bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of respiratory and systemic toxicity of Benzalkonium chloride following a 14-day inhalation study in rats
Authors: Choi Hye-Yeon , Lee Yong-Hoon , Lim Cheol-Hong , Kim Yong-Soon , Lee In-Seop , Jo Ji-Min , Lee Ha-Young , Cha Hyo-Geun , Woo Hee Jong , Seo Dong-Seok
Published: January 2020

Background

Although biocides at low concentrations have been used to control pests, they can be more harmful than industrial chemicals as humans are directly and frequently exposed to such biocides. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC or BKC) is a non-toxic substance used to control pests. Recently, BAC has been increasingly used as a component in humidifier disinfectants in Korea, raising a serious health concern. Moreover, it poses significant health hazards to workers handling the chemical because of direct exposure. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the respiratory toxicity of BAC due to its inhalation at exposure concentrations of 0.8 (T1 group), 4 (T2 group) and 20 (T3 group) mg/m3.

Results

In our previous study on the acute inhalational toxicity of BAC, bleeding from the nasal cavity was observed in all the rats after exposure to 50 mg/m3 BAC. Therefore, in this study, 20 mg/m3 was set as the highest exposure concentration, followed by 4 and 0.8 mg/m3 as the medium and low concentrations for 6 h/day and 14 days, respectively. After exposure, recovery periods of 2 and 4 weeks were provided. Additionally, alveolar lavage fluid was analyzed in males of the BAC-exposed groups at the end of exposure and 2 weeks after exposure to evaluate oxidative damage.

In the T3 group exposed to BAC, deep breathing, hoarseness, and nasal discharge were observed along with a decline in feed intake and body weight, and nasal discharge was also observed in the T1 and T2 groups. ROS/RNS, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2 levels decreased in a concentration-dependent manner in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histopathological examination showed cellular changes in the nasal cavity and the lungs of the TI, T2, and T3 groups.

Conclusions

As a result, it was confirmed that the target organs in the respiratory system were the nasal cavity and the lungs. The adverse effects were evaluated as reversible responses to oxidative damage. Furthermore, the no observed adverse effect level was found to be less than 0.8 mg/m3 and the lowest benchmark dose was 0.0031 mg/m3. Accordingly, the derived no-effect level of BAC was calculated as 0.000062 mg/m3.
Evaluating opportunities for improved orthopedics outpatient satisfaction: an analysis of Press Ganey® Outpatient Medical Practice Survey responses
Authors: Stephens Andrew R. , Rowberry Tyson J. , Tyser Andrew R. , Kazmers Nikolas H.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The Press Ganey® Outpatient Medical Practice Survey (PGOMPS) is composed of 10 provider-specific and 15 non-provider-specific questions. Some healthcare systems link PGOMS overall scores to physician reimbursements. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of patient satisfaction across individual PGOMPS question, the null hypothesis being that there was no variability between the frequency of satisfaction and similar questions.

Methods

We reviewed all new patient orthopedic PGOMPS scores between January 2014 and December 2017. Due to the large ceiling effect, satisfaction was defined as a perfect total score. The frequency of perfect scores for each question was calculated.

Results

Five thousand one hundred sixty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. Two thousand two hundred sixty-six (43.89%) provider-specific questions received perfect satisfaction versus 986 (19.10%) with perfect satisfaction for non-provider-specific questions (p <  0.001). The five questions most likely to receive perfect satisfaction were MD friendliness/courtesy (80.36), MD spoke using clear language (80.35%), likelihood to recommend practice (79.11%), likelihood to recommend MD (78.8%), and MD confidence (78.74%). The five least likely were convenience of office hours (60.44%), ease of getting on phone (59.72%), ability to get desired appointment (59.50%), wait time (54.63%), and information about delays (53.80%).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the majority of orthopedic patients are satisfied with their provider, demonstrating that room for improvement is limited with provider-specific areas. Leaders of health care teams should consider these results when seeking to improve patient satisfaction scores and determining how and if scores should be linked to reimbursements.
Molecular epidemiology of Chinese Han deaf patients with bi-allelic and mono-allelic GJB2 mutations
Authors: Yu Xiaoyu , Lin Yun , Xu Jun , Che Tuanjie , Li Lin , Yang Tao , Wu Hao
Published: January 2020

Background

Recessive mutations in GJB2 is the most common cause of genetic hearing loss worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the spectrum and frequency of GJB2 variants in Chinese Han deaf patients and to investigate the underlying causative genes in patients with mono-allelic GJB2 mutations.

Methods

We analyzed the mutation screening results of GJB2 in 1852 Chinese Han probands with apparently autosomal-recessive hearing loss in our laboratory. Targeted next-generation sequencing of 139 known deafness-related genes were performed in 44 probands with mono-allelic GJB2 mutations.

