bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Soundoff: The future outlook of SEG and applied geophysics
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: July 2023

SEG President Ken Tubman discusses the future outlook of SEG and applied geophysics. He outlines how SEG could allow greater experimentation, the pros and cons of its current governance structure, and how members can best contribute to SEG's future.
Semiclassical kinetic theory for systems with non-trivial quantum geometry and the expectation value of physical quantities
Authors: Valet Thierry , Raimondi Roberto
Published: July 2023

Starting from the Keldysh theory, for a general low-energy N-band Hamiltonian in the clean limit, we perform a manifestly

gauge-invariant semiclassical expansion. A generalized Berry curvature tensor is shown to control a redistribution of spectral weights. New expressions for certain physical quantities ensue, establishing the limits of a previously proposed correction to the density of states. In the two-band case, we derive a completely general semiclassical kinetic theory including all

quantum corrections. As an application, we show how one can recover, out of a single simple calculation, the chiral anomaly, intrinsic anomalous Hall conductivity and chiral magnetic effect, in all generality. The demonstrated flexibility and efficiency of our formalism derives from the insulation it provides from the underlying complexity of the quantum kinetics, notwithstanding its rigorous connection to this deeper level.
Predicting the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Can the addition of tomosynthesis improve the accuracy of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography? A comparison with breast MRI
Authors: Savaridas Sarah L , Vinnicombe Sarah J , Warwick Violet , Evans Andrew
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Image monitoring is essential to monitor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Whilst breast MRI is the gold-standard technique, evidence suggests contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) is comparable. We investigate whether the addition of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) to CESM increases the accuracy of response prediction.

Methods

Women receiving NACT for breast cancer were included. Imaging with CESM+DBT and MRI was performed post-NACT. Imaging appearance was compared with pathological specimens. Accuracy for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) and concordance with size of residual disease was calculated.

Results

Sixteen cancers in 14 patients were included, 10 demonstrated pCR. Greatest accuracy for predicting pCR was with CESM enhancement (accuracy: 81.3%, sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 57.1%), followed by MRI (accuracy: 62.5%, sensitivity: 44.4%, specificity: 85.7%). Concordance with invasive tumour size was greater for CESM enhancement than MRI, concordance-coefficients 0.70 vs 0.66 respectively. MRI demonstrated greatest concordance with whole tumour size followed by CESM+microcalcification, concordance coefficients 0.86 vs 0.69. DBT did not improve accuracy for prediction of pCR or residual disease size. CESM+DBT underestimated size of residual disease, MRI overestimated but no significant differences were seen (p>0.05).

Conclusions

CESM is similar to MRI for predicting residual disease post-NACT. Size of enhancement alone demonstrates best concordance with invasive disease. Inclusion of residual microcalcification improves concordance with ductal carcinoma in situ. The addition of DBT to CESM does not improve accuracy.

Advances in knowledge

The addition ofDBT to CESM does not improve NACT response prediction. CESM enhancement has greatest accuracy for residual invasive disease, CESM+calcification has greater accuracy for residual in situ disease.
Medical ozone on hamstring injury in a professional athlete assessed by thermography: a clinical case report
Authors: Hidalgo-Tallón Francisco Javier , Pinto-Bonilla Rosa , Baeza-Noci Jose , Menéndez-Cepero Silvia , Cabizosu Alessio
Published: July 2023

Injuries associated with the hamstring muscles in the running athlete are increasingly investigated due to the economic and functional consequences associated with them. Although hardly used in the treatment of sports injuries, medical ozone is effective and very well tolerated in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, it was decided to add a series of medical ozone infiltrations to the treatment. The evolution of the case was recorded by medical thermography, in addition to measuring pain intensity (visual analog scale) and functional capacity (toe touch test). Pain intensity (visual analog scale) decreased from seven at baseline to two at the end of treatment (after two ozone infiltrations, one weekly). Mobility of the damaged area (toe touch test) improved from a distance of 8 cm at baseline to 0 cm at the end of treatment. Regarding medical thermography, after the first and second infiltration of ozone, the temperature rose to a significant increase in perfusion from baseline from 31.2 to 31.8 °C and from 31.2 to 32 °C, respectively. These results suggest the possible interest of medical ozone as an adjuvant treatment for the recovery of sports tendinopathies and encourage us to carry out further studies.
Estimation of Covid-19 lungs damage based on computer tomography images analysis
Authors: Schätz Martin , Rubešová Olga , Mareš Jan , Girsa David , Spark Alan
Published: July 2023

