Polarization-Selective Enhancement of Telecom Wavelength Quantum Dot Transitions in an Elliptical Bullseye Resonator.

Semiconductor quantum dots are promising candidates for the generation of nonclassical light. Coupling a quantum dot to a device capable of providing polarization-selective enhancement of optical transitions is highly beneficial for advanced functionalities, such as efficient resonant driving schemes or applications based on optical cyclicity. Here, we demonstrate broadband polarization-selective enhancement by coupling a quantum dot emitting in the telecom O-band to an elliptical bullseye resonator. We report bright single-photon emission with a degree of linear polarization of 96%, Purcell factor of 3.9 ± 0.6, and count rates up to 3 MHz. Furthermore, we present a measurement of two-photon interference without any external polarization filtering. Finally, we demonstrate compatibility with compact Stirling cryocoolers by operating the device at temperatures up to 40 K. These results represent an important step toward practical integration of optimal quantum dot photon sources in deployment-ready setups.

The Role of Host Genetics and Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolome as a New Insight into IBD Pathogenesis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an incurable, chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract whose incidence increases every year. Scientific research constantly delivers new information about the disease and its multivariate, complex etiology. Nevertheless, full discovery and understanding of the complete mechanism of IBD pathogenesis still pose a significant challenge to today's science. Recent studies have unanimously confirmed the association of gut microbial dysbiosis with IBD and its contribution to the regulation of the inflammatory process. It transpires that the altered composition of pathogenic and commensal bacteria is not only characteristic of disturbed intestinal homeostasis in IBD, but also of viruses, parasites, and fungi, which are active in the intestine. The crucial function of the microbial metabolome in the human body is altered, which causes a wide range of effects on the host, thus providing a basis for the disease. On the other hand, human genomic and functional research has revealed more loci that play an essential role in gut homeostasis regulation, the immune response, and intestinal epithelial function. This review aims to organize and summarize the currently available knowledge concerning the role and interaction of crucial factors associated with IBD pathogenesis, notably, host genetic composition, intestinal microbiota and metabolome, and immune regulation.

Design study for an efficient semiconductor quantum light source operating in the telecom C-band based on an electrically-driven circular Bragg grating.

The development of efficient sources of single photons and entangled photon pairs emitting in the low-loss wavelength region around 1550 nm is crucial for long-distance quantum communication. Moreover, direct fiber coupling and electrical carrier injection are highly desirable for deployment in compact and user-friendly systems integrated with the existing fiber infrastructure. Here we present a detailed design study of circular Bragg gratings fabricated in InP slabs and operating in the telecom C-band. These devices enable the simultaneous enhancement of the X and XX spectral lines, with collection efficiency in numerical aperture 0.65 close to 90% for the wavelength range 1520 - 1580 nm and Purcell factor up to 15. We also investigate the coupling into a single mode fiber, which exceeds 70% in UHNA4. Finally, we propose a modified device design directly compatible with electrical carrier injection, reporting Purcell factors up to 20 and collection efficiency in numerical aperture 0.65 close to 70% for the whole telecom C-band.

Study of Size, Shape, and Etch pit formation in InAs/InP Droplet Epitaxy Quantum Dots.

We investigated metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy grown droplet epitaxy (DE) and Stranski-Krastanov (SK) InAs/InP quantum dots (QDs) by cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy (X-STM). We present an atomic-scale comparison of structural characteristics of QDs grown by both growth methods proving that the DE yields more uniform and shape-symmetric QDs. Both DE and SKQDs are found to be truncated pyramid-shaped with a large and sharp top facet. We report the formation of localized etch pits for the first time in InAs/InP DEQDs with atomic resolution. We discuss the droplet etching mechanism in detail to understand the formation of etch pits underneath the DEQDs. A summary of the effect of etch pit size and position on fine structure splitting (FSS) is provided via thek·ptheory. Finite element (FE) simulations are performed to fit the experimental outward relaxation and lattice constant profiles of the cleaved QDs. The composition of QDs is estimated to be pure InAs obtained by combining both FE simulations and X-STM results. The preferential formation of {136} and {122} side facets was observed for the DEQDs. The formation of a DE wetting layer from As-P surface exchange is compared with the standard SKQDs wetting layer. The detailed structural characterization performed in this work provides valuable feedback for further growth optimization to obtain QDs with even lower FSS for applications in quantum technology.

