bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of Ezetimibe tablet versus Ezetrol®:an open-label, randomized, two-sequence crossover study in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Sun Feifei , Liu Yanping , Li Ting , Lin Pingping , Jiang Xin , Li Xin , Wang Chenjing , Gao Xiaomeng , Ma Yaping , Fu Yao , Cao Yu
Published: February 2023

Background

Ezetimibe is a new class of antihyperlipidemic agent indicated for the prevention of atherosclerosis disease and for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Information on the pharmacokinetic profiles of ezetimibe tablet in healthy Chinese volunteers are lacking, and regulatory requirements necessitate a bioequivalence study of ezetimibe tablet versus Ezetrol® in China.

Methods

A single-dose randomized, open-label, two-group, two-period crossover study was conducted in 59 healthy Chinese volunteers under fasting or fed conditions to assess the bioequivalence between two preparations. Eligible participants were randomly divided into fasted and fed groups. Blood samples were collected at specified time intervals, and the plasma concentrations of ezetimibe and ezetimibe glucuronide were determined by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method. PK and bioavailability parameters were estimated via non-compartmental methods. Adverse events were also recorded.

Results

Fifty-nine healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of total ezetimibe in the plasma of the ezetimibe tablet (10 mg) and the Ezetrol® (10 mg) after a single fasting administration: Cmax were (65.73 ± 47.14), (71.32 ± 51.98) ng·mL− 1; Tmax were 1.75, 1.25 h; T½ were (17.09 ± 13.22), (17.35 ± 12.14) h; AUC0-t were (643.34 ± 400.77), (668.49 ± 439.57) h·ng·mL− 1; AUC0-∞ were (706.36 ± 410.92), (734.23 ± 468.26) h·ng·mL− 1. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of total ezetimibe in plasma of ezetimibe tablet (10 mg) and Ezetrol® (10 mg) after a fed administration: Cmax were (83.38 ± 38.95), (84.74 ± 34.62) ng·mL− 1; Tmax were 2.50, 2.50 h; T½ were (22.56 ± 12.68), (19.80 ± 15.59) h; AUC0-t were (494.21 ± 208.65), (536.69 ± 209.11) h·ng·mL− 1; AUC0-∞ were (573.74 ± 252.74), (604.75 ± 247.13) h·ng·mL− 1. The main pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ of the two drugs were analyzed by variance analysis after logarithmic transformation. The total ezetimibe under fasting state with 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were 85.29 ~ 97.19, 90.41% ~ 104.38%, and 90.81 ~ 106.05%; total ezetimibe in fed state were 86.36% ~ 109.17, 84.96% ~ 96.40, and 85.32% ~ 101.0%. The 90% CIs of the ratio of geometric means (GMRs) of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ of Ezetrol® and ezetimibe tablet both fasting and fed conditions fell within the conventional bioequivalence criteria of 0.80–1.25. Both Cmax and AUC met the predetermined criteria for assuming bioequivalence. No severe adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

The test ezetimibe tablet and Ezetrol® were determined to be bioequivalent under both fasting and fed conditions in Chinese people.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials, NCT05681247 (retrospectively registered in 11/01/ 2023).
Study and micro-Raman characterization of pigments present on majolicas of historical and artistic interest from Gerace, Italy
Authors: Barba Castagnaro Irene , Nucera Antonello , Barberi Riccardo Cristoforo , Castriota Marco
Published: February 2023

In this work, pigments of majolicas made between the sixteenth century and eighteenth century from Gerace have been characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Majolica, known also as pottery, was originally used to identify all objects made from clay materials. In this work, ten samples were analyzed: two vases, six majolica fragments made in Gerace, one vase of uncertain origin (probably Gerace or Caltagirone) and one vase of Venetian origin. The Raman spectroscopic analysis allowed to identify most of the pigments present on the studied cultural heritage pottery above described. Pigments white, yellow, orange, red, blue, and green have been characterized and their attribution allowed to divide the artwork made in Gerace with those made wherever.

Graphical Abstract
Anxiolytic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Seed extract in Swiss albino mice model
Authors: Ahsan Md. Tanveer , Maria Nazratun Noor , Tahmida Umme , Jasmin Ayesha Akter , Chowdhury Dil Umme Salma
Published: February 2023

Background

Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. is traditionally used for its diverse pharmacological properties. Therefore, there remains a possibility that the seed extract may contain some bioactive compounds. The present study was carried out to evaluate the anxiolytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic seed extract of Citrus maxima (MECM).

Method

The effect of MECM on the rodent central nervous system was evaluated using the hole-board and elevated plus-maze method. Analgesic effect was measured with the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking method. The anti-inflammatory effect was examined using a formalin and carrageenan-induced mice paw edema model.

Results

The MECM at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.01) increased the number of head dipping in the hole-board test. Additionally, the test subjects entered into the open arm and spent more time in it at an increased rate (p < 0.01) in the elevated plus-maze test. In the acetic acid-induced writhing method, the extract showed high potential (p < 0.001) as an analgesic agent. In the case of formalin-induced pain assessment, MECM demonstrated a significant effect (p < 0.01) at the early phase as a centrally acting anti-nociceptive agent and very high potential (p < 0.001) to reduce pain during the late phase as a peripherally acting analgesic. The extract also showed potency (p < 0.01) as an anti-inflammatory agent in formalin and carrageenan-induced mice paw edema test.