Modern treatment is based on reproducible quantitative analysis of available data. The Covid-19 pandemic did accelerate development and research in several multidisciplinary areas. One of them is the use of software tools for faster and reproducible patient data evaluation. A CT scan can be invaluable for a search of details, but it is not always easy to see the big picture in 3D data. Even in the visual analysis of CT slice by slice can inter and intra variability makes a big difference. We present an ImageJ tool developed together with the radiology center of Faculty hospital Královské Vinohrady for CT evaluation of patients with COVID-19. The tool was developed to help estimate the percentage of lungs affected by the infection. The patients can be divided into five groups based on percentage score and proper treatment can be applied
Crisis-management, Anti-stigma, and Mental Health Literacy Program for University Students (CAMPUS): A preliminary evaluation of suicide prevention
Authors: Takahashi Asumi , Tachikawa Hirokazu , Takayashiki Ayumi , Maeno Takami , Shiratori Yuki , Matsuzaki Asaki , Arai Tetsuaki
Published: July 2023

Background: University students have specific risk factors for suicide, necessitating targeted prevention programs. This preliminary study evaluated the efficacy of the Crisis-management, Anti-stigma, Mental health literacy Program for University Students (CAMPUS) for reduction of risk factors and promotion of preventative behaviors.

Methods: A total of 136 medical students attended the CAMPUS as a required course at the national university in Japan. The CAMPUS consisted of a lecture and two group sessions covering mental health literacy, self-stigma, and gatekeeper efficacy (e.g., identifying and helping at-risk individuals). The students were asked to role-play based on a movie about gatekeepers and scripts about self-stigma and suicide-related issues. Participants completed questionnaires on suicidal thoughts, depression, help-seeking intentions, self-efficacy as gatekeepers, self-concealment, and self-acceptance. A total of 121 students completed the questionnaires pre- and post-program, and 107 students also responded six months later.

Results: Students demonstrated significantly reduced overall suicide thoughts six months post-program compared to before the program. In addition, gatekeeper self-efficacy, help-seeking intentions for formal resources, and self-acceptance were improved in the students six month after the program.

Conclusions: The CAMPUS suggested effective at reducing suicidal people and promoting preventative psychological tendencies among medial students. This study was a one-group pre post design study without control group. The CAMPUS program was delivered as a mandatory requirement to a group with relatively low suicide risk. Further studies are required to assess its suitability for the general university student population.
Reliability of the 44-question Home Fall Hazard Assessment Tool and personal characteristics associated with home hazards among the Thai elderly
Authors: Wittayapun Yuwadee , Nawarat Jiraphat , Lapmanee Sarawut , Mackenzie Lynette , Lektip Charupa
Published: July 2023

Background: The 44-question Thai Home Fall Hazard Assessment Tool (Thai-HFHAT) was developed to assist healthcare professionals in identifying the risk of falls among community-dwelling older adults from their home environment. However, the reliability of this tool has not been studied. This study aimed to examine the reliability of the 44-question Thai-HFHAT and determine the demographic characteristics associated with home hazards.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate inter-rater reliability. The participants in this study were 51 older people from various types of Thai houses: a one-story elevated house, a one-story non-elevated house, and a house with two or more floors, 51 caregivers of older patients, and 5 village health volunteers (VHV). A prospective design was used to evaluate test-retest reliability with older people at different times in their homes. All participants answered 44 Thai-HFHAT questions to determine inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities. The reliabilities were analyzed using an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Demographic characteristics including sex, occupation, and education were used to identify the factors affecting home hazards, and linear regression was used to analyze.

Results: The ICC of inter-rater reliability of the 44-question Thai-HFHAT was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.57-0.84) and the test-retest reliability was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.64-0.88) for the older adults, 0.80 (95% CI: 0.65-0.89) for the caregivers and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.477-0.83) for the VHV. In demographic variables, personal business career and education level (grades 1-3) had significant relations with the total number of home hazards in the 44-questions Thai-HFHAT.

Conclusions: The 44-question Thai-HFHAT is suitable for home hazard assessment among older adults in Thailand. Further studies are needed to investigate changes in the house environment after using the 44-question Thai-HFHAT to determine which changes can reduce fall risk.
The first released available genome of the common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) extended the research region on salt tolerance, C3-CAM photosynthetic conversion, and halophism
Authors: Sato Ryoma , Kondo Yuri , Agarie Sakae
Published: July 2023

Background: The common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) is an annual herb belonging to the genus Mesembryanthemum of the family Aizoaceae, native to Southern Africa.

Methods: We performed shotgun genome paired-end sequencing using the Illumina platform to determine the genome sequence of the ice plants. We assembled the whole genome sequences using the genome assembler “ALGA” and “Redundans”, then released them as available genomic information. Finally, we mainly estimated the potential genomic function by the homology search method.

