bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quiescent ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have potential effect on cognitive function
Authors: Al Balakosy Amira M. , Askar Safa , Naguib Rehab Mohamed , Ayman Sherif , Mubarak Hend
Published: April 2024

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) imply chronic intestinal inflammation with both local and systemic manifestations. Cognition is a lifelong process of learning and memory processing, which has been identified to be affected by chronic systemic illnesses.

Aim

To evaluate the cognitive functions in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in remission

Patients and methods

Inclusion criteria are as follows: 70 IBD patients in remission and a group of 50 healthy control. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was used for assessment of global cognitive function and Trail Making Test (TMT) for assessment of executive functions. TMT consists of part A which measures attention and performance speed and part B which measures mental flexibility. Both tests have been previously validated on Arabic-speaking populations.

Results

The study included 70 patients (50 UC and 20 CD), who have been in remission for 21 ± 9 months. Of the included cases, about 51 were already on steroids ± azathioprine, and 19 patients were on biologics. Males represented 60% (n = 42) while females 40% (n = 28), and their mean age was 34 ± 8 years. Both cases and controls were matched for age and sex. The mean score of MMSE among IBD cases was significantly worse than controls (28.5 ± 3 versus 30, P < 0.001). Also, the duration of TMT parts A and B was significantly longer in cases than controls. The cases group scored 32 ± 19.5 s in TMT part A, versus 23 s by the controls. In TMT B, the recorded scores were 255 ± 48, versus 234 s in cases and control groups respectively (P < 0.001). In the cases group, 6 patients (8%) had below normal MMSE score of less than 24, with mild (3 patients, mean score was 21) to moderate cognitive impairment (3 patients, mean score was 15). The presence of extraintestinal manifestation was the only disease-related factor that was associated with cognitive impairment. Of the patient-related factor: older age, being divorced, and living in rural areas were associated with poorer cognitive functions.

Conclusion

IBD patients potentially suffer from cognitive impairment. In our study, factors as extraintestinal complications, older age, marital status, and residence in rural areas could be contributing factors to this impairment.
Haplotype-resolved genome assembly of the diploid Rosa chinensis provides insight into the mechanisms underlying key ornamental traits
Authors: Zhang Xiaoni , Wu Quanshu , Lan Lan , Peng Dan , Guan Huilin , Luo Kaiqing , Bao Manzhu , Bendahmane Mohammed , Fu Xiaopeng , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: April 2024

Roses are consistently ranked at the forefront in cut flower production. Increasing demands of market and changing climate conditions have resulted in the need to further improve the diversity and quality of traits. However, frequent hybridization leads to highly heterozygous nature, including the allelic variants. Therefore, the absence of comprehensive genomic information leads to them making it challenging to molecular breeding. Here, two haplotype-resolved chromosome genomes for Rosa chinensis ‘Chilong Hanzhu’ (2n = 14) which is high heterozygous diploid old Chinese rose are generated. An amount of genetic variation (1,605,616 SNPs, 209,575 indels) is identified. 13,971 allelic genes show differential expression patterns between two haplotypes. Importantly, these differences hold valuable insights into regulatory mechanisms of traits. RcMYB114b can influence cyanidin-3-glucoside accumulation and the allelic variation in its promoter leads to differences in promoter activity, which as a factor control petal color. Moreover, gene family expansion may contribute to the abundance of terpenes in floral scents. Additionally, RcANT1, RcDA1, RcAG1 and RcSVP1 genes are involved in regulation of petal number and size under heat stress treatment. This study provides a foundation for molecular breeding to improve important characteristics of roses.
Packing optimization of practical systems using a dynamic acceleration methodology
Authors: Douglas Christopher , Huh Jae Sung , Jun Sang Ook , Kim Il Yong
Published: April 2024

System design is a challenging and time-consuming task which often requires close collaboration between several multidisciplinary design teams to account for complex interactions between components and sub-systems. As such, there is a growing demand in industry to create better performing, efficient, and cost-effective development tools to assist in the system design process. Additionally, the ever-increasing complexity of systems today often necessitates a shift away from manual expertise and a movement towards computer-aided design tools. This work narrows the scope of the system design process by focusing on one critical design aspect: the packaging of system components. The algorithm presented in this paper was developed to optimize the packaging of system components with consideration of practical, system-level functionalities and constraints. Using a dynamic acceleration methodology, the algorithm packages components from an initial position to a final packed position inside of a constrained volume. The motion of components from initial to final positions is driven by several acceleration forces imposed on each component. These accelerations are based on physical interactions between components and their surrounding environment. Various system-level performance metrics such as center of mass alignment and rotational inertia reduction are also considered throughout optimization. Results of several numerical case studies are also presented to demonstrate the functionality and capability of the proposed packaging algorithm. These studies include packaging problems with known optimal solutions to verify the efficacy of the algorithm. Finally, the proposed algorithm was used in a more practical study for the packaging of an urban air mobility nacelle to demonstrate the algorithm’s prospective capabilities in solving real-world packaging problems.
Mood disorders influencing endometriosis and adenomyosis: Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Chen Panyu , Jia Lei , Fang Cong , Li Manchao
Published: April 2024

Background

Many studies have found an association between mood-disorder-related traits and endometriosis and adenomyosis. However, the cause–effect relationship remains unclear.

