bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demonstration of photonics-based flexible integration of sensing and communication with adaptive waveforms for a W-band fiber-wireless integrated network
Authors: Dong Boyu , Jia Junlian , Li Guoqiang , Shi Jianyang , Wang Haipeng , Zhang Junwen , Chi Nan
Published: October 2022

The integration of sensing and communication (ISAC) in millimeter-waves (MMW) will play an important role in future 6G applications. Photonics-based radar sensing and communication systems have the advantages of high bandwidth in terms of high-resolution sensing and high-speed data transmission and can be inherently integrated with fiber-optic networks. To support flexible application scenarios, in this paper, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated an MMW photonics-based flexible ISAC system with adaptive signal waveforms for a W-band fiber-wireless integrated network. Photonics-based W-band ISAC signals are generated by heterodyning two free-running external cavity lasers. Microwave photonics-based radar signal processing supports centralized and seamless fiber-wireless communication and sensing networks. In our proposed system, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals were combined by frequency-division multiplexing to share this bandwidth. Therefore, we can adaptively allocate bandwidths to OFDM and LFM signals according to the application requirements and realize a flexible ISAC system with high-speed communication and high-resolution radar sensing. As a proof-of-concept, a flexible W-band fiber-wireless ISAC system at 96.5 GHz over 10-km fiber transmission was demonstrated, achieving adaptive access rates from 5.98 to 41.48 Gbit/s after transmission over 1-m free space, and adaptive sensing resolutions from 1.53 to 6.94 cm with the distance error after calibration less than 4 cm. The performance of both communication and sensing under different bandwidth ratios was also studied.
Longwave IR lattice matched L-valley Ge/GeSiSn waveguide quantum cascade detector
Authors: Sun G. , Soref R. A. , Khurgin J. B. , Yu S.-Q. , Chang Guo-En
Published: October 2022

We propose a lattice-matched Ge/GeSiSn quantum cascade detector (QCD) capable of operating in the longwave infrared. The optical absorption and carrier transport based on intersubband transitions all occur within the L-valley of the conduction band of the group-IV material system using N-doped quantum wells (QWs). The waveguided lattice matched structure can be deposited strain free on top of a Ge buffer grown on Si substrate, and is end-coupled to low-loss on-chip Ge waveguides. We optimized the QCD structure through the analysis of the photoresponsivity and detectivity D*. The QCD operates in photovoltaic mode with narrow spectral response that is peaked anywhere in the 9 to 16 µm range, tunable by design. This work aims to push the optical response of the photodetectors made from the SiGeSn material system to longer wavelengths. The study suggests the QCD response can indeed significantly extend the spectral range beyond that of the photodiodes and photoconductors made from the same group-IV system for a wide variety of applications in imaging, sensing, lidar, and space-and-fiber communications.
Is a complete Mueller matrix necessary in biomedical imaging?
Authors: Novikova Tatiana , Ramella-Roman Jessica C.
Published: October 2022

The advent of imagers with integrated linear polarization selectivity opens new opportunities for researchers interested in the polarization properties of biological tissues. In this Letter, we explore the mathematical framework necessary to obtain common parameters of interest: azimuth; retardance; and depolarization with reduced Mueller matrices that can be measured with the new instrumentation. We show that in the case of acquisition close to the tissue normal, simple algebraic analysis of the reduced form of the Mueller matrix yields results very close to those obtained with more complex decomposition algorithms applied to a complete Mueller matrix.
Highly sensitive terahertz sensing with 3D-printed metasurfaces empowered by a toroidal dipole
Authors: Yin Wei , Shen Zhonglei , Cui Yuqing , Hao Huibo , Zhang Hao , Li Shengnan , Gao Feng , Fan Shuting , Zhang Liuyang , Chen Xuefeng
Published: October 2022

Highly sensitive terahertz (THz) sensing with metasurfaces has attracted considerable attention recently. However, ultrahigh sensing sensitivity remains a huge challenge for practical applications. To improve the sensitivity of these devices, herein we have proposed an out-of-plane metasurface-assisted THz sensor consisting of periodically arranged bar-like meta-atoms. Benefiting from elaborate out-of-plane structures, the proposed THz sensor with high sensing sensitivity of 325 GHz/RIU can be easily fabricated via a simple three-step fabrication process, and the maximum sensing sensitivity can be ascribed to toroidal dipole resonance-enhanced THz-matter interactions. The sensing ability of the fabricated sensor is experimentally characterized by the detection of three types of analytes. It is believed that the proposed THz sensor with ultrahigh sensing sensitivity and its fabrication method might provide great potential in emerging THz sensing applications.
Super bursts of the orbital angular momentum in astigmatic-invariant structured LG beams
Authors: Volyar A. , Abramochkin E. , Akimova Y. , Bretsko M.
Published: October 2022