Results: A draft genome was generated with a total length of 286 Mb corresponding to 79.2% of the estimated genome size (361 Mb), consisting of 49,782 contigs. It encompassed 93.49% of the genes of terrestrial higher plants, 99.5% of the ice plant transcriptome, and 100% of known DNA sequences. In addition, 110.9 Mb (38.8%) of repetitive sequences and untranslated regions, 971 tRNA, and 100 miRNA loci were identified, and their effects on stress tolerance and photosynthesis were investigated. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ribosomal DNA among 26 kinds of plant species revealed genetic similarity between the ice plant and poplar, which have salt tolerance. Overall, 35,702 protein-coding regions were identified in the genome, of which 56.05% to 82.59% were annotated and submitted to domain searches and gene ontology (GO) analyses, which found that eighteen GO terms stood out among five plant species. These terms were related to biological defense, growth, reproduction, transcription, post-transcription, and intermembrane transportation, regarded as one of the fundamental results of using the utilized ice plant genome.

Conclusions: The information that we characterized is useful for elucidation of the mechanism of growth promotion under salinity and reversible conversion of the photosynthetic type from C3 to Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM).
Safety of intracameral injection of levofloxacin 0.5% eye drops single dose 0.6 ml preservative free on rabbit eye
Authors: Edwar Lukman , Bisara Baltazar B. , Setiabudi Rianto , Susanto Eka , Badruddin Gabriella H.
Published: July 2023

Background: This was an experimental, parallel, and randomized study to evaluate the safety of single intracameral injection of 0.6 ml 0.5% preservative-free levofloxacin eye drops on rabbit eye.

Methods: In total, 24 eyes of 12 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups. The first group (LFX) was treated with 0.1 ml intracameral injection of levofloxacin 0.5% eye drops of 0.6 ml preservative-free (n = 6), the second group (CRAV) was treated with 0.1 ml intracameral injection of levofloxacin 0.5% eye drops 5 ml commercially available eye drops preservative-free (n = 6), and the third group (BSS) were treated with 0.1 ml intracameral injection of balanced salt solution (n = 12). All groups received a single dose. The clinical evaluation was performed on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th day after injection. Each eye was enucleated on the 7th day and underwent a histopathology examination.

Results: The clinical scores among the three groups did not show any significant difference on days 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th (p>0.05). The only ones noted in clinical scores were mild corneal opacity, mild cells, and flares in the anterior chamber. The histopathology score demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the three groups (p>0.05). Vacuolization of corneal endothelial cells was noted in all groups but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: A single intracameral injection of 0.6 ml 0.5% preservative-free levofloxacin eye drops was safe for rabbit eye, according to clinical and histopathology scores, similar to levofloxacin 0.5% eye drops in 5 ml bottle preservative free.
Fatalism and knowledge associated to diabetes mellitus type 2 risk perception in Mexican population during COVID-19 confinement
Authors: Mendoza-Catalán Geu , Álvarez Aguirre Alicia , Domínguez Chávez Claudia Jennifer , Tolentino Ferrel María del Rosario , Villa Rueda Alma Angélica , Guzmán Ortiz Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Background: People with fatalistic beliefs and lack of knowledge of healthy lifestyles tend to show conformism and resignation due to their state of health. Even people with fatalism consider that contracting a disease is divine punishment, and this is reflected when they perform in unhealthy behaviours. The relationship between fatalistic beliefs, knowledge about diabetes risk factors, and perception of diabetes risk in Mexican adults during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated.

Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and correlational. The study included individuals between 30 and 70 years of age, from a rural community in Guanajuato, Mexico. The data collection was done electronically.

Results: The average age was 29.2 years (SD = 10.5), 55% were women, 52.3% were single, 36.2% had university studies and 57.3% were working. Perceived DMT2 risk was inversely related to fatalistic beliefs. Knowledge level was positively correlated to DMT2 risk perception. In multiple linear regression, pessimism and divine control dimensions were the only predictors of DMT2 risk perception.

Conclusions: In young adults, knowledge increases regarding DMT2 risk perception. But the higher the fatalistic beliefs the lower the level of knowledge and the lower the perception of DMT2 risk.
Effect of William flexion exercise and movement control exercise on pain, range of motion, muscle strength and functionality in non-specific low back pain: randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Kaple Nikita , Phansopkar Pratik
Published: July 2023

