bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multiobjective Optimization Model for Continuous Allocation of Emergency Rescue Materials
Authors: Liu Yonghong , Li Yucheng , Huang De
Published: July 2020

Emergency rescue operations play a vital role in alleviating human suffering, reducing casualties, and cutting down economic losses. One key aspect in the management of these operations is the rational allocation of emergency relief materials, where the allocation is continuous, dynamic, and concurrent. This allocation should be made not only to minimize the emergency rescue losses, but also to reduce the cost of emergency rescue work. A reasonable and effective allocation scheme for emergency relief materials can be established to adapt to the continuity, dynamics, and concurrency of material distribution. In this work, we propose a multiobjective optimization model of emergency material allocation with continuous time-varying supply and demand constraints, where the objective is to minimize the losses and the economic cost incurred by the emergency rescue operations. The constrained optimization problem is handled through sequential unconstrained minimization techniques, and the multiobjective optimization is carried out by the fast nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) with an elite strategy to obtain a Pareto solution set with fairness and balance of loss and cost. The loss and cost associated with the Pareto frontier are employed to find an appropriate noninferior solution and its corresponding material allocation scheme. We verify through several simulations the model feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed method, which can provide decision support for continuous material allocation in emergency rescue operations.
Association of Demographic Variables with the Awareness of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients (T2DM) among the Northwest Population in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Arawi Wael Ahmed , Al Shaman Udai Salamh , Albalawi Waleed Ahmad Mohsin , Siddhachettiar Palanisamy Amirthalingam , El-kannishy Sherif M. H. , Bagalagel Alaa , Diri Reem , Aljabri Ahmed , Hamdan Ahmed Mohsen
Published: July 2020

The chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of different organs. Lack of patient education and knowledge about these complications can worsen the quality of a patient’s life. Hence, more efforts are needed to improve patient’s education especially in rural areas. Aim. Our objective is to explore the association between demographic variables and the knowledge of self-care practices in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods. We used observational cross-sectional descriptive study using a validated self-administered questionnaire in both Arabic and English languages as well. A descriptive correlation design analyzed the questionnaire completed by a convenience sample meeting the inclusion criteria. Results. A total of 100 patients met the inclusion criteria for the analysis out of 3251 patients who completed the questionnaire. The study population has low moderate knowledge in diabetes, moderate knowledge in self-care practices, and good knowledge about complications of nephropathy and cardiovascular disease. No significant association between demographic variables. However, better knowledge observed in male (p=0.028) and self-care practices with female (p=0.020). Further, educational status is significantly influencing the knowledge of diabetic patients. Conclusion. The study emphasizing irrespective of demographic variable and the importance of patient education to achieve well glycemic control.
End-of-Dinner Food Offering: A Three-Way Contrastive Study
Authors: Chen Rong , Hu Chunmei
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a three-way contrastive study of the structure of the end-of-dinner food offering event – hosts asking guests to eat more food when the latter have indicated that they have finished eating – across three population groups: Chinese residents of the City of Xi’an as of 1995 (as reported in Chen, 1996), American residents of Southern California as of 2019, and Chinese residents of Xi’an as of 2019. It is found that, in 2019, Americans living in Southern California only infrequently offer their guests more food at the end of a dinner, while the Chinese residents of Xi’an (the Xi’an Chinese) offer their guests food much less often than in 1995, although still more frequently than their American counterparts. The difference observed between the Chinese and American groups is attributed to the different notions of politeness that are held in the two cultures: the Xi’an Chinese still maintain elements of hospitality and warmth as key notions of politeness, in a similar way to Libyan Arabic speakers, as discovered by Grainger, Mansor and Mills (2015), while the offering behaviour of Southern Californians is motivated by the respect they hold for another person’s freedom of action. The noticeable change in the way food is offered at the end of a Chinese dinner between 1995 and 2019 – which can be seen to be a process of ‘deritualisation’ (Kádár, 2013) – is due to the influence of Western cultures. The significance of our work thus goes beyond the understanding of both food offering in Chinese and Chinese politeness: it adds to the scant literature on the structure of the offering event across cultures and places Chinese politeness in the context of other languages; it brings insights from language contact into the field of pragmatics, a decades-long research paradigm; and it demonstrates the value of diachronic contrastive pragmatics, a direction that will no doubt aid the advancement of contrastive pragmatics in particular and, as a consequence, pragmatics in general.
‘We Want Fork but No Pork’: (Im)Politeness in Humour by Asian Users of English as a Lingua Franca and Australian English Speakers
Authors: Walkinshaw Ian , Kirkpatrick Andy
Published: July 2020

This study explores the conversational humour of Asian multilinguals using English as a lingua franca (ELF) – specifically, their use of (im)politeness strategies to humorously maintain, neglect or affront their target’s face. The Asian ELF data come from the Asian Corpus of English (ACE), which comprises naturally occurring data of English being used as a lingua franca by Asian multilinguals. These data are compared with similar instances drawn from existing Australian humour studies. Our qualitative analysis reveals significant insights into how (im)politeness (both actual and pretended) are utilised as humour strategies by Asian ELF speakers compared with Australian English users.
Pleural fluid MYD88 L265P mutation supporting diagnosis and decision to treat extramedullary Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia: a case report
Authors: Barnes Martin , Sharma Pritha , Kumar Vikas , Kaell Alan , LiPera William
Published: July 2020