A structured Laguerre–Gaussian (sLG) beam in an optical system with an astigmatic element acquires additional degrees of freedom in the form of changing the fine structure of the beam, its orbital angular momentum (OAM), and topological charge. We have theoretically and experimentally revealed that at a certain ratio between the beam waist radius and the focal length of the cylindrical lens, the beam turns into an astigmatic-invariant one, and such a transition does not depend on the beam radial and azimuthal numbers. Moreover, in the vicinity of the OAM zero, its sharp bursts occur, the magnitude of which significantly exceeds the initial beam OAM and grows rapidly as the radial number increases.
Plasmonic nanoresonator distributions for uniform energy deposition in active targets
Authors: Vass Dávid , Szenes András , Tóth Emese , Bánhelyi Balázs , Papp István , Bíró Tamás , Csernai László P. , Kroó Norbert , Csete Mária
Published: October 2022

Active targets implanted with core-shell-composition (CS) and nanorod-shaped (NR) plasmonic nanoresonators and doped with dyes were designed to ensure uniform energy deposition during illumination by two-counter propagating short laser pulses. The near-field enhancement, optical responses, and cross-sections were mapped above the concentration-Epump parameter-plane to inspect two different regions (I and II) with the potential to improve light-matter interaction phenomena. The distribution of steady-state absorption, as well as of the power-loss and power-loss density integrated until the complete overlap of the two short pulses was determined. The uniform distribution was adjusted to constrain standard deviations of the integrated power-loss distributions in the order of ∼10%. Dye doping of target-I/II implanted with uniform CS (NR) nanoresonator distributions results in larger absorption with increased standard deviation, larger power-loss, and power-loss density with decreased (decreased / increased) standard deviation. The adjustment allows larger absorption in CS-II and larger power-loss and power-loss density in CS-implanted targets, smaller standard deviation in targets-I for absorption, and in all targets for power-loss and its density. Larger dye concentration makes it possible to achieve larger absorption (except in adjusted NR-II), larger power-loss and power-loss density in all CS and in adjusted NR distributions, with decreased standard deviation in CS-implanted targets for all quantities and in NR-implanted targets for absorption. CS implantation results in larger absorption with a larger standard deviation, moreover allows larger power-loss in adjusted distributions and smaller standard deviation in power-loss quantities for larger concentration in both distributions and the same standard deviation for smaller concentration in adjusted distribution. Based on these results, adjusted CS distributions in targets doped with a dye of higher concentration are proposed.
Application of laser speckles and deep learning in discriminating between the size and concentrations of supermicroplastics
Authors: Endo Daiki , Kono Takahiro , Koike Yoshikazu , Kadono Hirofumi , Yamada Jun , Rajagopalan Uma Maheswari
Published: October 2022

In the study, we have combined speckle metrology and deep learning tools in discriminating supermicroplastics (SMPs) sizes and concentrations. Polystyrene spheres used as SMPs were introduced in the container filled with salt water. The particles were illuminated with the 635 nm laser, and the scattered light was recorded with the CMOS camera. For the simulation studies, different sized particles (2 µm, 20 µm, and 200 µm) and concentrations were used. Speckles were analyzed using a deep learning algorithm to distinguish particles sizes and concentrations. It was demonstrated that the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained with speckles could distinguish feeble differences in speckle patterns depending on particle sizes and concentrations. Deep learning was found to be capable of distinguishing different particle sizes and concentrations from the speckle patterns. We suggest our combined technique could be effectively used in investigating MPs in the ocean where it remains challenging to conduct in situ surveys and obtain the SMP distribution in deeper regions of the ocean.
Scalar diffraction analysis of the dispersion effect on the focal length of low-index thin flat lenses
Authors: Siraji Ashfaqul Anwar , Zhao Yang
Published: October 2022

We analyze the dispersion effect of the focal length of low-index thin lenses by using scalar diffraction and finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods. We compare the dispersion results obtained by using these methods with reported experimental results, and the well-known analytical formula for focal length (f) of diffractive lenses as a function of wavelength

(
λ
)
,

f
(
λ
)
=

f
0

λ
0

λ

where f0 is the designed focal length for wavelength λ0. We show that when the analytical formula is applied to thin flat lenses with low-refractive index, the results are accurate for small numerical aperture (NA) up to 0.2. For larger NA, the error between the analytical approximation and the FDTD analysis remains around 8% over a wide range of NA.
Linear discriminant analysis reveals hidden patterns in NMR chemical shifts of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Romero Javier A. , Putko Paulina , Urbańczyk Mateusz , Kazimierczuk Krzysztof , Zawadzka-Kazimierczuk Anna
Published: October 2022

NMR spectroscopy is key in the study of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Yet, even the first step in such an analysis—the assignment of observed resonances to particular nuclei—is often problematic due to low peak dispersion in the spectra of IDPs. We show that the assignment process can be aided by finding “hidden” chemical shift patterns specific to the amino acid residue types. We find such patterns in the training data from the Biological Magnetic Resonance Bank using linear discriminant analysis, and then use them to classify spin systems in an α-synuclein sample prepared by us. We describe two situations in which the procedure can greatly facilitate the analysis of NMR spectra. The first involves the mapping of spin systems chains onto the protein sequence, which is part of the assignment procedure—a prerequisite for any NMR-based protein analysis. In the second, the method supports assignment transfer between similar samples. We conducted experiments to demonstrate these cases, and both times the majority of spin systems could be unambiguously assigned to the correct residue types.
Genome-wide association studies and genomic selection assays made in a large sample of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) germplasm reveal significant marker-trait associations and good predictive value for improving yield potential
Authors: Bekele Frances L. , Bidaisee Gillian G. , Allegre Mathilde , Argout Xavier , Fouet Olivier , Boccara Michel , Saravanakumar Duraisamy , Bekele Isaac , Lanaud Claire
Published: October 2022

