bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FDA-approved cannabidiol [Epidiolex®] alleviates Gulf War Illness-linked cognitive and mood dysfunction, hyperalgesia, neuroinflammatory signaling, and declined neurogenesis
Authors: Kodali Maheedhar , Madhu Leelavathi N. , Kolla Venkata Sai Vashishta , Attaluri Sahithi , Huard Charles , Somayaji Yogish , Shuai Bing , Jordan Chase , Rao Xiaolan , Shetty Sanath , Shetty Ashok K.
Published: August 2024

Background

Chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI) is characterized by cognitive and mood impairments, as well as persistent neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Epidiolex®, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved cannabidiol (CBD), in improving brain function in a rat model of chronic GWI.

Methods

Six months after exposure to low doses of GWI-related chemicals [pyridostigmine bromide, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), and permethrin (PER)] along with moderate stress, rats with chronic GWI were administered either vehicle (VEH) or CBD (20 mg/kg, oral) for 16 weeks. Neurobehavioral tests were conducted on 11 weeks after treatment initiation to evaluate the performance of rats in tasks related to associative recognition memory, object location memory, pattern separation, and sucrose preference. The effect of CBD on hyperalgesia was also examined. The brain tissues were processed for immunohistochemical and molecular studies following behavioral tests.

Results

GWI rats treated with VEH exhibited impairments in all cognitive tasks and anhedonia, whereas CBD-treated GWI rats showed improvements in all cognitive tasks and no anhedonia. Additionally, CBD treatment alleviated hyperalgesia in GWI rats. Analysis of hippocampal tissues from VEH-treated rats revealed astrocyte hypertrophy and increased percentages of activated microglia presenting NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) complexes as well as elevated levels of proteins involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of the transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling. Furthermore, there were increased concentrations of proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers along with decreased neurogenesis. In contrast, the hippocampus from CBD-treated GWI rats displayed reduced levels of proteins mediating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and JAK/STAT signaling, normalized concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers, and improved neurogenesis. Notably, CBD treatment did not alter the concentration of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

The use of an FDA-approved CBD (Epidiolex®) has been shown to effectively alleviate cognitive and mood impairments as well as hyperalgesia associated with chronic GWI. Importantly, the improvements observed in rats with chronic GWI in this study were attributed to the ability of CBD to significantly suppress signaling pathways that perpetuate chronic neuroinflammation.
Assessment of the psychometric properties of the traditional Chinese version of the cancer survivors’ self-efficacy scale
Authors: Chien Ching-Hui , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Wu Chun-Te , Pang See-Tong , Liu Kuan-Lin , Yu Kai-Jie
Published: August 2024

Background

The reliability and validity of the traditional Chinese version of the Cancer Survivors’ Self-Efficacy Scale (CS-SES-TC) has not been assessed.

Objective

To assess the psychometric properties of the Traditional Chinese version of the CS-SES-TC.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the outpatient departments of a hospital in Taiwan. A single questionnaire was administered to 300 genitourinary cancer survivors. The scales included in the initial questionnaire were the CS-SES-TC, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General scale (FACT-G). Data obtained from 300 survivors were used to confirm the structure through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

The CFA results indicate that the 11-item CS-SES-TC is consistent with the original scale. Furthermore, it was identified as a unidimensional scale, with the model showing acceptable goodness-of-fit (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.97). The factor loading of each item in the CS-SES-TC was above 0.6 and had convergent validity. Based on multiple-group CFA testing, the change (ΔCFI) between the unconstrained and constrained models was ≤ 0.01, indicating that measurement invariance holds for gender. The participants’ CS-SES-TC scores were positively correlated with their FACT-G scores and negatively correlated with their CES-D scores. The scales exhibited concurrent validity and discriminant validity. The CS-SES-TC had a Cronbach’s α in the range of .97–.98.

Conclusion

The CS-SES-TC had acceptable reliability and validity. Healthcare workers can use this scale for ongoing assessment of the cancer-related self-efficacy of cancer survivors.
Strongyloidiasis co-occurrence with tuberculosis and aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients: a global scoping review
Authors: Ide Christian J. , Elem David E. , Bassey Thelma E. , Benjamin Ofonime E. , Okekemba Ikechukwu , Odok Walter E. , Owai Promise , Edim Geraldine L. , Ekeng Bassey E.
Published: August 2024

