bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review on Cost of Anti-Glaucoma Formulation Available in India
Authors: R. Bhatt Tarang , K. Golwala Dharmesh
Published: September 2022

The objective of the present work was to determine cost per annum of various glaucoma formulation to patients and plot changes in trends of cost these formulations over years. Main purpose of this study is to provide patients and health care providers with calculated yearly costs of topical glaucoma medications in India. A price per ml model was used to eradicate difference due to pack size of formulation of different brands. And average prices per ml of all studied brands were used to present data of particular drug formulation. Daily recommended drops were also taken into consideration to obtain cost of formulation to patient per year. And results indicated that cost of glaucoma treatment in India per annum to patient varied from as low as 193.3 INR to as high as 6616.72 INR in year 2015, quite similar to that in 2005 wherein cost per annum to patient varied from 191.55 INR to 5879.12 INR. Beta blockers were reported to be the most economical group of glaucoma medications while prostaglandin analogues and its combinations were reported to be expensive group of glaucoma medications. And the study concluded that cost of glaucoma drug therapy varies from few hundred to several thousand rupees in India. And although price per annum of glaucoma medication in India remains to be significantly less compared to other developed countries, steep rising cost first line drugs like timolol maleate over the years forecasts risings concern to patient in India.
Review on Regulation of Herbal Products Used as a Medicine Across the Globe: A Case Study on Turmeric - Golden Medicine
Authors: Polshettiwar Satish Arunrao , Sawant Dipali Hiralal , Abhale Neeta Bhausaheb , Chavan Neeta Bhagvat , Baheti Akshay Motilal , Wani Manish Shivdas , Tagalpallewar Amol Ambadas , Deshmukh Chinamay Devidas , Polshettiwar Abhishek Pramod
Published: September 2022

The classification of drugs varies from country to country, with active foods, dietary supplements and traditional medicines being included in certain categories. The stability of those products is also unknown and complex to the critical problem in the analysis of herbal products that this is a complex ingredient combination, as well as the elements responsible for the treatment effects. In order to identify the changes to the newly introduced regulations or regulations, detailed literary searches and online searches for herbal medicinal products regulations have been made in South-east Asia and European countries. Curcumin is an important pharmaceutical compound derived from turmeric. Curcumin is extracted from dried curcuma longa rhizomes. The demand for curcumin grows daily due to its use in the treatment of a number of diseases. Curcumin has long established challenges with its health benefits, such as poor uptake and poor bioavailability.
Validated Area Under Curve and Zero Order Spectroscopic Methods for Estimation of Agomelatine in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: S. Salokhe Abhijit , Malkar Shubham , Mangule Shubham , Palled M. S. , Suryawanshi Shailendra S. , Dandagi Panchaxari M.
Published: September 2022

The objectives of present research work was to develop simple, precise, accurate, specific, cost effective, validated UV-spectrophotometric method for quantification of Agomelatin (AGM) in bulk and pharmaceutical tablets dosage form by Area Under Curve (AUC) and Zero Order Spectroscopic (ZOS) methods. Both methods involve the use methanol: millipore water (50:50 %v/v) as solvent for estimation. The area between 212-237 nm was used to measure the AUC for first method and 229 nm was used to measure the absorbance for second method. The developed technique was optimized and standardized as per ICH guidelines in terms of specificity, selectivity, linearity, ruggedness, solution stability, quantification and detection limits, precision, robustness, and accuracy. Both methods showed linearity between the amount ranges from 0.5 – 2.5μg/mL. The % RSD for all the validation parameters was found to be less than 2%. Both methods were found to accurate with recovery values. The results obtained by proposed method showed that method is linear, specific, selective, rugged, precise, stable, robust, and accurate and can be employed for the quality control of AGM in bulk and tablet formulation.
Electroencephalogram Signal Analysis Using Wavelet Transform and Support Vector Machine for Human Stress Recognition
Authors: Paithane Ajay N , Alagirisamy Mukil
Published: September 2022

The human stress is a mental condition that can abnormally change the brain electrical activity, thus, electroencephalogram (EEG) signal measurements can detect and quantify those brain cognitive changes that are differentiated from the normal state. In this research work, EEG signals are used for the analysis and detection of the level of human stress. The EEG signals are collected from the human being called it as a subject under test. The stroop colour test has been used as a stressor to induce stress in the subjects under test. The various levels of stress in the stroop test have been verified to low, moderate, and high levels of stress in the subject. The input signals are then decomposed into the number of a narrowband signal using wavelet transform. During the experimentation important features are also extracted from EEG signal to identify normal and abnormal signals. The SVM classifier has been used in our research work for the classification of stress and non stress signals. The performance of the proposed system using SVM is comparatively good in dependent and independent systems. The highest accuracy achieved in this study is 90% (Standard Deviation = 0.015) for user-dependent systems and 72.3% (SD = 0.08) for user-independent systems. The results show that the proposed system is reliable for detecting stress and normal levels respectively.
Therapeutic Uses and Prospects of Cyanthillium cinereum - The Underrated Herb
Authors: Roy Jeane Rebecca , Julius Angeline , Chinnapan Venkataramaniah
Published: September 2022