Results

Bi-allelic GJB2 mutations was identified in 25.65% of patients, in which the c.235delC (p.L79Cfs*3) mutation is the most frequent cause for both severe-to-profound (84.93%) and mild-to-moderate hearing loss (54.05%), while the c.109G > A (p.V37I) mutation is another frequent cause for mild-to-moderate hearing loss (40.54%). In 3.89% of patients only one mutant allele can be identified in GJB2. Targeted next generation sequencing in 44 such probands revealed digenic heterozygous mutations in GJB2/GJB6 and GJB2/GJB3 as the likely pathogenic mechanism in three probands. In 13 probands, on the other hand, pathogenic mutations in other deafness-associated genes (STRC, EYA1, MITF, PCDH15, USH2A, MYO15A, CDH23, OTOF, SLC26A4, SMPX, and TIMM8A) can be identified as the independent genetic cause, suggesting that the mono-allelic GJB2 mutations in those probands is likely co-incidental.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that GJB2 should be a primary target for mutation screening in Chinese Han deaf patients, and those with mono-allelic GJB2 mutations should be further screened by next generation sequencing.
Multicentre, double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial of 10 khz high-frequency spinal cord stimulation for chronic neuropathic low back pain (MODULATE-LBP): a trial protocol
Authors: Al-Kaisy Adnan , Royds Jonathan , Palmisani Stefano , Pang David , Wesley Samuel , Taylor Rod S. , Cook Andrew , Eldabe Sam , McCracken Lance , Duarte Rui , Fairbank Jeremy
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Chronic neuropathic low back pain (CNLBP) is a debilitating condition in which established medical treatments seldom alleviate symptoms. Evidence demonstrates that high-frequency 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation (SCS) reduces pain and improves health-related quality of life in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), but evidence of this effect is limited in individuals with CNLBP who have not had surgery. The aim of this multicentre randomised trial is to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of 10 kHz SCS for this population.

Methods

This is a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial with a parallel economic evaluation. A total of 96 patients with CNLBP who have not had spinal surgery will be implanted with an epidural lead and a sham lead outside the epidural space without a screening trial. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to 10 kHz SCS plus usual care (intervention group) or to sham 10 kHz SCS plus usual care (control group) after receiving the full implant. The SCS devices will be programmed identically using a cathodal cascade. Participants will use their handheld programmer to alter the intensity of the stimulation as per routine practice. The primary outcome will be a 7-day daily pain diary. Secondary outcomes include the Oswestry Disability Index, complications, EQ-5D-5 L, and health and social care costs. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (pre-randomisation) and at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after device activation. The primary analyses will compare primary and secondary outcomes between groups at 6 months, while adjusting for baseline outcome scores. Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) will be calculated at 6 months and over the lifetime of the patient.

Discussion

The outcomes of this trial will inform clinical practice and healthcare policy on the role of high-frequency 10 kHz SCS for use in patients with CNLBP who have not had surgery.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03470766. Registered on 20 March 2018.

Disclaimer

The views expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. The NIHR had no role in the study design, writing of the manuscript or the decision to submit for publication.

Roles and Responsibilities

AK, SP, DP, SW, RST, AC, SE, LM, RD and JF all contributed to the trial design and to securing trial funding. AK, JR, SP, DP, and SE are involved in the recruitment, the intervention and the follow-up. SW will perform data collection and analysis. RST will be responsible for the statistical analysis, and RD will be responsible for the health economic analysis. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Efficacy of acupuncture at three nasal acupoints plus acupoint application for perennial allergic rhinitis: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Shou Yin , Hu Li , Zhang Cuihong , Xu Shifen , Jin Qi , Huang Li , Li Bingrong , Yuan Long , Xu Siwei , Zhang Kaiyong , Jiang Huiru , Zhang Bimeng
Published: January 2020

Background

Many studies have shown the potential therapeutic effect of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis. Most of these studies were limited by low-quality evidence. Preliminary experiments showed that the use of acupuncture at three nasal acupoints plus acupoint application (AAP) achieves a more persistent effect in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis than acupuncture alone. In this study, a multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will be performed, in which acupuncture at nonmeridian acupoints and sham AAP will be used as the control group to evaluate the effect of AAP through long-term observation.

Methods

The trial is designed on the basis of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 guidelines and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture. A total of 120 participants with perennial allergic rhinitis will be randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. A specially appointed investigator will be in charge of randomization. The participants in the treatment group will be treated with acupuncture at EX-HN3, LI20, and EX-HN8 thrice per week for a total of 12 sessions. In addition, they will undergo AAP at DU14, BL13, EX-BI, and RN22. The participants in the control group will be treated with sham AAP. The primary outcome will be the change in the Total Nasal Symptom Score from baseline to the completion of 4-week treatment. Secondary outcomes include changes in visual analog scale and total non-nasal symptom scores from baseline to the second and fourth weeks of treatment, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after the completion of treatment. Peripheral blood IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels will be measured, and any side effects related to treatment will be observed and recorded.

Discussion

It is expected that this randomized clinical trial will provide evidence to determine the effects of AAP compared with acupuncture at nonmeridian acupoints and sham AAP, particularly the long-term effect. These findings will help improve the clinical application of this technique.

