bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical verification of body mass index and tumor immune response in patients with breast cancer receiving preoperative chemotherapy
Authors: Takada Koji , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Asano Yuka , Goto Wataru , Ishihara Sae , Morisaki Tamami , Shibutani Masatsune , Tanaka Hiroaki , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The body mass index (BMI) is commonly used as a simple indicator of obesity; patients with early-stage breast cancer who are obese (OB) per BMI measurements have been shown to have high postoperative recurrence and low survival rates. On the other hand, it has been shown that lymphocytes present in the vicinity of malignant growths that are involved in the tumors’ immune responses influence the efficacy chemotherapy. Therefore, we hypothesized that OB patients with breast cancer have a lower density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which may influence the therapeutic effect of preoperative chemotherapy (POC). In this study, we measured pretreatment BMI and TILs in patients with breast cancer who underwent POC, examined the correlations between these two factors, and retrospectively analyzed their therapeutic outcomes and prognoses.

Methods

The participants in this study were 421 patients with breast cancer who underwent surgical treatment after POC between February 2007 and January 2019. The patient’s height and weight were measured before POC to calculate the BMI (weight [kg] divided by the square of the height [m2]). According to the World Health Organization categorization, patients who weighed under 18.5 kg/m2 were classified as underweight (UW), those ≥18.5 kg/m2 and > 25 kg/m2 were considered normal weight (NW), those ≥25 kg/m2 and < 30 kg/m2 were overweight (OW), and those ≥30 kg/m2 were OB. The TILs were those lymphocytes that infiltrated the tumor stroma according to the definition of the International TILs Working Group 2014.

Results

The median BMI was 21.9 kg/m2 (range, 14.3–38.5 kg/m2); most patients (244; 64.5%) were NW. Among all 378 patients with breast cancer, the TIL density was significantly lower in OB than in NW and OW patients (vs. NW: p = 0.001; vs. OW: p = 0.003). Furthermore, when examining patients with each breast cancer type individually, the OS of those with TNBC who had low BMIs was significantly poorer than that of their high-BMI counterparts (log rank p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Our data did not support the hypothesis that obesity affects the tumor immune microenvironment; however, we showed that being UW does affect the tumor immune microenvironment.
Stigmatization and psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare Workers in Nigeria: a qualitative study
Authors: Kwaghe Ayi Vandi , Kwaghe Vivian Gga , Habib Zaiyad Garba , Kwaghe Gga Vandi , Ilesanmi Olayinka Stephen , Ekele Bissalah Ahmed , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Balogun Muhammad Shakir
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great toll on global health. Frontline healthcare workers (FHCW) directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients have faced some physical and psychological challenges. This study explored the stigma and traumatic experiences of the FHCW during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Methods

We recruited twenty FHCW directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted for all participants, and qualitative analysis of data was done using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method.

Results

Five themes identified were: Early stage of the pandemic (fear, anxiety, public fright, other countries repatriating their citizens, the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and a call to duty for the FHCW); working with COVID-19 patients (excitement on patients recovery and duty stress); psychological, mental and emotional trauma; stigmatization (stigmatized by colleagues, family, friends or their residential communities, reasons for stigmatization which were fear of infection, limited knowledge of the virus and working at the isolation centre and the effect of stigma); and recommendations (education and awareness creation, government showing more care towards the FHCW and provision of health insurance for FHCW to take care of those that get infected in the line of duty).

Conclusion

Stigmatization has proven to be a major challenge for FHCW in conducting their duties. The psychological impact experienced by FHCW may affect the quality of the services rendered by these workers. The study reveals the need of education and awareness creation in the ongoing pandemic. There is a need for the government and society to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of FHCW.
Perceptions, behaviours and attitudes towards smoking held by the male partners of Chinese pregnant women: a qualitative study
Authors: Xia Wei , Li Ho Cheung William , Song Peige , Ho Ka Yan , Luo Yuanhui , Liang Tingna , Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Cheung Ankie Tan , Cai Wenzhi
Published: October 2021

Background

Direct associations of tobacco exposure during pregnancy with pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes have been proven. Previous studies suggest that expecting a child provides a valuable opportunity to promote behavioural changes, such as smoking cessation, among the male partners of pregnant women. Thorough understandings of Chinese expectant fathers’ smoking behaviour during the transition to fatherhood is a prerequisite to the development of appropriate interventions to facilitate smoking cessation. This study aimed to explore the perceptions, behaviours and attitudes related to smoking among male partners of pregnant women in China.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted. A purposive sample of expectant fathers aged 18 years or older who had a tobacco use history within the past year were recruited at obstetrics and gynaecology clinics and invited to participate in one-to-one, 20–30-min semi-structured interviews. The data analysis followed Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method.

Results

Twenty-five expectant fathers were interviewed. Four themes were generated: 1) the benefits of smoking and respondents’ misperceptions of the impact of smoking and SHS and neglectful attitude of the impact of smoking, which were given as the major reasons for continuing to smoke; 2) factors contributing to smoking cessation, including concern for the potential health impact of continued smoking on the pregnant partner and baby, the role of being father, and the encouragement to quit from family members; and 3) perceived barriers to smoking cessation, including withdrawal symptoms or cigarette cravings, absence of smoking cessation support, and increasing stress.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the perception, behaviours, and attitudes related to smoking among Chinese expectant fathers. The findings of this study can guide healthcare professionals and policymakers in combining the distribution of educational information about the hazards of SHS for maternal and neonatal health with smoking cessation assistance for expectant fathers through policy initiatives and other types of incentives and programmes targeted to enhance smoking cessation among this population.

