bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photon-counting CT of degenerative changes and rupture of silicone breast implants: a pilot study
Authors: Neubauer Claudia , Gebler Oliver , Wilpert Caroline , Scherwitz Maxim , Efinger Niklas , Bamberg Fabian , Windfuhr-Blum Marisa , Neubauer Jakob
Published: March 2024

Background

Accurate assessment of breast implants is important for appropriate clinical management. We evaluated silicone properties and diagnostic accuracy for characterizing silicone implants and detecting degenerative changes including rupture in photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT).

Methods

Over 16 months, we prospectively included patients with silicone implants and available breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) who received thoracic PCCT performed in prone position. Consensus reading of all available imaging studies including MRI served as reference standard. Two readers evaluated all implants in PCCT reconstructions for degenerative changes. In a subgroup of implants, mean density of silicone, adjacent muscle, and fat were measured on PCCT reconstructions. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated for implant-to-muscle and implant-to-fat.

Results

Among 21 subjects, aged 60 ± 13.1 years (mean ± standard deviation) with 29 implants PCCT showed the following: high accuracy for linguine sign, intraimplant fluid (all > 0.99), peri-implant silicone (0.95), keyhole sign (0.90), and folds of the membrane (0.81); high specificity for linguine sign, intraimplant fluid, keyhole sign, folds of the membrane (all > 0.99), and peri-implant silicone (0.98); and high sensitivity for linguine sign and intraimplant fluid (all > 0.99). In a subgroup of 12 implants, the highest CNR for implant-to-muscle was observed on virtual unenhanced reconstructions (20.9) and iodine maps (22.9), for implant-to-fat on iodine maps (27.7) and monoenergetic reconstructions (31.8).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that silicone breast implants exhibit distinct contrast properties at PCCT, which may provide incremental information for detection of degenerative changes and rupture of implants.

Relevance statement

Thoracic photon-counting computed tomography is a promising modality for the diagnostic assessment of silicone breast implants.

Key points

• Thoracic photon-counting computed tomography demonstrates unique contrast properties of silicone breast implants.

• Iodine map reconstructions reveal strong contrast-to-noise ratios for implant-to-muscle and implant-to-fat.

• Thoracic photon-counting computed tomography shows high diagnostic accuracy in detecting implant degeneration and rupture.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register number DRKS00028997, date of registration 2022–08-08, retrospectively registered.

Graphical Abstract
Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) genetic variants rs187084 and rs352140 confer protection from Behcet’s disease among Iranians
Authors: Tadayon Zahra , Shahzadeh Fazeli Seyed Abolhassan , Gholijani Nasser , Daryabor Gholamreza
Published: March 2024

Background

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a multisystem and multifactorial autoimmune disease characterized by relapsing episodes of oral aphthae, genital ulcers, and ocular and skin lesions. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) has pro-inflammatory roles and its genetic variants might be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. 

Methods

Two hundred five BD patients and 207 age and sex-matched healthy controls were evaluated for TLR9 single nucleotide polymorphisms − 1486 T/C (rs187084) and + 2848:G/A (rs352140) using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP-PCR).

Results

Healthy individuals had a significantly higher frequency of rs187084 AG and AG + GG genotypes than BD patients (p = 0.02 and p = 0.018; respectively). Of interest, healthy males had a significantly higher frequency of rs187084 AG + GG genotype and G allele than male BD patients (p = 0.035 and p = 0.045; respectively). However, rs187084 AG genotype and G allele frequencies were significantly higher in male patients with genital aphthous (p = 0.01 and p = 0.046; respectively). Furthermore, a significantly higher frequency of rs352140 CT and TT + CT genotypes was detected in healthy individuals than in BD patients (p = 0.01, and p = 0.032; respectively). Such results were also seen in healthy females than female patients (p = 0.001, and p = 0.004; respectively). Haplotype analysis revealed a significantly higher frequency of A-C and G-C haplotypes among patients and healthy subjects, respectively (p = 0.002 and p = 0.000; respectively).

Conclusion

Our data suggested that rs187084 AG and AG + GG genotypes and rs352140 CT and TT + CT genotypes protect Iranian individuals from BD but rs187084 AG genotype and G allele predispose male BD individuals to genital aphthous. However, additional studies are required to verify these results.
Assessment of land use land cover change and its effects using artificial neural network-based cellular automation
Authors: Mehra Nishant , Swain Janaki Ballav
Published: March 2024

The challenge of urban growth and land use land cover (LULC) change is particularly critical in developing countries. The use of remote sensing and GIS has helped to generate LULC thematic maps, which have proven immensely valuable in resource and land-use management, facilitating sustainable development by balancing developmental interests and conservation measures. The research utilized socio-economic and spatial variables such as slope, elevation, distance from streams, distance from roads, distance from built-up areas, and distance from the center of town to determine their impact on the LULC of 2016 and 2019. The research integrates Artificial Neural Network with Cellular Automta to forecast and establish potential land use changes for the years 2025 and 2040. Comparison between the predicted and actual LULC maps of 2022 indicates high agreement with kappa hat of 0.77 and a percentage of correctness of 86.83%. The study indicates that the built-up area will increase by 8.37 km2 by 2040, resulting in a reduction of 7.08 km2 and 1.16 km2 in protected and agricultural areas, respectively. These findings will assist urban planners and lawmakers to adopt management and conservation strategies that balance urban expansion and conservation of natural resources leading to the sustainable development of the cities.
Associations between 24-h movement behaviors and indicators of mental health and well-being across the lifespan: a systematic review
Authors: Groves Claire I. , Huong Christopher , Porter Carah D. , Summerville Bryce , Swafford Isabella , Witham Braden , Hayward Matt , Kwan Matthew Y. W. , Brown Denver M. Y.
Published: March 2024

