bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scrotal pain as a novel symptom of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): Report from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlFakhri Lama , F. AlSaeed Abdullah F. , AlZin Majed B , Ahmad Syed Amir
Published: March 2023

A previously healthy child, presented with severe abdominal and scrotal pain with scrotal swelling for five days. There was associated fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. There was history of COVID-19 infection in the previous month. The patient was febrile (39°C), and in pain. His other vitals were unremarkable. Testicular torsion and appendicitis were ruled out by ultrasound. Abdominal CT scan showed signs indicating terminal ileitis. His MIS-C panel revealed elevated inflammatory markers and cardiac enzymes and positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels. All cultures and RT-PCR COVID-19 were negative. Echocardiogram showed only minor mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. The patient was diagnosed as a case of MIS-C. and recovered completely on management. Our patient showed an inexplicable previously unreported complaint of scrotal pain and swelling as a symptom of MIS-c. Further research tackling MIS-C’s different presentations and comparing the efficacy of the different treatment methods will help us better manage this disease.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6257

How to cite this: AlFakhri L, AlSaeed AF, AlZin MB, Ahmad SA. Scrotal pain as a novel symptom of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): Report from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):913-915. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6257

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Change in pulmonary function tests and their relation to the serum levels of ceruloplasmin, copper and superoxide dismutase in patients suffering from Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes
Authors: Lathiya Nida , Aziz Qamar , Fawwad Asher , Siddiqui Iftikhar Ahmed , Basit Abdul
Published: March 2023

Objective: To correlate the serum levels of ceruloplasmin (Cp), copper (Cu), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) with pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in non-diabetics (controls) and patients suffering from Type-1 and Type- 2 diabetes.

Methods: The comparative cross-sectional study of 348 participants was performed at the Baqai Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (BIDE) - Karachi, Pakistan, from February 2019 to September 2020. Individuals having diabetes-related complications, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chest infection, pregnant women and smokers were excluded. A total of 348 participants were included into three groups after signing informed consent. The control group had 107 non-diabetic participants, with an age range of 6 to 60 years. The diagnosed T1D group (n=107) had an age range of 6 to 25 years. While diagnosed T2D group (n=134) had an age range of 26 to 60 years. During the fasting state, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, spirometry, and a venous blood sample (5ml) were collected to measure serum Cp, serum Cu, serum SOD, and HbA1c levels by using commercially available kits. The SPSS, version 21, was used for data analysis.

Results: The reduced FVC (p-value <0.001), FEV1 (p-value <0.001), and PEFR (p-value <0.001) were found in both groups of diabetes. However, the lower levels of serum Cu (p-value <0.001), SOD (p-value <0.001), and significantly increased values of FEV1/ FVC (p-value <0.001) and Cp levels (p-value 0.030) were found only in T2D group as compared to T1D and controls. The study found no significant correlation of PFTs and serum Cp, Cu, and SOD levels in patients suffering from T1D and T2D.

Conclusion: Hyperglycemia leads to more non-enzymatic glycosylation of tissue proteins that reflects reduced PFTs and increased Cp; particularly in T2D, which may alter lung tissue’s physiology. Moreover, the study showed no correlation of PFTs with the Cp, Cu, and SOD in patients suffering from T1D and T2D.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6485

How to cite this: Lathiya N, Aziz Q, Fawwad A, Siddiqui IA, Basit A. Change in pulmonary function tests and their relation to the serum levels of ceruloplasmin, copper and superoxide dismutase in patients suffering from Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):880-884. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6485

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Conservative management versus volar plating for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly: A randomized control trial
Authors: Shaikh Saeed Ahmed , Tahir Muhammad , Ahmed Nadeem , Maniglio Mauro
Published: March 2023

Objective: This randomized trial aims to compare the clinical, and radiological outcomes between plaster cast and volar plating for distal radius fractures (DRF) in the elderly at six months, and one-year.

Methods: A randomized trial was performed at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre between February 2015 and April 2020. The study included patients that were above 60 years but under 75 with an isolated, closed, unilateral, dorsally displaced DRF. Randomization into two groups (casting or plating) was based on a computer-generated algorithm stratified by age group and AO/OTA fracture type. The primary outcome was Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation score. Secondary clinical outcomes were active range of motion, grip strength, the Mayo’s wrist score and the quick Disability Arm, Shoulder, Hands scale. Patient’s satisfaction was evaluated with use of a SF-12 questionnaire and finally complications were recorded.

Results: This trial has shown that there is no significant difference in clinical outcomes of DRF at six and twelve months follow up when treated by cast immobilization or plating. Although, the radiological parameters and the number of complications were significantly higher in the immobilization group

Conclusion: The results of the trial have shown that plating and casting are equally effective in achieving satisfactory patient reported and clinical outcomes at intermediate and final follow-up restoring patient satisfaction.