Trial registration

Prospectively registered at clinicaltrial.org (NCT03401021) on 8 Jan 2018.
Prognosis does not change the landscape: palliative home care clients experience high rates of pain and nausea, regardless of prognosis
Authors: Williams Nicole , Hermans Kirsten , Stevens Tara , Hirdes John P. , Declercq Anja , Cohen Joachim , Guthrie Dawn M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Most individuals who typically receive palliative care (PC) tend to have cancer and a relatively short prognosis (< 6 months). People with other life-limiting illnesses can also benefit from a palliative care approach. However, little is known about those who receive palliative home care in Ontario, Canada’s largest province. To address this gap, the goal of this project was to understand the needs, symptoms and potential differences between those with a shorter (< 6 months) and longer prognosis (6+ months) for individuals receiving PC in the community.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using interRAI Palliative Care (interRAI PC) assessment data collected between 2011 and 2018. Individuals with a shorter prognosis (< 6 months; n = 48,019 or 64.1%) were compared to those with a longer prognosis (6+ months; n = 26,945) across several clinical symptoms. The standardized difference (stdiff), between proportions, was calculated to identify statistically meaningful differences between those with a shorter and longer prognosis. Values of the stdiff of 0.2 or higher (absolute value) indicated a statistically significant difference.

Results

Overall, cancer was the most prevalent diagnosis (83.2%). Those with a shorter prognosis were significantly more likely to experience fatigue (75.3% vs. 59.5%; stdiff = 0.34) and shortness of breath at rest (22.1% vs. 13.4%; stdiff = 0.23). However, the two groups were similar in terms of severe pain (73.5% vs. 66.5%; stdiff = − 0.15), depressive symptoms (13.2% vs. 10.7%; stdiff = 0.08) and nausea (35.7% vs. 29.4%; stdiff = 0.13).

Conclusions

These results highlight the importance of earlier identification of individuals who could benefit from a palliative approach to their care as individuals with a longer prognosis also experience high rates of symptoms such as pain and nausea. Providing PC earlier in the illness trajectory has the potential to improve an individual’s overall quality of life throughout the duration of their illness.
Prediction of synergistic drug combinations using PCA-initialized deep learning
Authors: Ma Jun , Motsinger-Reif Alison
Published: October 2021

Background

Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Combination drug therapy has been a mainstay of cancer treatment for decades and has been shown to reduce host toxicity and prevent the development of acquired drug resistance. However, the immense number of possible drug combinations and large synergistic space makes it infeasible to screen all effective drug pairs experimentally. Therefore, it is crucial to develop computational approaches to predict drug synergy and guide experimental design for the discovery of rational combinations for therapy.

Results

We present a new deep learning approach to predict synergistic drug combinations by integrating gene expression profiles from cell lines and chemical structure data. Specifically, we use principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of the chemical descriptor data and gene expression data. We then propagate the low-dimensional data through a neural network to predict drug synergy values. We apply our method to O’Neil’s high-throughput drug combination screening data as well as a dataset from the AstraZeneca-Sanger Drug Combination Prediction DREAM Challenge. We compare the neural network approach with and without dimension reduction. Additionally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our deep learning approach and compare its performance with three state-of-the-art machine learning methods: Random Forests, XGBoost, and elastic net, with and without PCA-based dimensionality reduction.

Conclusions

Our developed approach outperforms other machine learning methods, and the use of dimension reduction dramatically decreases the computation time without sacrificing accuracy.
The roles of sex and gender in women’s eye health disparities in the United States
Authors: Aninye Irene O. , Digre Kathleen , Hartnett M. Elizabeth , Baldonado Kira , Shriver Erin M. , Periman Laura M. , Grutzmacher Julie , Clayton Janine A. ,   Society for Women’s Health Research Women’s Eye Health Working Group
Published: October 2021

Background

In the United States, women are at a higher risk of developing vision impairment or a serious eye disease (such as age-related macular degeneration, thyroid eye disease, or chronic dry eye disease) than men. Disparities in eye diseases due to biology widen even further when considering factors such as social determinants of health; gaps in research data, literature, and policy; insufficient provider and patient education; and limitations in screening and treatment options. Sex and gender disparities in eye health are clinically under-addressed and burdensome on both patient quality of life and the health care and economic systems, resulting in a pressing population health issue that negatively impacts women.

Design

The Society for Women’s Health Research convened a working group of expert clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates to review the current state of science regarding sex and gender disparities in women’s eye health, identify knowledge gaps and unmet needs, and explore better means to advance research, improve patient care, and raise awareness of key issues.