Conclusion

The findings of the current study indicate that MECM can be a promising new candidate for searching novel anxiolytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory compounds through further investigation.
The relationship between morphological awareness and word reading in Brazilian Portuguese: a longitudinal study
Authors: Justi Francis Ricardo dos Reis , de Oliveira Bruno Stefani Ferreira , Justi Cláudia Nascimento Guaraldo
Published: February 2023

Studies have provided evidence that morphological awareness contributes to word reading in opaque languages such as English. However, this relationship is not yet established for Brazilian Portuguese, a much less opaque language. The present study performed a longitudinal investigation of the relationship between morphological awareness and word reading in 162 children from 2nd to 5th grades of elementary school. The children were evaluated in the final quarter of the respective school year (time 1) and 1 year later (time 2). Hierarchical regression analyses controlling for intelligence, phonological awareness, and phonological working memory were conducted. The hierarchical regression analyses were followed up by cross-lagged panel correlations, and both results converged to word reading measured in the 2nd and 3rd grades contributing to morphological awareness 1 year later. In addition, morphological awareness measured in the 4th grade contributed to word reading 1 year later. The greater transparency of Brazilian Portuguese may make morphological awareness less important for word reading in the early grades; however, in older children, morphological awareness is important for word reading performance.
The process of overcoming conflicts among teachers in the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education at ordinary public senior high schools in Mataram City, Indonesia: a qualitative study
Authors: Shibuya Fumiko , Sari Dian Puspita , Warnaini Cut , Rivarti Arina Windri , Takeuchi Rie , Jones-Konneh Tracey Elizabeth Claire , de los Reyes Calvin , Kadriyan Hamsu , Kobayashi Jun
Published: February 2023

Background

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), which aims to help young people make responsible choices and acquire scientific knowledge and skills, has been promoted by UNESCO. Teachers experience conflicts in implementing CSE when teaching sexual topics in the local context, especially as the delivery of sexual knowledge and contraceptive methods is often prohibited by religious and traditional cultural norms. It was reported that there were multiple challenges in the implementation of sex education due to the religious and cultural background of societies and communities in Islamic countries. This study aimed to clarify the process of overcoming the conflicts, explore teachers’ recognition and perception related to the implementation of CSE, and to suggest recommendations for promoting CSE in Islamic areas.

Methods

This qualitative study combined the methods of focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) to explore the conflict among teachers. Ten ordinary public senior high schools in Mataram City, Indonesia, agreed to participate, and in total, 59 participants were involved in this study. FGDs were conducted with teachers (n = 49), and IDIs were focused on school principals (n = 10) in each school. The collected interview data were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis and the findings triangulated for both the FGDs and IDIs.

Results

Overall, the teachers experienced conflicts in relation to religion, cultural background, and gender inequality in implementing CSE. The present study revealed the mutual recognition among teachers and acceptance of diverse backgrounds in the implementation of CSE at ordinary public senior high schools in Mataram City. Despite teachers reporting multiple conflicts, they made efforts to overcome these conflicts through mutual recognition and provided comprehensive guidance. The present findings indicated that teachers adapted CSE to follow multiple religions and cultural backgrounds.

Conclusions

The teachers accepted diverse backgrounds and provided CSE by collaborating with related educational subjects and external institutions to overcome conflicts. To provide more specialized education, it would be necessary to advocate a formal policy that might be accepted by diverse societies. Further research is necessary to apply the findings and recommendations for CSE implementation globally in the contexts of different countries.
Intravital imaging of immune responses in intestinal inflammation
Authors: Honda Masaki , Kadohisa Masashi , Yoshii Daiki , Komohara Yoshihiro , Hibi Taizo
Published: February 2023

To date, many kinds of immune cells have been identified, but their precise roles in intestinal immunity remain unclear. Understanding the in vivo behavior of these immune cells and their function in gastrointestinal inflammation, including colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemia–reperfusion injury, and neutrophil extracellular traps, is critical for gastrointestinal research to proceed to the next step. Additionally, understanding the immune responses involved in gastrointestinal tumors and tissue repair is becoming increasingly important for the elucidation of disease mechanisms that have been unknown. In recent years, the application of intravital microscopy in gastrointestinal research has provided novel insights into the mechanisms of intestine-specific events including innate and adaptive immunities. In this review, we focus on the emerging role of intravital imaging in gastrointestinal research and describe how to observe the intestines and immune cells using intravital microscopy. Additionally, we outline novel findings obtained by this new technique.
Diversity and species richness of butterfly in soraipung range of Dehing Patkai National Park, Assam, India
Authors: Gogoi Renu , Chetry Abhijit , Bhuyan Anubhav
Published: February 2023

Background

The present study deals with the butterfly diversity in Soraipung Range of Dehing Patkai National Park. The site was chosen on the basis that it lies in between Eastern Himalaya and Indo-Burma which is acclaimed as global biodiversity hotspot.