Reports on cases of strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis or aspergillosis coinfection are fragmented in the literature and no large-scale reviews are describing its occurrence across the globe. We identified a total of 230 cases of strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis coinfection amongst 2376 participants with tuberculosis disease from eight epidemiological surveys conducted in Ethiopia (n = 4, 50%); Tanzania (n = 3, 37.5%) and Malaysia (n = 1, 12.5%). Clinical outcomes in these studies were not stated as they were largely descriptive. In addition, there were ten individual case reports of strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis coinfection. Of the ten, four were from the USA (40%), two each from India (20%) and Japan (20%), and one each from the UK (10%) and Argentina (10%). Of the ten, six had favourable outcomes, two were fatal and outcomes were unclear in the remainder. Ten cases of strongyloidiasis and aspergillosis coinfection were identified, five were reported from the USA (50%), and one each from the Netherlands (10%), China (10%), Iran (10%), Colombia (10%) and Italy (10%). Five each had favourable and fatal outcomes. Fatal outcomes in strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis or aspergillosis coinfection were associated with steroid therapy (n = 3), decline for treatment (n = 1), delayed diagnosis (n = 2) and delayed presentation (n = 1). Our findings suggest a significant proportion of individuals living with tuberculosis are also affected with strongyloidiasis, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. However, more studies are required to ascertain the burden of strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis coinfection as few cases were reported from other highly burdened tuberculosis regions. In addition, the role of the attending clinician is critical to reduce morbidities from the coexistence of these clinical entities as a significant number of cases with documented outcomes were fatal.
Serum malondialdehyde as a marker of oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nabih Ghada A. , Sheshtawy Nehal EEl , Mikkawy Dalia M. E. El , Kamel Marwa A.
Published: August 2024

Background

A well-recognized connection was found between oxidative stress and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since autoimmune illness, as RA is typified by persistent systemic inflammation, oxidative stress indicators offer a promising extra option for evaluating the activity and prognosis of RA.

Aim

To assess serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level as a marker of oxidative stress in RA patients concerning disease activity.

Results

This case–control study revealed a statistically significant increase among the patient group than the control group regarding serum MDA. MDA positively correlated with ESR, CRP, DAS-28 score, and morning stiffness. The optimal cut-off point of serum MDA recognized patient group was > 16.21 nmol/ml with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100.0%.

Conclusion

Measuring MDA levels in RA patients may be useful for monitoring their activity level and oxidative stress.
Targeted nullspace shuttling in time-lapse full-waveform inversion
Authors: Keating Scott D. , Innanen Kristopher A.
Published: August 2024

Time-lapse inversion plays an important role in monitoring applications. Uncertainties in seismic inversion mean that there are many time-lapse changes in subsurface properties consistent with a given time-lapse data set and monitor survey, including changes that are implausible given our prior knowledge. Many existing time-lapse inversion methodologies that aim to minimize spurious differences while preserving real changes are equivalent to undirected navigation about the inversion nullspace. We develop an approach that explicitly navigates the inversion nullspace to find the data-consistent time-lapse model that best satisfies our prior knowledge. In synthetic examples, this approach demonstrates a significant capacity to mitigate the effects of nonreproducible noise and changing acquisition and to identify when time-lapse differences fall below the confidence threshold described by nullspace shuttling.
Comparative analysis of deep learning and traditional airborne electromagnetic data processing: A case study
Authors: Asif Muhammad Rizwan , Kass M. Andy , Herpe Maïwenn , Rawlinson Zara , Westerhoff Rogier , Larsen Jakob Juul , Christiansen Anders Vest
Published: August 2024

State-of-the-art airborne electromagnetic (AEM) systems conduct large-scale surveys and produce thousands of line kilometers of data. These large volumes of AEM data are generally subjected to manual inspection for identifying and culling data corrupted by couplings from various sources, such as fences and power lines, as well as the assessment for late-time noise. Although effective, this traditional AEM data processing is subjective and time consuming. This study evaluates the efficacy of a recently proposed unsupervised deep-learning method for the automated processing of AEM data on a large-scale survey conducted in New Zealand. The automated system processes 6471 line kilometers of data in approximately 15 min — a task that could extend more than 5–16 days if done manually by a trained expert. Although manual processing is not the ultimate benchmark, both processing schemes have an agreement of approximately 88% for the low-moment data and approximately 96% for the high-moment data. The inversion results for manual and automated system processing also indicate comparable data fits and resistivity models. The automated system demonstrates strong generalization capabilities; however, it faces challenges when data affected by various sources, such as anthropogenic activities, mimic credible 1D responses. This underscores the need for manual inspection in contexts wherein it is necessary to distinguish between true anomalies and noise. This study not only validates the automated system’s applicability across diverse geologic settings but also emphasizes the importance of balancing automated and manual approaches for optimal AEM data processing.
Application of a Data Quality Framework to Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Using Electronic Health Record Data From the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Berman Lew , Ostchega Yechiam , Giannini John , Anandan Lakshmi Priya , Clark Emily , Spotnitz Matthew , Sulieman Lina , Volynski Michael , Ramirez Andrea
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

The specific aims of this paper are to (1) develop and operationalize an electronic health record (EHR) data quality framework, (2) apply the dimensions of the framework to the phenotype and treatment pathways of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) using All of Us Research Program data, and (3) propose and apply a checklist to evaluate the application of the framework.

METHODS

We developed a framework of five data quality dimensions (DQD; completeness, concordance, conformance, plausibility, and temporality). Participants signed a consent and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act authorization to share EHR data and responded to demographic questions in the Basics questionnaire. We evaluated the internal characteristics of the data and compared data with external benchmarks with descriptive and inferential statistics. We developed a DQD checklist to evaluate concept selection, internal verification, and external validity for each DQD. The Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model (OMOP CDM) concept ID codes for DCIS were used to select a cohort of 2,209 females 18 years and older.

