bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four-Waveguide Crossing Functions Utilizing Anisotropic Van der Waals 2D GeAs
Authors: Dushaq Ghada , Villegas Juan Esteban , Paredes Bruna , Tamalampudi Srinivasa Reddy , Rasras Mahmoud
Published: July 2023

we demonstrate a hybrid integration of anisotropic multilayer 2D GeAs on the SiPh platform for on-chip light manipulation. Results show a remarkable light attenuation ratio difference between the two orthogonal in-plane crystal axes orientations of ~ 3.5.
Detection of Ethanol in Gasoline with a Mid-Infrared Microspectrometer Based on Metallic Metasurface Filters
Authors: Tan Henry , Cadusch Jasper , Meng Jiajun , Crozier Kenneth B.
Published: July 2023

A microspectrometer comprising of sub-wavelength metallic micro-hole array filters in combination with a reverse-lens mid-infrared thermal camera is demonstrated. A Peltier module provides temperature stabilization. Results show determination of low ethanol content in unleaded gasoline.
Scalable Heterogeneous Integration of a Pre-Processed Facet-Emitting Visible-Wavelength GaAs Laser
Authors: Kiewiet Max , Cuyvers Stijn , Hermans Artur , Billet Maximilien , Zhang Jing , Roelkens Günther , van Gasse Kasper , Kuyken Bart
Published: July 2023

Heterogeneous integration of a pre-processed etched-facet GaAs multiple-quantum-well Fabry-Perot laser on silicon is shown through micro-transfer printing. Fiber-coupled output powers exceeding 3 mW at 789 nm are achieved with a threshold current of 60 mA.
Temporal Imaging using Integrated Electro-Optic Time Lens on Thin Film Lithium Niobate
Authors: Cheung Clayton , Chen Zaijun , Zhang Mian , Loncar Marko , Yu Mengjie
Published: July 2023

We realize a temporal magnifying and 2f system using a lithium-niobate-chip-based electro-optic time lens. We achieve a temporal magnification factor up to 7.25 and Fourier transform operation of the input pulses with sub-picosecond resolution.
Dual-band Optical Isolation in Thin-film Lithium Niobate Based on Dynamic Modulation
Authors: Shah Manav , Briggs Ian , Chen Pao-Kang , Hou Songyan , Fan Linran
Published: July 2023

Current integrated optical isolators have limited bandwidths due to stringent phase-matching, resonant structures, or absorption. We demonstrate broadband optical isolation in thin-film lithium niobate that simultaneously achieves ∼ 100 nm isolation bandwidth at visible and telecom wavelengths.
Bound states in the continuum in heterogeneous lithium niobate and silicon nitride waveguide
Authors: Han Kyunghun , Aksyuk Vladimir
Published: July 2023

We demonstrate bound states in the continuum (BIC) in heterogeneously integrated thin-film lithium niobate and silicon nitride waveguide. With the BIC mode, a compact Mach-Zehnder interferometer is proposed as an electro-optic intensity modulator.
On-Chip Pure χ(3) Parametrically-Driven Temporal Cavity Solitons
Authors: Moille Grégory , Leonhardt Miriam , Paligora David , Englebert Nicolas , Leo François , Fatome Julien , Srinivasan Kartik , Erkintalo Miro
Published: July 2023

We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that a bichromatic degenerate Kerr optical parametric oscillator can parametrically-drive bi-phase temporal cavity solitons. Our experiments are performed in Si3N4 microresonators and constitute the first observation of such dissipative solitons.
Refractive Index Sensing With Laser-Induced Surface Waveguides
Authors: Rammelt Laura , Engel W. Dieter , Furch Federico J. , Mermillod-Blondin Alexandre
Published: July 2023

We fabricate surface waveguides in a-SiO2 by direct laser writing. These waveguides can be used as refractive index sensors with extinction ratios as high as 5 dB/mm and sensitivities exceeding 1000 dB/RIU at 800 nm.
Optical Tweezers for 3D Assembly and Enhancement of Optical Chemosensors
Authors: McLeod Euan
Published: July 2023

We use automated optical tweezers to assemble 3D micro- and nano-structured systems out of hundreds of building blocks of various materials. In particular, microtoroid chemosensors can be augmented with particles for improved optical coupling.
Correlation between plasmon lifetime and near-field enhancement in nanoparticle-on-film systems
Authors: Sun Baixun , Lang Peng , Ji Boyu , Xu Yang , Song Xiaowei , Lin Jingquan
Published: July 2023

Lifetime and near-field enhancement of coupled plasmonic systems have attracted increasing attention in recent years. However, the relationship between them in the coupled plasmon structure has not been systematically revealed. Here, we studied the correlation between the plasmon lifetime and near-field enhancement of the plasmonic gap mode of nanoparticle-on-film systems, which associates localized surface plasmons with propagating surface plasmons. Both proportional and inversely proportional relationships between lifetime and field enhancement can be achieved by tuning the system parameters. The lifetime can be modulated from 5.4 fs to 20.5 fs, with the near-field intensity enhancement changing from 1036-fold to 9960-fold. Furthermore, it is found that the extension of lifetime is influenced by film thickness and limited by the skin depth of 42 nm, and the near-field enhancement of the system is mostly determined by the coupling efficiency of propagating surface plasmons.
Enhancement of electro-optical response of photonic crystal fibers infiltrated with ferroelectric liquid crystal doped with titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Budaszewski D. , Singh D. P. , Woliński T. R.
Published: July 2023