Researchers have adopted a variety of analytical techniques to examine the collective influence of 24-h movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviors, sleep) on mental health, but efforts to synthesize this growing body of literature have been limited to studies of children and youth. This systematic review investigated how combinations of 24-h movement behaviors relate to indicators of mental ill-being and well-being across the lifespan. A systematic search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and SPORTDiscus was conducted. Studies were included if they reported all three movement behaviors; an indicator of mental ill-being or well-being; and were published in English after January 2009. Samples of both clinical and non-clinical populations were included. A total of 73 studies (n = 58 cross-sectional; n = 15 longitudinal) met our inclusion criteria, of which 47 investigated children/youth and 26 investigated adults. Seven analytical approaches were used: guideline adherence (total and specific combinations), movement compositions, isotemporal substitution, profile/cluster analyses, the Goldilocks method and rest-activity rhythmicity. More associations were reported for indicators of mental ill-being (n = 127 for children/youth; n = 53 for adults) than well-being (n = 54 for children/youth; n = 26 for adults). Across the lifespan, favorable benefits were most consistently observed for indicators of mental well-being and ill-being when all three components of the 24-h movement guidelines were met. Movement compositions were more often associated with indicators of mental health for children and youth than adults. Beneficial associations were consistently observed for indicators of mental health when sedentary behavior was replaced with sleep or physical activity. Other analytic approaches indicated that engaging in healthier and more consistent patterns of movement behaviors (emphasizing adequate sleep, maximizing physical activity, minimizing sedentary behaviors) were associated with better mental health. Favorable associations were reported less often in longitudinal studies. Collectively, these findings provide further support for adopting an integrative whole day approach to promote mental well-being and prevent and manage mental ill-being over the status quo of focusing on these behaviors in isolation. This literature, however, is still emerging—for adults in particular—and more longitudinal work is required to make stronger inferences.
Global Equity in Clinical Trials: An ASCO Policy Statement
Authors: Al Sukhun Sana A. , Vanderpuye Verna , Taylor Carolyn , Ibraheem Abiola Falilat , Wiernik Rodriguez Andres , Asirwa Fredrick Chite , Francisco Michael , Moushey Allyn
Published: March 2024

ASCO is a global professional society representing more than 50,000 physicians, other health care professionals, and advocates in over 100 countries specializing in cancer treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and advocacy. ASCO strives, through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality of patient care, to create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. In this pursuit, health equity remains the guiding institutional principle that applies to all its activities across the cancer care continuum. This ASCO policy statement emphasizes the urgent need for global equity in clinical trials, aiming to enhance access and representation in cancer research as it not only improves cancer outcomes but also upholds principles of fairness and justice in health care.
The effect of nonlinear diffusive coupling on the synchronization of coupled oscillators
Authors: Massihi Negar , Parastesh Fatemeh , Towhidkhah Farzad , Wang Huihai , He Shaobo , Jafari Sajad
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the impact of nonlinear coupling on the synchronization of interconnected oscillators. Various powers of diffusive coupling are explored to introduce nonlinear effects, and the results are contrasted with those of linear diffusive coupling. The study employs three representative chaotic systems, namely, the Lorenz, Rössler, and Hindmarsh-Rose systems. Findings indicate that nonlinear couplings with power below one result in synchronization at lower coupling strengths. Additionally, the critical coupling strength reduces as the coupling power decreases. However, the synchronization region undergoes changes and becomes bounded. Conversely, for powers exceeding one, networks are either unable to synchronize or require higher coupling strengths compared to linear coupling.
Small Incidental Pheochromocytoma Presenting With Normal or Borderline High 24-hour Urine Fractionated Metanephrines
Authors: Kwek Kevin Jun Hong , Yeo Chin Pin , Ho Bernard Chi Sern , Kon Yin Chian
Published: March 2024

A 73-year-old man was found to have a 2-cm lipid-poor right adrenal incidentaloma on computed tomography imaging for hematuria. Twenty-four-hour urine metanephrine was 1.1-fold elevated, then normal on repeat measurement. Paired with the second urine collection, plasma metanephrine measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry after a 30-minute supine rest was 3.3-fold elevated. Plasma normetanephrine was 1.2-fold elevated. The 24-hour urine catecholamines and normetanephrine, measured twice, were normal. He received low-dose phenoxybenzamine and underwent successful resection of right pheochromocytoma. Postoperatively, both plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine levels normalized, using an age-appropriate upper reference limit for plasma normetanephrine. Patients who harbor small lipid-poor adrenal incidentalomas have a relatively high risk (>5%) of having pheochromocytoma, indistinguishable from adenomas or carcinomas on computed tomography scan. In such cases when 24-hour urine fractionated metanephrines are normal, plasma free metanephrines measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry under optimal sampling conditions that are 2-fold or more elevated confirm the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Preoperative alpha blockade followed by surgical resection is then appropriate, rather than continued monitoring with repeat urine measurements.
Gender Differences in the Pediatric Neurosurgical Workforce: Professional Practice, Work-Life Balance, and Beyond
Authors: Granek Leeat , Muzyka Logan , Limoges Natalie , Kelley‐Quon Lorraine , Lane Jessica , Ha Joseph , Benzil Deborah L. , Durham Susan
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Evidence suggests that female neurosurgeons experience unique challenges in the workplace including lack of academic advancement, challenges with work-life balance, harassment, and discrimination. How these factors influence the gender gap in neurosurgery remains unclear. This analysis investigated gender differences in pediatric neurosurgeons in professional and nonprofessional activities and responsibilities.

