Formation of E-band luminescence-active centers in bismuth-doped silica fiber via atomic layer deposition.

In this study, a Si defect structure was added into the silica network in order to activate the bismuth and silica structure active center. TD-DFT theoretical simulations show that the Bi and Si ODC(I) models can excite the active center of the E-band at 1408 nm. Additionally, the Bi-doped silica fiber (BDSF) with improved fluorescence was fabricated using atomic layer deposition (ALD) combined with the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) technique. Some tests were used to investigate the structural and optical properties of BDSF. The UV-VIS spectral peak of the BDSF preform is 424 cm-1, and the binding energy of XPS is 439.3 eV, indicating the presence of Bi° atom in BDSF. The Raman peak near 811 cm-1 corresponds to the Bi-O bond. The Si POL defect lacks a Bi-O structure, and the reason for the absence of simulated active center from the E-band is explained. A fluorescence spectrometer was used to analyze the emission peak of a BDSF at 1420 nm. The gain of the BDSF based optical amplifier was measured 28.8 dB at 1420 nm and confirmed the effective stimulation of the bismuth active center in the E-band.

Bandwidth extension to 1627†nm of over 20†dB gain in an erbium-doped silica fiber via two-photon absorption.

In this study, PbS/Er co-doped fibers (PEDFs) were fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) combined with modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD). A pumping scheme based on two-photon absorption at 1310 nm of PEDF is proposed for L + band amplification. Through the theoretical analysis, the local environment of Er3+ is changed due to the co-doping of PbS, which improves the two-photon absorption efficiency near 1300 nm. Compared with the 980 nm pump, the PEDFs excited by the 1310 nm pump show better amplification performance in the L + band. And in a bi-directional pumping system, PEDF achieves over 22 dB of gain in the whole L band. In particular, the bandwidth of over 20 dB gain was extended to 1627 nm with a noise figure as low as 4.9 dB. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a high-gain bandwidth of L band amplification has been extended to 1627 nm. The results of unsaturated loss also show that PbS co-doping improves the two-photon absorption efficiency of PEDF to broaden the amplification bandwidth of L + band. These results demonstrate that an effective L + band amplification method is practically provided for future ultra-wideband optical communications.

Exploring the anatomical factors influencing testes elasticity via ultrasound shear wave elastography: Preliminary results

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the anatomical factors influencing elasticity values of normal testicular parenchyma using shear wave elastography (SWE). Methods: This study examined 68 healthy male volunteers (117 testes in which standard transverse axis ultrasonography views could be obtained) via conventional scrotal ultrasonography and SWE. Both the mean (EMean) and standard deviation (ESD) elasticity values were acquired. Results: In the standard transverse axis view of the rete testis at the mid-lateral edge of the testes, the EMean values in 2mm the testicular parenchyma from the rete testis and the testicular capsule at the same level as the rete testis were all significantly larger than in the central zone (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). The EMean value in the testicular parenchyma 2mm from the testicular capsule on the line formed approximately 45° below the horizontal line of the rete testis was significantly larger than in the rete testis approximately 45° above the horizontal line (P<0.001). In two standard transverse axis views, the ESD values in other regions were significantly larger than those in the central zones (all P<0.001). Also, the EMean values in the transmediastinal arteries were larger than those of the surrounding normal testicular parenchyma (P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on SWE, factors including the testicular capsule, the density of testicular fibrous septa, the depth of the Q-Box™, and the transmediastinal artery may influence the testes elasticity measurement. (AU)

Comparison of anesthetic effects of different doses of alfentanil combined with ciprofol in elderly patients undergoing ERCP: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS: Patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are often old and poor in physical fitness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anesthetic effect of different doses of alfentanil combined with ciprofol in elderly patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: In this clinical trial, 137 patients, who were candidates for ERCP were randomly divided into three groups. Group A were given 0.15 µg/kg/min of alfentanil in maintenance stage, Group B were given 0.25 µg/kg/min and Group C were given 0.35 µg/kg/min. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the patients at each time point including the entry into the operation room (T0), at the beginning of surgery(T1), 10 min after surgery(T2), 20 min after surgery(T3), 30 min after surgery(T4),endoscopy withdrawal (T5) were recorded. Adverse events(including respiratory depression, body movement and hypoxemia),the dosage of ciprofol, the time of operation time and awakening were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with Group A, MAP and HR in Group B and Group C was decreased during T1-T5 (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, MAP and HR in group C was decreased during T1-T5 (P < 0.05). Compared with Group A and Group C,the number of adverse reactions of Group B was decreased(P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in surgical time among the three groups(P > 0.05),but a statistically significant difference in recovery time (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The adverse events of alfentanil 0.25µg/kg/min combined with ciprofol were low, and the anesthetic effect was the best.