Results

A total of 92 butterfly species belonging to 5 families were recorded during the study of which 13 species were listed as protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and 11 species were restricted to the Eastern Himalaya, India. Members of the Nymphalidae family were found to be dominant with (41) number of species followed by Papilionidae (17), Lycaenidae (16), Hesperiidae (10) and the least Pieridae (8). The maximum diversity is obtained in Nymphalidae family: where Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H′) is 3.604584 and Evenness (E) is 0.970651 while the minimum diversity is in Pieridae family where Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H′) is 1.936217 and Evenness (E) is 0.970651.

Conclusions

The study reveals that Soraipung range is rich in butterfly diversity but on the contrary their study is poorly documented. During the survey 13 threatened species and 11 species restricted to the Eastern Himalaya have been also documented in the National Park, thus making it an important butterfly habitat in the state. Therefore, its necessary to conduct more study as well as research on the butterflies in Dehing Patkai National Park for effective conservation and management programs.
Trends in the incidence of hospital-treated suicide attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic in Oviedo, Spain
Authors: Fernandez-Fernandez J. , Jiménez-Treviño L. , Seijo-Zazo E. , Sánchez Lasheras F. , García-Portilla M. P. , Sáiz P. A. , Bobes J.
Published: February 2023

Background

The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal behavior has generated predictions anticipating an increase in suicidal tendencies. The aim of this research is to study its influence on the incidence of hospital-treated suicide attempts throughout the year 2020 in Oviedo, Spain.

Methods

Data were collected on all patients admitted to the emergency department of Central University Hospital of Asturias in Oviedo for attempted suicide during 2020. Incidence rates were calculated for three lockdown periods. Suicide attempt trends in 2020 were compared with a non-COVID-19 year (2009) to avoid seasonal variations bias. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were performed. The influence of COVID-19 incidence in Oviedo was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

The cumulative incidence rate of attempted suicide per 100,000 person-years was 136.33 (pre-lockdown), 115.15 (lockdown), and 90.25 (post-lockdown) in adults (over 19 years old), and 43.63 (pre-lockdown), 32.72 (lockdown), and 72.72 (post-lockdown) in adolescents (10–19 years old). No association was found with COVID-19 incidence rates (Spearman’s rho −0.222; p = 0.113). Comparing the years 2020 and 2009, statistically significant differences were observed in adolescents (Fisher’s exact test; p = 0.024), but no differences were observed in adults (chi-square test = 3.0401; p = 0.218).

Conclusions

Hospital-treated suicide rates attempted during the COVID-19 outbreak in Oviedo, Spain showed a similar trend compared with a non-COVID-19 year. In contrast, the number of adolescents hospital-treated for attempted suicide increased during lockdown, suggesting more vulnerability to COVID-19 restrictions after the initial lockdown period in this age group.
Erratum: Effects of chirality and inhomogeneous growth on the morphology of plant tendril
Authors: Zhao Hui-Chuan , Bian Li-Chun , Zhang Tao , Dong Jia-Jun
Published: February 2023

Original article:
EPL, 136 (2021) 48004.
Efficacy and Safety of Fezolinetant in Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause: A Phase 3 RCT
Authors: Johnson Kimball A , Martin Nancy , Nappi Rossella E , Neal-Perry Genevieve , Shapiro Marla , Stute Petra , Thurston Rebecca C , Wolfman Wendy , English Marci , Franklin Catherine , Lee Misun , Santoro Nanette
Published: February 2023

Context

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are common, bothersome, and can persist for years before and after menopause.

Objective

We aimed to assess efficacy/safety of fezolinetant for treatment of moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause.

Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week phase 3 trial with a 40-week active treatment extension (NCT04003142; SKYLIGHT 2), women aged 40 to 65 years with minimum average 7 moderate to severe VMS/day were randomized to 12 weeks of once-daily placebo, fezolinetant 30 mg, or fezolinetant 45 mg. Completers were rerandomized to fezolinetant 30/45 mg for 40 additional weeks. Coprimary efficacy endpoints were mean daily change from baseline to week 4 (W4) and W12 in VMS frequency and severity. Safety was also assessed.

Results

Both fezolinetant doses statistically significantly reduced VMS frequency/severity at W4 and W12 vs placebo. For VMS frequency, W4 least squares mean (SE) reduction vs placebo: fezolinetant 30 mg, –1.82 (0.46; P < .001); 45 mg, –2.55 (0.46; P < .001); W12: 30 mg, –1.86 (0.55; P < .001); 45 mg, −2.53 (0.55; P < .001). For VMS severity, W4: 30 mg, −0.15 (0.06; P < .05); 45 mg, −0.29 (0.06; P < .001); W12: 30 mg, −0.16 (0.08; P < .05); 45 mg, −0.29 (0.08; P < .001). Improvement in VMS frequency and severity was observed by W1 and maintained through W52. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were infrequent, reported by 2%, 1%, and 0% of those receiving fezolinetant 30 mg, fezolinetant 45 mg, and placebo, respectively.