Light propagation has been studied in photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) doped with W212 ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) composites with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) of low concentrations between 0.2 and 1 wt. % in the FLC matrix. Optical microscopy observations indicated a slight increase of transition temperature to the isotropic phase by ∼1–2°C compared to the undoped FLC sample, and the TiO2 admixture was found to decrease free ionic charge impurities in the FLC, thus improving its electro-optical parameters. The switching time measurements in the PLCFs clearly indicate that TiO2 NPs reduce switching times for low electric field intensity, even by 32% compared to the undoped PLCF.
Efficient fabrication of infrared antireflective microstructures on a curved Diamond-ZnS composite surface by using femtosecond Bessel-like beams
Authors: Wu Mengnan , Jiang Lan , Li Taoyong , Huang Ji , Yi Peng , Zhang Leyi , Li Min , Zhang Xiangyu , Li Xiaowei
Published: July 2023

Antireflective microstructures fabricated using femtosecond laser possess wide-ranging applicability and high stability across different spectral bands. However, due to the limited aspect ratio of the focused light field, traditional femtosecond laser manufacturing faces challenges in efficiently fabricating antireflective microstructures with high aspect ratio and small period, which are essential for antireflection, on curved surfaces. In this study, we present a robust and efficient method for fabricating high-aspect-ratio and basal surface insensitive antireflective microstructures using a spatially shaped Bessel-like beam. Based on theoretical simulation, a redesigned telescopic system is proposed to flexibly equalize the intensity of the Bessel beam along its propagation direction, facilitating the fabrication of antireflective subwavelength structures on the entire convex lens. The fabricated microstructures, featuring a width of less than 2 µm and a depth of 1 µm, enhance transmittance from 75% to 85% on Diamond-ZnS composite material (D-ZnS) surfaces. Our approach enables the creation of high aspect ratio subwavelength structures with a z-position difference exceeding 600 µm. This practical, efficient, and cost-effective method is facilitated for producing antireflective surfaces on aero-optical components utilized in aviation.
Generation and enhancement of the sum sideband under double radiation pressure
Authors: Liao Qinghong , Ao Jiawen , Song Menglin , Qiu Haiyan
Published: July 2023

A theoretical scheme to enhance the sum sideband generation (SSG) via double radiation pressure is proposed. In this scheme, both sides of the double-cavity system are driven by red and blue detuned pump lasers and frequency components are generated at the sum sideband through optomechanical nonlinear interaction. The results show that the efficiency of SSG can be improved with orders of magnitude. We further investigate the properties of SSG in resolved and unresolved sideband regimes. The efficiencies of upper sum sideband generation (USSG) and lower sum sideband generation (LSSG) are the equivalent in the unresolved sideband regime when the threshold condition is satisfied. It is worth noting that with the increase of the ratio between the dissipation rate of the cavity field and the decay rate of the mechanical resonator (MR), the amplitude of the LSSG can be superior to that of the USSG. Our scheme may provide a potential application in realizing the measurement of high-precision weak forces and quantum-sensitive sensing.
Evolution and particle trapping dynamics of circular Pearcey-Airy Gaussian vortex beams in tightly focused systems
Authors: Wei Shuaiyang , Tu Jialong , Lu Zhili , Wang Xinyue , Li Zhenzhen , Wang Guanghui , Deng Dongmei
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the propagation and evolution of self-focusing circular Pearcey-Airy Gaussian vortex beams (CPAGVB) through high numerical aperture objective lenses. CPAGVB demonstrates a unique light field distribution compared to the circular Pearcey vortex beam and circular Airy Gaussian vortex beam. By adjusting optical distribution factors, main radii, and off-axis vortex pair positions, a variety of light field structures can be generated, including asymmetric micro-optical bottles, quasi-flat-top beam micro-optical bottles, and dual optical bottles. The particle trapping performance of CPAGVB is examined, revealing a gradient force eight orders of magnitude larger than its scattering force, up to twice the peak gradient force, and 2.5 times the scattering force of CAGVB. Further analysis of lateral power flow density, spin density vector, and total angular momentum distribution at the focal plane unveils the dynamics of particle motion toward the center. The Gouy phase difference under varying main radii reveals two types of normalized spin density vectors, characterized by helical and oscillating distributions. Additionally, the study examines the two-dimensional polarization ellipse distribution at the focal plane, elucidating the formation of central polarization singularities with axial vortices and the impact of peripheral polarization rearrangement on phase singularities. This research advances the comprehension of CPAGVB’s distinctive properties and potential applications in micro-optical systems and particle manipulation.
Polarization resonance with sub-wavelength switching of random light self-interfering in open-end cavity
Authors: Wan Lipeng , Yu Tianbao , Zhao Daomu , Raveh David , Korotkova Olga
Published: July 2023

