heyes and Saberian (2019b) estimate from 2000–2004 data that outdoor temperature reduces US immigration judges’ propensity to grant asylum. This estimate is the result of coding and data errors and of sample selection. Correcting the errors reduces the point estimate by two-thirds, with a wide 95 percent confidence interval straddling zero. Enlarging the sample to 1990–2019 flips the point estimate’s sign and rules out the effect size reported by Heyes and Saberian with very high confidence. An analysis of all criminal sentencing decisions by US federal district judges from 1992 to 2003 yields no evidence of temperature or other weather effects either. (JEL K37, K41, Q54)
The Health Effects of Prison
Authors: Hjalmarsson Randi , Lindquist Matthew J.
Published: September 2022

This paper studies the health effects of Swedish prison reforms that held sentences constant but increased the share of time inmates had to serve. The increased time served did not harm post-release health and actually reduced mortality risk. We find especially large decreases in mortality for offenders not previously incarcerated, younger offenders, and those more attached to the labor market. Risk of suicide and circulatory death fell for inmates with mental health problems and older inmates, respectively. In-prison health care utilization and program participation increased with time served, suggesting health care treatment and services as the key mechanism for mortality declines. (JEL I12, I18, K42)
Pathways into Opioid Dependence: Evidence from Practice Variation in Emergency Departments
Authors: Eichmeyer Sarah , Zhang Jonathan
Published: September 2022

We use practice variation across physicians to uncover the role of medical care in causing opioid dependence. Using health records of 2 million US veterans with emergency department visits, we find that quasi-random assignment to a top (versus bottom) decile prescribing provider significantly increases subsequent opioid use and misuse rates. Instrumental variable results show that opioid prescription receipt leads to a 20 percent increase in the probability of long-term prescription opioid use and sizable increases in the development of opioid use disorder and opioid overdose mortality. We find suggestive evidence of transition into illicit opioids due to prescription opioid exposure. (JEL I11, I12, I18)
Evaluation of hemodynamically significant pericardial effusion by analysis of cardiac chambers volume by computed tomography
Authors: Granot Yoav , Rozenbaum Zach , Yashar Hila , Shalmon Tamar , Berliner Shlomo , Aviram Galit
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Pericardial effusion may present clinically as pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, or hemodynamic compromise and is a frequent finding in computerized tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) exams. We hypothesized that CTPA-based analysis of the cardiac chamber volumes can be used to predict the hemodynamic significance of pericardial effusion (HsPE) as compared with echocardiography.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent CTPA and echocardiography between January 2009 and November 2017 that ruled-out acute pulmonary embolism was included. Differences in cardiac chamber volumes were investigated in correlation to echocardiographic evidence of HsPE.

Results:

The final cohort included 208 patients, of whom 22 (11%) were diagnosed with HsPE. The HsPE patients had much smaller right cardiac chamber volumes (Median 78.8 ml (IQR 72.4–89.1)) than patients without HsPE (Median 115.1 ml (IQR 87.4–150). A decision tree for the prediction of HsPE showed multiple cutoff values. Right atrium (RA) volume had the best accuracy (area under the curve 0.851, 95% confidence interval 0.776–0.925, p < .001) for predicting the presence of HsPE. An RA volume ≤86 ml yielded a sensitivity of 95.5%, a specificity of 64%, and a NPV of 99.2% for the presence of HsPE.

Conclusion:

CTPA-based volumetric information with focus on the RA volume may help predict the presence of HsPE.

Advances in knowledge:

Pericardial effusion is a frequent finding in CTPA exams. Our study shows that CTPA-based volumetric information can predict the presence of HsPE with RA volume as the best indicator.
Development of an improved diagnostic nomogram for preoperative prediction of small cell neuroendocrine cancer of the cervix
Authors: Li Yun-Zhi , Liu Peng , Mao Bao-Hong , Wang Li-Li , Ren Jia-Liang , Xu Yong-Sheng , Liu Guang-Yao , Xin Zhong-Hong , Lei Jun-Qiang
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

Accurate preoperative diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine cancer of the cervix (SCNECC) is crucial for establishing the best treatment plan. This study aimed to develop an improved, non-invasive method for the preoperative diagnosis of SCNECC by integrating clinical, MR morphological, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) information.

