bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Endonasal Optic Nerve Decompression in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: When to Implement Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration
Authors: Ahmedov Merdin Lyutviev , Tahmazoglu Burak , Aydin Seckin , Kartum Tufan Agah , Mergen Burak , Yildirim Senihe Rengin , Kemerdere Rahşan , Tanriover Necmettin
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a syndrome characterized with increased intracranial pressure and normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition. Treatment is mainly conservative, whereas CSF diversion surgery is the most frequently used surgical intervention. Endoscopic endonasal optic nerve decompression (EOND) is a newer surgical treatment of this patient group. This study presents a single clinic's case series with comparative results of unilateral an bilateral EOND with or without optic nerve fenestration.

METHODS:

Sixteen patients with IIH syndrome who underwent 18 EOND procedures by a single neurosurgeon were evaluated with MRI and digitally subtracted angiography preoperatively. Both preoperative and postoperative visual acuity and perimetry and fundoscopy examinations were routinely performed. All patients underwent sphenoidotomy using the endoscopic binostril approach; however, unilateral or bilateral optic nerve decompression and accompanying optic sheath fenestration was determined on a case-by-case basis, after which all patients were also evaluated for the outcome of headaches.

RESULTS:

Most of the patients were female, and the mean age was 30.28 ± 9.78 years. CSF pressure was increased in all patients (406.43 ± 112.91 mm of H2O), and the follow-up period was 61.72 ± 21.67 months. In patients with unilateral EOND, visual fields improved in 83%, visual acuity in 70%, headache in 75%, and papilledema in 27% of cases. In patients with bilateral EOND, perimetry improved in 86%, visual acuity in 43%, headache in 50%, and papilledema in 57% of cases.

CONCLUSION:

EOND is an effective surgical option in the treatment of IIH. Bilateral decompression is preferable in patients with bilateral visual involvement, and optic nerve fenestration may prove to be helpful in patients with IIH whose primary complaint is headache.
Disturbances of cortisol awakening response in psychotic disorders and at-risk states – a literature review
Authors: Grąźlewski Tomasz , Kucharska-Mazur Jolanta , Misiak Błażej , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: June 2023

Background and objective: According to the diathesis-stress model, disturbances of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are thought to play a role in the development, onset, and progression of psychosis. The aim of this paper is to present the available body of evidence on the abnormalities of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in psychotic disorders and at-risk states.
Methods: Review of literature from the years 2011-2022 available across three databases (Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar) was performed. With an aim to: i) ensure that the review covers a wide range of research related to psychotic presentations as manifested in a broad range of clinical populations (from CHR/UHR to full-blown psychosis), and ii) identify the neurobiological background thereof, the following combination of search terms was applied: "chr" OR "uhr" OR "arms" OR "first-episode schizophrenia" OR "psychosis" AND "cortisol" OR "HPA axis" OR "CAR" OR "cortisol awakening response".
Results and conclusion: Research suggests that abnormalities of the HPA axis (in this case, disturbances of the CAR) appear to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders. The cortisol awakening response was blunted in patients with first-episode psychosis or schizophrenia. On the other hand, in subjects with at-risk states, the results were inconclusive. These findings, however, are based on a small number of studies; therefore, more research in this area is required
Experimental verification of the effectiveness of implementing a differentiated approach in training future physical education teachers
Authors: Vlasiuk Roman
Published: June 2023

The effective training of future specialists in physical culture and sports necessitates a comprehensive system of specialized knowledge, which forms a crucial part of a teacher's competence. This research aims to enhance the theoretical training level of students enrolled in the Faculty of Physical Education. The experiment involved 36 first-year students from TNPU. Initially, the collected data revealed an average score of 55% across all sections of theoretical training, indicating a low level of knowledge. However, after the experiment, significant improvements were observed in the areas of general development (4.22±0.12), drill exercises (4.11±0.10), injury prevention in gymnastics classes (4.17±0.12), and gymnastics in the system of physical education of Ukraine (4.03±0.15).
Un canvi de perspectiva. La poesia de Czesław Miłosz i la primera recepció
Authors: Farré Vidal Xavier
Published: June 2023

A CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE: CZESŁAW MIŁOSZ’S POETRY AND ITS FIRST RECEPTION
In the criticism and studies of Czesław Miłosz’s work, the cycles “The world (naive poem)” and “Voices of the poor people”, from the book Rescue (1945) occupy a place of enormous importance because it opens two lines of the postwar Polish poetry, initiates the so-called polyphony of the Polish author and establishes links with other literary traditions, especially the Anglo-Saxon and T. S. Eliot’s poem The Waste Land. But these elements should not necessarily always be kept in a translation, rather they can lead to other reminiscences. In the article, we study this fenomen based on the theories of Antoine Berman and focused in the first published translation of the Polish author’s poems in Spanish.
Miła nie taka miła – satyryczne elementy w cantigas de amigo
Authors: Merdała Jakub
Published: June 2023