Trial registration

Acupuncture-Moxibustion Clinical Trial Registry AMCTR-ICR-18000179. Registered on 12 April 2018.
Craig plot 2.0: an interactive navigation in the substituent bioisosteric space
Authors: Ertl Peter
Published: January 2020

Bioisosteric replacement is a standard technique that is used in medicinal chemistry to design analogs of bioactive molecules with similar biological activity and with additional improved characteristics. Successful application of this technique relies on a good knowledge of physicochemical properties of common organic substituents and an efficient way to navigate their space. In this study the properties of the most common substituents present in bioactive molecules are analysed and a freely-available web tool https://bit.ly/craigplot that allows visualization, analysis and selection of bioisosteric substituents is presented.
Socio-economic status, self-rated health and mental health: the mediation effect of social participation on early-late midlife and older adults
Authors: Achdut Netta , Sarid Orly
Published: January 2020

Background

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a major determinant of diverse health outcomes, among these are self-rated-health and mental health. Yet the mechanisms underlying the SES—health relation are not fully explored. Socioeconomic inequalities in health and mental health may form along several pathways. One is social participation which is linked to better self-rated-health and mental health. We examined (1) whether various social participation practices, including the usage of information and communication technology, relate to a unidimensional or multidimensional phenomenon (2) the relationship among SES, social participation, self-rated-health and mental health; (3) whether social participation and mental health mediates the association between SES and self-rated-health; (4) whether social participation and self-rated-health mediates the links between SES and mental health.

Method

Cross-sectional data for individuals aged 35 and older were taken from the Israeli Social Survey for 2016 (N = 4848). Social participation practices included connection with family and friends, self-perceived-support, self-perceived trust, volunteering, civic and political involvement, and information and communication technology usage. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted for all social participation practices. We then constructed structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore paths of relations among SES, social participation, self-rated-health and mental health.

Results

We found disparities in self-rated health and mental health across SES. Social participation practice, ‘frequency of meeting with friends’, mediated the links between SES-self-rated health and SES-mental health. Formal social participation practices along with internet usage mediated the SES- self-rated health link. Informal social participation practices and self-perceived trust mediated the SES-mental health link. Mental health mediated the SES- self-rated health link and self-rated health mediated the SES-mental health link.

Conclusion

The links between SES and the two health constructs were enhanced by common and distinct social participation practices. Enhancement of social participation practices among low SES individuals is recommended. Social participation should be a prominent aspect of preventive medicine practice and health promotion interventions. Policy makers are called to support such programs as an important way to promote public health.
Application of artificial neural networks for the prediction of interface mechanics: a study on grain boundary constitutive behavior
Authors: Fernández Mauricio , Rezaei Shahed , Rezaei Mianroodi Jaber , Fritzen Felix , Reese Stefanie
Published: January 2020

The present work aims at the identification of the effective constitutive behavior of $$\Sigma 5$$Σ5 aluminum grain boundaries (GB) for proportional loading by using machine learning (ML) techniques. The input for the ML approach is high accuracy data gathered in challenging molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at the atomic scale for varying temperatures and loading conditions. The effective traction-separation relation is recorded during the MD simulations. The raw MD data then serves for the training of an artificial neural network (ANN) as a surrogate model of the constitutive behavior at the grain boundary. Despite the extremely fluctuating nature of the MD data and its inhomogeneous distribution in the traction-separation space, the ANN surrogate trained on the raw MD data shows a very good agreement in the average behavior without any data-smoothing or pre-processing. Further, it is shown that the trained traction-separation ANN captures important physical properties and is able to predict traction values for given separations not contained in the training data. For example, MD simulations show a transition in traction-separation behaviour from pure sliding mode under shear load to combined GB sliding and decohesion with intermediate hardening regime at mixed load directions. These changes in GB behaviour are fully captured in the ANN predictions. Furthermore, by construction, the ANN surrogate is differentiable for arbitrary separation and also temperature, such that a thermo-mechanical tangent stiffness operator can always be evaluated. The trained ANN can then serve for large-scale FE simulation as an alternative to direct MD-FE coupling which is often infeasible in practical applications.
A machine learning approach for differentiating malignant from benign enhancing foci on breast MRI
Authors: D’Amico Natascha C. , Grossi Enzo , Valbusa Giovanni , Rigiroli Francesca , Colombo Bernardo , Buscema Massimo , Fazzini Deborah , Ali Marco , Malasevschi Ala , Cornalba Gianpaolo , Papa Sergio
Published: January 2020

Background

Differentiate malignant from benign enhancing foci on breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through radiomic signature.

Methods

Forty-five enhancing foci in 45 patients were included in this retrospective study, with needle biopsy or imaging follow-up serving as a reference standard. There were 12 malignant and 33 benign lesions. Eight benign lesions confirmed by over 5-year negative follow-up and 15 malignant histopathologically confirmed lesions were added to the dataset to provide reference cases to the machine learning analysis. All MRI examinations were performed with a 1.5-T scanner. One three-dimensional T1-weighted unenhanced sequence was acquired, followed by four dynamic sequences after intravenous injection of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadobenate dimeglumine. Enhancing foci were segmented by an expert breast radiologist, over 200 radiomic features were extracted, and an evolutionary machine learning method (“training with input selection and testing”) was applied. For each classifier, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated as point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A k-nearest neighbour classifier based on 35 selected features was identified as the best performing machine learning approach. Considering both the 45 enhancing foci and the 23 additional cases, this classifier showed a sensitivity of 27/27 (100%, 95% CI 87–100%), a specificity of 37/41 (90%, 95% CI 77–97%), and an accuracy of 64/68 (94%, 95% CI 86–98%).