Methods:

A total of 105 pathologically confirmed cervical cancer patients (35 SCNECC, 70 non-SCNECC) from multiple centres with complete clinical and MR records were included. Whole lesion histogram analysis of the ADC was performed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop diagnostic models based on clinical, morphological, and histogram data. The predictive performance in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the different models was assessed. A nomogram for preoperatively discriminating SCNECC was developed from the combined model.

Results:

In preoperative SCNECC diagnosis, the combined model, which had a diagnostic AUC (area under the curve) of 0.937 (95% CI: 0.887–0.987), outperformed the clinical-morphological model, which had an AUC of 0.869 (CI: 0.788–0.949), and the histogram model, which had an AUC of 0.872 (CI: 0.792–0.951). The calibration curve and decision curve analyses suggest that the combined model achieved good fitting and clinical utility.

Conclusions:

Non-invasive preoperative diagnosis of SCNECC can be achieved with high accuracy by integrating clinical, MR morphological, and ADC histogram features. The nomogram derived from the combined model can provide an easy-to-use clinical preoperative diagnostic tool for SCNECC.

Advances in knowledge:

It is clear that the therapeutic strategies for SCNECC are different from those for other pathological types of cervical cancer according to V 1.2021 of the NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology for cervical cancer. This research developed an improved, non-invasive method for the preoperative diagnosis of SCNECC by integrating clinical, MR morphological, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) information.
On climate order: a policy brief
Authors: Feng Rui
Published: September 2022

Background: Climate change, largely triggered by human-induced greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions, seems unstoppable. There was a strong rebound of anthropogenic emissions of CO2, the preponderant GHG in terms of contribution to global warming, around the world after the COVID-19 lockdown. Also, there is still no widely accepted international treaty on curbing the anthropogenic emissions of CH4 and N2O, the second and third predominant GHG, respectively, so far. Thereby, prima facie, in respect to mitigating climate change, currently, humans have no aces up their sleeves. It seems that current temperature rise is not high enough to take alarm until the occurrence of tipping point.

Policy: Climate-related international treaties, such as 2016 Paris agreement, are compromises among conflicting geopolitical pressures. However, currently, the climate treaties show little mandatory binding force on the signatories who are able to violate and then get off scot-free, thus may end up like a nostrum. Throughout the European history, I find that the only way, if at all, to achieve the peace or obedience of a treaty is via balancing powers, embodied in Bismarck’s Realpolitik of Germany and Richelieu’s Raison d'état of France. Similarly, the Chinese history in East Asia proved the significance of unadulterated ideological neutrality and Darwinian adaptability in the kaleidoscope of evolving circumstances in maintaining order and enforcement of international treaties through balancing the power of rivalries to constrain ever-recurring challengers for equilibrium.

Recommendations: A successful policy needs to make a thorough analysis of all relevant factors to form a long-term strategic notion. Then, statesmen need to distill an array of nebulous, always contradictory options into a tenacious, controllable direction. Thereby, I suggest that, for better curbing global warming, climate agreements or climate club be incorporated into an overall geopolitical framework among the international communities.
Hyaluronic acid in gynecology and obstetrics
Authors: Łopuszyńska Anna Małgorzata , Ochyra Łukasz , Pawlicki Mateusz , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polysaccharide classified in the group of glycosaminoglycans. Naturally it occurs in the dermis and is responsible for the elasticity of the skin. In medicine, it can be found cross-linked, partially cross-linked or non-cross-linked, which is associated with different densities and the ability to bind water molecules. It (HA) is used in many areas, including ophthalmology, rheumatology, and dermatology. There are many studies and reports, that it can be used in gynecology and obstetrics in various diseases.Material and methods: The PubMed scientific base was reviewed in 2015-2022 using the keywords hyaluronic acid, gynecology, obstetrics.Results: Intrauterine adhesions are a complication of various procedures performed in the uterine cavity, from curettage to removal of the septum or uterine fibroids. Numerous studies suggest, that hyaluronic acid may be an effective agent in preventing formation of adhesions. For menopausal women, it may relieve symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy. Indocyanine green is used for intraoperative visualization of neoplastic tissues and used in case of cervical cancer. There are reports, that stating hyaluronic acid can increase stability of this substance, which can improve imaging. In the case of hyaluronic acid in the form of vaginal gel, a beneficial effect on hydration and sexual function of women both after childbirth and after menopause was noticed. There are reports of its use in prevention of ovarian failure after chemotherapy and its positive aspects in assisted reproductive techniques.Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid can be used in many gynecological and obstetric diseases, positively influencing the life of women in both fertility and sexual areas and also in the group of cancer patients. Therefore, further large, randomized, multicentre studies confirming action of this substance, determining its dose, method and schedule of administration are important.
The human gastroinstestinal tract microbiota in health – current knowledge summary
Authors: Prylińska-Jaśkowiak Monika , Kożuchowski Marcin
Published: September 2022

