bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of GH Deficiency Caused by Nonfunctioning Pituitary Masses on Serum C-reactive Protein Levels
Authors: Seki Yasufumi , Morimoto Satoshi , Bokuda Kanako , Watanabe Daisuke , Yamashita Kaoru , Takano Noriyoshi , Amano Kosaku , Kawamata Takakazu , Ichihara Atsuhiro
Published: November 2023

Context

GH supplementation for GH deficiency (GHD) has been reported to decrease high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an inflammatory marker; however, the association between GHD and hs-CRP remains unclear.

Objective

We aimed to clarify the impact of impaired GH secretion due to pituitary masses on hs-CRP levels.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the association between GH secretion, assessed using GH-releasing peptide-2, and serum hs-CRP levels before and a year after the pituitary surgery in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumor or Rathke cleft cyst.

Results

Among 171 patients, 55 (32%) presented with severe GHD (peak GH response to GH-releasing peptide-2 < 9 ng/mL). Serum hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with severe GHD than in those without (P < .001) and significantly correlated with the peak GH (r = −0.50, P < .001). Multiple regression analyses showed that the peak GH significantly and negatively predicted hs-CRP levels (β = −0.345; 95% CI, −0.533 to −0.158) and the lowest quartile of the peak GH (<5.04 ng/mL) were significantly associated with increase in hs-CRP levels (exp [β] = 1.840; 95% CI, 1.209 to 2.801), after controlling for other anterior hormones and metabolic parameters. Postoperative change in the peak GH (N = 60) significantly predicted change in hs-CRP levels (β = −0.391; 95% CI, −0.675 to −0.108), independent of alterations in other anterior hormones and metabolic parameters.

Conclusion

The inverse association between GH secretion and hs-CRP levels highlights the protective role of GH in the increase in hs-CRP.
Understanding Internal Migration: A Research Note Providing an Assessment of Migration Selection With Genetic Data
Authors: Furuya Shiro , Liu Jihua , Sun Zhongxuan , Lu Qiongshi , Fletcher Jason M.
Published: November 2023

Migration is selective, resulting in inequalities between migrants and nonmigrants. However, investigating migration selection is empirically challenging because combined pre- and post-migration data are rarely available. We propose an alternative approach to assessing internal migration selection by integrating genetic data, enabling an investigation of migration selection with cross-sectional data collected post-migration. Using data from the UK Biobank, we utilized standard tools from statistical genetics to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for migration distance. We then calculated genetic correlations to compare GWAS results for migration with those for other characteristics. Given that individual genetics are determined at conception, these analyses allow a unique exploration of the association between pre-migration characteristics and migration. Results are generally consistent with the healthy migrant literature: genetics correlated with longer migration distance are associated with higher socioeconomic status and better health. We also extended the analysis to 53 traits and found novel correlations between migration and several physical health, mental health, personality, and sociodemographic traits.
Singularly German in the Pluriverse
Authors: Tang Chenxi
Published: November 2023

This essay rethinks the meanings of German, critique, and new to delineate the contours of German studies in the present historical moment. The discussion of the concept of “German” suggests an understanding of German studies as a discursive site for reflecting on the political and for making sense of community and belonging, while the discussion of “critique” suggests an approach that places German thought and literature in the pluriverse of thinking and imagination around the world. Finally, by tracing the morphing of the imperative of newness into singularity, the essay proposes to conceive of German studies in terms of a curated exhibition of the ideas, visions, images, and models of community associated with the designation “German.”
The importance of figures in scientific ‘show and tell’
Authors: Hmeljak Julija , Hooper Kirsty
Published: November 2023

Summary: At Disease Models & Mechanisms, we are prioritising and investing in high-quality scientific figures to ensure that the communication of disease biology is accessible and engaging to all.
Sustainability in Dentistry: Assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental practitioners about green dentistry
Authors: Jalbani Nighat , Doss Jennifer Geraldine , John Jacob , Panezai Jeneen
Published: November 2023

Objective: Green dentistry is an emerging concept necessary to address the worsening climatic changes. It is essential to compile the existing literature on knowledge, attitude, and practice on green dentistry that can be accomplished by conducting a literature review. The objective of this literature review was to summarize and present the existing knowledge that dentists have regarding green dental practices, their attitude about this shift towards sustainability, and steps that they have taken in their personal practice to adhere towards an eco-friendlier dental approach.

Methods: Three months of effective research and review development from March 2022 to June 2022. Design using keywords, a literature search was performed in PubMed, Google scholar and Web of Science databases. A total of 13 articles of 45, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected, of which two were excluded as these were not in English.

Results: Dental practitioners have good knowledge about green dentistry and positive attitudes towards environment conservation, but implementation in their practice is not adequate. Most common themes of knowledge, attitude and practice assessment in green dentistry are amalgam management, radiographic management, infection control, waste management, water, and electricity management.