Mimo że cantiga de amigo jest emblematycznym elementem poezji galicyjsko-portugalskiej, a w polszczyźnie dysponujemy nawet kilkoma przekładami pieśni należących do tego gatunku, pozostają one nadal dość słabo zbadane, a ich obraz bywa znacznie uproszczony. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zwrócenie uwagi na te pieśni o kochanku, które zawierają elementy satyryczno-humorystyczne, zaproponowanie pewnych zmian w ich klasyfikacji genologicznej oraz zwrócenie uwagi na niejednorodny charakter miłosnej liryki galicyjskich trubadurów. Artykuł został uzupełniony o przekłady poetyckie i filologiczne nigdy wcześniej nietłumaczonych na język polski pieśni galicyjsko-portugalskich.
Z Lechistanu nad wody Bosforu – o etnonimie ‘Polak’ w języku judeohiszpańskim
Authors: Pawłowska Marta
Published: June 2023

Artykuł porusza temat istniejących w języku judeohiszpańskim etnonimów o pierwotnym znaczeniu ‘Polak’ oraz zmian semantycznych, jakim one ulegały. Szczególną uwagę poświęcono leksemowi lehli – etymologicznie wywodzącemu się od Lechistanu, czyli nazwy nadanej Rzeczypospolitej przez Turków Osmańskich. Obecnie leksem ten używany jest głównie w odniesieniu do Żydów Aszkenazyjskich. Informacje leksykograficzne zostały tu skonfrontowane z realnymi przykładami użycia oraz opiniami rodzimych użytkowników języka judeohiszpańskiego.
Non-invasive telemonitoring and quality of life in heart failure: part two—a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Tavares Sara , Lampridou Smaragda , Byrne Barbara
Published: June 2023

Heart failure is a major public health concern, with patients experiencing a high symptomatic burden and functional limitations, with repercussions for their mental and psychosocial wellbeing. Non-invasive telemonitoring has the potential to improve disease management by enabling rapid adjustment of medications, allowing detection of early signs and symptoms of disease deterioration, and promoting self-care behaviours. Part one of this series outlined a mixed-methods systematic review protocol for exploring the impact of telemonitoring on quality of life for patients with heart failure. The present systematic review explores the general experiences of patients with heart failure who had used telemonitoring systems in the community as part of follow up and self-care. Qualitative studies published between 2010 and 2022 were located from Medline (Ovid), CINHAL (Ebsco), Embase (Ovid), APA PsychInfo (Ebsco) and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. A total of 11 qualitative studies involving 212 patients with heart failure were included. Overall, 123 findings were identified and extracted, with 14 categories generated from the aggregation of at least two similar findings. Four synthesised findings were identified regarding patients' experiences with telemonitoring: ease of use, education features, self-care prompts and patient empowerment. Ultimately, personal factors such as functional limitations and comorbidities were not found to prevent patients from engaging with this technology. When incorporated into a daily routine, telemonitoring has the potential to enhance self-care, promote autonomy, improve disease-specific knowledge and empower patients living with heart failure.
Statins and improving concordance
Authors: Richardson Andy
Published: June 2023

In the second instalment of this two-part series on statins, Andy Richardson, educational advisor for the BANCC, discusses ways to improve concordance, including the role of the nurse and the importance of a person-centred care lens. Enablers and barriers to concordance are also considered.
Choice is good, but what should I do with it?
Authors: Greenaway Beth
Published: June 2023

In this month's patient story, Beth Greenaway discusses the nuances of patient choice, explaining how and why the patient–clinician relationship should be a dialogue, built on a mutual trust, rather than a dictatorship.
The Universal Design for Learning Academy for Faculty Across Disciplines
Authors: Kirsch Breanne
Published: June 2023

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) academy is professional development for faculty focused on exploring and implementing the UDL framework with input from other faculty participants, and the academy instructor. The academy occurs over five, half-days (four hours each) in an in-person environment. The main learning outcome of the academy was to teach faculty about UDL and help them implement UDL in one or more courses. The academy includes inclusive design activities, UDL implementation worksheets, and technology-rich presentations. Faculty participants completed the activities and worksheets that led to self-reflection and implementation of UDL in one or more courses.
Lights, Camera, Accessibility! Applications in Video Design
Authors: Bal Irene
Published: June 2023

The focus of this lesson is the authentic application of accessibility for a video through an asynchronous discussion forum. Set in an online, graduate, education multimedia design course, students design an instructional video over multiple weeks, applying course content to their video, demonstrating their application, and receiving formative feedback through discussion forums. This article details one discussion forum, occurring over one asynchronous week, used as a formative assessment to support students in applying accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.1 and Section 508) and best practices for accessible multimedia design.
Designing Accessible Immersive Learning Experiences
Authors: Saca Pamela
Published: June 2023

Immersive learning experiences are simulated real-world environments that allow learners to practice skills in low-stakes contexts. The following activity supports instructors in improving the accessibility of their designed immersive learning experiences. Instructors first reflect on their in-progress design using guiding questions. After the completion of the immersive learning design, the instructors self-evaluate to identify areas of improvement for potential revisions. Guidelines and criteria utilized within the process are adapted from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. This approach can be used with immersive experiences designed for any age group.
Strategically Inclusive E-Learning Design
Authors: Gronseth Susie
Published: June 2023