METHODS:

A survey examining professional activities, work-life balance, family dynamics, career satisfaction, and workplace discrimination and harassment was administered to 495 pediatric neurosurgeons. Response rate was 49% (n = 241).

RESULTS:

One-third of the pediatric neurosurgical workforce is female. There were no gender differences in race/ethnicity, American Board of Neurological Surgery/American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery certification rates, or pediatric neurosurgery fellowship completion. No gender differences were found in operative caseload, weekly hours worked, or working after 8 pm or weekends. Women took call more frequently than men (P = .044). Men were more likely to work in academia (P = .004) and have salary subsidization from external sources (P = .026). Women were more likely to anticipate retirement by age 65 years (P = .044), were less happy with call commitments (P = .012), and worked more hours at home while off (P = .050). Women more frequently reported witnessing and experiencing racial discrimination (P = .008; P < .001), sexual harassment (P = .002, P < .001), and feeling less safe at work (P < .001). Men were more likely married (P = .042) with 1 (P = .004) or more children (P = .034). Women reported significantly greater responsibility for child and domestic care (P < .001). There were no gender differences in work-life balance, feeling supported at work, or having enough time to do things outside of work.

CONCLUSION:

Despite little difference in workload and professional responsibilities, women held more domestic responsibilities and experienced and witnessed more racial and sexual discrimination in the workplace. Surprisingly, there were no reported differences in work-life balance or feeling supported at work between genders. These findings suggest that factors unique to female neurosurgeons may contribute to continued gender disparity in the field.
Real-Time Ultrasound-Guided Posterolateral Thoracic Discectomy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Macki Mohamed , Chryssikos Timothy , Saab Mahdi , Tan Lee
Published: March 2024

Symptomatic thoracic disk herniations can be challenging to treat. Various surgical approaches have been reported in the literature, but the ideal approach is still a topic of controversy. We present a step-by-step surgical video highlighting the utilization of continuous, real-time intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) guidance for thoracic discectomy through a posterolateral approach. The background and rationale for the procedure and a detailed presentation of the sequence of surgical steps are detailed in the operative video. We believe that real-time IOUS can be used not only to gain an understanding of the ventral anatomy and to verify decompression after discectomy but it can also be used in a real-time fashion to guide the maneuvers for discectomy itself. Advantages of using real-time IOUS include real-time monitoring of the spinal cord during mobilization of the disk-osteophyte complex and direct visualization of the dura-disk herniation interface, which may enhance the safety of surgery.

The patient consented to the procedure and the publication of her image.
Microorganism Distribution and Preservation Status of Mural Paintings in the Goguryeo Tombs in North Korea
Authors: Chung Yong Jae
Published: March 2024

The ancient Goguryeo tombs are spread throughout North Korea and China. The Goguryeo Kingdom was one of the most powerful Korean kingdoms that occupied half of Northeast China and the Korea n Peninsula from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD. In 2004, a t the 28th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Suzhou, China, 63 of these tombs were designated as World Heritage Sites. Previously, international organizations such as UNESCO, ICCROM, and ICOMOS provided technical and expert training support for the conservation and management of such tombs. In 1998, at the request of North Korea, a series of investigations and conservation activities began on the tomb murals, and in 2000, international experts began investigating the scientific preservation status of the Yaksu‑ri tomb murals with the South Korean government’s assistance of $100,000 provided to UNESCO. From July 19th to 30th, 2005, the Goguryeo Relics North‑South Korea Joint Investigation Team, consisting of members of the Goguryeo Research Foundation in South Korea and the North Korean Academy of Social Sciences and Cultural Conservation Guidance, conducted its first joint investigation of the ruins since the two countries were divided. The 2006 Inter‑Korean Joint Goguryeo Mural Tomb Preservation Survey was the first time that South Korean conservation experts participated in scientifically investigating the preservation status and environment of mural tombs and mural pigment analysis. This was to secure comprehensive data on eight tombs. In 2007, additional support for the installation of the necessary measurement equipment was provided to continuously monitor the environments of the ancient tombs. Subsequently, no additional inter‑Korean joint investigation and research has been conducted. To provide scientific information on the distribution of microorganisms in the mural paintings of the tombs and to help establish a future joint preservation plan this study summarizes and reports on the “examination of a biological and environmental survey of the Goguryeo tomb mural paintings” from the results of the 2006 Inter-Korean Joint Goguryeo Mural Conservation Survey Report, jointly published by the Inter-Korean Historians Association and the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, which has not previously been presented at academic conferences.
Changes in the Composition of the Dried Asian Lacquer (Korean Lacquer) Film Irradiated with Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Park Jongseo , Schilling Michael R. , Khanjian Herant , Heginbotham Arlen
Published: March 2024