Trial Registration: The trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The trial registration number is ChiCTR2000032843, and the URL is: http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchprojen.aspx

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6522

How to cite this: Shaikh SA, Tahir M, Ahmed N, Maniglio M. Conservative management versus volar plating for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly: A randomized control trial. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):891-897. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6522

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Donepezil on stroke patients with memory impairment
Authors: Hu Wenqing , Wang Xue , Li Xinyi , Wang Qian
Published: March 2023

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) combined with donepezil on stroke patients with memory impairment.

Methods: The subjects of the study were 120 stroke patients with memory impairment admitted to the Rehabilitation Department of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from July 2017 to March 2020. Enrolled patients were divided into Group-A (58 cases) and Group-B (62 cases) according to different treatment intervention methods. Patients in Group-A were treated with TDCS and those in Group-B received donepezil on the basis of TDCS. The changes in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) memory index score, Barthel Index (MBI) score, cognitive function and cognitive potential were observed and compared between the two groups before and after treatment.

Results: The improvement of total MoCA score, a single score of memory, MBI score, cognitive function and P300 potential index in Group-B was significantly better than that in Group-A (p<0.05).

Conclusion: TDCS combined with donepezil can reduce or delay the cognitive impairment of stroke patients, improve their delayed memory ability, increase the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex, and further enhance their neural function. Findings in our study support that the proposed therapeutic method is worthy of clinical application.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6822

How to cite this: Hu W, Wang X, Li X, Wang Q. Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Donepezil on stroke patients with memory impairment. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):898-901. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6822

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical study of interstitial brachytherapy for 72 cases of recurrent cervical cancer
Authors: Guo Yunfeng , Jin Ge , Gao Yang-yang , Li Kuixiu
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine the application value of interstitial brachytherapy in the treatment of recurrent cervical cancer.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 72 patients with recurrent cervical cancer admitted to The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from September 2017 to April 2022. They were divided into two groups according to different brachytherapy methods: conventional after-load radiotherapy group and interstitial brachytherapy group. After treatment, regular outpatient reviews or telephone follow-ups were conducted to evaluate the efficacy, related toxic and side effects and prognostic factors.

Results: The short-term efficacy of the interstitial brachytherapy group was significantly higher than that of the interstitial brachytherapy group (p<0.05). The one-year LC and two-year LC of the interstitial brachytherapy group were 94% and 90.6%, respectively, while those of the conventional after-load group were 74.5% and 67.8%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The clinical efficacy of peripheral recurrence was 13.9% in the interstitial brachytherapy group, and that in the conventional after-load group was 2.7%, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in late toxic and side effects between the two groups (p<0.05). Prognostic factors: Multivariate analysis of the COX regression model showed that only the maximum tumor diameter was an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS, while the recurrence site and brachytherapy method were the independent prognostic factors for LC.

Conclusion: Interstitial brachytherapy radiotherapy touts various benefits in the treatment of patients with recurrent cervical cancer, such as good short-term efficacy, high local control rate, reduced incidence of advanced bladder and rectal toxicity, and improved quality of life.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6868

How to cite this: Guo Y, Jin G, Gao Y, Li K. Clinical study of interstitial brachytherapy for 72 cases of recurrent cervical cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):863-869. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.6868

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Εξερχόμενες άμεσες και ξένες επενδύσεις
Authors: Λέτσου Ελένη
Published: March 2023