RESULTS

Using the proposed DQD checklist criteria, (1) concepts were selected and internally verified for conformance; (2) concepts were selected and internally verified for completeness; (3) concepts were selected, internally verified, and externally validated for concordance; (4) concepts were selected, internally verified, and externally validated for plausibility; and (5) concepts were selected, internally verified, and externally validated for temporality.

CONCLUSION

This assessment and evaluation provided insights into data quality for the DCIS phenotype using EHR data from the All of Us Research Program. The review demonstrates that salient clinical measures can be selected, applied, and operationalized within a conceptual framework and evaluated for fitness for use by applying a proposed checklist.
Lymphocyte Infiltration Score and Spatial Characteristics Refined the Prognosis and Denosumab Treatment Responsiveness Indicators for Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
Authors: Wu Hai-Lin , Xia Chao , Liu Fu-Sheng , Zheng Bo-Yv , Niu Hua-Qing , Zhu Guo-Qiang , Zou Ming-Xiang , Zheng Bo-Wen
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

The prognostic value of lymphocyte infiltration score (LIS) and its nearest neighbor distance to tumor cells (NNDTC) in giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is currently not well established. This study aims to characterize LIS and NNDTC and examine their correlation with denosumab treatment responsiveness, clinicopathologic features, and patient prognosis.

METHODS

Using multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence, LIS was evaluated in 253 tumor specimens, whereas NNDTC was computed using HALO software. Subsequently, we analyzed the association of these parameters with patient outcomes (progression-free survival [PFS] and overall survival [OS]), clinicopathologic features, and denosumab treatment responsiveness.

RESULTS

Low LIS was indicative of both poor PFS and OS (both P < .001). In addition, LIS was significantly associated with sex ( P = .046), Enneking staging ( P < .001), Ki-67 expression ( P = .007), and denosumab treatment responsiveness ( P = .005). Lower CD8+ (tumor interior [TI]) NNDTC, and CD3+ (TI) NNDTC were associated with worse PFS ( P = .003 and .038, respectively), whereas lower CD8+ (TI) NNDTC was associated with worse OS ( P = .001), but CD8+ (tumor infiltrating margin) NNDTC had the opposite effect ( P = .002). Moreover, NNDTC showed a correlation with several clinicopathologic features. Importantly, LIS outperformed Enneking and Campanacci staging systems in predicting the clinical outcomes of GCTB.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that LIS is a reliable predictive tool for clinically relevant outcomes and response to denosumab therapy in patients with GCTB. These parameters may prove to be useful in guiding prognostic risk stratification and therapeutic optimization for patients.
Treatment Strategies and Long-Term Outcomes in Silent Corticotroph Adenomas: A Single-Center Retrospective Study of 367 Cases
Authors: He Wenqiang , Yao Shun , Yu Yifei , Chen Zhengyuan , Zhang Qilin , Qiao Nidan , Shen Ming , Shou Xuefei , Ma Zengyi , Wang Yongfei
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Silent corticotroph adenoma (SCA) is a high-risk pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) which exhibits more aggressive behavior than other nonfunctioning PitNETs. Some SCAs are observed to recur after total resection (TR). We aim to discuss the long-term outcomes after endoscopic endonasal surgery for SCAs and explore optimal treatment after operation.

METHODS:

Clinical data and intraoperative videos from 367 SCAs who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery were retrospectively collected. Patients were categorized into TR and subtotal resection (STR) groups according to 3-month postoperative MRIs. Based on close-up intraoperative observation of the relationship between tumor and pituitary gland, diaphragm, and medial wall cavernous sinus, patients in the TR group were further subdivided into gross total resection (GTR) and near total resection (NTR) groups. Patients in the STR group were subdivided as STR followed by observation (STR + ob) and STR followed by adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (STR + SRS). Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare the event-free survival among these subgroups.

RESULTS:

Headache (27.5%) and vision loss (55.3%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Cavernous sinus (CS) invasion was confirmed intraoperatively in 167 (45.5%) patients. After operation, 175 (47.7%), 83 (22.6%), 32 (8.7%), and 77 (21%) patients were divided into GTR, NTR, STR + ob, and STR + SRS groups, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 40.9 ± 25.8 months. There were 0, 17 (20.5%), 9 (28.1%), and 4 (5.2%) patients noted to have PitNET recurrence or progression in GTR, NTR, STR + ob, and STR + SRS groups, respectively. Event-free survival distribution in the NTR group was similar to that in the STR + ob group (P = .696), which was significantly lower than that in the STR + SRS group (P = .008). Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–negative SCAs have lower preoperative ACTH levels and were more likely to invade CS than ACTH-positive SCAs.