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken to unravel marker-trait associations (MTAs) between SNP markers and phenotypic traits. It involved a subset of 421 cacao accessions from the large and diverse collection conservedex situat the International Cocoa Genebank Trinidad. A Mixed Linear Model (MLM) inTASSELwas used for the GWAS and followed by confirmatory analyses using GAPIT FarmCPU. An average linkage disequilibrium (r2) of 0.10 at 5.2 Mb was found across several chromosomes. Seventeen significant (P≤ 8.17 × 10−5(–log10 (p) = 4.088)) MTAs of interest, including six that pertained to yield-related traits, were identified usingTASSELMLM. The latter accounted for 5 to 17% of the phenotypic variation expressed. The highly significant association (P≤ 8.17 × 10−5) between seed length to width ratio and TcSNP 733 on chromosome 5 was verified with FarmCPU (P ≤1.12 × 10−8). Fourteen MTAs were common to both theTASSELand FarmCPU models atP≤ 0.003. The most significant yield-related MTAs involved seed number and seed length on chromosome 7 (P≤ 1.15 × 10−14andP≤ 6.75 × 10−05, respectively) and seed number on chromosome 1 (P≤ 2.38 × 10−05), based on theTASSELMLM. It was noteworthy that seed length, seed length to width ratio and seed number were associated with markers at different loci, indicating their polygenic nature. Approximately 40 candidate genes that encode embryo and seed development, protein synthesis, carbohydrate transport and lipid biosynthesis and transport were identified in the flanking regions of the significantly associated SNPs and in linkage disequilibrium with them. A significant association of fruit surface anthocyanin intensity co-localised with MYB-related protein 308 on chromosome 4. Testing of a genomic selection approach revealed good predictive value (genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV)) for economic traits such as seed number (GEBV = 0.611), seed length (0.6199), seed width (0.5435), seed length to width ratio (0.5503), seed/cotyledon mass (0.6014) and ovule number (0.6325). The findings of this study could facilitate genomic selection and marker-assisted breeding of cacao thereby expediting improvement in the yield potential of cacao planting material.
A descriptive analysis of calls to the NSW Teratogen Information Service regarding use of anti-infectives during pregnancy
Authors: Ritchie Helen E. , Hegedus Elizabeth , Ma Joanne , Kennedy Debra
Published: October 2022

Background

MotherSafe is a free telephone-based counseling service for Australian consumers and health-care providers concerned about drug exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Anti-infectives are the most commonly prescribed drugs for pregnant women. This study aims to provide a descriptive analysis of prospectively collected calls received by MotherSafe regarding anti-infective exposures during pregnancy between 2000 and 2020. Aggregate data were examined by type of caller, reason for call, pregnancy category and exposure type. Inductive thematic analysis of the comments recorded by MotherSafe counsellors at the time of call was undertaken.

Results

Over the study period, 25,890 calls related to exposure to anti-infectives during pregnancy (antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal medications). Calls from patients were dominated by low-risk exposures (pregnancy category A) to drugs while calls from health care professionals related to drugs with limited human information (pregnancy category B3). Analysis of MotherSafe counsellor comments revealed over 200 instances of concerns relating to health care professional advice to the patient. Three themes emerged: incorrect or conflicting advice, poor counselling, and refusal to treat, prescribe or dispense. It is likely that these comments are biased to the negative as patients would not call MotherSafe if they were happy with HCP advice. However, the findings are concerning as they reveal an underlying lack of knowledge in some health care professionals which may have led to undertreatment of patients. This study reinforced the importance of Teratogen Information Services such as MotherSafe in providing counselling and clear communication of evidence-based information to guide decision-making, reducing potential emotional distress in pregnant women, and optimizing maternal, pregnancy and infant outcomes.
A GC-MC analysis of chemical compounds and identification of the antibacterial characteristics of the essential oil of two species exclusive to Iranian habitats: New chemotypes
Authors: Ghavam Mansureh
Published: October 2022

Background

The diversity found in the chemical compounds of a single species in different regions results in different biologic characteristics which can be considered as a strong source for identifying new chemotypes. Hymenocrater incanus Bunge and Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. are exclusive species of the Lamiaceae family which grow in the western and central habitats of Iran. This study was designed and carried out to determine the yield, identify the chemical compounds, and evaluate the antimicrobial characteristics of the essential oil (EO) of these two species in Iran for the first time.

