bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific contact-dependent cell-to-cell communication during preconjugant interaction of the ciliate Euplotes crassus
Authors: Luporini Pierangelo , Bracchi Paolo , Esposito Fulvio
Published: May 2023

A system has been developed to study cellular interactions between cells of complementary mating types prior to mating in the ciliate, Euplotes crassus. The presumptive mates were distinguished by using singlet and doublet cells of appropriate mating types in the mixtures. Cells of a given mating type were prelabelled with [3H] leucine and mixed with unlabelled complementary cells. Exchange of [3H]leucine-labelled material from donor to recipient cells was monitored through the various stages of the preconjugant interaction. A label transfer between the mating type complementary cells was detected from the beginning of the visible mating reaction, which occurs after a waiting period from the time of cell mixing and involves ciliary agglutination prior to cell body fusion. Complementary cells which were prevented from physically contacting each other and cells which were not competent to mate appeared unable to take up the labelled material. It is suggested that this material consists of some sub-stance(s) playing an important role in the preconjugant cell-to-cell interactions of E. crassus.
Isolation of a residual protein structure from nuclei of the myxomycete Physarum polycephalum
Authors: Mitchelson K. R. , Bekers A. G. M. , Wanka F.
Published: May 2023

A nuclear framework structure has been obtained from isolated interphase nuclei of Physarum polycephalum by extraction with 2·5 M NaCl and subsequent digestion with DNase. Wholemount electron micrographs showed a nuclear lamina containing residual pore structures associated with the fibrous internal matrix. The matrix was continuous with fibrillar remnants of the nucleolus. The structure was shown to consist of 2 major polypeptides of 23000 and 36 500 Daltons as well as 30 to 40 minor polypeptides of various molecular weight classes. The 2 major polypeptides were also prominent in preparations of the residual nucleolar material, suggesting that matrix proteins are common to both structures. The predominance of low-molecular-weight polypeptides in Physarum nuclear matrix suggests that there may be significant differences in composition of nuclear structural proteins between lower and higher eukaryotes.
Assessment of macroalgal communities on shallow rocky reefs in the Aegean Sea indicates an impoverished ecological status
Authors: SAVIN ANDREI , SINI MARIA , XYNOGALA IOANNA , LIOUPA VASILIKI , VOUGIOUKALOU KONSTANTINA , STAMATIS KONSTANTINOS , NOÈ SIMONA , RAGKOUSIS MICHAIL , GEROVASILEIOU VASILIS , DAILIANIS THANOS , KATSANEVAKIS STELIOS
Published: May 2023

Mediterranean rocky reefs are undergoing regime shifts, from a structurally complex and diverse state dominated by canopy- forming macroalgae to a degraded one characterised by low-lying turf or encrusting macroalgal species, due to increased anthropogenic pressure and climate change. Using data gathered from 89 sites across the entire Aegean Sea, this study aims to provide the most comprehensive health status assessment of shallow rocky reefs in the area, based on macroalgal community structure. Overall, 2520 benthic images were collected through photoquadrat sampling at 0, 5 and, 15 m depth. Five macroalgal and seven invertebrate morphofunctional groups, along with four substrate categories, were considered for community structure description. Health status was assessed using the reef-EBQI and EEI-c indices. Results indicate turf as the most widespread macroalgal group (36.8% average area cover), followed by encrusting calcareous (16.6%), shrubby (12.7%), articulated calcareous (8.9%), and canopy-forming algae (3.7%). Bare rock also occupied a substantial surface area (9.0%) with highest cover (13.8%) at 5 m. The area cover of canopy-forming algae was particularly low, ranging from 10% at 0 m to 0.1% at 15 m depth, on average. All depths pooled, according to the reef-EBQI index, the ecological status of the Aegean Sea was estimated to be ‘Bad’, mainly due to the bad ecological status of the 5 and 15 m stations. At 0 m depth, the status of the Aegean Sea was ranked ‘Moderate’ according to the reef-EBQI index and ‘Good’ according to the EEI-c index. The results underline the importance of considering a wide depth range when assessing the health status of rocky reef communities.
Frontier model of the environmental inefficiency effects on livestock bioeconomy
Authors: Zuniga Gonzalez C. A. , Jaramillo-Villanueva J. L.
Published: May 2023

Background: This work was focused on measuring environmental inefficiency in Mexican dairy farms, considering climate change variables related to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and planetary geomagnetic activity.

Methods: The applied methodology measures the eco-efficiency of Mexican dairy farms using the empirical application of a stochastic frontier model of the bioeconomy. The productive sector of the bioeconomy studied was the eco-intensification of the livestock production system (dairies). The environmental inefficiency effect was assumed to be a distribution-independent truncation of a normal distribution with constant variance, while the mean was a linear environmental function of the observable variable.

Results: The results showed that the coefficients of the frontier model were highly significant, highlighting the investment in livestock (50%). The inefficiency model had an impact on climate variation with greenhouse gas emissions CH4 (1.96%). The results of the environmental technical efficiency in geometric average were 81.28%. The producers that reached the border with a technical efficiency equal to 1 are the references for the rest, marking the relative technical efficiency.

