bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of rare homozygous and compound heterozygous VPS13C missense mutations to dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease
Authors:   BELNEU consortium, Smolders Stefanie , Philtjens Stéphanie , Crosiers David , Sieben Anne , Hens Elisabeth , Heeman Bavo , Van Mossevelde Sara , Pals Philippe , Asselbergh Bob , Dos Santos Dias Roberto , Vermeiren Yannick , Vandenberghe Rik , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , De Deyn Peter Paul , Martin Jean-Jacques , Cras Patrick , Annaert Wim , Van Broeckhoven Christine
Published: February 2021

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are clinically, pathologically and etiologically disorders embedded in the Lewy body disease (LBD) continuum, characterized by neuronal α-synuclein pathology. Rare homozygous and compound heterozygous premature termination codon (PTC) mutations in the Vacuolar Protein Sorting 13 homolog C gene (VPS13C) are associated with early-onset recessive PD. We observed in two siblings with early-onset age (< 45) and autopsy confirmed DLB, compound heterozygous missense mutations in VPS13C, p.Trp395Cys and p.Ala444Pro, inherited from their healthy parents in a recessive manner. In lymphoblast cells of the index patient, the missense mutations reduced VPS13C expression by 90% (p = 0.0002). Subsequent, we performed targeted resequencing of VPS13C in 844 LBD patients and 664 control persons. Using the optimized sequence kernel association test, we obtained a significant association (p = 0.0233) of rare VPS13C genetic variants (minor allele frequency ≤ 1%) with LBD. Among the LBD patients, we identified one patient with homozygous missense mutations and three with compound heterozygous missense mutations in trans position, indicative for recessive inheritance. In four patients with compound heterozygous mutations, we were unable to determine trans position. The frequency of LBD patient carriers of proven recessive compound heterozygous missense mutations is 0.59% (5/844). In autopsy brain tissue of two unrelated LBD patients, the recessive compound heterozygous missense mutations reduced VPS13C expression. Overexpressing of wild type or mutant VPS13C in HeLa or SH-SY5Y cells, demonstrated that the mutations p.Trp395Cys or p.Ala444Pro, abolish the endosomal/lysosomal localization of VPS13C. Overall, our data indicate that rare missense mutations in VPS13C are associated with LBD and recessive compound heterozygous missense mutations might have variable effects on the expression and functioning of VPS13C. We conclude that comparable to the recessive inherited PTC mutations in VPS13C, combinations of rare recessive compound heterozygous missense mutations reduce VPS13C expression and contribute to increased risk of LBD.
Functional identification of an opsin kinase underlying inactivation of the pineal bistable opsin parapinopsin in zebrafish
Authors: Shen Baoguo , Wada Seiji , Nishioka Haruka , Nagata Takashi , Kawano-Yamashita Emi , Koyanagi Mitsumasa , Terakita Akihisa
Published: February 2021

In the pineal organ of zebrafish larvae, the bistable opsin parapinopsin alone generates color opponency between UV and visible light. Our previous study suggested that dark inactivation of the parapinopsin photoproduct, which activates G-proteins, is important for the regulation of the amount of the photoproduct. In turn, the photoproduct is responsible for visible light sensitivity in color opponency. Here, we found that an opsin kinase or a G-protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) is involved in inactivation of the active photoproduct of parapinopsin in the pineal photoreceptor cells of zebrafish larvae. We investigated inactivation of the photoproduct in the parapinopsin cells of various knockdown larvae by measuring the light responses of the cells using calcium imaging. We found that GRK7a knockdown slowed recovery of the response of parapinopsin photoreceptor cells, whereas GRK1b knockdown or GRK7b knockdown did not have a remarkable effect, suggesting that GRK7a, a cone-type GRK, is mainly responsible for inactivation of the parapinopsin photoproduct in zebrafish larvae. We also observed a similar knockdown effect on the response of the parapinopsin photoreceptor cells of mutant larvae expressing the opsin SWS1, a UV-sensitive cone opsin, instead of parapinopsin, suggesting that the parapinopsin photoproduct was inactivated in a way similar to that described for cone opsins. We confirmed the immunohistochemical distribution of GRK7a in parapinopsin photoreceptor cells by comparing the immunoreactivity to GRK7 in GRK7a-knockdown and control larvae. These findings suggest that in pineal photoreceptor cells, the cone opsin kinase GRK7a contributes greatly to the inactivation of parapinopsin, which underlies pineal color opponency.
Modified valsalva versus standard valsalva for cardioversion of supraventricular tachycardia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdulhamid Ahmed S. , Almehmadi Fahad , Ghaddaf Abdullah A. , Alomari Mohammed S. , Zagzoog Amin , Al-Qubbany Atif
Published: February 2021

Background

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a major cause of emergency room visits where vagal maneuver is used as first-line therapy. The valsalva maneuver (VM) is proven to be safe and, to some extent, effective in terminating SVT episodes. We aimed to compare the standard VM (SVM) to the modified valsalva maneuver (MVM). We hypothesized that MVM is more effective in terminating SVT episodes and reducing the time spent in the emergency department.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Medline/PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the modified valsalva to the standard valsalva maneuver in treating SVT. Our main outcome was the termination of SVT within 1 min.