Conclusion

Daily fezolinetant 30 and 45 mg were efficacious and well tolerated for treating moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause.
A Case of Exaggerated Pituitary Hyperplasia in a Pregnant Woman
Authors: Charitou Marina M , Mathew Ribu
Published: February 2023

Pituitary hyperplasia occurs as a result of an increase in pituitary cell subtypes. It can be a consequence of either a physiological or pathological condition. In our case, a 31-year-old pregnant woman at 16 weeks gestation presented with headaches and vision changes. Visual field testing demonstrated bitemporal hemianopsia, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain showed enlargement of the pituitary with compression of the optic chiasm. She was treated with cabergoline and steroids, and her symptoms improved. In a subsequent pregnancy, the patient developed similar symptoms, and with cabergoline treatment, her symptoms resolved. A postpartum MRI of her brain revealed a decrease in pituitary size back to baseline with normal pituitary hormone levels. This patient's likely diagnosis was physiologic pituitary hyperplasia. Pituitary hyperplasia can be difficult to diagnose since there are no explicit guidelines. Through deduction of imaging findings and hormonal levels, diagnosis of pituitary hyperplasia becomes a more manageable task.
Percutaneous Full Endoscopic Management of Spinal Foraminal Schwannomas: Case Series
Authors: Hu Xin-Ben , Gu Chi , Chen Ai-Qin , Ying Guang-Yu , Shen Fang , Zhu Yong-Jian
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Schwannoma, a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor, is perhaps only secondary to degenerative pathology as the most common lesion at neural foramen. The surgical dilemma here is either risking nerve injury because of inadequate exposure or the need for internal fixation because of facet joint sacrifice.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of management of foraminal schwannomas by percutaneous full-endoscopic technique.

METHODS:

A single-center retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent full-endoscopic resection of neural foraminal schwannomas. Tumors were grouped into either medial type or lateral type based on relevant location to the neural foramen, and respective surgical approaches were adopted. Data including preoperative neurological status, tumor size, surgery time, the extension of resection, and clinical outcomes were collected. The learning curve was plotted as surgical time/tumor size against case number.

RESULTS:

A total of 25 patients were treated between May 2015 and March 2022. Gross total resection was achieved in 24 patients, and near-total resection in 1 case, with 1 patient experienced transient voiding difficulty. No tumor recurrence or spinal instability was detected in the short-term follow-up (median follow-up 22 months, range 3 months-6 years). Surgical efficiency improved with the number of cases operated on and remained stable after the initial 10 cases.

CONCLUSION:

Percutaneous full-endoscopic technique is a safe and minimally invasive technique for the resection of foraminal schwannomas.
CNKSR2, a downstream mediator of retinoic acid signaling, modulates the Ras/Raf/MEK pathway to regulate patterning and invagination of the chick forebrain roof plate
Authors: Udaykumar Niveda , Zaidi Mohd Ali Abbas , Rai Aishwarya , Sen Jonaki
Published: February 2023

During embryonic development, the forebrain roof plate undergoes invagination, leading to separation of the cerebral hemispheres. Any defects in this process, in humans, lead to middle interhemispheric holoprosencephaly (MIH-HPE). In this study, we have identified a previously unreported downstream mediator of retinoic acid (RA) signaling, CNKSR2, which is expressed in the forebrain roof plate in the chick embryo. Knockdown of CNKSR2 affects invagination, cell proliferation and patterning of the roof plate, similar to the phenotypes observed upon inhibition of RA signaling. We further demonstrate that CNKSR2 functions by modulating the Ras/Raf/MEK signaling. This appears to be crucial for patterning of the forebrain roof plate and its subsequent invagination, leading to the formation of the cerebral hemispheres. Thus, a set of novel molecular players have been identified that regulate the morphogenesis of the avian forebrain.
Transcriptome-wide analyses of piRNA binding sites suggest distinct mechanisms regulate piRNA binding and silencing inC. elegans
Authors: Wu Wei-Sheng , Brown Jordan S. , Shiue Sheng-Cian , Chung Chi-Jung , Lee Dong-En , Zhang Donglei , Lee Heng-Chi
Published: February 2023

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) protect genome integrity by silencing transposon mRNAs and some endogenous mRNAs in various animals. However,C. eleganspiRNAs only trigger gene silencing at select predicted targeting sites, suggesting additional cellular mechanisms regulate piRNA silencing. To gain insight into possible mechanisms, we compared the transcriptome-wide predicted piRNA targeting sites to the in vivo piRNA binding sites. Surprisingly, while sequence-based predicted piRNA targeting sites are enriched in 3′ UTRs, we found thatC. eleganspiRNAs preferentially bind to coding regions (CDS) of target mRNAs, leading to preferential production of secondary silencing small RNAs in the CDS. However, our analyses suggest that this CDS binding preference cannot be explained by the action of antisilencing Argonaute CSR-1. Instead, our analyses imply that CSR-1 protects mRNAs from piRNA silencing through two distinct mechanisms—by inhibiting piRNA binding across the entire CSR-1 targeted transcript, and by inhibiting secondary silencing small RNA production locally at CSR-1 bound sites. Together, our work identifies the CDS as the critical region that is uniquely competent for piRNA binding inC. elegans.We speculate the CDS binding preference may have evolved to allow the piRNA pathway to maintain robust recognition of RNA targets in spite of genetic drift. Together, our analyses revealed that distinct mechanisms are responsible for restricting piRNA binding and silencing to achieve proper transcriptome surveillance.
Toblerone: detecting exon deletion events in cancer using RNA-seq
Authors: Lonsdale Andrew , Halman Andreas , Brown Lauren , Kosasih Hansen , Ekert Paul , Oshlack Alicia
Published: February 2023