The whole plant of Cyanthillium cinereum has several pharmacological properties in treating a broad range of diseases in traditional medicine but underestimated to be used as a commercial drug. As a remedy to several health conditions, phytocompounds of C. cinereum can be used as multi-target drugs to treat comorbidity. This review elaborates on the therapeutic benefits of the herb, C. cinereum and its prospects in the treatment of diseases.
An Assessment of Biomedical Waste (BMW) Production and Management and its Impact on the Environment and Disease Transmission Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines
Authors: C. Barayang Lian Patrice , A. Cruz Ignacius Carell , G. de Vera Kimberly Joyce , F. Inumerable Janel Christine , F. Alam Zeba
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to analyze the impact of pandemic-related BMW production and management in the Philippines and its potential role in transmitting the COVID-19 virus via a mixed-methods analysis of data from surveys of different sectors (consumers of medical waste, deliverymen, and medical workers) and using secondary sources. The results revealed that the most common types of PPE used in the country are disposable face masks and face shields, wherein all respondents reported an increase in the consumption of medical materials. An improper disposal of an estimated 85 million disposable face masks and 50 million face shields in the Philippines poses a serious threat to the environment and health in the Philippines, a biodiversity hot spot. There was a strong correlation between the increased exposure to BMW and laxer degrees of implementation of proper BMW disposal practices. The paper also established an estimated consumption of ≈ 120.5 million face masks, ≈ 71.4 million face shields, ≈ 38 million disposable gloves, and ≈ 4.1 million full-body suits per day in the Philippines. The actual output of biomedical waste in the country drastically increased in a year, comprising an average daily output of 3,390 tons of BMW (≈ 482 tons for face masks, ≈ 2,544 tons for face shields, ≈ 198 tons for disposable gloves, and ≈ 167 tons for full-body suits which is an important discovery regarding the biomedical waste in the country. These estimates were found to be higher than those reported by the Asian Development Bank in 2020. All sectors reported low awareness levels and confidence in the country's effectiveness in implementing current BMW management practices.
Drug Interactions as a cause of Adverse Drug Reactions in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Palappalil Dhanya Sasidharan , Sushama Jitha , Kesavan Kala Parvathy
Published: September 2022

Objectives: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are an important issue in clinical practice as management of co-morbidities necessitates polypharmacy and some of these interactions can transmute into or accentuate adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The objective was to estimate the proportion of ADRs due to DDIs and to describe the pattern of drug-drug interactions that resulted in ADRs. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Pharmacology of a Government Medical College in Kerala for a period of 1 year after getting clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee. ADR reports submitted to the ADR Monitoring Centre from June 2015 to May 2017 formed the study material and details were entered in a structured proforma. Each suspected drug and concomitant drugs were entered in MICROMEDEX®, MEDSCAPE, and LEXICOMP drug interaction softwares to identify all potential DDIs (pDDIs). The interactions which matched with ADR description were considered to be the probable cause of that ADR. SPSS software version 16 was used for data analysis. Descriptive data were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: Of the 345 ADR patients reported during the study period, 249 had concomitant drugs (mean 2.84±1.85 drugs/patient) from whom we identified 295 pDDIs (mean 1.18 ± 1.59 pDDIs/patient). Of the 295 pDDI, 30 matched the description of ADR, thus the proportion of ADRs due to DDIs was 12.05% (30 out of the 249 ADRs). Aspirin with Clopidogrel (n=5) and Heparin with Clopidogrel (n=5) topped the list of interactions contributing to ADR. Amongst the 30 suspected drug interactions causing ADR, 23 (76.67%) were pharmacodynamic, 21(70%) were of major severity and in 27(90%) the time of onset were not specified. Conclusions: Drug-drug interactions attributed to 12.05% of the ADRs in which data on concomitant drugs were available. Pharmacodynamic interactions (76.7%) contributed to sADRs more than pharmacokinetic interactions.
Pharmacotherapy of Distal Autonomic Sensory Polyneuropathies in Vibration Disease
Authors: Radoustskaya E. Yu. , Onischuk Ya. I. , I. I. Novikova I. I. Novikova
Published: September 2022

The article is devoted to the current medical and social problem - vibration disease, which takes an important place in the clinic of occupational pathology. The syndromological classification of the vibration disease of the last revision is given here. Particular attention is paid to the pharmacotherapy of neuropathic manifestations of the disease. The article presents the data of the performed clinical studies of Cokarnit and alpha-lipoic acid preparations efficiency in patients with professional vegetative-sensory polyneuropathy of limbs. Clinical efficacy of Cocarnit with a possibility of using Cocarnit as monotherapy as well as complex therapy (Cocarnit and lipoic acid) in neuropathic pain syndrome associated with peripheral polyneuropathy of professional genesis was determined.
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Expression by Immunohistochemistry in Intratumor Macrophages as Tumor-Associated Macrophage Marker of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Armerinayanti Ni Wayan , Widodo Samuel , Oki Lestari Desak Putu
Published: September 2022