Discussion

The SWHR Women’s Eye Health Working Group identified priority areas in research, clinical care, and education to reduce disparities and improve patient care in women’s eye health. The working group recommends using a systems approach that incorporates a comprehensive research framework with a sex and gender lens to guide future work and that increases health care provider and public education, as well as engagement by expanding partnerships among ophthalmologic providers, researchers, and non-vision stakeholders.
Modeling the transmission dynamics of delayed pneumonia-like diseases with a sensitivity of parameters
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Baleanu Dumitru , Raza Ali , Rafiq Muhammad , Soori Atif Hassan , Mohsin Muhammad
Published: October 2021

Pneumonia is a highly transmitted disease in children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most affected regions include South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. 15% deaths of children are due to pneumonia. In 2017, 0.88 million children were killed under the age of five years. An analysis of pneumonia disease is performed with the help of a delayed mathematical modelling technique. The epidemiological system contemplates subpopulations of susceptible, carriers, infected and recovered individuals, along with nonlinear interactions between the members of those subpopulations. The positivity and the boundedness of the ongoing problem for nonnegative initial data are thoroughly proved. The system possesses pneumonia-free and pneumonia existing equilibrium points, whose stability is studied rigorously. Moreover, the numerical simulations confirm the validity of these theoretical results.
Preservation and promotion of China’s musical cultural heritage on the internet
Authors: Wang Jianjian
Published: October 2021

The study investigates different ways of preservation and popularization of Chinese traditional music using the Internet. The study collected data by analyzing various methods of presenting traditional Chinese music in online platforms YouTube, TikTok, and Likee. Common groups for YouTube are instrumental music (46.8%) and vocal music (23.9%), whereas, for TikTok and Likee, it is dancing performances (68.6% and 71.8%) and instrumental music (21.6% and 22.3%). The samples containing information about the content on the online platforms YouTube and TikTok are continuously growing in August, October, and December, while the Likee platform has seen a decline in all indicators. For the online platform YouTube, the largest increases were seen for vocal music theory and instrumental music for August, October, and December, while for the TikTok platform, the corresponding indicators were for Chinese music theory and educational dance performances in August and October. For online platform Likee for the aforementioned months, vocal music has seen the biggest decline over time. The obtained data can be useful for a better understanding of the audience’s requests, which makes it possible to popularize music content more productively. The authors see such study as necessary for the implementation of new business projects in the operation of online music platforms, changes in approaches to licensing over the Internet, and reform of the music industry. The development of the Internet popularizes Chinese musical culture on a global scale, opens up new opportunities for the Chinese population (professionals and amateurs, adults and children) to study the musical heritage of other countries, promotes musical diversity, and can bring substantial financial benefits not only to individuals or companies, but also to the state as a whole.
Radiologic imaging findings of pelvic aggressive angiomyxoma correlated with surgical and pathological features
Authors: Cingoz Mehmet , Kilic Ali , Acar Aylin , Tosun İlkay , Aksoy Direnc Ozlem , Cingoz Eda
Published: October 2021

Background

Aggressive angiomyxoma is an infrequent benign tumor that usually occurs in the pelvic region. Pelvic masses have variety of differential diagnosis but some featured findings should prompt the diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma by the radiologist.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old female patient presented with a two-year history of perineal swelling. Radiological examination including gray scale and color Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was consistent with the diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma. The patient underwent surgical operation that ensures total resection of the tumor.

Conclusion

In the case of extensive pelvic soft tissue mass with characteristic imaging findings, the radiologists should take the diagnosis of aggressive angiomyxoma into consideration.
Fatigue behavior of surfaced C45 steel
Authors: Sayid A. A. , El-Kashif E. , Adly M. A. , Morsy M. A. , Abdelkawy Abdallah
Published: October 2021

Due to the dynamic loads in power transmission such as automotive, the restoration of axles during maintenance is extensively needed. These parts face two main challenges: wear and fatigue failure loads. The present study tries to improve fatigue strength of C45 steel by surfacing with tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding technique using filler ER80S-B2. Fatigue life was studied through a rotary bending fatigue test at two stress levels: level I 65% and level II 55% of the ultimate tensile strength of C45 base steel. Loading amplitude, coating thickness, surface roughness, and rotating speed were kept constant for all specimens. In accordance with ISO 12107, both surfaced and unsurfaced steel fatigue specimens were prepared. The specimens were tested till failure and the data were analyzed. The chemical composition, tensile strength, micro-hardness, microstructure, and fracture surface have been examined for surfaced and unsurfaced steels. Surfaced C45 steel showed improved fatigue life compared to the unsurfaced C45 steel specimens with an increasing percentage of 35.97% at level I and 25.46% at level II.
Salbutamol Increases Leg Glucose Uptake and Metabolic Rate but not Muscle Glycogen Resynthesis in Recovery From Exercise
Authors: Onslev Johan , Thomassen Martin , Wojtaszewski Jørgen , Bangsbo Jens , Hostrup Morten
Published: October 2021

Context

Exercise blunts the effect of beta2-agonists on peripheral glucose uptake and energy expenditure. Whether such attenuation extends into recovery is unknown.

Objective

To examine the effect of a beta2-agonist on leg glucose uptake and metabolic rate in recovery from exercise.

Methods

Using leg arteriovenous balance technique and analyses of thigh muscle biopsies, we investigated the effect of a beta2-agonist (24 mg of oral salbutamol) vs placebo on leg glucose, lactate, and oxygen exchange before and during quadriceps exercise, and 0.5 to 5 hours in recovery from quadriceps exercise, as well as on muscle glycogen resynthesis and activity in recovery. Twelve healthy, lean, young men participated.

