bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibromyalgia: epidemiology and risk factors, a population-based case-control study in Damascus, Syria
Authors: Alzabibi Mhd Amin , Shibani Mosa , Alsuliman Tamim , Ismail Hlma , alasaad Suja , Torbey André , Altorkmani Abdallah , Sawaf Bisher , Ayoub Rita , khalayli Naram , Kudsi Mayssoun
Published: October 2022

Background

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease with a high burden. We aim to be the first to investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in Syria and assess its risk factors.

Methods

A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the public to identify fibromyalgia patients using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 modified criteria. Identified cases were matched using age with controls free from rheumatic disorders that were randomly sampled from the same population.

Results

Out of 2966 participants, 350 (11.8%) satisfied the diagnostic criteria. Of these, only 29 (8.2%) were previously diagnosed by a physician, 239 (68.3%) were females, and 69 (19.71%) were diagnosed with depression. Female sex (OR = 1.31), diagnosis of major depressive disorder (OR = 2.62), irritable bowel syndrome (OR = 1.8), and Restless legs syndrome (OR = 1.72) were associated with a higher likelihood of fibromyalgia.

Conclusion

Our study revealed one of the highest prevalence rates of fibromyalgia ever reported in the general population. Efforts must be intensified to increase awareness about this disease in Syrian society as well as among healthcare providers.
Functional rubber composites based on silica-silane reinforcement for green tire application: the state of the art
Authors: Neethirajan Jeevanandham , Parathodika Arshad Rahman , Hu Guo-Hua , Naskar Kinsuk
Published: October 2022

Silica is the rubber industry’s most essential and cost-effective reinforcing filler after carbon black. The silica reinforcement mechanism with a non-polar elastomer is complicated by the presence of polar functional groups on the silica surface. This polar nature of silica causes filler-to-filler interaction by forming hydrogen bonds. Therefore, sizeable non-dispersed silica clusters remain in a non-polar rubber matrix. To avoid these strong filler-filler interactions and improve rubber/silica compatibility, the silica surface needs to be modified. This can be done using a coupling agent which has functional groups capable of linking both the rubber and silica. It has been discovered that when silica/silane coupling agents are present, the critical properties like rolling resistance and wet grip in the magic triangle of tire tread balance out better than carbon black formulations, bringing the system closer to the green tire goal. In this review article, the efforts made by both the rubber formulation development and chemistry to fully exploit the potential of silica/silane reinforcement for automotive tires are retrospected. Highlights on how compounding ingredients, process technology, functionalized elastomer, novel silanes, and the variant of silicas can enhance the magic triangle and silica-silane reaction mechanism are provided. In addition, the kinetics of silanization and measurements for the degree of silanization is also highlighted. Future research directions in this area are also touched upon. Hopefully, this review can stimulate future silica/silane scientific and technology developments for both academic and industrial-oriented requirements.
Surveillance and monitoring of early failing arteriovenous fistula using Doppler assessment in children on regular hemodialysis
Authors: Atwan Eman Fawzy , Awad Ahmad Sayed , Abdelrahman Safaa M. , Makar Samuel Helmy , Ghobashy Mohammed Hamadna Allah El
Published: October 2022

Background

A well-functioning vascular access is a mainstay to perform an efficient hemodialysis procedure. Limited lifespan of arteriovenous accesses is one of the major challenges of the current long-term hemodialysis therapy. Vascular access-related morbidity accounts for up to 50% of total dialysis patient’s costs. The pediatric vascular access clinical guidelines published by the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative recommend establishing a surveillance strategy to detect access stenosis and direct patients for early intervention. The aim of this study was to test the role of using the color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) as a surveillance method for arteriovenous fistulae in children on regular hemodialysis and its value for detecting the early vascular access failure or dysfunction to avoid access loss.

Results

During 10-month duration, we prospectively conducted surveillance for 30 patients on regular hemodialysis through arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) as a vascular access, clinical assessment of AVF and radiological examination using CDU of the upper limbs. Their ages were ranging from 2 to 18 years with 1:1 male: female ratio. Doppler indices were measured in the afferent arteries, at the site of anastomosis, and the draining veins. AVF stenosis was the highest among all the detected complications (n = 9, 30%), aneurysm and pseudoaneurysmal formation (n = 8, 26%) anastomoses diameter reduction in 16.6%, and it was correlated with the dialysis adequacy measured through the Kt/v. Other complications were thrombosis (n = 2, 6.7%), central venous stenosis (n = 2, 6.7%), steal syndrome (n = 1, 3.3%) and calcifications in (n = 1, 3.3%). In total, 26% of the patients have more than one malfunction. Only one case has access failure a month after CDU examination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, among pediatric patients CDU can detect early stenosis of AVF in children, which can affect the dialysis adequacy.
Spontaneous pregnancy rate after fallopian tube recanalization for unilateral obstruction with a patent contralateral tube
Authors: Fataftah Jehad , Tayyem Raed , Al Rshoud Firas , Al-Omari Mamoon
Published: October 2022

Background

Infertility is a common sociomedical problem worldwide, affecting up to 15% of couples. Tubal obstruction is currently one of the most important causes of female infertility. This study was designed to determine the spontaneous pregnancy rate in patients undergoing unilateral transcervical fallopian tube recanalization, performed by an interventional radiologist, for proximal fallopian tube obstruction with a patent contralateral tube. The secondary objective was to analyze pregnancy rates in relation to the type and duration of infertility, patient age, and body mass index.