Modeling strategic flexibility and experiential learning approaches, this module focuses on foundational concepts for designing accessible educational materials and applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines. The module was implemented during two weeks of a 16-week asynchronous online graduate course on e-learning pedagogy and design. Content is represented in varied forms, including video presentations and readings. A structured discussion offers asynchronous and synchronous options and utilizes a five-step scaffold to consider UDL-related prompts applied to provided lesson scenarios. Students complete a hands-on activity to better understand accessible document design.
Evaluation of agro-morphological and molecular characters of 22 rice landraces of East Timor
Authors: BRANCO LUIS MANUEL , PALUPI ENDAH RETNO , ILYAS SATRIYAS , PURWOKO BAMBANG SAPTA , PURWITO AGUS
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Branco LM, Palupi ER, Ilyas S, Purwoko BS, Purwito A. 2023. Evaluation of agro-morphological and molecular characters of 22 rice landraces of East Timor. Biodiversitas 24: 2536-2546. Landraces play an important role in the local food security and sustainable development of agriculture as a source of genes that control important traits adaptive to environmental conditions. The study aimed to characterize the agro-morphological and molecular characteristics of 22 rice landraces of East Timor (Timor Leste). The research was conducted in April-August 2018 in Caibada-Baucau-East Timor. Soil analysis was conducted at the Soil Laboratory of the Agronomy and Horticulture Department, IPB University. Materials used were 22 rice landraces seeds and one check variety. The seeds were germinated in seedbed seedlings with a basin (30 cm x 25 cm). The seedlings were planted in the field 16 days after sowing in a plot of 1.5 m x 7.0 m and a spacing of 25 cm x 25 cm, with an isolation distance between plots of ±3 m. Data collection was based on nine growth phases of rice. The cluster analysis based on agro-morphological characters resulted in 6 groups with a similarity coefficient of 0.17 or 17%, showing a high level of diversity. The lowest yield was Ale Kukefuhu (290 g/m2), and the highest was Hare Nona Portu (979 g/m2). Using 10 RAPD markers, the 22 rice landraces samples produced 77 DNA fragment bands with sizes between 300 bp-1475 bp, averaging 3.35 alleles per landrace; polymorphic rates of 8.1. OPA8, OPH1, and OPH7 markers were the highest (100.00%), and OPF5 was the lowest (66.67%) polymorphic percentage. Based on the molecular marker, the coefficient of similarity of the landraces ranged from 0.12 to 0.51, and they were grouped into five clusters.
Root associated Fusarium solani Species Complex (FSSC) in epiphytic and terrestrial orchids
Authors: SUKARNO NAMPIAH , MURSIDAWATI SOFI , LISTIYOWATI SRI , NUGRAHA NAUFAL HAFIZH , FADILLAH WENDI NURUL , WAITE MASHURI
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Sukarno N, Mursidawati S, Listiyowati S, Nugraha NH, Fadillah WN, Waite M. 2023. Root associated Fusarium solani Species Complex (FSSC) in epiphytic and terrestrial orchids. Biodiversitas 24: 2577-2586. Members of the Fusarium solani Species Complex (FSSC) are ecologically diverse, covering human and plant pathogens, saprobes, and endophytic fungi of economically important plants. The role of FSSC on tropical orchids, however, has received little attention. This research aimed to isolate and identify the FSSC found as endophytes in roots of the epiphytic orchids Cymbidium finlaysonianum Lindl. and Vanda tricolor Lindl., and the terrestrial orchids Calanthe triplicata (Willemet) Ames and Phaius tankervilleae (Banks) Blume. Fungal isolation was obtained from peloton structures within the root. Fungal identification was done using combined morphological and molecular characteristics using ITS rDNA sequences. Four isolates of Fusarium were identified based on morphological characteristics. The BLAST analysis showed that all the isolates were in the Fusarium solani Species Complex (FSSC). Further phylogenetic relationship analysis indicated that all the FSSC isolates belonged to FSSC5 lineage or Fusarium solani sensu stricto, which is nested in FSSC clade 3 as a subgroup. The fungi F. solani sensu stricto V2 and CF34 were isolated from the epiphytic orchids, and F. solani sensu stricto C5 and P44 were isolated from the terrestrial orchids. It is interesting that the FSSC5 isolated from the epiphytic orchids form different groups than those of the terrestrial orchids. This is the first report showing the tropical orchids are the host of the FSSC5 as endophytes and this broadens the known host range and ecological behavior of the FSSC5.
The dynamics of Chlorella spp. abundance and its relationship with water quality parameters in intensive shrimp ponds
Authors: SOEPRAPTO HAYATI , ARIADI HERI , BADRUDIN UBAD
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Soeprapto H, Ariadi H, Badrudin U. 2023. The dynamics of Chlorella spp. abundance and its relationship with water quality parameters in intensive shrimp ponds. Biodiversitas 24: 2919-2926. Chlorella spp. is a plankton genus belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta and is commonly found in the shrimp farming ponds. This plankton might serve as natural feed especially for the post-larvae stage shrimps. This study aims to investigate the dynamics of Chlorella spp. abundance and its correlation with the N:P ratio in the intensively managed shrimp ponds. The study was conducted using a causal ex-post facto design with data collection through purposive sampling. The results showed that the plankton abundance in the observed ponds was moderate consisted of 4 class and 7 genera. The dominant genus was Chroococcus spp. and Chlorella spp. with abundance ranging from 2.50E+05 to 2.60E+05 cells/mL. Plankton abundance correlated with water quality conditions, including pH of 7.9, salinity of 19-20‰, temperature of 28.50-28.75°C, dissolved oxygen of 5.12-5.39 mg/L, nitrite of 0.035-0.072 mg/L, phosphate of 0.011-0.025 mg/L, organic matter of 95.77-102.32 mg/L, and alkalinity of 125-130 mg/L. There was also correlation between the increase in plankton biomass and nutrient solubility. The abundance of Chlorella spp. was negatively correlated with the N:P ratio of the water in the ponds. Based on dynamic model analysis, the most ideal N:P ratio is 1:20 from several simulations of 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, and 1:40. The dynamics of Chlorella spp. abundance followed an oscillatory pattern from the beginning of cultivation to harvest with the most ideal N:P ratio of 1:20. This understanding is important for making environmental engineering concepts in pond aquatic ecosystems.
Mujeres y migraciones forzadas en América Latina. Trayectorias de los cuerpos femeninos: violencia y resistencia en el siglo XXI
Authors: Sarmiento Érica
Published: June 2023