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) comprises 80% of well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas. PTC progression is determined by a variety of biological markers, some of which are connected to the activities of Tumor-Associated Macrophage (TAM). TAM activity is difficult to observe using simply traditional histology techniques. Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is an important marker for identifying the development of PTC. However, no studies have linked the expression of MMP-9 to intratumoral macrophages in PTC patients, demonstrating that these macrophages are TAMs implicated in the development of PTC. Through MMP-9 expression on intratumor macrophages, the objective of this work was to evaluate TAM's involvement as a progression determinant of PTC. This cross-sectional study analyzed 40 samples, which included 21 PTC patients with intratumor macrophages and 19 PTC instances without intratumor macrophages. Medical records and paraffin blocks of the Biomedical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare, Warmadewa University were used to collect samples. The proportion of MMP-9 expression in both groups' macrophages was then determined by immunohistochemical labeling and evaluated using Chi-Square with a significance level (a) of p<0.05. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in MMP-9 expression between the PTC groups with and without intratumor macrophages, with p-value = 0.001 (p<0.05) and OR = 11.9.
Fabrication of Emulsion Loaded with Cyclosporine and Moringa Oleifera Oil Potentially for Topical Psoriasis Treatment
Authors: Musa Siti Hajar , Heri Nurul Huda , Borhan Fatin Atirah , Mustaffa Nurul Fatin Inani , Rosman Nabilah , Razali Faizan Naeem
Published: September 2022

Psoriasis is a widespread autoimmune inflammatory dermatological disease treated with oral cyclosporine to reduce the uneasiness of psoriasis. However, systemic therapy of cyclosporine is associated with high risk of side effect that limit the usage in psoriasis treatment. Topical delivery of cyclosporine is believed could overcome cyclosporine related toxicity issues. In this study, a new carrier for topical cyclosporine was developed, which cooperated with Moringa oleifera oil (MOO) that has been reported could enhance the moisture-retaining of the skin. Both high-shear homogenizer and overhead stirrer homogenizer were utilized in formulating a cyclosporine-loaded emulsion carrier. Two emulsions were prepared at different proportions of MOO, water and surfactant (Tween80:Span80) based on the constructed ternary phase diagram. Samples with different formulation (E1 and E2) were subjected to several tests including the stability, rheological, colony and in vitro release analysis. E1 and E2 possessed good stability against phase separation for 1 month at different storage temperatures (4, 25 and 40ºC), having pH values within the range of 4 to 5 as well as showing no mould and microbial growth after been incubated on nutrient agar plate at controlled conditions. Optimized formulations were found to be non-Newtonian and followed the pseudoplastic flow behaviour. Nonetheless, E2 exhibited highest permeation of cyclosporine (80.23%) through cellulose acetate membrane via Franz diffusion cell, which correspond to controlled release and best fitted to first order kinetic behaviour (R2=0.9819). This preliminary study suggested that the formulated emulsion has a promising potential as topical medicament for psoriasis.
Quantitative Antibody Levels in Hospital Workers after Receiving three Doses of CoviD-19 vaccines
Authors: Sitompul Pompini Agustina , Mariana Nina , Budiman Ervan , Tanjung Dian Wahyu , Ariesanty Betha , Hartono Teguh Sarry , Jahiroh Jahiroh , Ernita Christine , Dinar Aninda , Puspitasari Anita , Herlina Herlina , Suliati Suliati , Murtiani Farida , Maemun Siti , Syahril Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Hospital workers were at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the first population with authorized access to the three doses of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 antigen. The study was aimed to compare SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels among hospital workers receiving the three doses of Covid-19 vaccines with a history of Covid-19 infection versus those without a history of infection. A cross sectional study was conducted at the Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital (SSIDH) in December 2021. The inclusion criteria were hospital workers in both subjects with and without previous Covid-19 infection and those who had received 3 doses of Covid-19 vaccines. Anti SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels measured by the Architect of SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant. There were 75 participants in the study, the median of anti SARS CoV-2 levels reported 8724.4 AU/mL (3396.8, 15773.2 AU/mL, Interquartile range). They were divided into 2 groups according to the status of prior Covid-19 infection, hospital workers with and without previous of Covid-19 infection. There was no significance difference in antibody less than 25.000 AU/mL between hospital worker with and without previous Covid-19 infection (p=1,000). Meanwhile, the median of antibody levels was seen in the interval between the 3rd dose of vaccine within 1 month; 2 to 3 months; 4 to 5 months before the antibody measurement (14576.5 AU/mL;12407.4 AU/mL; 5778.1 AU/mL, respectively). In this study, after three doses of Covid-19 vaccines, there was no significance difference in antibody levels of hospital worker with and without previous Covid-19 infection.
Mortality and re-revision following single-stage and two-stage revision surgery for the management of infected primary knee arthroplasty in England and Wales
Authors: Lenguerrand Erik , Whitehouse Michael R. , Kunutsor Setor K. , Beswick Andrew D. , Baker Richard P. , Rolfson Ola , Reed Michael R. , Blom Ashley W. ,   On behalf of the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man
Published: September 2022

Aims

We compared the risks of re-revision and mortality between two-stage revision surgery and single-stage revision surgery among patients with infected primary knee arthroplasty.