Aims

We conducted Mendelian randomisation analyses to evaluate any causal relationship between mood disorders and endometriosis as well as different sites of endometriosis.

Method

Summary-level statistics for mood-disorder-related traits and endometriosis (8288 cases, 68 969 controls) in European populations were derived from large-scale data-sets of genome-wide association studies. A two-sample Mendelian randomisation was performed using the inverse-variance weighted and weight median methods. Further sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity, pleiotropy and leave-one-out analyses, were conducted to test the consistency of the results.

Results

Genetically determined mood swings (odds ratio = 2.557, 95% CI: 1.192–5.483, P = 0.016) and major depression (odds ratio = 1.233, 95% CI: 1.019–1.493, P = 0.031) were causally associated with an increased risk of endometriosis. Mood swings (odds ratio = 4.238, 95% CI: 1.194–15.048, P = 0.025) and major depression (odds ratio = 1.512, 95% CI: 1.052–2.173, P = 0.025) were also causally associated with the risk of adenomyosis. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability of the results.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that mood-disorder-related traits increase the risk of endometriosis and adenomyosis. This study provides new insights into the potential pathogenesis of endometriosis and adenomyosis, and highlights the importance of preventing endometriosis and adenomyosis in patients with mood-disorder-related traits.
Prostate Cancer Survivorship and Global Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Dee Edward Christopher , Ng Kenrick , Shamash Jonathan , Nguyen Paul L.
Published: April 2024

Dee, Ng, Shamash, and Nguyen respond to the work of Potosky et al, highlighting the importance of global quality of life in prostate cancer care. Factors such as companionship and spirituality must be considered in providing equitable and whole-person care.
Extensão universitária no curso de ciências contábeis na modalidade a distância: um relato de experiência sobre a vivência da prática extensionista na disciplina de Controladoria
Authors: Oliveira Francisca Keila dos Santos , Almeida Tatiana Aquino , Souza Natasha Freitas de
Published: April 2024

O presente trabalho consiste em um relato de experiência cujo objetivo é apresentar a experiência discente com a realização de atividade extensionista da disciplina de Controladoria do Curso de Ciências Contábeis EaD da Unichristus no semestre de 2023.1. A atividade de extensão foi realizada com o apoio da professora e da professora-tutora da disciplina e consistiu na definição da missão, visão e valores de uma pequena empresa. O produto do projeto foi um relatório, elaborado a partir da realização de uma entrevista com uma empreendedora e validado, posteriormente, por ela. Conclui-se que a realização de atividades extensionistas, apesar de desafiadoras, constituem-se em experiências únicas e ricas, que contribuem para a formação dos discentes de contabilidade EaD.
Exogenous foods that activate the NRF2 protein: Systematic review
Authors: Esteves Pairazaman Ambrocio Teodoro , Caldas Herrera Emma , Collanque Pinto Jesus , Bustamante Fustamante Flor Lidia , Rincón Chavez José , Barboza Justiniano Carmela Gelida , Esteves Cardenas Pamela Belen , Grados Alva Patricia Mariane , Oyarce Alvarado Elmer
Published: April 2024

Background The activation of the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway, whether through natural compounds, diet, or supplements, plays a crucial role in protecting against oxidative stress and promoting health in various aspects. The objective of this research was to identify studies on exogenous foods that activate the NRF2 protein in the scientific literature. Methods A literature review aimed at identifying manuscripts on NRF2 activation with exogenous foods and its human benefits was conducted. The systematic review spanned English and Spanish articles from MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus repositories until August 2023. All authors participated in search, analysis, and selection. Inclusion criteria prioritized NRF2-activating foods and their benefits, with exclusion criteria for irrelevant articles in other languages. Stringent filters were applied in stages—initial title search, abstract review, and thorough reading of remaining articles—to minimize bias and ensure relevance to the study’s objective. Results A total of 25 articles were analyzed, which discussed the adaptive mechanism of NRF2 and its role in hormone dose response, the effects of certain foods and health benefits associated with NRF2 activation Conclusions The studies support the notion that NRF2 activation plays a fundamental role in promoting health in various spheres, underscoring the relevance of factors such as diet, natural components, and antioxidant supplementation in defending against oxidative stress and its implications for overall well-being. For future research on this topic, it is important to analyze how the population stands regarding the consumption of exogenous foods that activate NRF2, to understand both the consumption, quantity, and frequency of certain foods and whether they are doing so correctly.
Revisiting Mac-2-Binding Protein Glycosylation Isomer (M2BPGi) for Diagnosing High-Risk Liver Fibrosis: A Stepwise Diagnostic Analysis
Authors: Bestari Muhammad Begawan , Haryono Haryono , Wijaya Muhammad Palar , Girawan Dolvy , Agustanti Nenny , Nugraha Eka Surya
Published: April 2024