Results

Thirty-eight patients with unilateral tube obstruction were included in this study. Transcervical fallopian tube recanalization was successfully performed in all cohorts. At the one-year follow-up; 13 women (34.2%) had become pregnant, nine (23.7%) delivered healthy babies, and four (10.5%) had miscarriages. The time interval between the application of the technique and spontaneous pregnancy was 1–12 months, with a mean of approximately 4 months. Multivariate analysis showed a significantly higher pregnancy rate in young (< 35 years), nonobese (BMI < 30 kg/m2) females with a history of primary infertility for < 5 years. Minor complications were noted in 27 patients (71%). No major complications were noted.

Conclusions

Our study showed that transcervical fallopian tube recanalization of proximal fallopian tube obstruction with a patent contralateral tube increased the spontaneous pregnancy rate in cases of tubal factor infertility. Moreover, transcervical fallopian tube recanalization is recommended as a first-line treatment for women with unilateral proximal fallopian tube obstruction and a patent contralateral tube owing to the low risks associated.
Diagnostic utility of Bcl-2 immunohistochemical expression in pediatric functional bowel obstruction cases with ganglionated specimens
Authors: Mohamed Lobna Abd El Fattah , Hegazy Nedal Ahmed , Ghazal Faten Abd El Aziz , Zaki Ahmed Mohy El Din , Radwan Ahmed Bassiouny , Hakim Sarah Adel
Published: October 2022

Background

Functional disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract are caused by a number of neurodysplastic conditions, including diseases that are rarer than Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR), such as ganglion cell immaturity and intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND). Bcl-2 shows positive immunoreactivity in degenerative and immature ganglion cells (IGCs). This work evaluates the implication of the immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-2 in cases of pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) with ganglionated specimens.

This 2-year prospective observational study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2019 on all intestinal specimens for cases referred from a pediatric surgery department with clinical data suggesting IPO (abdominal distension > 3 months, intermittent bilious vomiting, no radiological evidence of the transitional zone of HSCR or evidence of mechanical obstruction). The exclusion criteria were patients with IPO related to myopathic disorders, aganglionic biopsies, and specimens with inadequate tissue blocks. The same number of intestinal specimens of cases without IPO was used as a control group. All specimens underwent a histologic examination of ganglion cells and nerve bundles and were also evaluated for Bcl-2 immunohistochemical expression.

Results

Twenty-one specimens were analyzed, including six colonic resection specimens and 15 intestinal biopsies taken by full-thickness transanal biopsy (n = 12) or incisional biopsy from inadequately functioning stomas (n = 3). The mean ± standard deviation age of the patient cohort was 22 ± 7.4 months (range, 19–153 months), and there were 13 (61.9%) male patients. Bcl-2 protein was strongly positive in 57.1% of the cases, weakly positive in 19%, and negative in 23.8% as well as in all 21 control specimens. A highly significant correlation was observed between Bcl-2 expression and ganglion cell number (P < 0.001), where all hyperganglionic specimens showed strong positivity compared with the hypoganglionic and adequately ganglionic specimens. A positive association was also found between Bcl-2 expression and IND compared with other disorders of dysganglionosis (P = 0.04) and post-HSCR cases (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool to diagnose allied disorders of HSCR through its expression in IGCs, which are difficult to identify by conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Informal Providers—Ground Realities in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Nations: Toward Better Cancer Primary Care: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nayak Prakash R. , Oswal Kunal , Pramesh Conjeevaram S. , Ranganathan Priya , Caduff Carlo , Sullivan Richard , Advani Shailesh , Kataria Ishu , Kalkonde Yogeshwar , Mohan Pavitra , Jain Yogesh , Purushotham Arnie
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations are a group of eight countries with low to medium Human Development Index values. They lack trained human resources in primary health care to achieve the WHO-stated goal of Universal Health Coverage. An unregulated service sector of informal health care providers (IPs) has been serving these underserved communities. The aim is to summarize the role of IPs in primary cancer care, compare quality with formal providers, quantify distribution in urban and rural settings, and present the socioeconomic milieu that sustains their existence.

METHODS

A narrative review of the published literature in English from January 2000 to December 2021 was performed using MeSH Terms Informal Health Care Provider/Informal Provider and Primary Health Care across databases such as Medline (PubMed), Google Scholar, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews, as well as World Bank, Center for Global Development, American Economic Review, Journal Storage, and Web of Science. In addition, citation lists from the primary articles, gray literature in English, and policy blogs were included. We present a descriptive overview of our findings as applicable to SAARC.

RESULTS

IPs across the rural landscape often comprise more than 75% of primary caregivers. They provide accessible and affordable, but often substandard quality of care. However, their network would be suitable for prompt cancer referrals. Care delivery and accountability correlate with prevalent standards of formal health care.