El siglo XXI se caracteriza por el aumento de la violencia contra las mujeres migrantes latinoamericanas. Ellas, independientemente de las causas, se enfrentan a diferentes formas de violencia machista a lo largo del proceso de migración y tránsito. Partiendo de la propuesta de la vulnerabilidad del cuerpo femenino y de la cosificación de los cuerpos, marcada por el patriarcado que aún pervive en el espacio transnacional, analizaremos las migraciones femeninas y algunos ejemplos de flujos y casos que merecen ser denunciados. La investigación se ha realizado a partir del análisis de publicaciones periódicas, páginas web gubernamentales, informes de organizaciones civiles y entrevistas.
«Nueva Patria»: El rito político-jurídico de los naturalizados en Ecuador (1830-2022)
Authors: Ramirez Jacques
Published: June 2023

Al finalizar la primera década del siglo XXI, el tema de la naturalización adquirió notoriedad debido al incremento de cubanos y cubanas que obtuvieron la nacionalidad ecuatoriana. Este particular abrió el debate en la opinión pública sobre un asunto muy poco explorado desde la academia, pero que los diferentes gobiernos de turno vienen normando desde sus orígenes. El objetivo de este artículo es cubrir en parte este vacío al analizar cuáles han sido los criterios que el Estado ecuatoriano ha tenido a lo largo de su historia para otorgar la carta de naturalización a los extranjeros y a quiénes se ha concedido mayoritariamente la nacionalidad ecuatoriana. Metodológicamente el estudio se basa en la revisión de los marcos constitucionales de 1830 a 2008, el análisis de las leyes de naturalización, la revisión de las actas de 1889a 1950 y los datos estadísticos contemporáneos sobre esta materia de 2017 a 2022.
Large field-of-view thermal imaging via all-silicon meta-optics
Authors: Wirth-Singh Anna , Fröch Johannes E. , Han Zheyi , Huang Luocheng , Mukherjee Saswata , Zhou Zhihao , Coppens Zachary , Böhringer Karl F. , Majumdar Arka
Published: June 2023

A broad range of imaging and sensing technologies in the infrared require large field-of-view (FoV) operation. To achieve this, traditional refractive systems often employ multiple elements to compensate for aberrations, which leads to excess size, weight, and cost. For many applications, including night vision eye-wear, air-borne surveillance, and autonomous navigation for unmanned aerial vehicles, size and weight are highly constrained. Sub-wavelength diffractive optics, also known as meta-optics, can dramatically reduce the size, weight, and cost of these imaging systems, as meta-optics are significantly thinner and lighter than traditional refractive lenses. Here, we demonstrate 80° FoV thermal imaging in the long-wavelength infrared regime (8–12 µm) using an all-silicon meta-optic with an entrance aperture and lens focal length of 1 cm.
Geometric-feature-based approach to human face reconstruction with high measurement speed
Authors: Wang Linrui , Xiang Wang , Dai Junfei
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a method based on geometry for three-dimensional (3D) face reconstruction without the need for additional images, hardware components, or objects. In our proposed method, we consider part of the nose as the feature region because its shape remains almost constant during the measurement. The geometry of this region was used to provide cues for phase unwrapping. We first spatially unwrap the phase and determine the integer multiple of 2π to be added by comparing the recovered result of the feature region and its actual shape. Then, the face can be reconstructed with the acquired absolute phase. Experimental results demonstrated that our method is capable of reconstructing a dynamic face with high measurement speed, and only three phase-shifted fringes are required per frame.
Propagation characteristics of the Kummer beam in turbulence with an anisotropic tilt angle
Authors: Yu Zhou , Wang Wenhai , Yang Donghui , Hu Zhengda , Zhu Yun
Published: June 2023