Conclusions: It was concluded that the coefficients in the model were very significant, showing the level of investment in livestock (50%). The low-performance model estimates the impact of climate change on GHG emissions CH4 (1.96%) explaining the trend of increasing GHG emissions, keeping in view that the management of food and cattle during the study period were affected by summer feeding, which allowed considering the activity of GHG emissions. According to the results, the geometric mean environmental performance of engineering is 81.28%.
Cigarette smoke alters circRNA expression in human T-cells
Authors: Hong So Jin , Liao Zhaohao , Witwer Kenneth W. , Russell Ashley E.
Published: May 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), once thought to be a result of splicing errors, have been found to be involved in various molecular processes and in the pathology of various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, circRNA expression was found to be altered by lifestyle habits, such as smoking cigarettes. Past studies have revealed that the rate of smoking remains high in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, we isolated total RNA from uninfected T-cells that have been exposed to cigarette smoke and compared the expression levels of circRNAs to those of T-cells that were not exposed to cigarette smoke. We identified certain circRNAs that were upregulated or downregulated in T-cells when exposed to cigarette smoke. These data indicate that the study of circRNAs is warranted within the context of HIV.
Suicide prevention program (SPP) in South Asian Countries: A protocol for systematic review
Authors: Borah Kallabi , Jose Tessy Treesa , Mysore Nagaraj Anil Kumar , Moxham Lorna
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Every year, over 700,000 individuals lose their life by suicide and many individuals attempt suicide. Suicide occurs in all age groups and is the fourth major cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2019. A suicide prevention program (SPP) is a capacity-building program that helps gatekeepers to identify the risk of suicide. The objective of the review is to determine the effectiveness of SPP on the improvement of knowledge, attitude, and gatekeeper behaviour among gatekeepers in South Asian countries so that the number of suicide cases will be reduced among college students in South Asia countries.

Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) will be followed in this review. This review will include all interventional studies (controlled and uncontrolled) that provided a suicide prevention program to the gatekeepers as an intervention. The full-text articles will be included from the following databases, Scopus, PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL, published in peer-reviewed, and indexed journals from the date of inception to 2022. A grey literature search and hand-search of reference lists of the included studies will also be done. A search strategy will be developed using keywords and MeSH terms for each database. Cochrane ROB-2 tool, JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist will be used to evaluate the quality of individual studies. Analysis of the data will be done using narrative synthesis.

Conclusions: This review will provide information on knowledge, attitude, and gatekeeper behaviour toward suicide prevention in college students and will be helpful for the prevention of suicide. Therefore, the authors plan to publish the review outcome through a peer-reviewed journal.

Registration : The review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023387020).
The rise of preprints in earth sciences
Authors: Pourret Olivier , Ibarra Daniel Enrique
Published: May 2023

The rate of science information's spread has accelerated in recent years. In this context, it appears that many scientific disciplines are beginning to recognize the value and possibility of sharing open access (OA) online manuscripts in their preprint form. Preprints are academic papers that are published but have not yet been evaluated by peers. They have existed in research at least since the 1960s and the creation of ArXiv in physics and mathematics. Since then, preprint platforms—which can be publisher- or community-driven, profit or not for profit, and based on proprietary or free and open source software—have gained popularity in many fields (for example, bioRxiv for the biological sciences). Today, there are many platforms that are either disciplinary-specific or cross-domain, with exponential development over the past ten years. Preprints as a whole still make up a very small portion of scholarly publishing, but a large group of early adopters are testing out these value-adding tools across a much wider range of disciplines than in the past. In this opinion article, we provide perspective on the three main options available for earth scientists, namely EarthArXiv, ESSOAr/ESS Open Archive and EGUsphere.
Understanding how they really feel: Lesson learned from four approaches to soliciting user preferences for new contraceptive products in development
Authors: Brunie Aurélie , Callahan Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Background: An expanded range of contraceptive methods could reduce unintended pregnancies. User preferences research is important for successful development of products people want to us. This paper describes four approaches to preferences research soliciting user input in different ways: 1) perspectives on contraceptive method characteristics, 2) reactions to products in development, 3) trade-offs between contraceptive method characteristics, and 4) “blue-sky” ideas on novel contraceptive technologies.

Methods: We conducted two mixed-method studies: one implemented in Burkina Faso and Uganda combining three of these approaches, and the other implemented in India and Nigeria using two approaches. We share observations on the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and draw on our experience to highlight lessons learned for future user preferences studies.

Results: Each approach contributes to product development in different ways, and the usefulness of each methodology depends on the product development stage and corresponding informational needs.