CONCLUSION

Acknowledgment and upskilling of IPs could be a cost-effective bridge toward universal health coverage and early cancer diagnosis in SAARC nations, whereas state capacity for training formal health care providers is ramped up simultaneously. This must be achieved without compromising investment in the critical resource of qualified doctors and allied health professionals who form the core of the rural public primary health care system.
Prognostic Value of FLT3-Internal Tandem Duplication Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Grob Tim , Sanders Mathijs A. , Vonk Christian M. , Kavelaars Franҫois G. , Rijken Melissa , Hanekamp Diana W. , Gradowska Patrycja L. , Cloos Jacqueline , Fløisand Yngvar , van Marwijk Kooy Marinus , Manz Markus G. , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Tick Lidwine W. , Havelange Violaine , Löwenberg Bob , Jongen-Lavrencic Mojca , Valk Peter J.M.
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

The applicability of FLT3-internal tandem duplications ( FLT3-ITD) for assessing measurable residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in complete remission (CR) has been hampered by patient-specific duplications and potential instability of FLT3-ITD during relapse. Here, we comprehensively investigated the impact of next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based FLT3-ITD MRD detection on treatment outcome in a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed AML in relation to established prognostic factors at diagnosis and other MRD measurements, ie, mutant NPM1 and multiparameter flow cytometry.

METHODS

In 161 patients with de novo FLT3-ITD AML, NGS was performed at diagnosis and in CR after intensive remission induction treatment. FLT3-ITD MRD status was correlated with the cumulative incidence of relapse and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

NGS-based FLT3-ITD MRD was present in 47 of 161 (29%) patients with AML. Presence of FLT3-ITD MRD was associated with increased risk of relapse (4-year cumulative incidence of relapse, 75% FLT3-ITD MRD v 33% no FLT3-ITD MRD; P < .001) and inferior OS (4-year OS, 31% FLT3-ITD MRD v 57% no FLT3-ITD MRD; P < .001). In multivariate analysis, detection of FLT3-ITD MRD in CR confers independent prognostic significance for relapse (hazard ratio, 3.55; P < .001) and OS (hazard ratio 2.51; P = .002). Strikingly, FLT3-ITD MRD exceeds the prognostic value of most generally accepted clinical and molecular prognostic factors, including the FLT3-ITD allelic ratio at diagnosis and MRD assessment by NGS-based mutant NPM1 detection or multiparameter flow cytometry.

CONCLUSION

NGS-based detection of FLT3-ITD MRD in CR identifies patients with AML with profound risk of relapse and death that outcompetes the significance of most established prognostic factors at diagnosis and during therapy, and furnishes support for FLT3-ITD as a clinically relevant biomarker for dynamic disease risk assessment in AML.
Sharing resources to advance translational research
Authors: Hooper Kirsty M. , Hmeljak Julija
Published: October 2022

The publication of Resource articles is essential for the dissemination of novel, or substantially enhanced, tools, techniques, disease models, datasets and resources. By sharing knowledge and resources in a globally accessible manner, we can support human disease research to accelerate the translation of fundamental discoveries to effective treatments or diagnostics for diverse patient populations. To promote and encourage excellence in Resource articles, Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) is launching a new ‘Outstanding Resource Paper Prize’. To celebrate this, we highlight recent outstanding DMM Resource articles that have the ultimate goal of benefitting of human health.
Delayed manifestation of needle track metastasis after radical cholecystectomy: is needle track mapping needed?
Authors: Agarwal Lokesh , Dash Nihar Ranjan , Madhusudhan Kumble Seetharama
Published: October 2022

This surgical perspective paper highlights the importance and rationale of performing a needle biopsy of a gallbladder mass though the future anticipated surgical incision site. It is a simple, and cost-effective technique, requiring close collaboration between the surgeon and the radiologist.
A Study on Image Interpretations of Computed Radiography for Iron Samples Using Image Evaluation Techniques
Authors: Kim Han Seul , Kim Da Sol , Song Jung Il
Published: October 2022

In the non-destructive radiographic testing methods used for specimens with cultural heritage, analog film radiography is being replaced with digital radiography by the introduction of an imaging plate computed radiography system. Adoption of the computed radiography system has helped standardize digital image quality.
This study analyzed the X-ray transmission characteristics and evaluated image quality according to image developing time for iron, the most important metal in cultural heritage. Computed radiography images were acquired. The transmittance of the images was determined based on Gray Scale and Duplex-wire Image Quality Indicator data. In addition, the change in images with the image developing time was compared and analyzed using the Structural Similarity Index Measure, mean square error, and peak signal-to-noise ratio.
Experimental Investigation on Artificial Degradation of Silk for Conservation of Textile Cultural Heritage
Authors: Park Seonghee , Kim Myoung Nam , An Boyeon
Published: October 2022

This study was a comparative analysis of the artificial degradation of silk by Xenon arc lamp, long-wavelength ultraviolet(UV-A), and dry heat. Two types of silk specimens with different thicknesses were treated under each condition for 24, 72, 120, and 168 hours. Tensile strength, yellowing index, and fiber surface changes were analyzed. Deterioration behavior after treatment was examined. The factor that most rapidly promoted degradation was UV-A exposure. The Xenon arc lamp produced a gentle decrease in tensile strength and a low yellowness index. Heat produced little change in the physical properties of the silk specimens. The comparative data indicated that silk degradation upon exposure to Xenon arc lamp was slow, with a low yellowness index. Thus, Xenon arc lamp is acceptable for the conservation of textile cultural heritage, along with reinforcement by sewing.
Basic Survey Study for Preservation of Damaged Tile Sculpture Artwork
Authors: Oh Seung-Jun , Wi Koang-Chul
Published: October 2022