Background

Our case of a patient with untreated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia with extramedullary pleural effusion is the first documented case of pleural fluid MYD88 L265P mutation status in a community hospital setting. Our patient was intolerant to 420 mg ibrutinib, but still achieved a lasting complete remission, as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, with a dose reduction to 240 mg of ibrutinib.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old Caucasian (white) man diagnosed with monoclonal immunoglobin M kappa lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia monitored without treatment for 2 years, presented with dyspnea and a left pleural effusion. At presentation, computed tomography scans of his chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed layering left pleural effusion and para-aortic lymphadenopathy. Pleural fluid cytology demonstrated B-cell lymphoma of the lymphoplasmacytic subtype, with monoclonal kappa B-cell population on flow and a positive MYD88 L265P mutation. The pleural effusion recurred post-thoracentesis and he achieved a lasting complete remission as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline with 240 mg ibrutinib.

Conclusions

Our discussion details a comprehensive literature review of extramedullary pulmonary involvement in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. Establishing a malignant etiology for pleural effusion in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia can be challenging, as standard techniques may be insensitive. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction for detecting MYD88 L265P mutations is more sensitive for confirming lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia in pleural fluid. Extramedullary pulmonary involvement usually presents post-diagnosis of Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia and responds well to Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia-directed treatment regimens. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction is a sensitive assay for detecting MYD88 L265P mutations in pleural fluid to support the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion in the setting of Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia and helps guide the treatment decision to use ibrutinib. Although intolerant of ibrutinib 420 mg, our patient achieved complete and sustained remission of pleural effusion with a dose of 240 mg with progression free survival of over 30 months.
Some perturbation results of Kirchhoff type equations via Morse theory
Authors: Sun Mingzheng , Chen Yutong , Tian Rushun
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider the following Kirchhoff type equation:
$$ \textstyle\begin{cases} - (a+b \int _{\varOmega } \vert \nabla u \vert ^{2}\,dx ) \Delta u= f(x,u) &\text{in } \varOmega , \\ u=0 &\text{on } \partial \varOmega , \end{cases} $$

{

−
(
a
+
b

∫
Ω

|
∇
u

|
2

d
x
)
Δ
u
=
f
(
x
,
u
)

in 
Ω
,

u
=
0

on 
∂
Ω
,

where $a,b>0$
a
,
b
>
0
are constants and $\varOmega \subset \mathbb{R}^{N}$
Ω
⊂

R
N

($N=1,2,3$
N
=
1
,
2
,
3
) is a bounded domain with smooth boundary ∂Ω. By applying Morse theory, we obtain some existence and multiplicity results of nontrivial solutions for either a or b being sufficiently small.
Differential assessment of skeletal, alveolar, and dental components induced by microimplant-supported midfacial skeletal expander (MSE), utilizing novel angular measurements from the fulcrum
Authors: Paredes Ney , Colak Ozge , Sfogliano Luca , Elkenawy Islam , Fijany Layla , Fraser Andrew , Zhang Boshi , Moon Won
Published: July 2020

Background

In order to assess skeletal expansion, alveolar bone bending, and dental tipping after maxillary expansion, linear and angular measurements have been performed utilizing different craniofacial references. Since the expansion with midfacial skeletal expander (MSE) is archial in nature, the aim of this paper is to quantify the differential components of MSE expansion by calculating the fulcrum locations and applying a novel angular measurement system.

Methods

Thirty-nine subjects with a mean age of 18.2 ± 4.2 years were treated with MSE. Pre- and post-expansion CBCT records were superimposed and compared. The rotational fulcrum of the zygomaticomaxillary complex was identified by localizing the interfrontal distance and modified interfrontal distance. Based on the fulcrum, a novel angular measurement method is presented and compared with a conventional linear method to assess changes of the zygomaticomaxillary complex, dentoalveolar bone, and maxillary first molars.

Results

From 39 patients, 20 subjects have the rotational fulcrum of the zygomaticomaxillary complex at the most distant points of the interfrontal distance (101.6 ± 4.7 mm) and 19 subjects at the most distant points of the modified interfrontal distance (98.9 ± 5.7 mm). Linear measurements accounted for 60.16% and 56.83% of skeletal expansion, 16.15% and 16.55% of alveolar bone bending, and 23.69% and 26.62% of dental tipping for right and left side. Angular measurements showed 96.58% and 95.44% of skeletal expansion, 0.34% and 0.33% alveolar bone bending, and 3.08% and 4.23% of dental tipping for the right and left sides. The frontozygomatic, frontoalveolar, and frontodental angles were not significant different (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

In the coronal plane, the center of rotation for the zygomaticomaxillary complex was located at the most external and inferior point of the zygomatic process of the frontal bone or slightly above and parallel to the interfrontal distance. Due to the rotational displacement of the zygomaticomaxillary complex, angular measurements should be a preferred method for assessing the expansion effects, instead of the traditional linear measurement method.
Comprehensive stability-indicating method development of Avanafil Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor using advanced Quality-by-Design approach
Authors: Patel Mital , Kothari Charmy
Published: July 2020