Results

Four articles met the eligibility criteria of our review. Sinus rhythm was achieved 2.5 times more in the MVM group compared to the SVM group (risk ratio (RR) = 2.54, CI 1.98–3.24,P < 0.001) and thus lowered the need of intravenous SVT termination medication without any significant increase in adverse events or time spent in the emergency department.

Conclusion

Our review found MVM to be more effective than the SVM in terminating SVT. This should encourage broader adoption of the MVM as a first-line vagal maneuver in subjects presenting with SVT in the emergency room.
Robotic-assisted vs conventional surgery in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a clinical and radiological study
Authors: Negrín Roberto , Duboy Jaime , Iñiguez Magaly , Reyes Nicolás O. , Barahona Maximiliano , Ferrer Gonzalo , Infante Carlos , Jabes Nicolás
Published: February 2021

Background

The use of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has increased and new technologies have been developed to improve patient survival and satisfaction, soft tissue balance, alignment, and component size. Robot-assisted systems offer an increase in surgical precision and accuracy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the precision of component position using five radiological parameters in conventional and robotic-assisted medial UKA using the NAVIO system.

Methods

A cohort study was designed for patients who underwent medial UKA between April 2017 and March 2019 in a single center. Patients were allocated in the conventional (UKA-C) or robotic-assisted (UKA-R) group. The variables analyzed were age, gender, affected knee side, length of hospital stay, surgical time, and radiological measurements such as anatomical medial distal femoral angle (aMDFA), anatomical medial proximal tibial angle (aMPTA), tibial slope, the sagittal femoral angle, and the component size. A target was defined for each measurement, and a successful UKA was defined if at least four radiological measures were on target after surgery. Also, patients’ reported outcomes were evaluated using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and a numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain.

Results

Thirty-four patients were included, 18 of them underwent UKA-R. The success rate for UKA in the UKA-R group was 87%; meanwhile, in the UKA-C group this was 28%, this difference was significant and powered (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.001; 1 − β = 0.95). Also, a 5-point difference in favor of the UKA-R group in the median OKS (p = 0.01), and a significantly lower median NRS for pain (p < 0.000) were found after surgery.

Conclusions

UKA-R achieved more precision in the radiological parameters’ measure in this study. Also, UKA-R has a trend towards a better OKS and a lower NRS for pain at short-term follow-up.
Essential elements to “design for dissemination” within a research network—a modified Delphi study of the Community-Academic Aging Research Network (CAARN)
Authors: Mora Pinzon Maria C. , Myers Shannon , Renken Jill , Eggert Erin , Chewning Betty , Mahoney Jane E.
Published: February 2021

Background

The Community-Academic Aging Research Network (CAARN) was developed in 2010 to build partnerships, facilitate research, and ultimately accelerate the pace of development, testing, and dissemination of evidence-based programs related to healthy aging. CAARN has facilitated development and testing of 32 interventions, two of which are being packaged for scale-up, and three of which are being scaled up nationally by non-profit organizations. The purpose of this study is to describe CAARN’s essential elements required to replicate its success in designing for dissemination.

Methods

We conducted a modified Delphi technique with 31 participants who represented CAARN’s organization (staff and Executive Committee) and academic and community partners. Participants received three rounds of a web-based survey to rate and provide feedback about the importance of a list of potential key elements compiled by the authors. The criterion for establishing consensus was 80% of responses to consider the element to be extremely or very important.

Results

Response rate was 90% in Round 1, 82% in Round 2, and 87% in Round 3. A total of 115 items were included across rounds. Overall, consensus was achieved in 77 (67%) elements: 8 of 11 elements about academic partners, 8 of 11 about community partners, 29 of 49 about the role of the community research associate, 16 of 21 about the role of the director, 9 of 17 about the purveyor (i.e., the organization that scales up an intervention with fidelity), and 7 of 7 about the overall characteristics of the network.

Conclusions

The development of evidence-based programs designed for dissemination requires the involvement of community partners, the presence of a liaison that facilitates communications among academic and community stakeholders and a purveyor, and the presence of a pathway to dissemination through a relationship with a purveyor. This study delineates essential elements that meet the priorities of adopters, implementers, and end-users and provide the necessary support to community and academic partners to develop and test interventions with those priorities in mind. Replication of these key elements of the CAARN model may facilitate quicker development, testing, and subsequent dissemination of evidence-based programs that are feasible to implement by community organizations.
Chinese Adults Are More Susceptible to Effects of Overall Obesity and Fat Distribution on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Zheng Ruizhi , Li Mian , Xu Min , Lu Jieli , Wang Tiange , Dai Meng , Zhang Di , Chen Yuhong , Zhao Zhiyun , Wang Shuangyuan , Lin Hong , Wang Weiqing , Bi Yufang , Xu Yu , Ning Guang
Published: February 2021

Context

The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) as diagnostic tools of obesity do not reflect the same level of fat mass and whether obesity leads to various effects on cardiometabolic risk factors among different racial/ethnic population is unknown.