EPO prevents neuroinflammation and relieves depression via JAK/STAT signaling.

AIMS: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein cytokine that exerts therapeutic potential on neurological disorders by promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis. However, its role as an antidepressant via anti-inflammatory axes is poorly explored. Furthermore, chronic inflammation can induce neuroinflammation, concurrent with depressive-like behaviors that anti-inflammatory and antidepressant agents could avert. Here, we aimed to elucidate the antidepressant potential of Erythropoietin (EPO) in the LPS-induced depression model. MAIN METHODS: For in vivo analysis, mice were treated with LPS (2 mg/kg BW), Erythropoietin (EPO) (5000 U/kg/day), (Ruxolitinib,15 mg/kg), and K252a (25 µg/kg). Depressive-like behaviors were confirmed via behavior tests, including OFT, FST, SPT, and TST. Cytokines were measured via ELISA, while IBA-1/GFAP expression was determined by immunofluorescence. Further, the desired gene expression was measured by immunoblotting. For in vitro analysis, BV2 and N2a cell lines were cultured, treated with LPS, EPO, Ruxolitinib, and K252a, collected, and analyzed. KEY FINDINGS: LPS treatment significantly induced neuroinflammation accompanied by depression-like behaviors in mice. However, EPO treatment rescued LPS-induced changes by averting cytokine production, secretion, and glial cell activation and reducing depressive-like behaviors in mice. Surprisingly, EPO treatment ameliorated LPS-induced JAK2/STAT5 signaling impairment, as validated by JAK2-antagonism. Furthermore, synaptic and dendritic spine defects and BNDF/TrkB signaling upon LPS administration could be prevented by EPO treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: EPO could act as an antidepressant via its anti-inflammatory potential by regulating JAK2/STAT5 signaling.

Voltage, thermal and magnetic field fiber sensors based on magnetic nanoparticles-doped photonic liquid crystal fibers.

In this article, highly sensitive voltage, thermal and magnetic field fiber sensors were obtained in magnetic nanoparticles-doped E7 liquid crystals filled into photonic crystal fibers (PLCF). The voltage and temperature sensitivity reached at 12.598 nm/V and -3.874 nm/°C, respectively. The minimum voltage response time is 48.2 ms. The phase transition temperature Tc of liquid crystal with magnetic dopant was reduced from 60 °C to 46 °C. The magnetic field sensor based on magnetic nanoparticles-doped PLCF were obtained with sensitivity of 118.2 pm/mT from 400 to 460 mT.

Exploring the anatomical factors influencing testes elasticity via ultrasound shear wave elastography: Preliminary results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the anatomical factors influencing elasticity values of normal testicular parenchyma using shear wave elastography (SWE). METHODS: This study examined 68 healthy male volunteers (117 testes in which standard transverse axis ultrasonography views could be obtained) via conventional scrotal ultrasonography and SWE. Both the mean (EMean) and standard deviation (ESD) elasticity values were acquired. RESULTS: In the standard transverse axis view of the rete testis at the mid-lateral edge of the testes, the EMean values in 2mm the testicular parenchyma from the rete testis and the testicular capsule at the same level as the rete testis were all significantly larger than in the central zone (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). The EMean value in the testicular parenchyma 2mm from the testicular capsule on the line formed approximately 45° below the horizontal line of the rete testis was significantly larger than in the rete testis approximately 45° above the horizontal line (P<0.001). In two standard transverse axis views, the ESD values in other regions were significantly larger than those in the central zones (all P<0.001). Also, the EMean values in the transmediastinal arteries were larger than those of the surrounding normal testicular parenchyma (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on SWE, factors including the testicular capsule, the density of testicular fibrous septa, the depth of the Q-Box™, and the transmediastinal artery may influence the testes elasticity measurement.

Near 0.5†dB gain per unit length in O-band based on a Bi/P co-doped silica fiber via atomic layer deposition.