Asian lacquer is a material that has been used in Asia from ancient times to coat the surface of objects. It is a durable material, but is known to be weak to ultraviolet light (UV). Here, to understand the deterioration characteristics of Asian lacquer due to UV, the changes were analyzed using ultraviolet photometry, IR, and pyrolysis/GC/MS (pyrolysis/GC/MS), after exposing the lacquer coating film to UV (λ= 340 nm). In the ultraviolet photometry, the surface exposed to UV showed fluorescence. In IR analysis, the powder sample showed little change after exposure to UV, but on the surface, C = O groups increased, while C―H groups decreased significantly. Analysis with pyrolysis/GC/MS revealed that the composition of organic acid increased significantly. Carboxylic acids having 9 or less carbon atoms and dicarboxylic acids were significantly increased compared to carboxylic acid having 16 carbon atoms. In addition, urushiol with the oxidized side chain was also increased. This shows that the penetration depth of UV is the limiting factor for deterioration, and that the deterioration of lacquer due to UV proceeds with the destruction of carbon–carbon single and double bonds and the subsequent formation of carboxylic acid.
Comparison of Heated Charateristics of Smelting Experiment Furnace Wall Using Geothermometer and Cluster Analysis Method of XRD Data
Authors: Kim Jae hwan , Han Min Su
Published: March 2024

In this study, 91 samples were collected by layer, direction, and point from the smelting experiment furnace wall, and XRD analysis was performed. These data were compared with the geothermometer method and the cluster analysis method to determine how to effectively interpret heated characteristics. As a result of comparing the heated characteristics of the 1st to 4th floors, its showed the same results for both methods because of heated by high temperatures in the 1st and 2nd floors heated. However, in the data from the 3rd and 4th floors, it was difficult to interpret the difference in heat temperature depending on the direction using the geothermometer method, but the cluster analysis method was able to effectively confirm the pattern of heat spreading from the center to the outside of the furnace wall. As a result, the cluster analysis method can reduce errors that may appear due to mineral identification in the process of estimating heat temperature using the geothermometer method and there is an advantage in that the temperature distribution within the furnace wall can be further refined.
A Study on the Preparation and Stability of Natural Cleaning Agents for Excavated Gold Leafed Clothing Relics
Authors: Lee Hwang-Jo , Han Won-Sik , Wi Kwang-Chul
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to develop a natural cleaning agent for the conservation treatment of excavated gold leafed clothing artefacts and to test the stability of its application. To this end, a natural cleaning agent was formulated by mixing the extracts of Platycladus orientalis with natural cleaning aids prepared using coconut oil, rice kernel oil, and castor oil. The prepared natural cleaning agent was found to have better cleaning power and stability as a cleaning agent for clothing relics, compared to Saponin, Decyl glucoside, and Triton X-100, which have been conventionally used as cleaning agents for excavated clothing relics. A comparison of the four types of cleaning agents showed that the natural cleaning agent prepared with the extracts of Platycladus orientalis has significantly better cleaning power compared to three low and high concentration cleaning agents that have been used as cleaning agents for clothing relics. The findings show that the pH of the prepared natural cleaning agent was neutral, ranging from 6.61 to 6.93, indicating very weak acidity, the natural cleaning agent did not cause any pH related problems to the fabric during or after cleaning, and the prepared natural cleaning agent can be used as a stable natural agent for clothing relics because it has better cleaning power than the other conventional cleaning agents even at a relatively low concentration of 0.5% to 1.5%, a treatment time of 30 min., and a temperature below 30°C, a temperature which is not damaging to clothing relics.
Investigation of 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) as a modulator of mesothelial and endothelial cell membrane function in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Πιταράκη Ελεάννα
Published: March 2024