Abstract* Background The level of liver fibrosis is the basis for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and it is necessary to adapt non-invasive liver fibrosis modalities. We aimed to investigate the use of M2BPGi as a single or combined diagnostic modality for liver fibrosis in CHB patients through a stepwise diagnostic analysis. Methods Cross-sectional data were taken from patients between October 2021 and August 2022. Demographic data, blood profile, liver function, and liver stiffness were measured in CHB patients over 18 years old, willing to take part in the research, and had complete data. APRI, FIB-4, and AAR were calculated using the well-known formulas. Serum M2BPGi-levels were converted into a cut-off index (COI). The patients were divided into low-risk (LR) and high-risk fibrosis (HR) groups. A cut-off for each predictor variable to differentiate between the LR and HR groups was determined. The obtained cut-off was assessed for its association with the grouping of liver elastography results. Models to diagnose the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥8 kPa were created and compared through multivariate and ROC analyses. Results The number of patients that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria was 143 (HR = 65, LR = 78). The cut-off for diagnosing LSM ≥8kPa was 0.311, 0.742, 0.635, and 1.434 for APRI, FIB-4, AAR, and M2BPGi, respectively. This cut-off was significantly associated with the results of the HR and LR groupings. A multivariate analysis found that FIB4, AAR, and M2BPGi added significantly to the model. Statistically, the most optimal use of M2BPGi was combined with FIB-4, with an AUC of 0.835. Conclusions The optimal cut-off of M2BPGi for diagnosing high-risk liver fibrosis in this study was 1.434. M2BPGi should be used with FIB-4 as a diagnostic tool for diagnosing liver fibrosis, especially in the absence of a liver biopsy or elastography.
Jak wykorzystywać źródła archiwalne w edukacji? Katalog przedsięwzięć edukacyjnych
Authors: Aksamitowska Maja
Published: April 2024

Archiwa wychodzą naprzeciw oczekiwaniom użytkowników, bowiem coraz częściej na stronach internetowych archiwów pojawią się oferty edukacyjne dla szkół podstawowych oraz ponadpodstawowych. Jednak w dużej mierze dostępne propozycje nie nawiązują do obowiązującej podstawy programowej w szkołach, a archiwa nie aktualizują swojej oferty. Poniższy artykuł to zaledwie kilka propozycji przedsięwzięć edukacyjnych dla nauczycieli oraz uczniów z uwzględnieniem grup wiekowych. Nowoczesne formy i metody powinny być wdrażane w proces edukacji, aby nauka była przekazywana w sposób niekonwencjonalny i atrakcyjny dla ucznia, zachęcając zainteresowanych danym przedmiotem szkolnym. Poniższy katalog edukacyjny jest propozycją nowatorskiego sposobu prowadzenia zajęć z wykorzystaniem różnych narzędzi i metod edukacyjnych.
Historia de la lengua Española
Authors: Cano Aguilar Rafael
Published: April 2024

Esta obra, de carácter interdisciplinar y colectivo, presenta una síntesis de los conocimientos actuales sobre la historia del español, ofrece nuevas vías de investigación sobre la materia y muestra novedosos resultados que revelan hasta qué punto la Lingüística histórica española es hoy una disciplina en plena ebullición. Junto a los historiadores de la lengua, han trabajado en ella historiadores de España y de los pueblos hispánicos, e historiadores de los textos, literarios o no, en la línea del fructífero camino que en su día abrieron los grandes nombres de la Filología española, para quienes la historia de una lengua era inseparable de la de quienes la habían hablado y de los textos que en ella se habían escrito. De esta forma, se ofrece un panorama completo y riguroso de los conocimientos a jóvenes estudiosos que se inician en esta disciplina, a profesores e investigadores, que podrán así actualizar su saber en parcelas alejadas de sus áreas prioritarias de trabajo, y, en general, a todos los interesados en el devenir de la historia del español.
Human immunodeficiency virus-associated dementia complex with positive 14-3-3 protein in cerebrospinal fluid: A case report
Authors: He Yun-Sen , Qin Xiao-Hong , Feng Min , Huang Qin-Jiang , Zhang Meng-Jun , Guo Li-Li , Bao Ming-Bin , Tao Ye , Dai Hong-Yuan , Wu Bo
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dementia (HAD) is a subcortical form of dementia characterized by memory deficits and psychomotor slowing. However, HAD often presents with symptoms similar to those of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), particularly in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

CASE SUMMARY

We report the case of a 54-year-old male who exhibited cognitive dysfunction and secondary behavioral changes following HIV infection and suspected prion exposure. The patient was diagnosed with HIV during hospitalization and his cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for 14-3-3 proteins. His electroencephalogram showed a borderline-abnormal periodic triphasic wave pattern. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed moderate encephalatrophy and demyelination. Initially, symptomatic treatment and administration of amantadine were pursued for presumed CJD, but the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate. By contrast, the patient’s condition improved following anti-HIV therapy. This individual is also the only patient with this prognosis to have survived over 4 years. Thus, the diagnosis was revised to HAD.