Η αύξηση των εμπορικών ροών και των ροών χρήματος και κεφαλαίου προκλήθηκε λόγω της παγκοσμιοποίησης της αγοράς, που αφορά την ενίσχυση των εθνικών κλάδων σε διεθνές επίπεδο, και της διεθνοποίησης της οικονομίας που σχετίζεται με την εξέλιξη των επιχειρηματικών δραστηριοτήτων στη διεθνή αγορά.Για την ανάπτυξη των Άμεσων Ξένων Επενδύσεων (ΑΞΕ, εφεξής) βαρύνουσα σημασία έχουν οι Πολυεθνικές Επιχειρήσεις (ΠΕ, εφεξής). Μεταξύ ΑΞΕ και ΠΕ υπάρχει σημαντική αλληλεπίδραση και γι’ αυτό μια επιχείρηση δεν μπορεί να χαρακτηριστεί ως ΠΕ εφόσον δεν έχει ΑΞΕ. Ως ΠΕ ορίζεται μια επιχείρηση που δημιουργεί προστιθέμενη αξία σε περισσότερες από μια χώρες. Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η μελέτη των εξερχόμενων Άμεσων Ξένων Επενδύσεων από τις χώρες της ΕΕ. Πιο συγκεκριμένα εξετάζονται οι παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν τις εξερχόμενες ΑΞΕ. Η μελέτη των παραγόντων γίνεται μεμονωμένα σε χώρες και συνολικά. Τα αποτελέσματα των σχέσεων μεταξύ εξερχόμενων ΑΞΕ και των μεταβλητών που τις επηρεάζουν αναμένεται να μας δώσουν χρήσιμα συμπεράσματα που αφορούν την οικονομική πολιτική των ΑΞΕ στις χώρες της ΕΕ.Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο περιγράφεται η βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση και η δομή της διδακτορικής διατριβής.Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζεται η θεωρητική προσέγγιση των ΑΞΕ, δίνοντας τους κύριους ορισμούς και περιγράφοντας με περιεκτικό τρόπο το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο που τις διέπει. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται τα στατιστικά στοιχεία των εξερχόμενων ΑΞΕ ως ποσοστό του ΑΕΠ για κάθε μια από τις χώρες της ΕΕ που μελετώνται στην παρούσα μελέτη. Στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο εκτιμώνται οικονομετρικά υποδείγματα συμπεριφοράς εξερχόμενων ΑΞΕ και εξετάζεται η στατιστική σημαντικότητα των οικονομικών μεταβλητών που επηρεάζουν τις εξερχόμενες ΑΞΕ.Στο πέμπτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται τα συμπεράσματα που προκύπτουν από τη διατριβή και τα οποία εστιάζονται κυρίως σε θέματα οικονομική πολιτικής. Καταγράφονται τα αποτελέσματα που έχουν προκύψει σύμφωνα με την ανάλυση των χρονοσειρών και των υποδειγμάτων panel data και προτείνονται ορισμένα μέτρα πολιτικής που πρέπει να εφαρμοστούν για τις εξερχόμενες ΑΞΕ σε επίπεδο ΕΕ.
“The Erotic Goddess of the Syme sanctuary, Crete” Additions and corrections to the 2009 article
Authors: Lebessi Angeliki
Published: March 2023

Following the recent publication of the clay anthropomorphic votives from the Syme sanctuary (Crete) and their comparable thematic relation to the anthropomorphic bronze offerings from the same sanctuary published back in 1985, I realized that certain hypotheses, which I had formulated in my 2009 article concerning the Erotic Goddess at Syme, were wrong. The isolation of two transcendental female figures out of a total number of 238 anthropomorphic votives, which depict both male and female figures either mortal or immortal, necessitates additions to and, even more so, the revision of my erroneous assessments in the 2009 article.
Rhodes and the Bosporus. A contribution to the discussion
Authors: Mielczarek Mariusz
Published: March 2023

An inscription dated to the reign of King Pairisades II (284/3-ca 245 BC), the son of King Spartocus III (304/3-284/3 BC) and carved on the base of a monument aroused great interest, becoming the main argument in the discussion about the relationship between Rhodes and the Bosporan state in the 3rd c. BC.
Book Review, Jasna Jeličić Radonić, Hermine Gӧricke-Lukić and Ivan Mirnik, Faros. Greek, Graeco-Illyrian and Roman Coins III (Biblioteka Knjiga Mediterana 99), Split 2017, 305 pages [ISBN 978-953-163-454-0 (KKS). ISBN 978-953-352-017-9 (FFST)].
Authors: Liampi Katerini
Published: March 2023

Book Review
The Barghawāṭian Mahdī and Prophet: An Evaluation of Ṣāliḥ ibn Ṭarīf’s Claims
Authors: ORUÇ Muhammed Cihat
Published: March 2023

Throughout the history of Islam, many people have emerged with the claim of being the Mahdī. One of the most remarkable of these claims is undoubtedly that of Ṣāliḥ ibn Ṭarīf, a member of the Berber Barghawāṭah tribe, in the mid-eighth century. According to sources, Ṣāliḥ ibn Ṭarīf became the leader of his tribe after the death of his father, declared himself both a prophet and a Mahdī in his time, and saw himself as a legitimate religious and earthly authority. Due to the scarcity of in-depth studies on Ibn Ṭarīf’s claim in the literature, this paper introduces his character in general and discusses his claim of being the Mahdī in particular. Furthermore, his claims are evaluated using a literature review and an analytical method. In this manner, it is hoped that the paper contributes to the literature on Mahdism and North African studies.
Revisiting Shams al-Dīn Ibn ʿAbd al-Hādī’s Position in the Literature of Aḥādīth al-aḥkām: al-Muḥarrar
Authors: KESGİN Salih , SEZGÜL Esra Nur
Published: March 2023