Η Περιτοναϊκή Κάθαρσης μέσω της παρατεταμένης έκθεση στα Υγρά Περιτοναϊκής Κάθαρσης (ΥΠΚ) προκαλεί υπερ-αγγειογένεση και επάγει την ίνωση της περιτοναϊκής μεμβράνης, οδηγώντας τελικά σε απώλεια υπερδιήθησης. Ως εκ τούτου, υπάρχει έντονο επιστημονικό ενδιαφέρον σχετικά με την ανάπτυξη στρατηγικών που θα επιβραδύνουν την έκπτωση της περιτοναϊκής μεμβράνης τόσο σε μορφολογικό όσο και λειτουργικό επίπεδο. Πρόσφατα δεδομένα υποστηρίζουν ότι τα μεσοθηλιακά κύτταρα που εκτίθενται σε ΥΠΚ υψηλής περιεκτικότητας σε προϊόντα αποικοδόμησης της γλυκόζης (ΠΑΓ) υπόκεινται μεταβολικό επαναπρογραμματισμό προς έναν πιο γλυκολυτικό φαινότυπο που σχετίζεται με τη μεσοθηλιακή-προς-μεσεγχυματική μετάβαση (ΜΜΜ) των κυττάρων. Ωστόσο, προσθήκη 2-δεοξυ-γλυκόζης (2DG) ανέστειλε την παραπάνω διαδικασία. Στην παρούσα μελέτη διερευνήθηκε εάν αυτή η δράση της 2DG εντοπίζεται και σε μεσοθηλιακά κύτταρα που εκτίθενται σε ΥΠΚ χαμηλής περιεκτικότητας σε ΠΑΓ, αλλά και εάν διατηρείται και στα ενδοθηλιακά κύτταρα. Επιπλέον, εξετάστηκε εάν η προσθήκη της 2DG σε διαφορετικούς τύπους ΥΠΚ επιδρά στη διαπερατότητα του μεσοθηλιακού και ενδοθηλιακού φραγμούς της περιτοναϊκής μεμβράνης. Η αντιϊνωτική δράση της 2DG επιβεβαιώθηκε μέσω της δοκιμασίας συστολής γέλης κολλαγόνου με ενσωματωμένα μεσοθηλιακά (MeT-5A) και ενδοθηλιακά (EA.hy926) κύτταρα, τα οποία καλλιεργήθηκαν στα διαλύματα Dianeal® 2,5% γλυκόζη, BicaVera® 2,3% γλυκόζη και Balance® 2,3% γλυκόζη με ή χωρίς την προσθήκη 0,2mM 2DG. Ανάλογα ευρήματα προέκυψαν και από τα επίπεδα έκφρασης των γονιδίων αSMA και CDH2 για τα οποία εφαρμόστηκε ποσοτική PCR σε πραγματικό χρόνο. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, η συσταλτότητα τόσο των MeT-5A όσο και των EA.hy926 κυττάρων υπό την επίδραση του διαλύματος Dianeal®/2DG μειώθηκε, συνοδευόμενη από αλλαγές στην έκφραση των γονιδίων αSMA και CDH2. Στην περίπτωση βέβαια των EA.hy926 κυττάρων, η έκφραση του γονιδίου αSMA μειώθηκε επίσης υπό την επίδραση του διαλύματος Balance®/2DG. Αναφορικά με τη δράση της 2DG στη διαπερατότητα κυτταρικών μονοστιβάδων, εκτιμήθηκε μέσω καταγραφής της διαμεμβρανικής αντίστασης (RTM), της παρακυτταρικής μεταφοράς φθορίζουσας δεξτράνης (10, 70kDa) καθώς και των επιπέδων γονιδιακής έκφρασης των CLDN1, CLDN2, CLDN3, CLDN4, CLDN5, ZO1, SGLT1 και SGLT2. Συνολικά, η προσθήκη 2DG μείωσε τις διαταραχές που επάγει στη λειτουργία του μεσοθηλιακού ή/και ενδοθηλιακού φραγμού η χρήση ΥΠΚ, όπως έδειξαν τα επίπεδα RTM, το ποσοστό μεταφοράς δεξτράνης και η έκφραση των γονιδίων CLDN-1 έως -5, ZO1 και SGLT2, με τη δράση της να είναι πιο εμφανής στις μονοστιβάδες MeT-5A κυττάρων. Συνεπώς, ο εμπλουτισμός όλων των τύπων ΥΠΚ με 2DG όχι μόνο μειώνει τη MMΜ αλλά επίσης βελτιώνει τα λειτουργικά χαρακτηριστικά της διαπερατότητας του μεσοθηλιακού και ενδοθηλιακού φραγμού της περιτοναϊκής μεμβράνης.
Targeted amplicon deep sequencing of ama1 and mdr1 to track within-host P. falciparum diversity throughout treatment in a clinical drug trial
Authors: Wamae Kevin , Ndwiga Leonard , Kharabora Oksana , Kimenyi Kelvin , Osoti Victor , de Laurent Zaydah , Wambua Juliana , Musyoki Jennifer , Ngetsa Caroline , Kalume Peter , Mwambingu Gabriel , Hamaluba Mainga , van der Pluijm Rob , Dondorp Arjen M. , Bailey Jeffrey , Juliano Jonathan , Bejon Philip , Ochola-Oyier Lynette
Published: March 2024

Introduction Antimalarial therapeutic efficacy studies are routinely conducted in malaria-endemic countries to assess the effectiveness of antimalarial treatment strategies. Targeted amplicon sequencing (AmpSeq) uniquely identifies and quantifies genetically distinct parasites within an infection. In this study, AmpSeq of Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (ama1), and multidrug resistance gene 1 (mdr1), were used to characterise the complexity of infection (COI) and drug-resistance genotypes, respectively. Methods P. falciparum-positive samples were obtained from a triple artemisinin combination therapy clinical trial conducted in 30 children under 13 years of age between 2018 and 2019 in Kilifi, Kenya. Nine of the 30 participants presented with recurrent parasitemia from day 26 (624h) onwards. The ama1 and mdr1 genes were amplified and sequenced, while msp1, msp2 and glurp data were obtained from the original clinical study. Results The COI was comparable between ama1 and msp1, msp2 and glurp; overall, ama1 detected more microhaplotypes. Based on ama1, a stable number of microhaplotypes were detected throughout treatment until day 3. Additionally, a recrudescent infection was identified with an ama1 microhaplotype initially observed at 30h and later in an unscheduled follow-up visit. Using the relative frequencies of ama1 microhaplotypes and parasitemia, we identified a fast (<1h) and slow (>5h) clearing microhaplotype. As expected, only two mdr1 microhaplotypes (NF and NY) were identified based on the combination of amino acid polymorphisms at codons 86 and 184. Conclusions This study highlights AmpSeq as a tool for highly-resolution tracking of parasite microhaplotypes throughout treatment and can detect variation in microhaplotype clearance estimates. AmpSeq can also identify slow-clearing microhaplotypes, a potential early sign of selection during treatment. Consequently, AmpSeq has the capability of improving the discriminatory power to distinguish recrudescences from reinfections accurately.
Antenatal corticosteroids reduce neonatal mortality in settings without assisted ventilatory support: a retrospective cohort study of early preterm births on the Thailand-Myanmar border
Authors: Bashir Humayra Aisha , Lufting-Leeffrers Daphne , Myat Min Aung , Htun Win Htun , Win Tun Nay , Gay Wah Tha , Ellen Gilder Mary , Kho Paw Moo , I. Carrara Verena , Meeyai Aronrag , Aderoba Adeniyi Kolade , Nosten François , Gross Mechthild M. , McGready Rose
Published: March 2024

