Structural and optical characteristics of α-Bi2O3/ Bi2O(3-x):Ho3+ thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition for improved green and near-infrared emissions and photocatalytic activity.

Pulsed laser deposited films on glass substrate deposited at different substrate temperatures (Ts) and partial pressures of oxygen, Ho3+-doped Bi2O3 films were produced. The degradation capability of the Rhodamine B dye using the Bi2O3:Ho3+ films was explored. The impact of the Bi2O3:Ho3+ content on the dye degradation performance was analyzed. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns showed that the films deposited at 400 °C had an α-Bi2O3 phase. The impacts of various Ts and O2 partial pressures were correlated with the surface morphology and the thickness of the films using results of field emission scanning electron microscope. The thin films deposited at a low O2 partial pressure of 5-20 mTorr at Ts = 400 °C exhibited nano-needles with an average size of 80 nm and a length of ∼750 nm. The estimated band gap of the prepared films was found to vary between 2.6 and 3.0 eV. The photoluminescence (PL) of the Bi2O3:Ho3+ thin films excited at 450 nm showed an intense green band emission observed at 548 nm, and the feeble emissions at 654 and 753 nm were ascribed to the transitions of Ho3+. The nano-needle particles of the α-Bi2O3:Ho3+ exhibited a maximum PL intensity for the 20 mTorr O2 partial pressure thin film. The films prepared in vacuum and with an O2 partial pressure of 5 mTorr exhibited a 41 % dye degradation efficiency during a duration of 270 min of the photocatalysis experiment.

Reproductive risk factors for breast cancer and association with novel breast density measurements among Hispanic, Black, and White women.

PURPOSE: There are differences in the distributions of breast cancer incidence and risk factors by race and ethnicity. Given the strong association between breast density and breast cancer, it is of interest describe racial and ethnic variation in the determinants of breast density. METHODS: We characterized racial and ethnic variation in reproductive history and several measures of breast density for Hispanic (n = 286), non-Hispanic Black (n = 255), and non-Hispanic White (n = 1694) women imaged at a single hospital. We quantified associations between reproductive factors and percent volumetric density (PVD), dense volume (DV), non-dense volume (NDV), and a novel measure of pixel intensity variation (V) using multivariable-adjusted linear regression, and tested for statistical heterogeneity by race and ethnicity. RESULTS: Reproductive factors most strongly associated with breast density were age at menarche, parity, and oral contraceptive use. Variation by race and ethnicity was most evident for the associations between reproductive factors and NDV (minimum p-heterogeneity:0.008) and V (minimum p-heterogeneity:0.004) and least evident for PVD (minimum p-heterogeneity:0.042) and DV (minimum p-heterogeneity:0.041). CONCLUSION: Reproductive choices, particularly those related to childbearing and oral contraceptive use, may contribute to racial and ethnic variation in breast density.

A Novel Plasmonic Sensor Based on Dual-Channel D-Shaped Photonic Crystal Fiber for Enhanced Sensitivity in Simultaneous Detection of Different Analytes.

A dual-channel D-shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based plasmonic sensor is proposed in this paper for the simultaneous detection of two different analytes using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. The sensor employs a 50 nm-thick layer of chemically stable gold on both cleaved surfaces of the PCF to induce the SPR effect. This configuration offers superior sensitivity and rapid response, making it highly effective for sensing applications. Numerical investigations are conducted using the finite element method (FEM). After optimizing the structural parameters, the sensor exhibits a maximum wavelength sensitivity of 10000 nm/RIU and an amplitude sensitivity of -216 RIU -1 between the two channels. Additionally, each channel of the sensor exhibits its unique maximal wavelength and amplitude sensitivities for different refractive index (RI) ranges. Both channels demonstrate a maximal wavelength sensitivity of 6000 nm/RIU. In the RI range of 1.31-1.41, Channel 1 (Ch1) and Channel 2 (Ch2) achieved their maximum amplitude sensitivities of -85.39RIU -1 and -304.52 RIU -1 , respectively, with a resolution of 5×10 -5 . This sensor structure is noteworthy for its ability to measure both amplitude and wavelength sensitivity, providing enhanced performance characteristics suitable for various sensing purposes in chemical, biomedical, and industrial fields.