This study examines Ibn ʿAbd al-Hādī’s work al-Muḥarrar in the context of its place in the literature of aḥādīth al-aḥkām/ḥadīths of legal status. The first part of the study provides information about the life of Ibn ʿAbd al-Hādī, a member of the famous Qudāmah family, followed by his scholarly personality and works. The second part presents an in-depth, critical analysis and comprehensive evaluations of al-Muḥarrar. In this context, an underresearched issue is that the work is an abbreviated version of Ibn Daqīq al-ʿĪd’s al-Ilmām. The relative merit of this claim is examined and the probability that al-Muḥarrar is an independent work is evaluated. In this evaluation, the contents of both works are juxtaposed in a table revealing fundamental differences between them. Other significant contributions of this paper are that it reveals the key aspects of the work and illustrates how it contributes to the ḥadīth literature by showing specific samples from the work. The paper concludes that in such a seminal work that includes aḥādīth al-aḥkām, it seems to be crystally clear that the author used his ḥadīth narration method in the book and that the same order of the fiqh books of the era was followed to maximize the impact of the work.
Information and control system of the propanone pyrolysis process
Authors: Yudina Nadezhda , Arapov Denis , Tyutyunnik S.
Published: March 2023

The paper presents a solution to the problem of developing an information and control system for the process of propanone pyrolysis, which is the main source for the production of acetylketene, which is widely used in the synthesis of medicines and food additives, insecticides and fungicides, and paints and varnishes. A mathematical model of the propanone pyrolysis process in tube furnace coils has been developed, which takes into account the heat transfer in the reaction zone of the pyro coil by means of radiation from the walls of red-hot mines. The problem of identifying the kinetic parameters of the pyrolysis model on the basis of experimental data obtained at the facility was posed and solved. The problem of static optimization of the propanone pyrolysis process, which consists in maximizing the selectivity of the process, was posed and solved. The software package is made in C#, which is supported by many SCADA systems. The Hook-Jeeves configuration method was used as an optimizer in combination with the penalty function method. The technical, informational and software support for the information and control system of the process has been developed. To develop an information management system, SCADA software was used - RSView32 systems. It allows you to implement the visualization, accumulation and archiving of technological parameters. The main form of information presentation is the mnemonic diagram of the pyrolysis process, the other forms are called from the mnemonic diagram by pressing the corresponding virtual buttons.
Application of the theory of statistical hypotheses in automation problems technological processes
Authors: Mohammed Hayder , Polyakov Sergey , Akimov V. , Polukazakov A.
Published: March 2023

The paper substantiates the application of methods of the theory of statistical hypotheses for the tasks of automation of technological processes. The functioning of the process automation system is considered as the management of a complex technical system. The operation of the automation system belongs to the multi-alternative in terms of the theory of statistical hypotheses: two hypotheses of the correct mode and two hypotheses of the erroneous operation of the system. The article provides general expressions for calculating the probabilities of these modes for two statistical models of the controlled parameter of the technological process and standard models of the metrological spread of the measuring channel. In this case, the accuracy class of the measuring channel should be expressed as a reduced error. The simulation of the operating modes of the process automation system is carried out within the framework of the theory of statistical hypotheses. The results of modeling for the normal probability density of the statistical model of the controlled quantity, uniform and triangular statistical models of estimation of the controlled parameter are presented. A program of statistical evaluation of the modes of operation of the automation system has been developed for symmetric and asymmetric statistical models of the spread of the controlled parameter and several models of metrological spread of the evaluation of the technological parameter. The calculation of the a priori probability of the normal functioning of the automation system of the technological process and the calculation of the a priori probability of erroneous operation of the automation system is given. Expressions for calculating a posteriori probability of the results of verification of measuring instruments of automation systems are obtained.
Creating and Engaging a Sexuality and Gender Digital Collection
Authors: Zavala Melina
Published: March 2023

As a queer early career librarian, coming into the digital collections space at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and not being able to see a very important part of myself reflected within the digital collection spurred me to think about ways in which I could make people like me more visible within it. Thus, for one of my early projects as the new Digital Scholarship Librarian at GVSU, I digitized the event archives from the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department, the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, and the Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. With this material I planned to create a sexuality and gender digital collection, with multiple objectives: to include a queer perspective within the digital collections, to raise awareness of what these physical places offer students within the digital space, and to allow easier access to the archives with the hopes of attracting people who may not have been looking specifically at what physical archives have to offer. I want the digital to break through to the physical and encourage people to go to the events and classes offered by the centers and the department. I also want to encourage students as well as people outside of academia to develop an interest working with archives in different ways. There is a need for more varied voices within the library profession as a whole, and increasing access to archival material can create interest for more LGBTQ+ people to professionally work in libraries. This project is one way I hope to spark interest in future librarians and archivists. The poster will outline the overall process this project took, and highlight the challenges and the lessons learned. Attendees will walk away with tools to start their own conversations and create digital collections alongside different departments, learn the benefits and drawbacks of working with different departments in an archival project which makes underrepresented communities more visible, and take a closer look at how a digital collection is made at Grand Valley State University.
Syntonic Refuge
Authors: Burrough Xtine
Published: March 2023

In community, people find and offer refuge by coming together in common practices such as hugging and holding hands. The space between our bodies co-regulates our embodied reactions, thus cultivating a sense of peace amid stress or fear.  