The health of the human body is influenced by many external and internal factors, but one of the most important of them is the rich microbiota of the human body. The number of microorganism cells inhabiting the human body exceeds the number of cells that make up the human body. Several different ecosystems coexist in the human body, incl. microbiota of the skin, eye, respiratory tract, urogenital tract and gastrointestinal tract. The composition of microbiota in various parts of the human body, as well as in various parts of a given system or organ, differs significantly from one another. Detailed knowledge of the composition of the human microbiota, as well as its functions for the host organism, is a starting point for further considerations on the meaning of dysbiosis, i.e. changes in the composition of the microbiota, for changing the functioning of the microbiota-host relationship and the development of disease states. It seems that further scientific research on this topic will lead to the recognition of microbiota as a marker and diagnostic tool, and possibly a past therapeutic target for some diseases. This publication attempts to organize and summarize basic information on the human gastrointestinal tract microbiota (GIT microbiota) in health.
Legal protection of mental health of employees in Slovakia
Authors: Dolobáč Marcel
Published: September 2022

The development of technology has a significant impact and creates new requirements in the field of labour-law relations. One of these requirements is the protection of occupational health and safety by preventing the blurring of boundaries between employees’ work and their private lives. In general, it can be stated that health protection legislation in Slovakia complies with standards, international obligations, and European legislation. On the other hand, we have to emphasize that the protection of mental health has only recently come into serious expert discussion, mostly because of the enormous mental health problems of employees caused by the pandemic. In the article we stressed the negative fact that mental disorders cannot be considered as an occupational disease and that means that employees with mental illness are excluded from the social security payments. There is an obvious necessity to include mental disorders and mental illness to the catalogue of occupational diseases as they are a legal basis for social (security) protection. Besides that, the current subject of discussions in the professional community and also in the application practice is the right to disconnect. We consider an adoption of the right to disconnect to a telework regulation in the Labour code as a progress. Despite the fact that it is a progressive step towards a health and safety policy, on the other hand we just cannot resist adding that the above-mentioned right to disconnect should apply not just to domestic work and telework, but to any employment relationship.
Building a Location-Based Set of Social Media Users
Authors: Marks Christopher Edward , Zaman Tauhid
Published: September 2022

In events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or war zones, one can gain critical situational awareness by monitoring what people on the ground are saying in social media. But how does one build a set of users in a specific location from scratch? In “Building a Location-Based Set of Social Media Users,” Christopher Marks and Tauhid Zaman present an algorithm to do just this. The algorithm starts with a small set of seed users in the location and then grows this set using an “expand–classify” approach. They apply the algorithm to diverse regions ranging from South America to the Philippines and in a few hours can collect tens of thousands of Twitter users in the target locations. The algorithm is language agnostic, making it especially useful for anyone trying to gain situational awareness in foreign countries.
Bladder Paraganglioma Presenting as Post-Micturition Syncope
Authors: Tomkins Maria , McCabe Mark , Crowther Stephen , Kilgallen Clive , Little Dilly , Smith Diarmuid , Agha Amar
Published: September 2022