CONCLUSION:

CS invasion was commonly seen in SCAs, often precluding GTR. Radical surgery and close follow-up were proposed. Early postoperative adjuvant SRS for remnant tumor should be considered.
AS DIFERENÇAS NA CAPACIDADE PREDITIVA DAS PERDAS COM CRÉDITO DOS BANCOS BRASILEIROS LISTADOS NA B3 E AS CARACTERÍSTICAS DO CONSELHO DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO
Authors: Brasil Carolina Machado , Vasconcelos Alessandra Carvalho de , Ponte Vera Maria Rodrigues , Viana Júnior Dante Baiardo Cavalcante
Published: August 2024

Investiga-se, em 22 bancos brasileiros listados na B3, a existência de diferenças significativas na capacidade preditiva das perdas de crédito, mensurada pela diferença entre a perda efetiva e a perda estimada nas operações de crédito, considerando as seguintes características do Conselho de Administração: número de membros (tamanho); percentual e maioria de membros independentes (independência) e presença de dualidade nos cargos de presidente do conselho e diretor executivo da empresa. Análises descritivas, de correlações e de correspondência e testes de diferenças de média, utilizando o software R, apontaram que maior capacidade preditiva está atrelada às instituições com maior número de membros do conselho e com ausência de dualidade. A incorporação dessas medidas, sugeridas pelo IBGC, mostraram-se eficazes na redução de assimetria, que é um dos objetivos da governança corporativa, e no aumento da capacidade preditiva. Sugere-se cautela na análise da dualidade considerando que as distribuições não seguem o mesmo formato.
CONSIDERACIONES METODOLÓGICAS SOBRE LA ENSEÑANZA DE LOS REGÍMENES DE DAÑOS Y SEGUROS EN EL DERECHO COLOMBIANO
Authors: López-Oliva José , Alarcón-Peña Andrea , Vargas-Chaves Iván
Published: August 2024

Objetivo: El presente artículo tiene por objetivo formular una serie de reflexiones metodológicas en los procesos formativos de estas disciplinas jurídicas, con un especial énfasis en el ABP o aprendizaje basado en problemas.
Metodología: Los autores se apoyan en los métodos hermenéutico y correlacional, que vinculan tanto elementos de pedagogía como herramientas jurídicas, con el propósito de presentar aportes a la enseñanza del Derecho. El alcance de la investigación es exploratorio, y las técnicas utilizadas se sustentaron en el análisis documental de información especializada, a partir de bases de datos como Scopus, Redalyc y Scielo.
Resultados: Se presentan algunas reflexiones propias sobre el ‘deber ser’ y los métodos tradicional y activo en la enseñanza de estas dos áreas disciplinares del Derecho.
Contribuciones: La enseñanza del Derechos de daños y el Derecho de seguros como disciplinas del conocimiento jurídico, implica promover en los estudiantes competencias y destrezas a través de metodologías activas de aprendizaje activo, y desde ámbitos tales como la responsabilidad civil, estatal y penal, el Derecho procesal y probatorio, entre otras áreas del conocimiento jurídico.
Grappling With Evil Amidst Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Wynnyckyj Mychailo
Published: August 2024

In this article, Mychailo Wynnyckyj details his experience of Russia’s attack on Kyiv in the spring of 2022 and then he argues that the notion of individual rights that lies at the foundation of Western legal and political institutions is incapable of dealing with the collective evil exhibited by the Russian army during their invasion of Ukraine.
Menstrual migraine - pathophysiology, clinical features and treatment options
Authors: Szczotka Dominika , Opala Dominika , Osuch Dobromiła , Staszczyk Izabela , Drabik Aleksandra , Szemplińska Antonina , Błachnio Klaudia , Anderska Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

Introduction and purpose: Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder, affecting significantly more women, especially during their childbearing years, due to its unique link to the menstrual cycle. Over 50% of women with migraines report a connection between their attacks and menstruation. This review aims to highlight the latest data on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment of menstrual migraines, emphasizing the need for increased attention to this condition.
Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, with search phrases including menstrual migraine, migraine, menstruation, migraine diagnosis, migraine treatment, and non-pharmacological migraine treatments.
Current Knowledge: Misinterpretation of diagnostic criteria results in conflicting information about the incidence, clinical characteristics, and treatment response of menstrual migraines. Furthermore, clinical studies often do not differentiate perimenstrual attacks. The role of ovarian hormones, particularly estrogen, in the pathogenesis of menstrual migraines complicates treatment efforts.
Summary: Due to the common and debilitating nature of the menstrual migraine, more detailed research is essential to expand our understanding of its pathophysiology and to develop more effective treatments. Understanding the mechanisms behind menstrual migraines may lead to new treatment options targeting this specific condition.
Monolithically integrated EP-based optical isolator
Authors: Li Yan , Zhou Yaqi , Wang Pengjun , Zhang Yangjun , Zhang Yuejun , Zhang Xiaowei , Li Xiangyu
Published: August 2024