Avanafil (AV) is the phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 inhibitor drug used in erectile dysfunction, having pyrrolidine, pyrimidine, carboxamide, and chlorine as functional groups which can easily break by environmental changes and cause toxicity. Henceforth, in detail, HPLC stability study with the Quality-by-Design (QbD) approach is presented which leads to recommended storage conditions. The stability of AV was analyzed in hydrolysis, photolysis, and thermal and oxidative conditions. The application of the QbD approach during the stability method development comprises steps as screening and optimization. Quality target product profile (QTPP) was defined, and critical quality attributes (CQAs) were assigned to meet the QTPP requirements. Primary parameters obtained from the Ishikawa diagram were studied via Placket–Burman, and four critical factors were optimized through the central composite design (CCD). The finalized method includes mobile phase [10 mM ammonium acetate, pH 4.5 adjusted by acetic acid:ACN (60:40, v/v)] at 0.9-mL/min flow rate and 239-nm wavelength. A control strategy was set up to ensure that the method repeatedly meets the acceptance criteria. Overall, 16 degradation product peaks of AV in all conditions (solid and solution state) were identified with optimized method and evaluated by HPLC-PDA study. A comprehensive systemic optimization of AV stability study is stated for the first time, which reveals that AV is prone to degrade in sunlight, moisture, and temperature. Global regulators and manufacturers should take care of the packaging, handling, and labeling of AV. A fully validated LC–MS compatible stability method can be successfully applied to monitor AV stability from its formulation which can be wisely extrapolated to assess the AV from biological samples.
Importance of overstorey attributes for understorey litter production and nutrient cycling in European forests
Authors: Landuyt Dries , Ampoorter Evy , Bastias Cristina C. , Benavides Raquel , Müller Sandra , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Valladares Fernando , Wasof Safaa , Verheyen Kris
Published: July 2020

Background

In contrast with the negligible contribution of the forest understorey to the total aboveground phytobiomass of a forest, its share in annual litter production and nutrient cycling may be more important. Whether and how this functional role of the understorey differs across forest types and depends upon overstorey characteristics remains to be investigated.

Methods

We sampled 209 plots of the FunDivEUROPE Exploratory Platform, a network of study plots covering local gradients of tree diversity spread over six contrasting forest types in Europe. To estimate the relative contribution of the understorey to carbon and nutrient cycling, we sampled non-lignified aboveground understorey biomass and overstorey leaf litterfall in all plots. Understorey samples were analysed for C, N and P concentrations, overstorey leaf litterfall for C and N concentrations. We additionally quantified a set of overstorey attributes, including species richness, proportion of evergreen species, light availability (representing crown density) and litter quality, and investigated whether they drive the understorey’s contribution to carbon and nutrient cycling.

Results and conclusions

Overstorey litter production and nutrient stocks in litterfall clearly exceeded the contribution of the understorey for all forest types, and the share of the understorey was higher in forests at the extremes of the climatic gradient. In most of the investigated forest types, it was mainly light availability that determined the contribution of the understorey to yearly carbon and nutrient cycling. Overstorey species richness did not affect the contribution of the understorey to carbon and nutrient cycling in any of the investigated forest types.
Effect of financial constraints on the growth of family and nonfamily firms in Turkey
Authors: Ergün Bahadır , Doruk Ömer Tuğsal
Published: July 2020

This study examined whether family-owned firms have advantages for accessing external financial sources for growth. Especially in developing countries with imperfect markets, firms can face difficulties accessing external financing sources; however, family-owned firms might have some advantages in this regard over nonfamily firms. Unlike previous studies, this study considered that, in the Turkish context, nonfamily firms are financially constrained while family firms are not. To examine this hypothesis, we used the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to analyze panel data from 2006 to 2017. The findings showed that financing constraints were a significant obstacle to growth for nonfamily-owned manufacturing firms while the effect was not present for family firms since they are controlled by large, well-established family groups. These results elucidate the relationship between corporate ownership and growth among Turkish firms, especially those with strong links to large family-owned corporations. The results also revealed that reputation and network may facilitate easier access to external financing sources, especially when considering the “Big Six” family ties of firms.
Potential of phytopathogenic fungal isolates as a biocontrol agent against some weeds
Authors: Mohammed Youssef M. M. , Badawy Mohamed E. I.
Published: July 2020

Bioherbicides afford satisfactory approach to overcome weed problem. Selection of new bioherbicides from phytopathogenic microbiota is essential for modern agricultural management, especially mycoherbicides. Thus, in the present investigation, 4 phytopathogenic fungi including Alternaria alternata YMM1, A. tenuissima YMM3, Chaetomium globosum YMM2, and Nigrospora oryzae YMM4 were isolated from infected leaves with chlorotic rings of Rumex dentatus and Sonchus oleraceus as common weeds in Egypt. These fungi were identified based on morphology and sequence analysis of ITS1-5.8SrDNA-ITS2 of rRNA genes. Mycoherbicidal metabolites were produced using submerged cultures in potato dextrose broth. Their bioherbicidal activities were evaluated using seed germination and leaf disk puncture assays. It was found that the most promising fungal strain against major tested weeds was N. oryzae YMM4. Thus, phytopathogenic microbiota are considered a great resource for the construction of a new bioherbicide for managing weeds.
Short-term follow-up of embolization of hip synovitis
Authors: Correa Mateus Picada , Puton Renan Camargo , Saleh Jaber Nashat , Noel Rafael Stevan , da Silva Luis Henrique Penteado , de Castro Daniela Medeiros , de Mello Bajesrki Julio Cesar
Published: July 2020

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent joint disease, affecting 10% of men and 18% of women older than 60 years worldwide. Traditionally, treatment is based in pain management with joint replacement of end-stage disease. In this setting, transcatheter embolization has emerged as an alternative in reduction of pain in patients with OA.