A 22-year-old female presented with a twelve-year history of intensifying paroxysms of anxiety, palpitations and recurrent syncope following micturition. The patient was referred to endocrinology upon discovery of hypertension. Extended family history revealed metastatic phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma in two grand-uncles. Clinical examination revealed hypertension, mean 24hr ambulatory blood pressure of 150/100mmHg. Supine plasma normetanephrines were markedly elevated with a raised 3-methoxytyramine, plasma metanephrines were normal. Computed tomography identified a 4.4cm mass at the right inferolateral margin of the bladder wall. Scintigraphic imaging confirmed unifocal bladder lesion uptake with no additional metastatic lesions.  Following pre-operative alpha blockade, the patient underwent a partial cystectomy. Histology confirmed a paraganglioma, SDHB staining was lost in neoplastic cells consistent with an SDHB-related paraganglioma. Plasma normetanephrine, 3-methoxytyramine and blood pressure returned to normal postoperatively. Genetic screening identified a germ line heterozygous SDHB gene variant c.723C>G. Bladder paragangliomas are a rare but important differential to consider when investigating post-micturition syncope. Extended family history should be sought and suspicion for a genetic cause should be raised, especially when presenting at a young age. This is the first reported case describing phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma with the SDHB gene variant c.723C>G.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and perioperative medicine: a growing concern
Authors: Chambers Tom , Ruparelia Prina , Ellis Georgia , Bishop Thomas , Gooneratne Mevan , Singh Nanak
Published: September 2022

Obstructive sleep apnoea represents a sizable public health and economic burden. Owing to rising obesity rates, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea is increasing, and it is a condition that is significantly underdiagnosed. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the backlog of elective surgeries is also sizable and growing. A combination of these factors means that many patients due to have surgery will have obstructive sleep apnoea, either diagnosed or otherwise.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea have a significantly increased risk of operative complications, but the evidence base for optimum perioperative management of these patients is limited. This article reviews sleep apnoea, its prevalence and its impact on operative management and perioperative outcomes for patients. The evidence base for screening and treating undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea is also comprehensively assessed. Finally, a pathway to manage patients with possible undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea is proposed, and areas for further research identified.
Diversity in surgery: the perceptions of aspiring surgeons
Authors: Galloway Richard , Chandrakumar Charmilie , Maceviciute Kornelija , Wong Jason , Jeyaseelan Lucky
Published: September 2022

Background/Aims

This study aimed to explore definitions of diversity, and views and attitudes towards diversity in healthcare among future generations of surgical trainees.

Methods

This was a prospective, cohort study via an online questionnaire during a virtual, nationwide surgical course, targeted at aspiring surgeons.

Results

Out of 202 participants, 166 met the inclusion criteria. Participants' definitions of diversity most frequently included race, gender and ethnicity, with fewer than 50.0% recognising pregnancy, communication style or political preference in their definition. Of the respondents, 56.0% (93/166) believed that the surgical community did not do enough to encourage diversity. The rising cost of training, lack of diverse role models and dated ideologies were identified as barriers to achieving greater diversity within surgery.

Conclusions

Important components of diversity continue to be under-recognised. Surgery must maximise diversity to attract, support and motivate the next generation of surgeons, for the benefit of the health service and the populations it serves.
Improved Modified Classes of Regression Type Estimators of Finite Population Mean in the Presence of Auxiliary Attribute
Authors: Adejumobi Awwal , Yunusa Mojeed Abiodun , Audu Ahmed
Published: September 2022

In this research, estimators are suggested to improve modified classes of regression type estimators of finite population mean. The essence of proposing the estimators is as a result of the assumption that there may be weak relationship between study variable and auxiliary attribute. Properties (Biases and MSEs) of the proposed estimators are procured using Taylor series method. The efficiency conditions under which the proposed estimators are better than other related ones are established. Empirical findings are incentive and the results shown that the proposed estimators are more proficient compare to the existing estimators considered in the study.
High Performance Bimetallic(Cu-Co) Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor using Hybrid Configuration of 2D Materials
Authors: P. Maheswari  , V. Ravi  , K. B. Rajesh  , Rajan Jha
Published: September 2022