Results

Before exercise, leg glucose uptake was 0.42 ± 0.12 and 0.20 ± 0.02 mmol × min–1 (mean ± SD) for salbutamol and placebo (P = .06), respectively, while leg oxygen consumption was around 2-fold higher (P < .01) for salbutamol than for placebo (25 ± 3 vs 14 ± 1 mL × min–1). No treatment differences were observed in leg glucose uptake, lactate release, and oxygen consumption during exercise. But in recovery, cumulated leg glucose uptake, lactate release, and oxygen consumption was 21 mmol (95% CI 18-24, P = .018), 19 mmol (95% CI 16-23, P < .01), and 1.8 L (95% CI 1.6-2.0, P < .01) higher for salbutamol than for placebo, respectively. Muscle glycogen content was around 30% lower (P < .01) for salbutamol than for placebo in recovery, whereas no treatment differences were observed in muscle glycogen resynthesis or glycogen synthase activity.

Conclusion

Exercise blunts the effect of beta2-agonist salbutamol on leg glucose uptake, but this attenuation diminishes in recovery. Salbutamol increases leg lactate release in recovery, which may relate to glycolytic trafficking due to excessive myocellular glucose uptake.
Anthropology as Method: North Korea at a Distance
Authors: Ryang Sonia
Published: October 2021

North Korea is one of a very small number of countries in the world that an anthropologist has not set foot in with the purpose of conducting long-term ethnographic fieldwork. Given the country’s closed nature, anthropology seems to be the least qualified discipline with which to approach North Korea. Upon closer examination, however, this might not be the case; anthropology may offer unexpected advantages, not only permitting us to study North Korea but also to reflect on aspects of our own societies and cultures with a critical eye. This article explores both the challenges to be faced and the rewards to be gained by an anthropologist studying North Korea.
Exercising the Sleepy-ing Brain: Exercise, Sleep, and Sleep Loss on Memory
Authors: Roig Marc , Cristini Jacopo , Parwanta Zohra , Ayotte Beatrice , Rodrigues Lynden , de Las Heras Bernat , Nepveu Jean-François , Huber Reto , Carrier Julie , Steib Simon , Youngstedt Shawn D. , Wright David L.
Published: October 2021

We examine the novel hypothesis that physical exercise and sleep have synergistic effects on memory. Exercise can trigger mechanisms that can create an optimal brain state during sleep to facilitate memory processing. The possibility that exercise could counteract the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation on memory by protecting neuroplasticity also is discussed.
Dynamic Control of Upper Limb Stretch Reflex in Wrestlers
Authors: ITO SHO , NAKAGAWA KENTO , NAKAJIMA TSUYOSHI , ITEYA MISAKI , CRAWSHAW LARRY , KANOSUE KAZUYUKI
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The objective of this study was to clarify the characteristics of the upper limb stretch reflex in wrestlers.

Methods

Ten wrestlers and 11 control subjects participated in the study. The experiment was divided into two sessions. In the extension perturbation session, participants either relaxed or flexed the elbow when they felt a perturbation (abrupt elbow extension induced by a dynamometer). This was done 30 times by each subject for both sessions. In the flexion perturbation session, participants also relaxed or extended the elbow when they felt a perturbation (abrupt elbow flexion). During the tasks, the stretch reflex was monitored by recording the surface EMG activities of the right biceps and triceps brachii. The EMG reflex components were divided into three periods based on the time after the perturbation (M1, 20–50 ms; M2, 50–80 ms; and M3, 80–100 ms). The averaged background EMG activity just before the disturbance was subtracted from the EMG activity in each period. The resultant value was integrated to obtain reflex magnitudes of M1 to M3.

Results

For the triceps brachii, in the relaxation task, the wrestler group showed a significantly smaller value for M2 than did the control group. In the extension task, the wrestler group showed a significantly larger value for M3 than did the control group. There was no difference in M1 between the two groups. For the biceps brachii, there was no significant difference between any reflex components.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that high-level wrestlers have specific characteristics of the long-latency stretch reflex in the triceps brachii that are modulated in a situation-specific manner.
Intrinsic negative feedback as a limiting factor for the evolution of higher forms of intelligence
Authors: Arold Stefan T.
Published: October 2021

Longstanding scientific efforts have been dedicated to answer why and how our particular intelligence is generated by our brain but not by the brain of other species. However, surprisingly little effort has been made to ask why no other species ever developed an intelligence similar to ours. Here, I explore this question based on genetic and paleontologic evidence. Contrary to the established view, this review suggests that the developmental hurdles alone are not high enough to explain the uniqueness of human intelligence (HI). As an additional explanation I propose that HI is normally not retained by natural selection, because it is, under most conditions, an intrinsically unfavourable trait. This unfavourableness, however, cannot be explained by physical constraints alone; rather, it may also be rooted in the same emotional and social complexity that is necessary for the development of HI. Thus, a major obstacle towards HI may not be solely the development of the required physical assets, but also to cope with harmful individual, social and environmental feedback intrinsically associated with this trait.
Case Report: A Case of Encephalopathy Presenting the Lentiform Fork Sign on MRI in a Diabetic Dialysis Patient
Authors: Ishizaki Yuri , Nishizono Ryuzoh , Kikuchi Masao , Inagaki Hiroko , Sato Yuji , Fujimoto Shouichi
Published: October 2021