Objective

The study aims to address the multicollinearity between BMI and WC by using the residual model approach and to assess and compare the effects of obesity metrics on cardiometabolic risk factors among different races/ethnicities.

Design, setting, and participants

Data from a nationally representative sample of mainland Chinese adults collected in 2010 and data from the National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey 2005-2016 were used. By conducting a regression analysis between WC and BMI, the variation of BMI was removed from WC measures and residual of WC was obtained. The associations between obesity metrics and cardiometabolic risk factors were compared among different races/ethnicities by sex.

Results

The residual WC was significantly associated with all the cardiometabolic risk factors in mainland Chinese, and most of the factors in non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black adults, but not in the other races/ethnicities. The standardized regression coefficients of the associations between obesity metrics and cardiometabolic factors showed that the obesity metrics had greater impact on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride in Chinese adults than those of other racial/ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Chinese adults are more susceptible to the effects of overall obesity and fat distribution on cardiometabolic risk factors than the other racial/ethnic population.
Long-Term Safety of Growth Hormone Treatment in Childhood: Two Large Observational Studies: NordiNet IOS and ANSWER
Authors: Sävendahl Lars , Polak Michel , Backeljauw Philippe , Blair Joanne C , Miller Bradley S , Rohrer Tilman R , Hokken-Koelega Anita , Pietropoli Alberto , Kelepouris Nicky , Ross Judith
Published: February 2021

Context

Growth hormone (GH) treatment has a generally good safety profile; however, concerns about increased mortality risk in adulthood have been raised.

Objective

This work aims to assess the long-term safety of GH treatment in clinical practice.

Methods

Data were collected from 676 clinics participating in 2 multicenter longitudinal observational studies: the NordiNet International Outcome Study (2006-2016, Europe) and ANSWER Program (2002-2016, USA). Pediatric patients treated with GH were classified into 3 risk groups based on diagnosis. Intervention consisted of daily GH treatment, and main outcome measures included incidence rates (events/1000 patient-years) of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and serious ADRs, and their relationship to GH dose.

Results

The combined studies comprised 37 702 patients (68.4% in low-risk, 27.5% in intermediate-risk, and 4.1% in high-risk groups) and 130 476 patient-years of exposure. The low-risk group included children born small for gestational age (SGA; 20.7%) and non-SGA children (eg, with GH deficiency; 79.3%). Average GH dose up to the first adverse event (AE) decreased with increasing risk category. Patients without AEs received higher average GH doses than patients with more than one AE across all groups. A significant inverse relationship with GH dose was shown for ADR and SAE incidence rates in the low-risk group (P = .003 and P = .001, respectively) and the non-SGA subgroup (both P = .002), and for SAEs in the intermediate- and high-risk groups (P = .002 and P = .05, respectively).

Conclusions

We observed no indication of increased mortality risk nor AE incidence related to GH dose in any risk group. A short visual summary of our work is available (1).
MonitoringSchizosaccharomyces pombegenome stress by visualizing end-binding protein Ku
Authors: Jones Chance E. , Forsburg Susan L.
Published: February 2021

Studies of genome stability have exploited visualization of fluorescently tagged proteins in live cells to characterize DNA damage, checkpoint, and repair responses. In this report, we describe a new tool for fission yeast, a tagged version of the end-binding protein Pku70 which is part of the KU protein complex. We compare Pku70 localization to other markers upon treatment to various genotoxins, and identify a unique pattern of distribution. Pku70 provides a new tool to define and characterize DNA lesions and the repair response.
LIM Homeobox 9 knockdown by morpholino does not affect zebrafish retinal development
Authors: Guo Rui , Li Fei , Lu Minxia , Ge Kangkang , Gan Lin , Sheng Donglai
Published: February 2021

LIM homeobox 9 (Lhx9) is a member of the LIM homeodomain transcription factor family, which expresses and functions in various vertebrate tissues, such as the gonads and pineal gland. Previous studies on lhx9 in zebrafish have mainly focused on the brain. However, little is known about the expression pattern of lhx9 during embryogenesis. Here, we detected lhx9 expression in zebrafish embryos using whole-mount in situ hybridization and found lhx9 expressed in heart, pectoral fin, and retina during their development in zebrafish. We then detailed the expression of lhx9 in retinal development. To further investigate the function of Lhx9 in retinogenesis, we performed morpholino (MO) knockdown experiments and found that upon lhx9 knockdown by MO, larvae presented normal eye development, retinal neural development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and responses to light stimulus. We not only elaborated the expression pattern of lhx9 in zebrafish embryogenesis, but we also demonstrated that lhx9 knockdown by morpholino does not affect the zebrafish retinal development, and our study provides data for further understanding of the role of Lhx9 in zebrafish retinal development.
A glucose-supplemented diet enhances gut barrier integrity in Drosophila
Authors: Galenza Anthony , Foley Edan
Published: February 2021