Cancer is driven by mutations of the genome that can result in the activation of oncogenes or repression of tumour suppressor genes. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) focal deletions in IKAROS family zinc finger 1 (IKZF1) result in the loss of zinc-finger DNA-binding domains and a dominant negative isoform that is associated with higher rates of relapse and  poorer patient outcomes. Clinically, the presence of IKZF1 deletions informs prognosis and treatment options. In this work we developed a method for detecting exon deletions in genes using RNA-seq with application to IKZF1. We developed a pipeline that first uses a custom transcriptome reference consisting of transcripts with exon deletions.  Next, RNA-seq reads are mapped using a pseudoalignment algorithm to identify reads that uniquely support deletions. These are then evaluated for evidence of the deletion with respect to gene expression and other samples. We applied the algorithm, named Toblerone, to a cohort of 99 B-ALL paediatric samples including validated IKZF1 deletions. Furthermore, we developed a graphical desktop app for non-bioinformatics users that can quickly and easily identify and report deletions in IKZF1 from RNA-seq data with informative graphical outputs.
Adverse cutaneous drug reactions: manifestations, diagnosis and management
Authors: Ramadan Francesca
Published: February 2023

Adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDR) are relatively common, especially in multimorbid populations who take a range of medications. Francesca Ramadan provides an overview of several common types of ACDR and their most frequently associated drugs, alongside some options for diagnosis and management.
A qualitative exploration of the thoughts, feelings, experiences and expectations of student district nurses
Authors: Marshall Helen , Sprung Sally
Published: February 2023

A District Nurse (DN) is a registered nurse who has undertaken a Nursing and Midwifery Council approved programme. Over the years, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of qualified DNs. However, this is slowly changing, with the number of nurses enrolled on to a Specialist Practitioner Qualification in District Nursing (SPQDN) programme now increasing. There is a strategic drive, as outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan, which strives to bring care into people's homes, as opposed to the acute setting. However, to do this, a highly skilled and competent workforce is needed. In order to explore the experiences and expectations of student DNs, a qualitative study was undertaken. A cohort of SPQDN students (programme commencing September 2019) located in the North West of England, were interviewed. A face-to-face focus group (n=9) was held within the first week of the start of the programme. An online focus group (n=7) and a single online interview (n=1) took place at the end of the programme (July 2020). Key themes were identified within the two data collection points. These included ‘feelings’, ‘career aspirations’, ‘the role and title of District Nurse’ and ‘future practice’. Findings showed that initially, students were anxious, apprehensive and excited with regards to starting the SPQDN. However, at the end of the programme, the students noted that they had grown in confidence as a clinical practitioner and as a leader.
Negative pressure sealing drainage with antibiotic bone cement for the treatment of skin and soft tissue defects in the older population with bone exposure
Authors: Li Xin , Ding Wei , Wang Jun
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To observe the clinical efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with antibiotic bone cement in the treatment of skin and soft tissue defects of the extremities with bone exposure in the older population.

Method:

From January 2016 to December 2018, VSD combined with antibiotic bone cement was used to treat 12 older patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the extremities and bone exposure. The study cohort consisted of eight male patients and four female patients aged between 60–95 years, with a median of 75 years. The injury sites included four cases of hand, one case of calf, one case of ankle and six cases of back of foot. The area of skin and soft tissue defects ranged from 2.7×4.1cm to 4.8×4.9cm. There were four infected wounds and eight contaminated wounds. The time from injury to operation was 1.5–6 hours, with a median of 5 hours. In the first stage of the treatment, the wound was covered with a VSD dressing; in the second stage the VSD dressing was replaced with antibiotic bone cement after infection control; and in the third stage, the bone cement was removed and the wound was transplanted with medium-thickness skin grafts according to the wound condition. The skin graft survival and wound healing were assessed.

Results:

After the first-stage debridement, three of the 12 patients had wound infections, including two cases of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and one case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. After the bone cement was removed in the third stage, five of the 12 patients underwent free medium-thickness skin grafting on the wound surface (the area of the autologous skin ranged from 2.9×4.3cm to 4.9×5.0cm), and seven patients continued to change dressing routinely. All patients were followed up for 4–15 months, with a median of 10 months. All skin grafts survived and the wounds healed. The healing time was 48–115 days, with a median of 72 days. At the last follow-up, the skin of the affected limb was slightly darker than the surrounding skin, and the appearance was smooth, without obvious scar tissue formation.