Conclusion: The absence of adequate literature on eco-friendly practices in dentistry makes it difficult to validate the findings of most of these studies. Dental professionals are familiar with environmentally friendly dental practices and have a positive outlook on their role in environmental protection, but its application in practice is far from adequate.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.7606

How to cite this: Zia N, Doss JG, John J, Panezai J. Sustainability in Dentistry: Assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental practitioners about green dentistry. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.7606

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Politeness when native Japanese speakers and Uzbek Japanese learners give warnings about prohibited acts: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ninomiya Takashi , Ono Masaki , Umarova Munojot
Published: November 2023

Background Based on signs prohibiting certain actions, people warn others using imperative forms of the verb or give a soft warning using politeness strategies. This study investigates actual situations in which native Japanese speakers and Uzbek learners of Japanese give warnings about prohibitions. Methods This study compared warnings given by native Japanese speakers and Uzbek Japanese learners regarding prohibited acts. After clarifying the difference between prohibition and warning of prohibitions, we proposed a classification scheme for the latter speech act in terms of politeness. Data were elicited using a discourse completion task. Results The results showed that the Japanese speakers tended to mitigate warnings by implementing two politeness strategies: expression in hedged forms and positioning the warning as a rule. The Japanese speakers used expressions such as “It is prohibited” to indicate that they warned as a rule. Such expressions may cause the hearer to feel that the speaker is an overbearing person who wields authority. To avoid this risk, the Japanese speakers used hedges, such as “Looks like it’s prohibited,” or “It says it’s prohibited,” to make it clear that the right to forbid is not with them but with the public authority. In contrast, the Uzbek learners of Japanese tended to implement their politeness strategy as an apology to compensate for the explicit warning. They tended to apologize in situations where the Japanese speakers would not. Conclusions The present study presented a framework for categorizing warning of prohibitions. This framework can be applied to languages other than Japanese, Uzbek, and Japanese by Uzbek learners.
Case Report: A Pathological Odyssey in Primary Cutaneous Apocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Naseri Dr. Suhit , Shukla Samarth , Acharya Dr. Sourya , Vagha Sunita
Published: November 2023

Apocrine carcinoma is an extremely rare malignant cutaneous neoplasm that usually arises in areas with a high density of apocrine glands. Diagnosis can be challenging as tumours share histological and immunophenotypic characteristics with them. At first evaluation, the disease is often assumed to be benign. There have been approximately 100 reports of apocrine neoplasms in the literature. A 48-year-old male presented with a right axillary mass which increased in size over a period of 2 years. The patient was reported to have had ayurvedic therapy, but his swelling remained unchanged. Axillary lymph nodes were palpable. USG axilla suggested a well-defined fungating solid isoechoic lesion. USG neck did not reveal any abnormality. The mass was surgically excised as a whole by removing the overlying skin with margins and lymph node excision. The patient was diagnosed with primary apocrine carcinoma after surgical excision. The differentials include adenocarcinoma of breast and prostate and apocrine adenoma. There are no established standards for the care of this form of carcinoma due to its rarity and the absence of clinical studies. A literature evaluation and further reporting will aid in developing diagnostic standards and the most efficient treatment options.
Retrospective study of disparities in regional anesthesia and discharge opioid prescriptions at a veterans affairs medical center
Authors: Udoji Mercy A. , Thompson Oluwatoyin , Cui Xiangqin , Glas Kathryn E. , Woodbury Anna
Published: November 2023

Background: Abundant literature acknowledges healthcare disparities exist in medicine, especially in pain management, but disparities related to peri-operative pain management in veterans undergoing total knee arthroplasties (TKA) has not been previously described. TKAs are becoming increasingly common, and evidence suggests that perioperative regional anesthesia improves post TKA outcomes. This study aimed to determine if healthcare disparities exist pertaining to the use of regional anesthesia and the prescribing of discharge opioids for TKAs in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VAHCS). We hypothesized that race-based disparities would be present in the use of regional anesthesia and discharge opioid prescribing at our institution. Our secondary hypothesis was that older patients would be more likely to receive regional anesthesia and lower quantities of opioids at discharge.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of Atlanta VAHCS patients who underwent elective unilateral primary or revision TKA surgery between 2014 and 2020. A total of 653 patients were included. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the impact of patient demographics on nerve block use and multivariate linear regression was used to model the impact of patient demographics on total oral morphine equivalents prescribed.

Results:  Our results showed that Black patients were as likely to receive regional anesthesia for their TKAs (p=0.85) but did receive less opioid pain medications at discharge (p<0.001) than White patients. We also found that older patients (> 50 years old) had significantly lower odds ratio of receiving regional anesthesia and received less opioid pain medications post TKA discharge.

Conclusions: Our study showed age-based disparities in regional anesthesia utilization and discharge opioid prescriptions. It also showed race-based disparities in discharge opioid prescriptions.  Our results demonstrate the need to better understand why these differences exist within this open access system and suggests solutions based on the socioecological model to diminish them.
Implication of the 2014 World Health Organization Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Pneumonia Guidelines with and without pulse oximetry use in Malawi: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hooli Shubhada , Makwenda Charles , Lufesi Norman , Colbourn Tim , Mvalo Tisungane , McCollum Eric D. , King Carina
Published: November 2023

