Bose-Einstein Condensation by Polarization Gradient Laser Cooling.

Attempts to create quantum degenerate gases without evaporative cooling have been pursued since the early days of laser cooling, with the consensus that polarization gradient cooling (PGC, also known as "optical molasses") alone cannot reach condensation. In the present work, we report that simple PGC can generate a small Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) inside a corrugated micrometer-sized optical dipole trap. The experimental parameters enabling BEC creation were found by machine learning, which increased the atom number by a factor of 5 and decreased the temperature by a factor of 2.5, corresponding to almost 2 orders of magnitude gain in phase space density. When the trapping light is slightly misaligned through a microscopic objective lens, a BEC of ∼250 ^{87}Rb atoms is formed inside a local dimple within 40 ms of PGC after MOT loading.

Role of oxidative stress, infection and inflammation in male infertility.

Oxidative stress (OS), defined as an overabundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or a deficiency of antioxidants, has been linked to sperm damage and male infertility. There are many sources of OS and inflammation including varicocele, tobacco usage, alcohol, obesity/metabolic syndrome, leukocytospermia, sexually transmitted disease (i.e., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum), bacterial prostatitis, microorganism mutations leading to more OS, and viral infections (i.e., human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis). This review is focusing on infection and inflammation-mediated OS, the inflammatory markers underlying pathology, clinical significance in male infertility, and a brief description of the recommended treatment modalities.

Laboratory assessment of oxidative stress in semen.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate different laboratory assessments of oxidative stress (OS) in semen and identify a cost-efficient and highly sensitive instrument capable of providing a comprehensive measure of OS in a clinical setting, as early intervention and an accurate diagnostic test are important because they help maintain a balance of free radicals and antioxidants; otherwise, excessive OS could lead to sperm damage and result in male infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed through a MedLine database search using the keywords 'semen' AND 'oxygen reduction potential'. We also reviewed the references of retrieved articles to search for other potentially relevant research articles and additional book chapters discussing laboratory assessments for OS, ranging from 1994 to 2017. A total of 29 articles and book chapters involving OS-related laboratory assays were included. We excluded animal studies and articles written in languages other than English. RESULTS: Direct laboratory techniques include: chemiluminescence, nitro blue tetrazolium, cytochrome C reduction test, fluorescein probe, electron spin resonance and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). Indirect laboratory techniques include: measurement of Endtz test, lipid peroxidation, chemokines, antioxidants/micronutrients/vitamins, ascorbate, total antioxidant capacity, or DNA damage. Each of these laboratory techniques has its advantages and disadvantages. CONCLUSION: Traditional OS laboratory assessments have their limitations. Amongst the prevalent laboratory techniques, ORP is novel and better option as it can be easily used in a clinical setting to provide a comprehensive review of OS. However, more studies are needed to evaluate its reproducibility across various laboratory centres.

Godina revisited: a systematic review of traumatic lower extremity wound reconstruction timing.

Backround: Marko Godina suggested in 1986 that soft tissue coverage of traumatic extremity wounds within 72 h of injury optimizes outcomes. Decades later, these recommendations remain controversial. Methods: We performed systematic review of the literature using keywords 'free flap coverage' OR 'soft-tissue reconstruction' AND 'lower extremity trauma' OR 'tibial or fibular fractures'. Patients receiving free flap or local muscle or fascia flaps were included. Patients were divided into two groups, one receiving coverage within 72 h of injury (<72 h) and one after 72 h (>72 h). Primary outcome measures were partial and total flap loss, as well as infection. Use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was noted. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: Twenty-one publications from 1986 to 2015 were included. The <72 h group had 295 patients and the >72 h group 972 patient. Total flap failure rate was 1.4% if coverage was performed <72 h after injury and 8.8% if >72 h after injury. Partial flap failure rate was 0.4% if coverage was performed <72 h after injury and 1.8% if >72 h after injury. Infection rate was 7.7% if coverage was performed <72 h after injury and 11.6% if >72 h after injury. Among the 182 patients in the >72 h group receiving NPWT, total flap failure rate was 3.6% and total infection rate 7.3%. Conclusions: Total and partial flap loss rates, as well as infection rates, were lower when coverage was performed within 72 h of injury. Supporting Godina's recommendation, early soft tissue coverage may be beneficial when circumstances permit. NPWT may be useful when reconstruction is not feasible within 72 h.