Dietary intervention has received considerable attention as an approach to extend lifespan and improve aging. However, questions remain regarding optimal dietary regimes and underlying mechanisms of lifespan extension. Here, we asked how an increase of glucose in a chemically defined diet extends the lifespan of adult Drosophilamelanogaster. We showed that glucose-dependent lifespan extension is not a result of diminished caloric intake, or changes to systemic insulin activity, two commonly studied mechanisms of lifespan extension. Instead, we found that flies raised on glucose-supplemented food increased the expression of cell-adhesion genes, delaying age-dependent loss of intestinal barrier integrity. Furthermore, we showed that chemical disruption of the gut barrier negated the lifespan extension associated with glucose treatment, suggesting that glucose-supplemented food prolongs adult viability by enhancing the intestinal barrier. We believe our data contribute to understanding intestinal homeostasis, and may assist efforts to develop preventative measures that limit effects of aging on health.
Fourier Analytical Deconvolution of Temperature-Programmed Reaction Data by Applying Geometrical Temperature Control
Authors: Obuchi Akira
Published: February 2021

By applying a geometrical heating program, i.e., heating an object by the same ratio in absolute temperature per unit time instead of by a constant degree as conventionally applied, a new method has been developed for the deconvolution of temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) data composed of reactants independent of one another and obeying first-order kinetics with the same pre-exponential factor and different activation energies (E). With this heating pattern, the TPR curve obtained is proved as a convoluted function of an E distribution function and a TPR curve of a single E, and consequently the TPR curve obtained can be deconvoluted back to the E distribution function via Fourier and inverse Fourier transformation (FT) procedures. Practicability of this method is demonstrated by experimental case studies.
Target coverage of daily cone-beam computed tomography in breath-hold image-guided radiotherapy for gastric lymphoma
Authors: Takahashi Shigeo , Nishide Takamasa , Tsuzuki Masato , Katayama Hiroki , Anada Masahide , Kinoshita Toshifumi , Kozai Shohei , Shibata Toru
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

We evaluated retrospectively the daily target coverage using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in breath-hold image-guided radiotherapy (BH-IGRT) for gastric lymphoma.

Methods:

BH-IGRT was performed using a prescribed dose of 30.6 Gy in 17 fractions for the whole stomach. We assessed the target coverage of the whole stomach on daily CBCT images [daily clinical target volume (CTV)], which was delineated individually by two observers. We evaluated V95% (percentage of volume receiving ≥95% of the prescribed dose) of daily CTV.

Results:

In total, 102 fractions from 6 patients were assessed. The mean V95% of daily CTV was 97.2%, which was over 95%. In two of six patients, the V95% of daily CTV was over 95% for either observer in all fractions. One patient had significant interobserver variation (p = 0.013). In 95 fractions (93%), the V95% of daily CTV was over 95% for either observer.

Conclusion:

Daily target coverage for CTV in BH-IGRT for gastric lymphoma seems to be favorable, even when using CBCT.

Advances in knowledge:

A previous study ascertained good daily target coverage in BH-IGRT for gastric lymphoma using in-room CT. Even when using CBCT in our study, daily target coverage for CTV in BH-IGRT for gastric lymphoma seems to be favorable.
Institutionalizing research capacity strengthening in LMICs: A systematic review and meta-synthesis
Authors: Vicente-Crespo Marta , Agunbiade Ojo , Eyers John , Thorogood Margaret , Fonn Sharon
Published: February 2021

Background: Evidence on effective strategies to ensure sustainability of research capacity strengthening interventions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions is lacking. This systematic review identified publications describing research capacity building programs and noted their effect, their contexts, and the mechanisms, processes and social actors employed in them.

Methods: We searched online databases for the period 2011-2018. Inclusion criteria were that the publications 1) described the intervention; 2) were implemented in LMICs; 3) were based in, or relevant to, university staff or post docs; 4) aimed to improve research capacity; 5) aimed to effect change at the institutional level. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full text in consecutive rounds, a third resolved disagreements. Two people extracted the data of each full text using a data extraction tool covering data relevant to our question.

Results: In total 4052 citations were identified and 19 papers were included, which referred to 14 interventions. Only three interventions mentioned using a conceptual framework to develop their approach and none described using a theory of change to assess outcomes. The most frequent inputs described were some method of formal training, promotion of a research-conducive environment and establishment of research support systems. A range of outcomes were reported, most frequently an increased number of publications and proportion of staff with PhDs. When factors of success were discussed, this was attributed to a rigorous approach to implementation, adequate funding, and local buy-in. Those who mentioned sustainability linked it to availability of funds and local buy-in. The lack of a common lexicon and a framework against which to report outcomes made comparison between initiatives difficult.

Conclusions: The reduced number of interventions that met the inclusion criteria suggests that programs should be well-described, evaluated systematically, and findings published so that the research capacity strengthening community can extract important lessons.
Chlorpyrifos and other pesticide exposure and suspected developmental delay in children aged under 5 years: a case-control study in Phitsanulok, Thailand
Authors: Juntarawijit Yuwayong , Chaichanawirote Uraiwan , Rakmeesri Paphada , Chairattanasakda Punaphop , Pumyim Varintorn , Juntarawijit Chudchawal
Published: February 2021

Background: Developmental delay among children under 5 years of age is a serious global public health problem and much research has been carried out to find potential causes. Pesticides - especially organophosphates - are suspected to be one of the main causes of the problem.  This study aimed to investigate the association between pesticide use by the mother during pregnancy and preschool children development using a case-control study.