An assessment of Polish women's level of knowledge about endometriosis: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Insufficient knowledge about endometriosis among women is one of the causes of its delayed diagnoses. Due to the elusiveness of symptoms, the most important component of early detection is proper and exhaustive knowledge. The objective of the study was to assess Polish women's awareness of endometriosis. METHODS: The pilot studies were performed with the participation of 200 women, in an average age of 33.65 years (SD = 11.45), who completed the authors' questionnaire related to self-assessment of the level of knowledge about the disease, its symptoms, late effects and directions of a remediation procedure. The statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 suite. It included a frequency analysis, a one-way analysis of variance ANOVA, a single variable regression analysis and Student's t-test for independent samples. RESULTS: Almost 84% of women had heard about endometriosis, while only 1/3 of them considered their knowledge sufficient or good. Very good knowledge was declared by 4.5% of women, while 16.1% of participants had never heard about it. The level of knowledge was significantly higher (p = 0.001) among women with medical education. Polish women acquired their knowledge mainly from the Internet and the experience of other women. The reasons identified by women were the still existing 'taboo' related to menstruation, the absence of information in the media and education in schools, which is critical according to 92.4% of women. CONCLUSIONS: Polish women's level of knowledge about endometriosis is insufficient, which we should strive to improve. Higher awareness is presented by women with medical education, and the higher the level of knowledge, the larger a woman's interest in healthy behaviour.

1GHz clocked distribution of electrically generated entangled photon pairs.

Quantum networks are essential for realising distributed quantum computation and quantum communication. Entangled photons are a key resource, with applications such as quantum key distribution, quantum relays, and quantum repeaters. All components integrated in a quantum network must be synchronised and therefore comply with a certain clock frequency. In quantum key distribution, the most mature technology, clock rates have reached and exceeded 1GHz. Here we show the first electrically pulsed sub-Poissonian entangled photon source compatible with existing fiber networks operating at this clock rate. The entangled LED is based on InAs/InP quantum dots emitting in the main telecom window, with a multi-photon probability of less than 10% per emission cycle and a maximum entanglement fidelity of 89%. We use this device to demonstrate GHz clocked distribution of entangled qubits over an installed fiber network between two points 4.6km apart.

[Spine arrangement during work in sitting position and occurrence of pain among dentists and medical assistants]. / Ustawienie kregoslupa podczas pracy w pozycji siedzacej a dolegliwosci bólowe u stomatologów i asystentek medycznych.

BACKGROUND: Back pain is common among people working in the sitting position. Quality of the sitting position depends among others on the standard of work station. Dental units are built on the basis of contemporary ergonomic workplace concepts, while medical assistant workstations are typically computer office workstations. The purpose of the study was pain estimation in association with the identification of the spine arrangements during sitting work with better and worse ergonomic adjustment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 80 women working in the sitting position suffering from pain - 40 dentists working on dental units with a higher ergonomic potential and 40 medical assistants working on stations with lower ergonomic potential. The study included interviews, pain assessment and working spine arrangements analysis using the ultrasonographic measurement system. RESULTS: There were exceeds of work parameters in particular segments of the spine observed in all examined persons. The relationship between pain intensity and work parameters as frontal bending amplitude of lumbar spine segment, transversal amplitude of cervical spine segment and transversal amplitude of lumbar spine segment were observed in the group of dentists. There was observed the relationship between pain severity and the values of sagittal bending amplitude of cervical spine segment and thoracic spine segment in the group of medical assistants. Other determinants of pain also have been identified. CONCLUSIONS: Exceeded values of work parameters were observed amongst subjects working both at the higher and the lower ergonomic potential work stations. The working postures of people working in the sitting position are similar only to their external characteristics. Pain depends on working position. The pain intensity is determined by other factors: length of professional experience, duration of the pain, the number of working hours per week, body mass index (BMI). Med Pr 2018;69(5):509-522.

MicroRNA expression patterns in canine mammary cancer show significant differences between metastatic and non-metastatic tumours.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs may act as oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes, which make these small molecules potential diagnostic/prognostic factors and targets for anticancer therapies. Several common oncogenic microRNAs have been found for canine mammary cancer and human breast cancer. On account of this, large-scale profiling of microRNA expression in canine mammary cancer seems to be important for both dogs and humans. METHODS: Expression profiles of 317 microRNAs in 146 canine mammary tumours of different histological type, malignancy grade and clinical history (presence/absence of metastases) and in 25 control samples were evaluated. The profiling was performed using microarrays. Significance Analysis of Microarrays test was applied in the analysis of microarray data (both unsupervised and supervised data analyses were performed). Validation of the obtained results was performed using real-time qPCR. Subsequently, predicted targets for the microRNAs were searched for in miRBase. RESULTS: Results of the unsupervised analysis indicate that the primary factor separating the samples is the metastasis status. Predicted targets for microRNAs differentially expressed in the metastatic vs. non-metastatic group are mostly engaged in cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation and DNA-damage repair. On the other hand, the supervised analysis reveals clusters of differentially expressed microRNAs unique for the tumour type, malignancy grade and metastasis factor. CONCLUSIONS: The most significant difference in microRNA expression was observed between the metastatic and non-metastatic group, which suggests a more important role of microRNAs in the metastasis process than in the malignant transformation. Moreover, the differentially expressed microRNAs constitute potential metastasis markers. However, validation of cfa-miR-144, cfa-miR-32 and cfa-miR-374a levels in blood samples did not follow changes observed in the non-metastatic and metastatic tumours.