Background Prematurity is the highest risk for under-five mortality globally. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of antenatal dexamethasone on neonatal mortality in early preterm in a resource-constrained setting without assisted ventilation. Methods This retrospective (2008-2013) cohort study in clinics for refugees/migrants on the Thai-Myanmar border included infants born <34 weeks gestation at home, in, or on the way to the clinic. Dexamethasone, 24 mg (three 8 mg intramuscular doses, every 8 hours), was prescribed to women at risk of preterm birth (28 to <34 weeks). Appropriate newborn care was available: including oxygen but not assisted ventilation. Mortality and maternal fever were compared by the number of doses (complete: three, incomplete (one or two), or no dose). A sub-cohort participated in neurodevelopmental testing at one year. Results Of 15,285 singleton births, 240 were included: 96 did not receive dexamethasone and 144 received one, two or three doses (56, 13 and 75, respectively). Of live-born infants followed to day 28, (n=168), early neonatal and neonatal mortality/1,000 livebirths (95%CI) with complete dosing was 217 (121–358) and 304 (190–449); compared to 394 (289–511) and 521 (407–633) with no dose. Compared to complete dosing, both incomplete and no dexamethasone were associated with elevated adjusted ORs 4.09 (1.39 to 12.00) and 3.13 (1.14 to 8.63), for early neonatal death. By contrast, for neonatal death, while there was clear evidence that no dosing was associated with higher mortality, adjusted OR 3.82 (1.42 to 10.27), the benefit of incomplete dosing was uncertain adjusted OR 1.75 (0.63 to 4.81). No adverse impact of dexamethasone on infant neurodevelopmental scores (12 months) or maternal fever was observed. Conclusions Neonatal mortality reduction is possible with complete dexamethasone dosing in pregnancies at risk of preterm birth in settings without capacity to provide assisted ventilation.
Some biological aspects of White seabream, Diplodus sargus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the northeastern Aegean Sea, Türkiye
Authors: Daban İsmail Burak , İşmen Ali , İhsanoğlu Mukadder Arslan
Published: March 2024

In the study, the age, growth, mortality parameters and length-weight relationship parameters of Diplodus sargus (white seabream) collected by a small-scale fisherman between August 2020 and July 2021 along the northeastern coast of Aegean Sea (Türkiye coast), were investigated. D. sargus had a range of total length and weight from 14.3 cm to 36.7 cm and from 50.5 g to 836.5 g, respectively. The length-weight relationships (LWRs) were calculated as W=0.02368*L2.881 for females, W = 0.01847*L2.959 for males and W = 0.01989*TL2.936 for both sexes. Using data from fish scales, the maximum age was determined to be 11 years. von Bertalanffy growth parameters have been calculated as follows L∞=39.01 cm TL, K=0.13 year-1, and t0= -2.58 year for both sexes combined. Total (T), natural (N) and fishing (F) mortalities were defined as Z: 0.83 year-1, M: 0.33 year-1 and F: 0.50 year-1 for both sexes combined. The exploitation rate (E) was calculated as 0.70, 0.44 and 0.60 for females, males and combined, respectively.
Metrology, standardization and certification in armaments and military equipment
Authors: Golubinskiy Yuriy , Grigoryan Ekaterina , Savickiy Vladimir
Published: March 2024

The textbook consists of three sections: "Metrology", "Standardization" and "Certification".
Information is provided on the international SI system of units, international organizations for metrology and standardization. The features of metrological support of weapons and military equipment, as well as the activities of the metrological service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation; features of unification, typification and aggregation of weapons and military equipment, ways to assess the effectiveness of standardization work; features of the impact of certification on military products.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students and cadets studying the disciplines "Metrology standardization and certification", "Technical measurements and standardization" in higher and secondary vocational education programs, it can be used by students when performing coursework, graduation qualification works (projects), teachers of higher and secondary vocational education, graduate students, adjuncts, as well as practitioners.
Recruiting staff
Authors: Vinichenko Viktoriya , Ozernikova Tat'yana , Borisova Alena
Published: March 2024