Methods

Patients with a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of their primary knee arthroplasty, initially revised with a single-stage or a two-stage procedure in England and Wales between 2003 and 2014, were identified from the National Joint Registry. We used Poisson regression with restricted cubic splines to compute hazard ratios (HR) at different postoperative periods. The total number of revisions and re-revisions undergone by patients was compared between the two strategies.

Results

A total of 489 primary knee arthroplasties were revised with single-stage procedure (1,390 person-years) and 2,377 with two-stage procedure (8,349 person-years). The adjusted incidence rates of all-cause re-revision and for infection were comparable between these strategies (HR overall five years, 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87 to 1.52), p = 0.308; HR overall five years, 0.99 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.39), p = 0.949, respectively). Patients initially managed with single-stage revision received fewer revision procedures overall than after two-stage revision (1.2 vs 2.2, p < 0.001). Mortality was lower for single-stage revision between six and 18 months postoperative (HR at six months, 0.51 (95% CI 0.25 to 1.00), p = 0.049 HR at 18 months, 0.33 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.99), p = 0.048) and comparable at other timepoints.

Conclusion

The risk of re-revision was similar between single- and two-stage revision for infected primary knee arthroplasty. Single-stage group required fewer revisions overall, with lower or comparable mortality at specific postoperative periods. The single-stage revision is a safe and effective strategy to treat infected knee arthroplasties. There is potential for increased use to reduce the burden of knee PJI for patients, and for the healthcare system. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(10):690–699.
El debate del bilingüismo. Percepciones de las familias sobre el Programa Educativo Bilingüe en la Comunidad de Madrid
Authors: Martínez-Garrido Cynthia , Hidalgo Nina , Moreno-Medina Irene
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCCIÓN. Desde su implantación en 2004 en las escuelas de la Comunidad de Madrid, el Programa Educativo Bilingüe es quizá uno de los temas que más controversia ha despertado entre los agentes educativos, especialmente entre las familias. La presente investigación busca conocer cuáles son las percepciones que tienen las familias de la Comunidad de Madrid acerca del Programa Educativo Bilingüe. MÉTODO. Para dar respuesta a este objetivo, se realiza una investigación de corte cualitativo y se utiliza la entrevista semiestructurada como técnica de recogida de datos. Un total de 15 familias han participado en el estudio. Para analizar los datos, se siguió un proceso de 6 pa­sos centrado en dar voz a las familias y que está basado en la teoría fundamentada. RESULTADOS. El análisis realizado muestra que las familias tienen visiones encontradas sobre el programa bilingüe. Por un lado, algunas familias consideran que los estudiantes que van a centros bilingües aprenden más inglés, obtienen certificaciones de reconocido prestigio y están más preparados para el mundo laboral. Por otro lado, otras familias consideran que es un programa que genera una enseñanza ba­sada en el aprendizaje memorístico de vocabulario, un menor aprendizaje de contenidos y fomenta la segregación entre las familias con menos recursos económicos y de los estudiantes con necesida­des de aprendizaje. DISCUSIÓN. Es urgente repensar el Programa Educativo Bilingüe en la Comu­nidad de Madrid, ya que las familias señalan el bilingüismo como un programa con grandes caren­cias y que necesita ser reformulado para conseguir una educación, y con ello una sociedad, más justa, equitativa e inclusiva.
Cost analysis of registrar training in hip and knee arthroplasty before COVID-19
Authors: Ting J , Garikapati V , Muir R
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Hospitals often face competing pressures to deliver surgical tuition and provide a service that meets performance targets. However, there are sparse data on the costs of training orthopaedic registrars to carry out procedures compared with consultants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term financial, time and morbidity cost of training registrars in hip and knee joint arthroplasty in our trust.

Methods

All patients undergoing elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty over a 12-month period in our unit were reviewed retrospectively. Data recorded included grade of primary surgeon, patient demographics, operative time, length of stay, readmission and reoperation within 30 days, and 12-month mortality.

Results

A total of 889 patients were identified for inclusion in the study. For primary hip arthroplasty performed by registrars, the mean operative time was 126 minutes (standard deviation [SD]: 22 minutes) compared with 98 minutes (SD: 29 minutes) for consultant operations (p < 0.001). The mean length of stay was 5.1 days (SD: 4.3 days) for trainees versus 4.3 days (SD: 2.8 days) for consultants (p = 0.19). For primary knee arthroplasty, the mean trainee operative time was 114 minutes (SD: 20 minutes) compared with 100 minutes (SD: 25 minutes) for consultant operations (p < 0.001). The mean length of stay was 4.0 days (SD: 2.7 days) for trainees versus 4.5 days (SD: 3.5 days) for consultants (p = 0.16). No significant differences were found in complications, readmissions, reoperations or mortality.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates no increased morbidity cost to patients following arthroplasty carried out by registrars and the major cost for training was in the increase in operative time associated with registrar performed procedures. With this in mind, careful planning of operating lists can maximise training opportunities while maintaining the efficiency of the unit as a whole.
When innovation meets imagination: looking to the future of oral cancer treatment
Authors: Ng Tze-Chuen , Thomson Peter
Published: September 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a lethal and deforming disease of rising global significance. While advances in diagnosis and management have improved many aspects of quality of life, approximately 50% of patients die from progressive, recurrent or metastatic disease. The authors of this paper look towards the future of cancer therapy, combining innovative and imaginative approaches, to hypothesise new, effective tumour targetting therapies that reduce deleterious side effects from contemporary invasive and ablative treatment. Ultimately, they pose the question: can we envisage a time when terminal diseases are regarded as chronic, manageable conditions?
Accurate separation of mixed high-dimension optical-chaotic signals using optical reservoir computing based on optically pumped VCSELs
Authors: Zhong Dongzhou , Hu Yalan , Zhao Keke , Deng Wanan , Hou Peng , Zhang Jinbo
Published: September 2022