RAD51 genotype and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) risk in Polish women.

The most lethal damage for the cell among all damage is double-strand breaks (DSB) of DNA. DSB cause development of cancer diseases including the triple-negative molecular subtype of breast cancer. The aim of this work was to evaluate the single nucleotide polymorphism -135G>C (rs1801320) of the RAD51 gene encoding DNA repair proteins by homologous recombination (HR) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We assessed the RAD51 -135G>C polymorphism in 50 women with triple-negative breast cancer and in 50 women from the control group. RAD51 polymorphism was analysed by the PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) technique. Our results demonstrated a significant positive association between the RAD51 C/C genotype and TNBC, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 5.95 (p = 0.002). The homozygous C/C genotype was found in 68% of breast cancer cases and 20% of controls. The variant 135C allele of RAD51 increased TNBC risk. This is the first study linking single nucleotide polymorphisms of the RAD51 gene with TNBC incidence in the population of Polish women. In conclusion, RAD51 polymorphisms may be regarded as predictive factors of triple-negative breast cancer in the female population. Large studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Effective Use of microRNA, BRAF and Sonographic Risk Assessment in Bethesda III Thyroid Nodules Requires a Different Approach to Nodules with Features of Nuclear Atypia and Other Types of Atypia.

The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic usefulness of the combined assessment of the ultrasound risk category of the nodule (evaluated with EU-TIRADS system), the presence of BRAF V600E mutation and the expression of selected microRNAs (miR-146b, miR-221 and miR-222) in Bethesda category III thyroid nodules, separately for cases with nuclear atypia (AUS-nuclear) and cases with other types of atypia (AUS-other). We evaluated 161 nodules (66 AUS-nuclear and 95 AUS-other) with known results of postoperative histopathological examination. The rate of cancer and the rate of PTC among cancers were nearly three times higher in the AUS-nuclear than the AUS-other group. For AUS-nuclear nodules, the most effective diagnostic panel included, in addition to repeat FNA, the assessment of BRAF V600E mutation and the expression of miR-146b and miR-222 (sensitivity: 93.5%, specificity: 80.0%). For AUS-other nodules, a two-step procedure was most effective: at the first stage, forgoing surgical treatment in subjects with a benign repeat FNA outcome, and, at the second stage, the assessment of miR-222 expression and the EU-TIRADS category (sensitivity: 92.3%, specificity: 76.8%). The optimal use of molecular methods in the diagnostics of category III thyroid nodules requires a separate approach for nodules with nuclear atypia and nodules with other types of atypia.

Optimization of the Management of Category III Thyroid Nodules Using Repeat FNA and TIRADS.

The aim of the study was to examine the benefits of the joint use of repeat FNA (rFNA) and EU-TIRADS in category III nodules in relation to the kind of atypia: nuclear vs. architectural (denoted by AUS and FLUS respectively). The study included 127 AUS and 1739 FLUS nodules with a known category of EU-TIRADS. Repeat FNA was performed in 82 AUS and 934 FLUS nodules of which 57 and 515 were excised, respectively. AUS nodules had higher malignancy risk than FLUS nodules. EU-TIRADS showed higher accuracy for AUS nodules, the opposite to rFNA, that had higher accuracy for FLUS nodules. The combined criterion for AUS nodules (at least rFNA-V or EU-TIRADS-4) maximized sensitivity (92.3%) with acceptable specificity (70.0%); OR: 28.0. In the case of FLUS nodules, the combined criterion (rFNA-V or EU-TIRADS-5) maximized specificity (95.2%) with 57.7% sensitivity and a low percentage (13.9%) of positive nodules, OR: 27.0. In both types of nodules, the low risk category in EU-TIRADS and benign result of rFNA excluded cancer. Concluding, category III nodules with and without nuclear atypia differ in their risk of malignancy and, consequently, diagnostic criteria adopted for the evaluation of these nodules with rFNA and EU-TIRADS should be specific to AUS and FLUS nodules.