Conclusion

This preliminary study showed the feasibility of a radiomic approach for the characterisation of enhancing foci on breast MRI.
Determination of diagnostic value (validity) leukocyte esterase (urine dipstick strip) in differentiating inflammatory arthritis from bacterial arthritis
Authors: Hassas Yeganeh Mehrnoush , Talaei Maryam , Bazzaz Alireza Ebrahimi , Rahmani Khosro , Sinaei Reza , Fathi Mohamadreza , Shiari Reza , Hosseinzadeh Hamid
Published: January 2020

Background

The current diagnostic cornerstone for septic arthritis contains gram stains, bacterial culture, and cell count with a differential of aspirated synovial fluid. Recently, a synovial leukocyte esterase (LE) test has been used for diagnosing septic arthritis. Since this test measures the esterase activity of leukocytes, there is always a dilemma for using this test in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

We collected the synovial fluid specimens as part of the general diagnostic protocol for patients suspected of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) or Septic Arthritis (SA). Each group included 34 patients. We compared the result of the synovial LE test with the result of the culture of each patient.

Results

The mean ages of patients were 64.14 ± 31.27 and 50.88 ± 23.19 months in the JIA group and septic arthritis group, respectively. The LE test results were positive in 30 specimens, trace in 3 and negative in one in the first-time test and were positive in 31 specimens and trace in 3 in the second-time test, while it was negative in all patients with JIA. Hence, the sensitivity of the synovial LE test was 80.8%, the specificity, PPV, and NPV were 78.6, 70.0, 86.8% respectively based on a positive culture.

Conclusion

The leukocyte esterase strip test can be used as a rapid, bedside method for diagnosing or excluding bacterial infections in different body fluids. The synovial LE test can be used as an accurate test to rapidly rule in or out an acute articular bacterial infection, even in patients with concurrent inflammatory arthritis.
Evaluation of an Educational Whiteboard Video to Introduce Fertility Preservation to Female Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
Authors: Greenspoon Talia , Charow Rebecca , Papadakos Janet , Samadi Mahsa , Maloney Anne Marie , Paulo Chelsea , Forcina Victoria , Chen Li , Thavaratnam Adrian , Mitchell Laura , Lorenzo Armando , Gupta Abha A.
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE:

Fertility is an important issue for adolescents and young adults with cancer facing potential infertility. Egg cryopreservation options exist, but information is sometimes overwhelming. We evaluated a fertility preservation educational video and assessed patient and family knowledge and impressions at pre- and post-video timepoints.

METHODS:

We developed a whiteboard video to explain egg cryopreservation to patients and families. The video was evaluated on the basis of patient education best practices (readability, understandability, actionability). Participants were recruited using convenience sampling in oncology clinics. They completed questionnaires before and after watching to assess knowledge and interest. Inclusion criteria were patients age 13-39 years and minimum 1 month from diagnosis. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and mean comparisons were conducted.

RESULTS:

The video script read at a grade 8 reading level. Average understandability and actionability scores were below the acceptable standard. We recruited 108 patients (mean age, 27 years) and 39 caregivers/partners. Patients’ knowledge about fertility preservation increased after viewing the video. Interest was high before and after, and satisfaction was high for both patients and caregivers. Participants appreciated information on process, procedure, and delivery but desired more information on logistics, including cost.

CONCLUSION:

A targeted patient education video about fertility preservation options can build knowledge and encourage discussions about infertility. The video can be used as a model for videos on related topics to provide accurate information in a youth-friendly medium; however, following patient education best practices for readability, understandability, and actionability may increase video effectiveness. Future research should assess how audiovisual patient education material affects patient behavior.
NPR2 Variants Are Frequent among Children with Familiar Short Stature and Respond Well to Growth Hormone Therapy
Authors: Plachy Lukas , Dusatkova Petra , Maratova Klara , Petruzelkova Lenka , Zemkova Dana , Elblova Lenka , Kucerova Petra , Toni Ledjona , Kolouskova Stanislava , Snajderova Marta , Sumnik Zdenek , Lebl Jan , Pruhova Stepanka
Published: January 2020

Context

The C-type natriuretic peptide receptor encoded by the NPR2 gene is a paracrine regulator of the growth plate; heterozygous NPR2 variants cause short stature with possible presence of different signs of bone dysplasia. To date, the effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment has been described in a few individuals with NPR2 gene variants with inconsistent results.

Objectives

To identify NPR2 gene variants among children with familial short stature (FSS) and to describe their phenotype, including GH treatment response.