In this work, bismuth doped fiber (BDF) and bismuth/phosphosilicate co-doped fiber (BPDF) were fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) combined with the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD). The spectral characteristics are studied experimentally and the BPDF has good excitation effect covering the O band. A diode pumped BPDF amplifier with the gain over 20 dB from 1298-1348 nm (50 nm) has been demonstrated. The maximum gain of 30 dB was measured at 1320 nm with a gain coefficient of around 0.5 dB/m. Furthermore, we constructed different local structures through simulation and found that compared with the BDF, BPDF has a stronger excited state and a greater significance in O-band. This is mainly because phosphorus (P) doping changes the associated electron distribution and forms the bismuth-phosphorus active center. The fiber has a high gain coefficient, which is of great significance for the industrialization of O-band fiber amplifier.

Clinical application of intubation-free anesthesia in radical resection of lung cancer.

Background: In recent years, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has become increasingly widespread. However, the implementation of VATS requires the assistance with lung isolation techniques. Spontaneous breathing with laryngeal masks is also increasingly used in VATS. However, evidence on the characteristics of intubated anesthesia is insufficient. Objective: This study aimed to explore whether intubation-free anesthesia has more advantages than other intubation methods in the clinical setting. Methods: Patients with lung tumors who underwent VATS in our hospital between June 2022 and October 2022 were included in the study. Perioperative data of patients, including basic information, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, postoperative inflammatory indicators, and adverse reactions were obtained through the electronic medical record system. According to the protocol of airway management during anesthesia, participants were divided into the following groups: laryngeal mask with spontaneous breathing group (LMSB group), laryngeal mask combined with bronchial blocker group (LM + BB group), double-lumen tube group (DLT group), and tracheal tube combined with bronchial blocker group (TT + BB group). All data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software. Results: At baseline, patients in the LMSB and LM + BB groups had a lower body weight (P = 0.024). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were significantly higher in the DLT group than in the non-intubated group during surgery (SBP: T1 P = 0.048, T4 P = 0.021, T5 P ≤ 0.001, T6 P ≤ 0.001, T7 P = 0.004; DBP: T5 P ≤ 0.001, T6 P ≤ 0.001, T7 P ≤ 0.001; HR: T1 P = 0.021, T6 P ≤ 0.001, T7 P = 0.007, T8 P ≤ 0.001). The input fluid (P = 0.009), urine output (P = 0.010), surgery duration (P = 0.035), and procalcitonin levels (P = 0.024) of the DLT group were also significantly higher than those of the other groups. The recovery duration of the LMSB group was significantly longer (P = 0.003) and the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions, mainly atelectasis, was higher (P = 0.012) than those of the other groups. Conclusion: Although the intubation-free anesthesia has less stimulation during operation and less postoperative inflammatory response, it has obvious adverse reactions after operation, which may be not the best anesthesia scheme for radical resection of lung cancer in VATS. Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=182767, identifier ChiCTR2200066180.

Roxadustat (FG-4592) abated lipopolysaccharides-induced depressive-like symptoms via PI3K signaling.

Background: Despite its role in inflammation and the redox system under hypoxia, the effects and molecular mechanisms of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) in neuroinflammation-associated depression are poorly explored. Furthermore, Prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing proteins (PHDs) regulate HIF-1; however, whether and how PHDs regulate depressive-like behaviors under Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced stress conditions remain covered. Methods: To highlight the roles and underlying mechanisms of PHDs-HIF-1 in depression, we employed behavioral, pharmacological, and biochemical analyses using the LPS-induced depression model. Results: Lipopolysaccharides treatment induced depressive-like behaviors, as we found, increased immobility and decreased sucrose preference in the mice. Concurrently, we examined increased cytokine levels, HIF-1 expression, mRNA levels of PHD1/PHD2, and neuroinflammation upon LPS administration, which Roxadustat reduced. Furthermore, the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin reversed Roxadustat-induced changes. Additionally, Roxadustat treatment attenuated LPS-induced synaptic impairment and improved spine numbers, ameliorated by wortmannin. Conclusion: Lipopolysaccharides-dysregulates HIF-PHDs signaling may contribute to neuroinflammation-coincides depression via PI3K signaling.

Serum MOTS-C Levels are Decreased in Obese Children and Associated with Vascular Endothelial Function.

Purpose: The increasing prevalence of obesity in children and its associated risk with cardiovascular diseases demand more discovery of the novel biomarkers for developing new treatment options for this complex disease. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum MOTS-C (a peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome) levels and vascular endothelial function in obese children. Patients and Methods: A total of 225 obese children (aged 8.1 ± 2.6 years) and 218 healthy children (aged 7.9 ± 2.2 years) were enrolled. Related anthropometric assessment and biochemical evaluation were done in all subjects. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI), as assessed by the peripheral arterial tonometry, was used for evaluation of peripheral endothelial function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the level of serum MOTS-C. Results: Levels of serum MOTS-C and RHI were lower in the obese children compared with the healthy children (P < 0.01). The RHI level was independently associated with body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and MOTS-C in linear regression analysis. Further analysis showed a significant mediating effect of MOTS-C on the correlation between body mass index and RHI in children, with the ratio of mediating effect value of 9.12%. Conclusion: These data identify that MOTS-C is a previously unknown regulator in the development process of obesity-induced vascular changes.