Different from prevailing assumptions, turbulence cells display anisotropic tilt angles, rendering the environment in optical communication significantly more complex. In light of this, we develop expressions for the spatial coherence radius and the detection probability of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of the Kummer beam in turbulence with an anisotropic tilt angle. Through our investigation into the impact of various angles on optical communication, we identify suitable angles for mitigating the effects of atmospheric turbulence. Our findings indicate that when the zenith angle is equal to the anisotropic tilt angle and the azimuth angle is π, the disturbance of turbulence on the detection probability of OAM states is relatively weak. In slant paths, the variability in turbulence cells’ scales with altitude, particularly the inner scale, cannot be ignored. Consequently, a peak value emerges in the OAM detection probability owing to the variation of inner scales with altitude. Furthermore, the exponent of the amplitude factor and the logarithmic axicon parameter of the Kummer beam exhibit a significant impact on the received signal, especially at short propagation distances. We also investigate some other parameters of the turbulence and Kummer beam to enhance our comprehension of the propagation characteristics of a Kummer beam in a slant path. Overall, our results have practical implications in wireless optical communication systems such as remote sensing and radar communications.
Deep learning-based inverse design optimization of efficient multilayer thermal emitters in the near-infrared broad spectrum
Authors: Pan QingHui , Zhou SiHong , Chen ShuNi , Yu CuiPing , Guo YanMing , Shuai Yong
Published: June 2023

This study proposes a deep learning architecture for automatic modeling and optimization of multilayer thin film structures to address the need for specific spectral emitters and achieve rapid design of geometric parameters for an ideal spectral response. Multilayer film structures are ideal thermal emitter structures for thermophotovoltaic application systems because they combine the advantages of large area preparation and controllable costs. However, achieving good spectral response performance requires stacking more layers, which makes it more difficult to achieve fine spectral inverse design using forward calculation of the dimensional parameters of each layer of the structure. Deep learning is the main method for solving complex data-driven problems in artificial intelligence and provides an efficient solution for the inverse design of structural parameters for a target waveband. In this study, an eight-layer thin film structure composed of SiO2/Ti and SiO2/W is rapidly reverse engineered using a deep learning method to achieve a structural design with an emissivity better than 0.8 in the near-infrared band. Additionally, an eight-layer thin film structure composed of 3 × 3 cm SiO2/Ti is experimentally measured using magnetron sputtering, and the emissivity in the 1-4 µm band was better than 0.68. This research provides implications for the design and application of micro-nano structures, can be widely used in the fields of thermal imaging and thermal regulation, and will contribute to developing a new paradigm for optical nanophotonic structures with a fast target-oriented inverse design of structural parameters, such as required spectral emissivity, phase, and polarization.
Quantitative Spatial Frequency Domain Fluorescence Imaging for Surgical Guidance: Fluorophore Concentration Estimation in Pre-Clinical Cancer Models
Authors: Won Natalie , La Macchia Josephine , Adewale Anjola , Bartling Mandolin , Najjar Esmat , Wilson Brian C. , Irish Jonathan C. , Daly Michael J.
Published: June 2023

Image quantification of fluorophore concentration based on phase-shifted sinusoidal patterns projected onto the surgical field. Results analyzed in an oral cancer mouse model and optical phantoms derived from tongue cancer patients.
Radiometric characterization methods for fluorescence guidance imaging systems using a calibrated solid-state emitter
Authors: Ruiz Alberto J. , Robledo Edwin A. , Littler Eammon , LaRochelle Ethan P.M.
Published: June 2023

Methods for radiometric characterization of fluorescence-guided imaging systems using a calibrated solid-state emitter are introduced. Used alongside fluorescence phantoms, we demonstrate quantitative fluorescence imaging that can facilitate cross-system comparisons and multi-center reproducibility.
Unconventional fluorophores for super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Torra Joaquim , Flors Cristina
Published: June 2023

We explore the use of fluorogenic amyloid probes in two super-resolution methods. A spatial resolution of 45–70 nm, low image background and long term imaging can be achieved, expanding the toolbox of super-resolution labels.
Measuring in vivo Dissociation Kinetics of Porphysome Nanoparticles Using Diffuse Reflectance and Quantitative Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Husby Theo , Valic Michael , Hiraishi Yoshihisa , Bernards Nicholas , Yokote Fumi , Chen Juan , Zheng Gang , Yasufuku Kazuhiro , Wilson Brian , Weersink Robert
Published: June 2023

A combination diffuse reflectance and quantitative fluorescence spectroscopy system developed for measuring concentrations of intact and dissociated states of porphysome theranostic nanoparticles is compared to pre-clinical ex vivo PET measurements and in vivo dissociation kinetics.
Margin status assessment using a ratio-metric angular domain fluorescent imaging approach in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Rounds Cody C. , de Wit Jaron , Vonk Jasper , Voskuil Floris , Witjes Max J. H. , Tichauer Kenneth M.
Published: June 2023