Following recent work [Sci. China Phys. Mech. Astron. 66, 274213 (2023)10.1007/s11433-023-2097-9] that revealed the sub-wavelength scale resonance phenomenon in scalar random beams counterpropagating in an open-end cavity, we extend the analysis to the vectorial domain and show a similar effect for the polarization properties. We found that, in contrast with the changes in the scalar properties, being of harmonic nature, changes in polarization involve alternating regions of constant values followed by sharp and complex changes.
Individual identity information persists in learned calls of introduced parrot populations
Authors: Smith-Vidaurre Grace , Pérez-Marrufo Valeria , Hobson Elizabeth A. , Salinas-Melgoza Alejandro , Wright Timothy F.
Published: July 2023

Animals can actively encode different types of identity information in learned communication signals, such as group membership or individual identity. The social environments in which animals interact may favor different types of information, but whether identity information conveyed in learned signals is robust or responsive to social disruption over short evolutionary timescales is not well understood. We inferred the type of identity information that was most salient in vocal signals by combining computational tools, including supervised machine learning, with a conceptual framework of “hierarchical mapping”, or patterns of relative acoustic convergence across social scales. We used populations of a vocal learning species as a natural experiment to test whether the type of identity information emphasized in learned vocalizations changed in populations that experienced the social disruption of introduction into new parts of the world. We compared the social scales with the most salient identity information among native and introduced range monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) calls recorded in Uruguay and the United States, respectively. We also evaluated whether the identity information emphasized in introduced range calls changed over time. To place our findings in an evolutionary context, we compared our results with another parrot species that exhibits well-established and distinctive regional vocal dialects that are consistent with signaling group identity. We found that both native and introduced range monk parakeet calls displayed the strongest convergence at the individual scale and minimal convergence within sites. We did not identify changes in the strength of acoustic convergence within sites over time in the introduced range calls. These results indicate that the individual identity information in learned vocalizations did not change over short evolutionary timescales in populations that experienced the social disruption of introduction. Our findings point to exciting new research directions about the robustness or responsiveness of communication systems over different evolutionary timescales.
Feature architecture aware phylogenetic profiling indicates a functional diversification of type IVa pili in the nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Iruegas Ruben , Pfefferle Katharina , Göttig Stephan , Averhoff Beate , Ebersberger Ingo
Published: July 2023

The Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of hospital-acquired opportunistic infections. The increasing spread of pan-drug resistant strains makes A. baumannii top-ranking among the ESKAPE pathogens for which novel routes of treatment are urgently needed. Comparative genomics approaches have successfully identified genetic changes coinciding with the emergence of pathogenicity in Acinetobacter. Genes that are prevalent both in pathogenic and a-pathogenic Acinetobacter species were not considered ignoring that virulence factors may emerge by the modification of evolutionarily old and widespread proteins.

Here, we increased the resolution of comparative genomics analyses to also include lineage-specific changes in protein feature architectures. Using type IVa pili (T4aP) as an example, we show that three pilus components, among them the pilus tip adhesin ComC, vary in their Pfam domain annotation within the genus Acinetobacter. In most pathogenic Acinetobacter isolates, ComC displays a von Willebrand Factor type A domain harboring a finger-like protrusion, and we provide experimental evidence that this finger conveys virulence-related functions in A. baumannii. All three genes are part of an evolutionary cassette, which has been replaced at least twice during A. baumannii diversification. The resulting strain-specific differences in T4aP layout suggests differences in the way how individual strains interact with their host. Our study underpins the hypothesis that A. baumannii uses T4aP for host infection as it was shown previously for other pathogens. It also indicates that many more functional complexes may exist whose precise functions have been adjusted by modifying individual components on the domain level.
Modeling Barcelona sidewalks: A high resolution urban scale assessment of the geometric attributes of the walkable network
Authors: Valls Francesc , Clua Álvaro
Published: July 2023

Within the framework of urban pedestrian networks, this paper presents a method of modeling the street network from the perspective of foot traffic, beyond the vehicle-focused street centerline representation approach in transportation research. A scalable method to extract the centerlines of the complete walkable urban area from its polygon representation at a one-meter resolution is discussed, using open-source tools. To evaluate the betweenness centrality in a spatially directed graph, the process is applied to the study of the ‘walkable Barcelona’, focusing on three key parameters: 1) the street width, 2) the longitudinal slope, and 3) the crosswalks connecting the sidewalk platforms. The results identify the uneven distribution of these parameters within a complex urban fabric, and the high-resolution cartography allows the identification of critical areas within the network, introducing future lines of research and applications of the workflow. This is especially relevant considering the increasing awareness of citizens and the urban agendas worldwide, aimed at improving and widening the sidewalk infrastructure that supports local activity in cities.
Comparative analysis of experimental and numerical investigation on multiple projectile impact of AA5083 friction stir welded targets
Authors: Balaji S. , Dharani Kumar S. , Magarajan U. , RameshBabu S. , Ganeshkumar S. , Sharma Shubham , Abdelmohsen Shaimaa A. M. , Saha Indranil , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: July 2023