Low back pain is the most common chronic pain disease, affecting 70–80% of people at some time in their life, according to epidemiological research. LBP is described as discomfort in the region of the back of the body that stretches from the lower border of the 12th rib to the lower gluteal folds that lasts for at least one day. Back pain (BP) may be divided into three primary categories. Subacute pain is described as lasting between six weeks and three months, acute pain as lasting less than six weeks, and chronic pain as lasting longer than three months. The two primary forms of low back pain are specific low back pain and nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). NSLBP, on the other hand, is a kind of low back pain where the relationship between the symptoms, physical findings, and imaging data is unclear. The most frequent musculoskeletal disorder worldwide is low back pain (LBP). Outlined here is what we propose by carrying out research aimed to evaluate and compare the Effect of William Flexion exercise and Movement Control exercise in two arm parallel superiority randomized clinical study on decreasing Pain, Range of Motion, Muscle Strength and Functionality in Non-Specific Low Back Pain. In this study the total of 74 patients of non-specific low back pain in people between the ages of 18 and 40 will be divided into two group one group received William flexion exercise and other group received Movement control exercises followed by conventional physiotherapy. The treatment will be given for 6 session a week for 4 weeks. The assessment will be done at day one of treatment and at the end of week. The implementation of this physiotherapy technique in treatment could occur if the study's hypothesis is productive in non-specific low back pain.
A review of literature on the therapeutic use of music with military populations experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors:   Occupational Therapy Programme, Department of Rehabilitation and Sport Science, Bournemouth University, United Kingdom, Thomas Rachael , Chichaya Tongai F ,   Occupational Therapy, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health, Coventry University, United Kingdom
Published: July 2023

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequent among military populations. Symptoms range from physical to behavioural, and emotional difficulties. Loneliness and feeling misunderstood are common among military personnel, particularly veterans. Service members returning from duty often experience a lack of support and this predisposes them to an increased risk for suicide. Music can be therapeutically used with military populations through a range of methods, especially in mental health settings. Participating in music can be a meaningful occupation for many but there is a scarcity of literature on the therapeutic use of music in occupational therapy. Objectives: The purpose of this literature review was to synthesize current qualitative evidence on the perceptions and experiences of the military population who engage in music therapy. Materials and methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist guidelines. Varied databases were searched to retrieve qualitative papers on the lived experiences of the therapeutic use of music among people in the military published between January 2012 and December 2022. Following the quality appraisal, data from the included papers were collated in a data abstraction form before being synthesized thematically. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. Three themes were identified: emotional regulation, engaging with others, and mental health stigma. Therapeutic use of music was found to be beneficial and service members expressed that they have managed to overcome mental health challenges, find new connections, and engage with others. However ethical challenges and the delivery of therapeutic use of music must be carefully monitored. Conclusion: Overall, the therapeutic use of music within military populations with PTSD is perceived to be beneficial and worth continuing with however, careful monitoring during treatments should be a priority to prevent outbursts, relapse, or aggressive behaviours. Combining occupational therapy and music therapy could maximize the benefits of music to people with mental health conditions.
Influence of smoking on the healing of conservatively treated displaced midshaft clavicle fractures
Authors: Dietrich Gilles , Terrier Alexandre , Favre Melissa , Elmers Jolanda , Stockton Laurie , Soppelsa Dino , Cherix Stéphane , Vauclair Frederic
Published: July 2023

Aims

Tobacco, in addition to being one of the greatest public health threats facing our world, is believed to have deleterious effects on bone metabolism and especially on bone healing. It has been described in the literature that patients who smoke are approximately twice as likely to develop a nonunion following a non-specific bone fracture. For clavicle fractures, this risk is unclear, as is the impact that such a complication might have on the initial management of these fractures.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed for conservatively treated displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to 12 May 2022, with supplementary searches in Open Grey, ClinicalTrials.gov, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar. The searches were performed without limits for publication date or languages.

Results

The meta-analysis included eight studies, 2,285 observations, and 304 events (nonunion). The random effects model predicted a pooled risk ratio (RR) of 3.68 (95% confidence interval 1.87 to 7.23), which can be considered significant (p = 0.003). It indicates that smoking more than triples the risk of nonunion when a fracture is treated conservatively.

Conclusion

Smoking confers a RR of 3.68 for developing a nonunion in patients with a displaced middle third clavicle fracture treated conservatively. We know that most patients with pseudarthrosis will have pain and a poor functional outcome. Therefore, patients should be informed of the significantly higher risks of nonunion and offered smoking cessation efforts and counselling. Moreover, surgery should be considered for any patient who smokes with this type of fracture.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):801–807.
Are serum cobalt and chromium levels predictors for patient-reported outcome measures in the ASR hip resurfacing arthroplasty?
Authors: Koper Maarten C. , Spek Reinier W. A. , Reijman Max , van Es Eline M. , Baart Sara J. , Verhaar Jan A. N. , Bos P. K.
Published: July 2023

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine if an increasing serum cobalt (Co) and/or chromium (Cr) concentration is correlated with a decreasing Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) in patients who received the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA), and to evaluate the ten-year revision rate and show if sex, inclination angle, and Co level influenced the revision rate.