Conclusions: Recommendations for future research include combining different methods, angles, and perspectives; using sequential designs whenever possible; tailoring product descriptions to user understanding for optimal feedback; and acknowledging the value and limitations of both quantitative results for modeling demand and idiosyncratic ideas to inspire development of new products.
Global governance of human brain organoid research and applications: A role for the World Health Organization?
Authors: Lee Tsung-Ling , Sawai Tsutomu
Published: May 2023

Human brain organoid research and applications have generated considerable ethical discussions, yet as with other technologies, anticipating potential transnational issues associated with research and cross-border commercialization of organoids would allow a proactive approach as the field advances rapidly. This policy piece explores the potential role of the World Health Organization in the global governance of human brain organoid research applications by examining its legal authority and recent scientific activities in grounding foresight to harness the power of science to better global health.
Real-time quality control of optical backscattering data from Biogeochemical-Argo floats
Authors: Dall'Olmo Giorgio , Bhaskar TVS Udaya , Bittig Henry , Boss Emmanuel , Brewster Jodi , Claustre Hervé , Donnelly Matt , Maurer Tanya , Nicholson David , Paba Violetta , Plant Josh , Poteau Antoine , Sauzède Raphaëlle , Schallenberg Christina , Schmechtig Catherine , Schmid Claudia , Xing Xiaogang
Published: May 2023

Background: Biogeochemical-Argo floats are collecting an unprecedented number of profiles of optical backscattering measurements in the global ocean. Backscattering (BBP) data are crucial to understanding ocean particle dynamics and the biological carbon pump. Yet, so far, no procedures have been agreed upon to quality control BBP data in real time.

Methods: Here, we present a new suite of real-time quality-control tests and apply them to the current global BBP Argo dataset. The tests were developed by expert BBP users and Argo data managers and have been implemented on a snapshot of the entire Argo dataset.

Results: The new tests are able to automatically flag most of the “bad” BBP profiles from the raw dataset.

Conclusions: The proposed tests have been approved by the Biogeochemical-Argo Data Management Team and will be implemented by the Argo Data Assembly Centres to deliver real-time quality-controlled profiles of optical backscattering. Provided they reach a pressure of about 1000 dbar, these tests could also be applied to BBP profiles collected by other platforms.
A rare pathogenic variant identified in a heart transplant recipient with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: a case report
Authors: Kim Myeong Seop , Lee Soo Youn , Kim Kyung-Hee
Published: May 2023

Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a rare and complex genetic disorder that can lead to life-threatening cardiac amyloidosis and rapid disease progression. Early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying drugs can improve patient outcomes; however, heart transplantation may be necessary in some patients. We present the unique case of a 65-year-old Korean woman diagnosed with ATTRv amyloidosis after experiencing progressive neurological symptoms, followed by heart failure. Despite the absence of significant symptoms of heart failure, subsequent screening revealed cardiac amyloid infiltration, which caused left ventricular hypertrophy and rapid disease progression. The patient underwent successful heart transplantation, and subsequent genetic testing revealed a pathogenic variant, NM_000371.3:c.425T>C (p.Val142Ala), which affects both the nerves and heart and has not been previously reported in Korea. Our report underscores the potential benefits of heart transplantation in managing advanced ATTRv amyloidosis and emphasizes the need for continued research on the genetic heterogeneity of the disease. Clinicians should consider ATTRv amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with neurological symptoms and heart failure, particularly in those with a family history of the disease.
TEATRO Y CIUDAD. EXPERIENCIAS ESCENOGRÁFICAS
Authors: Navarro de Zuvillaga Javier
Published: May 2023

La estrecha relación entre teatro y ciudad se desarrolla de distintas maneras a lo largo de la historia. En este artículo se presentan tres de sus modalidades que dan nombre a los tres grandes apartados del mismo: “Teatro en la plaza”, “La ciudad como escenario” y “La ciudad en el escenario”. Aparte de los esbozos históricos en cada apartado se muestran las experiencias escenográficas que el autor ha tenido en cada uno de ellos en la década de los ochenta del pasado siglo, excepto la última, que corresponde ya a la primera década de la centuria presente. Una introducción y unas reflexiones finales completan el escrito
JOSÉ ANTONIO SÁNCHEZ MARTÍNEZ: DRAMATURGIAS DE LA IMAGEN
Authors: López Santana Pablo
Published: May 2023

Dramaturgias de la imagen supone la persecución de la memoria de algo más de un siglo de creación escénica con el objeto de disponer al lector críticamente en el presente. En cuyo corpus teórico de las distintas creaciones contemporáneas analizadas se identifica un esfuerzo intelectual por establecer los distintos métodos de hibridación de las disciplinas confluyentes en la escena. Desde las tentativas wagnerianas de la obra de arte total allá por el siglo XIX, hasta las últimas contaminaciones escénicas de las nuevas tecnologías, media y multiculturalismo de la última década de siglo XX. Supone un esfuerzo valiente por llegar a la escena de los propios años 90, es decir, sin eludir lo más mínimo la difícil tarea del análisis del presente, aunque visto hoy, ya del ayer.
ADOLPHE APPIA: LA MÚSICA Y LA PUESTA EN ESCENA. LA OBRA DE ARTE VIVIENTE
Authors: Ruesga Navarro Juan
Published: May 2023