Exceptional points (EPs) display peculiar degeneracies, where complex eigenvalues and associated eigenvectors coalesce simultaneously, resulting in a defective Hamiltonian. Meanwhile, the negative imaginary part of the energy eigenvalues related to a finite spectral linewidth at the resonant energy, which could provide a solution to tackle the isolation bandwidth limitation of MRR-based optical isolators without sacrificing the insertion loss. Here, a second-order EP2 system constructed by SiN-based cascaded racetrack resonators is proposed, while the metal strip operating as an integrated electromagnet provides magnetic fields required for non-reciprocal phase shifting (NRPS). Owing to the existence of the NRPS perturbation, the system is pushed away from EP and consequently triggers complex frequency splitting, resulting in the isolation bandwidth proportional to the square-root perturbation instead. The results show that the isolation bandwidth of the EP isolator is increased by 163% and 22% compared to single-racetrack and cascaded-racetrack isolators with 2.85 dB insertion loss and 34.3 dB isolation ratio, respectively. The presented EP-based optical isolator shows tremendous potential for high-density monolithic integration and packaging.
Generalized quartic dispersion Kerr soliton generation from a fiber laser
Authors: Zhang Chunxiang , Ma Xiangkun , Ma Ke , Deng Zhixiang , Lu Xiaogang , Liao Meihua , Chen Hailong , Lu Haiyang , Wang Zhenhong , Fan Dianyuan , Liu Jun
Published: August 2024

Generalized quartic dispersion Kerr solitons (GQKSs) represent a unique soliton family, which are solutions to the generalized Schrödinger equation with the interplay between the Kerr nonlinearity and the combination of quadratic and quartic dispersions. The well-known pure quartic solitons (PQSs) are exactly within the special case of this soliton family, occurring in the presence of negative quartic-only dispersion. Here, we report on the first experimental generation of GQKSs from a fiber laser and investigate their temporal and spectral characteristics. We find that the temporal and spectral features of GQKSs are closely related to the quadratic dispersion as well as the pump power and intra-cavity birefringence. The flatness and the sideband numbers of the output spectra depends on the pump power and the intra-cavity phase delay bias under appropriate quadratic and quartic dispersions. GQKSs of different states, including harmonic mode-locking, the multiple solitons and soliton bunches, are also observed with proper engineering of the quadratic and quartic dispersion values. The formation mechanisms behind these different soliton states are illustrated. These results can facilitate the further understanding of unique features and evolution dynamics of GQKSs produced directly from ultrafast fiber lasers and accelerate their applications.
Boosting third-order optical nonlinearity in ITO/Au multilayer films via interfacial effects
Authors: Tan Jiaxing , Zhang Zhongshuai , Guo Bin , Huo Yanyan , Zhao Lina , Lu Heng , Li Jiangtao , Wang Shuyun , Ning Tingyin , Cao Wentian
Published: August 2024

We present the enhancement of third-order optical nonlinearity in indium tin oxide (ITO)/Au multilayer films via interfacial effects. The overall thickness of prepared ITO and Au layer was kept as 200 nm and 14 nm, respectively, and thus multilayers are 214 nm, i.e., for the sandwich structure ITO/Au/ITO, the thickness of ITO and Au is 100 nm and 14 nm, respectively, while the thickness of ITO and Au is 40 nm and 3.5 nm in the nine-layer films composed of five layers of ITO and four layers of Au. The measured nonlinear refractive index (n2) and absorption coefficient (β) of the multilayers rise as the number of layers increases. The maximum n2 and β in the nine-layer film are 2.6×10−14 m2/W and −3.7×10−8 m/W, which are 3.8 and 2.3 times larger than the values in the pure ITO film, respectively. Such enhancement of optical nonlinearity as the number of layers increases originates from the increase of carrier concentrations in multilayers due to contact of metals/semiconductors (interfacial effects), not following the traditional effective media theory and epsilon-near-zero effect. The results pave a way to modulate the optical nonlinearity in special metal-dielectric multilayers of interfacial effects and indicates the promising applications in nonlinear photonics.
Diffraction efficiency management by complex binary gratings
Authors: Amaya Dafne , Rueda Edgar , Vaveliuk Pablo
Published: August 2024

The diffraction efficiencies of a complex binary diffraction grating with a rectangular profile are controlled through the steps’ phases, amplitudes, and duty cycle, based on analytical expressions. It is demonstrated that the zeroth-diffraction order can be canceled for any arbitrary value of the duty cycle, provided that a π-phase difference is imposed, along with a specific ratio of the steps’ amplitudes. This feature is not feasible for separated amplitude-only and phase-only rectangular binary gratings in the context of one-dimensional gratings. In this framework, a key analytic relationship between the duty cycle and the steps’ amplitude ratio is derived, allowing the design of such gratings with this desired feature across a wide range of conditions, not limited to a duty cycle of 0.5. Concerning the higher diffraction orders, it is proved that their intensities cancel or maximize for fixed duty cycle no matter the amplitude and phase values of the steps. The intensity of the m-th diffraction order possesses m maxima and m − 1 zeros on the full range of the duty cycle. All these features were corroborated experimentally. The broad insight of such a grating allows the design of gratings with diffraction efficiencies tailored for specific applications.
Methods of correction to extrinsic parameters in a stereoscopic vision with the assistance of two known-distance points
Authors: Liu Cheng , Liu Jianhua , Ao Xiaohui , Mo Fan , Yang Ruoxian
Published: August 2024