This research aims to investigate the ballistic resistance of base material (BM)and “Friction Stir Welded (FSW)”, AA5083 aluminum alloy. The primary objective was to build a finite element model to predict kinetic energy absorption and target deformation under single and multiple projectile impact conditions. This study employed 7.62mm Hard Steel Core (HSC) projectiles produced from Steel 4340. The target was analyzed using commercially available Abaqus Explicit software for Finite Element Analysis. It was noticed that the generation of kinetic energy and surface residual velocity increases as the number of projectile strikes increases. In addition, the experimental ballistic test was conducted to validate the numerical results. Using the analytical Recht-Ipson model, each target’s experimental residual velocity was determined. It was determined that weldments perform less well (30%) as compared to BM targets. Occurrence of plastic deformation during welding causes reduction in ballistic performance of weldments. For both the computational and experimental approaches, a correlation between residual velocities was found. The plastic deformations with ductile hole formation were observed in all the cases.
Exploring the barriers and enablers of diabetes care in a remote Australian context: A qualitative study
Authors: Bourke Siobhan , Munira Syarifah Liza , Parkinson Anne , Lancsar Emily , Desborough Jane
Published: July 2023

Objective

This qualitative study explored the current barriers and enablers of diabetes care in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT).

Methods

A constructivist grounded theory approach that incorporated semi-structured telephone interviews was employed. Initial analysis of the interview transcripts used a line-by-line approach, to identify recurring themes, connections, and patterns, before they were re-labelled and categorised. This was followed by axial coding, categorisation refinement, and mapping of diabetes triggers in the IOT.

Participants and setting

The IOT, consisting of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, are some of the most remote areas in Australia. When compared with mainland Australia, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the IOT is disproportionately higher. There were no known cases of type 1 diabetes at the time of the study. Like other remote communities, these communities experience difficulties in accessing health services to prevent and manage diabetes. Twenty health care professionals and health service administrators in the IOT took part in semi-structured telephone interviews held during April-June 2020. Participants included GPs, nurses, dietitians, social and community services workers, school principals, and administrators. The interview questions focused on their perceptions of the current diabetes care in place in the IOT and their views on the challenges of providing diabetes care in the IOT.

Results

We identified four main barriers and two main enabling factors to the provision of effective diabetes care in the IOT. The barriers were: (i) societal influences; (ii) family; (iii) changing availability of food; (v) sustainability and communication. The two main enablers were: (i) tailoring interventions to meet local and cultural needs and values; and (ii) proactive compliance with the medical model of care.

Conclusion

Due to the cultural and linguistic diversity within the IOT, many of the identified barriers and enablers are unique to this community and need to be considered and incorporated into routine diabetes care to ensure successful and effective delivery of services in a remote context.
YOLO-plum: A high precision and real-time improved algorithm for plum recognition
Authors: Niu Yupeng , Lu Ming , Liang Xinyun , Wu Qianqian , Mu Jiong
Published: July 2023

Real-time, rapid, accurate, and non-destructive batch testing of fruit growth state is crucial for improving economic benefits. However, for plums, environmental variability, multi-scale, occlusion, overlapping of leaves or fruits pose significant challenges to accurate and complete labeling using mainstream algorithms like YOLOv5. In this study, we established the first artificial dataset of plums and used deep learning to improve target detection. Our improved YOLOv5 algorithm achieved more accurate and rapid batch identification of immature plums, resulting in improved quality and economic benefits. The YOLOv5-plum algorithm showed 91.65% recognition accuracy for immature plums after our algorithmic improvements. Currently, the YOLOv5-plum algorithm has demonstrated significant advantages in detecting unripe plums and can potentially be applied to other unripe fruits in the future.
W-Net: Convolutional neural network for segmenting remote sensing images by dual path semantics
Authors: Liu Guangjie , Wang Qi , Zhu Jinlong , Hong Haotong
Published: July 2023

In the latest research progress, deep neural networks have been revolutionized by frameworks to extract image features more accurately. In this study, we focus on an attention model that can be useful in deep neural networks and propose a simple but strong feature extraction deep network architecture, W-Net. The architecture of our W-Net network has two mutually independent path structures, and it is designed with the following advantages. (1) There are two independent effective paths in our proposed network structure, and the two paths capture more contextual information from different scales in different ways. (2) The two paths acquire different feature images, and in the upsampling approach, we use bilinear interpolation thus reducing the feature map distortion phenomenon and integrating the different images processed. (3) The feature image processing is at a bottleneck, and a hierarchical attention module is constructed at the bottleneck by reclassifying after the channel attention module and the spatial attention module, resulting in more efficient and accurate processing of feature images. During the experiment, we also tested iSAID, a massively high spatial resolution remote sensing image dataset, with further experimental data comparison to demonstrate the generality of our method for remote sensor image segmentation.
Intraocular lens power calculation in eyes with a shallow anterior chamber depth and normal axial length
Authors: Lee Yunjin , Kim Mee Kum , Oh Joo Youn , Choi Hyuk Jin , Yoon Chang Ho
Published: July 2023