The textbook discusses theoretical and practical issues related to the search, selection, selection, adaptation of personnel in the current conditions.
The authors analyze the specific features of the recruitment process in the context of current trends and challenges of the environment, changing labor demands from employers and transforming job value characteristics put forward by applicants, the need to revise the set of tools familiar to the recruiter and expand the range of technologies used. Special attention is paid to the new generation, whose representatives have recently been part of the working-age population and are currently the object of increased interest.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the field of training "Personnel Management" (master's degree level), graduate students. It can be used in the educational process when studying the disciplines of "Human Resource Management", "Labor Economics", "HR management", etc., as well as as an independent resource for obtaining relevant information by practitioners.
The law-forming activity of the state: theory, methodology, practice
Authors: Mursalimov Kamil'
Published: March 2024

The monograph examines the role and place of the state in the process of legal education. The development of the political and legal sphere in modern society testifies to the integral and increasing relationship between the state and law. The state's participation in the process of law formation is determined by the need to express a consolidated socially significant interest, the consolidation and protection of which is carried out by the state, as well as ensuring the security of Russian society and promoting Russia's interests in international relations.
A systematic analysis of the law-forming activity of the state is carried out: the methodological foundations of legal understanding are determined in connection with the unity of legal practice, theory and philosophy of law; the concept and essence of the law-forming activity of the state are established; a factor analysis of the law-forming activity of the state is carried out.
For students, postgraduates and teachers of law schools and faculties.
The privilege of ‘aggrieved entitlement’: exploring the social bases of antifeminist political players mobilising online
Authors: Holm Malin
Published: March 2024

Antifeminist groups have made extensive use of online platforms to mobilise and spread their political ideas. Existing studies of online antifeminism tend to focus their analyses primarily on how masculinities are constructed through antifeminist discourses. This article takes a different approach by exploring how the social position of antifeminist political players is related to their effective use of online platforms. Through an empirical study of an influential antifeminist blogosphere that emerged in Sweden in the mid-2000s, it is shown how the mostly anonymous antifeminist bloggers are, in fact, well-resourced activists who, due to their educational resources and communicative skills, could effectively use political blogs to promote their cause. Consequently, despite their claims of being marginalised and victimised, these predominantly male antifeminist activists actually occupy a privileged position in relation to historically marginalised groups, a position that affords them new possibilities to attack feminist achievements and actors through online platforms.
4.4  kW Nd:YAG slab amplifier with a high repetition frequency and high beam quality
Authors: Zhang Cheng-Gong , Dong Xue-Yan , Yan Xing-Wei , Liu Zi-Lei , Chen Quan-Hao , Li Xin-Lei , Yang Feng-Tu , Wang Hao-Zhu
Published: March 2024

Using the self-developed fused indium wetting technology and planar waveguide, the uniform heat dissipation of the slab crystal and uniform pumping of the pump light were achieved, respectively. Based on the master oscillator power amplification (MOPA) scheme, the power was then amplified when the seed light source passed through the Nd:YAG slab crystal three times. Additionally, the image transfer system that we added to the amplified optical path achieved high beam quality. Finally, we obtained a rectangular pulsed laser with an output average power of 4461 W, a repetition frequency of 20 kHz, a pulse width of 62 ns, an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 26.8%, and a beam quality of β
x
=7.0 and β
y
=7.7.
Effects of intraocular scatter on near peripheral vision
Authors: Arias Augusto , Montagud-Martinez Diego , Artal Pablo
Published: March 2024

Both cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may occur with aging and are often developed simultaneously. We performed a study to better characterize the impact of induced scatter on the quality of vision in the near periphery, a region where individuals with AMD typically maintain their functional vision. We used an optical instrument as a cataract simulator based on projecting at the eye’s pupil plane phase masks with controlled spatial properties generated with a spatial light modulator. The phase wavefronts were designed to accurately replicate the angular distribution of light intensity in the retina found in cataractous eyes with different severities. The induced amount of scatter ranged from values of straylight (S) from 10 to 85 degree2/sr, which corresponds from normal aging eye to advanced cataract stages. Mesopic visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) at 3 cycles per degree were measured at the fovea and two retinal eccentricities (5 and 10 degrees in nasal visual field). We observed a consistent linear decline in VA (expressed in LogMAR) as the amount of induced scatter (quantified by the straylight parameter S) increased, both at the fovea and in the periphery. The effect of induced scattering on mesopic VA and CS at the fovea and the near periphery was evaluated. We found a relatively lower impact of scatter in the near periphery. This may explain the modest improvement in vision often found after cataract surgery in patients with AMD.
On the detection, modeling, and mitigation of anomalous QoT fluctuations in optical networks
Authors: Delezoide Camille , Akbari Hassan , Ramantanis Petros , Boitier Fabien , Layec Patricia
Published: March 2024

Monitoring data from deployed backbone networks shows that many lightpaths present large fluctuations of their quality of transmission (QoT), beyond 1 dB in range. In this paper, we investigate the hypothesis that the evidenced fluctuations stem from anomalies in polarization-dependent loss (PDL), equivalent to one large PDL element. We eventually propose and experimentally test a closed-loop automation designed to stabilize the QoT at a maximal level for lightpaths impaired by such a PDL anomaly.
Response time of an electron inside a molecule to light in strong-field ionization
Authors: Peng Yingen , Che Jiayin , Zhang Fabin , Xie Xuejiao , Xin Guoguo , Chen Yanjun
Published: March 2024