Methods: Data on prenatal and postnatal pesticide exposure of 442 children with suspected developmental delay, and 413 controls with normal development were included for analysis. The children were matched for gender, age, and residency. Data on pesticide exposure were collected via interview with the mother, and data on pregnancy outcomes abstracted from hospital records.  

Results: Chlorpyrifos exposure significantly increased the risk of developmental delay with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.71 (95% CI 1.03-13.36) for ever use of the pesticide, and an OR of 5.92 (95% CI 1.01-34.68) for postnatal exposure (p <0.05). Some other pesticides also had a positive association with developmental delay but none were statistically significant (p <0.05). Those pesticides were insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, and molluscicide. Individual pesticides with a positive association were glyphosate, paraquat, butachlor, methyl parathion (pholidon), savin, methomyl, endosulfan, carbosulfan, methamidophos, monochrotofos, mancozeb, and bordeaumixture.

Conclusions: This case-control study found that chlorpyrifos and some other pesticide exposure during pregnancy was positively associated with developmental delay in children aged under 5 years. Further research should be conducted to better understand this potential effect of pesticides on child neurodevelopment, and the public - especially those who plan to have families - should be informed.
Międzynarodowy ruch romski – zmarnowana szansa czy przyszłość narodu?
Authors: Kołaczek Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

International Romani Movement – Wasted Opportunity or Future of the Nation?
The subject of this paper is the issue of the international Romani movement and the influence of the European Union’s activities and policy on its development. The special emphasis was placed on the history of the process of mobilization of the Roma within the framework of international non‑governmental organizations and the creation of new organizations and platforms on European level involving many activists and organization from various European countries. Can we still speak about international Romani organizations or are they only a relict in the face of European integration and European umbrella organizations and initiatives? This article tries to find some answers to this question.
Feeling worn down
Authors: Leitch Neil
Published: February 2021

While the Government has been keen to stress its engagement with the sector, just six per cent of respondents to an Alliance survey felt their role during the pandemic had been adequately valued, says Neil Leitch.
Mixed messages
Authors: Porter Rose
Published: February 2021

While the pandemic has placed increased importance on the coordination between local and central government – conflicts often arise. The upcoming local elections are an important opportunity to get involved in shaping community policy.
Expanded negative pressure wound therapy in healing diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective randomised study
Authors: Campitiello Ferdinando , Mancone Manfredi , Corte Angela Della , Guerniero Raffaella , Canonico Silvestro
Published: February 2021

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the benefits of treating diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) through a revised procedure using the mechanisms underlying negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in such a way as to achieve reduced and more evenly distributed lateral tension lines across the wound.

Method:

Patients with type 2 diabetes were assessed for elegibility. Included patients were divided randomly into two groups: the NPWT control group and the NPWT+ group. Patients in the NPWT control group were treated in the traditional manner: wounds were covered with foams shaped to fit the wound precisely. In the NPWT+ group, foams were shaped to fit the wound precisely, and an additional foam was then wrapped around the foot.

Results:

Some 85 patients were assessed for eligibility; 59 were randomised into two groups: 29 patients in the NPWT+ group and 30 patients in the NPWT group. The primary objective was median healing time (NPWT+ 19 days, interquartile ratio (IQR) 7.5; NPWT 33 days, IQR 16; p<0.00001), and complete wound healing at three weeks (NPWT+ 55.20% NPWT 26.70% p=0.02). Secondary endpoints included number of major amputations (none in either group) and number of infections (NPWT+ 3.44% of patients, NPWT 6.66% of patients; p=0.57).

Conclusion:

Our initial findings show that this treatment significantly reduced wound closure times and accelerated healing in DFUs. It also demonstrated promising improvements in healing rates, with no significant increase in wound complications.
Microcirculatory changes in venous leg ulcers using intermittent electrostimulation of common peroneal nerve
Authors: Das Saroj K , Dhoonmoon Luxmi , Bain Duncan , Chhabra Swati
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Activation of the venous muscle pumps of the leg by intermittent transdermal neuromuscular stimulation of the common peroneal nerve has been previously shown to augment venous and arterial flow in patients with leg ulcers. This study aims to establish if microcirculation in the wound bed and periwound area are augmented by the activation of a neuromuscular electrostimulation device (NMES) (Geko, Firstkind Ltd., UK).

Method:

In this self-controlled, observational study, laser speckle contrast imaging was used to map and quantify microcirculatory flow in the wound bed and periwound area of patients with venous leg ulcers (VLU). Values of flow and pulsatility in these locations were compared with the NMES device, both active and inactive.

Results:

A total of 16 patients took part in the study. Microvascular flux increased by 27% (p=0.014) in the wound bed, and by 34% (p=0.004) in the periwound area, when the NMES device was activated. Pulsatility increased by 170% (p<0.001) in the wound bed and 173% (p<0.001) in the periwound area when the device was activated.