We compared the accuracy of three intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in eyes with a shallow anterior chamber depth (ACD) and normal axial length (AXL) and control eyes. We retrospectively reviewed eyes with a shallow ACD (<2.5 mm from the corneal epithelium) with normal AXL (22.5≤AXL<24.0 mm) and controls (3.0≤ACD<3.5 mm and normal AXL). Prediction error (PE) and median absolute error (MedAE) were evaluated with SRK/T, Barrett Universal II (BUII), and Kane formulas after adjusting the mean PE to zero for all patients. Percentages of eyes achieving a PE within 0.25 to 1.00 D, and correlations between ACD, lens thickness (LT), and PE were analyzed. Thirty-five shallow ACD and 63 control eyes were included. PE in the shallow ACD group showed more hyperopic results with BUII and Kane but not with SRK/T compared to controls. Within the shallow ACD group, PE showed more hyperopic results in BUII and Kane compared to SRK/T. However, the standard deviation (SD) of PE among formulas was not different. In the shallow ACD group, SRK/T showed a higher percentage of PE within 0.25 D than BUII and Kane, but the percentages within 0.50 to 1.00 D were similar. PE was negatively correlated with ACD in BUII and Kane, and positively correlated with LT in all formulas. BUII and Kane may induce slight hyperopic shift in eyes with a shallow ACD and normal AXL. However, the performance of the three formulas was comparable in the shallow ACD group in terms of MedAE, the SD of PE, and the percentage of eyes achieving PE within 0.50 D.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in African populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bowo-Ngandji Arnol , Kenmoe Sebastien , Ebogo-Belobo Jean Thierry , Kenfack-Momo Raoul , Takuissu Guy Roussel , Kengne-Ndé Cyprien , Mbaga Donatien Serge , Tchatchouang Serges , Kenfack-Zanguim Josiane , Lontuo Fogang Robertine , Zeuko’o Menkem Elisabeth , Ndzie Ondigui Juliette Laure , Kame-Ngasse Ginette Irma , Magoudjou-Pekam Jeannette Nina , Wandji Nguedjo Maxwell , Assam Assam Jean Paul , Enyegue Mandob Damaris , Ngondi Judith Laure
Published: July 2023

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Several studies have found MS to be prevalent in various African regions. However, no specific estimates of MS prevalence in African populations exist. The aim of this study was to estimate the overall prevalence of MS in the African populations.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Africa Index Medicus, and African Journal Online Scopus to find studies published up to the 15th of August 2022. Pooled prevalence was calculated based on six diagnostic methods. The pooled prevalence of MS was estimated using a random-effects model. Our risk of bias analysis was based on the Hoy et al. tool. A Heterogeneity (I2) assessment was performed, as well as an Egger test for publication bias. PROSPERO number CRD42021275176 was assigned to this study.

Results

In total, 297 studies corresponding to 345 prevalence data from 29 African countries and involving 156 464 participants were included. The overall prevalence of MS in Africa was 32.4% (95% CI: 30.2–34.7) with significant heterogeneity (I2= 98.9%; P<0.001). We obtained prevalence rates of 44.8% (95% CI: 24.8–65.7), 39.7% (95% CI: 31.7–48.1), 33.1% (95% CI: 28.5–37.8), 31.6% (95% CI: 27.8–35.6) and 29.3% (95% CI: 25.7–33) using the WHO, revised NCEP-ATP III, JIS, NCEP/ATP III and IDF definition criteria, respectively. The prevalence of MS was significantly higher in adults >18 years with 33.1% (95%CI: 30.8–35.5) compared to children <18 years with 13.3% (95%CI: 7.3–20.6) (P<0.001). MS prevalence was significantly higher in females with 36.9% (95%CI: 33.2–40.7) compared to males with 26.7% (95%CI: 23.1–30.5) (P<0.001). The prevalence of MS was highest among Type 2 diabetes patients with 66.9% (95%CI: 60.3–73.1), followed by patients with coronary artery disease with 55.2% (95%CI: 50.8–59.6) and cardiovascular diseases with 48.3% (95%CI: 33.5–63.3) (P<0.001). With 33.6% (95% CI: 28.3–39.1), the southern African region was the most affected, followed by upper-middle income economies with 35% (95% CI: 29.5–40.6).

Conclusion

This study, regardless of the definition used, reveals a high prevalence of MS in Africa, confirming the ongoing epidemiological transition in African countries. Early prevention and treatment strategies are urgently needed to reverse this trend.
Choroidal vascularity index in different types of central serous chorioretinopathy: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xia Yihao , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Jiaqi , Xie Xuejun
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in different types of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), healthy control eyes, and fellow eyes.

Methods

Relevant studies published up to January 2023 were identified by searching multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Studies investigating the difference in CVI between CSC and control eyes were included. Data from these studies were analyzed using Stata (version 17) software. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated for the CVI in CSC eyes, control eyes, and fellow eyes.