Many head and neck squamous cell carcinoma surgical patients are left with residual tumor post excision surgery (inadequate margins). We present an imaging strategy capable of rapid margin status assessment to reduce overall surgical burden.
Magnetic Gold Nanorods for Contrast in Magnetomotive Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Authors: Oldenburg Amy L. , Rizvi Mehedi H. , Tracy Joseph B.
Published: June 2023

We propose plamonic gold nanorods decorated with magnetic iron oxides for modulating polarized OCT signals. We show that signal modulation depends upon the direction of the applied magnetic field consistent with a magnetic trapping model.
Developmental Expression of the Cell Cycle Regulator p16INK4a in Retinal Glial Cells: A Novel Marker for Immature Ocular Astrocytes?
Authors: Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara Cristina , Storm Tina , Salman Ahmed , Burgoyne Thomas , Rasmussen Martin Qvist , Orlans Harry O. , Russell Angela J. , Davies Stephen G. , Barnard Alun R. , MacLaren Robert E.
Published: June 2023

Retinal astrocytes are vital for neuronal homeostasis in the retina. Together with Müller glia, they provide retinal cells with neurotrophic factors, antioxidative support, and defense mechanisms such as the formation of the blood-retinal barrier. Substantial heterogeneity of astrocyte morphology and function represents a challenge for identification of distinct subtypes which may be potential targets for therapeutic purposes. Hence, identification of novel markers of astrocyte subpopulations is highly relevant to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in retinal development, homeostasis, and pathology. In this study, we observed that the cell cycle regulator, p16INK4a, is expressed in immature astrocytes in the mouse retina. Immunohistochemical analysis showed p16INK4a expression in the optic nerve of wild-type mice from 3 days to 3 months of age and in the nerve fiber layer of the adult mouse retina. Colocalization of p16INK4a expression and glial fibrillary acidic protein (immature/mature astrocyte marker) tends to decrease with age. However, colocalization of p16INK4a expression and vimentin (immature astrocyte marker) remains high in the optic nerve from the early postnatal period to adulthood. The observations from this study provide a valuable tool for further investigations of ocular astrocytes in the developing retina as well as in degenerative retinopathies.
Community detection in empirical kinase networks identifies new potential members of signalling pathways
Authors: Basanta Celia De Los Angeles Colomina , Bazzi Marya , Hijazi Maruan , Bessant Conrad , Cutillas Pedro R.
Published: June 2023

Phosphoproteomics allows one to measure the activity of kinases that drive the fluxes of signal transduction pathways involved in biological processes such as immune function, senescence and cell growth. However, deriving knowledge of signalling network circuitry from these data is challenging due to a scarcity of phosphorylation sites that define kinase-kinase relationships. To address this issue, we previously identified around 6,000 phosphorylation sites as markers of kinase-kinase relationships (that may be conceptualised as network edges), from which empirical cell-model-specific weighted kinase networks may be reconstructed. Here, we assess whether the application of community detection algorithms to such networks can identify new components linked to canonical signalling pathways. Phosphoproteomics data from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells treated separately with PI3K, AKT, MEK and ERK inhibitors were used to reconstruct individual kinase networks. We used modularity maximisation to detect communities in each network, and selected the community containing the main target of the inhibitor used to treat cells. These analyses returned communities that contained known canonical signalling components. Interestingly, in addition to canonical PI3K/AKT/mTOR members, the community assignments returned TTK (also known as MPS1) as a likely component of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling. We drew similar insights from an external phosphoproteomics dataset from breast cancer cells treated with rapamycin and oestrogen. We confirmed this observation with wet-lab laboratory experiments showing that TTK phosphorylation was decreased in AML cells treated with AKT and MTOR inhibitors. This study illustrates the application of community detection algorithms to the analysis of empirical kinase networks to uncover new members linked to canonical signalling pathways.
The Role of Aesthetics in Intentions to Use Digital Health Interventions
Authors: Denison-Day James L. , Muir Sarah , Newell Ciaran , Appleton Katherine M.
Published: June 2023