People are syntonic, harmoniously responsive to the changing needs of the situation. Through close human interaction, Syntonic Refuge discloses the heartbeats of two people who wrap themselves in the embrace of a shawl, which represents both care of the individual, and a shelter for shared experiences.

Syntonic Refuge is a social engagement that explores the importance of refuge for survivors and the act of surviving. Syntonic Refuge discloses ways that bodies harmonize with the environment and co-regulate heartbeats.

While we are ideologically aligned with the insurrectionary language of the call, “Tear Down the Walls,” our project is a quiet meditation on connections between survivors and the refuge we can create between our bodies in the aftermath of division or trauma. As barriers divide people, this project requires collaboration . The shawl is a bridge for bodies negotiating space.

Syntonic Refuge asks participants to come closer. Consider our common experience of survivorship, especially when we are remembering, and continue to witness, the enormity of human suffering through global atrocities, and share refuge in the heart.
Kratom-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Authors: Chinnappan Justine , Casini Diane , Navari Yasaman , Palanisamy Nageshwari , Parikh Niraj , Seedahmed Elfateh
Published: March 2023

The alkaloid derivatives of Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, pose a threat to society due to its potential for abuse, adverse reactions and tendency to be used as self-medication for opioid withdrawal, pain and mood disorders. A number of deaths have been reported along with complications such as respiratory depression, cardiopulmonary arrest, torsade de pointes and seizures. Its various effects and potential are yet to be fully studied. We describe the case of a healthy young male who presented with progressive respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Imaging revealed multifocal lung infiltrates while extensive infectious and cardiac work-up was negative. Based on the clinical course, a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by kratom was made. The patient showed gradual clinical improvement and was weaned off supplemental oxygen. This case highlights yet another adverse reaction to kratom and the growing threat posed by its use.
Management of orofacial granulomatosis
Authors: Joshi Sandeep , Mawdsley Joel , Hullah Esther , Ormond Martyn , Carey Barbara
Published: March 2023

Orofacial granulomatosis is a chronic relapsing-remitting inflammatory condition that shares a similar phenotypic presentation to some other granulomatous diseases, particularly Crohn's disease. However, subtle clinical and pathological differences justify it as a separate disease entity. Previous studies have assessed the effectiveness of interventions used in the management of orofacial granulomatosis. This article reviews the management options available.

A literature search was conducted to identify studies, in English, which assessed the effect of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in the treatment of orofacial granulomatosis. The interventions were categorised into dietary modification, pharmacological (topical, intralesional and systemic therapy), surgery and psychological. A combination of interventions is often required to effectively manage each patient. There is convincing evidence that diet plays a role in disease severity. In patients where dietary manipulation alone is unsuccessful, topical, intralesional and/or systemic treatment may be considered to manage the condition.
Robust method for BOTDA sensing information extraction in the Fourier transform domain
Authors: Yang Zengsen , Zhang Peixuan , Zhang Hailiang , Dong Hui , Hu Dora Juan Juan , Yu Kuanglu
Published: March 2023

Most of the existing schemes for extracting the Brillouin frequency
shift (BFS) are based on the line shape of the Brillouin gain spectrum
(BGS) curve. However, in some circumstances, such as in this paper,
there is a cyclic shift in the BGS curve, causing difficulty in
obtaining the BFS accurately with traditional methods. To solve this
problem, we propose a method for extracting Brillouin optical time
domain analyzer sensing information in the transform domain—the
fast Fourier Lorentz curve fitting method. It shows better performance
especially when the cyclic start frequency is near the BGS central
frequency position or when the full width at half maximum is large.
The results show that our method can obtain BGS parameters more
accurately in most cases than the Lorenz curve fitting method.
Design of non-Gaussian multispectral shortwave infrared filters assessed by surface spectral reflectances on the ECOSTRESS library
Authors: Fonseca Germano S. , de Sá Leonardo B. , Gomes José Gabriel R. C.
Published: March 2023

This paper addresses the multispectral filter design problem for spectral ranges where a viewing subspace is not defined. The methodology of color filter design is extended to this case, which allows the optimization of custom filter transmittance that meets the physical constraints of available fabrication methods. Multispectral shortwave infrared filters are then designed for two scenarios: spectral reconstruction and false-color representation. The Monte Carlo method is used to verify the filter performance degradation due to deviations in fabrication. The results obtained indicate that the proposed method is useful for designing multispectral filters to be fabricated using generic processes without any additional constraints.
Parallel two-photon lithography achieving uniform sub-200 nm features with thousands of individually controlled foci
Authors: Yang Shunhua , Su Chenyi , Gu Songyun , Sun Qiuyuan , Sun Qi , Xu Liang , Yang Zhenyao , Jia Tianhao , Ding Chenliang , Chen Shih-Chi , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu
Published: March 2023