Narrow emission linewidths of positioned InAs quantum dots grown on pre-patterned GaAs(100) substrates.

We report photoluminescence measurements on a single layer of site-controlled InAs quantum dots (QDs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on pre-patterned GaAs(100) substrates with a 15 nm re-growth buffer separating the dots from the re-growth interface. A process for cleaning the re-growth interface allows us to measure single dot emission linewidths of 80 µeV under non-resonant optical excitation, similar to that observed for self-assembled QDs. The dots reveal excitonic transitions confirmed by power dependence and fine structure splitting measurements. The emission wavelengths are stable, which indicates the absence of a fluctuating charge background in the sample and confirms the cleanliness of the re-growth interface.

[The practical value of breast cancer molecular classification]. / Praktyczna wartosc molekularnej klasyfikacji raków sutka.

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in the Western World and the leading cause of cancer death among women. It is a clinically heterogeneous clinical entity. Histologically similar tumors may have different prognosis and may respond to therapy differently. It is believed that these divergences in clinical behavior are due to molecular differences between microscopically similarneoplasmas. Breast cancer is a complex disease of genetic background characterized by accumulation of molecular alterations resulting in an important clinical heterogeneity. Current prognostic factors (including lymph node status, tumor size, histological grade, hormone receptor status, ERBB2 expression and patient age) are insufficient to predict accurately the clinical outcome. Microarray expression profiling classifies breast cancer into five (or six) molecular subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, basal-like, HER2 and normal breast-like (sometime luminal C, too). The different molecular classes of breast cancer not only have different prognoses but also show distinct sensitivities to preoperative chemotherapy. They have specific clinical profiles, as well (reproductive factors, age and race). It means that new, modified prevention strategy for breast cancer is necessary.

Locked Away-Prophylaxis and Management of Catheter Related Thrombosis in Hemodialysis.

Reliable vascular access is necessary for effective hemodialysis. Guidelines recommend chronic hemodialysis via an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), however, in a significant number of patients, permanent central venous catheters (CVCs) are used. The use of a tunneled catheter is acceptable if the estimated dialysis time is less than a year or it is not possible to create an AVF. The main complications associated with CVC include thrombosis and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), which may result in loss of vascular access. The common practice is to use locking solutions to maintain catheter patency and minimize the risk of CRBSI. This paperwork summarizes information on currently available locking solutions for dialysis catheters along with their effectiveness in preventing thrombotic and infectious complications and describes methods of dealing with catheter dysfunction. The PubMed database was systematically searched for articles about locking solutions used in permanent CVCs in hemodialysis patients. Additional studies were identified by searching bibliographies and international guidelines. Articles on end-stage kidney disease patients dialyzed through a permanent CVC were included. Information from each primary study was extracted using pre-determined criteria including thrombotic and infectious complications of CVC use, focusing on permanent CVC if sufficient data were available. Of the currently available substances, it seems that citrate at a concentration of 4% has the best cost-effectiveness and safety profile, which is reflected in the international guidelines. Recent studies suggest the advantage of 2+1 protocols, i.e., taurolidine-based solutions with addition of urokinase once a week, although it needs to be confirmed by further research. Regardless of the type of locking solution, if prophylaxis with a thrombolytic agent is chosen, it should be started from the very beginning to reduce the risk of thrombotic complications. In case of CVC dysfunction, irrespective of the thrombolysis attempt, catheter replacement should be planned as soon as possible.

Aspartame-True or False? Narrative Review of Safety Analysis of General Use in Products.

Aspartame is a sweetener introduced to replace the commonly used sucrose. It was discovered by James M. Schlatter in 1965. Being 180-200 times sweeter than sucrose, its intake was expected to reduce obesity rates in developing countries and help those struggling with diabetes. It is mainly used as a sweetener for soft drinks, confectionery, and medicines. Despite its widespread use, its safety remains controversial. This narrative review investigates the existing literature on the use of aspartame and its possible effects on the human body to refine current knowledge. Taking to account that aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, it seems appropriate to continue research on safety. Studies mentioned in this article have produced very interesting results overall, the current review highlights the social problem of providing visible and detailed information about the presence of aspartame in products. The studies involving the impact of aspartame on obesity, diabetes mellitus, children and fetus, autism, neurodegeneration, phenylketonuria, allergies and skin problems, its cancer properties and its genotoxicity were analyzed. Further research should be conducted to ensure clear information about the impact of aspartame on health.

Low reproducibility of equivocal categories of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology makes the associated risk of malignancy specific to the diagnostic center.