Basal ganglia lesions showing an expansile high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI are termed the lentiform fork sign. This specific finding is mainly observed in diabetic patients with uremic encephalopathy with metabolic acidosis, although there are also reports in patients with ketoacidosis, dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, intoxication, and following drug treatment (e.g., metformin). A 57-year-old Japanese man on chronic hemodialysis for 4 years because of diabetic nephropathy was admitted to our hospital for relatively rapid-onset gait disturbance, severe dysarthria, and consciousness disturbance. Brain T2-weighted MRI showed the lentiform fork sign. Hemodialysis was performed the day before admission, and laboratory tests showed mild metabolic (lactic) acidosis, but no uremia. Surprisingly, metformin, which is contraindicated for patients with end-stage kidney disease, had been prescribed for 6 months in his medication record, and his sluggish speaking and dysarthria appeared gradually after metformin treatment was started. Thus, the encephalopathy was considered to be related to metformin treatment. He received hemodialysis treatment for 6 consecutive days, and his consciousness disturbance and dysarthria improved in 1 week. At the 8-month follow-up, the size of the hyperintensity area on MRI had decreased, while the mild gait disturbance remained. Considering the rapid onset of gait and consciousness disturbance immediately before admission, diabetic uremic syndrome may also have occurred with metformin-related encephalopathy, and resulted in the lentiform fork sign, despite the patient showing no evidence of severe uremia on laboratory data.
Synchrony between daily rhythms of malaria parasites and hosts is driven by an essential amino acid
Authors: Prior Kimberley F. , Middleton Benita , Owolabi Alíz T.Y. , Westwood Mary L. , Holland Jacob , O'Donnell Aidan J. , Blackman Michael J. , Skene Debra J. , Reece Sarah E.
Published: October 2021

Background: Rapid asexual replication of blood stage malaria parasites is responsible for the severity of disease symptoms and fuels the production of transmission forms. Here, we demonstrate that a Plasmodium chabaudi’s schedule for asexual replication can be orchestrated by isoleucine, a metabolite provided to the parasite in a periodic manner due to the host’s rhythmic intake of food.

Methods: We infect female C57BL/6 and Per1/2-null mice which have a disrupted canonical (transcription translation feedback loop, TTFL) clock with 1×105 red blood cells containing P. chabaudi (DK genotype). We perturb the timing of rhythms in asexual replication and host feeding-fasting cycles to identify nutrients with rhythms that match all combinations of host and parasite rhythms. We then test whether perturbing the availability of the best candidate nutrient in vitro changes the schedule for asexual development.

Results: Our large-scale metabolomics experiment and follow up experiments reveal that only one metabolite - the amino acid isoleucine – fits criteria for a time-of-day cue used by parasites to set the schedule for replication. The response to isoleucine is a parasite strategy rather than solely the consequences of a constraint imposed by host rhythms, because unlike when parasites are deprived of other essential nutrients, they suffer no apparent costs from isoleucine withdrawal.

Conclusions: Overall, our data suggest parasites can use the daily rhythmicity of blood-isoleucine concentration to synchronise asexual development with the availability of isoleucine, and potentially other resources, that arrive in the blood in a periodic manner due to the host’s daily feeding-fasting cycle. Identifying both how and why parasites keep time opens avenues for interventions; interfering with the parasite’s time-keeping mechanism may stall replication, increasing the efficacy of drugs and immune responses, and could also prevent parasites from entering dormancy to tolerate drugs.
A statistical analysis plan for the Adjunctive Corticosteroids for Tuberculous meningitis in HIV-positive adults (ACT HIV) clinical trial
Authors: Donovan Joseph , Khanh Trinh Dong Huu , Thwaites Guy E. , Geskus Ronald B. ,   ACT HIV investigators
Published: October 2021

TBM is the most severe form of tuberculosis. Clinical trial data are required to provide an evidence base for adjunctive dexamethasone in HIV-positive individuals with TBM, and to guide clinical practice. This document details the planned analyses at 12 months post randomisation for the ACT HIV clinical trial (NCT03092817); ‘a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive dexamethasone for the treatment of HIV co-infected adults with tuberculous meningitis (TBM)’. The primary endpoint of the ACT HIV trial is death (from any cause) over the first 12 months after randomisation. This statistical analysis plan expands upon and updates the analysis plan outlined in the published study protocol.
The learning walk
Authors: Caswell Jo
Published: October 2021

One of my most frequently asked questions is about what the learning walk on an inspection consists of. I will discuss how the learning walk is a useful tool for monitoring, not just saved for inspection.
Practitioner resilience
Authors: Baker Charlotte
Published: October 2021

The ongoing pandemic has resulted in an entire reconfiguration of what education has meant, from early years right through to higher education. While children's resilience is something that has been acknowledged as essential, what has the pandemic taught us about practitioners' resilience?
The pandemic and children's wellbeing
Authors: Pemberton Lesley
Published: October 2021

As a qualified art therapist working in Hertford and Cambridgeshire schools, I have seen firsthand the impact the pandemic is having on children and young people's mental health and wellbeing.
Coping with change
Authors: Davies Sarah M
Published: October 2021