Case presentation

A 77 years-old female presenting with two previous deep vein thrombosis and 10 years of hip pain. Magnetic resonance demonstrated a focal area of enhanced pericapsular signal near the superolateral margin of the acetabulum. Embolization of branches of the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery was performed, with decrease of the pain and improvement in the image and her walking ability in a four-month follow-up.

Conclusion

This case report have shown that embolization of hip synovitis is feasible with early clinical success, in tune with the findings of genicular and shoulder embolization. Studies with more patients and long-term results are necessary to corroborate this finding.

Level of evidence

4
Acute suppurative thyroiditis with transient hyperthyroidism in thalassemia child: an uncommon association in a common disease—a rare case report
Authors: Sahoo Swaranjika , Biswal Basudev , Mohapatra Anuspandana , Sarangi Rachita
Published: July 2020

Background

Thyroid infection is rare in paediatric age group in anatomically normal thyroid gland. However, acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is common in high-risk cases like thyroglossal duct remnant and thyroglossal pyriform sinus fistula. This may be associated with variable thyroid dysfunctions. Though transient hyperthyroidism is reported in some cases, its association was not documented in thalassemia child.

Case presentation

We are reporting an 8-year-old male child with a history of fever, pain, and left neck swelling for 5 days. He was evaluated and empirically started intravenous antibiotics (ceftriaxone, cloxacillin, and amikacin) along with other supportive treatment for localized signs of thyroid infection. Ultrasonography of the neck revealed intercommunicating pockets of collections with internal echoes in the left thyroid lobe. CT neck was done and suggested that the left lobe of the thyroid gland was replaced by hypodense lesions of fluid attenuation without any congenital abnormality of the thyroid gland. His thyroid function tests were suggestive of biochemical hyperthyroidism. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics and ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration of pus. His pus culture showed growth of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. He also had microcytic hypochromic anaemia which was evaluated and found to have thalassemia trait. His biochemical hyperthyroidism normalized after completion of 2 weeks of treatment and required no intervention.

Conclusion

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an uncommon clinical condition in an anatomically normal thyroid gland which could be associated with thyroid dysfunction. Its association in a thalassemia child is also not documented in literature. Clinical evaluation and proper history taking and non-invasive thyroid imaging are the cornerstone for diagnosis. Antibiotics and pus drainage are the mainstay management. Associated biochemical hyperthyroidism is transient and resolves without any specific medication in asymptomatic cases.
FUNGICIDAL ACTIVITY OF COLLOIDAL COPPER PARTICLES OBTAINED ON THE BASIS OF THE EXTRACT OF THE ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS
Authors: Kozlova Valeria Nikolaevna , Nikishina Maria Borisovna , Ivanova Evgenia Vladimirovna , Atroshchenko Yuri Mikhailovich
Published: July 2020

Изучено влияние коллоидных частиц меди на рост грибов-фитопатагенов различных таксономических классов.
ОЦЕНКА ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЯ ХЛОРИД-ИОНАМИ МАЛЫХ РЕК НИЖНЕВАРТОВСКОГО РАЙОНА
Authors: Alagulov Denis Andreevich , Ivanova Angelina Vyacheslavovna
Published: July 2020

Важное значение в оценке экологической ситуации в Ханты-Мансийском автономном округе представляют концентрации химических веществ в поверхностных водах и донных отложениях, которые характеризуют техногенные потоки загрязняющих веществ в районах нефтепромыслов. Хлоридное загрязнение малых рек приводит к их накоплению в донных отложениях. Высокие концентрации хлорид-ионов в поверхностных водах и донных отложениях негативно воздействуют на речную экосистему.
АНАЛИЗ КОРРЕЛЯЦИОННОЙ ЗАВИСИМОСТИ РЕЗУЛЬТАТОВ ТОКСИКОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТОВ ОТ УРОВНЯ рН ВОДЫ
Authors: Aleksandrova Viktoria Vikorovna , Ivanov Vyacheslav Borisovich , Vojtova Viktoria Aleksandrovna
Published: July 2020