Conclusion:

VSD combined with antibiotic bone cement in the treatment of skin and soft tissue defects of the extremities with bone exposure in the older population has a high survival rate of skin grafts and good wound healing. It is worthy of clinical application.
Real-time high-precision FMCW laser range extraction method based on a hardware multiplier array
Authors: Zehao Yu , Cheng Lu , Guodong Liu , Yu Gan , Binghui Lu
Published: February 2023

Frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) laser interferometry is an ideal large-scale absolute distance measurement method. It has advantages of high precision and noncooperative target measurement capability, with no blind spot for ranging. To meet the requirements of high-precision, high-speed 3D topography measurement technologies, a faster measurement speed of FMCW LiDAR at each measurement point is required. To solve the shortcomings of the existing technology, a real-time high-precision hardware solution method (including but not limited to FPGA and GPU) for lidar beat frequency signals is provided here based on hardware multiplier arrays to reduce lidar beat frequency signal processing time and to save energy and resource consumption during processing. A high-speed FPGA architecture was also designed for the frequency-modulated continuous wave lidar range extraction algorithm. The whole algorithm was designed and implemented in real time based on the principle of full-pipelines and parallelism. The results show that the processing speed of the FPGA system is faster than that of current top-performing software implementations.
Dual-wavelength hologram of high transmittance metasurface
Authors: Xu Ping , Xiao Yufei , Huang Haixuan , Yang Tuo , Zhang Xulin , Yuan Xia , Li Xiong Chao , Xu Haidong , Wang Mengyu
Published: February 2023

In this work, a simple dielectric metasurface hologram is proposed and designed by combining the electromagnetic vector analysis method and the immune algorithm, which can realize the holographic display of dual wavelength orthogonal-linear polarization light in visible light band, solve the problem of low efficiency of the traditional design method of metasurface hologram, and effectively improve the diffraction efficiency of metasurface hologram. The titanium dioxide metasurface nanorod based on rectangular structure is optimized and designed. When the x-linear polarized light with wavelength of 532 nm and y-linear polarized light with wavelength of 633 nm are incident on the metasurface respectively, different display output images with low cross-talk can be obtained on the same observation plane, and the transmission efficiencies of x-linear and y-linear polarized light are as high as 68.2% and 74.6% respectively in simulation. Then the metasurface is fabricated by Atomic Layer Deposition method. The experimental results are consistent with the design results, which proves that the metasurface hologram designed by this method can completely realize the feasibility of wavelength and polarization multiplexing holographic display, and has potential application value in holographic display, optical encryption, anti-counterfeiting, data storage and other fields.
Self-powered (In,Ga)N-nanowire-based photodetector with fast response speed for under-seawater detection
Authors: Zhang Jianya , Jiang Min , Zhou Min , Yang Wenxian , Zhao Yukun , Lu Shulong
Published: February 2023

Due to the requirements of oceanography exploration and detection, self-powered photodetectors (PDs) with low-power consumption are essential for the next-generation optoelectronic applications. In this work, we successfully demonstrate a self-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) PD in seawater based on the (In,Ga)N/GaN core-shell heterojunction nanowires. Compared to those of the PD in pure water, it is found that the upward and downward overshooting features of current can be the key reason contributing to the much faster response speed of the PD in seawater. Thanks to the enhanced response speed, the rise time of PD can be reduced more than 80%, and the fall time remains only 30% by applying in seawater instead of pure water. The key factors of generating these overshooting features should be the instantaneous temperature gradient, carrier accumulation and elimination on the semiconductor/electrolyte interfaces at the moments of light on and off. By the analysis of experimental results, the Na+ and Cl- ions are proposed to be the main factors affecting the PD behavior in seawater, which can enhance the conductivity and accelerate the oxidation-reduction reaction significantly. This work paves an effective way to develop the new self-powered PDs for the wide applications in under-seawater detection and communication.
Spatially-resolved bending recognition based on a learning-empowered fiber specklegram sensor
Authors: Gao Han , Hu Haifeng
Published: February 2023

Fiber specklegram sensors do not rely on complex fabrication processes and expensive sensor interrogation schemes and provide an alternative to routinely used fiber sensing technologies. Most of the reported specklegram demodulation schemes focus on correlation calculation based on statistical properties or classification according to features, resulting in limited measurement range and resolution. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a learning-empowered spatially resolved method for fiber specklegram bending sensors. This method can learn the evolution process of speckle patterns through a hybrid framework constructed by a data dimension reduction algorithm and regression neural network, which can simultaneously identify the curvature and perturbed position according to the specklegram, even for the unlearned curvature configuration. Rigorous experiments are performed to verify the feasibility and robustness of the proposed scheme, and the results show that the prediction accuracy for the perturbed position is 100%, and the average prediction errors for the curvature of the learned and unlearned configurations are 7.79 × 10−4 m-1 and 7.02 × 10−2 m-1, respectively. The proposed method promotes the application of fiber specklegram sensors in the practical scene and provides insights for the interrogation of sensing signals by deep learning.
Multilevel polarization shift keying modulation for turbulence-robust underwater optical wireless communication
Authors: Liu Weijie , Ye Zhangwei , Huang Nuo , Li Shangbin , Xu Zhengyuan
Published: February 2023