Autumn brings changes in light levels, weather, clothes and lots of challenges for children as they learn to cope with change.
Ultra-High-Q (≈2400) Lattice Resonances in Plasmonic Metasurface for Flat Optics
Authors: Bin-Alam M. Saad , Reshef Orad , Mamchur Yaryna , Alam M. Zahirul , Carlow Graham , Upham Jeremy , Sullivan Brian T. , Ménard Jean-Michel , Huttunen Mikko J. , Boyd Robert W. , Dolgaleva Ksenia
Published: October 2021

We experimentally demonstrate an ultra-high Q-factor (≈2400) surface lattice resonance in a plasmonic metasurface, that can be a great platform for highly-efficient flat optical applications e.g. biosensors, nanolasers, and metalenses.
Using Inverse Design to Devise a Space-Compressing Optic
Authors: Pagé Jordan T. R. , Reshef Orad , Boyd Robert W. , Lundeen Jeff S.
Published: October 2021

We present progress in designing high-performance spaceplates, devices that can mimic free propagation to replace space in an imaging system, where we attain a compression factor of R = 11.5 with a NA = 0.26.
Nanostructured Elements in Active and Passive Optical Technologies
Authors: Fainman Y.
Published: October 2021

This paper explores the role of nanotechnology with special focus on matamaterials and nanophotonics of inhomogeneous materials consisting of dielectric, semiconductor and metal compositions to create novel functionalities for various applications including optical communications, optical signal processing, imaging and sensing.
Functional mid-infrared metasurfaces for optical wavefront manipulation, sensing and dynamic phase control
Authors: Leitis Aleksandrs , Altug Hatice
Published: October 2021

We present device applications of all-dielectric mid-infrared metasurfaces ranging from label-free biosensing and high precision spectral filtering to optical wavefront and polarization control. Additionally, we experimentally demonstrate how the concept of static Huygens’ metasurfaces can be extended with phase change materials to obtain spatial and active control of optical phase while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
Electrically Reconfigurable Nonvolatile Metasurface based on Phase Change Materials
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Fowler Clayton , Liang Junhao , Azhar Bilal , Shalaginov Mikhail Y. , Deckoff-Jones Skylar , An Sensong , Chou Jeffrey B. , Roberts Christopher M. , Liberman Vladimir , Kang Myungkoo , Ríos Carlos , Richardson Kathleen A. , Rivero-Baleine Clara , Gu Tian , Zhang Hualiang , Hu Juejun
Published: October 2021

We report an electrically reconfigurable metasurface platform based on optical phase change materials. Multi-cycle reversible switching is realized using conductive micro-heaters. Large-contrast spectral tuning and beam-steering are demonstrated.
Three-Dimensional Meta-Atoms for Mid-Wave Infrared Flat Optics
Authors: Campbell Sawyer D. , Whiting Eric B. , Werner Pingjuan L. , Werner Douglas H.
Published: October 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) meta-atoms can significantly outperform their planar (2D) or2.5D counterparts. In this paper, a 3D meta-atom design strategy based on the Multi-Objective Lazy Ant Colony (MOLACO) algorithm and a Membrane Projection Lithography (MPL) fabrication technique is presented. When combined together these tools represent an extremely powerful methodology for realizing disruptive flat optical systems for operation in the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) regime.
Electrically Actuated Varifocal Lens Based on a Liquid- crystal-encapsulated Semiconductor Metasurface
Authors: Bosch Melissa , Shcherbakov Maxim R. , Won Kanghee , Lee Hong-Seok , Shvets Gennady
Published: October 2021

An ultrathin electrically controlled varifocal lens based on a liquid crystal embedded semiconductor metasurface is demonstrated. Owing to their thickness and adaptable design, LC- driven metasurfaces offer new prospects for imaging technologies.
Engineering isotropic aperiodic structures for lensless imaging systems
Authors: Chen Yuyao , Britton Wesley A. , Negro Luca Dal
Published: October 2021

We design novel diffractive devices for lensless imaging systems with point- spread-functions based on isotropic structures and hyperuniform random fields. We demon- strate 35% bandwidth enhancement in compared to devices based on the Perlin noise.
Minimum spot size and maximum detail in extended-source freeform illumination
Authors: Brand Matt
Published: October 2021

It is not widely appreciated that freeform irradiance tailoring can produce irradiance patterns with sharply resolved features from extended light sources. However, conservation of étendue limits the amount of high frequency content, i.e., edges, that can be achieved in the irradiance pattern. We provide upper and lower bounds on the number of distinct sharp irradiance features that can be resolved from a thick freeform lens of unknown shape, and on the lens size needed to achieve a desired level of detail.
Supporting Quadric Method for Designing Double-Surface Freeform Optical Elements Generating Prescribed Irradiance Distributions and Wavefronts
Authors: Bykov Dmitry A. , Doskolovich Leonid L. , Mingazov Albert A. , Bezus Evgeni A.
Published: October 2021

We propose a version of the supporting quadric method for designing double-surface refractive optical elements generating beams with prescribed irradiance distributions and wavefronts. Presented examples illustrate high performance of the method. .
Mathematics for point source freeform tailoring
Authors: Romijn L. B. , Anthonissen M. J. H. , ten Thije Boonkkamp J. H. M. , IJzerman W. L.
Published: October 2021