The performance of prism-based surface plasmon resonance sensor utilizing kretschmann configuration composed of thin metallic (Cu–Co) film coated with 2D material such as BP/Graphene layer is investigated theoretically based on angular interrogation method. It is observed that optimizing the thickness of bimetallic (Cu–Co) and BP/Graphene layers, the sensitivity of the sensor improved greatly and still can maintain its minimum reflectivity and line width of the SPR reflectivity curve. We also observed that addition of BP/ Graphene over the bimetallic layer, its further enhanced the sensitivity. Numerical results shows that sensitivity as high as 504deg/RIU is achieved for the well optimized bimetallic configuration consist of 45nm of Cu and 10nm of Co thickness for the analyte refractive indices ranging from 1.330 - 1.335.
Custom Mega Prosthesis in a Rare case of Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of Proximal Tibia – A Case Report
Authors: Muthu Sathish , Kandasamy Velmurugan , Chellamuthu Girinivasan , Thakur Aditya
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Lytic lesions of the proximal tibia include a plethora of differential diagnoses. The most common ones are the Giant cell tumor, fibrous dysplasia, adamantinoma, chondromyxoid fibroma, and osteoblastoma. The rarer ones include vascular tumors such as hemangioma and hemangioendothelioma. A systematic line of investigations is essential to pick up the right diagnosis especially in case of rarer conditions. In this background, we present a case of lytic lesion of the proximal tibia which turned out to be epitheloid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). Case Report: A 37-year-old female presented with pain and swelling in the left knee for 2 years. On examination, the patient had a 3 × 4 cm firm, non-tender, and well-defined swelling on the anterolateral aspect of the proximal tibia. X-ray showed a lytic lesion of the proximal tibia. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of a giant cell tumor. However, the biopsy revealed a rare diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Conclusion: The patient was managed with wide excision. In a young adult, arthrodesis may not be the best option; hence, we reconstructed the joint with a custom mega prosthesis (CMP). At 3 years follow-up, our patient had no signs of recurrence. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the use of CMP in a case of EHE
Localized Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Bilateral Knee: A Case Report
Authors: Okamura Hiroki , Ishikawa Hiroki , Ohno Takuya , Fujita Shogo , Inagaki Katsunori
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare and benign condition of synovial tissue proliferation that affects the joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. This case report is the first to describe a patient with a diagnosis of localized PVNS of the knee after presentation with bilateral and simultaneous onset of associated knee pain. Case Report: A 28-year-old Japanese woman presented to our hospital with a 1-year history of bilateral knee pain and right knee locking that started 1 month ago. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a mass lesion in both the anterior compartment of the right knee and in the posterior compartments of the left knee. Arthroscopic resection of the lesions was performed, and the diagnosis of localized PVNS was made by pathological analysis. At the 6-month follow-up, no evidence of recurrence was noted. Conclusion: This case report describes localized PVNS of the bilateral knee, which is extremely rare. PVNS is a disease requiring surgical resection and should not be overlooked. It should be treated with the possibility of bilateral occurrence in mind.
Spontaneous Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon in Console Video Game Players: A Case Series
Authors: Louka Jean G. , Zeine Georges , Pourre Damien
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon spontaneous rupture has been related to numerous risk factors including wrist fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, and steroids administered locally or systemically, as well as repetitive and excessive wrist motion. Case Report: Four cases of spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon, diagnosed clinically, in console video game players, were reported by the authors. None of the patients had a predisposing factor. Intraoperatively, the rupture of the EPL tendon was observed at the level of the extensor retinaculum. The ruptured tendon was repaired using a conventional extensor indicis proprius to EPL tendon transplant. At the last follow-up, 2 years following surgery, the patients had satisfactory full extension of the thumb. Conclusion: This series reported the spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon without underlying chronic inflammation or bony abnormalities. It is hypothesized that chronic repetitive movements weaken the tendon leading to rupture. The possibility that playing video games can decrease pain sensation evokes concerns regarding overuse.
Experimental generation of adjustable partially coherent optical vortices from coherent and incoherent light sources
Authors: Cadavid-Muñoz Juan José , Rueda Edgar , Restrepo René
Published: September 2022