Methods

A total of 62 patients with an ASR-HRA were included and monitored yearly postoperatively. At follow-up, serum Co and Cr levels were measured and the HHS and the HOOS were scored. In addition, preoperative patient and implant variables and the need for revision surgery were recorded. We used a linear mixed model to relate the serum Co and Cr levels to different patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). For the survival analyses we used the Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model.

Results

We found that an increase of one part per billion (ppb) in serum Co and Cr levels correlated significantly with worsening of the HHS in the following year. This significant correlation was also true for the HOOS-Pain and HOOS-quality of life sub scores. The overall ten-year survival rate in our cohort was 65% (95% confidence interval (CI) 52.5 to 77.6). Cox regression analysis showed a significant hazard ratio (HR) of 1.08 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.15; p = 0.028) for serum Co level. No significance was found with sex or inclination angle.

Conclusion

This study shows that increasing serum Co and Cr levels measured in patients with an ASR-HRA are predictive for deterioration in HHS and HOOS subscales in the following year. Increasing serum Co and Cr should forewarn both surgeon and patient that there is a heightened risk of failure. Continued and regular review of patients with an ASR-HRA implant by measurement of serum Co/Cr levels and PROMs remains essential.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):775–782.
Desmoid tumours (extra-abdominal), a surgeon’s nightmare
Authors: Borghi Alessandra , Gronchi Alessandro
Published: July 2023

Desmoid tumours are a rare fibroblastic proliferation of monoclonal origin, arising in deep soft-tissues. Histologically, they are characterized by locally aggressive behaviour and an inability to metastasize, and clinically by a heterogeneous and unpredictable course. Desmoid tumours can occur in any anatomical site, but commonly arise in the limbs. Despite their benign nature, they can be extremely disabling and sometimes life-threatening, causing severe pain and functional limitations. Their surgical management is complex and challenging, due to uncertainties surrounding the biological and clinical behaviour, rarity, and limited available literature. Resection has been the first-line approach for patients with a desmoid tumour but, during the last few decades, a shift towards a more conservative approach has occurred, with an initial ‘wait and see’ policy. Many medical and regional forms of treatment are also available for the management of this condition, and others have recently emerged with promising results. However, many areas of controversy remain, and further studies and global collaboration are needed to obtain prospective and randomized data, in order to develop an appropriate shared stepwise approach.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):729–734.
Network Security Prediction and Situational Assessment Using Neural Network-based Method
Authors: Zhang Liu , Liu Yanyu
Published: July 2023

Technology development has promoted network construction, but malicious network attacks are still inevitable. To solve the problem that the current network security assessment is not practical and the assessment effect is poor, this study proposes a network security monitoring tool based on situation assessment and prediction to assist network security construction. The framework of the evaluation module is based on convolution neural network. The initial module is introduced to convert some large convolution cores into small convolution cores in series. This is to reduce the operating cost, because building multiple evaluators in series can maximize the retention of characteristic values. This module is the optimized form of Elman neural network. The delay operator is added to the model to respond to the time property of network attack. At the same time, particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the initial weight dependence problem. The research adopts two methods of security situation assessment and situation prediction to carry out model application test. During the test, the commonly used KDD Cup99 is used as intrusion detection data. The experimental results of the network security situation evaluation module show that the optimization reduces the evaluation error by 3.34%, and the accuracy meets the evaluation requirements. The model is superior to the back propagation neural network and the standard Elman model. The model proposed in this study achieves better prediction of posture scores from 0.3 to 0.9, which is more stable than BP neural network. It proves that the model designed by the research can achieve more stable and higher prediction than similar models. It is more practical to obtain better results on the basis of a more stable model architecture and lower implementation costs, which is a meaningful attempt in the wide application of network security.
Interview: Professor Kokila Lakhoo
Authors: Bandyopadhyay S
Published: July 2023

Breaking boundaries by overcoming adversity through hard work and a continuous passion for surgery.
Diet modulates host health through gut microbiota derived extracellular vesicles: A short review
Authors: Feng Xin , Luo Caiyu , Che Jianwei
Published: July 2023