Background Under-5 pneumonia mortality remains high in low-income countries. In 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) advised that children with chest indrawing pneumonia, but without danger signs or peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) < 90% be treated in the community, rather than hospitalized. In Malawi there is limited pulse oximetry availability. Methods Secondary analysis of 13,413 under-5 pneumonia cases in Malawi. Pneumonia associated case fatality ratios (CFR) were calculated by disease severity under the assumptions of the 2005 and 2014 WHO Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines, with and without pulse oximetry. We investigated if pulse oximetry readings were missing not at random (MNAR). Results The CFR of patients classified as having non-severe pneumonia per the 2014 IMCI guidelines doubled under the assumption that pulse oximetry was not available (1.5% without pulse oximetry vs 0.7% with pulse oximetry, P<0.001). When 2014 IMCI guidelines were applied with pulse oximetry and a SpO2 < 90% as the threshold for referral and/or admission, the number of cases meeting hospitalization criteria decreased by 70.3%. Unrecorded pulse oximetry readings were MNAR with an adjusted odds for mortality of 4.9 (3.8, 6.3), similar to that of a SpO2 < 90%. Although fewer girls were hospitalized, female sex was an independent mortality risk factor. Conclusions In Malawi, implementation of the 2014 WHO IMCI pneumonia guidelines, without pulse oximetry, will miss high risk cases. Alternatively, implementation of pulse oximetry may result in a large reduction in hospitalization rates without significantly increasing non-severe pneumonia associated CFR if the inability to obtain a pulse oximetry reading is considered a WHO danger sign.
Practical tips for organizing challenge-based learning in biomedical education
Authors: Kools Farah R. W. , van Ravenswaaij Heleen
Published: November 2023

Challenge-based learning (CBL) in biomedical education can prepare health professionals to handle complex challenges in their work environments through the development and practice of problem-solving skills. This paper provides twelve practical tips for biomedical educators to implement CBL in their education. The intricacies of CBL are explained together with organizational tips, and multiple levels of student support to help students achieve CBL learning goals. Our aim is to promote CBL in biomedical education and to help students acquire valuable skills for post-graduation while working towards solving real societal needs.
Examining the South China Sea Dispute with General Morphological Analysis
Authors: Lavengood Zachary
Published: November 2023

The South China Sea dispute is among the most volatile flashpoints in contemporary international relations. This study examines this dispute using the general morphological analysis (GMA) methodology employing eight factors of analysis. These produced 65,536 distinct outcomes in a cross-consistency matrix (CCM) which exist on a spectrum of plausibility. Three scenarios were chosen for foresight analysis which project contemporary trends into the near-to-mid-term future. After the analysis of hundreds of different combinations from the CCM which remained after auditing for analytical noise and plausibility this research found that much of the foresight produced scenarios which were similar to a ‘dispute stagnation’ scenario. This highlights the present realities of the dispute wherein all parties have entrenched into their political and physical positions with little alternative outside of direct confrontation, an outcome which though possible, is unappealing to claimants due to the secondary effects which it would bring.
Facilitating Energy Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis of Pneumatic Cylinders with Exergy and Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Zhiwen , Yang Bo , Ma Qian , Wang Hu , Carriveau Rupp , Ting David S-K. , Xiong Wei
Published: November 2023

Pneumatic systems are widely used in industrial production sectors. Increasing penetrations of Intelligent Manufacturing and Green Manufacturing are highlighting the drawbacks of pneumatic technology in terms of particularly low energy efficiency and low-level fault diagnosis intelligence. Here we propose that a combined energy-based maintenance and fault diagnostic approach for pneumatic systems could be a game-changer for pneumatics. In this study, a pneumatic cylinder with internal and external leakages is examined and a typical pneumatic experimental system is built. Exergy is adopted for evaluating the available energy of compressed air. Data-driven machine learning models, SAE + SoftMax neural network model and SAE + SVM model, are developed for fault detection and diagnosis. By comparing different machine learning methods with various pressure, flowrate, and exergy data, it is found that the diagnostic accuracy when using pressure and flowrate data is highly dependent on operating conditions, while the diagnostic accuracy when using exergy data is always high regardless of operating conditions. This indicates the promise of developing an exergy-based maintenance paradigm in pneumatic systems. Besides, with exergy and machine learning, more downstream faults can be detected and diagnosed with fewer upstream sensors. This study is the first attempt to develop an exergy-based maintenance paradigm in pneumatic systems. We hope it could inspire the following investigations in other energy domains.
Pangan fungsional dan nutrasetikal dari laut: Prospek dan tantangannya
Authors: Siahaan Evi Amelia , Pangestuti Ratih
Published: November 2023