Digital interventions are increasingly recognised as cost-effective treatment solutions for a number of health concerns, but adoption and use of these interventions can be low, affecting outcomes. This research sought to identify how individual aesthetic facets and perceived trust may influence perceptions toward and intentions to use an online health intervention by building on the Technology Acceptance Model, where perceived attractiveness, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment are thought to predict behavioural intentions towards a website. An online questionnaire study assessed perceptions of nine stimuli varying in four aesthetic facets (simplicity, diversity, colour & craftsmanship), utilising a quasi-experimental within-subjects design with a repetition among three different groups: individuals from the general population who were shown stimuli referring to general health (GP-H) (N = 257); individuals experiencing an eating disorder and shown stimuli referring to eating disorders (ED-ED) (N = 109); and individuals from the general population who were shown stimuli referring to eating disorders (GP-ED) (N = 235). Linear mixed models demonstrated that perceptions of simplicity and craftsmanship significantly influenced perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, enjoyment and trust, which in turn influenced behavioural intentions. This study demonstrates that developing the TAM model to add a further construct of perceived trust could be beneficial for digital health intervention developers. In this study, simplicity and craftsmanship were identified as the aesthetic facets with the greatest impact on user perceptions of digital health interventions.
Strengthening COVID-19 pandemic response coordination through public health emergency operations centres (PHEOC) in Africa: Review of a multi-faceted knowledge management and sharing approach, 2020–2021
Authors: Eteng Womi-Eteng Oboma , Lilay Abrham , Tekeste Senait , Mankoula Wessam , Collard Emily , Waya Chimwemwe , Rosenfeld Emily , Wilton Chuck Menchion , Muita Martin , McGinley Liz , Kawe Yan , Abdullah Ali , Halm Ariane , Li Jian , Lokossou Virgil L. , Kanoute Youssouf , Sonko Ibrahima , Aragaw Merawi , Ouma Ahmed Ogwell
Published: June 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted health security program implementation and incremental gains achieved after the West African Ebola outbreak in 2016 across Africa. Following cancellation of in-person events, a multi-faceted intervention program was established in May 2020 by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organisation, and partners to strengthen national COVID-19 response coordination through public health emergency operations centres (PHEOC) utilizing continuous learning, mentorship, and networking. We present the lessons learned and reflection points. A multi-partner program coordination group was established to facilitate interventions’ delivery including webinars and virtual community of practice (COP). We retrieved data from Africa CDC’s program repository, synthesised major findings and describe these per thematic area. The virtual COP recorded 1,968 members and approximately 300 engagements in its initial three months. Fifty-six webinar sessions were held, providing 97 cumulative learning hours to 12,715 unique participants. Zoom data showed a return rate of 85%; 67% of webinar attendees were from Africa, and about 26 interactions occurred between participants and facilitators per session. Of 4,084 (44%) participants responding to post-session surveys, over 95% rated the topics as being relevant to their work and contributing to improving their understanding of PHEOC operationalisation. In addition, 95% agreed that the simplicity of the training delivery encouraged a greater number of public health staff to participate and spread lessons from it to their own networks. This just-in-time, progressively adaptive multi-faceted learning and knowledge management approach in Africa, with a consequential global audience at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, served its intended audience, had a high number of participants from Africa and received greatly satisfactory feedback.
ELISA F29 –A therapeutic efficacy biomarker in Chagas disease: Evaluation in pediatric patients treated with nifurtimox and followed for 4 years post-treatment
Authors: Rivero Rocio , Esteva Mónica Inés , Huang Erya , Colmegna Leylen , Altcheh Jaime , Grossmann Ulrike , Ruiz Andrés Mariano ,   on behalf of the CHICO and CHICO SECURE Study Groups
Published: June 2023

Background

Measurement of the success of antitrypanosomal treatment for Chagas disease is difficult, particularly in the chronic phase of the disease, because anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies persist in serum for prolonged periods. We studied the effects of nifurtimox administered by two different treatment regimens on the T. cruzi calcium-binding flagellar protein F29 in children diagnosed with Chagas disease measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique (ELISA F29).

Methods and principal findings

In a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, historically controlled study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02625974), blood samples obtained from children diagnosed with Chagas disease and treated with nifurtimox for either 60 days or 30 days were analyzed using an ELISA with an F29 recombinant protein as the antigen, as well as conventional serological tests (recombinant ELISA and indirect hemagglutination assay). In an exploratory approach, serological response to nifurtimox treatment was evaluated for 4 years post-treatment. In both treatment groups, the number of patients with negative ELISA F29 values increased over the period of observation. The incidence rate of negative seroconversion using ELISA F29 was 22.94% (95% CI: 19.65%, 26.63%) in the 60-day treatment group and 21.64% (95% CI: 17.21%, 26.86%) in the 30-day treatment group. In the subpopulation of patients who tested seropositive for F29 before nifurtimox treatment, 88 patients (67.7%) in the 60-day regimen and 39 patients (59.1%) in the 30-day regimen were F29 seronegative at 4 years post-treatment. All patients who had a positive ELISA F29 test at baseline and seroconverted to negative measured by conventional serology reached seronegativity in ELISA F29 earlier than in conventional serology.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate a serological response to treatment with nifurtimox measured by the ELISA F29 test in children diagnosed with Chagas disease. The F29-based ELISA can be considered a potential early marker of response to antitrypanosomal therapy for Chagas disease.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02625974.
Effect of vacuum freeze drying and hot air drying on dried mulberry fruit quality
Authors: Wang Li , Wen Haichao , Yang Ningwei , Li Hongjiao
Published: June 2023