В основу исследования положены экотоксикологические эксперименты, с использованием тест-объекта Ceriodaphnia аffinis. Исследовалось влияние количества химических веществ на тест-обьект Ceriodaphnia affinis, а так же проводился анализ зависимости результатов токсикологических экспериментов от уровня рН воды.Цель исследования заключается в исследование влияния количества химических веществ на тест-обьект Ceriodaphnia affinis, а так же анализ зависимости результатов токсикологических экспериментов от уровня рН воды.Материалы и методы исследования. В течении двух лет с 2018 по 2019 год проводилось токсикологическое исследование проб воды реки Обь в 10 точках отбора проб (точки 1-10), параллельно проводился химический анализ проб воды и определение уровня рН.Заключение. Экологическое состояние исследованных рек Нижневартовского района на основании полученных химических и токсикологических анализов позволяет говорит о их удовлетворительном состоянии, реки преимущественно загрязнены железом и марганцем, поверхностные воды Нижневартовского района преимущественно кислые, что во многом объясняется природным происхождением. Корреляционную зависимость плодовитости тест-объектов с уровнем рН воды рек Обь в районе города Нижневартовска можно охарактеризовать как низкую.
НОВЫЙ СПОСОБ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ ЭТИЛОВОГО ЭФИРА 3-(4’-НИТРОФЕНИЛ)ГИДРАЗОНА-2,3,4-ТРИОКСОПЕНТАНОВОЙ КИСЛОТЫ
Authors: Volkova Daria Sergeevna , Root Evgeny Vladimirovich
Published: July 2020

Разработан новый способ получения этилового эфира 3-(4’-нитрофенил)гидразона-2,3,4-триоксопентановой кислоты – удобного синтона для получения азотфункционализированных гетероциклических соединений и подтверждено его строение методами масс-спектрометрии.
QSPR МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ТЕПЛОЕМКОСТИ АЛЬДЕГИДОВ
Authors: Osipov Alexander Leonidovich , Trushina Veronica Pavlovna , Osipov Fedor Leonidovich
Published: July 2020

В статье исследуются QSPR модели предсказания теплоемкости химических веществ семейства альдегидов. Исследование параметра теплоемкости осуществляется с помощью разработанных моделей с использованием следующих факторов: топологических индексов; структурных дескрипторов; информационного индекса, связанного с функцией Шеннона. Проведены вычислительные эксперименты, показывающие высокую эффективность предложенных QSPR зависимостей.
Wound bed preparation: a case series using polyhexanide and betaine solution and gel—a UK perspective
Authors: Atkin Leanne , Stephenson John , Cooper Dawn M
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The burden of wound care within the NHS is estimated at a cost of £5.3 billion per year and is set to rise annually by 30%. This case series describes the results of using polyhexanide (PHMB) and betaine wound irrigation solution and gels (Prontosan, B.Braun Medical Ltd., UK) across the UK in hard-to-heal (also described as chronic) wounds up to 20 years' duration, with an observation period of greater than one month. Over half of the hard-to-heal wounds were healed and vast improvements to all other wounds were observed. Improvements to wound bed condition were reported as early as two days after commencing initial treatment, with decreases in malodour, exudate, slough and pain reported across the case series. In addition to wound bed improvements, a reduction in dressing change frequency of 55% was observed in hard-to-heal wounds under the new treatment regime.
‘Smart’ wound dressings for advanced wound care: a review
Authors: O'Callaghan Suzanne , Galvin Paul , O'Mahony Conor , Moore Zena , Derwin Rosemarie
Published: July 2020

Hard-to-heal wounds are a common side-effect of diabetes, obesity, pressure ulcers and age-related vascular diseases, the incidences of which are growing worldwide. The increasing financial burden of hard-to-heal wounds on global health services has provoked technological research into improving wound diagnostics and therapeutics via ’smart’ dressings, within which elements such as microelectronic sensors, microprocessors and wireless communication radios are embedded. This review highlights the progress being made by research groups worldwide in producing ‘smart’ wound device prototypes. Significant advances have been made, for example, flexible substrates have replaced rigid circuit boards, sensors have been printed on commercial wound dressing materials and wireless communication has been demonstrated. Challenges remain, however, in the areas of power supply, disposability, low-profile components, multiparametric sensing and seamless device integration in commercial wound dressings.
Electromedical devices in wound healing management: a narrative review
Authors: Palmieri Beniamino , Vadalà Maria , Laurino Carmen
Published: July 2020

Wound healing is the sum of physiological sequential steps, leading to skin restoration. However, in some conditions, such as diabetes, pressure ulcers (PU) and venous legs ulcers (VLU), healing is a major challenge and requires multiple strategies. In this context, some electromedical devices may accelerate and/or support wound healing, modulating the inflammatory, proliferation (granulation) and tissue-remodelling phases. This review describes some helpful electromedical devices including: ultrasonic-assisted wound debridement; electrotherapy; combined ultrasound and electric field stimulation; low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields; phototherapy (for example, laser therapy and light-emitting diode (LED) therapy); biophotonic therapies, and pressure therapies (for example, negative pressure wound therapy, and high pressure and intermittent pneumatic compression) The review focuses on the evidence-based medicine and adequate clinical trial design in relation to these devices.
Skin tear prevalence and incidence in the long-term care population: a prospective study
Authors: LeBlanc Kimberly , Woo Kevin Y , VanDenKerkhof Elizabeth , Woodbury M Gail
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The World Health Organization estimates that between 2015 and 2050 the proportion of the world's population over 60 years old will nearly double from 12% to 22%. An often overlooked byproduct of ageing is the skin changes associated with it, which heighten the risk of developing skin tears. Despite this presumed increased risk, the true impact of skin tears across age groups and care settings is poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to establish the prevalence and incidence of skin tears in the Ontario long-term care population.