La obra de Appia es de gran importancia para el teatro contemporáneo y principalmente para el desarrollo del espacio escénico. Su pensamiento está sólidamente asentado en un concepto esencial de espacio y luz. Uno sólo de sus dibujos ha influido más en el desarrollo de la escenografía contemporánea que centenares de puestas en escena. Este libro es la principal llave que un arquitecto tiene para introducirse en el mundo del diseño escénico con rigor poético. Appia responde a la fuerte innovación que supuso para las artes escénicas la obra de Wagner con una nueva concepción del espacio en el escenario, basada en la figura humana, las tres dimensiones del escenario (anchura, profundidad y altura) y la iluminación escénica, con la luz eléctrica como gran innovación expresiva. Appia se convierte así en el gran precursor del espacio escénico del siglo XX
EXPANDIDAS Y PERFORMATIVAS: ARQUITECTURA DE LA ESCENA, ESCENA DE LA ARQUITECTURA
Authors: González Cubero Josefina , Palinhos Jorge
Published: May 2023

El itinerario seguido por el teatro en el siglo xx tuvo el denominador común con otros campos artísticos de superar las convenciones heredadas y sus límites disciplinares. La intención, profundamente arraigada en la segunda mitad de este siglo, fue ensanchar sus concepciones originarias, lo cual desembocó en estados y adjetivaciones de “expandida” y/o “performativa”, inicialmente rompedores y hoy ya instalados junto con la ortodoxia como paradigmas de las artes actuales. Los debates sobre qué es el teatro, la escenografía o la arquitectura teatral han supuesto avances en el camino seguido, pero hoy son un antiguo corsé, no por ello prescindible, ante el amplio y diverso panorama de prácticas artísticas actuales que tratan reflejar la complejidad del mundo contemporáneo de la era digital. Este texto recapitula sobre la herencia y quiere contribuir al debate actual proponiendo un horizonte de simbiótica colaboración entre las artes, en su estar “más allá de sí mismas”, para trabajar sobre la forma simbólica del siglo xxi.
Intervenciones en la Iglesia de Santa Catalina de Sevilla durante el siglo XIX.
Authors: Jiménez Llamas Carlos
Published: May 2023

El inmueble de la Iglesia de Santa Catalina es uno de los referentes mudéjares de la ciudad de Sevilla. La conquista cristiana en Sevilla por parte del rey Fernando III dejó un gran elenco de iglesias del siglo XIII y XIV que enriquecieron el patrimonio histórico-artístico de la ciudad. Muchos de ellos fueron restaurados e intervenidos en el siglo XIX. Este edificio fue un ejemplo de ello, y a su vez, fue uno de los pioneros en llevarse a cabo la restauración monumental. Junto con la Capilla de San José fue el primer inmueble que se declaró Monumento Nacional en la ciudad.
De la Conquista de Sevilla por San Fernando al Triunfo de la Santa Cruz en la batalla de las Navas de Tolosa de la Iglesia de la Santa Cruz de Medina de Rioseco. Propuesta de rectificación iconográfica.
Authors: Quesada Quesada José Joaquín
Published: May 2023

En la iglesia de la Santa Cruz de Medina de Rioseco existe un lienzo de cronología barroca que se viene identificando con la Conquista de Sevilla por San Fernando. Basándonos en diversas fuentes literarias e iconográficas, aportamos una interpretación diversa de los elementos que aparecen en esta pintura y defendemos que el tema representado es en realidad el Triunfo de la Santa Cruz en la batalla de las Navas de Tolosa, tratando al respecto la interpretación que desde un punto de vista sacro y en plena conexión con la piedad contrarreformista se dio de este acontecimiento crucial de nuestra historia medieval.
Enfoques, planificación y análisis de la práctica educativa desde la investigación feminista del arte.
Authors: Abad de los Santos Belen
Published: May 2023

En este texto se describen los enfoques de la práctica educativa desde la investigación feminista del arte en relación con la docencia universitaria de grado. El objetivo del trabajo reside en analizar la incidencia de su planificación didáctica en el aula de Educación Artística, con el fin de comprender el alcance de la introducción de la perspectiva de género para la generación del conocimiento (de dimensión igualitaria). Los resultados muestran que, efectivamente, los proyectos colaborativos propuestos en los diferentes módulos, articulados bajo el prisma teórico del pensamiento feminista, tendrían un impacto significativo sobre el aprendizaje. Las estrategias emprendidas habrían de facilitar el itinerario hacia un diálogo abierto que promueva el intercambio crítico y constructivo de ideas alejadas de visiones androcéntricas.
Pokolenie Solidarności
Authors: Sochoń Małgorzata , Brojek Irena , Topielec Tomasz , Kondratowicz Ewa , Strzała Marek , Maluszkiewicz Jacek , Szmigiel Kamila
Published: May 2023