This is a basic study on the artwork of the artist Ji Yeong Kim, “Ascending up the river against the current ...” currently being exhibited in the sculpture park of Suwon World Cup Stadium and it was confirmed that tiles used in the artwork production are classified into 2 types, namely, porcelain tile and ceramic tile, through scientific analytic method. It was confirmed that the tiles that form the overall background of the artwork are unglazed porcelain tiles with the same exterior and interior physical state that experienced absorption rate of 0.4% and firing at high temperature of more than 1,300℃. It was possible to discern that tiles used for the portion presumed to have embodied fish tail are 3 types with the different exterior and interior physical state from each other that have experienced absorption rate of more than 10% and firing at temperatures in the range of 1,000∼1,20 0℃, and that they were manufactured by being coated with glaze in which pyrophylite or dolomite range mineral has been mixed. As the result, it was possible to discern that porcelain tiles were used as the material for outdoor tile sculpture artwork due to its advantages including stability such as durability and water-resistance, etc. while ceramic tiles were used due to their ability to realized diversified colors and patterns through scientific analysis.
A Study on Painting Characteristics by Analysis of Pigments Used in Unhangak Hall Dancheong in Hwaryeongjeon Shrine, Suwon
Authors: Mun Seong Woo , Lee Sun Myung , Park Jongseo , Kang Young Seok , Kim Ji Sun
Published: October 2022

A microscopy investigation has been performed together with non-destructive component analysis to verify properties of pigments used in Unhangak Hall Dancheong in Hwaryeongjeon Shrine, Suwon. In addition, X-ray diffraction analysis, polarization microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed on the pigment specimens collected at the site. Dividing the Unhangak interior into areas and performing pigment property analyses has confirmed that the pigments Jusa, Jangdan, and Sukganju (iron oxide, red ocher) have been used for red colors. Jahwang, Gold, and Gamboge (organic pigments) have been used for yellows, the pigments Hayeob, Seokrok, Neorok, Samrok, and Chrome green have been used for greens, and Seogcheong and Heocheong have been used for blues. Baekto, Yeonbaek, Hobun, and Chalk have been used for whites, and Meog has been used for black. The inclusion of Chrome green (a modern pigment) among the pigments used to produce the Dancheong of Unhangak Hall has been confirmed. With this one exception, traditional pigments have been used. One unique property of the dancheong decorating Unhangak Hall include the use of higher than ordinary proportions of Jusa and Hayeob than is ordinarily found in traditional buildings. Another distinction is that expensive pigments including Seogcheong, Heocheong, Seokrok, Jusa, Jahwang, Gold, and Hayeob have been intensively used in worship spaces including the center compartment (Jeongkan) and Nae-hap. These pigments have been used over a coating of white primer (mostly Baekto, Yeonbaek, Hobun or Chalk) to improve choromaticity and color vibrance.
The Role of Lead Glass Plate and Correlation Analysis of Raw Materials in Mireuksa Temple Site, Iksan
Authors: Cho Jihyun , Kim Hwan Hee
Published: October 2022

We interpreted the role and meaning of nine lead glass plates excavated from the Mireuksa Temple site in Iksan and investigated their materials. Glass plates were excavated from all areas of the site, especially around Geumdangji and the eastern pagoda. The lead glass was presumed to have been partially installed in the symbolic space of the temple. Quantitative analysis of the lead glass (ICP system) determined that PbO comprised 74.2 to 79.5% wt. of the glass (average 76.6% wt.), which was higher than that reported for the glass in prior studies (approximately 70% wt.). Regarding the correlation between lead isotope ratios and trace elements in the glass, the Baekje and Silla cultures showed clear distinctions, and the origin of other materials was confirmed for each culture. Therefore, a constant composition ratio was maintained when producing lead glass and procuring raw materials through various routes. The above results can provide data for understanding the technical systems regarding ancient glassy materials and reproducing them using future manufacturing technologies.
Genetic and environmental perturbations alter the rhythmic expression pattern of a circadian long non-coding RNA, Per2AS, in mouse liver
Authors: Miao Lin , Batty Kyle R. , Jackson Ayana N. , Pieno Heather A. , Rhoades Maisy W. , Kojima Shihoko
Published: October 2022

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a wide variety of biological roles without encoding a protein. Although the functions of many lncRNAs have been uncovered in recent years, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA expression is still poorly understood despite that the expression patterns of lncRNAs are much more specific compared to mRNAs. Here, we investigated the rhythmic expression of Per2AS, a novel lncRNA that regulates circadian rhythms. Given that Per2AS expression is antiphasic to Period2 (Per2), a core circadian clock gene, and transcribed from the antisense strand of Per2, we hypothesized that the rhythmic Per2AS expression is driven either by its own promoter or by the rhythmic Per2 transcription via transcriptional interference.