Gut microbes are involved with many host physiological processes including digestion, metabolism, immune response, gut function and behavior. Among all the factors, diet is being considered the most important one to modulate gut microbiota composition, metabolism and their metabolites. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted to the intestinal environment by gut microbes and play an essential role in gut microbe-host communication. This paper aims to review how diet affects gut microbial EVs and its composition as well as how this change further affects host health. This review summarizes the latest research progress of interaction among diet, gut microbial EVs, and host health. Through the microbiota-gut axis, gut microbial EVs involve in many physiological activities, including brain function, metabolism, gut function and immune response. It has been verified that diet composition has direct changes on gut microbial morphology and internal molecules within gut microbial EVs. Overall, studies investigating the effects of diet through gut microbial EVs on host health are very limited. Future research regarding axis of diet-gut microbial EVs-host health is recommended.
“I mean, I didn't really have a choice of anything:” How incarceration influences abortion decision‐making and precludes access in the United States
Authors: Sufrin Carolyn B. , Devon‐Williamston Ashley , Beal Lauren , Hayes Crystal M. , Kramer Camille
Published: July 2023

Objective

To understand how the punitive, rights‐limiting, and racially stratified environment of incarceration in the United States (US) shapes the abortion desires, access, and pregnancy experiences of pregnant women, transgender men, and gender non‐binary individuals.

Methods

From May 2018–November 2020, we conducted semi‐structured, qualitative interviews with pregnant women in prisons and jails in an abortion supportive and an abortion restrictive state. Interviews explored whether participants considered abortion for this pregnancy; attempted to obtain an abortion in custody; whether and how incarceration affected their thoughts about pregnancy, birth, parenting, and abortion; and options counseling and prenatal care experiences, or lack thereof, in custody.

Results

The conditions of incarceration deeply shaped our 39 participants' abortion and pregnancy decisions, with some experiencing pregnancy continuation as punishment. Four themes emerged: (1) medical providers' overt obstruction of desired abortions; (2) participants assuming that incarcerated women had no right to abortion; (3) carceral bureaucracy constraining abortion access; and (4) carceral conditions made women wish they had aborted. Themes were similar in supportive and restrictive states.

Conclusions

Incarceration shaped participants' thoughts about pregnancy and their abilities to access abortion, consider whether abortion was an attainable option, and make pregnancy‐related decisions. These subtle carceral control aspects presented more frequent barriers to abortion than overt logistical ones. The carceral environment played a more significant role than the state's overall abortion climate in shaping abortion experiences. Incarceration constrains and devalues reproductive wellbeing in punitive ways that are a microcosm of broader forces of reproductive control in US society.
Mode division (de)multiplexer based on transverse mode conversion in photonic crystal using asymmetric directional couplers
Authors: Chanu Soibam Aruna , Sonkar Ramesh Kumar
Published: July 2023

Mode division multiplexing technology has the potential to increase the channel capacity of a single wavelength carrier. Attaining cost-effective high-bandwidth-density devices with small footprints is a concern, and photonic crystal based devices are promising for ultra-small on-chip communications. This paper presents a 2D photonic crystal based mode division (de)multiplexer on a silicon on insulator platform. The device comprises two coupling regions of asymmetric directional couplers that perform mode conversion operations between the fundamental mode and higher-order modes. Each coupling section is dedicated to converting a specific mode. Mode conversion is achieved by designing a multimode waveguide to satisfy the phase-matching condition of the desired mode with the single mode waveguide. Two linear adiabatic tapers are introduced for the smooth transition of modes between waveguide sections. The device is designed and simulated for three-channel modes at 1550 nm using the finite-difference time-domain technique. The obtained insertion loss and cross talk are <0.41dB and <−20.14dB, respectively. The overall size of the proposed mode division (de)multiplexer is 328.5µm2. A fabrication tolerance study for the proposed device is performed by varying the rod radius and position in the device structure’s taper and bus waveguide regions. The proposed 2D photonic crystal based mode division (de)multiplexer has the potential to be used in large-capacity optical communication systems.
Effects of different cladding materials on orbital angular momentum modes propagating in photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Sheng Ning , Fu Haihao , Meng Tongyu , Wang Jianxin , Liu Wei , Lv Jingwei , Yi Zao , Yang Lin , Chu Paul K. , Liu Chao
Published: July 2023

With the development of orbital angular momentum (OAM) photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) for more efficient communication, fiber claddings are important to the performance. In this paper, the influence of SiO2 and four new optical materials, which are amethyst, SSK2, SF11, and LaSF09, as cladding materials, on the OAM mode characteristics is studied based on a common PCF for OAM transmission. In addition, the effective index difference, dispersion, confinement loss, and other properties of OAM modes transmitted in the five materials are derived by the finite element method. After in-depth analysis, universal rules can be obtained as guidelines for optimization of PCF in the future for improving the efficiency of optical fiber communication. Through chart analysis, it can be concluded that when materials of high effective refractive indices are used as cladding materials for PCF, the dispersion, nonlinear coefficient, confinement loss, mode purity, and other properties are significantly improved. Lower dispersion and confinement loss are more conducive to long-distance communication transmission. The decrease in nonlinear coefficient represents a better effect in suppressing nonlinear effects, and the increase in numerical aperture and mode purity respectively improves the transmission efficiency and stability of OAM communication. These conclusions provide universal rules for high-quality communication in the future.
Highly efficient lasing and thermal properties of Tm:Y2O3 and Tm:(Y,Sc)2O3 ceramics
Authors: Eremeev Kirill , Loiko Pavel , Maksimov Roman , Shitov Vladislav , Osipov Vladimir , Vakalov Dmitry , Lapin Viacheslav , Camy Patrice , Chen Weidong , Griebner Uwe , Petrov Valentin , Braud Alain
Published: July 2023