Konkurs literacki „Pokolenie Solidarności” został zorganizowany przez Instytut Literatury w 2021 roku dla uczczenia 41 rocznicy powołania NSZZ „Solidarność” oraz 40 rocznicy wprowadzenia stanu wo - jennego. Do konkursu przyjmowano trzy formy literackie: opowiadania, powieści oraz utwory non-fiction (w tym dzienniki, wspomnienia, reportaże i biografie), których tematyka dotyczyła historii, działalności lub spuścizny NSZZ „Solidarność”. Do udziału w konkursie – poza kategoriami przeznaczonymi tylko dla działaczy „Solidarności” — mógł przystąpić każdy. Nadesłane prace oceniało jury w składzie: prof. dr hab. Michał Januszkiewicz, prof. dr hab. Piotr Müldner-Nieckowski, dr Paweł Nowakowski oraz dr Jarosław Szarek (przewodniczący). W Antologii publikujemy utwory, którym w konkursie literackim „Pokolenie Solidarności” przyznano trzy pierwsze miejsca w kategorii opowiadanie, oraz teksty wyróżnione w kategorii non-fiction.
Introduction to the ITED Special Section Cases Based on Real-World Projects from the INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics
Authors: Gorman Michael F. , Beliën Jeroen
Published: May 2023

History: This paper has been accepted for the INFORMS Transactions on Education Special Section on Cases Based on Real-World Projects from the INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics.
Enhancing cyber security at scale with ML/AI frameworks
Authors: Reddy Bharathasimha , Nagal Amit , Sood Aditya K , Reddy SL Ruthvik
Published: May 2023

The world is expanding digitally at an ever-accelerating rate. As networks become larger and data becomes more complex, cyber security challenges are growing rapidly. To combat cyber attacks, machine learning (ML) and other artificial intelligence (AI) solutions should be utilised to design and build robust security solutions. With the explosion in the number of new techniques and frameworks in the ML/AI space, it is tricky for organisations to identify the best frameworks and approaches to build robust ML/AI solutions. In this article, an empirical analysis has been performed on various ML/AI frameworks to determine the performance and effectiveness of running ML/AI algorithms in a distributed manner.
Converting Regional Anaesthesia Database into Publication: A Step-based Approach
Authors: Gupta Mayank , Jalwal Gopal , Grewal Anju
Published: May 2023

The article discusses the benefits of regional anaesthesia (RA) and the role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in enhancing its safety and efficacy. Conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to establish the efficacy of RA remains a challenge due to resource constraints and ethical considerations. The author suggests that focusing solely on RCTs can be counterproductive and advocates for the importance of other forms of research, such as case series, practice audits, and prospective observational cohort studies. These forms of research can provide a background and rationale for designing future RCTs and can help broaden the scope of research beyond the idealistic RCT paradigm. The passage also includes a table highlighting the pros and cons of different study designs. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of expanding the scope of research to improve the safety and efficacy of RA. Keywords: Regional anaesthesia, Point-of-care ultrasound, Randomized controlled trials, Case series, Practice audits, Prospective observational cohort studies, Efficacy, Safety
Comparative Evaluation of Varying Volumes of Local Anaesthetic Solution in Pericapsular Nerve Group Block (PENG) on Dynamic Pain Relief after Hip Surgeries
Authors: Sood Megha , Jain Richa , Kaur Gurpreeti , Rattan Amol , Kaur Mirley Rupinder , Garg Rajnish , Grewal Anju
Published: May 2023

Background: The peri-capsular nerve group block (PENG) has reported the ability to decrease pain in hip fractures and minimize the use of opioids for postoperative analgesia. We conducted this trial to assess the efficacy of varying volumes of local anesthetic solution in PENG block in alleviating post-operative pain at rest and on dynamic hip movement after hip surgeries. Material & Methods: A prospective, double-blinded interventional trial was conducted on 70 adult ASA I-III patients undergoing hip surgeries under general anesthesia. Enrolled subjects were divided into two groups A and B to receive either 10ml of 0.2% ropivacaine or 20ml of 0.2% ropivacaine respectively in an ultrasound-guided (USG) PENG block after administration of general anesthesia. The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia. VAS scores (at rest and on dynamic hip movement), the cumulative amount of rescue analgesic needed in the 24-hour post-operative period and patient satisfaction scores were secondary outcomes. Data thus collected were statistically analyzed. Results: Mean duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in group B (12.24±5.14 hours) as compared to group A (2.77±1.06 hours). There were statistically significant decreased VAS scores at rest and on dynamic hip movement in group B. Median total rescue analgesic consumption in 24 hours and patient satisfaction score was significantly reduced in group B than in group A (p=0.001). Conclusion: In PENG block, 20 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine provides a significantly longer duration of analgesia, a statistically significant reduction in pain scores on rest and dynamic hip movement with substantially decreased 24-hour total rescue analgesic consumption, and improved patient satisfaction in patients undergoing hip surgeries. Keywords: Pericapsular nerve group block (PENG), Hip surgeries, Ropivacaine, Visual analogue scale (VAS)
Temperature influence on optical fiber and temperature compensation method for a frequency modulation continuous wave absolute distance measurement system
Authors: Hu Shengpan , Xu Xinke , Wen He
Published: May 2023