Methods: We leveraged existing circadian RNA-seq datasets and analyzed the expression patterns of Per2AS and Per2 in response to the genetic or environmental disruption of the circadian rhythm in mouse liver. We tested our hypotheses by comparing the changes in the expression patterns of Per2AS and Per2.

Conclusions: We found that, in some cases, Per2AS expression is independently controlled by other circadian transcription factors. In other cases, the pattern of expression change is consistent with both transcriptional interference and independent regulation hypotheses. Although additional experiments will be necessary to distinguish these possibilities, findings from this work contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanism of how the expression of lncRNA is regulated.
Case Report: A rare case of symptomatic bradycardia secondary to aripiprazole in a patient with bipolar disorder type I
Authors: Flores Chang Mailing , Guevara Nehemias , Argueta Marlon , Jimenez Yomary , Vitaly Adler , Baghdadi Salim
Published: October 2022

It is well known that typical antipsychotic drugs have been implicated as a cause of ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest; studies have shown that conventional antipsychotics increase the risk of hospitalization for ventricular arrhythmias or cardiac arrest nearly 2-fold. However, atypical antipsychotics are not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for ventricular arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. The use of atypical antipsychotics increased since they were first discovered and now are the mainstay of treatment, but with their broad use, heart effects have been documented, such as prolonged QT interval. Clozapine has been linked to severe cardiac problems, and risperidone has been linked to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. We present a case of a patient with bipolar disorder who presented with symptomatic bradycardia secondary to aripiprazole.
The computationally predicted drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics properties, medicinal chemistry parameters, and toxicity properties of Cucurbita maxima compounds.
Authors: Shoko Ryman
Published: October 2022

Natural compounds are increasingly becoming an important source of drug leads for computer-aided drug design approaches. Cucurbita maxima has been observed to have medicinal properties and can, therefore, be a potential source of novel drug leads. However, before compounds can be synthesized in the lab for tests, modern approaches require that the candidate compounds be screened for drug-likeness characteristics and toxicity, among others. In this work, the computational tools, SwissADME and DataWarrior were used to screen C. maxima compounds for their potential consideration as drug leads. A total of 130 compounds, downloaded from the LOTUS natural products database, were computationally analysed. The data set presented in this work will be useful to researchers searching for novel drug leads based on natural compounds.
Optimal Investment, Heterogeneous Consumption, and Best Time for Retirement
Authors: Jang Hyun Jin , Xu Zuo Quan , Zheng Harry
Published: October 2022

We study an optimal investment and consumption problem with heterogeneous consumption of basic and luxury goods, together with the choice of time for retirement. The optimal heterogeneous consumption strategies for a class of nonhomothetic utility maximizer are shown to consume only basic goods when the wealth is small, to consume basic goods and make savings when the wealth is intermediate, and to consume almost all in luxury goods when the wealth is large. The optimal retirement policy is shown to be both universal, in the sense that all individuals should retire at the same level of marginal utility that is determined only by income, labor cost, discount factor as well as market parameters, and not universal, in the sense that all individuals can achieve the same marginal utility with different utility and wealth. We also show that individuals prefer to retire as time goes by if the marginal labor cost increases faster than that of income.
Management of penetrating chest trauma in the context of major trauma networks
Authors: Stretch Benjamin , Kyle Amy , Patel Mihir
Published: October 2022

Major trauma networks reduce mortality in critically injured patients. Trauma patients should be appropriately triaged straight from the scene of injury, avoiding secondary transfer from a trauma unit. Selection criteria in regionally agreed triage tools are designed to identify which patients should be taken directly to the major trauma centre. Patients with life-threatening injuries still arrive at ‘trauma units’ in circumstances such as self-presentation, under triage, physiological instability or long journey time to the major trauma centre.

This article presents a theoretical case of a haemodynamically unstable patient with penetrating injuries, and discusses the management of chest trauma, including diagnosis of life-threatening injuries, resuscitation strategies and definitive surgical management. Secondary transfer to the major trauma centre should be considered after instituting the minimal life-saving interventions. What constitutes a life-saving intervention requires an individual dynamic risk assessment and an understanding of major trauma networks.
Critical limb ischaemia in the time of COVID-19: establishing ambulatory service provision
Authors: Chana M , Muse S , Ball S , Bennett R , McCarthy R
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic enforced changes to healthcare services at a pace and extent not seen previously in the NHS. The Royal Devon and Exeter provides regional vascular surgery services. A consultant-led urgent ‘hot clinic’ was established, providing patients with ambulatory care. We aim to describe the service for critical limb ischaemia (CLI) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluate this against recommended best practice.

Methods

Retrospective review of electronic databases and records of patients with CLI during a non-COVID vs COVID-19 period. Primary outcome measures were those established by guidance from the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Results

Non-COVID vs COVID-19: total patients n=97 vs 96, of which CLI patients n=29 vs 21. Median length of stay 15 vs 0 days (p<0.001); median time from referral to specialist review 0 vs 3 days (p<0.001); multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) recorded 3% vs 29%; median time to intervention 6 vs 8 days; conservative management 52% vs 67%; endovascular 28% vs 10%; open surgery 21% vs 24%; 30-day survival 79% vs 76%.