The marine environment is a rich sources of natural bioactive compounds which are not used optimally. It has been established that marine organisms contain a unique physicochemical characteristic that is very valuable to be applied for food industry and pharmaceutical. Recently, numerous study have been shown that compounds extracted from marine organisms possess various biological activities, including anticoagulant, anticancer and hypocholesterolemic. Moreover, fish oil and marine bacteria have been claimed as a source of omega-3 while crustaceans and seaweeds contained carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Based on a variety of biological activities of marine organisms, this review focuses on the potential use of marine-derived compounds as functional food ingredients and nutraceutical including some consideration of barriers for their application.Laut menyimpan sumber bahan fungsional yang relatif belum dimanfaatkan secara optimal. Karakteristik fisikokimianya yang kompleks dan tidak ditemukan pada biota terrestrial,   menjadikan bahan fungsional laut potensial untuk diaplikasikan dalam berbagai aspek seperti pengolahan makanan, pengawetan, fortifikasi dan industri farmasi. Selain itu, banyak penelitian menunjukkan bahwa senyawa yang diekstrak dari biota laut memiliki aktivitas biologis yang beragam. Sebagai contoh, peptida yang diisolasi dari hidrolisat protein ikan serta fucans, galaktan dan alginat dari alga telah terbukti memiliki aktifitas antikoagulan, antikanker dan hipokolesterolemik. Selain itu, minyak ikan dan bakteri laut merupakan sumber yang asam lemak omega-3, sedangkan krustasea dan rumput laut mengandung senyawa antioksidan seperti karotenoid dan senyawa fenolik. Berdasarkan beragam aktifitas bioaktif yang terkandung pada bahan laut, review ini berfokus pada potensi senyawa laut sebagai bahan pangan fungsional dan nutrasetikal sekaligus tantangan dalam pemanfaatannya.
Kajian kualitas perairan Teluk Gorontalo dengan menggunakan metode STORET
Authors: Kadim Miftahul Khair , Pasisingi Nuralim , Paramata Afriani R.
Published: November 2023

Good water quality is extremely important to support life of organisms. The determination of water quality status was needed as reference to monitor water pollution in aquatic system. This study aimed to assess the status of water quality in the Gorontalo Bay. There ware five sampling sites which represented the coastal condition and ecological characteristic. Sampling was carried out in May-July 2017. Sampling procedure of water samples carried out based on APHA standard method. Existing water quality data was analyzed by using STORET method. The result showed that Gorontalo bay obtained total score -39. It means the status of water quality the Gorontalo bay during sampling period in bad category. Kondisi kualitas air suatu perairan yang baik sangat penting untuk mendukung kelulushidupan organisme yang hidup di dalamnya. Penentuan status mutu air perlu dilakukan sebagai acuan dalam melakukan pemantauan pencemaran kualitas air suatu sistem akuatik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji status mutu air di perairan Teluk Gorontalo. Terdapat 5 stasiun pengamatan yang dipilih berdasarkan kondisi pantai dan karakteristik ekologi Teluk Gorontalo. Pengambilan sampel parameter kualitas air dilakukan di sepanjang perairan Teluk Gorontalo pada bulan Mei-Juli 2017. Prosedur pengambilan sampel berdasarkan metode baku APHA. Data kualitas air yang ada kemudian akan dianalisis dengan menggunakan Metode STORET. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Teluk Gorontalo memperoleh total skor -39. Hal ini menunjukkan status mutu Teluk Gorontalo di bulan Mei-Juli tergolong dalam kategori buruk.
Working with Reading to Learn in a bilingual primary school: Genres, literacy, inclusion
Authors: Romero Bellido Juan Carlos , Whittaker Rachel
Published: November 2023

This article presents the implementation of Reading to Learn pedagogy (Rose, 2018a) in a 5th grade class of pupils learning subjects in English, a foreign language for the children, at a school with a very varied intake. It describes the design of lessons in two subjects (science and history), focusing on key genres for success in these areas: descriptive report and biographical recount. Data were collected at three times: T1 pre-intervention, T2 and T3 after lesson sequences on reading and writing the chosen genres. Ten pupils were selected among those who had completed all the final independent writing tasks, representing four types of learners in the class: three fast, three average, three slow with learning difficulties, and one with special educational needs. Their texts were assessed for the 14 features of the genres as in Rose's protocol, producing a total of 82 observations. The assessment showed considerable progression from T1 to T3 in both genres. The Wilcoxon test for related samples in this quasi-experimental design indicated significant improvement in many features of the genres from T1 to T3. To conclude, all the pupils benefited greatly from the R2L scaffolding cycles for writing in this school from a disadvantaged district.
PRESENTACIÓN: VÍCTIMAS Y MEMORIA DE LA VIOLENCIA POLÍTICA: DEL CINE A LA PEQUEÑA PANTALLA
Authors: MOTA ZURDO DAVID
Published: November 2023

Presentación del monográfico y de sus artículos
PRESENTACIÓN: EL HISTÓRICO VALOR DE LAS IMÁGENES FILMADAS
Authors: GARRIDO CABALLERO MAGDALENA
Published: November 2023

Presentación del dossier
EL EROTISMO EN EL FANTATERROR ESPAÑOL (1962-1977), UNA VISIÓN GENERAL
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-CAMACHO EDGAR
Published: November 2023

Los filmes del fantaterror, realizados durante los años sesenta y setenta en España, se caracterizan por su violencia y la explotación del cuerpo de la mujer con fines comerciales. Mi principal objetivo es estudiar los elementos eróticos presentes en algunos de los títulos más importantes de este subgénero –desde su inicio en 1962 hasta la instauración de la clasificación S en 1977– para discernir una posible evolución de los elementos eróticos y señalar las causas socio-políticas de dicho proceso.
REENCUENTROS CON TINTES DRAMÁTICOS TRAS LA GRAN RECESIÓN. LES DISTÀNCIES (2018) DE ELENA TRAPERO
Authors: SÁNCHEZ ROJALS ARLET , SÁNCHEZ BARBA FRANCESC
Published: November 2023