A temperature compensation method is proposed to solve the ranging precision decrease problem of the frequency-modulated continuous wave distance measurement system. The set of phases spread frequency sampling method is used to correct the beat frequency signal non-linearity. The influence model of temperature on the optical fiber auxiliary interferometer is studied. The experimental results show that distance measurement error decreases from 0.3432 mm to 0.02260 mm, and the mean measurement standard deviation decreases from 0.1088 mm to 0.01733 mm on a maximum measurement range of 1.6 m after compensation.
Influence of cutting parameters on system vibration and optical performance of diamond turned optics
Authors: Zhuang Guilin , Liu Hanzhong , Zong Wenjun
Published: May 2023

In this paper the influence of vibration on reflectivity is
systematically analyzed. A three-dimensional topography model of a
machined surface considering vibration is established first. Based on
the three-dimensional morphology model, the reflectivity of a diamond
turned surface is calculated by a rigorous coupled wave method. The
influences of cutting parameters on the diffraction effect of a
diamond turned surface are discussed. The predicted and experimental
results reveal that as the vibration intensifies with an increase in
cutting depth and feed rate, the peak–valley (PV) roughness of the
machined surface increases, which yields an increasing diffraction
effect, i.e., resulting in a decrease in reflectivity. When the
spindle speed is low, the tool and workpiece have a small sliding
velocity, causing a great deal of friction, which amplifies the
deformation of the workpiece surface. In this case, the PV value of
the machined surface roughness is large, leading to a greater
diffraction effect and bad reflectivity. With the increment of spindle
rotation speed, the friction is relieved quickly, but the vibration is
intensified, which produces increasing reflectivity. When the spindle
speed is set to about 1200r/min, the reflectivity reaches the maximum
value. When the spindle speed is larger than 1200r/min, the increase
of vibration is dominant, resulting in a gradual increase in PV
surface roughness and a decrease in reflectivity.
Three-dimensional imaging and quantification of mouse ovarian follicles via optical coherence tomography
Authors: Amaral Marcello Magri , Sun Aixia , Li Yilin , Ren Chao , Truong Anh Blue , Nigam Saumya , Jiao Zexu , Wang Ping , Zhou Chao
Published: May 2023

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been successfully applied worldwide for fertility preservation. Correctly selecting the ovarian tissue with high follicle loading for freezing and reimplantation increases the likelihood of restoring ovarian function, but it is a challenging process. In this work, we explore the use of three-dimensional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to identify different follicular stages, compare the identifications with H&E images, and measure the size and age-related follicular density distribution differences in mice ovaries. We use the thickness of the layers of granulosa cells to differentiate primordial and primary follicles from secondary follicles. The measured dimensions and age-related follicular distribution agree well with histological images and physiological aging. Finally, we apply attenuation coefficient map analyses to significantly improve the image contrast and the contrast-to-noise ratio (p < 0.001), facilitating follicle identification and quantification. We conclude that SD-OCT is a promising method to noninvasively evaluate ovarian follicles for ovarian tissue cryopreservation.
Two-layered blood-lipid phantom and method to determine absorption and oxygenation employing changes in moments of DTOFs
Authors: Sudakou Aleh , Wabnitz Heidrun , Liemert André , Wolf Martin , Liebert Adam
Published: May 2023

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an established technique for measuring tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), which is of high clinical value. For tissues that have layered structures, it is challenging but clinically relevant to obtain StO2 of the different layers, e.g. brain and scalp. For this aim, we present a new method of data analysis for time-domain NIRS (TD-NIRS) and a new two-layered blood-lipid phantom. The new analysis method enables accurate determination of even large changes of the absorption coefficient (Δµa) in multiple layers. By adding Δµa to the baseline µa, this method provides absolute µa and hence StO2 in multiple layers. The method utilizes (i) changes in statistical moments of the distributions of times of flight of photons (DTOFs), (ii) an analytical solution of the diffusion equation for an N-layered medium, (iii) and the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm (LMA) to determine Δµa in multiple layers from the changes in moments. The method is suitable for NIRS tissue oximetry (relying on µa) as well as functional NIRS (fNIRS) applications (relying on Δµa). Experiments were conducted on a new phantom, which enabled us to simulate dynamic StO2 changes in two layers for the first time. Two separate compartments, which mimic superficial and deep layers, hold blood-lipid mixtures that can be deoxygenated (using yeast) and oxygenated (by bubbling oxygen) independently. Simultaneous NIRS measurements can be performed on the two-layered medium (variable superficial layer thickness, L), the deep (homogeneous), and/or the superficial (homogeneous). In two experiments involving ink, we increased the nominal µa in one of two compartments from 0.05 to 0.25 cm−1, L set to 14.5 mm. In three experiments involving blood (L set to 12, 15, or 17 mm), we used a protocol consisting of six deoxygenation cycles. A state-of-the-art multi-wavelength TD-NIRS system measured simultaneously on the two-layered medium, as well as on the deep compartment for a reference. The new method accurately determined µa (and hence StO2) in both compartments. The method is a significant progress in overcoming the contamination from the superficial layer, which is beneficial for NIRS and fNIRS applications, and may improve the determination of StO2 in the brain from measurements on the head. The advanced phantom may assist in the ongoing effort towards more realistic standardized performance tests in NIRS tissue oximetry. Data and MATLAB codes used in this study were made publicly available.
Optical nanoimaging of highly-confined phonon polaritons in atomically-thin nanoribbons of α-MoO3
Authors: Zeng Ying , Sun Tian , Chen Runkun , Ma Weiliang , Yan Qizhi , Lu Dunzhu , Qin Tianwei , Hu Caixing , Yang Xiaosheng , Li Peining
Published: May 2023