Design, Settings and Patients

Out of 747 patients with short stature treated with GH in a single center, 87 with FSS met the inclusion criteria (pretreatment height ≤ –2 standard deviation in both the patient and the shorter parent, unknown genetic etiology). Next-generation sequencing methods were performed to search for NPR2 gene variants. The results were evaluated using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. The GH treatment response (growth velocity improvement and height standard deviation score development over the first 5 years of treatment) was evaluated.

Results

In 5/87 children (5.7%), a (likely) pathogenic variant in the NPR2 gene was identified (p.Ile558Thr [in 2], p.Arg205*, p.Arg557His, p.Ser603Thr). Two children had disproportionate short-limbed short stature, 1 a dysplastic 5th finger phalanx. The growth velocity in the first year of GH treatment accelerated by 3.6 to 4.2 cm/year; the height improved by 1.2 to 1.8 SD over 5 years of treatment.

Conclusions

NPR2 gene variants cause FSS in a significant proportion of children. Their GH treatment response is promising. Studies including final height data are necessary to assess the long-term efficacy of this therapy.
Effects of Preoperative Gum Chewing on Sore Throat After General Anesthesia With a Supraglottic Airway Device: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Tingting , Wang Qi , Zhou Haiyang , Huang Shaoqiang
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is not uncommon after general anesthesia with a supraglottic airway (SGA) device. Although it was reported that some pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures can reduce POST, because of limitations and variable success rates, we need to find a simpler and more effective way to alleviate POST.

METHODS:

This prospective, observer-blinded, randomized controlled study enrolled 140 patients who required general anesthesia administered via a streamlined liner of the pharyngeal airway (SLIPA) for <60 minutes. They were randomly divided into the gum (group G, n = 70) and control (group C, n = 70) groups. Before the induction of general anesthesia for 5–10 minutes, the patients in group G chewed gum for 2 minutes. Group C was asked to swallow twice without any additional treatment. A standard anesthesia protocol was followed. The incidence and severity of sore throat were assessed up to 24 hours postoperatively. The primary outcome was the incidence of POST numerical rating scale (NRS) scores >3 within 24 hours after surgery, and the secondary outcomes included the POST (NRS) scores 2, 6, and 24 hours after the surgery.

RESULTS:

The incidence of moderate/severe POST (NRS >3) within 24 hours after surgery was significantly lower in group G (10.1%, 7/69) than in group C (40.6%, 28/69) (odds ratio 0.386, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.153–0.976; P = .044). The median (interquartile range [range]) scores at 2, 6, and 24 hours after anesthesia in group G were lower than those in the control group at the same times (2 hours: 0 [0–3 {0–4}] vs 3 [0–3 {0–6}], P = .048; 6 hours: 0 [0–3 {0–6}] vs 2 [0–4 {0–6}], P = .048; 24 hours: 0 [0–1 {0–7}] vs 0 [0–2 {0–6}]; P = .011). There were 14 patients (20.3%, 14/69) in group G who had blood stains on the SGA device, which was significantly lower than the number in group C (37.7%, 26/69) (P = .024). In patients with bloody SGA devices, the incidence of POST scores >3 was significantly lower in group G (14.3%, 2/14) than in group C (73.1%, 19/26) (P < .001), while there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the incidence of POST score >3 in patients without bloody SGA devices (group G: 9.1%, 5/55; group C: 20.9%, 9/43; P = .145).

CONCLUSIONS:

Chewing gum before surgery can effectively reduce POST with a SGA device for hysteroscopic surgery, especially in patients with pharyngeal mucosal injury.
“Rhythm in the Force of Forces”
Authors: Gilroy Paul
Published: January 2020

This essay is addressed to discrepancies between musical and political time. It uses the death of Hugh Masekela to consider the changing pattern of intergenerational relationships and the place of music within local and transnational freedom movements. The impact of technological change on the mediation of political solidarity is then examined through two principal examples: the elaboration of generic racial identity and the weaponization of culture and information by the alt-right and its fellow travelers.
Current routines for antibiotic prophylaxis prior to transrectal prostate biopsy: a national survey to all urology clinics in Sweden
Authors: Styrke Johan , Resare Sven , Lundström Karl-Johan , Masaba Patrick , Lagerros Christofer , Stattin Pär
Published: January 2020

Background: The risk of infection after transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies is increasing. The aim of the study was to assess the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for prostate biopsy in Sweden.

Methods: All public and private urology clinics reporting to the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden received a survey on TRUS-biopsy prophylaxis.

Results: Of the 84 clinics surveyed, 76 replied (90%). If no risk factors for infection were present, a single dose of ciprofloxacin 750 mg was used by 50 clinics (66%). Multiple doses of ciprofloxacin 500 or 750 mg (n=14; 18%) or a single dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 160/800 mg (n=7; 9%) were other common prophylaxes. Most clinics gave the prophylaxes immediately before the biopsy (n=41; 54%). Urine dipstick was used by 30 clinics (39%) and rectal enema by six (8%). In patients with high risk of infection, the survey mirrors a large variety of regiments used.