Methods

The flowering twigs of the species D. kotschyi and H. incanus were collected from the villages of Totmach and Kamu in Isfahan province respectively, in May 2019. The EO of these plants was extracted and separated using the water distillation method, utilizing the Clevenger device. The EO compounds were analyzed using a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The evaluation of antimicrobial characteristics was carried out by determining the growth inhibition zone implementing the Agar method, the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MFC/MBC) utilizing liquid dilution culture.

Results

The results indicated that the highest yield belonged to the EO of D. kotschyi at %2.6 (w/w). In this EO there were citral (%25.44), neral (%20.87), α-pinene (%14.48), trans-geranic acid methyl ester (%9.74), and D-limonene (%6.87). Moreover, H. incanus had the dominant compounds (-)-Spathulenol (%12.61), caryophyllene (%10.00), linolenic acid (%8.54), 1,8-cineole (%5.95), palmitic acid (%5.35), and α-cadinol (%5.17). The largest diameter of growth inhibition zone belonged to the H. incanus EO against the Gram-positive bacteria S. pyogenes (~17.67mm). The strongest inhibition activities in the form of growth inhibition diameter exhibited by the D. kotschyi EO were against the Gram-negative bacteria S. paratyphi-A serotype (~ 12 mm), K. pneumoniae, and Sh. dysenteriae (~ 11 mm) which was significant compared to the Gram-positive rifampin (~ 8 mm).

Conclusions

It can be seen that these species are new chemotypes with special and novel chemical compounds which can potentially be used to manufacture natural antibiotics against some bacterial strains.
The antidepressant effect of physical exercise: Evidence from China Family Panel Studies
Authors: Ren Chenchen , Wang Chao , Zhang Man
Published: October 2022

Multiple studies have proved that participating in sports can effectively reduce adults’ depression. This paper provides evidence from China by using the survey data from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), which contains sport-types, personal characteristics, and CES-D20 depression-scale score data of 33,236 individuals. In addition to the Ordinary Least Squares regression model, we adopt the Two-way Fixed Effect and Propensity Score Matching method to alleviate the endogeneity. The empirical result shows that for every additional time of physical exercise, the depression level drops by an average of 0.152; the depression level of people who participate in sports is significantly lower than that of non-participants by 0.397 points. The lowering effect of physical activity on depression is not linear, and excessive exercise may lead to increased depression. Furthermore, heterogeneity analyses discover that with the increase of age and education, the impact continued to expand. For every increase in physical exercise of the group over 76-year old, the depression level decreased by 0.373 points; while for individuals with primary school education, their depression level decreased only by 0.124 points.
Prognostic value of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells for patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hur Joon Young , Ku Bo Mi , Park Sehhoon , Jung Hyun Ae , Lee Se-Hoon , Ahn Myung-Ju
Published: October 2022

Background

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is the most common neoplasm originating at the base of the tongue or in the tonsils or soft palate. In this study, we investigated the prognostic value of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in OPSCC.

Methods

Tumor tissues of patients with locally advanced OPSCC were analyzed using quantitative multiplex immunohistochemistry. Staining of CD8+ T cells, conventional CD4+FOXP3- T cells (Tconv cells), CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells), CD20+ B cells, and CD68+ macrophages was performed, and cell density was evaluated in both the tumor and its stroma.

Results

Among the 71 patients included in this study, males constituted 93.0% of the cohort, and the median age was 59 years (range: 42–80 years). A total of 56 patients (78.9%) had a smoking history, and 53 (74.6%) patients were positive for human papillomavirus (HPV). The most frequent site of OPSCC was the tonsils (70.4%), followed by the base of the tongue (25.4%). The proportion of Treg cells was lower in the tumors of patients with HPV than in those of patients without HPV. Patients with OPSCC whose tumor Treg cell levels were above the median had longer relapse-free survival (RFS) periods than those with tumor Treg cell levels below the median (HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03–0.46; p = 0.02). Our multivariate analysis identified high Treg levels (HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02–1.00; p = 0.05) as an RFS factor that predicted a good prognosis.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that high Treg cell density in locally advanced OPSCC tumors was correlated with longer RFS.
Childbirth experience in induced labor: A prospective study using a validated childbirth experience questionnaire (CEQ) with a focus on the first birth
Authors: Place Katariina , Rahkonen Leena , Verho-Reischl Niina , Adler Katti , Heinonen Seppo , Kruit Heidi
Published: October 2022

Objective

First birth and labor induction are risk factors for negative childbirth experiences. As labor inductions are increasing, research into this high-risk group’s childbirth experiences is important. We aimed to investigate whether nulliparity or factors related to labor induction, labor, and delivery explain the association.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 711 women undergoing labor induction at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, between January 1, 2019, and January 31, 2020. The participants answered the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) after delivery (response rate 69.4%). The patient characteristics and delivery outcomes were collected from patient records. We analyzed the results for nulliparous and parous women.