Stereoscopic vision plays a significant role in a three-dimensional measurement. With the calibrated intrinsic and extrinsic parameters, stereoscopic vision can complete an accurate measurement. However, the extrinsic parameters are inevitably disturbed by variations in the environment, such as vibration and assembly stress, resulting in a huge measurement error. To overcome the problem, with the assistance of two known-distance points, this Letter proposes correction methods based on triangulation and differential geometry, respectively. The methods formulate the distance and solve the corrected extrinsic parameters. Simulated and actual experiments are carried out, and the results show high accuracy and stability of the proposed methods.
Fano-resonant mechanism of terajet formation using graphene-covered high-index mesoscale spheres
Authors: Paddubskaya A. G. , Novitsky A. V. , Minin O. V. , Minin I. V.
Published: August 2024

Photonic jet in terahertz (THz) frequency range (terajet) plays an important role in modern THz scanning systems to achieve a superresolution beyond the diffraction limit. Based on analytical simulations, we introduce a synergetic effect of a mesoscale dielectric sphere and graphene to improve the focusing properties of a particle. We show that a graphene-covered dielectric sphere is able to enhance the field behind it if the refractive index is high. This conflicts with a generally accepted statement that a jet is generated only for low-index dielectrics with n < 2. We demonstrate the tunability of the terajet characteristics with respect to the graphene Fermi energy and discover a Fano resonance causing the field increase. This design leverages the tuning properties of the graphene allowing dynamic control over the power and size of the generated terajet in real time. With high-index materials, we get the opportunity for integration of terajet-assisted imaging with semiconductor technology.
Bidirectional TFDM 200 G coherent PON with a simplified receiver at the ONU side
Authors: Li Jie , Fan Runzhe , He Qingyu , Luo Ming , Li Xiang
Published: August 2024

Time and frequency division multiplexing (TFDM) coherent passive optical networks (PONs) are considered as a promising candidate for future optical access networks due to the advantage of high sensitivity, high spectral efficiency, and flexibility. We propose a novel, to our knowledge, bidirectional TFDM 200-Gb/s coherent PON architecture based on the digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM) technology. A polarization-insensitive simplified coherent receiver is achieved at the ONU side by Alamouti coding and heterodyne detection. We experimentally demonstrate this bidirectional coherent PON with a 50-Gbaud Alamouti 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal transmitted downstream and a 25-Gbaud dual polarization (DP)-16QAM signal transmitted upstream. By using a single sideband modulated transmitter, only one laser source is required at the optical network unit (ONU) side. The power budgets can reach 30 and 33 dB for the downstream and upstream, respectively, after the 20-km transmission over a standard single-mode fiber (SSMF).
Orbital angular momentum beam-based interferometry for an in-plane displacement measurement
Authors: Xie Zhanwu , Wang Yaohui , Sun Ruiqian , Lu Huali , Zhao Hua , Xia Wei , Guo Dongmei , Wang Ming
Published: August 2024

In this Letter, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, robust interferometry based on orbital angular momentum (OAM) is proposed for an in-plane displacement measurement. A vortex beam (VB) is incident onto a diffraction grating, and the ±1st order diffraction beams with conjugate OAM interfere with each other. By demodulating the petal-like interferogram, the in-plane displacement of the grating can be determined. Theoretically, a 1° rotation of the interferogram corresponds to a displacement of 2.31 nm. Experimental results revealed that the maximum measurement error was less than 3.35%. The proposed measurement system combines the advantages of both OAM interferometry and grating interferometry. It adopts the grating pitch instead of the wavelength as the measurement reference, providing robust immunity to environmental disturbances while maintaining high resolution simultaneously.
Hybrid graphene-InAs/GaInSb type-II superlattice infrared photodetectors
Authors: Fukushima Shoichiro , Shimatani Masaaki , Iwakawa Manabu , Ogawa Shinpei
Published: August 2024

This study demonstrates that graphene can boost the performance of type-II superlattice (T2SL) infrared photodetectors. The devices were fabricated by simply forming graphene transistors or graphene diodes on InAs/GaInSb T2SLs, in contrast to recent structures that are grown using complex crystal growth and bandgap engineering techniques. The infrared detection performance of the devices was evaluated using infrared irradiation from the top of the device. The long wavelength infrared performance of the T2SL was improved by a factor of 217, and the T2SL-based graphene diodes exhibited the lowest noise equivalent power value of 4.09 × 10−12 W/Hz1/2 and the highest detectivity value of 3.66 × 108 cm · Hz1/2/W while the T2SL diodes without the graphene exhibited those of 8.87 × 10−10 W/Hz1/2, and 1.69 × 106 cm · Hz1/2/W, respectively. These findings indicate the potential to improve infrared image sensor performance by incorporating graphene.
Digital intelligence and real estate digital marketing in Nigeria: practitioner’s appraisal
Authors: Akinwamide David Oluwatofunmi , Olukolajo Michael Ayodele
Published: August 2024