Novel BCL-2 Inhibitor Lisaftoclax in Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Other Hematologic Malignancies: First-in-Human Open-Label Trial.

PURPOSE: This global phase I trial investigated the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of lisaftoclax (APG-2575), a novel, orally active, potent selective B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor, in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (R/R CLL/SLL) and other hematologic malignancies (HMs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose were evaluated. Outcome measures were safety and tolerability (primary) and pharmacokinetic variables and antitumor effects (secondary). Pharmacodynamics in patient tumor cells were explored. RESULTS: Among 52 patients receiving lisaftoclax, MTD was not reached. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) included diarrhea (48.1%), fatigue (34.6%), nausea (30.8%), anemia and thrombocytopenia (28.8% each), neutropenia (26.9%), constipation (25.0%), vomiting (23.1%), headache (21.2%), peripheral edema and hypokalemia (17.3% each), and arthralgia (15.4%). Grade ≥ 3 hematologic TEAEs included neutropenia (21.2%), thrombocytopenia (13.5%), and anemia (9.6%), none resulting in treatment discontinuation. Clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results demonstrated that lisaftoclax had a limited plasma residence and systemic exposure and elicited rapid clearance of malignant cells. With a median treatment of 15 (range, 6-43) cycles, 14 of 22 efficacy-evaluable patients with R/R CLL/SLL experienced partial responses, for an objective response rate of 63.6% and median time to response of 2 (range, 2-8) cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Lisaftoclax was well tolerated, with no evidence of tumor lysis syndrome. Dose-limiting toxicity was not reached at the highest dose level. Lisaftoclax has a unique pharmacokinetic profile compatible with a potentially more convenient daily (vs. weekly) dose ramp-up schedule and induced rapid clinical responses in patients with CLL/SLL, warranting continued clinical investigation.

Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Gold-Coated Hollow-Core Negative Curvature Optical Fiber Sensor.

The hollow-core fiber-based sensor has garnered high interest due to its simple structure and low transmission loss. A new hollow-core negative-curvature fiber (HC-NCF) sensor based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique is proposed in this work. The cladding region is composed of six circular silica tubes and two elliptical silica tubes to reduce fabrication complexity. Chemically stable gold is used as a plasmonic material on the inner wall of the sensor structure to induce the SPR effect. The proposed sensor detects a minor variation in the refractive indices (RIs) of the analyte placed in the hollow core. Numerical investigations are carried out using the finite element method (FEM). Through the optimization of structural parameters, the maximum wavelength sensitivity of 6000 nm/RIU and the highest resolution of 2.5 × 10-5 RIU are achieved in the RI range of 1.31 to 1.36. In addition, an improved figure of merit (FOM) of 2000 RIU-1 for Y-polarization and 857.1 RIU-1 for X-polarization is obtained. Because of its simple structure, high sensitivity, high FOM, and low transmission loss, the proposed sensor can be used as a temperature sensor, a chemical sensor, and a biosensor.