We report on thermal, spectroscopic, and laser properties of transparent 5 at.% Tm3+-doped yttria and “mixed” yttria-scandia ceramics fabricated by vacuum sintering at 1750°C using nanoparticles produced by laser ablation. The solid-solution (Tm0.05Y0.698Sc0.252)2O3 ceramic features a broadband emission extending up to 2.3 µm (gain bandwidth, 167 nm) and high thermal conductivity of 4.48 W m−1 K−1. A Tm:Y2O3 ceramic laser generated 812 mW at 2.05 µm with a slope efficiency η of 70.2%. For the Tm:(Y,Sc)2O3 ceramic, the output power was 523 mW at 2.09 µm with η = 44.7%. These results represent record-high slope efficiencies for any parent or “mixed” Tm3+-doped sesquioxide ceramics.
Simultaneously improved hole injection and current uniformity in 293 nm AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Liu Mengran , Tian Wentao , Liu Chao
Published: July 2023

Insufficient hole injection and current nonuniformity caused by the nature of the p-AlGaN hole injection layer (HIL) are two issues impeding the advances in the optical and electrical properties of AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs). To simultaneously improve the hole injection efficiency and current uniformity, an Al-linearly-decreasing AlGaN PN junction (ALD AlGaN PN junction) is proposed to replace the conventional p-AlGaN HIL with a constant Al component. The barrier height for holes at the interface between the p-type electron blocking layer (p-EBL) and HIL as well as the hole concentration and resistance in the p-AlGaN HIL can be modulated at the same time by the proposed ALD AlGaN PN junction. As a result, the hole injection efficiency is enhanced due to the reduced barrier height at the p-EBL/HIL interface and the polarization-induced three-dimensional hole gas (3DHG) induced in the proposed ALD AlGaN PN junction HIL. In addition, the lateral current uniformity is improved by the properly regulated resistance in the p-AlGaN HIL, which can be ascribed to the additional barrier for holes in the valence band because of the incorporated ALD AlGaN PN junction. The proposed DUV LED with ALD AlGaN PN junction exhibits enhanced EQE by a factor of 39.2% at 100 A/cm2 and simultaneously improved current uniformity in the active region. This designed ALD AlGaN PN junction structure provides a promising strategy for achieving high-performance DUV LEDs.
Single-photon detection for long-range imaging and sensing
Authors: Hadfield Robert H. , Leach Jonathan , Fleming Fiona , Paul Douglas J. , Tan Chee Hing , Ng Jo Shien , Henderson Robert K. , Buller Gerald S.
Published: July 2023

Single-photon detectors with picosecond timing resolution have advanced
rapidly in the past decade. This has spurred progress in
time-correlated single-photon counting applications, from quantum
optics to life sciences and remote sensing. A variety of advanced
optoelectronic device architectures offer not only high-performance
single-pixel devices but also the ability to scale up to detector
arrays and extend single-photon sensitivity into the short-wave
infrared and beyond. The advent of single-photon focal plane arrays is
poised to revolutionize infrared imaging and sensing. In this
mini-review, we set out performance metrics for single-photon
detection, assess the requirements of single-photon light detection
and ranging, and survey the state of the art and prospects for new
developments across semiconductor and superconducting single-photon
detection technologies. Our goal is to capture a snapshot of a rapidly
developing landscape of photonic technology and forecast future trends
and opportunities.
Smartphone-readable RPA-LFA for the high-sensitivity detection of Leishmania kDNA using nanophosphor reporters
Authors: Danthanarayana Adheesha N. , Nandy Suman , Kourentzi Katerina , Vu Binh , Shelite Thomas R. , Travi Bruno L. , Brgoch Jakoah , Willson Richard C.
Published: July 2023