Conclusion:

Intermittent electrostimulation of the common peroneal nerve substantially increased both microcirculatory flux and pulsatility in the wound bed and in the periwound area of the VLUs of patients in this study. This provides a plausible mechanistic explanation for its reported efficacy in healing VLUs.
A tale of two alginates
Authors: Walker Mike , Hurlow Jennifer
Published: February 2021

Background:

All fibrous wound dressings are considered to have the same action and value to the support of wound healing. Although clear distinction has been accepted between cotton gauze and calcium alginates, there is still no formally recognised distinction between calcium alginates and the more rapidly gelling fibre dressings.

Method:

Scientific and clinical evaluations were used to differentiate two different fibrous wound care products. One is derived from polymer extraction of algae (alginate dressings); the other has been manufactured from a uniquely patented carboxymethylation process that produces 100% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based dressings. Structural differences between these dressings were evaluated with respect to three important areas of wound care management: optimal wound moisture control; the ability to reduce risk of complication by locking away harmful components (e.g. bacteria); and reducing the overall cost of wound care by promoting more efficient use of nursing time.

Results:

Clear differentiation was illustrated through both scientific and clinical evaluations.

Conclusion:

This study supports the potential advantages of using a technically advanced fibrous wound dressing over the traditional fibrous alginate wound care product.
The Impact of Enabling School Structure on Academic Optimism: Mediating Role of Altruistic Behaviors
Authors: Boz Abdulvehap , Saylık Ahmet
Published: February 2021

This quantitative study aims to examine the relationships between enabling school structure, academic optimism and altruistic behaviours as well as to find out whether altruistic behaviours serve as a mediator between enabling school structure and academic optimism. A scale was applied to teachers from primary- schools in Turkey via random sampling. There were 707 teachers participating in this study. Three existing scales, which are enabling school structure, academic optimism, and teachers’ altruistic behaviours scales, were used to collect data from teachers. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were calculated in the study to investigate correlations among all the variables and reliabilities of the measures. Structural Equation Modelling investigated the effects of Enabling School Structure on School Academic Optimism through Teachers’ Altruistic Behaviours. The results confirmed a positive relationship between all variables of the study. The findings also revealed the mediator effect of TAB on the relationship between ESS and SAO. Finally, some recommendations were given based on results.
Studying the effect of geometrical nail layout on the performance of soil-nailed walls: Physical and numerical modeling
Authors: Sabermahani Mohsen
Published: February 2021

Soil nailing is a reliable method of stabilising earth and rock slopes, but the geometrical layout of soil nails has not been well studied. The current research examined the effect of the geometrical layout of soil nails using analytical and physical modelling. The results of limit equilibrium analysis for different nail layouts are presented. The target gravity level was 50g for centrifuge models and all models had a safety factor of 1.35 at this level. The parameters studied were base nail length, angle of nail tail extension, horizontal spacing of nails, and nail density. The limit equilibrium results showed that, when longer nails were used, the nail density could be decreased. The results of centrifuge modelling confirmed that different layouts at a similar safety factor did not show similar levels of displacement. Also, nail density was the most influential parameter affecting soil-nailed wall performance. An empirical relationship was observed between displacements of the wall crest and nail density. An interesting similarity was observed between the predicted slip surface and the slip surface that formed during physical modelling.
Application of the multi potential geophysical techniques for groundwater evaluation in a part of Central Sinai Peninsula_ Egypt
Authors: El-Badrawy Hussain Tawfik
Published: February 2021

This study highlights the groundwater evaluation of the Nubian sandstone aquifers regarding assessing the main structural elements, trends, and depth to the basement rocks that control the groundwater aquifers in Egypt's central Sinai area. Gravity and magnetic data were analyzed using different techniques, such as wavenumber filtering, least-squares separation techniques, and tilt derivatives. Euler deconvolution with different structural indexes (SI), power spectrum analyses, 3-D crustal modeling. The deep-seated structures affecting the study area, and the basement depth, which range between 1170 and 4590 m., have been utilized. The main structural trends affecting the study area were delineated to control the groundwater aquifer's regional geometry. Moreover, it was found that the NorthWest-SouthEast trend direction – Suez Gulf trend – was caused by primary shear, and the NorthEast-SouthWest trend direction – Aqaba Gulf trend – was caused by the secondary shear. The direction of each trend's lateral movement was to the right and the left, respectively. Meanwhile, the geoelectrical resistivity measurements were also utilized to determine the ground water-bearing formations using eighteen deep vertical electrical soundings (VES) stations. The results revealed the depth to the uppermost part of the Nubian sandstone aquifer ranging between 598 and 1106 m; the combination of the depth to the uppermost part of the Nubian aquifer, the depth of the basement relief map revealed that the aquifer thickness varies from 430 to 3750 m, and the resistivity values ranging between 22 and 214 Ω.m.
Rapid isolation method of Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on optically induced dielectrophoresis technique for fungal infection diagnosis
Authors: Du Mingao , Li Gongxin , Wang Zhiguo , Ge Yuan , Liu Fei
Published: February 2021