Sub-kHz-linewidth continuous-wave single-frequency ring-cavity fiber laser based on high-gain Er: YAG crystal-derived silica fiber.

Throughout the development of single frequency fiber lasers (SFFLs), gain fiber is one of the most important components, which can greatly affect the quality of SFFLs. Here, we fabricated an Er: YAG crystal-derived silica fiber (EYDSF) using a CO2 laser-heating drawing technique, with a high gain coefficient of 1.74 dB/cm. Employing the EYDSF of only 10 cm as a gain medium, we constructed a continuous-wave ring-cavity SFFL with an all-fiber system. An ultra-narrow linewidth <660 Hz was achieved harnessing a homemade low-concentration Er-doped silica fiber as a saturable absorber. Importantly, the SFFL output power was up to 32.7 mW at 1560 nm. What's more, no multi longitudinal mode or mode hopping were found in 2 hours, and the fluctuation of power was <0.63% in 8 hours. Furthermore, the relative intensity noise was lower to -145 dB/Hz at frequencies over 1 MHz. The results indicate that the ring-cavity SFFL has desirable performance in output power, linewidth, stability and noise, which serves a prospective candidate applied to coherent optical communications, high-precision sensors, laser radars and other advanced fields.

The stiffness of transplanted kidneys changes with time after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is one of the most effective ways to treat end-stage kidney disease. However, 5000 renal transplant recipients start or restart dialysis because of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) every year in the United States. Detecting changes in the stiffness of transplanted kidneys can help diagnose transplanted kidney disease. PURPOSE: To explore changes in the stiffness of transplanted kidneys after renal transplantation using shear wave elastography (SWE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study conducted consecutive follow-up observations on 10 patients after kidney transplantation. SWE examination was performed in the first week, second week, first month, second month, third month, fourth month, fifth month, and sixth month after surgery. This study also analyzed the graft stiffness of 86 patients with stable renal function recovery one month after surgery. RESULTS: The results show that there is a change in the stiffness of the transplanted kidney over time after renal transplantation. It decreases rapidly within one month after renal transplantation and tends to be stable after one month. The mean renal cortical and pyramidal stiffness of patients with stable renal function were 28.48 ± 4.27 kPa and 21.97 ± 3.90 kPa, respectively. CONCLUSION: Consecutive stiffness measurement of transplanted kidneys is an effective method for monitoring the function of transplanted kidneys. According to the change in transplanted kidney stiffness, we can designate a more scientific review plan to determine the functional status of the transplanted kidney.

Oxycodone versus morphine for analgesia after laparoscopic endometriosis resection.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the analgesic potency of oxycodone versus morphine after laparoscopic deep infiltrating endometriosis resection. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing laparoscopic deep infiltrating endometriosis resection were randomized to receive oxycodone or morphine intravenous-PCA after surgery. The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included time to first request for analgesia, the number of bolus, pain, sedation, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and bradycardia. The prominent pain that caused patients to press the analgesic device was also recorded. RESULTS: Oxycodone consumption (14.42 ± 2.83) was less than morphine consumption (20.14 ± 3.83). Compared with the morphine group, the total number of bolus (78 vs 123) was less and the average time to first request for analgesia (97.27 ± 59.79 vs 142.17 ± 51) was longer in the oxycodone group. The incidence of nausea was higher in the morphine group than in the oxycodone group at 0-2 h (45.45% vs 17.19%), 2-4 h (50% vs 17.19%),12-24 h (40.91% vs 13.04%) and 0-24 h (39.17% vs 19.13%). The overall incidence of vomiting was higher in the morphine group (27.27% vs 13.92%). There was no difference in visual analogue scale score, the incidence of respiratory depression, and bradycardia between groups. Of the three types of pain that prompted patients to request analgesia, the incidence of visceral pain was highest (59.9%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Oxycodone was more potent than morphine for analgesia after laparoscopic endometriosis resection, and oxycodone has fewer side effects than morphine. Name of the registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Trial registration number: ChiCTR1900021870 URL of trial registry record: http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=35799&htm=4 Date of registration: 2019/3/13 0:00:00.