Más allá de los acontecimientos históricos esenciales de estas primeras décadas del siglo XXI, en grupos humanos como las redes surgidas de la amistad, pueden rastrearse asuntos como el impacto producido por los cambios sociales y tecnológicos, la precariedad y la movilidad forzadas tras la Gran Recesión de 2008 o, incluso, los efectos de la pandemia provocada por el COVID-19. Partiendo de las representaciones de esas redes en las ficciones del cine español más actual, se analizará principalmente el caso de la película Les distàncies (Las distancias, 2018), de Elena Trapé ,que muestra cierto pesimismo ante el contexto socioeconómico que ha afectado especialmente a esa generación más que preparada de los nacidos tras 1985.
La relación materna y el amor como prácticas de libertad
Authors: Alba Rios Tania
Published: November 2023

Reseña del libro: Laura Mercader Amigó (ed.), Ser madre es un placer. Historias de libertad femenina en Europa, Barcelona, Icaria, 2021.
UNA REVISIÓN DE LOS TÓPICOS DE LA SEGREGACIÓN SOCIAL DE SEVILLA Y DE LA POLÍTICA ESCOLAR EN EL PRIMER TERCIO DEL SIGLO XX
Authors: Almuedo Palma José , García García Antonio
Published: November 2023

El objeto del artículo es analizar las dinámicas de distribución social en el espacio urbano de Sevilla a lo largo del primer tercio del siglo XX, que permiten identificar claves de segregación que favorezcan la comprensión de la geografía social de la ciudad en decenios posteriores. Y ello considerando el papel de distintos discursos y estrategias de organización y promoción de la ciudad. Específicamente el resultado de las políticas de alfabetización y las particularidades de la promoción escolar en la ciudad. Se estructura el texto en un apartado de fuentes y metodología, una introducción a la sociedad de Sevilla en el periodo 1900-1935, el análisis de integración-segregación espacial de la ciudad y las dinámicas de alfabetización y promoción escolar. Las dos últimas cuestiones atendiendo tanto a patrones espaciales como concretando en ejemplos de detalle.
Material classification based on a SWIR discrete spectroscopy approach
Authors: Manakkakudy Anju , De Iacovo Andrea , Maiorana Emanuele , Mitri Federica , Colace Lorenzo
Published: November 2023

A crucial yet difficult task for waste management is the identification of raw materials like plastic, glass, aluminum, and paper. Most previous studies use the diffused reflection spectroscopy for classification purposes. Despite the benefits in terms of speed and simplicity offered by modern compact spectrometers, their cost and the need for an external, wide-spectrum source of illumination create complications. To address this issue, the present paper proposes a discrete spectroscopy method that utilizes short-wave infrared (SWIR) reflectance to identify waste materials, exploiting a small set of selected wavelengths. This approach reduces the complexity of the classification data analysis and offers a more practical alternative to the conventional method. The proposed system comprises a single germanium photodetector and 10 different light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LED wavelengths are selected to maximize the system sensitivity towards a set of seven different waste materials. Using a classification strategy relying on support vector machines, the proposed methodology reaches a classification accuracy up to 98%.
Mean wavelength-based Fresnel lens solar collector for eliminating the hotpot problem in daylighting systems
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Bisht Devendra Singh , Garg Harry
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the mean-wavelength-based Fresnel lens was designed by merging the
modified edge ray principle and idea of superposition. The
bottom-to-top approach optimizes the design of individual prisms
according to the predetermined plastic optical fiber (POF) bundle
size. The simulated optical efficiency of the collector for the sun’s
visible spectrum (380–740 nm) light is 82.93% with a uniformity
ratio of 0.434. Based on the designed collector, the daylighting
system can deliver 199.38 lumens via a 10 m long POF
bundle with an efficiency of 23.78%. The thermal analysis revealed
that the maximum temperature on the focus plane was 49.7°C.
Design and analysis of a photonic crystal nanocavity based bio-sensor for blood component detection
Authors: Pradhan Akash Kumar , Madagala Keerthana , Naga Sravya Kalamcheti , Prakash Chandra
Published: November 2023

A design of a photonic crystal nanocavity based bio-sensor having a footprint of 12×8µm2 is proposed to detect different blood components. A finite difference time domain (FDTD) numerical technique has been used to characterize the sensor by evaluating its frequency response. The shift in resonant wavelength of the proposed cavity is utilized to detect blood refractive index fluctuation due to the presence of various components. The obtained numerical findings show that the maximum sensitivity for a shift in resonant wavelength is reported as 760 nm/RIU for various blood components. Moreover, the fabrication of PhC is always prone to the fabrication induced disorders. Hence, the impact of fabrication imperfections on the sensor’s performance also has been included in the analysis.
Introduction of the new Best Paper Prizes for Applied Optics: editorial
Authors: Bennett Gisele
Published: November 2023

Editor-in-Chief Gisele Bennett announces the three winners of the new Best Paper Prize for Applied Optics.
Recent advances in metamaterial integrated photonics
Authors: Cheben Pavel , Schmid Jens H. , Halir Robert , Manuel Luque-González José , Gonzalo Wangüemert-Pérez J. , Melati Daniele , Alonso-Ramos Carlos
Published: November 2023