Conclusions: The preference to use a single dose of ciprofloxacin 750 mg is in accordance with the Swedish national guidelines for patients with a low risk of infection. Better compliance to the guideline recommendation to use a urine dipstick would probably increase the number of patients classified as having an increased risk of infection. Being classified as a high-risk patient should lead to an extended duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, however, the variety of regimens used in the high-risk group reflects an inability to treat these patients in a standardized fashion and also highlights a need for more clear-cut guidelines. Pre-biopsy identification of high-risk patients is an important issue to tackle for the urologic clinics in order to reduce the number of infections.
Dyslipidemia as a risk factor for liver fibrosis progression in a multicentric population with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Méndez-Sánchez Nahum , Cerda-Reyes Eira , Higuera-de-la-Tijera Fátima , Salas-García Ana K. , Cabrera-Palma Samantha , Cabrera-Álvarez Guillermo , Cortez-Hernández Carlos , Pérez-Arredondo Luis A , Purón-González Emma , Coronado-Alejandro Edgar , Panduro Arturo , Rodríguez-Hernández Heriberto , Cruz-Ramón Vania C. , Valencia-Rodríguez Alejandro , Qi Xingshun , Hamdan-Pérez Nashla , Aguilar-Olivos Nancy E. , Barranco-Fragoso Beatriz , Ramírez-Pérez Oscar , Vera-Barajas Alfonso
Published: January 2020

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious worldwide health problem, with an estimated global prevalence of 24%; it has a notable relationship with other metabolic disorders, like obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the most important clinical entities of NAFLD, which is associated with an increased risk of progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mexico is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of metabolic diseases; therefore, we sought to investigate the impact that these clinical entities have in the progression to advanced fibrosis in Mexican patients with NASH.

Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study, from January 2012 to December 2017. A total of 215 patients with biopsy-proven NASH and fibrosis were enrolled. NASH was diagnosed according NAS score and liver fibrosis was staged by the Kleiner scoring system. For comparing the risk of liver fibrosis progression, we divided our sample into two groups. Those patients with stage F0-F2 liver fibrosis were included in the group with non-significant liver fibrosis (n=178) and those individuals with F3-F4 fibrosis were included in the significant fibrosis group (n=37). We carried out a multivariate analysis to find risk factors associated with liver fibrosis progression.

Results: From the 215 patients included, 37 had significant liver fibrosis (F3-4). After logistic regression analysis T2DM (p=0.044), systemic arterial hypertension (p=0.014), cholesterol (p=0.041) and triglycerides (p=0.015) were the main predictor of advanced liver fibrosis.

Conclusions: In a Mexican population, dyslipidemia was the most important risk factor associated with advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Bus Timetable Design to Ensure Smooth Transfers in Areas with Low-Frequency Public Transportation Services
Authors: Takamatsu Mizuyo , Taguchi Azuma
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the timetable design problem in areas with low-frequency public transportation services. In Japan, rural areas face sparse populations and rapid growth in the percentage of elderly people. In these areas, many bus lines offer fewer than 10 services per day. In addition to low-frequency services, it is also inconvenient to transfer to another bus or train service. Thus, there is a strong need to design a timetable that ensures smooth transfers among buses and trains. We tackle this problem by adopting existing bus lines and train timetables as much as possible to avoid drastic changes such as an increase in the number of services. Based on this approach, we present a mathematical optimization model to generate a revised bus timetable that shortens waiting time for transfers compared with the current timetable. We apply our model to a part of the Tohoku District in Japan and demonstrate its usefulness in the real world.
Conversa com Fernando Cocchiarale
Authors: Cocchiarale Fernando , Sá Alexandre , Sheik André , Ferreira Glória , Queiroz Tania
Published: January 2020

Entrevista com o curador Fernando Cocchiarale feita por Alexandre Sá, André Sheik, Glória Ferreira e Tania Queiroz.
Imagens, créditos e agradecimentos
Authors: Cunha Analu
Published: January 2020

Imagens, créditos e agradecimentos do Dossiê Visorama
O laboratório como espaço da produção dos fatos científicos no pensamento de Latour e Woolgar
Authors: Da Silva Vinícius Carvalho , Vicentini Renato Da Silva , Matsumoto Harumi , Leite de Souza Breno Sabino
Published: January 2020

Neste artigo faremos uma apresentação crítica do “realismo ascendente” de Bruno Latour e Steve Woolgar, em Vida de Laboratório, obra em que investigam o funcionamento de um laboratório de neuroendocrinologia buscando compreender como os fatos científicos são socialmente construídos. Assumindo uma postura radical, descartam a ontologia realista mais comum, rompem com a epistemologia da filosofia da ciência tradicional, com a história e a sociologia da ciência e mesmo com a antropologia. Concluem que o laboratório – primeiro aquele específico, estudado, e depois em sentido geral – é um espaço de produção literária técnica onde os fatos científicos são construídos. A concepção de ciência dos autores levanta problemas filosóficos tradicionais, além de requerer uma formalização lógica.
Substantial increase in detection efficiency for filter array-based spectral sensors
Authors: Kobylinskiy Aliaksei , Laue Benjamin , Förster Erik , Höfer Bernd , Shen Yannan , Hillmer Hartmut , Brunner Robert
Published: January 2020