Phonon polaritons (PhPs), collective modes hybridizing photons with lattice vibrations in polar insulators, enable nanoscale control of light. In recent years, the exploration of in-plane anisotropic PhPs has yielded new levels of confinement and directional manipulation of nano-light. However, the investigation of in-plane anisotropic PhPs at the atomic layer limit is still elusive. Here, we report the optical nanoimaging of highly-confined phonon polaritons in atomically-thin nanoribbons of α-MoO3 (5 atomic layers). We show that narrow α-MoO3 nanoribbons as thin as a few atomic layers can support anisotropic PhPs modes with a high confinement ratio (∼133 times smaller wavelength than that of light). The anisotropic PhPs interference fringe patterns in atomic layers are tunable depending on the PhP wavelength via changing the illumination frequency. Moreover, spatial control over the PhPs interference patterns is also achieved by varying the nanostructures’ shape or nanoribbon width of atomically-thin α-MoO3. Our work may serve as an empirical reference point for other anisotropic PhPs that approach the thickness limit and pave the way for applications such as atomically integrated nano-photonics and sensing.
Active tunable WDM demultiplexer with intrinsic gain based on vectorial parametric amplification
Authors: Jamshidifar Mehdi , Karlsson Magnus , Andrekson Peter
Published: May 2023

We report on the realization of an active tunable wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) demultiplexer based on vectorial parametric amplification in a highly nonlinear bismuth-oxide fiber. The demultiplexing of a 10 Gbits/s WDM channel is demonstrated with little power penalty. The compact device integrates wavelength conversion and filtering functions while providing parametric gain. Furthermore, the proposed scheme could be extended to perform time division multiplexing (TDM) and WDM simultaneously.
Diagnosis of protozoa diarrhoea in Campylobacter patients increases markedly with molecular techniques
Authors: Hayman David T. S. , Garcia-Ramirez Juan Carlos , Pita Anthony , Velathanthiri Niluka , Knox Matthew A. , Ogbuigwe Paul , Baker Michael G. , Rostami Kamran , Deroles-Main Jan , Gilpin Brent J.
Published: May 2023

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are major causes of diarrhoea globally, and two of the most notified infectious diseases in New Zealand. Diagnosis requires laboratory confirmation carried out mostly via antigen or microscopy-based techniques. However, these methods are increasingly being superseded by molecular techniques. Here we investigate the level of protozoa detection by molecular methods in campylobacteriosis cases missed through antigen-based assays and investigate different molecular testing protocols. We report findings from two observational studies; the first among 111 people during a Campylobacter outbreak and the second during normal surveillance activities among 158 people presenting with diarrhoea and a positive Campylobacter test, but negative Cryptosporidium and Giardia antigen-based test results. The molecular methods used for comparison were in-house end-point PCR tests targeting the gp60 gene for Cryptosporidium and gdh gene for Giardia. DNA extraction was performed with and without bead-beating and comparisons with commercial real-time quantitative (qPCR) were made using clinical Cryptosporidium positive sample dilutions down to 10−5. The Cryptosporidium prevalence was 9% (95% CI: 3–15; 10/111) and Giardia prevalence 21% (95% CI: 12–29; 23/111) in the 111 Campylobacter outbreak patients. The Cryptosporidium prevalence was 40% (95% CI: 32–48; 62/158) and Giardia prevalence 1.3% (95% CI: 0.2–4.5; 2/158) in the 158 routine surveillance samples. Sequencing identified Cryptosporidium hominis, C. parvum, and Giardia intestinalis assemblages A and B. We found no statistical difference in positive test results between samples using end-point PCR with or without bead-beating prior to DNA extraction, or between the in-house end-point PCR and qPCR. The qPCR Ct value was 36 (95% CI: 35–37) for 1 oocyst, suggesting a high limit of detection. In conclusion in surveillance and outbreak situations we found diagnostic serology testing underdiagnoses Cryptosporidium and Giardia coinfections in Campylobacter patients, suggesting the impact of protozoa infections may be underestimated through underdiagnosis using antigen-based assays.
Effect of pregnancy and hypertension on kidney function in female rats: Modeling and functional implications
Authors: Stadt Melissa M. , West Crystal A. , Layton Anita T.
Published: May 2023