Saccharomyces cerevisiae(S. cerevisiae) has been classically used as a treatment for diarrhea and diarrhea-related diseases. However, cases of the fungal infections caused by S. cerevisiae have been increasing in the last two decades among immunocompromised patients, while a long time was spent on S. cerevisiae isolation clinically so it was difficult to achieve timely diagnosis the diseases. Here, a novel approach for isolation and selection of S. cerevisiae is proposed by designing a microfluidic chip with an optically induced dielectrophoresis (ODEP) system. S. cerevisiae was isolated from the surroundings by ODEP due to different dielectrophoretic forces. Two special light images were designed and used to block and separate S. cerevisiae, respectively, and several manipulation parameters of ODEP were experimentally optimized to acquire the maximum isolation efficiency of S. cerevisiae. The results on the S. cerevisiae isolation declared that the purity of the S. cerevisiae selected by the method was up to

99.5

%

±

0.05

, and the capture efficiency was up to

65.0

%

±

2.5

within 10 min. This work provides a general method to isolate S. cerevisiae as well as other microbial cells with high accuracy and efficiency and paves a road for biological research in which the isolation of high-purity cells is required.
Progressive-toric IOL design reduces residual astigmatism with increasing pupil size: a ray-tracing simulation based on corneal topography data
Authors: Łabuz Grzegorz , Varadi Dorottya , Khoramnia Ramin , Auffarth Gerd U.
Published: February 2021

Population studies indicate that astigmatism decreases from the corneal center toward the periphery. A standard toric intraocular lens (IOL) with a constant cylinder power cannot correct uniformly across this gradient. We built an astigmatic eye model based on corneal topography data. A progressive-toric lens with gradually decreasing cylinder power was compared with an identically designed lens but featuring conventional astigmatism correction. Residual astigmatism did not differ significantly (P=0.06) at 3 mm, and the Strehl ratio was identical for both lenses (0.51 ±0.15, P=0.88). At 5 mm, the progressive IOL yielded significantly lower residual astigmatism by 0.10 D (P<0.001). The Strehl ratio was 0.30 ±0.08 with the progressive and 0.29 ±0.08 with the standard lens (P<0.001). At 3 mm, the optical performance was comparable for both IOLs. However, at 5 mm, the progressive-toric was more effective in correcting astigmatism, and it yielded reduced residual astigmatism compared to a standard toric lens.
Gold nanoparticle enhanced detection of EGFR with a terahertz metamaterial biosensor
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhang Rui , Liu Yao , Chen Xuequan , Li Kaidi , Pickwell-Macpherson Emma
Published: February 2021

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in the proliferation of various cancers, and the expression level of EGFR in tumor tissues can provide a basis for the diagnosis and prognosis. Improving the detection technology of EGFR to achieve high sensitivity and faster speed will benefit the diagnosis of many types of tumors. Trace biological samples can be sensitively measured with terahertz (THz) metamaterial devices. Here, a bow-tie array THz metamaterial biosensor is presented and modified with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and EGFR antibodies for specific EGFR detection. The effect of the size of the GNP on the sensitivity enhancement was also analyzed. Enhanced sensing for EGFR was achieved with the assistance of GNPs and EGFR antibodies. Importantly, the metamaterial functionalized by GNPs and antibodies with a bigger GNP diameter achieves a greater resonance frequency shift. The proposed metamaterial biosensor can also realize tiny-volume EGFR solution detection. Our proposed technique can therefore sense EGFR sensitively with high speed, and can potentially be applied to achieve quick and accurate detection of EGFR related tumors.
Joint, accurate and robust optical signal-to- noise ratio and modulation format monitoring scheme using a single Stokes-parameter-based artificial neural network
Authors: Xiang Qian , Yang Yanfu , Zhang Qun , Yao Yong
Published: February 2021

A joint and robust optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and modulation format monitoring scheme using an artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed and demonstrated via both numerical simulations and experiments. Before ANN, the power iteration method in Stoke space is employed to estimate the phase difference between two orthogonal polarizations caused by fiber birefringence. Then, a three layers ANN is employed to approximate the relationship between the cumulative distribution function of a single Stokes parameter (S2) and the targeted OSNR and format information. The simulation results show that the probability of OSNR estimation error within 1dB in the proposed scheme is 100%, 99.78%, 100%, 99.78% and 98.89% for 28GS/s QPSK, 8PSK, 8QAM, 16QAM and 64QAM, respectively. Meanwhile, the proposed scheme also shows high modulation format identification accuracy in the presence of nonlinear Kerr effect and residual chromatic dispersion. With 1 dB OSNR estimation error, the proposed scheme can tolerate the residual chromatic dispersion and phase-related polarization rotation rate up to 100ps/nm and 50kHz, respectively. The experimental results also further confirm that the proposed scheme shows high modulation identification accuracy for 28GS/s QPSK, 8PSK and 16QAM under the scenarios of both back-to-back and fiber transmission. Meanwhile, with the launched power of 0dBm, the mean OSNR estimation error in our scheme is smaller than 1 dB within ±160ps/nm residual chromatic dispersion after fiber transmission.
Compact and highly-efficient broadband surface grating antenna on a silicon platform
Authors: Khajavi Shahrzad , Melati Daniele , Cheben Pavel , Schmid Jens H. , Liu Qiankun , Xu Dan Xia , Ye Winnie N.
Published: February 2021