PURPOSE: Equivocal categories (III, IV, V) of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (BSRTC) are characterized by high variability of the estimated risk of malignancy. The aim of the study was to analyze the reproducibility of classification of nodules into an equivocal category and the frequency of malignancy (FoM) observed in such categories. METHODS: Five experienced cytopathologists from three centers (A, B, C) independently performed reclassification of smears obtained from 213 thyroid nodules with equivocal routine cytology and known results of the postoperative histopathological examination. RESULTS: The interobserver agreement among all cytopathologists was poor, with a Krippendorff's alpha coefficient equaling 0.34. The intra-center agreement was higher than the inter-center (fair vs poor). Pathologists of the center A classified smears into categories II and III significantly less often and categories IV and V more often than pathologists of centers B and C. The joint FoM of nodules classified into any of categories IV-VI (regarded as an indication for surgery) was different among centers (A: 40.0%, B: 66.7%, C: 80.6%). The FoM of category III nodules with features of nuclear atypia (AUS) in center B and C was two times higher than that of other nodules of category III (FLUS), while in center A the FoM was similar. CONCLUSIONS: The use of published data on the risk of malignancy in nodules of particular BSRTC categories without concern for the uniqueness of the diagnostic center may lead to erroneous conclusions.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 3-year-old girl: a case report and literature review.

The report presents a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis with diagnostic problems and fatal outcome in a 3-year-old girl, as well as a short literature review.

Long-term transmission of entangled photons from a single quantum dot over deployed fiber.

Entangled light sources are considered as core technology for multiple quantum network architectures. Of particular interest are sources that are based on a single quantum system as these offer intrinsic security due to the sub-Poissonian nature of the photon emission process. This is important for applications in quantum communication where multi-pair emission generally compromises performance. A large variety of sources has been developed, but the generated photons remained far from being utilized in established standard fiber networks, mainly due to lack of compatibility with telecommunication wavelengths. In this regard, single semiconductor quantum dots are highly promising photon pair sources as they can be engineered for direct emission at telecom wavelengths. In this work we demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. We report a week-long transmission of polarization-entangled photons from a single InAs/GaAs quantum dot over a metropolitan network fiber. The photons are in the telecommunication O-band, favored for fiber optical communication. We employ a polarization stabilization system overcoming changes of birefringence introduced by 18.23 km of installed fiber. Stable transmission of polarization-encoded entanglement with a high fidelity of 91% is achieved, facilitating the operation of sub-Poissonian quantum light sources over existing fiber networks.

Morphological analysis of vascular density in ependymomas.

Ependymomas generally show slow growth rate and are associated with a long clinical history. In some cases however the biology of these tumours is considered to be unpredictable on the basis of histologic criteria. Density of microvessels was shown to serve in various malignant neoplasms as a prognostic factor that correlates with increased risk of metastasis and overall free survival. Some data suggest that density of blood vessels may be of prognostic value also in patients with neuroepithelial tumours. The aim of this study was to determinate whether that observation can be applied to ependymomas. The materials included 51 ependymomas G2 and G3 according to the WHO classification. Vasculature was visualized immunohistochemically in paraffin-embedded sections of tumour samples with CD31 and FVIII antibody. Density of blood vessels was calculated using a computed image analyzing system. The data were statistically evaluated. The density of blood vessels in anaplastic (WHO G3) ependymomas was shown to be significantly higher than that in WHO G2 type of the tumour, while there was no statistical difference between subtypes of WHO G2 ependymomas. The results suggest a connection between density of vasculature and the degree of histological malignancy in gliomas of ependymal derivation.

Concentrations of cadmium and selected essential elements in malignant large intestine tissue.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Incidence rates of large intestine cancer indicate a role of environmental and occupational factors. The role of essential elements and their interaction with toxic metals can contribute to the explanation of a complex mechanism by which large intestine cancer develops. Bearing this in mind, determining the levels of essential and toxic elements in tissues (organs), as well as in body fluids, seems to shed light on their role in the mode of action in malignant disease. AIM: Determination of the levels of cadmium, zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron in large intestine malignant tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two intraoperative intestine sections were investigated: one from the malignant tissue and the other one from the normal tissue, collected from each person with diagnosed large intestine cancer. Cadmium, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, and iron levels were determined with atomic absorption spectrometry, and selenium levels by spectrofluorimetric method. RESULTS: The levels of copper, selenium, and magnesium were higher in the malignant than in normal tissues. In addition, the zinc/copper and calcium/magnesium relationship was altered in malignant tissue, where correlations were lower compared to non-malignant tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The results seems to demonstrate disturbed homeostasis of some essential elements. However, it is hard to confirm their involvement in the aetiology of colorectal cancer.