Results

The meta-analysis included 15 studies, with 213 acute CSC eyes, 153 chronic CSC eyes, 92 uncategorized CSC eyes, 40 resolved CSC eyes, 409 eyes of normal healthy controls, and 318 fellow eyes. The result revealed that CVI was higher in acute CSC eyes (WMD = 5.40, 95%CI = 2.36–8.44, P = 0.001) compared to control eyes. Also, CVI in chronic CSC eyes was higher than in control eyes (WMD = 1.26, 95%CI = 0.03–2.49, p = 0.046). The fellow eyes of acute CSC had a higher CVI when compared to control eyes (WMD = 2.53, 95%CI = 0.78–4.28, p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in CVI between acute and chronic CSC eyes (WMD = 0.75, 95%CI = -0.31–1.82, P = 0.167). In the sub-analysis based on the area selected for CVI calculation, the WMDs in the whole image subgroups were lower than the main analysis for the comparisons of fellow eyes of acute CSC and control eyes, acute CSC eyes and control eyes, and acute CSC eyes and fellow eyes. In the macular area subgroups, the WMDs were higher than in the whole image subgroups, suggesting a potential regional variation of CVI in CSC eyes.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that CVI is increased in CSC eyes and fellow eyes of acute CSC. There is no significant difference in CVI between acute and chronic CSC eyes. The area selected for CVI calculation can influence the outcome, which requires further clinical research to clarify.
Patellar malalignment correlates with increased pain and increased synovial stress hormone levels–A cross-sectional study
Authors: Brenneis Marco , Junker Marius , Sohn Rebecca , Braun Sebastian , Ehnert Markus , Zaucke Frank , Jenei-Lanzl Zsuzsa , Meurer Andrea
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Risk factors for the development of pain in the context of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remain unclear. Radiological findings often do not correlate with clinical findings, so other pathomechanisms in the development and perception of pain must play a role. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation of increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity (measured by subjective and objective chronic stress parameters) with KOA severity, patellofemoral malalignment, and pain.

Methods

47 patients with KOA were assessed. Radiological measurements of tibiofemoral and patellofemoral parameters (Kellgren-Lawrence-score, patellar tilt (PT), Caton-Deschamps-Index and Hepp´s classification) were performed and correlated with knee-specific questionnaires (WOMAC®, KSS©) and chronic stress questionnaires (PSQ-20). Additionally, parameters associated with chronic stress were quantified in synovial fluid and serum samples from patients.

Results

PT correlated significantly with Caton-Deschamps-Index (r = 0.394,p = 0.006) and with medial patellofemoral joint space (r = 0.516,p<0.001). In addition, asymmetric trochlear groove (Hepp’s classification > II) was associated with significantly higher PT values (p = 0.014). A negative correlation between PT and KSS©-symptoms subgroup was found (r = -0.340,p = 0.024). Patients with PT<5° had significantly higher scores in the Knee Society Score©-symptoms subgroup (p = 0.038). A positive and significant correlation between synovial aldosterone levels and PT was observed (r = 0.548,p = 0.042).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that patellar malalignment might correlate with increased pain. The previous specification of standard PT values must be reconsidered as even low PT values seem to play a role in the occurrence of patellofemoral osteoarthritis symptoms. Lower PT values might lead to aggravated symptoms in patients with KOA due to a narrow medial patellofemoral joint space. In addition, PT might induce the release of synovial stress biomarkers and thus contribute to the progression of KOA.
Fusarium phytopathogens as insect mutualists
Authors: Berasategui Aileen , Jagdale Shounak , Salem Hassan
Published: July 2023

As vectors of numerous plant pathogens, herbivorous insects play a key role in the epidemiology of plant disease. But how phytopathogens impact the metabolism, physiology, and fitness of their insect vectors is often unexplored within these tripartite interactions. Here, we examine the diverse symbioses forged between insects and members of the ascomycete fungal genus Fusarium. While Fusarium features numerous plant pathogens that are causal to diseases such as wilts and rots, many of these microbes also engage in stable mutualisms across several insect clades. Matching a diversity in symbiont localization and transmission routes, we highlight the various roles fusaria fulfill towards their insect hosts, from upgrading their nutritional physiology to providing defense against natural enemies. But as the insect partner is consistently herbivorous, we emphasize the convergent benefit Fusarium derives in exchange: propagation to a novel host plant. Collectively, we point to the synergy arising between a phytopathogen and its insect vector, and the consequences inflicted on their shared plant.
How much (ATP) does it cost to build a trypanosome? A theoretical study on the quantity of ATP needed to maintain and duplicate a bloodstream-form Trypanosoma brucei cell
Authors: Nascimento Janaina F. , Souza Rodolpho O. O. , Alencar Mayke B. , Marsiccobetre Sabrina , Murillo Ana M. , Damasceno Flávia S. , Girard Richard B. M. M. , Marchese Letícia , Luévano-Martinez Luis A. , Achjian Renan W. , Haanstra Jurgen R. , Michels Paul A. M. , Silber Ariel M.
Published: July 2023