Results

The mean CEQ scores were 2.9 (SD 0.5) for nulliparous women (n = 408) and 3.2 (SD 0.5) for parous women (n = 303), on a scale of 1–4; higher scores represent more positive experiences. However, 7.3% of the women had negative childbirth experiences (8.8% nulliparous; 5.3% parous, p = 0.08). Negative experiences were associated with a cesarean section (OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.8–9.3, p < 0.001) and a hemorrhage ≥ 1500 ml in vaginal delivery (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1–7.5, p = 0.03). In the separate CEQ domains analyses, nulliparity was associated with negative experiences in the “Own Capacity” domain (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0–2.4, p = 0.03). Cervical ripening, oxytocin use, and daytime delivery were associated with negative experiences in at least one domain, whereas epidural or spinal analgesia was regarded positively in two domains and negatively in one.

Conclusions

Nulliparous women undergoing labor induction risk negative childbirth experiences mainly due to labor and delivery-related factors, similar to parous women. Their perceptions of their capacity and preparedness for labor and delivery should be enhanced antenatally. An effective labor induction protocol promoting as high a rate of vaginal delivery as possible and preparedness to promptly respond to postpartum hemorrhage are key for avoiding negative childbirth experiences.
GSDM gene polymorphisms regulate the IgE level in asthmatic patients
Authors: Imraish Amer , Abu-Thiab Tuqa , Alhindi Tareq , Zihlif Malek
Published: October 2022

Background

Gasdermin A (GSDMA) and gasdermin B (GSDMB) have been associated with childhood and adult asthma in many populations including the Jordanian population. It is also known that IgE plays a crucial role in various allergic disorders, such elevated levels of total serum IgE were detected in asthma and allergic rhinitis. IgE immunoglobulin is responsible for the release of numerous inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and prostaglandins, from mast cells in asthmatic patients.

Objective

In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms of GSDMA (rs7212938, T/G) and GSDMB (rs7216389, T/C) in Jordanian population were investigated for their association with total IgE levels in serum of asthmatic children and adult subjects.

Methods

The genetic polymorphism analysis for SNPs was performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/restriction fragment length polymorphism method (RFLP). Three analysis models were applied to the genotype data: co-dominant, dominant and recessive.

Results

Our data demonstrate a significant correlation between GSDMB genetic SNP (rs7216389) and the total IgE serum level. Where one minor allele in the GSDMB gene is sufficient to induce significant changes in the IgE serum levels and plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma in asthmatic children of the Jordanian population. Suggesting that this polymorphism might have a protective effect against asthma risk. While the presence of the GSDMB polymorphism alone might not be sufficient to associate with the high risk of developing asthma or responding to it in adults in Jordanian population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current study confirms the significant association of GSDMB genetic SNP (rs7216389) with IgE levels in asthma patients in Jordanian population, while no significant correlation of GSDMA and IgE level was found in both child and adult asthmatic patients.
Transcriptional changes in Plasmodium falciparum upon conditional knock down of mitochondrial ribosomal proteins RSM22 and L23
Authors: Dass Swati , Mather Michael W. , Morrisey Joanne M. , Ling Liqin , Vaidya Akhil B. , Ke Hangjun
Published: October 2022

The mitochondrion of malaria parasites is an attractive antimalarial drug target, which require mitoribosomes to translate genes encoded in the mitochondrial (mt) DNA. Plasmodium mitoribosomes are composed of highly fragmented ribosomal RNA (rRNA) encoded in the mtDNA. All mitoribosomal proteins (MRPs) and other assembly factors are encoded in the nuclear genome. Here, we have studied one putative assembly factor, RSM22 (Pf3D7_1027200) and one large subunit (LSU) MRP, L23 (Pf3D7_1239100) in Plasmodium falciparum. We show that both proteins localize to the mitochondrion. Conditional knock down (KD) of PfRSM22 or PfMRPL23 leads to reduced cytochrome bc1 complex activity and increased sensitivity to bc1 inhibitors such as atovaquone and ELQ-300. Using RNA sequencing as a tool, we reveal the transcriptomic changes of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes upon KD of these two proteins. In the early phase of KD, while most mt rRNAs and transcripts of putative MRPs were downregulated in the absence of PfRSM22, many mt rRNAs and several MRPs were upregulated after KD of PfMRPL23. The contrast effects in the early phase of KD likely suggests non-redundant roles of PfRSM22 and PfMRPL23 in the assembly of P. falciparum mitoribosomes. At the late time points of KD, loss of PfRSM22 and PfMRPL23 caused defects in many essential metabolic pathways and transcripts related to essential mitochondrial functions, leading to parasite death. In addition, we enlist mitochondrial proteins of unknown function that are likely novel Plasmodium MRPs based on their structural similarity to known MRPs as well as their expression profiles in KD parasites.
The association between the parameters of uroflowmetry and lower urinary tract symptoms in prostate cancer patients after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Takeshima Yuta , Yamada Yuta , Takemura Kotaro , Kimura Naoki , Hakozaki Yuji , Miyakawa Jimpei , Taguchi Satoru , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Sato Yusuke , Kawai Taketo , Yamada Daisuke , Fujimura Tetsuya , Kume Haruki
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate changes in uroflowmetry parameters in men undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer.