In this work, with the mixing fractions being known in advance or unknown, the schemes and theories for the separations of two groups of the mixed optical chaotic signals are proposed in detail, using the VCSEL-based reservoir computing (RC) systems. Here, two groups of the mixed optical chaotic signals are linearly combined with many beams of the chaotic x-polarization components (X-PCs) and Y-PCs emitted by the optically pumped spin-VCSELs operation alone. Two parallel reservoirs are performed by using the chaotic X-PC and Y-PC output by the optically pumped spin-VCSEL with both optical feedback and optical injection. Moreover, we further demonstrate the separation performances of the mixed chaotic signal linearly combined with no more than three beams of the chaotic X-PC or Y-PC. We find that two groups of the mixed optical chaos signals can be effectively separated by using two reservoirs in single RC system based on optically pumped Spin-VCSEL and their corresponding separated errors characterized by the training errors are no more than 0.093, when the mixing fractions are known as a certain value in advance. If the mixing fractions are unknown, we utilize two cascaded RC systems based on optically pumped Spin-VCSELs to separate each group of the mixed optical signals. The mixing fractions can be accurate predicted by using two parallel reservoirs in the first RC system. Based on the values of the predictive mixing fractions, two groups of the mixed optical chaos signals can be effectively separated by utilizing two parallel reservoirs in the second RC system, and their separated errors also are no more than 0.093. In the same way, the mixed optical chaos signal linearly superimposed with more than three beams of optical chaotic signals can be effectively separated. The method and idea for separation of complex optical chaos signals proposed by this paper may provide an impact to development of novel principles of multiple access and demultiplexing in multi-channel chaotic cryptography communication.
Wide field-of-view light-field displays based on thin-encapsulated self-emissive displays
Authors: Chen Fu-Hao , Hyun Byung-Ryool , Liu Zhaojun
Published: September 2022

A wide field of view (FOV) is required to improve the user experience in mobile applications of light-field displays (LFDs). However, the FOV of liquid-crystal-display-based LFDs is narrow owing to the thick gap between the light-direction-control element and the pixel plane. The thin-encapsulated self-emissive displays, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), are beneficial for widening the FOV without losing spatial resolution. With OLEDs, a 72-degree FOV, 12-view, 166-ppi LFD with smooth motion parallax is demonstrated. A moiré-free parallax barrier of arctan (1/4) slant angle is used to reconcile the triangular sub-pixel pattern of OLEDs, and further doubles the spatial resolution by aligning sub-pixels into a single column, instead of the conventional two columns. The effects of crosstalk due to the wide slits on the three-dimensional image quality are analyzed.
Active optical modulation of quasi-BICs in Si–VO2 hybrid metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Yao , Chen Deliang , Ma Wenbin , You Shaojun , Zhang Jing , Fan Menghui , Zhou Chaobiao
Published: September 2022

Active optical modulation breaks the limitation of a passive device, providing a new, to the best of our knowledge, alternative to achieve high-performance optical devices. The phase-change material vanadium dioxide (VO2) plays an important role in the active device due to its unique reversible phase transition. In this work, we numerically investigate the optical modulation in resonant Si–VO2 hybrid metasurfaces. The optical bound states in the continuum (BICs) in an Si dimer nanobar metasurface are studied. The quasi-BICs resonator with high quality factor (Q-factor) can be excited by rotating one of the dimer nanobars. The multipole response and near-field distribution confirm that magnetic dipoles dominate this resonance. Moreover, a dynamically tunable optical resonance is achieved by integrating a VO2 thin film to this quasi-BICs Si nanostructure. With the increase of temperature, VO2 gradually changes from the dielectric state to metal state, and the optical response exhibits a significant change. Then, the modulation of the transmission spectrum is calculated. Situations where VO2 is located in different positions are also discussed. A relative transmission modulation of 180% is achieved. These results fully confirm that the VO2 film shows an excellent ability to modulate the quasi-BICs resonator. Our work provides a route for the active modulation of resonant optical devices.
Steering of second-harmonic emission by the mode-selective excitation in a hybrid waveguide
Authors: Shi Junjun , He Xiaobo , Li Yang , Xu Hongxing
Published: September 2022