A method that significantly increases the detection efficiency of filter array-based spectral sensors is proposed. The basic concept involves a wavelength-dependent redistribution of incident light before it reaches the filter elements located in front of the detector. Due to this redistribution, each filter element of the array receives a spatially concentrated amount of a pre-selected and adjusted spectral partition of the entire incident light. This approach can be employed to significantly reduce the reflection and absorption losses of each filter element. The proof-of-concept is demonstrated by a setup that combines a series of consecutively arranged dichroic filters with Fabry–Perot filter arrays. Experimentally, an efficiency increase by a factor larger than 4 compared to a reference system is demonstrated. The optical system is a non-imaging spectrometer, which combines the efficiency enhancement module with the filter arrays, is compact (

17.5

m
m

×

17.5

m
m

×

7.8

m
m

), and integrated completely inside the CCD camera mount.
Automatic 3D color shape measurement system based on a stereo camera
Authors: Lin Tzung-Han
Published: January 2020

This study proposes an automatic three-dimensional (3D) color shape measurement system based on images recorded by a stereo camera. The system, comprising several off-the-shelf components, is cost-effective yet capable of obtaining quality color 3D objects. In the proposed system, a turntable carrying a checkerboard is used to assist the simultaneous calibration of the stereo camera and the turntable. A slit laser is driven to swing forward and backward for generating stripes on test objects. The stereo images are collected and analyzed for obtaining matching pixels, and, consequently, the 3D point coordinates based on epipolar geometry are obtained. Screened Poisson reconstruction is utilized to integrate and smooth the scanned surfaces. With additional color images from the same camera, several multi-view texturing methods are benchmarked. We concluded that our proposed system can successfully and automatically reconstruct quality 3D color shapes of various objects.
Multiplexed dynamic strain sensing system based on a fiber ring laser using a non-tunable fiber Fabry–Perot filter
Authors: Mao Liming , Tao Chuanyi , Zhang Jing , Jiang Xuhai , Cheng Junhua , Zhao Yan , Xiao Jianjun , Li Na
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a non-tunable fiber Fabry–Perot filter (FFPF) is configured to demodulate dynamic strain signals in a multiplexed dynamic sensing system based on a fiber ring laser. A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) contained in the fiber ring laser cavity enables this system to implement multiplex operation because of the inhomogeneous broadening of the SOA source. The shift of the reflective spectrum of the fiber Bragg grating caused by external dynamic strain is demodulated by the FFPF in the laser cavity, which ultimately generates an amplified output. In the experiment, the sensing system can respond to dynamic strains at ultra-high frequencies up to megahertz, and an example for detection of ultrasonic signals in water has been successfully demonstrated. A dual-channel system for multiplexing demodulation is also discussed. This system presented here has a simple structure and a low cost, which makes it attractive for dynamic strain detection in structural health monitoring.
Nonclassicality of the two-photon laser with Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Mathkoor Faisal H. A. , Kam C. H. , Ooi C. H. Raymond
Published: January 2020

We have studied the photon statistics of the non-degenerate two-photon laser composed of many noninteracting atoms with Kerr nonlinearity. Nonlinearity of the gain is accounted for by the Lamb–Scully approach. Under certain conditions, we obtain an approximate photon distribution function. In the region above lasing threshold, the first few moments of the photon numbers are calculated analytically, and the threshold condition for stable lasing that depends on the Kerr parameter and detuning are obtained. We analyze the properties of the cavity field through the Mandel

Q

parameter, second-order correlation functions, Cauchy–Schwarz inequality for a range of Kerr parameters, atomic injection rate, and cavity detuning. Nonclassicality of the field is found through sub-Poissonian statistics, particularly at a low injection rate and high Kerr coupling with negative detuning. These nonclassicality conditions correspond to low photon numbers and depend on the sign of the detuning. The violation of the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality also occurs at low photon numbers but over a wide range of parameters, especially at short transient times. Our results show that the two-photon laser with Kerr nonlinearity is a promising quantum nonlinear optical system for developing controllable nonclassical light sources.
Graphene-incorporated plasmo-thermomechanical infrared radiation detection
Authors: Wahiduzzaman Khan Mohammad , Zhao Qiancheng , Sadri-Moshkenani Parinaz , Shafiqul Islam Md , Boyraz Ozdal
Published: January 2020

Metallic nanostructures can be used to selectively absorb a specific regime of the infrared (IR) spectrum depending on its constituent materials and geometry. In this paper, we propose and analyze a plasmo-thermomechanical detector that includes a graphene layer on top of metallic nanowires to enhance the absorption and sensitivity. The proposed device converts the free-space IR radiation to mechanical deformation of nanowires that modulates the insertion loss of the waveguide underneath the nanowires and facilitates the on-chip optical readout of the free-space radiation at room temperature. Our design takes advantage of localized surface plasmon resonances to maximize absorption at the desired IR spectrum. We provide a systematic investigation of different material combinations with and without graphene in addition to variations in detector geometry to optimize the designed IR detector. On top of the absorption enhancement, the graphene layer over the nanowires boosts thermal relaxation speed of the nanowires by 3 times due to graphene’s high thermal conductivity, in turn speeding up the response of the IR detection. Moreover, the coated graphene layer enhances the mechanical deformation by a factor of 6 and bends the suspended nanowires downward, enhancing the light–matter interaction between the nanowires and the waveguide evanescent field. Overall, incorporating graphene is beneficial for enhanced spectrum absorption, speed of the IR detection, and optical readout sensitivity.
Dynamic change process of a recast layer in Nd:YAG millisecond laser trepan drilling
Authors: Duan Wenqiang , Mei Xuesong , Fan Zhengjie , Chen Jingmeng , Zhang Yifei
Published: January 2020