A sequentially bioconjugated optofluidic laser for wash-out-free and rapid biomolecular detection.

Microstructures can improve both sensitivity and assay time in heterogeneous assays (such as ELISA) for biochemical analysis; however, it remains a challenge to perform the essential wash process in those microstructure-based heterogeneous assays. Here, we propose a sequential bioconjugation protocol to solve this problem and demonstrate a new type of fiber optofluidic laser for biosensing. Except for acting as an optical microresonator and a microstructured substrate, the miniaturized hollow optical fiber (HOF) is used as a microfluidic channel for storing and transferring reagents thanks to its capability in length extension. Through the capillary action, different reagents were sequentially withdrawn into the fiber for specific binding and washing purposes. By using the sequentially bioconjugated FOFL, avidin molecules are detected based on competitive binding with a limit of detection of 9.5 pM, ranging from 10 pM to 100 nM. It is demonstrated that a short incubation time of 10 min is good enough to allow the biomolecules to conjugate on the inner surface of the HOF. Owing to its miniaturized size, only 589 nL of liquid is required for incubation, which reduces the sample consumption and cost for each test. This work provides a tool to exploit the potential of microstructured optical fibers in high-performance biosensing.

Highly Sensitive Twin Resonance Coupling Refractive Index Sensor Based on Gold- and MgF2-Coated Nano Metal Films.

A plasmonic material-coated circular-shaped photonic crystal fiber (C-PCF) sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is proposed to explore the optical guiding performance of the refractive index (RI) sensing at 1.7-3.7 µm. A twin resonance coupling profile is observed by selectively infiltrating liquid using finite element method (FEM). A nano-ring gold layer with a magnesium fluoride (MgF2) coating and fused silica are used as plasmonic and base material, respectively, that help to achieve maximum sensing performance. RI analytes are highly sensitive to SPR and are injected into the outmost air holes of the cladding. The highest sensitivity of 27,958.49 nm/RIU, birefringence of 3.9 × 10-4, resolution of 3.70094 × 10-5 RIU, and transmittance dip of -34 dB are achieved. The proposed work is a purely numerical simulation with proper optimization. The value of optimization has been referred to with an experimental tolerance value, but at the same time it has been ensured that it is not fabricated and tested. In summary, the explored C-PCF can widely be eligible for RI-based sensing applications for its excellent performance, which makes it a solid candidate for next generation biosensing applications.

Irreversible electroporation ablation against subcutaneously implanted VX2 tumors in rabbits: findings of shearwave ultrasound elastography.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate stiffness changes of rabbit subcutaneous VX2 tumors before and after irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablationby shearwave ultrasound elastography (SWE). METHODS: IRE was performed on 20 subcutaneously implanted VX2 tumors in rabbits (R-SIVX2). Tumor stiffness was measured by SWE at different time points (before IRE,120minutes after IRE,7 days after IRE and 14 days after IRE). RESULTS: Before IRE, the mean stiffness (Emean) of tumors was (10.45 ± 1.07) KPa. 120 minutes after I RE, the Emean of tumors obviously rose to (70.53 ± 9.87) KPa. 7 days after IRE, the Emean of tumors decreased to (40.22 ± 9.01) KPa. 14 days after IRE, the Emean of tumors was (15.17 ± 1.00) KPa. A clear boundary was observed between the ablation area and the normal tissues in the pathological results. CONCLUSIONS: The stiffness of the VX2 tumors experienced a first rise process and tend to be normal in the procedure of IRE. SWE could provide tissue stiffness information of different IRE ablation period as a non-invasive method.

Photo-induced bleaching and thermally stimulated recovery of BAC-P in Bi-doped phosphosilicate fibers.

The first results of the study on photobleaching and thermally induced recovery in Bi-doped phosphosilicate fiber have been presented. It was revealed that the rate of bleaching of phosphor-related Bi active center (BAC-P) becomes slower with the decrease of photon energy. The quadratic dependence of the bleaching rate of BAC-P on laser power is obtained under 532 nm laser irradiation. The effect of temperature on the bleaching dynamics of BAC-P is also investigated under 532 nm radiation, suggesting a thermally aggravated bleaching process upon heating at certain temperatures (≥300∘C). Furthermore, the thermal recovery of bleached Bi-doped silica-based fiber (BDF) is investigated and a 13% increase of luminescence is achieved upon thermal quenching for 5 min at 400ºC. The underlying mechanism of photobleaching and thermo-stimulated recovery process of BAC-P is also discussed.