Method:

A prospective study design was used to explore the prevalence and incidence of skin tears. Individuals from four long-term care facilities in Ontario were followed over four weeks. The participants were examined for skin tears at the beginning of the study and at week four to determine whether skin tears had occurred and to record the skin tear type and location.

Results:

A total of 380 individuals, aged 65 years and over, took part. The study found a skin tear prevalence of 20.8% and an incidence of 18.9% within four weeks. These results provide much needed data on the burden of skin tears in the long-term care population. Conclusion: The present study is an important first step towards developing a prevention programme targeting individuals at risk for skin tears in long-term care.
Correlation between vitamin D levels and hard-to-heal wounds: a systematic review
Authors: Smith Karen , Hewlings Susan
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Hard-to-heal wounds are a major biological, psychological, social and financial burden on both individual patients and the broader health system. They are associated with a variety of comorbidities and have a complex aetiology, but are typically associated with nutritional deficiencies, such as low vitamin D levels. This systematic literature review evaluates the current research regarding the connection between inadequate vitamin D status and wound healing.

Method:

PubMed and EBSCO databases were searched following PRISMA guidelines for primary research studies relating to pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers or venous ulcers and vitamin D status.

Results:

A total of 10 studies, involving 2359 participants, met the inclusion criteria. There was a strong correlation between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the presence of all three types of hard-to-heal wounds.

Conclusion:

Research suggests a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hard-to-heal wounds. However, it is not clear if the relationship is causal or only correlational. There is also emerging evidence on the use of vitamin D supplementation for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. More research is needed to understand the correlation between vitamin D and hard-to-heal wounds.
Modification of the abductor digiti minimi muscle flap for soft tissue coverage of the diabetic foot
Authors: Ramanujam Crystal L , Suto Alan C , Zgonis Thomas
Published: July 2020

The local intrinsic abductor digiti minimi muscle flap is ideal for lateral, plantar lateral traumatic or diabetic foot wounds following adequate surgical debridement to eradicate any soft tissue and/or osseous infection. Although the indications and surgical technique have been well-described in the literature, the authors present a unique modification of tunnelling the harvested muscle flap directly from the donor site to the plantar recipient foot wound by maintaining the intact overlying skin island at the surface of the fifth metatarsal base. This modification allows preservation of the patient's skin integrity in this area, thereby minimising potential morbidity at the major pedicle site. After the harvested muscle is tunnelled through the intact skin island, an adjacent local random flap mobilisation, autogenous or allogeneic skin graft can then be used for coverage over the muscle inset if primary wound closure is not feasible. Simultaneous soft tissue or osseous surgical procedures and/or surgical offloading with external fixation at the time of index surgery may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes. The authors present a modified surgical technique for the abductor digiti minimi muscle flap that can be performed in the surgical reconstruction of a soft tissue wound in patients with diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy.
Use of a bacterial fluorescence imaging system to target wound debridement and accelerate healing: a pilot study
Authors: Cole Windy , Coe Stacey
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Optimal wound-bed preparation consists of regular debridement to remove devitalised tissues, reduce bacterial load, and to establish an environment that promotes healing. However, lack of diagnostic information at point-of-care limits effectiveness of debridement.

Method:

This observational case series investigated use of point-of-care fluorescence imaging to detect bacteria (loads >104CFU/g) and guide wound bed preparation. Lower extremity hard-to-heal wounds were imaged over a 12-week period for bacterial fluorescence and wound area.

Results:

A total of 11 wounds were included in the study. Bacterial fluorescence was present in 10 wounds and persisted, on average, for 3.7 weeks over the course of the study. The presence of red or cyan fluorescent signatures from bacteria correlated with an average increase in wound area of 6.5% per week, indicating stalled or delayed wound healing. Fluorescence imaging information assisted in determining the location and extent of wound debridement, and the selection of dressings and/or antimicrobials. Elimination of bacterial fluorescence signature with targeted debridement and other treatments correlated with an average reduction in wound area of 27.7% per week (p<0.05), indicative of a healing trajectory.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that use of fluorescence imaging as part of routine wound care enhances assessment and treatment selection, thus facilitating improved wound healing.
The impact of continuous electrical microcurrent on acute and hard-to-heal wounds: a systematic review
Authors: Ofstead Cori L , Buro Brandy L , Hopkins Krystina M , Eiland John E
Published: July 2020

Background:

Wound infections result in considerable morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Antibiotic resistance has complicated wound healing, and new, non-antibiotic-based treatment methods are being developed.

Aims:

To evaluate evidence on the safety, efficacy and real-world effectiveness of electroceutical devices (ECDs) that provide continuous electrical stimulation to wounds.

Method:

A systematic search was conducted to identify primary studies published between 2009 and 2019 that described therapeutic wound treatment using portable ECDs. Studies were included if the ECD delivered continuous electrical current directly to the wound area for the duration of treatment.