The limited throughput of nano-scale laser lithography has been the bottleneck for its industrial applications. Although using multiple laser foci to parallelize the lithography process is an effective and straightforward strategy to improve rate, most conventional multi-focus methods are plagued by non-uniform laser intensity distribution due to the lack of individual control for each focus, which greatly hinders the nano-scale precision. In this paper, we present a highly uniform parallel two-photon lithography method based on a digital mirror device (DMD) and microlens array (MLA), which allows the generation of thousands of femtosecond (fs) laser foci with individual on-off switching and intensity-tuning capability. In the experiments, we generated a 1,600-laser focus array for parallel fabrication. Notably, the intensity uniformity of the focus array reached 97.7%, where the intensity-tuning precision for each focus reached 0.83%. A uniform dot array structure was fabricated to demonstrate parallel fabrication of sub-diffraction limit features, i.e., below 1/4 λ or 200 nm. The multi-focus lithography method has the potential of realizing rapid fabrication of sub-diffraction, arbitrarily complex, and large-scale 3D structures with three orders of magnitude higher fabrication rate.
Theory and generation of heterogeneous 2D arrays of optical vortices by using 2D fork-shaped gratings: topological charge and power sharing management
Authors: Khazaei Ali Mohammad , Hebri Davud , Rasouli Saifollah
Published: March 2023

In this work, by providing comprehensive theoretical foundations, we revisit and improve a simple and efficient method that has been used for generation of 2D orthogonal arrays of optical vortices with components having different topological charges (TCs). This method has been implemented by the diffraction of a plane wave from 2D gratings where the gratings’ profiles are determined by iterative computational process. Here, based on the theoretical predictions, specifications of the diffraction gratings can be easily adjusted in a way to generate experimentally a heterogeneous vortex array with the desired power shares among different elements of the array. We use the diffraction of a Gaussian beam from a class of pure phase 2D orthogonal periodic structures having sinusoidal or binary profiles possessing a phase singularity, calling pure phase 2D fork-shaped gratings (FSGs). The transmittance of each of the introduced gratings is obtained by multiplying the transmittance of two pure phase 1D FSGs along x and y directions, having topological defect numbers l
x
and l
y
and phase variation amplitudes γ
x
and γ
y
, respectively. By solving the Fresnel integral, we show that the diffraction of a Gaussian beam from a pure phase 2D FSG leads to generation of a 2D array of vortex beams having different TCs and power shares. The power distribution among the generated optical vortices over the different diffraction orders can be adjusted by γ
x
and γ
y
, and it strongly depends on the profile of the grating. Meanwhile the TCs of the generated vortices depend on l
x
and l
y
and the corresponding diffraction orders, namely lm,n = −(ml
x
 + nl
y
) presents the TC of (m, n)th diffraction order. We recorded the intensity patterns of the experimentally generated vortex arrays which are fully consistent with the theoretically predicted results. Furthermore, the TCs of the experimentally generated vortices are measured individually by the diffraction of each of them through a pure amplitude quadratic curved-line (parabolic-line) grating. The absolute values and signs of the measured TCs are consistent with the theoretical prediction. The generated configuration of vortices with adjustable TC and power sharing features might find many applications such as non-homogeneous mixing of a solution consisting trapped particles.
Second-order statistics of a Hermite-Gaussian correlated Schell-model beam carrying twisted phase propagation in turbulent atmosphere
Authors: Wang Changsheng , Liu Leixin , Liu Lin , Yu Jiayi , Wang Fei , Cai Yangjian , Peng Xiaofeng
Published: March 2023