Turbulence is an intractable issue for underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC). Most literature has been mainly focused on the modeling of turbulence channels and performance analysis rather than mitigation of the turbulence effect, especially from the experimental aspects. In this paper, a multilevel polarization shift keying (PolSK) modulation based UOWC system is established utilizing a 15 m-long water tank, and the system performance is investigated under specific temperature gradient-induced turbulence and various transmitted optical powers. Experimental results show the feasibility of the PolSK in alleviating the effect of turbulence, and the bit error rate performance significantly outperforms traditional intensity-based modulation schemes which have difficulty in obtaining an optimal decision threshold in a turbulence channel.
Accurate modeling and measurement of pressure-induced group velocity dispersion variations in anti-resonant hollow-core fibers
Authors: Sheng Yulin , Sun Yizhi , Gao Shoufei , Liang Zhi , Hong Yifeng , Wang Yingying , Ding Wei
Published: February 2023

Precise control of group velocity dispersion (GVD) by pressure in a gas-filled hollow-core fiber (HCF) is of essential importance for many gas-based nonlinear optical applications. To accurately calculate the pressure-induced dispersion variations (∂β2/∂p) in anti-resonant types of HCF, an analytical model combining the contribution of the gas material, capillary waveguide, and cladding resonances is developed, with an insightful physical picture. Broadband (∼1000 nm) GVD measurements in a single-shot manner realize accuracy and precision as low as 0.1 ps2/km and 2 × 10−3 ps2/km, respectively, and validate our model. Consistent with our model, a pronounced negative ∂β2/∂p is observed experimentally for the first time, to our knowledge. Our model can also be extended to other HCFs with cladding resonances in predicting ∂β2/∂p, such as in photonic bandgap types of HCF.
Optical fiber inclinometer with dynamically controllable excitation length of quantum dots liquid-core waveguide based on a photo-controlled bubble
Authors: Xu Weijiang , Liu Yi , Bai Jinke , Li Yan , Qu Shiliang
Published: February 2023

An ultracompact fiber inclinometer based on a bubble controlled by Marangoni force is proposed in this Letter. By coupling a 980-nm laser, the bubble can suspend in a quantum dots (QDs) liquid-core waveguide (LCW) due to the Marangoni effect. Under the excitation of a 405-nm laser, QDs LCW exhibit green emissions centered at 523 nm. When the tilt angle changes, the position of the bubble changes as well, which causes the variation of the 523-nm fluorescence intensity. The experimental results show that the sensitivity based on the peak intensity ratio (PIR) reaches 0.22/° with a linearity of 0.979 from 0° to 35°. Furthermore, the sensor has excellent stability and repeatability.
Watt-level deep-UV subnanosecond laser system based on Nd-doped fiber at 229 nm
Authors: Le Corre Kilian , Barnini Alexandre , Robin Thierry , Cadier Benoit , Florentin Raphaël , Gilles Hervé , Girard Sylvain , Laroche Mathieu
Published: February 2023

We report an efficient deep-UV master-oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) laser system at 229 nm that generates 350 ps pulses at 2 MHz repetition rate with an average power of 1.2 W. The use of a polarization-maintaining large mode area neodymium-doped fiber operating on the 4F3/2→4I9/2 transition allows high-power laser emission of up to 28 W near 915 nm in the sub-nanosecond regime with low spectral broadening. Two nonlinear frequency conversion stages (LBO + BBO crystals) in a single-pass configuration directly convert the IR laser emission to deep UV. This laser demonstrates the great potential of Nd3+-doped fiber lasers to produce high-power deep-UV emission.
All-silicon microring avalanche photodiodes with a >65 A/W response
Authors: Peng Yiwei , Yuan Yuan , Sorin Wayne V. , Cheung Stanley , Huang Zhihong , Fiorentino Marco , Beausoleil Raymond G.
Published: February 2023

We report an all-Si microring (MRR) avalanche photodiode (APD) with an ultrahigh responsivity (R) of 65 A/W, dark current of 6.5 µA, and record gain-bandwidth product (GBP) of 798 GHz at −7.36 V. The mechanisms for the high responsivity have been modelled and investigated. Furthermore, open eye diagrams up to 20 Gb/s are supported at 1310 nm at −7.36 V. The device is the first, to the best of our knowledge, low cost all-Si APD that has potential to compete with current commercial Ge- and III–V-based photodetectors (PDs). This shows the potential to make the all-Si APD a standard “black-box” component in Si photonics CMOS foundry platform component libraries.
Enhanced THz radiation through a thick plasmonic electrode grating photoconductive antenna with tight photocarrier confinement
Authors: Ponomarev Dmitry S. , Lavrukhin Denis V. , Glinskiy Igor A. , Yachmenev Alexander E. , Zenchenko Nikolay V. , Khabibullin Rustam A. , Goncharov Yurii G. , Otsuji Taiichi , Zaytsev Kirill I.
Published: February 2023