Results:

Of 171 citations identified in the search, 13 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Nine studies evaluated dressings embedded with zinc and silver particles that generated electricity electrochemically, and four evaluated electrode-based units with external batteries. ECDs were effective in healing complex, hard-to-heal wounds that had not responded to other treatments. Four studies showed that ECDs led to complete closure of wounds without complications, and in some cases healed wounds faster than standard of care (SOC). One study found that ECDs resulted in higher ratings by both patients and surgeons than SOC for the progression of wound healing and scar appearance. Additionally, three studies found ECD treatment was less expensive than SOC, due to patients requiring fewer dressing changes or nurse visits.

Conclusion:

ECDs appeared to be a safe, effective and cost-effective method for treating severe, complex and challenging wounds, including hard-to-heal wounds, surgical incisions and skin graft donor sites.
Frequency-doubled femtosecond Er-doped fiber laser for two-photon excited fluorescence imaging
Authors: Stachowiak Dorota , Bogusławski Jakub , Głuszek Aleksander , Łaszczych Zbigniew , Wojtkowski Maciej , Soboń Grzegorz
Published: July 2020

A femtosecond frequency-doubled erbium-doped fiber laser with an adjustable pulse repetition rate is developed and applied in two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy. The all-fiber laser system provides the fundamental pulse at 1560 nm wavelength with 22 fs duration for the second harmonic generation, resulting in 1.35 nJ, 60 fs pulses at 780 nm. The repetition rate is adjusted by a pulse picker unit built-in within the amplifier chain, directly providing transform-limited pulses for any chosen repetition rate between 1 and 12 MHz. We employed the laser source to drive a scanning two-photon excited fluorescence microscope for ex vivo rat skin and other samples’ imaging at various pulse repetition rates. Due to compactness, ease of operation, and suitable pulse characteristics, the laser source can be considered as an attractive alternative for Ti:Sapphire laser in biomedical imaging.
Deep learning-based cell identification and disease diagnosis using spatio-temporal cellular dynamics in compact digital holographic microscopy
Authors: O’Connor Timothy , Anand Arun , Andemariam Biree , Javidi Bahram
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate a successful deep learning strategy for cell identification and disease diagnosis using spatio-temporal cell information recorded by a digital holographic microscopy system. Shearing digital holographic microscopy is employed using a low-cost, compact, field-portable and 3D-printed microscopy system to record video-rate data of live biological cells with nanometer sensitivity in terms of axial membrane fluctuations, then features are extracted from the reconstructed phase profiles of segmented cells at each time instance for classification. The time-varying data of each extracted feature is input into a recurrent bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) network which learns to classify cells based on their time-varying behavior. Our approach is presented for cell identification between the morphologically similar cases of cow and horse red blood cells. Furthermore, the proposed deep learning strategy is demonstrated as having improved performance over conventional machine learning approaches on a clinically relevant dataset of human red blood cells from healthy individuals and those with sickle cell disease. The results are presented at both the cell and patient levels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of deep learning for spatio-temporal-based cell identification and disease detection using a digital holographic microscopy system.
Entanglement of quantum emitters interacting through an ultra-thin noble metal nanodisk
Authors: Karanikolas Vasilios
Published: July 2020

Ultra-thin metallic nanodisks, supporting localized plasmon (LP) modes, are used as a platform to facilitate high entanglement between distant quantum emitters (QEs). High Purcell factors, with values above 103, are probed for a QE placed near to an ultra-thin metallic nanodisk, composed of the noble metals Au, Ag, Al, and Cu. The disk supports two sets of localized plasmon modes, which can be excited by QEs with different transition dipole moment orientations. The two QEs are placed on opposite sides of the nanodisk, and their concurrence is used as a measure of the entanglement. We observe that the pair of QEs remains entangled for a duration that surpasses the relaxation time of the individual QE interacting with the metallic disk. Simultaneously, the QEs reach the entangled steady state faster than in the case where the QEs are in free space. Our results reveal a high concurrence value for a QES separation distance of 60 nm, and a transition energy of 0.8 eV (λ = 1550 nm). The robustness exhibited by this system under study paves the way for future quantum applications.
High-extinction ratio polarization splitter based on an asymmetric directional coupler and on-chip polarizers on a silicon photonics platform
Authors: Zafar Humaira , Flores Raquel , Janeiro Ricardo , Khilo Anatol , Dahlem Marcus S. , Viegas Jaime
Published: July 2020

A high performance compact silicon photonics polarization splitter is proposed and demonstrated. The splitter is based on an asymmetric directional coupler. High extinction ratios at the through and drop ports of the polarization splitter are achieved by using an on-chip TE-pass polarizer and a TM-pass polarizer, respectively. The splitter, implemented on a silicon-on-insulator platform with a 220 nm-thick silicon device layer, has a measured insertion loss lower than 1 dB (for both TE and TM modes) and extinction ratio greater than 25 dB (for TM mode) and greater than 36 dB (for TE mode), in the wavelength range from 1.5 µm to 1.6 µm. The footprint of the device is 12 µm × 15 µm.
Study on the proximity of QWI in InP-based AlGaInAs MQWs using the IFVD method and its application in single frequency teardrop laser diodes
Authors: Jia Zhengkai , Yang Hua , Perrott Alison H. , Wang Hui , Peters Frank H.
Published: July 2020