Materials and methods

Four hundred and twenty-eight patients received uroflowmetry testing before and after RARP from November 2011 to December 2018. Clinicopathological data, including age, initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, clinical stage, body mass index (BMI), uroflowmetry parameters, and core lower urinary tract symptom scores (CLSS) were retrospectively obtained from clinical records. Changes in uroflowmetry parameters were analyzed for statistical predictors and effects on post-operative outcomes.

Results

A significant increase in maximum flow rate (MFR) and decreases in voided volume (VV) and post-void residual urine (PVR) were seen. In multivariate analysis, age was a negative predictor of MFR increase, while prostate volume was a positive predictor of PVR decrease and MFR increase. VV decrease led to worse incontinence symptoms, while PVR decrease and MFR increase led to improvement in voiding symptoms such as slow stream and straining. Continence recovery curves showed that VV decrease were associated with a delay in continence recovery.

Conclusions

Significant changes were seen in uroflowmetry results after RARP, each parameter directly related to urinary symptoms. In particular, VV decrease was associated with a worsening of incontinence symptoms and continence recovery.
Sickle cell disease and pregnancy profile of complicated malaria in 982 pregnancies in Kinshasa
Authors: Mikobi Tite Minga , Kamuanya Nelly Ciombo , Akilimali Pierre Zalagile , Lukusa Prosper Tshilobo
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Malaria is associated with high morbidity during pregnancy. Homozygous sickle cell pregnant women are even more exposed during complicated malaria. The objective of the study was to evaluate the maternal and fetal morbidity of homozygous sickle cell pregnant pregnant women with complicated malaria.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case-control study of 982 pregnancies in sickle cell pregnant women, during which a group of sickle cell pregnant women who received antimalarial chemoprophylaxis was compared to another group without chemoprophylaxis. We analyzed the clinical evolution of pregnant women (VOCs and transfusions, pregnancy weight gain) and parasite (parasite density at the time of diagnosis of complicated malaria and during treatment for three days). We analyzed the parameters of newborns at birth (age of pregnancy at the time of delivery, birth weight, weight of the placenta and histopathological examination of the placenta.

Results

Out of 982 pregnancies, 15% of pregnant women suffered from complicated malaria, 57% suffered from uncomplicated malaria and 28% did not suffer from malaria. Pregnancy weight gain, birth weight, was better in the group of pregnant women who received chemoprophylaxis and the placenta had less histological lesions. Parasite density was low. There was a significant positive correlation between parasite density and the number of CVOs and transfusions and between parasite density and histological lesions of the placenta and low birth weight.

Conclusion

Complicated malaria is associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity in sickle cell patients. Malaria chemoprophylaxis can reduce maternal and fetal complications and parasite density during malaria infection.
Phytoconstituents of Withania somnifera unveiled Ashwagandhanolide as a potential drug targeting breast cancer: Investigations through computational, molecular docking and conceptual DFT studies
Authors: Gowtham Hittanahallikoppal Gajendramurthy , Murali Mahadevamurthy , Singh Sudarshana Brijesh , Shivamallu Chandan , Pradeep Sushma , Shivakumar C. S. , Anandan Satish , Thampy Anjana , Achar Raghu Ram , Silina Ekaterina , Stupin Victor , Ortega-Castro Joaquín , Frau Juan , Flores-Holguín Norma , Amruthesh Kestur Nagaraj , Kollur Shiva Prasad , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: October 2022

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy in females worldwide and poses a great challenge that necessitates the identification of novel therapeutic agents from several sources. This research aimed to study the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations of four proteins (such as PDB: 6CBZ, 1FDW, 5GWK and 2WTT) with the selected phytochemicals fromWithania somniferato identify the potential inhibitors for breast cancer. The molecular docking result showed that among 44 compounds, two of them, Ashwagandhanolide and Withanolide sulfoxide have the potential to inhibit estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), 17-beta-hydroxysteroid -dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1), topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) and p73 tetramerization domain that are expressed during breast cancer. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations results suggested that Ashwagandhanolide remained inside the binding cavity of four targeted proteins and contributed favorably towards forming a stable protein-ligand complex throughout the simulation. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) properties confirmed that Ashwagandhanolide is hydrophobic and has moderate intestinal permeability, good intestinal absorption, and poor skin permeability. The compound has a relatively low VDss value (-1.652) and can be transported across ABC transporter and good central nervous system (CNS) permeability but did not easily cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This compound does not possess any mutagenicity, hepatotoxicity and skin sensitization. Based on the results obtained, the present study highlights the anticancer potential of Ashwagandhanolide, a compound fromW. somnifera. Furthermore,in vitroandin vivostudies are necessary to perform before clinical trials to prove the potentiality of Ashwagandhanolide.
Analytical and clinical characterization of an optimized dual monoclonal sandwich ELISA for the quantification of thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) protein in human blood samples
Authors: Jagarlamudi K. K. , L. Swinkels , M. Zupan , J. Osredkar , P. Venge , S. Eriksson
Published: October 2022

Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) plays an important role in DNA precursor synthesis and serum TK1 activity has been used as a biomarker for prognosis and therapy monitoring of different malignancies. AroCell has developed a dual monoclonal antibody ELISA for determination of TK1 protein in clinical samples. The purpose of the study is to validate the ELISA analytically in relation to the gold standard, [3H]-deoxythymidine (dThd) phosphorylation assay for TK1 activity using sera from patients with different malignancies. The colorimetric TK 210 ELISA was validated analytically by assessment of precision, linearity, interfering substances, and stability. For the clinical validation, serum samples from patients with hematological malignancies (n = 100), breast cancer (n = 56), prostate cancer (n = 70) and blood donors (n = 159) were analyzed using TK 210 ELISA and TK1 activity by [3H]-deoxythymidine (dThd) phosphorylation assay. The sandwich TK 210 ELISA was highly specific for TK1 protein having a detection limit of 0.12 ng/mL, with a functional sensitivity of 0.25 ng/mL. Within-run CVs ranged from 5.5% to 10% and between-run CVs ranged from 5% to 15%. The ratio of observed to expected dilutional parallelism of 5 serum samples was in the range of 80–120%. Samples exhibited stability through four freeze/thaw cycles and 5 days at 4°C. Further, the ROC curve analysis showed that TK 210 ELISA and [3H]-dThd phosphorylation assay had similar sensitivity (62% vs 59%) in hematological malignancies. However, in the case of breast and prostate cancer sera, TK 210 ELISA had higher sensitivity (59% and 44%) compared to [3H]-dThd phosphorylation assay (47% and 25%) at a specificity of 98%. These data demonstrate that the dual monoclonal antibody based AroCell TK 210 ELISA is a robust, accurate and precise tool for measuring TK1 protein in different malignancies that can improve the clinical applications of TK1 as a biomarker in cancer management.
Peripapillary atrophy classification using CNN deep learning for glaucoma screening
Authors: Almansour Abdullah , Alawad Mohammed , Aljouie Abdulrhman , Almatar Hessa , Qureshi Waseem , Alabdulkader Balsam , Alkanhal Norah , Abdul Wadood , Almufarrej Mansour , Gangadharan Shiji , Aldebasi Tariq , Alsomaie Barrak , Almazroa Ahmed
Published: October 2022

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and peripapillary atrophy (PPA) is a morphological symptom associated with it. Therefore, it is necessary to clinically detect PPA for glaucoma diagnosis. This study was aimed at developing a detection method for PPA using fundus images with deep learning algorithms to be used by ophthalmologists or optometrists for screening purposes. The model was developed based on localization for the region of interest (ROI) using a mask region-based convolutional neural networks R-CNN and a classification network for the presence of PPA using CNN deep learning algorithms. A total of 2,472 images, obtained from five public sources and one Saudi-based resource (King Abdullah International Medical Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), were used to train and test the model. First the images from public sources were analyzed, followed by those from local sources, and finally, images from both sources were analyzed together. In testing the classification model, the area under the curve’s (AUC) scores of 0.83, 0.89, and 0.87 were obtained for the local, public, and combined sets, respectively. The developed model will assist in diagnosing glaucoma in screening programs; however, more research is needed on segmenting the PPA boundaries for more detailed PPA detection, which can be combined with optic disc and cup boundaries to calculate the cup-to-disc ratio.
Television airings of U.S. federal COVID-19 public service announcements in 2020 were associated with market-level political orientation, not COVID-19 rates
Authors: Gollust Sarah E. , Frenier Chris , Tait Margaret , Bogucki Colleen , Niederdeppe Jeff , Moore Steven T. , Baum Laura , Fowler Erika Franklin
Published: October 2022

Televised public service announcements were one of the ways that the U.S. federal government distributed health information about the COVID-19 pandemic to Americans in 2020. However, little is known about the reach of these campaigns or the populations who might have been exposed to the information these ads conveyed. We conducted a descriptive analysis of federally-affiliated public service announcement airings to assess where they were aired and the market-level social and demographic characteristics associated with the airings. We found no correspondence between airings and COVID-19 incidence rates from March to December 2020, but we found a positive association between airings and the Democratic vote share of the market, adjusting for other market demographic characteristics. Our results suggest that PSAs may have contributed to divergent exposure to health information among the U.S. public during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Getting DBT online down under: The experience of Australian and New Zealand Dialectical Behaviour Therapy programmes during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Cooney Emily B. , Walton Carla J. , Gonzalez Sharleen
Published: October 2022