CONCLUSION

In the diagnostic process of rapidly progressive dementia, it is crucial to rule out as many potential causes as possible and to consider an autopsy to diminish diagnostic uncertainty. The 14-3-3 protein should not be regarded as the definitive marker for CJD. Comprehensive laboratory screening for infectious diseases is essential to enhance diagnostic precision, especially in AIDS patients with potential CJD. Ultimately, a trial of diagnostic treatment may be considered when additional testing is not feasible.
A Study on the Effects of Selected Micronutrients, Locations, and Their Interaction on Cassava Yield Based on the Two-Way ANOVA Model with Interaction
Authors: Okereke Emmanuel W. , Pokalas T M , Ufondu B C
Published: April 2024

The paper investigated the effects of fertilizer (Zinc, Iron and Manganese), location of farm land and their interaction on cassava yield. The secondary data used for the study were collected from the National Cereal Research Institute of Nigeria Outstanding Farm, Nung Udo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The data comprised of cassava yield (Hectares) for 2016 planting season, five separate farms where three types of fertilizer were applied. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique with interaction was used in the analysis of the data. Furthermore, the Tukey HSD test was conducted to compare the treatment means. The result of the study showed that there is significant mean difference in the yield of cassava based on the three types of fertilizer applied. On the basis of farm locations, the result shows that there is no significant mean difference in cassava yield while the interaction between fertilizer and farm location affects cassava yield significantly at 5% level of significance.

Keywords: two-way analysis of variance with interaction; Tukey test; fertilizer; cassava yield; farm location
The oracles say the quiet part
Authors: Khanna Vandana
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
Notre-Dame, and: Etymology of Definition
Authors: Sufi Jaz
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Ploughshares Spring 2024 The Spring 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Spring 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Laila Lalami, features poetry and prose by Mosab Abu Toha, Nathalie Handal, January Gill O'Neil, Farah Abdessamad, Francisco Goldman, Tommy Orange, and more.
High-accuracy centroid location of CCD imaging retro-reflective targets in close-range photogrammetry
Authors: Ma Kaifeng , Huang Guiping , Meng Junzhen
Published: April 2024

Depending on the size, shape, and gray intensity distribution of charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging retro-reflective targets (RRTs) in close-range photogrammetry, and based on conventional grayscale centroiding, this paper proposes grayscale threshold variable-index weighted centroiding (GTVIWC). The centroid location accuracy of CCD imaging RRTs was analyzed and compared using simulated and measured target images, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that the centroid location accuracy of the algorithms used in the experiment was relatively high, reaching the subpixel level. Among them, GTVIWC has the highest location accuracy. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the centroid location for the simulated and measured CCD imaging RRTs reaches 0.0011 pixels and 0.0122 pixels, respectively. The correctness, reliability, and high accuracy of the proposed algorithm are verified.
Generation of stationary entanglement and quantum discord in an optomechanical system through three-level atoms
Authors: Kibret Abraham Abebe , Darge Tewodros Yirgashewa , Tesfahannes Tesfay Gebremariam
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we investigate the stationary entanglement and quantum discord between the cavity and mechanical oscillator mode of an optomechanical system whose cavity contains three-level atoms. We examine how sharing entanglement and correlations would be affected by increasing the level of atoms injected into the cavity. In particular, using the appropriate preference of injected atoms to the cavity and optical cavity detuning, we found the impact of atoms and couplings on the degree of steady-state entanglement and quantum discord. Consequently, the stationary entanglement and quantum discord together rise to a certain range of normalized detuning and atom injection levels. Furthermore, both entanglement and Gaussian quantum discord are enhanced when three-level atoms are present, and the maximum entanglement manifests closest to the ringing case. Moreover, we are aware that the system’s physical parameters affect the generation of stationary entanglement and quantum correlation. Therefore, these results may provide a platform for a valuable asset in the practical realization of continuous variable entanglement and quantum information processing.
Magneto-chiral backscatterings by rotationally symmetric nonreciprocal structures
Authors: Wen Chunchao , Zhang Jianfa , Qin Shiqiao , Zhu Zhihong , Liu Wei
Published: April 2024