Severity, comorbidities, and adherence to therapy in Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Considerable disparities in the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exist for minority groups in the United States. However, the impact of OSA on Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) has not been evaluated. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patient records of NHPIs who underwent sleep apnea testing between 2014 and 2021 at a single center in Utah to characterize the distribution of comorbidities, disease severity, and treatment adherence. RESULTS: 140 of 141 NHPI patients who underwent sleep testing had OSA. High rates of obesity (94%) and other relevant comorbidities were found. OSA was mostly severe (57%), particularly in males with higher obesity. Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure was low (41% using for 4 or more hours on 70% of nights), and medical factors predicted whether adherence targets were met with modest accuracy (area under the curve 0.699). CONCLUSIONS: NHPIs at a single sleep center had a high prevalence of comorbidities in association with OSA, a skewed distribution toward severe disease suggestive of barriers to care or unique disease characteristics, and low adherence to continuous positive airway pressure. These findings suggest a high burden of OSA in this population, and further work to characterize barriers to identifying and treating OSA in NHPIs can improve chronic disease outcomes in NHPIs. CITATION: Locke BW, Sundar DJ, Ryujin D. Severity, comorbidities, and adherence to therapy in Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders with obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(5):967-974.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound cycloplasty in Indian eyes with open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound cycloplasty in eyes with primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma, not amenable to adequate control of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) with medical treatment. Methods: Prospective interventional cohort study of 28 eyes of 28 subjects in a tertiary eye care centre in India in patients with open-angle glaucoma. All enrolled eyes underwent ultrasound cycloplasty with the second-generation probe with six shots of 8 s each, operated by a single surgeon between November 2018 and January 2020. They were followed up for a period of 12 months. The primary treatment outcome was IOP and the secondary outcomes were vision and postoperative complications. Results: A total of 28 eyes of 28 patients were studied, and the mean age was 63.82 ± 6.46 years. Primary open-angle glaucoma (75%) was the most common etiology. There was significant reduction in IOP from the baseline (24.93 ± 4.27 mmHg) to the postoperative value (15.82 ± 3.14 mmHg) at the end of 12 months (P < 0.00001). Mean reduction in IOP was 9.14 ± 4.09 mmHg at 12 months (36.66%). Number of ocular hypotensives reduced significantly from baseline (3.32 ± 0.47) to 12-month postoperative follow-up (0.68 ± 0.74) (P < 0.00001). Qualified success was achieved in 89.28% eyes. No major complications were noted. Conclusion: Ultrasound cycloplasty is found to be effective and safe in eyes with open-angle glaucoma because of the primary or secondary etiology, being more effective in the former.

Exposure to natural vegetation in relation to mammographic density in a Massachusetts-based clinical cohort.

Inverse associations between natural vegetation exposure (i.e., greenness) and breast cancer risk have been reported; however, it remains unknown whether greenness affects breast tissue development or operates through other mechanisms (e.g., body mass index [BMI] or physical activity). We examined the association between greenness and mammographic density-a strong breast cancer risk factor-to determine whether greenness influences breast tissue composition independent of lifestyle factors. Methods: Women (n = 2,318) without a history of breast cancer underwent mammographic screening at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, from 2006 to 2014. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) satellite data at 1-km2 resolution were used to estimate greenness at participants' residential address 1, 3, and 5 years before mammogram. We used multivariable linear regression to estimate differences in log-transformed volumetric mammographic density measures and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each 0.1 unit increase in NDVI. Results: Five-year annual average NDVI was not associated with percent mammographic density in premenopausal (ß = -0.01; 95% CI = -0.03, 0.02; P = 0.58) and postmenopausal women (ß = -0.02; 95% CI = -0.04, 0.01; P = 0.18). Results were similar for 1-year and 3-year NDVI measures and in models including potential mediators of BMI and physical activity. There were also no associations between greenness and dense volume and nondense volume. Conclusions: Greenness exposures were not associated with mammographic density. Impact: Prior observations of a protective association between greenness and breast cancer may not be driven by differences in breast tissue composition, as measured by mammographic density, but rather other mechanisms.

A Reconfigurable Surface-Plasmon-Based Filter/Sensor Using D-Shaped Photonic Crystal Fiber.