ATP hydrolysis is required for the synthesis, transport and polymerization of monomers for macromolecules as well as for the assembly of the latter into cellular structures. Other cellular processes not directly related to synthesis of biomass, such as maintenance of membrane potential and cellular shape, also require ATP. The unicellular flagellated parasite Trypanosoma brucei has a complex digenetic life cycle. The primary energy source for this parasite in its bloodstream form (BSF) is glucose, which is abundant in the host’s bloodstream. Here, we made a detailed estimation of the energy budget during the BSF cell cycle. As glycolysis is the source of most produced ATP, we calculated that a single parasite produces 6.0 x 1011 molecules of ATP/cell cycle. Total biomass production (which involves biomass maintenance and duplication) accounts for ~63% of the total energy budget, while the total biomass duplication accounts for the remaining ~37% of the ATP consumption, with in both cases translation being the most expensive process. These values allowed us to estimate a theoretical YATP of 10.1 (g biomass)/mole ATP and a theoretical YATPmax of 28.6 (g biomass)/mole ATP. Flagellar motility, variant surface glycoprotein recycling, transport and maintenance of transmembrane potential account for less than 30% of the consumed ATP. Finally, there is still ~5.5% available in the budget that is being used for other cellular processes of as yet unknown cost. These data put a new perspective on the assumptions about the relative energetic weight of the processes a BSF trypanosome undergoes during its cell cycle.
Genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies genes synthetically lethal with GRA17, a nutrient channel encoding gene in Toxoplasma
Authors: Paredes-Santos Tatiana C. , Bitew Mebratu A. , Swale Christopher , Rodriguez Felipe , Krishnamurthy Shruthi , Wang Yifan , Maru Parag , Sangaré Lamba Omar , Saeij Jeroen P. J.
Published: July 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that replicates within a specialized compartment called the parasitophorous vacuole (PV), which is surrounded by the PV membrane (PVM). To obtain essential nutrients, Toxoplasma must transport molecules across the PVM, a process mediated by the secreted parasite proteins GRA17 and GRA23. These proteins form pores in the PVM through which small molecules can diffuse in and out of the PV. GRA17 and GRA23 are synthetically lethal, suggesting that at least one pore type is essential for parasite survival. In the ‘nutrient sensitized’ Δgra17 strain it is likely that other Toxoplasma genes become essential, because they mediate nutrient acquisition from the host or are involved in the trafficking of GRA23 to the PVM. To identify these genes, a genome-wide loss-of-function screen was performed in wild-type and Δgra17 parasites, which identified multiple genes that were synthetically sick/lethal with GRA17. Several of these genes were involved in the correct localization of GRAs, including GRA17/GRA23, to the PVM. One of the top hits, GRA72, was predicted to form a pore on the PVM, and its deletion led to the formation of enlarged “bubble vacuoles” with reduced PVM small molecule permeability, similar to what was previously observed for Δgra17 parasites. Furthermore, Δgra72 parasites had reduced in vitro growth and virulence in mice. These findings suggest that in the absence of GRA17, other genes become essential, likely because they play a role in the proper localization of GRA23 (and other GRAs) or because they determine host-derived nutrient acquisition at the PVM.
QUANDO ASSISTIR AO YOUTUBE GERA ENGAJAMENTO, PERTENCIMENTO E IDENTIFICAÇ˜ÃO:
Authors: Matos Silvio Simão de
Published: July 2023

O principal objeto de estudo do artigo são os canais vinculados ao site www.youtube.com. A partir do desenvolvimento das redes sociais na internet e o surgimento de plataformas de interligação entre os indivíduos, este ambiente em que passamos a interagir nos levou a grandes transformações, sendo uma das principais a da externalização, ou seja, o que era privado se transforma em público (SIBILIA, 2016). A partir dessa perspectiva, se apresenta como objetivo do artigo “identificar como canais no youtube afetam as pessoas e levam a processos de engajamento, pertencimento e identificação”. Como instrumento científico, foram aplicadas técnicas de pesquisa qualitativa, incluindo entrevistas, grupos de discussão e etnografia na web. Com as teorias que compõem o texto e as análises realizadas, observa-se que a partir dos vídeos publicados nos canais De Pretas e Louie Ponto, seguidores se descobrem, se identificam e passam a se engajar com temas sociais, em um percurso de pertencimento e ativismo social na web.
A Comprehensive Study on the Calibration and Measurement of High-Speed Photodetectors for Human Aura Detection
Authors: Cheok Adrian David , Karolyi George
Published: July 2023

In this study, we explore the calibration and measurement of high-speed photodetectors for the analysis of the human aura. We designed a counter circuit to count the photomultiplier anode current pulses occurring in accurately measured 10-second periods. The photomultiplier was housed in a darkroom to ensure only photons from the intended source reached the photocathode. To minimize errors from dark counts, the photomultiplier was enclosed in a cooled housing, reducing the temperature to around -30 degrees Celsius. This effectively reduced atomic vibrations and consequent electron emissions to an acceptable level. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the use of high-speed photodetectors in human aura studies, with potential implications for future research in this field. While our study did not provide significant evidence supporting the existence of a human aura, the negative results hold significant scientific importance by offering a critical perspective and contributing to the body of knowledge. Furthermore, our findings can serve as a basis for refuting unfounded claims surrounding the human aura, while also saving engineers valuable time and resources by discouraging redundant projects in the future.
НАРУШЕНИЯ ТИРЕОИДНОГО СТАТУСА КАК ФАКТОР РАЗВИТИЯ ПАТОСПЕРМИИ
У МУЖЧИН В БЕСПЛОДНОМ БРАКЕ
Authors: Лисовская Т. А. , Дубровина О. С. , Сентюрина Л. Б. , Трещилов И. М. , Севостьянова О. Ю. , Маясина Е. Н. , Буев Ю. Е. , Салимов Д. Ф.
Published: July 2023

ЦЕЛЬ: настоящее исследование было направлено на определение закономерностей сочетания раз-

личных форм патоспермии у пациентов клиники ВРТ с нарушениями тиреоидного статуса.

МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ: обследовано 210 мужчин репродуктивного возраста, состоящих в бесплод-

ном браке. Случаи с мужским фактором бесплодия, связанным с нарушением эректильной функции (11чел.,

5,3%), из дальнейшего исследования были исключены. Из 199 пациентов сформированы основные группы

исследования: 1-ая - мужчины с необструктивной азооспермией - 14 чел. (6,9 %) и 2-ая группа – с другими

формами патоспермии – 47 чел. (23,9%), контрольную группу составили мужчины, состоящие в бесплодном

браке, с нормоспермией –138 чел. (69,2%). Всем пациентам проведено антропометрическое, лабораторное

и ультразвуковое исследование щитовидной железы и яичек. Анализ спермограммы проведен в соответ-

ствие с классификацией ВОЗ 5- пересмотра, 2010г.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ: среди всех обследованных мужчин с патоспермией (n = 61 чел.), у 51,02 % выявлена раз-

личная патология щитовидной железы, причем в 34,7 % -впервые верифицированная. У 45,5 % пациентов

с необструктивной азооспермией обнаружены ранее не диагностированные узловые формы зоба при

нормальных параметрах тиреотропного гормона и свободного тироксина, а также выявлена достоверная

корреляция узловых форм зоба с наличием азооспермии: r= 0,610, p= 0,01.

ВЫВОДЫ: мужчины с различными формами патоспермии, состоящие в бесплодном браке, имеют боль-

шие, чем в общей популяции, риски наличия различной патологии тиреоидного статуса, которая в свою

очередь может быть причиной снижения фертильности спермы. Пациенты клиники ВРТ с необструктивной

азооспермией представляют группу риска по наличию очаговых поражений щитовидной железы даже при

нормальных лабораторных показателях тиреоидного статуса, и требуют дополнительного ультразвукового

исследования щитовидной железы.
ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКИЕ ПРЕДИКТОРЫ ПЕРВИЧНОЙ НАДПОЧЕЧНИКОВОЙ НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТИ
АУТОИММУННОГО ГЕНЕЗА
Authors: Нуралиева Н. Ф. , Юкина М. Ю. , Меремьянина Е. А. , Трошина Е. А. , Свитич О. А.
Published: July 2023

Аутоиммунная надпочечниковая недостаточность (АНН) часто является компонентом аутоиммунных

полигландулярных синдромов (АПС). АПС 1 типа обусловлен мутацией гена аутоиммунного регулятора

AIRE, а предрасположенность к АПС 2 типа и изолированной АНН определяется вариантами генов системы

HLA. Не исключается, что в модулировании риска изолированной АНН и АНН в рамках АПС 2 типа, а также

в фенотипической вариабельности АПС 1 типа играют роль варианты генов, кодирующих toll-подобные

рецепторы (TLR2 и TLR9) и интерферон-λ (IL28B), которые участвуют в иммунном ответе и ассоциированы

с рядом других аутоиммунных заболеваний.

ЦЕЛЬ: выявить ассоциации полиморфных маркеров в генах TLR9, IL28B, TLR2 с наличием АНН.

МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ: включено n=63 пациента с АНН: n=54 – с изолированной АНН и АНН в рамках

АПС 2 типа (группа 1а); n=9 – с АПС 1 типа (группа 1b); и n=32 условно здоровых лиц (группа 2). Участникам

выполнен анализ полиморфных маркеров в генах IL28B (rs12979860 и rs8099917), TLR9 (rs5743836 и rs352140)

и TLR2 (rs5743708) методом полимеразной цепной реакции в реальном времени.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ: В группе 1 по сравнению с группой 2 выявлено статистически значимое преобладание

генотипа СТ полиморфного маркера rs12979860 гена IL28B (р=0,010), а также аллеля Т полиморфизма

rs5743836 гена TLR9 (р=0,032). Напротив, генотип СС полиморфизма rs12979860 гена IL28B (р=0,025) и аллель

С полиморфизма rs5743836 гена TLR9 (р=0,032) чаще встречались в группе 2, чем в группе 1. При сравни-

тельном анализе распределения частот гаплотипов по двум локусам гена IL28B (rs8099917 и rs12979860)

обнаружено, что CCTT встречается значительно чаще в группе 2, по сравнению с группой 1 (р=0,024). При

сравнении групп 1а и 2 статистическая значимость сохранялась только в отношении частот генотипа СТ

полиморфизма rs12979860 гена IL28B (р=0,024) и аллелей Т и С полиморфизма rs5743836 гена TLR9 (р=0,044).

В группе 1b по сравнению с группой 2 наблюдалось преобладание генотипа СТ полиморфного маркера

rs12979860 гена IL28B (р=0,032) и гаплотипа CTTT по двум локусам гена IL28B: rs8099917 и rs12979860

(р=0,020).

ВЫВОДЫ: пациенты с АНН как изолированной, так и в составе АПС 1 и 2 типов отличаются от условно

здоровых лиц более частым носительством генотипа СТ полиморфного маркера rs12979860 гена IL28B.

Аллель Т полиморфизма rs5743836 гена TLR9 является прогностическим маркером, повышающим ве-

роятность развития АНН, тогда как генотип СС по полиморфному локусу rs12979860 гена IL28B, гаплотип

CCTT по двум локусам гена IL28B (rs8099917 и rs12979860) и аллель С полиморфизма rs5743836 гена TLR9 –

выполняют протективную роль при данном заболевании.