It was proved that the joint operation of electromagnetic reciprocity and n-fold (n ≥ 3) rotational symmetry would secure arbitrary polarization-independent backscattering efficiency [Phys. Rev. B 103(4), 045422 (2021)10.1103/PhysRevB.103.045422]. Here we remove the restriction of reciprocity and study the backscatterings of plane waves by rotationally symmetric magneto-optical structures, with collinear incident wavevector, rotational axis and externally applied magnetic field. It is revealed that though nonreciprocity removes the degeneracy of backscattering efficiencies for circularly-polarized incident waves of opposite handedness, the remaining rotational symmetry is sufficient to guarantee that the efficiency is related to the polarization ellipticity only, having nothing to do with the orientations of the polarization ellipses. Moreover, the backscattering efficiency reaches its extremes (maximum or minimum values) always for circularly-polarized incident waves, and for other polarizations the efficiency is their ellipticity-weighted arithmetic average. The principles we have revealed are dictated by rotational symmetries only, which are irrelevant to specific geometric or optical parameters and are intrinsically robust against any rotational-symmetry preserving perturbations. The correlations we have discovered could be further exploited for fundamental explorations in nonreciprocal photonics and practical applications including polarimetry and ellipsometry.
Rotationally symmetric transverse magnetic vector wave propagation for nonlinear optics
Authors: Grimms Caleb J. , Nevels Robert D.
Published: April 2024

In this paper the theory and simulation results are presented for 3D cylindrical rotationally symmetric spatial soliton propagation in a nonlinear medium using a modified finite-difference time-domain general vector auxiliary differential equation method for transverse magnetic polarization. The theory of 3D rotationally symmetric spatial solitons is discussed, and compared with two (1 + 1)D, termed “2D” for this paper, hyperbolic secant spatial solitons, with a phase difference of π (antiphase). The simulated behavior of the 3D rotationally symmetric soliton was compared with the interaction of the two antiphase 2D solitons for different source hyperbolic secant separation distances. Lastly, we offer some possible explanations for the simulated soliton behavior.
Detection of molecular backscattering with a tapered fiber amplifier based coherent heterodyne lidar
Authors: Kalmankoski Kim , Toivonen Juha
Published: April 2024

Fiber based coherent heterodyne lidars are highly valued and robust tools especially in sensing of wind speed and turbulence in the atmosphere. The magnitude of aerosol backscattering is also possible to be analysed from the data. However, the aerosol backscattering values cannot be calibrated without the data of molecular backscattering reference, which has not been available earlier due to power and bandwidth limitations. We present the detection of aerosol and molecular backscattering simultaneously with a fiber based coherent lidar instrument utilising a tapered fiber amplifier that yields to a pulse peak power of 1.9 kW at the wavelength of 1053 nm. Further, our receiver bandwidth of 1.5 GHz enables the spectral analysis of aerosol and molecular scattering spectra, which are recorded and analysed for multiple altitudes up to 1 km. The results demonstrate the potential of coherent heterodyne lidars to extend their capabilities toward backscattering and extinction analysis.
Time-varying metasurface driven broadband radar jamming and deceptions
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhu Shiqi , Zhang Zexi , Zhu Rongrong , Chen Bin , Zhao Jiwei , Wei Xin , Lu Huan , Zheng Bin
Published: April 2024

Conventional radar jamming and deception systems typically necessitate the custom design of complex circuits and algorithms to transmit an additional radio signal toward a detector. Consequently, they are often cumbersome, energy-intensive, and difficult to operate in broadband electromagnetic environment. With the ongoing trend of miniaturization of various devices and the improvement of radar system performance, traditional techniques no longer meet the requirements for broadband, seamless integration, and energy efficiency. Time-varying metasurfaces, capable of manipulating electromagnetic parameters in both temporal and spatial domains, have thus inspired many contemporary research studies to revisit established fields. In this paper, we introduce a time-varying metasurface driven radar jamming and deception system (TVM-RJD), which can perfectly overcome the aforementioned intrinsic challenges. Leveraging a programmable bias voltage, the TVM-RJD can alter the spectrum distribution of incident waves, thereby deceiving radar into making erroneous judgments about the target's location. Experimental outcomes affirm that the accuracy deviation of the TVM-RJD system is less than 0.368 meters, while achieving a remarkable frequency conversion efficiency of up to 96.67%. The TVM-RJD heralds the expansion into a wider application of electromagnetic spatiotemporal manipulation, paving the way for advancements in electromagnetic illusion, radar invisibility, etc.
Intensity patterns of a focused electromagnetic spherical wave with aberration
Authors: Jeong Tae Moon , Bulanov Sergei V. , Shaisultanov Rashid , Hadjisolomou Prokopis
Published: April 2024

The laser pulse focused by a relativistic flying parabolic mirror can exceed the laser intensity focused by conventional physical focusing optics. Depending on the Lorentz γ-factor, the focal length of the relativistic flying mirror in the boosted frame of reference becomes much shorter than the incident beam size. The 4π-spherical focusing scheme is applied to describe such a focused field configuration. In this paper, a theoretical formalism has been developed to describe the field configuration focused by the 4π-spherical focusing scheme with an arbitrary phase error of an incident electromagnetic wave. The focused field configuration is described by the linear combination of the product of the spherical Bessel function and the spherical harmonics, resulting in the same expression as the multipole radiation. The mathematical expression showing the focused field for the femtosecond laser pulse, as well as the continuous wave, has been derived for the application to the femtosecond high-power laser. We show the three-dimensional intensity distribution near focus for the 4π-spherically focused electromagnetic field with phase error.
Highly oriented single-crystalline gold quantum-dot metamaterials as prospective materials for photonics
Authors: Cusworth Emma , Ho Shermine , Kravets Vasyl G. , Ong Bin Leong , Rusydi Andrivo , Novoselov Kostya S. , Grigorenko Alexander N.
Published: April 2024