We present a compact silicon-based surface grating antenna design with a high diffraction efficiency of 89% (-0.5 dB) and directionality of 0.94. The antenna is designed with subwavelength-based L-shaped radiating elements in a 300-nm silicon core, maintaining high efficiency with a compact footprint of 7.6 µm × 4.5 µm. The reflectivity remains below -10 dB over the S, C and L optical communication bands. A broad 1-dB bandwidth of 230 nm in diffraction efficiency is achieved with a central wavelength of 1550 nm.
Simultaneous control of intensity, phase, and polarization in real time under a weak oscillation theory
Authors: Xie Runzhang , Wang Peng , Wang Fang , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei , Hu Weida
Published: February 2021

Manipulating polarization, phase, and amplitude simultaneously in real time is an ultimate pursuit of controlling light. Several types of controllable metasurfaces have been realized, but with either low transmission efficiencies or limited control over amplitude, polarization, and phase in real time. Here we present a weak oscillation theory dealing with a new, to the best of our knowledge, type of optical system consisting of many layers of artificial oscillators, with each layer weakly interacting with the external field. As an application of our theory, we demonstrate and simulate a graphene-based metasurface structure to show that the oscillator system could change the focal length by changing the bias voltages. The polarization state to focus can also be selected by the bias voltage. The weak oscillation theory provides a flexible method to control the intensity, phase, and polarization.
Full three-dimensional wavelength-scale plasmomechanical resonator
Authors: Lee Shinho , Seo Min-Kyo
Published: February 2021

Plasmomechanical systems have received considerable interest in mediating the strong interaction between the optical field and mechanical motion. However, typical plasmomechanical systems based on mechanical oscillators that are significantly larger than the wavelength of light do not take full advantage of the optical field concentration beyond the optical diffraction limit of the employed plasmonic resonators. Here we present a full three-dimensional wavelength-scale plasmomechanical resonator consisting of a plasmonic nano-antenna and a hydrogen silsesquioxane nano-wall. The experimental results demonstrated the precise detection of longitudinal mechanical oscillation on a picometer scale, and we investigated the tunability and thermoelastic effect of the mechanical resonance.
Design of opposite thermal behaviors in Tm3+/Eu3+ co-doped YVO4 for high-sensitivity optical thermometry
Authors: Zhou Shaoshuai , Li Xiaoman , Zhang Shoubao
Published: February 2021

Temperature-induced redshift of the V-O charge transfer band edge and the temperature quenching effect were combined for designing ratiometric optical thermometry. Following this approach, opposite thermal behaviors of

T
m

3
+

and

E
u

3
+

emissions were realized in the range of 300 to 380 K in

T
m

3
+

/

E
u

3
+

co-doped

Y
V
O

4

. Applying the temperature dependent fluorescence intensity ratio of

E
u

3
+

to

T
m

3
+

as temperature readout, the maximal relative sensitivity reaches up to

4.6

%

K

−
1

around 330 K. This result makes our proposed strategy an excellent candidate for developing high-sensitivity optical thermometry.
Fractal topological band-gap structure induced by singularities in the one-dimensional Thue–Morse system
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xiong Langlang , Zhang Meng , Jiang Xunya
Published: February 2021

The physical origin of the fractal topological band-gap structure in the one-dimensional Thue–Morse system has been revealed, which is characterized by the evolutions of two types of topological singularities with zero-scattering properties and the paths of phase vortex points, which are the mirrored paths of the first-type singularities. The field distribution of the upper and lower gap-edge states will interchange when the traditional gaps are closed and reopened. The topologically protected edge-states are found at both traditional gaps and fractal gaps. Our work broadens the topological properties of quasicrystals or aperiodic systems and provides potential applications in new optoelectronic devices.
Over 255  mW single-frequency fiber laser with high slope efficiency and power stability based on an ultrashort Yb-doped crystal-derived silica fiber
Authors: Wan Ying , Wen Jianxiang , Jiang Chen , Tang Fengzai , Wen Jing , Huang Sujuan , Pang Fufei , Wang Tingyun
Published: February 2021

A single-frequency distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) fiber laser at 1030 nm has been demonstrated using a 0.7 cm long homemade Yb:YAG crystal-derived silica fiber (YCDSF). The absorption and emission cross sections of the YCDSF are

4.93
×

10

−
20

  

cm

2

at 980 nm and

1.1
×

10

−
20

  

cm

2

at 1030 nm. Using this gain fiber, an over 255 mW continuous-wave lasing in the constructed laser has been obtained at single transverse and longitudinal mode operation. The slope efficiency and the pump threshold of the fiber laser were up to ∼35% and as low as 25 mW, respectively. The fiber laser also demonstrated an optical signal-to-noise ratio of 79 dB and a beam quality factor of 1.016 in two orthogonal directions. Its power fluctuation at 210.5 mW was less than 0.85% of the average power within 13 h. Moreover, the relative intensity noise and linewidth of the laser are also investigated at the different pump powers. The results indicate that the single-frequency DBR fiber laser has potential applications in high-quality seed sources and high-precision optical sensing.