Two different drying methods (vacuum freeze-drying and hot-air drying) were used to dry mulberry of three varieties ’Baiyuwang’(D1), ’Longsang’(D2) and ’Zhongshen.1’(D3), and the fresh fruit of each variety was used as the control. The effects of different processing conditions on the physical characteristics, nutrients, functional components and antioxidant activity of mulberry fruit were analyzed. The results show that after different drying methods, after vacuum freeze-drying, the physical properties of dried mulberry fruit such as wettability, hygroscopic property and water retention, soluble protein, ascorbic acid and other nutrients, functional components such as polyphenols, resveratrol, chlorogenic acid and anthocyanin, and antioxidant activities such as DPPH free radical scavenging ability and ABTS free radical scavenging ability were superior to hot air drying (P < 0.01). It was concluded that vacuum freeze drying was more beneficial for retaining the original quality of mulberry than hot air drying. This study can provide a retaining theoretical basis for mulberry deep processing and comprehensive development and utilization.
Nitrogen and phosphorus losses via surface runoff from tea plantations in the mountainous areas of Southwest China
Authors: Huang Xingcheng , Zhen Darong , Lu Xiaona , Zhang Yarong , Liu Yanling , Li Yu , Jiang Taiming
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, there has been a rapid expansion of tea plantations in the mountainous areas of southwest China. However, little research has focused on the pollution problems caused by the losses of nitrogen and phosphorus from tea plantations in this area. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted using the runoff plots in situ monitoring method following farmers’ conventional management from 2018 to 2020 in Guizhou Province, southwest China. The characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus losses from tea plantation in the mountainous area were clarified, and the effect of rainfall intensity on the nitrogen and phosphorus losses were explored. 298 natural rainfall events with a total rainfall of 2258 mm were observed during the 2-year observation period, and erosive rainfall accounted for 78.1% of the total rainfall. The total surface runoff amount was 72 mm, and the surface runoff coefficient was 3.19%. The total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the surface runoff ranged from 0.68 to 14.86 mg·L−1 and 0.18 to 2.34 mg·L−1, respectively. The TN and TP losses from tea plantations were 1.47 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and 0.210 kg P ha−1 yr−1. Rainfall intensity directly and significantly affected the surface runoff and nitrogen and phosphorus loss. Where 72.6% of the cumulative rainfall, 92.5% of the total surface runoff amounts, 87.4% of total nitrogen loss, and 90.5% of total phosphorus loss were observed in rainfall events above 10 mm. Taken together, the results provide scientific guidance for quantifying the characteristics of nutrient loss in subtropical mountain tea plantations.
Mendelian randomization study on the causal relationship between leukocyte telomere length and prostate cancer
Authors: Wan Bangbei , Lu Likui , Lv Cai
Published: June 2023

Background

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is related to prostate cancer (PCa). However, the causal relationship between them remains unknown. This study was aimed at identifying the causal direction between LTL and PCa with Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with LTL were identified from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 472,174 individuals. Summary-level data of PCa-related GWAS were extracted from four cohorts comprising 456,717 individuals. An inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) algorithm was used for MR. Sensitivity analyses were performed with MR-Egger regression, IVW regression, leave-one-out test, and MR-Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier analyses. A meta-analysis was also performed to compute the average genetically determined effect of LTL on PCa.

Results

A long LTL was associated with an increased risk of PCa in all cohorts, with odds ratios of 1.368 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.247 to 1.500, P = 2.84×10−11), 1.503 (95% CI: 1.243 to 1.816, P = 2.57×10−5), 1.722 (95% CI: 1.427 to 2.077, P = 1.48×10−8), and 1.358 (95% CI: 1.242 to 1.484, P = 1.73×10−11) in the IVW analysis. Sensitivity analyses showed that the genetically determined effect of LTL on PCa was stable and reliable. The meta-analysis showed that the genetically determined per 1-standard deviation rise in LTL correlated significantly with an average 40.6% increase in the PCa risk, with an average odds ratio of 1.406 (95% CI: 1.327 to 1.489, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study supported the causal hypothesis that the genetically determined longer LTL was associated with a higher risk of PCa. This finding could serve as a basis for therapeutic strategies for PCa.
Identification of quantitative trait loci controlling soybean seed protein and oil content
Authors: Clevinger Elizabeth M. , Biyashev Ruslan , Haak David , Song Qijian , Pilot Guillaume , Saghai Maroof M. A.
Published: June 2023

Soybean is a major source of seed protein and oil globally with an average composition of 40% protein and 20% oil in the seed. The goal of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring seed protein and oil content utilizing a population constructed by crossing an above average protein content line, PI 399084 to another line that had a low protein content value, PI 507429, both from the USDA soybean germplasm collection. The recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, PI 507429 x PI 399084, was evaluated in two replications over four years (2018–2021); the seeds were analyzed for seed protein and oil content using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The recombinant inbred lines and the two parents were re-sequenced using genotyping by sequencing. A total of 12,761 molecular markers, which came from genotyping by sequencing, the SoySNP6k BeadChip and selected simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from known protein QTL chromosomal regions were used for mapping. One QTL was identified on chromosome 2 explaining up to 56.8% of the variation for seed protein content and up to 43% for seed oil content. Another QTL identified on chromosome 15 explained up to 27.2% of the variation for seed protein and up to 41% of the variation for seed oil content. The protein and oil QTLs of this study and their associated molecular markers will be useful in breeding to improve nutritional quality in soybean.