Laser drilling has extensive applications in modern industry. To improve the quality of microholes drilled by a high-power millisecond pulsed laser, the laser trepan drilling technique was studied in depth in this paper. Processing parameters, such as trepanning speed (TS) and rotation number (RN), were experimentally studied for their influence on a recast layer (RL), and the detailed change process of the RL in laser repairing stage was also analyzed. It was discovered that the RL thickness would decrease with lower TS and larger RN, but micro edge cracks would appear at the hole entrance if the two parameters exceeded some appropriate ranges. The reduction of the RL during laser trepanning was neither linear nor uniform; it was a dynamic change process. The minimal RL obtained in this study was about 1 µm at the hole entrance. The difference in laser trepanning diameter has no influence on the RL. The mechanism of RL reduction in laser trepan drilling is that the recast material may intermittently be remelted by the rotating laser beam, and once it is remelted, it can be pushed downward by the vaporization-induced recoil pressure and assist gas. This process can continue only if the absorbed energy can support and keep the molten material in liquid state; therefore, the thickness of the RL is inversely proportional to the duration of the remelted material remaining in liquid state per unit length. The theoretical analysis is consistent with the experimental results.
Array periodical nanofocusing effect in nanoscale three-dimensional surface plasmon polariton waveguide arrays
Authors: Lin Weihua , Chen Yifan , Wang Wenjin
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the array periodical nanofocusing effect in a kind of nanoscale three-dimensional surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waveguide array is introduced. The refractive index of the dielectric layer in the three-dimensional SPP waveguide arrays has a parabolic distribution. The SPPs in the waveguide arrays show a periodical focusing effect as light illuminates on all waveguides. The oscillation propagating effect, which is similar to the photonic spatial Bloch oscillations in waveguide arrays but is fundamentally different from the Bloch oscillation effect in physics, is also realized as light illuminates on part of the waveguides of the arrays. The theoretical work is carried out by the coupled wave theory and is well demonstrated by the finite-difference time-domain numerical simulations.
Astigmatism correction and quality optimization of computer-generated holograms for holographic waveguide displays
Authors: Lin Wen-Kai , Matoba Osamu , Lin Bor-Shyh , Su Wei-Chia
Published: January 2020

In this manuscript, the astigmatism of the waveguide combiner with a pair of symmetry HOEs was analyzed. The light field can be predicted by the modified convolution formulation of Fresnel diffraction when the information of light passes through the astigmatism causing element. Then the astigmatism can be corrected. The theory was experimentally proved by the system with a phase-only SLM and a diffraction planar waveguide. Furthermore, the image quality of astigmatism corrected phase-type CGHs can be improved via the iteration process. Since the coherence of light source was employed, the temporal averaging method was utilized to avoid speckle noise.
Combined laser variosystems paraxial design for longitudinal movement of a Gaussian beam waist
Authors: Nosov Pavel A. , Piskunov Dmitry E. , Shirankov Alexander F.
Published: January 2020

Optical variosystems that form the required diameter of the Gaussian beam waist and perform its smooth longitudinal movement with a constant diameter for laser technologies, processing materials, moving microobjects, etc., are considered. A combined method based on a movable tunable-focus lens for changing the optical characteristics of laser variosystems is proposed. The features and fundamental differences between the laws of transformation of Gaussian beams by optical systems of different structures for the dimensional synthesis of laser variosystems are discussed. Based on these laws and the theory of laser optics, a method for the dimensional synthesis of one- and two-component laser variosystems is developed, an algorithm for their automated synthesis, and an example of calculation are given.
Period doubling eigenstates in a fiber laser mode-locked by nonlinear polarization rotation
Authors: Yao Xiongquan , Li Lei , Komarov Andrey , Klimczak Mariusz , Tang Dingyuan , Shen Deyuan , Su Lei , Zhao Luming
Published: January 2020

Due to the weak birefringence of single mode fibers, solitons generated in fiber lasers are indeed vector pulses and exhibit periodic parameter change including polarization evolution even when there is a polarizer inside the cavity. Period doubling eigenstates of solitons generated in a fiber laser mode-locked by the nonlinear polarization rotation, i.e., period doubling of polarization components of the soliton, are numerically explored in detail. We found that, apart from the synchronous evolution between the two polarization components, there exists asynchronous development depending on the detailed operation conditions. In addition, period doubling of one polarization component together with period-one of another polarization component can be achieved. When the period tripling window is obtained, much complexed dynamics on the two polarization components could be observed.