Conclusion

COVID-19 imposed a major change to the service for patients with CLI with a focus on ambulatory care pathways for diagnosis and intervention. We observe a significant reduction in overall length of stay with no clinically significant change in time to consultant review, time to imaging, overall management strategy or outcomes. The results of this study show that patients with CLI can be managed safely and effectively on an ambulatory basis in accordance with established best practice.
Transmission optimized LWIR metalens
Authors: Nalbant Halil Can , Balli Fatih , Yelboğa Tolga , Eren Arda , Sözak Ahmet
Published: October 2022

Thermal imaging at the infrared wavelength regime has long been applied to different areas such as agriculture and defense industries. Metasurfaces, 2D engineered ultra-thin structures, have attracted much attention due to their compact size, superior performance, and different functionalities at optical frequencies. This work details the design and fabrication of high transmission metalenses operating at the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum. We minimize the reflection losses through anti-reflection coating (ARC) while maintaining the full wavefront control at the central wavelength 9.07 µm. Our unit cell structure provides an average transmission of 97.5%. We experimentally verify our results and show that the fabricated metalenses perform diffraction-limited imaging at the design wavelength.
Linear-cavity Er-doped fiber mode-locked laser with large wavelength tunability
Authors: Jang Yoon-Soo , Park Jungjae , Jin Jonghan
Published: October 2022

A linear-type wavelength-tunable all-polarization-maintaining fiber mode-locked laser is proposed for the first time, to our knowledge, and is implemented with an Er-doped fiber and polarization-maintaining fiber components. The tuning range of the center wavelength is from 1533.7 nm to 1565.6 nm. The linear-type configuration makes the proposed laser simpler and more compact, allowing it to achieve the highest repetition rate of 126.5 MHz among C-band wavelength-tunable mode-locked lasers due to its short cavity length. Also, its polarization-maintaining fiber components provide reliable operating robustness. The significant wavelength tunability and high repetition rate of the proposed laser can be expected to make it an attractive resource for various applications, including optical communications, broadband spectroscopic LIDAR, and high-precision ranging.
Detection of fluorescence-labeled DNA with in-plane organic optoelectronic devices
Authors: Titov Igor , Rutschke Nils , Kraft Fabio A. , Köpke Markus , Nebling Eric , Gerken Martina
Published: October 2022

We present a system efficiency analysis of a monolithic integrated organic optoelectronic unit for the detection of fluorescence labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) for veterinary disease testing. The side-by-side integration of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) and an organic photodetector (OPD) with 0.5 mm by 0.5 mm device sizes has the potential to enable compact and low-cost fluorescence point-of-care (POC) devices for decentral multiplex biomedical testing. Here, we used two 6-FAM and BHQ1 labeled complementary ssDNA strands to form the Förster resonance transfer (FRET) upon the hybridization of the DNA. In this work we successfully show ssDNA hybridization sensing with samples diluted in TE buffer and investigate the detection of covalently bound 6-FAM-ssDNA on a glass surface for multiplex biomarker measurements.
3D-printed facet-attached optical elements for connecting VCSEL and photodiodes to fiber arrays and multi-core fibers
Authors: Maier Pascal , Xu Yilin , Trappen Mareike , Lauermann Matthias , Henniger-Ludwig Alexandra , Kapim Hermann , Kind Torben , Dietrich Philipp-Immanuel , Weber Achim , Blaicher Matthias , Wurster Clemens , Randel Sebastian , Freude Wolfgang , Koos Christian
Published: October 2022

Multicore optical fibers and ribbons based on fiber arrays allow for massively parallel transmission of signals via spatially separated channels, thereby offering attractive bandwidth scaling with linearly increasing technical effort. However, low-loss coupling of light between fiber arrays or multicore fibers and standard linear arrays of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) or photodiodes (PD) still represents a challenge. In this paper, we demonstrate that 3D-printed facet-attached microlenses (FaML) offer an attractive path for connecting multimode fiber arrays as well as individual cores of multimode multicore fibers to standard arrays of VCSEL or PD. The freeform coupling elements are printed in situ with high precision on the device and fiber facets by high-resolution multi-photon lithography. We demonstrate coupling losses down to 0.35 dB along with lateral 1 dB alignment tolerances in excess of 10 μm, allowing to leverage fast passive assembly techniques that rely on industry-standard machine vision. To the best of our knowledge, our experiments represent the first demonstration of a coupling interface that connects individual cores of a multicore fiber to VCSEL or PD arranged in a standard linear array without the need for additional fiber-based or waveguide-based fan-out structures. Using this approach, we build a 3 × 25 Gbit/s transceiver assembly which fits into a small form-factor pluggable module and which fulfills many performance metrics specified in the IEEE 802.3 standard.
Derivation of uncertainty budgets for continuous above-water radiometric measurements along an Atlantic Meridional Transect
Authors: Lin Junfang , Dall’Olmo Giorgio , Tilstone Gavin H. , Brewin Robert J. W. , Vabson Viktor , Ansko Ilmar , Evers-King Hayley , Casal Tania , Donlon Craig
Published: October 2022