We study ionization of aligned H2+ in strong elliptically polarized laser fields numerically and analytically. The calculated offset angle in photoelectron momentum distribution is several degrees larger for the molecule than a model atom with similar ionization potential at diverse laser parameters. Using a strong-field model that considers the properties of multi-center and single-center Coulomb potentials, we are able to quantitatively reproduce this angle difference between the molecule and the atom. Further analyses based on this model show that the response time of electron to light which is encoded in the offset angle and is manifested as the time spent in tunneling ionization, is about 15 attoseconds longer for the molecule than the atom. This time difference is further enlarged when increasing the internuclear distance of the molecule.
Electrically tunable virtual image Luneburg lens using graphene
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Guo Xiang , Wu Xidong
Published: March 2024

Virtual image lenses play essential roles in various optical devices and applications, including vision correction, photography, and scientific instruments. Here, we introduce an approach for creating virtual image Luneburg lenses (LL) on graphene. Remarkably, the graphene plasmonic lens (GPL) exhibits electrically tunable virtual focusing capabilities. The design principle of the tunability is based on the nonlinear relationship between surface plasmon polariton (SPP) wave mode index and chemical potential of graphene. By controlling the gate voltage of graphene, we can achieve continuous tuning of virtual focus. A ray-tracing technique is employed to determine the required gate voltages for various virtual focal lengths. The proposed GPL facilitates adjustable virtual focusing, promising advancements in highly adaptive and transformative nanophotonic devices.
Robust bistatic ghost imaging with no physical synchronization
Authors: He Lingui , Sun Shuai , Chang Chen , Nie Zhenwu , Du Longkun , Zhang Yi , Jiang Liang , Liu Weitao
Published: March 2024

Ghost imaging (GI) requires each echo from the object being correctly matched with the corresponding illuminiation pattern. We proposed a way for such matching with no physical synchronization towards bistatic configuration. The illumination is dually encoded in spatial and time domain. With aperiodic waveform and progressive correlation, the echoes can be correctly located and images can be obtained. In the experiments, our scheme is verified under different levels of signal to noise ratios, as well as different intensity of crosstalk. Ghost imaging with two transmitters and one receiver is also demonstrated. With our method, it is also possible to improve the imaging speed with multiple sources.
Untrained neural network enabling fast and universal structured-illumination microscopy
Authors: Ye Zitong , Li Xiaoyan , Sun Yile , Huang Yuran , Liu Xu , Han Yubing , Kuang Cuifang
Published: March 2024

Structured-illumination microscopy (SIM) offers a twofold resolution enhancement beyond the optical diffraction limit. At present, SIM requires several raw structured-illumination (SI) frames to reconstruct a super-resolution (SR) image, especially the time-consuming reconstruction of speckle SIM, which requires hundreds of SI frames. Considering this, we herein propose an untrained structured-illumination reconstruction neural network (USRNN) with known illumination patterns to reduce the amount of raw data that is required for speckle SIM reconstruction by 20 times and thus improve its temporal resolution. Benefiting from the unsupervised optimizing strategy and CNNs’ structure priors, the high-frequency information is obtained from the network without the requirement of datasets; as a result, a high-fidelity SR image with approximately twofold resolution enhancement can be reconstructed using five frames or less. Experiments on reconstructing non-biological and biological samples demonstrate the high-speed and high-universality capabilities of our method.
Nonreciprocal magnon blockade based on nonlinear effects
Authors: Zhang Han-Qiu , Chu Shuang-Shuo , Zhang Jian-Song , Zhong Wen-Xue , Cheng Guang-Ling
Published: March 2024

We present an alternative scheme to achieve nonreciprocal unconventional magnon blockade (NUMB) in a hybrid system formed by two microwave cavities and one yttrium iron garnet (YIG) sphere, where the pump and signal cavities interact nonlinearly with each other and the signal cavity is coupled to the YIG sphere. It is found that the nonlinear coupling occurs between the pump cavity and magnon modes due to the dispersive interactions among three bosonic modes. Meanwhile, the Kerr nonlinearity is present in the pump cavity. Based on these nonlinear effects, a nonreciprocal magnon blockade could be achieved with the help of the weak parametric driving of the pump cavity. The present work provides an alternative method to prepare single magnon resource, which may be helpful for quantum information processing.
kCSD-python, reliable current source density estimation with quality control
Authors: Chintaluri Chaitanya , Bejtka Marta , Średniawa Władysław , Czerwiński Michał , Dzik Jakub M. , Jędrzejewska-Szmek Joanna , Wójcik Daniel K.
Published: March 2024

Interpretation of extracellular recordings can be challenging due to the long range of electric field. This challenge can be mitigated by estimating the current source density (CSD). Here we introduce kCSD-python, an open Python package implementing Kernel Current Source Density (kCSD) method and related tools to facilitate CSD analysis of experimental data and the interpretation of results. We show how to counter the limitations imposed by noise and assumptions in the method itself. kCSD-python allows CSD estimation for an arbitrary distribution of electrodes in 1D, 2D, and 3D, assuming distributions of sources in tissue, a slice, or in a single cell, and includes a range of diagnostic aids. We demonstrate its features in a Jupyter Notebook tutorial which illustrates a typical analytical workflow and main functionalities useful in validating analysis results.