In this invited talk, I will present the mathematics of freeform systems with point sources using the theory of generated Jacobian equations, derived using Hamilton’s characteristic functions. We use an efficient least-squares numerical procedure.
Optical design and fabrication of a monolithic, slanted freeform shaper for laser beam shaping
Authors: Nie Yunfeng , Madrid-Sánchez Alejandro , Rosseel Dries , Rochlitz Kurt , Thienpont Hugo , Ottevaere Heidi
Published: October 2021

Flexible and compact beam shaping optical systems are gaining more attention due to their use in a broad range of applications. A monolithic freeform beam shaper for slanted, top-hat illumination is designed and fabricated, demonstrating a super-compact, flexible configuration.
Free-form Phase Plates for the Compensation of Assembly Tolerances in Microscope Objectives
Authors: Dorn Alex , Zappe Hans , Ataman Çağlar
Published: October 2021

Assembly-related misalignment aberrations in high-NA microscope objectives (MOs) are analyzed. Based on this analysis, the potential and limits of their compensation with a free-form phase plate located at the aperture stop are discussed.
Freeform Crossed Offner Relay
Authors: Gilles Luc , Rodgers Michael , Shafer Dave
Published: October 2021

The performance of a compact F/3 freeform crossed Offner relay consisting of three decentered and tilted freeform mirrors with conjugates lying far apart from each other on opposite sides of the secondary mirror is discussed. The conjugates position of this crossed design may be preferred over that of the regular Offner relay.
Characterization of the optical performance and scatter of an infrared dielectric metasurface lens
Authors: Miller Matthew R. , Poutrina Ekaterina , Shah Piyush J. , Butler Samuel D. , Marciniak Michael A. , Urbas Augustine M.
Published: October 2021

Scatter measurements from an infrared metasurface show baseline scatter two orders of magnitude higher than that of the un-patterned Si substrate and additional forward scatter. Intensity-field measurements around the metalens focal point are also presented.
Influence of nanofabrication errors on optical metasurfaces performances: study and minimization strategies
Authors: Patoux Adelin , Agez Gonzague , Girard Christian , Paillard Vincent , Peter R. Wiecha , Lecestre Aurélie , Carcenac Franck , Larrieu Guilhem , Arbouet Arnaud
Published: October 2021

Through simulation design, fabrication and characterization of optical sili- con metasurfaces, we discuss the influence of different nanofabrication errors and propose strategies to optimize the robustness of the fabrication of complex metasurfaces. [1]
Metasurface Enabled Single Measurement Recovery of Thickness and Refractive Index Maps of Cells
Authors: Burguete-Lopez Arturo , Makarenko Maksim , Getman Fedor , Fratalocchi Andrea
Published: October 2021

We present a bio-imaging technique that exploits thin film interference on cells placed on top of a nanostructured broadband light coupling metasurface. Initial results show a 10
−
2 refractive index sensitivity and 50 nm spatial resolution.
Photoluminescence Modification using Plasmonic Nanoparticles Coupled to Vanadium Dioxide
Authors: Cunningham Stephen , Hrelescu Calin , Atcheson Gwenael , Stamenov Plamen , Bradley A. Louise
Published: October 2021

Dynamic tuning of the luminescence enhancement of fluorescent emitters in the near infrared spectral range is achieved through the coupling of the quantum emitters to noble metal nanostructures on thin film vanadium dioxide (VO2).
Thermal behavior of metasurface based lenses
Authors: Poutrina Ekaterina , Urbas Augustine
Published: October 2021

We perform numerical and initial experimental study of temperature-dependent phase profile of metasurfaces. Berry phase-based structures are found more stable with respect to refractive index variation and thermal expansion, compared to propagation phase- based geometries.
Roughness Characterization of Copper Surface in Ultraprecision Diamond Machining
Authors: Takino Hideo , Takeuchi Yoshimi
Published: October 2021

Electroplating copper and oxygen-free copper were machined with a single-crystal diamond tool. The topographies of the machined surfaces were evaluated. The electroplating copper surface was smooth without the irregularities caused by crystal grains. © 2021 Hideo Takino, Yoshimi Takeuchi
Fundamental limits for large-area meta-optics
Authors: Miller Owen , Kuang Zeyu
Published: October 2021

We identify fundamental limits to light-matter interactions in large-area metasurfaces. Our framework relies on accelerated computations using an infinite set of conservation laws embedded in Maxwell’s equations, for applications from focusing to power generation.
Acoustic Sensing Based on an Ultrathin Freestanding Whispering-gallery-mode Laser
Authors: Xu Zhiyang , Zhai Tianrui
Published: October 2021

Whispering-gallery-mode lasing was achieved in a freestanding polymer membrane. By using the first eigenmode of a membrane vibration, an acoustic sensor with a 0.15-Pa limit of detection was demonstrated via laser bandwidth broadening.
Application Example: Freeform micro-optical elements on light management foils for direct-lit applications
Authors: Leiner Claude , Trattnig Roman , Postl Markus , Palfinger Ursula , Neudorfsky Jürgen , Stacher Christian , Sommer Christian
Published: October 2021