This paper presents our research on quantum well intermixing (QWI) of InP-based AlGaInAs/AlGaInAs multi-quantum wells using impurity-free vacancy-disordering (IFVD) and the QWI mask proximity effect and its application in the design and fabrication of a teardrop laser. Using a Si3N4 film deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) as a QWI promoter mask and annealing under 700°C for 2 minutes, a 70 nm wavelength blue shift of a FP laser is achieved using InP-based AlGaInAs quantum well laser material. It is found that a 5 µm separation is needed between the QWI mask edges and the non-QWI area during the QWI process. Based on the QWI technique and proximity effect, the designed and fabricated teardrop laser demonstrated continuous wave (CW) lasing above 40 mA and single frequency operation with a side mode suppression ratio of 32.6 dB at 77.3 mA.
Erbium-doped hybrid waveguide amplifiers with net optical gain on a fully industrial 300 mm silicon nitride photonic platform
Authors: Rönn John , Zhang Jianhao , Zhang Weiwei , Tu Zhengrui , Matikainen Antti , Leroux Xavier , Durán-Valdeiglesias Elena , Vulliet Nathalie , Boeuf Frederic , Alonso-Ramos Carlos , Lipsanen Harri , Vivien Laurent , Sun Zhipei , Cassan Eric
Published: July 2020

Recently, erbium-doped integrated waveguide devices have been extensively studied as a CMOS-compatible and stable solution for optical amplification and lasing on the silicon photonic platform. However, erbium-doped waveguide technology still remains relatively immature when it comes to the production of competitive building blocks for the silicon photonics industry. Therefore, further progress is critical in this field to answer the industry’s demand for infrared active materials that are not only CMOS-compatible and efficient, but also inexpensive and scalable in terms of large volume production. In this work, we present a novel and simple fabrication method to form cost-effective erbium-doped waveguide amplifiers on silicon. With a single and straightforward active layer deposition, we convert passive silicon nitride strip waveguide channels on a fully industrial 300 mm photonic platform into active waveguide amplifiers. We show net optical gain over sub-cm long waveguide channels that also include grating couplers and mode transition tapers, ultimately demonstrating tremendous progress in developing cost-effective active building blocks on the silicon photonic platform.
Photorefractive effect in LiNbO3-based integrated-optical circuits for continuous variable experiments
Authors: Mondain F. , Brunel F. , Hua X. , Gouzien E. , Zavatta A. , Lunghi T. , Doutre F. , De Micheli M. P. , Tanzilli S. , D’Auria V.
Published: July 2020

We investigate the impact of the photorefractive effect on lithium niobate integrated quantum photonic circuits dedicated to continuous variable on-chip experiments. The circuit main building blocks, i.e. cavities, directional couplers, and periodically poled nonlinear waveguides, are studied. This work demonstrates that photorefractivity, even when its effect is weaker than spatial mode hopping, might compromise the success of on-chip quantum photonics experiments. We describe in detail the characterization methods leading to the identification of this possible issue. We also study to which extent device heating represents a viable solution to counter this effect. We focus on photorefractive effect induced by light at 775 nm, in the context of the generation of non-classical light at 1550 nm telecom wavelength.
Fully phase-stabilized 1 GHz turnkey frequency comb at 1.56 µm
Authors: Lesko Daniel M. B. , Lind Alexander J. , Hoghooghi Nazanin , Kowligy Abijith , Timmers Henry , Sekhar Pooja , Rudin Benjamin , Emaury Florian , Rieker Gregory B. , Diddams Scott A.
Published: July 2020

Low noise and high repetition rate optical frequency combs are desirable for many applications, from timekeeping to precision spectroscopy. For example, gigahertz repetition rate sources greatly increase the acquisition speed of spectra in a dual-comb modality when compared to lower repetition rate sources, while still maintaining sufficient instantaneous resolution to resolve ro-vibrational signatures from molecules in a variety of conditions. In this paper, we present the stabilization and characterization of a turnkey commercial 1 GHz mode-locked laser that operates at telecom wavelengths (1.56 µm). Fiber amplification and spectral broadening result in high signal-to-noise ratio detection and stabilization of f
ceo
with 438 mrad of residual phase noise (integrated from 102 to 107 Hz). Simultaneously, we stabilize the beatnote between the nearest comb mode and a cavity stabilized continuous-wave laser at 1.55 µm with 41 mrad of residual phase noise (integrated from 102 to 107 Hz). This robust, self-referenced comb system is built with off-the-shelf polarization-maintaining fiber components and will be useful for a wide range of low noise frequency comb applications that benefit from the increased repetition rate.
Effectiveness of KS elements in satellite orbit prediction using earth's gravity, drag and solar radiation pressure
Authors: R. Saritha Kumari T. , Xavier James Raj M.
Published: July 2020

Satellite moving under the gravitational field of Earth deviates from its two-body elliptic orbit, due to the combined effects of the gravitational field of Earth, atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, third-body gravitational effects, etc. This paper utilizes the KS regular element equations to solve Newtonian equations of motion to obtain numerical solution with respect to perturbing forces, like, Earth's gravity (includes zonal, sectorial and tesseral harmonics terms), atmospheric drag and solar radiation pressure. Effectiveness of the theory is illustrated by comparing the results with some of the existing theories in literature.Â