Adjustable spatial coherence systems allow the possibility to make
different intensity distributions using one source. Most common
adjustable sources are based on the Collet–Wolf system. However, it is
also possible to adjust the spatial coherence of the illumination
field from white light sources by spatially filtering the source
mutual intensity spectrum. We implement the Collet–Wolf source and the
LED-based system to experimentally contrast a variety of partially
coherent optical vortices that can be generated with spatial light
modulation. We experimentally study the effects of changing the
transverse coherence in partially coherent optical vortices, using a
proposed metric of vortex contrast depth that quantifies the change of
the vortex hollowness. To expand the analysis, we use a Michelson
interferometer to reconstruct the spiral wavefronts using phase
shifting. We found that the LED system at lower spatially correlated
light produces truncated triangular distributions (a 50 µm
pinhole is used), and with higher correlated light, it produces
partially coherent optical vortices (a 10 µm pinhole is used).
The Collet–Wolf system generates partially coherent optical vortices
up to 0.5 mm of focal shift in the diffuser. Our results
provide an experimental understanding and instrumental methodology
capable of steering the optical transverse coherence, producing
adjustable partially coherent optical vortices that can be obtained
using incoherent and coherent sources.
Effects of measurement noise on the construction of a transmission
matrix
Authors: Mouthaan Ralf , Christopher Peter J. , Kadis Andrew , Gordon George S. D. , Wilkinson Timothy D. , Euser Tijmen G.
Published: September 2022

The effects of time-varying measurement noise on transmission matrix
acquisition processes are considered for the first time, to our
knowledge. Dominant noise sources are discussed, and the noise
properties of a typical interferometer system used for characterizing
a multimode fiber transmission matrix are quantified. It is
demonstrated that an appropriate choice of measurement basis allows a
more accurate transmission matrix to be more quickly obtained in the
presence of measurement noise. Finally, it is shown that
characterizing the noise figure of the experimental system allows the
inverse transmission matrix to be constructed with an ideal amount of
regularization, which can in turn be used for optimal image
acquisition.
Phase-matching properties of Ba2Ga8GeS16
Authors: Kato Kiyoshi , Badikov Valeriy V. , Umemura Nobuhiro , Miyata Kentaro , Petrov Valentin
Published: September 2022

We report experimental results on the phase-matching properties of the quaternary

B
a

2

G
a

8

G
e
S

16

crystal for second-harmonic generation (SHG) and sum-frequency generation (SFG) of Nd:YAG laser-pumped

K
T
i
O
P
O

4

(KTP) and

H
g
G
a

2

S

4

(HGS) optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) and a waveguide

C
O

2

laser in the 0.8054–10.5910 µm range. Based on these experimental data, we derive refined Sellmeier equations and thermo-optic dispersion formulas that are expected to enable practical applications of this new uniaxial nonoxide nonlinear crystal in the mid-IR part of the spectrum.
Micro-transfer-printed narrow-linewidth III-V-on-Si double laser structure with a combined 110 nm tuning range
Authors: Soltanian Emadreza , Muliuk Grigorij , Uvin Sarah , Wang Dongbo , Lepage Guy , Verheyen Peter , Van Campenhout Joris , Ertl Stefan , Rimböck Johanna , Vaissiere Nicolas , Néel Delphine , Ramirez Joan , Decobert Jean , Kuyken Bart , Zhang Jing , Roelkens Gunther
Published: September 2022

In this work, we demonstrate for the first time a narrow-linewidth III-V-on-Si double laser structure with more than a 110 nm wavelength tuning range realized using micro-transfer printing (µTP) technology. Two types of pre-fabricated III-V semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) with a photoluminescence (PL) peak around 1500 nm and 1550 nm are micro-transfer printed on two silicon laser cavities. The laser cavities are fabricated in imec’s silicon photonics (SiPh) pilot line on 200 mm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers with a 400 nm thick silicon device layer. By combining the outputs of the two laser cavities on chip, wavelength tunability over S+C+L-bands is achieved.
Ultra-wideband antireflection assisted by a continuously varying temporal medium
Authors: Zhang Yi , Peng Liang , Huang Zhengjie , Ran Lixin , Ye Dexin
Published: September 2022