Freeform micro-optical elements on foil are showing a great potential in the field of direct-lit luminaires for the generation of uniform illumination with simultaneous reduction of the overall height of the optical system.
Towards Conformally Nanostructured Freeform Optics
Authors: Suleski Thomas J.
Published: October 2021

Conformally nanostructured freeform optics can enable smaller systems and new or improved functionality but are limited by available manufacturing methods. To this end, I review experimental manufacturing approaches and example applications and discuss current fabrication challenges.
Ultraprecision Diamond Milling of a Freeform Micromirror Array Master for Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Van Erps Jürgen , Vervaeke Michael , Belay Gebirie Y. , Thienpont Hugo
Published: October 2021

We present the fabrication of a micromirror array through ultraprecision diamond milling to be used as a master in a nanoimprint replication process. The master also includes alignment features to allow step-and-repeat tiling during the replication.
Manufacturing of Freeform Optics completely based on Plasmajet Machining
Authors: Boehm Georg , Mueller Heike , Arnold Thomas
Published: October 2021

A freeform optics manufacturing chain completely based on atmospheric plasmajet processes will be presented, where freeform generation by high-rate etching is followed by plasmajet-assisted thermal polishing and a fine etching process for surface error correction.
Freeform-based High Numerical Aperture Optics for Confocal Raman/SERS Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Qing , Thienpont Hugo , Ottevaere Heidi
Published: October 2021

We present a confocal Raman spectroscopy setup that consists of a conical beam shaper and a segmented reflector with an ultra-high NA (0.984) and a long working-distance. The confocal behavior of our system is assessed with simulations and experiments.
CubeSat Format Freeform Hyperspectral Imager
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Bauer Aaron , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: October 2021

We report on a freeform pushbroom hyperspectral imager as a combination of a reflective triplet imager and a double-pass reflective triplet spectrometer. The system was designed within the constraint of a 2U CubeSat volume. © 2021 The Authors.
Ultrahigh-sensitive and compact temperature sensor based on no-core fiber with PMMA coating
Authors: Chen Yaofei , Hu Yuchan , Yan Feng , Xiao Lu , Huang Junhua , Ni Longqun , Liang Wei , Liu Gui-Shi , Chen Lei , Luo Yunhan , Chen Zhe
Published: October 2021

A new mechanism between the temperature sensitivity and the length ratio of PMMA coating to no-core fiber (NCF) is reported to realize an optical fiber temperature sensor with ultra-high sensitivity and compact size by PMMA-coated no-core fiber. By both theory and experiment, it is found that the sensitivity has a linear response to the length ratio of PMMA coating to NCF rather than the conventional viewpoint that it depends on the length of PMMA. Based on this conclusion and the high thermo-optic coefficient of PMMA, the temperature sensitivity is significantly enhanced as high as -9.582 nm/℃ through a simple, compact, and inexpensive sensor with 5 mm NCF and 3 mm PMMA coating. Our work opens a new avenue of a significant increase in the detection sensitivity of miniaturized fiber temperature sensors.
Band evolution and Landau-Zener Bloch oscillations in strained photonic rhombic lattices
Authors: xia Shiqiang , Zhang Yingying , Li Zhixiang , Qin Lu , Yang Chunjie , Lu Hai , Zhang Jun , Zhao Xingdong , Zhu Zunlue
Published: October 2021

We investigate band evolution of chiral and non-chiral symmetric flatband photonic rhombic lattices by applying a strain along the diagonal direction, and thereby demonstrating Landau-Zener Bloch (LZB) oscillations in the presence of a refractive index gradient. The chiral and non-chiral symmetric rhombic lattices are obtained by adding a detuning to uniform lattices. For the chiral symmetric lattices, the middle flatband is perturbed due to the chiral symmetry breaking while a nearly flatband appears as the bottom band with the increase of strain-induced next-nearest-neighbor hopping. Consequently, LZB oscillations exhibit intriguing characteristics such as asymmetric energy transitions and almost complete suppression of the oscillations. Nevertheless, for the non-chiral symmetric lattices, flatband persists owing to the retained particle-hole symmetry and evolves into the bottom band. Remarkably, the band gap can be readily tuned, which allows controlling of the amplitude of Landau-Zener tunneling (LZT) rate and may lead to thorough LZT. Our analysis provides an alternative perspective on the generation of tunable flatband and may also bring insight to study the symmetry and topological characterization of the flatband.
Numerical Comparison of Transmission Characteristics between C-band and O-band in WDM-based Analog Radio over Fiber Link
Authors: Suzuoki Kosuke , Hisano Daisuke , Ishimura Shota , Inohara Ryo , Tsuritani Takehiro , Maruta Akihiro
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates transmission characteristics in radio over fiber systems with linear array antennas in terms of the interaction between fiber nonlinearity and chro-matic dispersion. We report that O-band has better EVM characteristics than C-band.
Polarization Power Correlation Function-Based Nonlinearity Monitoring in PM-16QAM Coherent Optical Fiber Transmission Systems
Authors: Wu Feilong , He Pinjing , Yang Aiying , Guo Peng , Li Qian , Qiao Yaojun , Xin Xiangjun
Published: October 2021

A fiber nonlinearity monitoring method based on polarization power correlation function is proposed. Numerical results show 1.0 dB maximum estimation error of nonlinearity power in 224Gbps PM-16QAM system with 800 ~ 2800 km transmission length.