We propose the design of a photoconductive antenna (PCA) emitter with a plasmonic grating featuring a very high plasmonic Au electrode with a thickness of 170 nm. As we show numerically, the increase in h significantly changes the electric field distribution, owing to the excitation of higher-order plasmon guided modes in the Au slit waveguides, leading to an additional increase in the emitted THz power. We develop the plasmonic grating geometry with respect to maximal transmission of the incident optical light, so as to expect the excitation of higher-order plasmon guided Au modes. The fabricated PCA can efficiently work with low-power laser excitation, demonstrating an overall THz power of 5.3 μW over an ∼4.0 THz bandwidth, corresponding to a conversion efficiency of 0.2%. We believe that our design can be used to meet the demands of modern THz spectroscopic and high-speed imaging applications.
Damage threshold in pre-heated optical materials exposed to intense X-rays
Authors: Medvedev Nikita , Kuglerová Zuzana , Makita Mikako , Chalupský Jaromír , Juha Libor
Published: February 2023

Materials exposed to ultrashort intense x-ray irradiation experience
various damaging conditions depending on the irradiation temperature.
A pre-heated target exposed to intense x-rays plays a crucial role in
numerous physical-technical systems, ranging from the heavily and
repeatedly radiation-loaded optics at x-ray free-electron laser
facilities to the inner-most wall of prospective inertial fusion
reactors. We study the temperature dependence of damage thresholds in
different classes of materials theoretically: an insulator (diamond),
a semiconductor (silicon), a metal (tungsten), and an organic polymer
(PMMA). The numerical techniques used here enable us to trace the
evolution of both the electronic state and the atomic dynamics of the
materials. It includes damage mechanisms such as thermal damage,
induced by an increased irradiation temperature due to energy transfer
from x-ray-excited electrons, and nonthermal phase transitions,
induced by rapid interatomic potential changes due to the excitation
of electrons. We demonstrate that in the pre-heated materials, the
thermal damage threshold tends to stay the same or lowers with the
increase of the irradiation temperature, whereas nonthermal damage
thresholds may be lowered or raised, depending on the particular
material and specifics of the damage kinetics.
Photoacoustic phase-controlled Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Larnimaa Santeri , Roiz Mikhail , Vainio Markku
Published: February 2023

We demonstrate a 13-fold speed improvement in broadband cantilever-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (CEPAS) by combining it with phase-controlled Fourier-transform spectroscopy (PC-FTS) instead of traditional Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). PC-FTS is a modification of FTIR and capable of fundamentally faster interferogram acquisitions. The speed-improvement is beneficial for CEPAS, which is an especially sensitive version of the background-free photoacoustic spectroscopy technique. We used the PC-FTS-CEPAS technique to measure the absorption spectrum of methane in the mid-infrared region (3.3–3.5 µm) with an optical frequency comb as the light source.
Virtual reality images created in back and front of a display
Authors: Ogata Yoichi , Kolchiba Mykyta
Published: February 2023

To better investigate the biological mechanism of microorganisms, we developed a novel virtual reality (VR) microscope which incorporates a head-mounted display (HMD) that creates VR images with a digital microscope. This type of VR microscope can be used with any type of optical microscope. The fabricated microscope is quite different from a common bi-focal device, and can create VR images on the back and front of the display. If the VR images are displayed with object (OBJ) images, they are observable in [2 x 2] (back and front VR images and OBJ images; 2x2=4 images). This feature can provide important information on microscopic OBJs, which can be employed in 3D biological analysis. Furthermore, if a laser light source is added to this microscope, the images can be observed in [3 x 2] (back and front laser VR images, VR images, and OBJ images; 3x2=6 images). The lasers would also enable optical trapping and tracking, leading to improved biological analysis.
RPG interacts with E3-ligase CERBERUS to mediate rhizobial infection in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Liu Miaoxia , Cai Min , Chiasson David , Groth Martin , Heckmann Anne B. , Wang Trevor L. , Parniske Martin , Downie J. Allan , Xie Fang
Published: February 2023

Symbiotic interactions between rhizobia and legumes result in the formation of root nodules, which fix nitrogen that can be used for plant growth. Rhizobia usually invade legume roots through a plant-made tunnel-like structure called an infection thread (IT). RPG (Rhizobium-directed polar growth) encodes a coiled-coil protein that has been identified in Medicago truncatula as required for root nodule infection, but the function of RPG remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified and characterized RPG in Lotus japonicus and determined that it is required for IT formation. RPG was induced by Mesorhizobium loti or purified Nodulation factor and displayed an infection-specific expression pattern. Nodule inception (NIN) bound to the RPG promoter and induced its expression. We showed that RPG displayed punctate subcellular localization in L. japonicus root protoplasts and in root hairs infected by M. loti. The N-terminal predicted C2 lipid-binding domain of RPG was not required for this subcellular localization or for function. CERBERUS, a U-box E3 ligase which is also required for rhizobial infection, was found to be localized similarly in puncta. RPG co-localized and directly interacted with CERBERUS in the early endosome (TGN/EE) compartment and near the nuclei in root hairs after rhizobial inoculation. Our study sheds light on an RPG-CERBERUS protein complex that is involved in an exocytotic pathway mediating IT elongation.