Throughout pregnancy, the kidneys undergo significant adaptations in morphology, hemodynamics, and transport to achieve the volume and electrolyte retention required to support a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, during pregnancies complicated by chronic hypertension, altered renal function from normal pregnancy occurs. The goal of this study is to analyze how inhibition of critical transporters affects gestational kidney function as well as how renal function is affected during chronic hypertension in pregnancy. To do this, we developed epithelial cell-based multi-nephron computational models of solute and water transport in the kidneys of a female rat in mid- and late pregnancy. We simulated the effects of key individual pregnancy-induced changes on renal Na+and K+transport: proximal tubule length, Na+/H+exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) activity, epithelial Na+channel activity (ENaC), K+secretory channel expression, and H+-K+-ATPase activity. Additionally, we conducted simulations to predict the effects of inhibition and knockout of the ENaC and H+-K+-ATPase transporters on virgin and pregnant rat kidneys. Our simulation results predicted that the ENaC and H+-K+-ATPase transporters are essential for sufficient Na+and K+reabsorption during pregnancy. Last, we developed models to capture changes made during hypertension in female rats and considered what may occur when a rat with chronic hypertension becomes pregnant. Model simulations predicted that in hypertension for a pregnant rat there is a similar shift in Na+transport from the proximal tubules to the distal tubules as in a virgin rat.
Effects of integrated hospital treatment on the default mode, salience, and frontal-parietal networks in anorexia nervosa: A longitudinal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Gondo Motoharu , Kawai Keisuke , Moriguchi Yoshiya , Hiwatashi Akio , Takakura Shu , Yoshihara Kazufumi , Morita Chihiro , Yamashita Makoto , Eto Sanami , Sudo Nobuyuki
Published: May 2023

The psychopathology of patients with anorexia nervosa has been hypothesized to involve inappropriate self-referential processing, disturbed interoceptive awareness, and excessive cognitive control, including distorted self-concern, disregard of their own starvation state, and extreme weight-control behavior. We hypothesized that the resting-state brain networks, including the default mode, salience and frontal-parietal networks, might be altered in such patients, and that treatment might normalize neural functional connectivity, with improvement of inappropriate self-cognition. We measured resting-state functional magnetic resonance images from 18 patients with anorexia nervosa and 18 healthy subjects before and after integrated hospital treatment (nourishment and psychological therapy). The default mode, salience, and frontal-parietal networks were examined using independent component analysis. Body mass index and psychometric measurements significantly improved after treatment. Before treatment, default mode network functional connectivity in the retrosplenial cortex and salience network functional connectivity in the ventral anterior insula and rostral anterior cingulate cortex were decreased in anorexia nervosa patients compared with those in controls. Interpersonal distrust was negatively correlated with salience network functional connectivity in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex. Default mode network functional connectivity in the posterior insula and frontal-parietal network functional connectivity in the angular gyrus were increased in anorexia nervosa patients compared with those in controls. Comparison between pre- and post-treatment images from patients with anorexia nervosa exhibited significant increases in default mode network functional connectivity in the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex, and salience network functional connectivity in the dorsal anterior insula following treatment. Frontal-parietal network functional connectivity in the angular cortex showed no significant changes. The findings revealed that treatment altered the functional connectivity in several parts of default mode and salience networks in patients with anorexia nervosa. These alterations of neural function might be associated with improvement of self-referential processing and coping with sensations of discomfort following treatment for anorexia nervosa.
Treatment outcome of neonatal sepsis and associated factors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit in public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021. Multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Endazanaw Asalef , Mulugeta Tefera , Abebe Fikertemariam , Godie Yohannes , Guadie Yitayal , Birhanu Dires , Mihretu Esmelealem
Published: May 2023

Background

Globally, neonatal sepsis is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Despite studies that revealed the prevalence of neonatal sepsis in developing countries, the outcome of the diseases, barriers for poor outcomes were inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the treatment outcome of neonatal sepsis and its associated factors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit in public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out from February 15 to May 10, 2021 on 308 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units of Addis Ababa city public hospitals. Hospitals and study participants were selected by lottery and systematic random sampling techniques, respectively. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a structured, pretested questionnaire and by reviewing both the maternal and newborn profile cards. Epi-data version 4.6 was used to enter the collected data, which was then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. The 95% CI odds ratio is used to determine the direction and strength of the association between the dependent and independent variables.

Results

Among the total study 308 neonates, 75(24.4%) were died. Regarding the poor treatment outcome of neonatal sepsis, neonates whose mothers <37 weeks of gestational age (AOR = 4.87, 95% CI: 1.23–19.22), Grunting (AOR 6.94: 1.48–32.54), Meconium amniotic stained (AOR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.02–9.01), Duration of rupture of membrane >18hours (AOR = 3.66, 95% CI: (1.20–11.15), Hypertensive PIH/ Eclampsia (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.24–10.09), Meropenum (AOR = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.22–14.21) and CRP positive result (AOR = 5.87, 95% CI: 1.53–22.56) were significantly associated with poor treatment outcome of neonatal sepsis.

Conclusion and recommendation

The treatment outcomes of neonates were 75.6% recovered and 24.4% died. In this setting, empirical treatment was the cornerstone for managing neonatal sepsis. Professionals who are working in labor and delivery ward screened for mothers preeclampsia and duration of rupture of membrane >18hrs /PROM/ treated with antihypertensive drug and antibiotics for the prevention of neonatal sepsis.