We investigate the second-order statistics of a twisted Hermite-Gaussian correlated Schell-model (THGCSM) beam propagation in turbulent atmosphere, including the spectral density, degree of coherence (DOC), root mean square (r.m.s.) beam wander and orbital angular momentum (OAM) flux density. Our results reveal that the atmospheric turbulence and the twist phase play a role in preventing the beam splitting during beam propagation. However, the two factors have opposite effects on the evolution of the DOC. The twist phase preserves the DOC profile invariant on propagation, whereas the turbulence degenerates the DOC. In addition, the influences of the beam parameters and the turbulence on the beam wander are also studied through numerical examples, which show that the beam wander can be reduced by modulating the initial parameters of the beam. Further, the behavior of the z-component OAM flux density in free space and in atmosphere is thoroughly examined. We show that the direction of the OAM flux density without the twist phase will be suddenly inversed at each point across the beam section in the turbulence. This inversion only depends on the initial beam width and the turbulence strength, and in turn, it offers an effective protocol to determine the turbulence strength by measuring the propagation distance where the direction of OAM flux density is inversed.
Compact multiband bandstop filters based on symmetric split structure multimode resonators
Authors: Luo Jie , Zhao Guangxu , Sheng Zhongxi , ling Le
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a design method of multiband bandstop filters with symmetric split structure multimode resonators is proposed. Because of the established degree of freedom, the suggested bandstop filters' center frequencies may be modified based on the design approach. Meanwhile, the suggested BSFs have small dimensions and abrupt roll-off skirts for transition bands. A technology demonstration filter with six stopbands placed at 1.91/2.37/3.43/4.35/5.16/6.81 GHz was constructed to verify the design and analyses. It is found that the measurement of filter is consistent with the comparison of simulation data, which indicates that the proposed structure is an optional approach for BSF design. The filter proposed can be applied in the field of communication, information and coal mine automation.
Travel history among persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in the United States, December 2020—February 2021
Authors: Dunajcik Alicia , Haire Kambria , Thomas Jennifer D. , Moriarty Leah F. , Springer Yuri , Villanueva Julie M. , MacNeil Adam , Silk Benjamin , Nemhauser Jeffrey B. , Byrkit Ramona , Taylor Melanie , Queen Krista , Tong Suxiang , Lee Justin , Batra Dhwani , Paden Clinton , Henderson Tiffany , Kunkes Audrey , Ojo Mojisola , Firestone Melanie , Martin Webb Lindsey , Freeland Melissa , Brown Catherine M. , Williams Thelonious , Allen Krisandra , Kauerauf Judy , Wilson Erica , Jain Seema , McDonald Eric , Silver Elana , Stous Sarah , Wadford Debra , Radcliffe Rachel , Marriott Chandra , Owes Jennifer P. , Bart Stephen M. , Sosa Lynn E. , Oakeson Kelly , Wodniak Natalie , Shaffner Julia , Brown Quanta , Westergaard Ryan , Salinas Andrea , Hallyburton Sara , Ogale Yasmin , Offutt-Powell Tabatha , Bonner Kimberly , Tubach Sheri , Van Houten Clay , Hughes Victoria , Reeb Valerie , Galeazzi Chris , Khuntia Shreya , McGee Sasha , Hicks Joseph T. , Dinesh Patel Dimple , Krueger Anna , Hughes Scott , Jeanty Fabiana , Wang Jade C. , Lee Ellen H. , Assanah-Deane Tracey , Tompkins Megan , Dougherty Kendra , Naqvi Ozair , Donahue Matthew , Frederick Justin , Abdalhamid Baha , Powers Ann M. , Anderson Mark
Published: March 2023

The first three SARS-CoV-2 phylogenetic lineages classified as variants of concern (VOCs) in the United States (U.S.) from December 15, 2020 to February 28, 2021, Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), and Gamma (P.1) lineages, were initially detected internationally. This investigation examined available travel history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases reported in the U.S. in whom laboratory testing showed one of these initial VOCs. Travel history, demographics, and health outcomes for a convenience sample of persons infected with a SARS-CoV-2 VOC from December 15, 2020 through February 28, 2021 were provided by 35 state and city health departments, and proportion reporting travel was calculated. Of 1,761 confirmed VOC cases analyzed, 1,368 had available data on travel history. Of those with data on travel history, 1,168 (85%) reported no travel preceding laboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 and only 105 (8%) reported international travel during the 30 days preceding a positive SARS-CoV-2 test or symptom onset. International travel was reported by 92/1,304 (7%) of persons infected with the Alpha variant, 7/55 (22%) with Beta, and 5/9 (56%) with Gamma. Of the first three SARS-CoV-2 lineages designated as VOCs in the U.S., international travel was common only among the few Gamma cases. Most persons infected with Alpha and Beta variant reported no travel history, therefore, community transmission of these VOCs was likely common in the U.S. by March 2021. These findings underscore the importance of global surveillance using whole genome sequencing to detect and inform mitigation strategies for emerging SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
Investing in human development and building state resilience in fragile contexts: A case study of early nutrition investments in Burkina Faso
Authors: Desmond Chris , Watt Kathryn , Boua Palwendé R. , Moore Candice , Erzse Agnes , Sorgho Hermann , Hofman Karen , Roumba Toussaint , Tinto Halidou , Ward Kate A. ,   the INPreP group
Published: March 2023