Realization of the efficient steering for photons streams from nano sources is essential for further progress in integrated photonic circuits, especially when involving nonlinear sources. In general, steering for nonlinear sources needs additional optical control elements, limiting their application occasions as photonic devices. Here, we propose a simple and efficient beam steering scheme for the second-harmonic (SH) emission in the hybrid waveguide (consisting of CdSe nanobelts on the Au film) by mode-selective excitation. Adjusting the position of the incident beam illuminating on the tapered waveguide, the excitation types of guided modes can be selected, realizing the directionality control of SH emission. Stable steering of 6.1° for the SH emission is observed when the interference modes change from

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, which is confirmed by SH Fourier imaging and simulations. Our approach gets rid of the complex structural design and provides a new idea for beam steering of nonlinear optical devices with various nonlinear wavefronts.
Ultra-broadband nanowire metamaterial absorber
Authors: Wang Baoqing , Ma Cuiping , Yu Peng , Govorov Alexander O. , Xu Hongxing , Wang Wenhao , Besteiro Lucas V. , Jing Zhimin , Li Peihang , Wang Zhiming
Published: September 2022

Broadband absorbers generally consist of plasmonic cavities coupled to metallic resonators separated by a dielectric film, and they are vertically stacking configurations. In this work, we propose an ultra-broadband nanowire metamaterial absorber composed of an array of vertically aligned dielectric nanowires with coaxial metallic rings. The absorber shows strong absorption from 0.2 to 7 μm with an average absorption larger than 91% due to the excitation of gap surface plasmon polariton modes in Fabry–Perot-like resonators. Moreover, a refractory dielectric cladding can be added to improve the thermal stability of the absorber, showing a negligible impact on its absorption performance. The proposed absorber may find potential applications in solar energy harvesting, infrared imaging and spectroscopy, and optoelectronic devices.
Ether lipid deficiency disrupts lipid homeostasis leading to ferroptosis sensitivity
Authors: Perez Marcos A. , Clostio Andrea J. , Houston Isabel R. , Ruiz Jimena , Magtanong Leslie , Dixon Scott J. , Watts Jennifer L.
Published: September 2022

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death associated with uncontrolled membrane lipid peroxidation and destruction. Previously, we showed that dietary dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20: 3(n-6)) triggers ferroptosis in the germ cells of the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. We also demonstrated that ether lipid-deficient mutant strains are sensitive to DGLA-induced ferroptosis, suggesting a protective role for ether lipids. The vinyl ether bond unique to plasmalogen lipids has been hypothesized to function as an antioxidant, but this has not been tested in animal models. In this study, we used C. elegans mutants to test the hypothesis that the vinyl ether bond in plasmalogens acts as an antioxidant to protect against germ cell ferroptosis as well as to protect from whole-body tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced oxidative stress. We found no role for plasmalogens in either process. Instead, we demonstrate that ether lipid-deficiency disrupts lipid homeostasis in C. elegans, leading to altered ratios of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content in cellular membranes. We demonstrate that ferroptosis sensitivity in both wild type and ether-lipid deficient mutants can be rescued in several ways that change the relative abundance of saturated fats, MUFAs and specific polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Specifically, we reduced ferroptosis sensitivity by (1) using mutant strains unable to synthesize DGLA, (2) using a strain carrying a gain-of-function mutation in the transcriptional mediator MDT-15, or (3) by dietary supplementation of MUFAs. Furthermore, our studies reveal important differences in how dietary lipids influence germ cell ferroptosis versus whole-body peroxide-induced oxidative stress. These studies highlight a potentially beneficial role for endogenous and dietary MUFAs in the prevention of ferroptosis.
Modeling protected species distributions and habitats to inform siting and management of pioneering ocean industries: A case study for Gulf of Mexico aquaculture
Authors: Farmer Nicholas A. , Powell Jessica R. , Morris James A. , Soldevilla Melissa S. , Wickliffe Lisa C. , Jossart Jonathan A. , MacKay Jonathan K. , Randall Alyssa L. , Bath Gretchen E. , Ruvelas Penny , Gray Laura , Lee Jennifer , Piniak Wendy , Garrison Lance , Hardy Robert , Hart Kristen M. , Sasso Chris , Stokes Lesley , Riley Kenneth L.
Published: September 2022