A reconfigurable surface-plasmon-based filter/sensor using D-shaped photonic crystal fiber is proposed. Initially a D-shaped PCF is designed and optimized to realize the highly birefringence and by ensuring the single polarization filter. A tiny layer of silver is placed on the flat surface of the D-shaped fiber with a small half-circular opening to activate the plasmon modes. By the surface plasmon effect a maximum confinement loss of about 713 dB/cm is realized at the operating wavelength of 1.98 µm in X-polarized mode. At this wavelength the proposed fiber only allows Y-polarization and filters the X-polarization using surface plasmon resonance. It is also exhibiting maximum confinement loss of about 426 dB/cm at wavelength 1.92 µm wavelength for Y-polarization. At this 1.92 µm wavelength the proposed structure attenuated the Y-polarization completely and allowed X-polarization alone. The proposed PCF polarization filter can be extended as a sensor by adding an analyte outside this filter structure. The proposed sensor can detect even a small refractive index (RI) variation of analytes ranging from 1.34-1.37. This sensor provides the maximum sensitivity of about 5000 nm/RIU; it enables this sensor to be ideally suited for various biosensing and industrial applications.

Ologen implant versus mitomycin C in combined trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification.

Purpose: To comparatively evaluate in Indian eyes with coexisting cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma the outcome of mitomycin C (MMC) and Ologen implant as adjunctives in combined phacoemulsification with trabeculectomy. Methods: Eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma that underwent trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification with IOL implantation with either MMC application or Ologen implant between June 2019 and February 2020 were followed up for 12 months. Thirty-four eyes of 34 participants were studied. The primary outcome was intraocular pressure (IOP), and the secondary outcomes were the number of ocular hypotensives, best distance visual acuity (BDVA), and bleb morphology. Results: In 16 eyes treated with MMC and 18 eyes treated with Ologen implant, it was observed that the mean postoperative IOP (14.62 ± 2.89 mm Hg with MMC and 14.56 ± 4.14 mm Hg with Ologen implant) was not significantly different in both groups (P = 0.47). Number of ocular hypotensives and BDVA were also comparable between the two groups. However, bleb morphology was better with Ologen implantation. One eye in the MMC group developed hypotony which was conservatively managed. Conclusion: MMC and Ologen are both effective adjunctives in combined phaco-trabeculectomy. However, the Ologen implant provides better bleb health and safety.

Reconfiguration of Amorphous Complex Oxides: A Route to a Broad Range of Assembly Phenomena, Hybrid Materials, and Novel Functionalities.

Reconfiguration of amorphous complex oxides provides a readily controllable source of stress that can be leveraged in nanoscale assembly to access a broad range of 3D geometries and hybrid materials. An amorphous SrTiO3 layer on a Si:B/Si1- x Gex :B heterostructure is reconfigured at the atomic scale upon heating, exhibiting a change in volume of ≈2% and accompanying biaxial stress. The Si:B/Si1- x Gex :B bilayer is fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy, followed by sputter deposition of SrTiO3 at room temperature. The processes yield a hybrid oxide/semiconductor nanomembrane. Upon release from the substrate, the nanomembrane rolls up and has a curvature determined by the stress in the epitaxially grown Si:B/Si1- x Gex :B heterostructure. Heating to 600 °C leads to a decrease of the radius of curvature consistent with the development of a large compressive biaxial stress during the reconfiguration of SrTiO3 . The control of stresses via post-deposition processing provides a new route to the assembly of complex-oxide-based heterostructures in 3D geometry. The reconfiguration of metastable mechanical stressors enables i) synthesis of various types of strained superlattice structures that cannot be fabricated by direct growth and ii) technologies based on strain engineering of complex oxides via highly scalable lithographic processes and on large-area semiconductor substrates.

Laser and light therapies for the treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica.