Since the invention of the silicon subwavelength grating waveguide in 2006, subwavelength metamaterial engineering has become an essential design tool in silicon photonics. Employing well-established nanometer-scale semiconductor manufacturing techniques to create metamaterials in optical waveguides has allowed unprecedented control of the flow of light in photonic chips. This is achieved through fine-tuning of fundamental optical properties such as modal confinement, effective index, dispersion, and anisotropy, directly by lithographic imprinting of a specific subwavelength grating structure onto a nanophotonic waveguide. In parallel, low-loss mode propagation is readily obtained over a broad spectral range since the subwavelength periodicity effectively avoids losses due to spurious resonances and bandgap effects. In this review we present recent advances achieved in the surging field of metamaterial integrated photonics. After briefly introducing the fundamental concepts governing the propagation of light in periodic waveguides via Floquet–Bloch modes, we review progress in the main application areas of subwavelength nanostructures in silicon photonics, presenting the most representative devices. We specifically focus on off-chip coupling interfaces, polarization management and anisotropy engineering, spectral filtering and wavelength multiplexing, evanescent field biochemical sensing, mid-infrared photonics, and nonlinear waveguide optics and optomechanics. We also introduce a nascent research area of resonant integrated photonics leveraging Mie resonances in dielectrics for on-chip guiding of optical waves, with the first Huygens’ metawaveguide recently demonstrated. Finally, we provide a brief overview of inverse design approaches and machine-learning algorithms for on-chip optical metamaterials. In our conclusions, we summarize the key developments while highlighting the challenges and future prospects.
Large diameter electrically tunable lens for ophthalmic distance accommodation
Authors: Sova Oleksandr , Presniakov Vladimir , Zohrabyan Armen , Bassene Seydou , Cotovanu Mihai , Bagramyan Aram , Khodadad Behzad , Galstian Tigran
Published: November 2023

Electrically tunable liquid crystal lens with 30 mm diameter is presented based on the refractive Fresnel concept. Relatively large optical power variation range (from – 0.74 to +0.71 Diopters) is demonstrated along with very low root mean square aberrations (≤0.15 µm). Optical characterizations, including with Snellen chart, show that good vision recovery may be obtained with fast response time (under 500 msec) and relatively low haze. The proposed design is very simple and may be fabricated by using single step lithography. Perspectives on its applications are discussed.
The ortholog of human REEP1-4 is required for autophagosomal enclosure of ER-phagy/nucleophagy cargos in fission yeast
Authors: Zou Chen-Xi , Ma Zhu-Hui , Jiang Zhao-Di , Pan Zhao-Qian , Xu Dan-Dan , Suo Fang , Shao Guang-Can , Dong Meng-Qiu , Du Li-Lin
Published: November 2023

Selective macroautophagy of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the nucleus, known as ER-phagy and nucleophagy, respectively, are processes whose mechanisms remain inadequately understood. Through an imaging-based screen, we find that in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Yep1 (also known as Hva22 or Rop1), the ortholog of human REEP1-4, is essential for ER-phagy and nucleophagy but not for bulk autophagy. In the absence of Yep1, the initial phase of ER-phagy and nucleophagy proceeds normally, with the ER-phagy/nucleophagy receptor Epr1 coassembling with Atg8. However, ER-phagy/nucleophagy cargos fail to reach the vacuole. Instead, nucleus- and cortical-ER-derived membrane structures not enclosed within autophagosomes accumulate in the cytoplasm. Intriguingly, the outer membranes of nucleus-derived structures remain continuous with the nuclear envelope-ER network, suggesting a possible outer membrane fission defect during cargo separation from source compartments. We find that the ER-phagy role of Yep1 relies on its abilities to self-interact and shape membranes and requires its C-terminal amphipathic helices. Moreover, we show that human REEP1-4 and budding yeast Atg40 can functionally substitute for Yep1 in ER-phagy, and Atg40 is a divergent ortholog of Yep1 and REEP1-4. Our findings uncover an unexpected mechanism governing the autophagosomal enclosure of ER-phagy/nucleophagy cargos and shed new light on the functions and evolution of REEP family proteins.
Reproductive outcomes following contraceptive discontinuation for method-related reasons: An analysis of 49 Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Gemmill Alison , Sarnak Dana , Bradley Sarah E. K. , Brecker Eve , Patierno Kaitlyn
Published: November 2023

Contraceptive discontinuation for method-related reasons is a common experience in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and may heighten women’s risk of unintended pregnancy. Few studies have provided a comprehensive assessment of reproductive outcomes following contraceptive discontinuation in LMICs over the last decade. Using cross-sectional data from 49 Demographic and Health Surveys, we applied competing risks estimation to calculate monthly probabilities of contraceptive resumption and pregnancy over a 12-month period among pooled, regional, and country-specific samples of women who discontinued contraception for method-related reasons (corresponding to 174,726 episodes of discontinuation). We also examined the pregnancy intention status of births/current pregnancies among those who became pregnant in the 12 months following contraceptive discontinuation for method-related reasons. In the pooled sample, the three-month probability of pregnancy and resumption of contraceptive use was 12% and 47%, respectively; by 12 months these probabilities increased to 22% and 55%, respectively. Country-specific analyses show that the probabilities of resuming contraception by three months ranged from 15% in Liberia, Mali, and Sierra Leone to 85% in Bangladesh. On average, the majority of pregnancies/births that occured following discontinuation for method-related reasons were subsequently reported as unintended. However, reports varied depending on when women became pregnant within the 12 months following discontinuation. Our findings suggest the need for more nuanced measures of contraceptive use dynamics—including measures that distinguish between women who resume use of contraception from women who remain at risk of pregnancy in the short period after discontinuation—to better inform specific policies and interventions, particularly aimed at those who remain at risk of pregnancy.
Determinants of Aedes mosquito larval ecology in a heterogeneous urban environment- a longitudinal study in Bengaluru, India
Authors: Dharmamuthuraja Deepa , P. D. Rohini , Lakshmi M. Iswarya , Isvaran Kavita , Ghosh Susanta Kumar , Ishtiaq Farah
Published: November 2023