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) provides a process that uses spatial data and models to evaluate environmental, social, economic, cultural, and management trade-offs when siting (i.e., strategically locating) ocean industries. Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector in the world. The United States (U.S.) has substantial opportunity for offshore aquaculture development given the size of its exclusive economic zone, habitat diversity, and variety of candidate species for cultivation. However, promising aquaculture areas overlap many protected species habitats. Aquaculture siting surveys, construction, operations, and decommissioning can alter protected species habitat and behavior. Additionally, aquaculture-associated vessel activity, underwater noise, and physical interactions between protected species and farms can increase the risk of injury and mortality. In 2020, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico was identified as one of the first regions to be evaluated for offshore aquaculture opportunities as directed by a Presidential Executive Order. We developed a transparent and repeatable method to identify aquaculture opportunity areas (AOAs) with the least conflict with protected species. First, we developed a generalized scoring approach for protected species that captures their vulnerability to adverse effects from anthropogenic activities using conservation status and demographic information. Next, we applied this approach to data layers for eight species listed under the Endangered Species Act, including five species of sea turtles, Rice’s whale, smalltooth sawfish, and giant manta ray. Next, we evaluated four methods for mathematically combining scores (i.e., Arithmetic mean, Geometric mean, Product, Lowest Scoring layer) to generate a combined protected species data layer. The Product approach provided the most logical ordering of, and the greatest contrast in, site suitability scores. Finally, we integrated the combined protected species data layer into a multi-criteria decision-making modeling framework for MSP. This process identified AOAs with reduced potential for protected species conflict. These modeling methods are transferable to other regions, to other sensitive or protected species, and for spatial planning for other ocean-uses.
Alternating hemiplegia of childhood: An electroclinical study of sleep and hemiplegia
Authors: Poole Josephine , Zagaglia Sara , Demurtas Rita , Farrell Fiona , Walker Matthew C. , Sisodiya Sanjay M. , Balestrini Simona , Vivekananda Umesh
Published: September 2022

Objective

Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC) is characterised by paroxysmal hemiplegic episodes and seizures. Remission of hemiplegia upon sleep is a clinical diagnostic feature of AHC. We investigated whether: 1) Hemiplegic events are associated with spectral EEG changes 2) Sleep in AHC is associated with clinical or EEG spectral features that may explain its restorative effect.

Methods

We retrospectively performed EEG spectral analysis in five adults with AHC and twelve age-/gender-matched epilepsy controls. Five-minute epochs of hemiplegic episodes and ten-minute epochs of four sleep stages were selected from video-EEGs. Arousals were counted per hour of sleep.

Results

We found 1) hemispheric differences in pre-ictal and ictal spectral power (p = 0.034), during AHC hemiplegic episodes 2) 22% reduced beta power (p = 0.017) and 26% increased delta power (p = 0.025) during wakefulness in AHC versus controls. There were 98% more arousals in the AHC group versus controls (p = 0.0003).

Conclusions

There are hemispheric differences in spectral power preceding hemiplegic episodes in adults with AHC, and sleep is disrupted.

Significance

Spectral EEG changes may be a potential predictive tool for AHC hemiplegic episodes. Significantly disrupted sleep is a feature of AHC.
Coping strategies of families and their relationships with family quality of life during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Fogel Yael , Sela Yaron , Hen-Herbst Liat
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to almost every aspect of parents’ and their children’s lives, posing an acute threat to the families’ quality of life (FQOL). This study had two aims: (1) to identify changes in family coping-strategy profiles among parents pre- and during the first COVID-19 lockdown and (2) to analyze interactions between the clusters of coping strategies pre-COVID with FQOL during the first lockdown. A sample of 253 parents (58.5% mothers) of children (3 to 18 yr old) completed the Family Pandemic Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales and the FQOL Scale about their family life pre- and during the COVID-19 lockdown. Four family coping-strategy clusters were found. Differences were found between those clusters pre- and during the first COVID-19 lockdown, with a high percentage of families using the positive appraisal strategy more often. Significant interactions were found between the family coping-strategy clusters pre-COVID-19 and the FQOL factors before and during the pandemic. Most families maintained their FQOL levels during the first lockdown. Close and frequent interactions between family members had relationships with positive emotions and significant effects on well-being. Results showed that positive cognitive appraisal was a protective factor against a significant decrease in FQOL during the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Long-term in vitro 2D-culture of SDHB and SDHD-related human paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas
Authors: Bayley Jean-Pierre , Rebel Heggert G. , Scheurwater Kimberly , Duesman Dominique , Zhang Juan , Schiavi Francesca , Korpershoek Esther , Jansen Jeroen C. , Schepers Abbey , Devilee Peter
Published: September 2022

The neuroendocrine tumours paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma (PPGLs) are commonly associated with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) gene variants, but no human SDH-related PPGL-derived cell line has been developed to date. The aim of this study was to systematically explore practical issues related to the classical 2D-culture of SDH-related human paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas, with the ultimate goal of identifying a viable tumour-derived cell line. PPGL tumour tissue/cells (chromaffin cells) were cultured in a variety of media formulations and supplements. Tumour explants and dissociated primary tumour cells were cultured and stained with a range of antibodies to identify markers suitable for use in human PPGL culture. We cultured 62 PPGLs, including tumours with confirmed SDHB, SDHC and SDHD variants, as well as several metastatic tumours. Testing a wide range of basic cell culture media and supplements, we noted a marked decline in chromaffin cell numbers over a 4–8 week period but the persistence of small numbers of synaptophysin/tyrosine hydroxylase-positive chromaffin cells for up to 99 weeks. In cell culture, immunohistochemical staining for chromogranin A and neuron-specific enolase was generally negative in chromaffin cells, while staining for synaptophysin and tyrosine hydroxylase was generally positive. GFAP showed the most consistent staining of type II sustentacular cells. Of the media tested, low serum or serum-free media best sustained relative chromaffin cell numbers, while lactate enhanced the survival of synaptophysin-positive cells. Synaptophysin-positive PPGL tumour cells persist in culture for long periods but show little evidence of proliferation. Synaptophysin was the most consistent cell marker for chromaffin cells and GFAP the best marker for sustentacular cells in human PPGL cultures.
Barriers to healthcare access and healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses among childbearing women in Burundi
Authors: Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Hagan John Elvis , Budu Eugene , Mohammed Aliu , Adu Collins , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Adoboi Faustina , Schack Thomas
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Poor health seeking behaviour continues to be major challenge in accessing healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa despite the availability of effective treatment for most childhood illnesses. The current study investigated the barriers to healthcare access and health seeking for childhood illnesses in Burundi.