Digital disruption in real estate transactions has led to the full adoption of digital marketing in real estate agency services. However, the demand for sustainability in real estate agency service requires adopting digital skills and competencies to achieve effective and efficient real estate digital marketing. This study examines Estate Surveyors and Valuers’ perceptions of the relevance of digital intelligence for sustainable real estate digital marketing in Nigeria, using Edo State as the study area. The data for the survey were sourced from 120 registered and practicing Estate Surveyors and Valuers (ESVs) using structured questionnaires, out of which 100 (83.33%) were retrieved and found suitable for analysis. Mean score, cross-tabulation, and chi-square were employed for data analysis. Findings indicated that social media marketing and e‑mail marketing are the highest-ranked digital marketing channels adopted among the surveyed respondents. Also, chi-square results show that there is a significant relationship between the relevance of digital intelligence and the level of usage of social media marketing, the relevance of digital intelligence and the level of usage of e‑mail marketing, and the relevance of digital intelligence and the level of usage of affiliate marketing. It was recommended, among others, that ESVs should invest in themselves and their staff in terms of training to raise their competency to harness the opportunities in technology to enhance their professional practice.
aiSEGcell: User-friendly deep learning-based segmentation of nuclei in transmitted light images
Authors: Schirmacher Daniel , Armagan Ümmünur , Zhang Yang , Kull Tobias , Auler Markus , Schroeder Timm
Published: August 2024

Segmentation is required to quantify cellular structures in microscopic images. This typically requires their fluorescent labeling. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can detect these structures also in only transmitted light images. This eliminates the need for transgenic or dye fluorescent labeling, frees up imaging channels, reduces phototoxicity and speeds up imaging. However, this approach currently requires optimized experimental conditions and computational specialists. Here, we introduce “aiSEGcell” a user-friendly CNN-based software to segment nuclei and cells in bright field images. We extensively evaluated it for nucleus segmentation in different primary cell types in 2D cultures from different imaging modalities in hand-curated published and novel imaging data sets. We provide this curated ground-truth data with 1.1 million nuclei in 20,000 images. aiSEGcell accurately segments nuclei from even challenging bright field images, very similar to manual segmentation. It retains biologically relevant information, e.g. for demanding quantification of noisy biosensors reporting signaling pathway activity dynamics. aiSEGcell is readily adaptable to new use cases with only 32 images required for retraining. aiSEGcell is accessible through both a command line, and a napari graphical user interface. It is agnostic to computational environments and does not require user expert coding experience.
Hand hygiene practice compliance among healthcare workers in a tertiary healthcare hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Duwal Sarita , Budhathoki Lee , Dhaubanjar Manisha , Rijal Durga , Acharya Puspa
Published: August 2024

Hand hygiene is a critical practice to prevent healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). However, compliance to it among healthcare workers is very low. The study aims to assess hand hygiene practices in various situations among the healthcare workers of different departments in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. The study is a hospital-based cross-sectional observational study among 260 healthcare workers selected using the stratified Proportionate random sampling method. Healthcare workers eligible for the study were those in ward rounds, doing procedures, and having actual contact with the patients and their surroundings. Using a WHO-developed checklist, an observation technique was used to collect the hand hygiene practice data among the healthcare workers. A total of 1068 hand hygiene opportunities were observed among 260 healthcare workers. The overall hand hygiene compliance was 30%, and the compliance was observed differently among the healthcare workers, where compliance of hand hygiene for doctors, nurses, and paramedics were 37%, 35%, and 23%, respectively. The WHO "5 moments" for hand hygiene compliance, "after body fluid exposure," was found to be higher (83%), followed by "after touching the patients’ surroundings" (79%), and only 11% compliance was found "before touching the patient." Hand hygiene procedures were missed by 36% of paramedics, 30% of doctors, and 20% of nurses. The study reflects the need to promote hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers to prevent HCAIs, as compliance with hand hygiene action was only 30%.
The NS1 protein of contemporary West African Zika virus potentiates viral replication and reduces innate immune activation
Authors: Machmouchi Dana , Courageot Marie-Pierre , Ogire Eva , Redecke Lars , Kohl Alain , Desprès Philippe , Roche Marjolaine
Published: August 2024

Mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) from sub-Saharan Africa has recently gained attention due to its epidemic potential and its capacity to be highly teratogenic. To improve our knowledge on currently circulating strains of African ZIKV, we conducted protein sequence alignment and identified contemporary West Africa NS1 (NS1CWA) protein as a highly conserved viral protein. Comparison of NS1CWA with the NS1 of the historical African ZIKV strain MR766 (NS1MR766), revealed seven amino acid substitutions. The effects of NS1 mutations on protein expression, virus replication, and innate immune activation were assessed in human cells using recombinant NS1 proteins and a chimeric viral clone MR766 with NS1CWA replacing NS1MR766. Our data indicated higher secretion efficiency of NS1CWA compared to NS1MR766 associated with a change in subcellular distribution. A chimeric MR766 virus with NS1CWA instead of authentic protein displayed a greater viral replication efficiency, leading to more pronounced cell death compared to parental virus. Enhanced viral growth was associated with reduced activation of innate immunity. Our data raise questions of the importance of NS1 protein in the pathogenicity of contemporary ZIKV from sub-Saharan Africa and point to differences within viral strains of African lineage.
Focal spleen lesions in loiasis: A pilot study in Gabon
Authors: Adegbite Bayode R. , Gobbi Federico G. , Mazzi Cristina , Beral M’Baidiguim Fabrice , Lumeka Anita , Obele Ndong Andréa R.O , Edoa Jean R. , Honkpéhèdji Yabo J. , Zinsou Jeannot F. , Dejon-Agobé Jean C. , Zoleko-Manego Rella , Ramharter Michael , Adegnika Ayola A. , Tamarozzi Francesca
Published: August 2024