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare, inflammatory granulomatous skin disorder involving collagen degeneration. In recent years, several light and laser therapies have been proposed and used in the treatment of NL with variable outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of lasers and light therapies for the treatment of NL. A review of PubMed was conducted to search for studies using laser and light therapies for the treatment of NL. Articles that employed a combination of treatment modalities were excluded. Twenty-four studies were reviewed. Light and laser therapies used in these studies included CO2 laser, pulsed dye laser, methyl aminolevulinate (MAL)-photodynamic therapy (PDT), aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-PDT, ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy, and psoralen plus ultraviolet-A (PUVA). PUVA was identified as the modality with the most available evidence (7 studies), followed by MAL-PDT and ALA-PDT (5 studies each), pulsed dye laser and UVA1 (3 studies each), and lastly CO2 laser (2 studies). Most modalities demonstrated variable efficacies and side effects with the exception of PDL, which consistently showed successful outcomes. Multiple dermatologic light and laser therapies have been investigated for the treatment of NL, including PUVA, ALA-PDT, MAL-PDT, pulsed dye laser, UVA1, and CO2 laser. However, a clear consensus on the preferred treatment is yet to be addressed. Each treatment option demonstrates both advantages and disadvantages that should be discussed with patients when selecting the treatment modality.

Self-Winding Helices as Slow-Wave Structures for Sub-Millimeter Traveling-Wave Tubes.

We present a transformative route to obtain mass-producible helical slow-wave structures for operation in beam-wave interaction devices at THz frequencies. The approach relies on guided self-assembly of conductive nanomembranes. Our work coordinates simulations of cold helices (i.e., helices with no electron beam) and hot helices (i.e., helices that interact with an electron beam). The theoretical study determines electromagnetic fields, current distributions, and beam-wave interaction in a parameter space that has not been explored before. These parameters include microscale diameter, pitch, tape width, and nanoscale surface finish. Parametric simulations show that beam-wave interaction devices based on self-assembled and electroplated helices will potentially provide gain-bandwidth products higher than 2 dBTHz at 1 THz. Informed by the simulation results, we fabricate prototype helices for operation as slow-wave structures at THz frequencies, using metal nanomembranes. Single and intertwined double helices, as well as helices with one or two chiralities, are obtained by self-assembly of stressed metal bilayers. The nanomembrane stiffness and built-in stress control the diameter of the helices. The in-plane geometry of the nanomembrane determines the pitch, the chirality, and the formation of single vs intertwined double helices.

Hydrolysed formula, delayed food introduction and fatty acids for atopic dermatitis prevention in infancy.

AIM: The role of nutrition in preventing atopic diseases including atopic dermatitis has recently gained interest in the medical community. Caregivers of infants and children at an increased risk for developing atopic dermatitis often employ exclusion diets or other measures in hopes of preventing the development of this burdensome disease. This paper reviews the current literature in regard to the role of preventative dietary measures in the context of atopic dermatitis, with a special focus on the topics of hydrolysed formula, early vs. delayed introduction of certain foods and fatty acid supplementation. METHODS: Literature pertaining to preventative dietary measures for infants at risk for atopic dermatitis was reviewed. RESULTS: Analysis of the literature suggests that hydrolysed formula should not be routinely offered to infants for prevention of atopic dermatitis. Formulas utilised should contain concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids similar to that in breast milk. Finally, infant caregivers should not delay or restrict introduction of food, which can be more harmful than helpful to the patient. CONCLUSION: Recommendations to caretakers providing for infants at risk for atopic dermatitis should include infant consumption of breast milk and avoid delayed introduction of foods.