Methods

The study utilized data from the 2016–17 Burundi Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). A total of 2173 children under five of childbearing women were included in our study. The outcome variable for the study was healthcare seeking for childhood illnesses (diarrhea and fever/cough). Barriers to healthcare access were the explanatory variables and maternal and child factors were the control variables. Chi-square test of independence and a binary logistic regression modelling were carried out to generate the results.

Results

Overall, less than 50% of children in Burundi who were ill two weeks before the survey obtained healthcare. We found that children of mothers who perceived getting money for medical care for self as a big problem [aOR = 0.75; CI = 0.60–0.93] and considered going for medical care alone as a big problem [aOR = 0.71; CI = 0.55–0.91] had lower odds of getting healthcare, compared to those of mothers who considered these indicators as not a big problem. The results also showed that children of mothers who had three [aOR = 1.48; 1.02–2.15] and four [aOR = 1.62; 1.10–2.39], children were more likely to get healthcare for childhood illnesses compared to those whose mothers had one child. Children of mothers with single birth children were less likely to get healthcare compared to those whose mothers had multiple births.

Conclusion

Findings of the low prevalence of healthcare for childhood illnesses in Burundi suggest the need for government and non-governmental health organizations to strengthen women’s healthcare accessibility for child healthcare services and health seeking behaviours. The Burundian government through multi-sectoral partnership should strengthen health systems for maternal health and address structural determinants of women’s health by creating favourable conditions to improve the status of women and foster their overall socioeconomic well-being. Free child healthcare policies in Burundi should be strengthened to enhance the utilization of child healthcare services in Burundi.
Research data management in agricultural sciences in Germany: We are not yet where we want to be
Authors: Senft Matthias , Stahl Ulrike , Svoboda Nikolai
Published: September 2022

To meet the future challenges and foster integrated and holistic research approaches in agricultural sciences, new and sustainable methods in research data management (RDM) are needed. The involvement of scientific users is a critical success factor for their development. We conducted an online survey in 2020 among different user groups in agricultural sciences about their RDM practices and needs. In total, the questionnaire contained 52 questions on information about produced and (re-)used data, data quality aspects, information about the use of standards, publication practices and legal aspects of agricultural research data, the current situation in RDM in regards to awareness, consulting and curricula as well as needs of the agricultural community in respect to future developments. We received 196 (partially) completed questionnaires from data providers, data users, infrastructure and information service providers. In addition to the diversity in the research data landscape of agricultural sciences in Germany, the study reveals challenges, deficits and uncertainties in handling research data in agricultural sciences standing in the way of access and efficient reuse of valuable research data. However, the study also suggests and discusses potential solutions to enhance data publications, facilitate and secure data re-use, ensure data quality and develop services (i.e. training, support and bundling services). Therefore, our research article provides the basis for the development of common RDM, future infrastructures and services needed to foster the cultural change in handling research data across agricultural sciences in Germany and beyond.
Association of androgen receptor expression with glucose metabolic features in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Lee Reeree , Lee Han-Byoel , Paeng Jin Chul , Choi Hongyoon , Whi Wonseok , Han Wonshik , Seok Ju Won , Kang Keon Wook , Cheon Gi Jeong
Published: September 2022

Background

Androgen receptor (AR) is a potential therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We aimed to elucidate the association of AR expression with glucose metabolic features in TNBC.

Methods

Two independent datasets were analyzed: FDG PET data of our institution and a public dataset of GSE135565. In PET analysis, patients with TNBC who underwent pretreatment PET between Jan 2013 and Dec 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. Clinicopathologic features and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of tumors were compared with AR expression. In GSE135565 dataset, glycolysis score was calculated by the pattern of glycolysis-related genes, and of which association with SUVmax and AR gene expression were analyzed.

Results

A total of 608 female patients were included in the PET data of our institution. SUVmax was lower in AR-positive tumors (P < 0.001) and correlated with lower AR expression (rho = –0.26, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, AR was a deterministic factor for low SUVmax (P = 0.012), along with other key clinicopathologic features. In the GSE135565 dataset, AR expression also exhibited a negative correlation with SUVmax (r = –0.34, P = 0.001) and the glycolysis score (r = –0.27, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Low glucose metabolism is a signature of AR expression in TNBC. It is suggested that evaluation of AR expression status needs to be considered in clinical practice particularly in TNBC with low glucose metabolism.