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an intensive and multi-modal intervention developed for individuals with multiple comorbidities and high-risk behaviours. During pandemic-related lockdowns, many DBT services transitioned to delivering treatment via telehealth, but some did not. The current study sought to explore the experience of DBT teams in Australia and New Zealand who did and did not transition to telehealth during the early stages of the COVID19 pandemic, as the majority of research on DBT via telehealth has originated from North America, and focussed on therapists who did make this transition. DBT team leaders in Australia and New Zealand completed a survey with open-ended questions about the barriers they encountered to delivering DBT via telehealth, and for those teams that implemented telehealth, the solutions to those barriers. Respondents were also asked about specific barriers encountered by Indigenous and Pacific people service users. Of the 73 team leaders who took part, 56 reported providing either individual therapy, skills training or both modalities via video-call during lockdown. Themes emerging from perceived barriers affecting just DBT providers included the assessment & management of emotions and high-risk behaviours, threats to privacy and information security posed by telehealth, logistical issues related to remote sessions, and the remote management of therapy-interfering behaviour. Themes emerging from perceived barriers affecting both providers and service users included disruptions to therapeutic alliance, lack of willingness, lack of technical knowledge, lack of private spaces to do DBT via telehealth, and lack of resources. The solutions most frequently cited were the provision of education and training for therapists and service users in the use of telehealth, and the provision of resources to access telehealth. These findings are relevant to clinical delivery of DBT, as well as planning and funding for DBT telehealth services.
Delayed diagnostic evaluation of symptomatic breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: A qualitative study of Tanzanian women
Authors: Sakafu Lulu Lunogelo , Philipo Godfrey Sama , Malichewe Christina V. , Fundikira Lulu S. , Lwakatare Flora A. , Van Loon Katherine , Mushi Beatrice P. , DeBoer Rebecca J. , Bialous Stella A. , Lee Amie Y.
Published: October 2022

Background

Women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa are commonly diagnosed at advanced stages. In Tanzania, more than 80% of women are diagnosed with stage III or IV disease, and mortality rates are high. This study explored factors contributing to delayed diagnostic evaluation among women with breast cancer in Tanzania.

Methods

A qualitative study was performed at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Twelve women with symptomatic pathologically proven breast cancer were recruited. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Swahili. Interviews explored the women’s journey from symptom recognition to diagnosis, including the influence of breast cancer knowledge and pre-conceptions, health seeking behaviors, psychosocial factors, preference for alternative treatments, and the contribution of culture and norms. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and translated into English. Thematic analysis was facilitated by a cloud-based qualitative analysis software.

Results

All women reported that their first breast symptom was a self-identified lump or swelling. Major themes for factors contributing to delayed diagnostic presentation of breast cancer included lack of basic knowledge and awareness of breast cancer and misconceptions about the disease. Participants faced barriers with their local primary healthcare providers, including symptom mismanagement and delayed referrals for diagnostic evaluation. Other barriers included financial hardships, fear and stigma of cancer, and use of traditional medicine. The advice and influence of family members and friends played key roles in healthcare-seeking behaviors, serving as both facilitators and barriers.

Conclusion

Lack of basic knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, stigma, financial barriers, and local healthcare system barriers were common factors contributing to delayed diagnostic presentation of breast cancer. The influence of friends and family also played key roles as both facilitators and barriers. This information will inform the development of educational intervention strategies to address these barriers and improve earlier diagnosis of symptomatic breast cancer in Tanzania.
Development and validation of the Self-Efficacy in Addressing Menstrual Needs Scale (SAMNS-26) in Bangladeshi schools: A measure of girls’ menstrual care confidence
Authors: Hunter Erin C. , Murray Sarah M. , Sultana Farhana , Alam Mahbub-Ul , Sarker Supta , Rahman Mahbubur , Akter Nazrin , Mobashara Moshammot , Momata Marufa , Winch Peter J.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Qualitative studies have described girls’ varying levels of confidence in managing their menstruation, with greater confidence hypothesized to positively impact health, education, and social participation outcomes. Yet, measurement of this and other psychosocial components of adolescent girls’ menstrual experiences has been weak in global health research, in part due to a dearth of appropriate psychometric tools. We describe the development and validation of the Self-Efficacy in Addressing Menstrual Needs Scale (SAMNS-26).

Methods

We conducted nine focus group discussions with girls in schools in rural and urban Bangladesh to identify tasks involved in menstrual self-care. This informed our creation of an initial pool of 50 items, which were reviewed by menstrual health experts and refined through 21 cognitive interviews with schoolgirls. Using a self-administered survey, we administered 34 refined items plus additional validation measures to a random sample of 381 post-menarcheal girls (ages 9–17) and retested a subsample of 42 girls two weeks later. We examined the measure’s dimensionality using exploratory factor analysis and assessed internal consistency, temporal stability, and construct validity.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis suggested a 26-item scale comprising three correlated sub-scales: the 17-item Menstrual Hygiene Preparation and Maintenance (α = 0.86), the 5-item Menstrual Pain Management (α = 0.87), and the 4-item Executing Stigmatized Tasks (α = 0.77). Sub-scales exhibited good temporal stability. SAMNS-26 scores correlated negatively with measures of anxiety, and girls who preferred to stay at home during their periods had lower SAMNS-26 scores than those who did not.

Conclusion

The SAMNS-26 provides a reliable measure of a schoolgirl’s confidence in her capabilities to address her menstrual needs. There is initial evidence to support the measure’s construct validity in the Bangladesh context as indicated by its relationships with other factors in its theorized nomological network. The tool enables incorporation of self-efficacy into multivariate models for exploring the relationships among antecedents to menstrual experiences and hypothesized impacts on health, wellbeing, and education attainment. Further testing of the tool is recommended to strengthen evidence of its validity in additional contexts.