Miniaturization of optical devices is a modern trend essential for optoelectronics, optical sensing, optical computing and other branches of science and technology. To satisfy this trend, optical materials with a small footprint are required. Here we show that extremely thin, flat, nanostructured gold films made of highly oriented single-crystalline gold quantum-dots can provide elements of topological photonics in visible light and be used as high-index dielectric materials in the infrared part of the spectra. We measure and theoretically confirm the presence of topological darkness and associated phase singularities in studied gold films of thickness of below 10 nm placed on MgO substrates in the red part of the spectrum. At telecom wavelengths, the fabricated gold metasurface behaves as a dielectric with the refractive index of n≈2.75 and the absorption coefficient of k≈0.005.
Adaptive automated sinogram normalization for ring artifacts suppression in CT
Authors: Kazimirov Danil , Polevoy Dmitry , Ingacheva Anastasia , Chukalina Marina , Nikolaev Dmitry
Published: April 2024

Ring artifacts pose a major barrier to obtaining precise reconstruction in computed tomography (CT). The presence of ring artifacts complicates the use of automatic means of processing CT reconstruction results, such as segmentation, correction of geometric shapes, alignment of reconstructed volumes. Although there are numerous efficient methods for suppressing ring artifacts, many of them appear to be manual. Along with this, a large proportion of the automatic methods cope unsatisfactorily with the target task while requiring computational capacity. The current work introduces a projection data preprocessing method for suppressing ring artifacts that constitutes a compromise among the outlined aspects – automaticity, high efficiency and computational speed. Derived as the automation of the classical sinogram normalization method, the proposed method specific advantages consist in adaptability in relation to the filtered sinograms and the edge-preservation property proven within the experiments on both synthetic and real CT data. Concerning the challenging open-access data, the method has performed superior quality comparable to that of the advanced methods: it has demonstrated 70.4% ring artifacts suppression percentage (RASP) quality metric. In application to our real laboratory CT data, the proposed method allowed us to gain significant refinement of the reconstruction quality which has not been surpassed by a range of compared manual ring artifacts suppression methods.
Quantifying changes in oxygen saturation of the internal jugular vein in vivo using deep neural networks and subject-specific three-dimensional Monte Carlo models
Authors: Sun Chin-Hsuan , Lee Hao-Wei , Tsai Ya-Hua , Luo Jia-Rong , Sung Kung-Bin
Published: April 2024

Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) is an important parameter for assessing global oxygen usage and guiding clinical interventions. However, measuring ScvO2 requires invasive catheterization. As an alternative, we aim to noninvasively and continuously measure changes in oxygen saturation of the internal jugular vein (SijvO2) by a multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy system. The relation between the measured reflectance and changes in SijvO2 is modeled by Monte Carlo simulations and used to build a prediction model using deep neural networks (DNNs). The prediction model is tested with simulated data to show robustness to individual variations in tissue optical properties. The proposed technique is promising to provide a noninvasive tool for monitoring the stability of brain oxygenation in broad patient populations.
Efficient sum-frequency generation of a yellow laser in a thin-film lithium niobate waveguide
Authors: Wu You , Wei Junjie , Zeng Cheng , Xia Jinsong
Published: April 2024

Yellow lasers with high efficiency and tunability play an essential role in many applications. Here, we demonstrate the sum-frequency generation (SFG) of yellow light on a periodically poled thin-film lithium niobate (PP-TFLN) waveguide. Taking advantage of large χ(2) nonlinearity, a high normalized conversion efficiency of 10,097% (W·cm2) is obtained with pump wavelengths of 1317.7 and 1064 nm. An absolute conversion efficiency of 24.17% is recorded with on-chip pump powers of 10.4 dBm (O-band) and 13.5 dBm (1064 nm).
Spatiotemporal Airyprime complex-variable-function wave packets in a strongly nonlocal nonlinear medium
Authors: Chen Chidao , Zhang Liping , Yang Shuo , Li Shuyu , Deng Dongmei
Published: April 2024

A type of circular Airyprime function of complex-variable Gaussian vortex (AFCGV) wave packets in a strongly nonlocal nonlinear medium is introduced numerically, combining the properties of helicity states and abrupt autofocusing. We investigate the effects of the chirp factor, distribution parameter, and decay factor on the AFCGV wave packets in the strongly nonlocal nonlinear medium. Interestingly, by adjusting the distribution parameter, the AFCGV wave packets can exhibit stable rotational motions in various shapes, such as symmetric lobes and doughnuts. In addition, the Poynting vector and the gradient force of the AFCGV wave packets are also discussed. Our research not only explains the theoretical model for controlling AFCGV wave packets but also advances fundamental research on self-bending and autofocusing structured light fields.
Compact light couplers for lateral III–V membrane devices grown on SOI platforms
Authors: Ren Zhaojie , Han Yu
Published: April 2024