Early diagnosis of infectious diseases improves outcomes by enabling earlier delivery of effective treatment, and helps prevent further transmission by undiagnosed persons. We demonstrated a proof-of-concept assay combining isothermal amplification and lateral flow assay (LFA) for early diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, a vector-borne infectious disease that affects ca. 700,000 to 1.2 million people annually. Conventional molecular diagnostic techniques based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) require complex apparatus for temperature cycling. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal DNA amplification method that has shown promise for use in low-resource settings. Combined with lateral flow assay as the readout, RPA-LFA can be used as a point-of-care diagnostic tool with high sensitivity and specificity, but reagent costs can be problematic. In this work, we developed a highly-sensitive smartphone-based RPA-LFA for the detection of Leishmania panamensis DNA using blue-emitting [(Sr0.625Ba0.375)1.96Eu0.01Dy0.03]MgSi2O7 (SBMSO) persistent luminescent nanophosphors as LFA reporters. The greater detectability of nanophosphors allows the use of a reduced volume of RPA reagents, potentially reducing the cost of RPA-LFA. The limit of detection (LOD) of RPA with gold nanoparticle-based LFA readout is estimated at 1 parasite per reaction, but LOD can be 100-fold better, 0.01 parasites per reaction, for LFA based on SBMSO. This approach may be useful for sensitive and cost-effective point-of-care diagnosis and contribute to improved clinical and economic outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.
The effect of body size and composition on lumbar spine trabecular bone score in morphologically diverse subjects
Authors: Malczewska-Lenczowska Jadwiga , Surała Olga , Sitkowski Dariusz , Szczepańska Beata , Zawadzki Maciej
Published: July 2023

Aim

The trabecular bone score (TBS) is a tool for assessing bone quality and health. Current TBS algorithm corrects for body mass index (BMI), as a proxy of regional tissue thickness. However, this approach fails to consider BMI inaccuracies due to individual differences in body stature, composition and somatotype. This study investigated the relationship between TBS and body size and composition in subjects with a normal BMI, but with large morphological diversity in body fatness and height.

Methods

Young male subjects (n = 97; age 17.2±1.0 years), including ski jumpers (n = 25), volleyball players (n = 48) and non-athletes (controls n = 39), were recruited. The TBS was determined from L1-L4 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans using TBSiNsight software.

Results

TBS correlated negatively with height and tissue thickness in the L1-L4 area in ski jumpers (r = -0.516 and r = -0.529), volleyball players (r = -0.525 and r = -0.436), and the total group (r = -0.559 and r = -0.463), respectively. Multiple regression analyses revealed that height, L1-L4 soft tissue thickness, fat mass and muscle mass were significant determinants of TBS (R2 = 0.587, p<0.001). L1-L4 soft tissue thickness explained 27% and height 14% of the TBS variance.

Conclusion

The negative association of TBS and both features suggests that a very low L1-L4 tissue thickness may lead to overestimation of the TBS, while tall stature may have the opposite effect. It seems that the utility of the TBS as a skeletal assessment tool in lean and/or tall young male subjects could be improved if tissues thickness in the lumbar spine area and stature instead of BMI were considered in the algorithm.
Food insecurity among Asian Americans: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Ro Suji , Pham Nhat-Ha , Huynh Victoria N. , Wafford Q. Eileen , Vu Milkie
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Food insecurity is prevalent in the U.S. and is associated with deleterious health, behavioral, and social consequences. Food insecurity is currently addressed largely through public and private food assistance programs (e.g., the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program, and food pantries). A body of research has explored racial and ethnic disparities and differences in food insecurity and coping strategies. However, limited literature has explored these experiences among Asian Americans and Asian origin groups in the United States.

Objective

The aim of this review is to establish what is known about the experience of food insecurity and nutrition program participation in the Asian American population and among Asian origin groups and to suggest further research and policy action to better address food insecurity in this population.

Methods

Our review is guided by the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and refined and outlined by Levac and colleagues and the Joanna Briggs Institute. We will search key terms related to food insecurity and Asian Americans in Medline (Ovid), the Cochrane Library (Wiley), CINAHL Plus with Full Text (Ebsco), PsycINFO (Ebsco), and Scopus (Elsevier). An article will be included if it was published in the English language; is a peer reviewed research manuscript and reports primary research findings from analyses; and describes food insecurity or strategies to cope with food insecurity among individuals of Asian origins living in the U.S. An article will be excluded if it is a book, conference proceedings, or grey literature (e.g., thesis or dissertation); is a commentary, editorial, or opinion piece without primary research data; contains only research conducted outside of the U.S.; includes Asians in the sample but does not provide separate data on food insecurity or strategies to cope with food insecurity among Asians; and describes only dietary changes or patterns but not food insecurity. Two or more reviewers will participate in the study screening and selection process. We will record information from the final articles chosen to be included in the review in a data table template and will also prepare a summary narrative with key findings.

Expected outputs

Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The findings from this review will be of interest to researchers and practitioners and inform further research and policy to better address food insecurity among this population.