Background

Infection with the filarial nematode Loa loa, endemic in Central and Western Africa, has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A number of reports described the presence of spleen nodules, originating from degenerating microfilariae, in humans and animals infected with L. loa. The long-term consequences of this process on individuals chronically exposed to infection in terms of spleen function and possible link with excess mortality are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of focal spleen lesions, their evolution over time, and markers of spleen function, in individuals with L. loa infection living in highly endemic areas of Gabon.

Methodology/principal findings

This was a cross-sectional study followed by a longitudinal study of the subset of individuals with spleen nodules. Two hundred sixteen participants from Ngounié and Moyen-Ogooué provinces of Gabon, reporting a history of eyeworm migration and/or Calabar swelling, were included. Participants were categorized into infected microfilaraemic with low (N = 74) and high (N = 10) microfilaraemia, and symptomatic amicrofilaraemic (N = 132), based on blood microscopy. Howell-Jolly bodies in erythrocytes, as indirect marker of spleen functional impairment, were within normal ranges. On ultrasound, no evident signs of spleen fibrosis or hypotrophy were observed. Multiple spleen hypoechoic centimetric macronodules were observed in 3/216 participants (1.4%), all with microfilaraemic L. loa infection (3.4% of microfilaraemics); macrondules disappeared at the 6-months follow-up examination in 2/3 individuals. Spleen hypoechoic micronodules, persisting at the 6-months follow-up, were detected in 3/216 participants (1.4%), who were all amicrofilaraemic.

Conclusions/significance

Transitory spleen macronodules are present in a small but consistent proportion of individuals with microfilaraemic loiasis, appearing a rather benign phenomenon in terms of impact on spleen morphology and function. Their occurrence should be taken into consideration to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Prevalence and significance of spleen micronodular ultrasound patterns in the general population would be also worth evaluating.
The relationship between young football players’ psychological health resources and the psychological quality of their football experiences: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ommundsen Yngvar , Ivarsson Andreas , Wold Bente , Gjesdal Siv , Solstad Bård Erlend
Published: August 2024

Studies taking a person-centred statistical approach when examining young peoples` psychological experiences in sport is scarce. The main aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between young football players’ psychological health resources and the psychological quality of their football-specific experiences. Data for this cross-sectional study was collected as part of the [BLINDED] arm of the larger Promoting Adolescence Physical Activity (PAPA) multi-centre project [1]. The sample consisted of young [BLINDED] male (n = 814), female (n = 576), grassroots football players between the ages of 10 and 15 years (M = 12.5 years, SD = 1.1 years). We performed a latent profile analysis using Mplus 8.4 using a robust maximum likelihood estimator (MLR). Players with the most resourceful psychological health profile experienced more coach social support (mean = 4.38) than did those with a less well-off resourceful profile (mean = 3.79) and those with the least well-off profile (mean = 3.28). Players with the most resourceful profile also felt a stronger sense of unity among their teammates and they enjoyed football more than those least well off (mean = 4.43 vrs. mean = 3.12 and mean = 4.74 vrs 3.50. respectively). Parallel between-profile differences were also found for the players’ general health resources including perceived life satisfaction, general health and family affluence as covariates. Findings suggest that variations in young players’ psychological health profiles and their general health resources play a role in the quality of their football-specific psychological experiences.
Assessing the predictive ability of computational epitope prediction methods on Fel d 1 and other allergens
Authors: Kwon Hyeji , Ko Soobon , Ha Kyungsoo , Lee Jungjoon K. , Choi Yoonjoo
Published: August 2024

While computational epitope prediction methods have found broad application, their use, specifically in allergy-related contexts, remains relatively less explored. This study benchmarks several publicly available epitope prediction tools, focusing on the allergenic IgE and T-cell epitopes of Fel d 1, an extensively studied allergen. Using a variety of tools accessible via the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) and other resources, we evaluate their ability to identify the known linear IgE and T-cell epitopes of Fel d 1. Our results show a limited effectiveness for B-cell epitope prediction methods, with most performing only marginally better than random selection. We also explored the general predictive abilities on other allergens, and the results were largely random. When predicting T-cell epitopes, ProPred successfully identified all known Fel d 1 T-cell epitopes, whereas the IEDB approach missed two known epitopes and demonstrated a tendency to over-predict. However, when applied to a larger test set, both methods performed only slightly better than random selection. Our findings show the limitations of current computational epitope prediction methods in accurately identifying allergenic epitopes, emphasizing the need for methodological advancements in allergen research.