Compact light couplers between III–V devices and Si waveguides are crucial for advancing the scalability of Si photonics. Here, we present a compact light coupling strategy for lateral III–V membrane lasers and PDs directly grown on SOI platforms. Benefiting from the coplanar configuration of epitaxial III–V membranes and Si device layer, we designed novel, to our knowledge, butt couplers to achieve both small footprint and high efficiency coupling. We employed sub-wavelength grating structures to gradually bridge the effective refractive index between the III–V membranes and Si waveguide and obtained a coupling loss of less than 0.5 dB across the entire telecom band in a length of less than 10 μm. Our work here offers a fresh perspective for future densely integrated Si photonics.
Oral mucositis & oral health related quality of life in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer in Karachi, Pakistan: A multicenter hospital based cross-sectional study
Authors: Allana Asad , Shamsi Uzma , Rashid Yasmin , Khan Farhan Raza , Rozi Shafquat
Published: April 2024

Background

Oral mucositis is an inflammatory condition of oral cavity which is a common and serious side effect of cancer treatment. Severe oral mucositis compromises basic functions like eating and swallowing causing malnutrition also affecting overall patient’s oral health related quality of life. The aim of the study was to find the frequency of oral mucositis in patients with breast cancer during their chemotherapy, the factors associated with oral mucositis & the overall patient’s oral health related quality of life.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted and a total of 160 women diagnosed with breast cancer, receiving chemotherapy and who had undergone at least one cycle of chemotherapy were recruited from two hospital settings. In-person interviews were done, patients were asked questions about their sociodemographic history, personal habits, oral history and oral findings, breast cancer stage, chemotherapy history and Oral Health Related Quality of Life. Their oral examination was done at the end of the interview to assess presence or absence of oral mucositis, using World Health Organization oral mucositis tool. Oral Health Related Quality of Life was assessed using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire.

Results

Our results showed that out of 160 patients 88 (55%) of the breast cancer cases developed oral mucositis during chemotherapy. The mean Oral Health Impact Profile -14 scores in patients with oral mucositis was high 18.36±0.96 showing poor Oral Health Related Quality of Life. Occasional frequency of brushing was significantly associated with oral mucositis (Prevalence ratio:2.26, 95%_CI 1.06–4.84) compared to those patients who brushed once and twice daily. Low level of education showed negative association with oral mucositis (Prevalence ratio:0.52, 95%_CI 0.31–0.88).

Conclusion

Our study showed significant positive association of occasional brushing with OM and protective association of low level of education with the development of OM. Emphasis should be given to oral hygiene instructions and dental education to cancer patients in oncology clinics with the prescription of mouth washes, gels and toothpaste to patients to decrease OM during chemotherapy.
Vital D: A modifiable occupational risk factor of UK healthcare workers
Authors: Phelan James , Thangamuthu Angukumar , Muthumeenal Srinivasagam , Houston Kirsteen , Everton Mark , Gowda Sathyanarayana , Zhang Jufen , Subramanian Rengarajan
Published: April 2024

Background

The role of Vitamin D in immune function is well reported with a growing evidence base linking low levels to poorer outcomes from infectious disease. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are prevalent worldwide with healthcare workers identified as a known at-risk group. Here we aim to investigate serum Vitamin D levels in a UK population of front line healthcare workers and to promote the occupational risk.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 639 volunteers was conducted to identify the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency amongst a population of front-line health care workers in the UK. Participant demographics and co-morbid factors were collected at the time of serum sampling for multivariate analysis.

Results

Only 18.8% of the population had a normal vitamin D level greater than or equal to 75nmol/L. This is compared to Public Health England’s (PHE) stipulated normal levels of 60% during winter. 81.2% had a level less than 75nmol/L, with 51.2% less than 50nmol/L and 6.6% less than 25nmol/L. For serum levels less than 25nmol/L, Asian ethnicity was more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency than non-asian (OR (95%CI): 3.81 (1.73-8.39), p = 0.001), whereas white ethnicity was less likely to have a vitamin D deficiency compared to non-white (OR (95%CI: 0.43 (0.20-0.83), p = 0.03). Other factors that contributed to a higher likelihood of lower-than-normal levels within this population included male sex, decreased age and not taking supplementation.