Randomized trial comparing visual outcomes of toric intraocular lens implantation using manual and digital marker.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the visual outcome of participants undergoing toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after cataract extraction using manual marking versus digital marking for intraoperative guidance. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial of participants with cataract and corneal astigmatism of 1.00 D-4.50 D. The eyes were grouped into manual marking (Group 1) and digital marking (Group 2). Preoperative Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and corneal astigmatism were determined. IOL power and axis of alignment were determined using Barrett toric calculator. Eyes were marked by bubble marker and Mendez ring in group 1 and by VERION (Alcon, Fort Worth, Texas) digital overlay in Group 2. Postoperatively, UDVA, CDVA, residual refractive cylinder and IOL misalignment were determined (iTrace system, Tracey technologies) at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3 months. RESULTS: A total of 61 eyes of 50 participants, 31 in Group 1 and 30 in Group 2, were studied. The mean postoperative cylindrical error was 0.50 ± 0.39 D in Group 1 and 0.29 ± 0.34 D in Group 2 (P = 0.03). 67.74% (n = 21) and 93.55% (n = 29) eyes achieved a residual astigmatism of ≤0.50 D and ≤1.00 D, respectively, in Group 1, whereas 83.33% (n = 25) and 100% (n = 30) eyes achieved a residual astigmatism of ≤0.50 D and ≤1.00 D, respectively, in Group 2 at 3 months postoperatively. Toric IOL misalignment was 4.71 ± 3.12° in Group 1 and 4.03 ± 2.99° in Group 2 (P = 0.39). CONCLUSION: Accurate manual marking and digital marking are equally effective guides for toric IOL alignment, intraoperatively.

A simple contagion process describes spreading of traffic jams in urban networks.

The spread of traffic jams in urban networks has long been viewed as a complex spatio-temporal phenomenon that often requires computationally intensive microscopic models for analysis purposes. In this study, we present a framework to describe the dynamics of congestion propagation and dissipation of traffic in cities using a simple contagion process, inspired by those used to model infectious disease spread in a population. We introduce two macroscopic characteristics for network traffic dynamics, namely congestion propagation rate ß and congestion dissipation rate µ. We describe the dynamics of congestion spread using these new parameters embedded within a system of ordinary differential equations, similar to the well-known susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model. The proposed contagion-based dynamics are verified through an empirical multi-city analysis, and can be used to monitor, predict and control the fraction of congested links in the network over time.

The risk and prevention of venous thromboembolism in the pregnant traveller.

BACKGROUND: The average risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in long haul travellers is approximately 2.8 per 1000 travellers, which is increased in the presence of other VTE risk factors. In pregnant long-haul travellers, little is known in terms of the absolute risk of VTE in these women and, therefore, there is limited consensus on appropriate thromboprophylaxis in this setting. OBJECTIVE: This review will provide guidance to allow practitioners to safely minimize the risk of travel-related VTE in pregnant women. The suggestions provided are based on limited data, extrapolated risk estimates of VTE in pregnant travellers and recommendations from published guidelines. RESULTS: We found that the absolute VTE risk per flight appears to be <1% for the average pregnant or postpartum traveller. In pregnant travellers with a prior history of VTE, a potent thrombophilia or strong antepartum risk factors (e.g. combination of obesity and immobility), the risk of VTE with travel appears to be >1%. Postpartum, the risk of VTE with travel may be >1% for women with thrombophilias (particularly in those with a family history) and other transient risk factors and in women with a prior VTE. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, we recommend simple measures be taken by all pregnant travellers, such as frequent ambulation, hydration and calf exercises. In those at an intermediate risk, we suggest a consideration of 20-30 mmHg compression stockings. In the highest risk group, we suggest careful consideration for low-molecular-weight heparin thromboprophylaxis. If there are specific concerns, we advise consultation with a thrombosis expert at the nearest local centre.

Benzimidazole: A Milestone in the Field of Medicinal Chemistry.

In the last 2-3 decades, the broad research in the application of benzimidazole derivatives made it important for mankind. Many scientists have worked on benzimidazole derivatives and they found that this compound has a diverse role in the field of medicinal chemistry. Few benzimidazole derivatives are currently in the market as a drug candidate against various diseases. Moreover, the benzimidazole derivatives exhibit pharmacological activities such as anti-tuberculosis, anti-malarial, antihistamine, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-HIV, etc. In this review, we have summarized various derivatives of benzimidazole which have been prepared by many researchers to understand the chemistry as well as diverse pharmacological activities. These findings may lead the scientists who are working in the field of medicinal chemistry to the development of benzimidazole based drug candidates in the future.