Background

Aedes-borne disease risk is associated with contemporary urbanization practices where city developing structures function as a catalyst for creating mosquito breeding habitats. We lack better understanding on how the links between landscape ecology and urban geography contribute to the prevalence and abundance of mosquito and pathogen spread.

Methods

An outdoor longitudinal study in Bengaluru (Karnataka, India) was conducted between February 2021 and June 2022 to examine the effects of macrohabitat types on the diversity and distribution of larval habitats, mosquito species composition, and body size to quantify the risk of dengue outbreak in the landscape context.

Findings

A total of 8,717 container breeding sites were inspected, of these 1,316 were wet breeding habitats. A total of 1,619 mosquito larvae representing 16 species from six macrohabitats and nine microhabitats were collected. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were the dominant species and significantly higher in artificial habitats than in natural habitats. Breeding preference ratio for Aedes species was high in grinding stones and storage containers. The Aedes infestation indices were higher than the WHO threshold and showed significant linear increase from Barren habitat to High density areas. We found Ae. albopictus breeding in sympatry with Ae. aegypti had shorter wing length.

Conclusions

A large proportion of larval habitats were man-made artificial containers. Landscape ecology drives mosquito diversity and abundance even at a small spatial scale which could be affecting the localized outbreaks. Our findings showed that sampling strategies for mosquito surveillance must include urban environments with non-residential locations and dengue transmission reduction programmes should focus on ‘neighbourhood surveillance’ as well to prevent and control the rising threat of Aedes-borne diseases.
Trends in antimicrobial resistance amongst Salmonella Paratyphi A isolates in Bangladesh: 1999–2021
Authors: Sajib Mohammad S. I. , Tanmoy Arif M. , Hooda Yogesh , Rahman Hafizur , Munira Sira J. , Sarkar Anik , Das Dipu , Rahman Md. Asadur , Islam Nazrul , Shahidullah Mohammod , Amin Md. Ruhul , Alam Md. Jahangir , Hanif Mohammed , Luby Stephen P. , Garrett Denise O. , Saha Samir K. , Saha Senjuti
Published: November 2023

Background

Typhoid and paratyphoid remain common bloodstream infections in areas with suboptimal water and sanitation infrastructure. Paratyphoid, caused by Salmonella Paratyphi A, is less prevalent than typhoid and its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends are less documented. Empirical treatment for paratyphoid is commonly based on the knowledge of susceptibility of Salmonella Typhi, which causes typhoid. Hence, with rising drug resistance in Salmonella Typhi, last-line antibiotics like ceftriaxone and azithromycin are prescribed for both typhoid and paratyphoid. However, unlike for typhoid, there is no vaccine to prevent paratyphoid. Here, we report 23-year AMR trends of Salmonella Paratyphi A in Bangladesh.

Methods

From 1999 to 2021, we conducted enteric fever surveillance in two major pediatric hospitals and three clinics in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Blood cultures were performed at the discretion of the treating physicians; cases were confirmed by culture, serological and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined following CLSI guidelines.

Results

Over 23 years, we identified 2,725 blood culture-confirmed paratyphoid cases. Over 97% of the isolates were susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole, and no isolate was resistant to all three. No resistance to ceftriaxone was recorded, and >99% of the isolates were sensitive to azithromycin. A slight increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is noticed for ceftriaxone but the current average MIC is 32-fold lower than the resistance cut-off. Over 99% of the isolates exhibited decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin.

Conclusions

Salmonella Paratyphi A has remained susceptible to most antibiotics, unlike Salmonella Typhi, despite widespread usage of many antibiotics in Bangladesh. The data can guide evidence-based policy decisions for empirical treatment of paratyphoid fever, especially in the post typhoid vaccine era, and with the availability of new paratyphoid diagnostics.
Molecular surveillance of insecticide resistance in Phlebotomus argentipes targeted by indoor residual spraying for visceral leishmaniasis elimination in India
Authors: Reid Emma , Deb Rinki Michelle , Ali Asgar , Singh Rudra Pratap , Mishra Prabhas Kumar , Shepherd Josephine , Singh Anand Mohan , Bharti Aakanksha , Singh Chandramani , Sharma Sadhana , Coleman Michael , Weetman David
Published: November 2023