Maternal and early malnutrition have negative health and developmental impacts over the life-course. Consequently, early nutrition support can provide significant benefits into later life, provided the later life contexts allow. This study examines the limits of siloed investments in nutrition and illustrates how ignoring life-course contextual constraints limits human development benefits and exacerbates inequality, particularly in fragile contexts. This case study focuses on Burkina Faso, a country with high rates of early malnutrition and a fragile state. We modelled the impact of scaling up 10 nutrition interventions to 80% coverage for a single year cohort on stunting, nationally and sub-nationally, using the Lives Saved Tool (LiST), and the consequent impact on earnings, without and with a complementary cash-transfer in later life. The impact on earnings was modelled utilising the well-established pathway between early nutrition, years of completed schooling and, consequent adult earnings. Productivity returns were estimated as the present value of increased income over individuals’ working lives, then compared to estimates of the present value of providing the cost of nutrition interventions and cash-transfers. The cost benefit ratio at the national level for scaled nutrition alone is 1:1. Sub-nationally the worst-off region yields the lowest ratio < 0.2 for every dollar spent. The combination of nutrition and cash-transfers national cost benefit is 1:12, still with regional variation but with great improvement in the poorest region. This study shows that early nutrition support alone may not be enough to address inequality and may add to state fragility. Taking a life-course perspective when priority-setting in contexts with multiple constraints on development can help to identify interventions that maximizing returns, without worsening inequality.
Differences in gene expression in field populations of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with varying release histories in northern Australia
Authors: Wimalasiri-Yapa B. M. C. Randika , Huang Bixing , Ross Perran A. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Ritchie Scott A. , Frentiu Francesca D. , Warrilow David , van den Hurk Andrew F.
Published: March 2023

Aedes aegypti is the principal mosquito vector of dengue, yellow fever, Zika and chikungunya viruses. The wMel strain of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia pipientis was introduced into the vector as a novel biocontrol strategy to stop transmission of these viruses. Mosquitoes with Wolbachia have been released in the field in Northern Queensland, Australia since 2011, at various locations and over several years, with populations remaining stably infected. Wolbachia infection is known to alter gene expression in its mosquito host, but whether (and how) this changes over the long-term in the context of field releases remains unknown. We sampled mosquitoes from Wolbachia-infected populations with three different release histories along a time gradient and performed RNA-seq to investigate gene expression changes in the insect host. We observed a significant impact on gene expression in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes versus uninfected controls. Fewer genes had significantly upregulated expression in mosquitoes from the older releases (512 and 486 from the 2011 and 2013/14 release years, respectively) versus the more recent releases (1154 from the 2017 release year). Nonetheless, a fundamental signature of Wolbachia infection on host gene expression was observed across all releases, comprising upregulation of immunity (e.g. leucine-rich repeats, CLIPs) and metabolism (e.g. lipid metabolism, iron transport) genes. There was limited downregulation of gene expression in mosquitoes from the older releases (84 and 71 genes from the 2011 and 2013/14 release years, respectively), but significantly more in the most recent release (509 from the 2017 release year). Our findings indicate that at > 8 years post-introgression into field populations, Wolbachia continues to profoundly impact expression of host genes, such as those involved in insect immune response and metabolism. If Wolbachia-mediated virus blocking is underpinned by these differential gene expression changes, our results suggest it may remain stable long-term.
Detecting tropical peatland degradation: Combining remote sensing and organic geochemistry
Authors: Brown Chloe , Boyd Doreen S. , Sjögersten Sofie , Vane Christopher H.
Published: March 2023

Tropical peatlands are important carbon stores that are vulnerable to drainage and conversion to agriculture. Protection and restoration of peatlands are increasingly recognised as key nature based solutions that can be implemented as part of climate change mitigation. Identification of peatland areas that are important for protection and restauration with regards to the state of their carbon stocks, are therefore vital for policy makers. In this paper we combined organic geochemical analysis by Rock-Eval (6) pyrolysis of peat collected from sites with different land management history and optical remote sensing products to assess if remotely sensed data could be used to predict peat conditions and carbon storage. The study used the North Selangor Peat Swamp forest, Malaysia, as the model system. Across the sampling sites the carbon stocks in the below ground peat was ca 12 times higher than the forest (median carbon stock held in ground vegetation 114.70 Mg ha-1 and peat soil 1401.51 Mg ha-1). Peat core sub-samples and litter collected from Fire Affected, Disturbed Forest, and Managed Recovery locations (i.e. disturbed sites) had different decomposition profiles than Central Forest sites. The Rock-Eval pyrolysis of the upper peat profiles showed that surface peat layers at Fire Affected, Disturbed Forest, and Managed Recovery locations had lower immature organic matter index (I-index) values (average I-index range in upper section 0.15 to -0.06) and higher refractory organic matter index (R -index) (average R-index range in upper section 0.51 to 0.65) compared to Central Forest sites indicating enhanced decomposition of the surface peat. In the top 50 cm section of the peat profile, carbon stocks were negatively related to the normalised burns ratio (NBR) (a satellite derived parameter) (Spearman’s rho = -0.664, S = 366, p-value = <0.05) while there was a positive relationship between the hydrogen index and the normalised burns ratio profile (Spearman’s rho = 0.7, S = 66, p-value = <0.05) suggesting that this remotely sensed product is able to detect degradation of peat in the upper peat profile. We conclude that the NBR can be used to identify degraded peatland areas and to support identification of areas for conversation and restoration.