Fiducial reference measurements are in-situ data traceable to metrology standards, with associated uncertainties. This paper presents the methodology used to derive the uncertainty budget for underway, above-water measurements from the Seabird Hyperspectral Surface Acquisition System deployed on an Atlantic Meridional Transect in 2018. The average uncertainty of remote sensing reflectance for clear sky days was ∼ 6% at wavelengths < 490 nm and ∼ 12% at wavelengths > 550 nm. The environmental variability such as sun position, wind speed and skylight distribution caused the greatest uncertainty. The different components of the uncertainty budget are critically assessed to indicate how the measurement procedure could be improved through reducing the principal uncertainty sources.
Tunable Berreman mode in highly conductive organic thin films
Authors: Yu Xinlan , Qiu Jiahuan , Hu Qili , Chen Kuanan , Zheng Jun , Liang Sen , Du Miao , Ye Hui
Published: October 2022

The unique performances of Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials allow them to play a crucial role in many optoelectronic devices and have spawned a wide range of inventive uses. In this paper, we found that the modified PEDOT:PSS film formed with a kind of so-called “Metastable liquid-liquid Contact (MLLC)” solution treatment method can achieve a wide tuning of ENZ wavelength from 1270 nm to 1550 nm in the near-infrared region. We further analyzed the variation trend of imaginary permittivity for these samples with different ENZ wavelengths. The Berreman mode was successfully excited by a simple structural design to realize a tunable polarization absorber.
Propagation of Gaussian vortex beams in electromagnetically induced transparency media
Authors: Wang Yong , Guo Miaojun , Wu Jinze , Liu Jinhong , Yang Xudong , Li Jinhong
Published: October 2022

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is an important phenomenon in quantum optics, and has a wide range of applications in the fields of quantum information processing and quantum precision metrology. Recently, with the rapid progress of the generation and detection of structured light, the EIT with structured light has attracted enormous interests and offers new and novel functionalities and applications. Here, we theoretically study the propagation and evolution of Gaussian vortex beams, a typical type of structured light, in an EIT medium with Λ-type three-level atoms. Based on the generalized Huygens-Fresnel principle, we derive the analytical expressions of fully and partially coherent Gaussian vortex beams propagating in the EIT medium, and study the evolution of the intensity and phase distributions of the beams and their dependencies on parameters such topological charge, coherence length, Rabi frequency, etc. It is shown that both the fully and partially coherent Gaussian vortex beams undergo focusing and diverging periodically during propagation. The phase singularity of the fully coherent beam keeps unchanged, while the phase singularity of the partially coherent beam experiences splitting and recombination periodically. In addition, new phase singularities with opposite topological charge are generated in the latter case. Our results not only advance the study of the interaction between structured light and coherent media, but also pave the avenue for manipulating structured light via EIT.
High purity orbital angular momentum of light
Authors: Sontag Andrew , Noyan Mehmet A. , Kikkawa James M.
Published: October 2022

We present a novel technique for generating beams of light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) that increases mode purity and decreases singularity splitting by orders of magnitude. This technique also works to control and mitigate beam divergence within propagation distances less than the Rayleigh length. Additionally, we analyze a tunable parameter of this technique that can change the ratio of beam purity to power to fit desired specifications. Beam generation via this technique is achievable using only phase-modulating optical elements, which reduces experimental complexity and beam energy loss.
Highly scalable and flexible on-chip all-silicon mode filter using backward mode conversion gratings
Authors: Zhang Lei , Guo Zhenzhao , Gu Xiaofei , Chen Yufei , San Xingyuan , Xiao Jinbiao , Wu Shengbao
Published: October 2022

Mode filters are fundamental elements in a mode-division multiplexing (MDM) system for reducing modal cross-talk or realizing modal routing. However, the previously reported silicon mode filters can only filter one specific mode at a time and multiple modes filtering usually needs a cascade of several filters, which is adverse to highly integrated MDM systems. Here, we propose a unique concept to realize compact, scalable and flexible mode filters based on backward mode conversion gratings elaborately embedded in a multimode waveguide. Our proposed method is highly scalable for realizing a higher-order-mode-pass or band-mode-pass filter of any order and capable of flexibly filtering one or multiple modes simultaneously. We have demonstrated the concept through the design of four filters for different order of mode(s) and one mode demultiplexer based on such a filter, and the measurement of two fabricated 11μm length filters (TE1-pass/TE2-pass) show that an excellent performance of insertion loss <1.0dB/1.5dB and extinction ratio >29dB/28.5dB is achieved over a bandwidth of 51.2nm/48.3nm, which are competitive with the state-of-the-art.
SPP standing waves within plasmonic nanocavities
Authors: Yang Da-Jie , Ding Si-Jing , Ma Liang , Mu Qing-Xia , Wang Qu-Quan
Published: October 2022