Conclusion

It is concluded that our population of healthcare workers have higher rates of abnormal vitamin D levels in comparison with the general UK population reported prevalence. Furthermore, Asian ethnicity and age 30 years and below are more at risk of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. This highlights an occupational risk factor for the healthcare community to consider.
Mental health issues associated with the management of tuberculosis in Homabay, Busia and Kakamega Counties, Kenya
Authors: Otieno John , Luciani Albino , Lumumba Sheila , Gikunda George , Kiilu Colleta , Ogutu Norah , Sifuma Bryson , Kinyua Dennis , Mukami Diana , Mwenda Catherine , Ronoh Aiban , Opanga Yvonne
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite the implementation of patient-centred care, mental health issues remain a significant risk factor and comorbidity for Tuberculosis (TB) disease. Mental health issues being co-morbidities to TB are likely to increase the disease burden of the affected population. This study therefore investigated the prevalence and impact of mental health issues in Tuberculosis (TB) patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study design used mixed methods in data collection. The study used structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. 127 TB patients were purposively selected from a group of patients who previously recovered successfully, with a history of relapse or are currently on TB treatment in high-volume facilities in Homa Bay, Busia and Kakamega Counties. 30 Key informant interviews were conducted with Healthcare workers. Quantitative data analysis was done using STATA version 14. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data using NVivo version 10.

Results

The findings showed that the most common mental health issues affecting TB patients were anxiety (66%) and depression (55%), which were commonly experienced during the presumptive stage of TB. Qualitative data revealed that stigma was the main barrier that hindered TB patients from accessing care. TB patients articulated the benefits of support structures ranging from positive encouragement, reminders on taking drugs, accompaniment to the clinic, and financial support in TB management. Furthermore, the study established that the majority of Health Care Workers (HCWs) were not prepared to handle TB patients’ mental issues, a gap that is likely to impact the quality of care TB patients receive.

Conclusion

The study established that mental health issues impact TB treatment outcomes. Healthcare systems should prioritize the integration of mental health care into TB programs to address the high prevalence of mental health issues among TB patients.
Quantitative analysis of trabecular bone tissue cryosections via a fully automated neural network-based approach
Authors: Pohl Christopher , Kunzmann Moritz , Brandt Nico , Koppe Charlotte , Waletzko-Hellwig Janine , Bader Rainer , Kalle Friederike , Kersting Stephan , Behrendt Daniel , Schlosser Michael , Hoene Andreas
Published: April 2024

Cryosectioning is known as a common and well-established histological method, due to its easy accessibility, speed, and cost efficiency. However, the creation of bone cryosections is especially difficult. In this study, a cryosectioning protocol for trabecular bone that offers a relatively cheap and undemanding alternative to paraffin or resin embedded sectioning was developed. Sections are stainable with common histological dying methods while maintaining sufficient quality to answer a variety of scientific questions. Furthermore, this study introduces an automated protocol for analysing such sections, enabling users to rapidly access a wide range of different stainings. Therefore, an automated ‘QuPath’ neural network-based image analysis protocol for histochemical analysis of trabecular bone samples was established, and compared to other automated approaches as well as manual analysis regarding scattering, quality, and reliability. This highly automated protocol can handle enormous amounts of image data with no significant differences in its results when compared with a manual method. Even though this method was applied specifically for bone tissue, it works for a wide variety of different tissues and scientific questions.
Patient satisfaction and patient accessibility in a small fiber neuropathy diagnostic service in the Netherlands: A single-center, prospective, survey-based cohort study
Authors: Geerts Margot , Hoeijmakers Janneke G. J. , Essers Brigitte A. B. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Faber Catharina G. , Goossens Mariëlle E. J. B.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a common cause of neuropathic pain in peripheral neuropathies. Good accessibility of diagnostics and treatment is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of SFN. Evidence is lacking on the quality performance of the diagnostic SFN service in the Netherlands. Our aim was to determine the patient satisfaction and -accessibility of the diagnostic SFN service, and to identify areas for improvement.

Methods

In a single-center, prospective, survey-based cohort study, 100 visiting patients were asked to fill in the SFN patient satisfaction questionnaire (SFN-PSQ), with 10 domains and 51 items. Cut-off point for improvement was defined as ≥ 25% dissatisfaction on an item. A chi-square test and linear regression analyses was used for significant differences and associations of patient satisfaction.

Results

From November 2020 to May 2021, 98 patients with SFN-related complaints filled in the online SFN-PSQ within 20 minutes. In 84% of the patients SFN was confirmed, average age was 55.1 (52.5–57.8) years and 67% was female. High satisfaction was seen in the domains ‘Waiting List Period’, Chest X-ray’, ‘Consultation with the Doctor or Nurse Practitioner (NP)’, ‘Separate Consultation with the Doctor or NP about Psychological Symptoms’, and ‘General’ of the SFN service. Overall average patient satisfaction score was 8.7 (IQR 8–10) on a 1-to-10 rating scale. Main area for improvement was shortening the 8-week period for receiving the results of the diagnostic testing (p < 0.05). General health status was statistically significant associated with patient satisfaction (p < 0.05)

Conclusion

A good reflection of the high patient satisfaction and -accessibility of the SFN-service is shown, with important points for improvement. These results could help hospitals widely to optimize the logistic and diagnostic pathway of SFN analysis, benchmarking patient satisfaction results among the hospitals, and to improve the quality of care of comparable SFN services.