We demonstrate that reflectionless propagation of electromagnetic waves between two different materials can be achieved by designing an intermediate temporal medium, which can work in an ultra-wide frequency band. Such a temporal medium is designed with consideration of a multi-stage variation of the material’s permittivity in the time domain. The multi-stage temporal permittivity is formed by a cascaded quarter-wave temporal coating, which is an extension of the antireflection temporal coating by Pacheco-Peña et al. [Optica 7, 323 (2020)10.1364/OPTICA.381175]. The strategy to render ultra-wideband antireflection temporal medium is discussed analytically and verified numerically. In-depth analysis shows that the multi-stage design of the temporal media implies a continuously temporal variation of the material’s constitutive parameters, thus an ultra-wideband antireflection temporal medium is reasonably obtained. As an illustrative example for application, the proposed temporal medium is adopted to realize impedance matching between a dielectric slab and free space, which validates our new findings.
Revisit the Poynting vector in P
T-symmetric coupled waveguides
Authors: Zhang Xin-Zhe , Luo Ru-Zhi , Chen Jing
Published: September 2022

We show that the time-averaged Poynting vector of

S
→

=

E
→

×

H
→

∗

/

2

in parity-time (

P
T

) symmetric coupled waveguides is always positive and cannot explain the stopped light at exceptional points (EPs). In order to solve this paradox, we must accept the fact that the fields

E
→

and

H
→

and the Poynting vector in non-Hermitian systems are in general complex. Based on the original definition of the instantaneous Poynting vector

S
→

=

E
→

×

H
→

, a formula on the group velocity is proposed, which agrees perfectly well with that calculated directly from the dispersion curves. It explains not only the stopped light at EPs, but also the fast-light effect near it. This investigation bridges a gap between the classic electrodynamics and the non-Hermitian physics, and highlights the novelty of non-Hermitian optics.
Ultra-broadband and high-efficiency polarization conversion metamaterial based on a metal combination water structure
Authors: Shen Zhaoyang , Huang Xiaojun , Zhang Qinghe , Yang Helin
Published: September 2022

A linear-to-linear polarization conversion metamaterial is proposed with a water-metal structure. The simulation results show that the proposed metamaterial design can achieve ultra-broadband and high-efficiency polarization conversion within the frequency range from 7.46 GHz to 14.84 GHz with a polarization conversion ratio over 90%. This metamaterial exhibits sensitivity to the incidence angle but not to and temperature. The physical mechanism of polarization conversion is analyzed based on the distributions of the surface current and the magnetic field. An experimental sample of the designed metamaterial is fabricated, assembled, and measured in such a way as to realize reflective polarization conversion. This work provides a significant stepping stone for water-based metamaterial design and polarization control.
Simple method for broadband amplification in a polarizing-maintained Yb fiber amplifier with a narrow bandpass filter
Authors: Tsutsui Shuta , Fujimoto Yuki , Toda Hiroyuki , Suzuki Masayuki
Published: September 2022

We have demonstrated a simple method for achieving broadband amplification and short-pulse generation in a polarizing maintained (PM) Yb fiber amplifier with the implementation of a narrow bandpass filter (NBF). By using an NBF with a spectral bandwidth of 3.3 nm at a wavelength of 1036 nm before the PM Yb amplifier, the spectral bandwidth was extended by self-phase modulation (SPM) in the PM YDF amplifier. The recompressed pulse duration of 125 fs obtained with the NBF was nearly three times shorter than that (350 fs) achieved without the NBF, and therefore the peak intensity of 0.35 MW with the NBF was over two times greater in comparison with that (0.16 MW) obtained without the NBF. We believe that this simple method is useful for developing an all-fiber laser system for high-power short pulse generation.
Expression and Clinical Significance of Spi-B in B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Ariga Yuzuru , Low Shulin , Hoshino Hitomi , Nakada Tsutomu , Akama Tomoya O. , Muramoto Akifumi , Fukushima Mana , Yamauchi Takahiro , Ohshima Yusei , Kobayashi Motohiro
Published: September 2022