Surface plasmons usually take two forms: surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) and localized surface plasmons (LSP). Recent experiments demonstrate an interesting plasmon mode within plasmonic gaps, showing distinct characters from the two usual forms. In this investigation, by introducing a fundamental concept of SPP standing wave and an analytical model, we reveal the nature of the recently reported plasmon modes. The analytical model includes SPP propagating and SPP reflection within a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) cavity, which is rechecked and supplemented by numerical simulations. We systematically analyze SPP standing waves within various nanocavities. During the discussion, some unusual phenomena have been explained. For example, the hot spot of a nanodimer could be off-tip, depending on the order of standing wave mode; and that a nanocube on metal film can be viewed as a nanocube dimer with the same separation. And many other interesting phenomena have been discussed, such as dark mode of SPP standing wave and extraordinary optical transmission. The study gives a comprehensive understanding of SPP standing waves, and may promote the applications of cavity plasmons in ultrasensitive bio-sensings.
Demonstration of a spherical plasma mirror for the counter-propagating kilojoule-class petawatt LFEX laser system
Authors: Kojima Sadaoki , Abe Yuki , Miura Eisuke , Ozaki Tetsuo , Yamanoi Kohei , Ikeda Tomokazu , Wang Yubo , Dun Jinyuan , Guo Shuwang , Maekawa Tamaki , Takizawa Ryunosuke , Morita Hiroki , Asano Shoui , Arikawa Yasunobu , Sawada Hiroshi , Ishii Katsuhiro , Hanayama Ryohei , Okihara Shinichiro , Kitagawa Yoneyoshi , Kajimura Yasuhiro , Morace Alessio , Shiraga Hiroyuki , Shigemori Keisuke , Sunahara Atsushi , Iwata Natsumi , Sano Takayoshi , Sentoku Yasuhiko , Johzaki Tomoyuki , Nishikino Masaharu , Iwamoto Akifumi , Nagaoka Kenichi , Sakagami Hitoshi , Fujioka Shinsuke , Mori Yoshitaka
Published: October 2022

A counter-propagating laser-beam platform using a spherical plasma mirror was developed for the kilojoule-class petawatt LFEX laser. The temporal and spatial overlaps of the incoming and redirected beams were measured with an optical interferometer and an x-ray pinhole camera. The plasma mirror performance was evaluated by measuring fast electrons, ions, and neutrons generated in the counter-propagating laser interaction with a Cu-doped deuterated film on both sides. The reflectivity and peak intensity were estimated as ∼50% and ∼5 × 1018 W/cm2, respectively. The platform could enable studies of counter-streaming charged particles in high-energy-density plasmas for fundamental and inertial confinement fusion research.
Multiband tunable exciton-induced transparencies: Exploiting both strong and intermediate coupling in a nanocube-hexagonal-nanoplate heterodimer J-aggregates hybrid
Authors: Hu Zhiwei , Cui Ximin , Li Yang , Han Xiaobo , Hu Huatian
Published: October 2022

Understanding and mastering the light-light and light-matter interactions in coupled structures have become significant subjects, as they provide versatile tools for manipulating light in both classical and quantum regimes. Mimicking quantum interference effects in pure photonic nanostructures, from weak Fano dip to intense electromagnetically induced transparency, usually requires strong asymmetries in complex geometries and larger interactions between resonances, i.e., in the intermediate coupling regime. Here, we numerically demonstrate a simple and chemically feasible plasmonic nanocube-hexagonal-nanoplate heterodimer with a strong, tunable self-induced transparency window created by the intermediate coupling between the near-degenerate dark and bright hybridized modes. Further assisted by the strong coupling introduced by the J-aggregate excitons covering the heterodimer, three evident exciton-induced transparency windows were observed. These multiband transparencies in a single-particle-level subwavelength configuration, could on one hand enrich the toolbox of multi-frequency light filtering, slowing and switching beyond the diffraction limit, and on the other hand, work as a fundamental testbed for investigating multiscale light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.
Surface astigmatism correction using segmented freeform surfaces for a progressive addition lens
Authors: Xia Risheng , Fu Yaoyao , Ma Ke , Chen Siyun , Pan Jianyou , Zhou Chaohui , Feng Haihua , Qu Jia , Li Yiyu
Published: October 2022

The undesired distribution of irregular surface astigmatism (SA) on the freeform surface has been the major concern of progressive addition lens (PAL) design. Herein, we proposed a segmented freeform surface (SFS) construction method, which relies on the lines of curvature to rule the surface segmentation and then eliminates the difference between principal curvatures to correct the SA. Based on ray tracing and numerical simulation results, the SFS-PAL design has superior performance in image quality within a dynamic field of view over the conventional freeform PAL. To verify the feasibility and the real performance of the new design, we used the diamond turning method with a fast tool servo to realize the rapid prototyping, and then used injection molding for the mass production of the high-quality SFS-PALs.
Scaling the performances of integrated long period grating refractometers
Authors: Deleau Clement , Cheng Seat Han , Bernal Olivier , Surre Frederic
Published: October 2022

In this Letter, a theoretical analysis and design methodology of integrated long period gratings (LPGs) for refractometric applications are proposed. A detailed parametric analysis is applied to a LPG model based on two strip waveguides to highlight the main design variables and their effect on the refractometric performances, with focus on the spectral sensitivity and signature response. To illustrate the proposed methodology, four variants of the same LPG design are simulated with eigenmode expansion, displaying a wide range of sensitivities up to 300,000 nm/RIU with figures of merit (FOMs) as high as 8000.