Molecular surveillance of resistance is an increasingly important part of vector borne disease control programmes that utilise insecticides. The visceral leishmaniasis (VL) elimination programme in India uses indoor residual spraying (IRS) with the pyrethroid, alpha-cypermethrin to controlPhlebotomus argentipesthe vector ofLeishmania donovani, the causative agent of VL. Prior long-term use of DDT may have selected for knockdown resistance (kdr) mutants (1014F and S) at the shared DDT and pyrethroid target site, which are common in India and can also cause pyrethroid cross-resistance. We monitored the frequency of these marker mutations over five years from 2017–2021 in sentinel sites in eight districts of north-eastern India covered by IRS. Frequencies varied markedly among the districts, though finer scale variation, among villages within districts, was limited. A pronounced and highly significant increase in resistance-associated genotypes occurred between 2017 and 2018, but with relative stability thereafter, and some reversion toward more susceptible genotypes in 2021. Analyses linked IRS with mutant frequencies suggesting an advantage to more resistant genotypes, especially when pyrethroid was under-sprayed in IRS. However, this advantage did not translate into sustained allele frequency changes over the study period, potentially because of a relatively greater net advantage under field conditions for a wild-type/mutant genotype than projected from laboratory studies and/or high costs of the most resistant genotype. Further work is required to improve calibration of each 1014 genotype with resistance, preferably using operationally relevant measures. The lack of change in resistance mechanism over the span of the study period, coupled with available bioassay data suggesting susceptibility, suggests that resistance has yet to emerge despite intensive IRS. Nevertheless, the advantage of resistance-associated genotypes with IRS and under spraying, suggest that measures to continue monitoring and improvement of spray quality are vital, and consideration of future alternatives to pyrethroids for IRS would be advisable.
Prevalence and morbidity of urogenital schistosomiasis among pre-school age children in Cubal, Angola
Authors: Sánchez-Marqués Raquel , Bocanegra Cristina , Salvador Fernando , Nindia Arlette , Pintar Zeferino , Martínez-Campreciós Joan , Aixut Sandra , Mossalilo Patricia , Sulleiro Elena , Espiau María , Mas-Coma Santiago , Bargues Ma. Dolores , Molina Israel
Published: November 2023

Background

Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases, with a great impact on public health and more than 200,000 deaths annually. Schistosoma haematobium causes urinary tract (UT) morbidity. Since schistosomiasis morbidity control programs focus on children older than 5 years, pre-school age children (PSAC) morbidity is not well known.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Cubal (Angola) among 245 PSAC with the objective of evaluating the prevalence of S. haematobium infection, the intensity of infection, and associated morbidity. For this purpose, urine filtration test followed by microscopic visualization and ultrasound examinations were performed.

Results

The estimated overall prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 30.2% (CI 95%; 24.5–35.9), with 20.3% (CI 95%; 15.3–25.3) of the samples analysed showing a high intensity of infection. A total of 54.5% (CI 95%; 47.6–61.8) of infected children presented UT lesions, showing a significant association between schistosomiasis infection and UT morbidity (p-value < 0.001). Bladder wall thickening was the most common lesion, being present in 100% of abnormal ultrasounds. We found that anaemia and severe malnutrition were not significantly associated with the development of UT lesions.

Conclusions

S. haematobium infection in PSAC causes great UT detectable morbidities. Therefore, there is an evident need of including them in mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns and consequently the development of an adapted praziquantel treatment dosage for children under 2 years of age.
Isotopic signatures induced by upwelling reveal regional fish stocks in Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Ehrenfels Benedikt , Junker Julian , Namutebi Demmy , Callbeck Cameron M. , Dinkel Christian , Kalangali Anthony , Kimirei Ismael A. , Mbonde Athanasio S. , Mosille Julieth B. , Sweke Emmanuel A. , Schubert Carsten J. , Seehausen Ole , Wagner Catherine E. , Wehrli Bernhard
Published: November 2023

Lake Tanganyika’s pelagic fish sustain the second largest inland fishery in Africa and are under pressure from heavy fishing and global warming related increases in stratification. The strength of water column stratification varies regionally, with a more stratified north and an upwelling-driven, biologically more productive south. Only little is known about whether such regional hydrodynamic regimes induce ecological or genetic differences among populations of highly mobile, pelagic fish inhabiting these different areas. Here, we examine whether the regional contrasts leave distinct isotopic imprints in the pelagic fish of Lake Tanganyika, which may reveal differences in diet or lipid content. We conducted two lake-wide campaigns during different seasons and collected physical, nutrient, chlorophyll, phytoplankton and zooplankton data. Additionally, we analyzed the pelagic fish–the clupeids Stolothrissa tanganicae, Limnothrissa miodon and four Lates species–for their isotopic and elemental carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) compositions. The δ13C values were significantly higher in the productive south after the upwelling/mixing period across all trophic levels, implying that the fish have regional foraging grounds, and thus record these latitudinal isotope gradients. By combining our isotope data with previous genetic results showing little geographic structure, we demonstrate that the fish reside in a region for a season or longer. Between specimens from the north and south we found no strong evidence for varying trophic levels or lipid contents, based on their bulk δ15N and C:N ratios. We suggest that the development of regional trophic or physiological differences may be inhibited by the lake-wide gene flow on the long term. Overall, our findings show that the pelagic fish species, despite not showing evidence for genetic structure at the basin scale, form regional stocks at the seasonal timescales. This implies that sustainable management strategies may consider adopting regional fishing quotas.