Spi-B, a member of the E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family of transcription factors, plays an important role in B cell differentiation. Spi-B also functions in development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; thus, we hypothesized that it may participate in leukemogenesis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). To test this hypothesis, we first generated an anti-Spi-B monoclonal antibody that recognized Spi-B on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. This antibody, designated S28-5, selectively stained B cell nuclei at the pre-plasma cell stage (including centrocytes and centroblasts in germinal centers) and nuclei of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, but not fully differentiated plasma cells, T cells, macrophages, or follicular dendritic cells. Employing S28-5, we then performed immunohistochemical staining of bone marrow aspiration biopsy specimens obtained from B-ALL patients ( n=62). Cases that showed stronger nuclear S28-5 signals than T-cell ALL were scored positive. In 26 (42%) of 62 specimens, leukemic cells showed nuclear Spi-B expression, and positivity was associated with patient age at diagnosis, and serum uric acid and creatinine levels. Moreover, Spi-B-positive patients demonstrated significantly shorter overall survival than did Spi-B-negative patients. These results suggest that Spi-B expression may serve as a prognostic indicator of B-ALL.
Obesity and acute stress modulate appetite and neural responses in food word reactivity task
Authors: Carnell Susan , Benson Leora , Papantoni Afroditi , Chen Liuyi , Huo Yuankai , Wang Zhishun , Peterson Bradley S. , Geliebter Allan
Published: September 2022

Obesity can result from excess intake in response to environmental food cues, and stress can drive greater intake and body weight. We used a novel fMRI task to explore how obesity and stress influenced appetitive responses to relatively minimal food cues (words representing food items, presented similarly to a chalkboard menu). Twenty-nine adults (16F, 13M), 17 of whom had obesity and 12 of whom were lean, completed two fMRI scans, one following a combined social and physiological stressor and the other following a control task. A food word reactivity task assessed subjective food approach (wanting) as well as food avoidant (restraint) responses, along with neural responses, to words denoting high energy-density (ED) foods, low-ED foods, and non-foods. A multi-item ad-libitum meal followed each scan. The obese and lean groups demonstrated differences as well as similarities in activation of appetitive and attention/self-regulation systems in response to food vs. non-food, and to high-ED vs. low-ED food words. Patterns of activation were largely similar across stress and non-stress conditions, with some evidence for differences between conditions within both obese and lean groups. The obese group ate more than the lean group in both conditions. Our results suggest that neural responses to minimal food cues in stressed and non-stressed states may contribute to excess consumption and adiposity.
Exploring contextual adaptations in caregiver interventions for families raising children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Szlamka Zsofia , Hanlon Charlotte , Tekola Bethlehem , Pacione Laura , Salomone Erica ,   WHO CST Team, Servili Chiara , Hoekstra Rosa A.
Published: September 2022

There are increasing efforts to scale up services globally for families raising children with developmental disabilities (DDs). Existing interventions, often developed in high income, Western settings, need substantial adaptation before they can be implemented in different contexts. The aim of this study was to explore perspectives on the role that context plays in the adaptation and implementation of interventions targeting caregivers of children with DDs across settings. The study question was applied to the Caregiver Skills Training (CST) programme of the World Health Organization specifically, as well as to stakeholder experiences with caregiver interventions more broadly. Two focus group discussions (FGDs; n = 15 participants) and 25 individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Participants were caregivers of children with DDs and professionals involved in adapting or implementing the CST across five continents and different income settings. Data were analysed thematically. Four main themes were developed: 1) Setting the scene for adaptations; 2) Integrating an intervention into local public services; 3) Understanding the reality of caregivers; 4) Challenges of sustaining an intervention. Informants thought that contextual adaptations were key for the intervention to fit in locally, even more so than cultural factors. The socio-economic context of caregivers, including poverty, was highlighted as heavily affecting service access and engagement with the intervention. Competing health priorities other than DDs, financial constraints, and management of long-term collaborations were identified as barriers. This study validates the notion that attention to contextual factors is an essential part of the adaptation of caregiver interventions for children with DDs, by providing perspectives from different geographical regions. We recommend a stronger policy and research focus on contextual adaptations of interventions and addressing unmet socio-economic needs of caregivers.