Breaking down barriers: rationalisations and motivation to stop among Chinese male smokers under cigarette dependence.

BACKGROUND: Smoking rationalisation beliefs are a huge barrier to quitting smoking. What types of rationalisations should be emphasised in smoking cessation interventions? Although past literature has confirmed the negative relationship between those beliefs and motivation to stop smoking, little is known regarding the importance and performance of those beliefs on motivation with varying cigarette dependence. The study aimed to ascertain rationalisations that are highly important for motivation yet perform poorly in different cigarette dependence groups. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from November 19 to December 9, 2023 in Guiyang City, China. Adult male current smokers were enrolled. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesis. The multi-group analysis was used to determine the moderating effect of cigarette dependence, and the importance-performance map analysis was utilised to assess the importance and performance of rationalisations. RESULTS: A total of 616 adult male current smokers were analysed, and they were divided into the low cigarette dependence group (n = 297) and the high cigarette dependence group (n = 319). Except for risk generalisation beliefs, smoking functional beliefs (H1: -ß = 0.131, P < 0.01), social acceptability beliefs (H3: ß = -0.258, P < 0.001), safe smoking beliefs (H4: ß = -0.078, P < 0.05), self-exempting beliefs (H5: ß = -0.244, P < 0.001), and quitting is harmful beliefs (H6: ß = -0.148, P < 0.01) all had a significant positive influence on motivation. Cigarette dependence moderated the correlation between rationalisations and motivation. In the high-dependence group, the social acceptability beliefs and smoking functional beliefs were located in the "Concentrate Here" area. In the low-dependence group, the social acceptability beliefs were also situated in there. CONCLUSIONS: Social acceptability beliefs and smoking functional beliefs showed great potential and value for improvement among high-dependence smokers, while only social acceptability beliefs had great potential and value for improvement among low-dependence smokers. Addressing these beliefs will be helpful for smoking cessation. The multi-group analysis and the importance-performance map analysis technique have practical implications and can be expanded to other domains of health education and intervention practice.

Chiral Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Asymmetric Reaction via Vinylidene ortho-Quinone Methides.

Vinylidene ortho-quinone methides (VQMs) have been proven to be versatile and crucial intermediates in the catalytic asymmetric reaction in last decade, and thus have drawn considerable concentrations on account of the practical application in the construction of enantiomerically pure functional organic molecules. However, in comparison to the well established chiral Brønsted base-catalyzed asymmetric reaction via VQMs, chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed reaction is rarely studied and there is no systematic summary to date. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed asymmetric reaction via VQMs according to three types of reactions: a) intermolecular asymmetric nucleophilic addition to VQMs; b) intermolecular asymmetric cycloaddition of VQMs; c) intramolecular asymmetric cyclization of VQMs. Finally, we put forward the remained challenges and opportunities for potential breakthroughs in this area.

Quality Evaluation of Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically assess the methodological quality and key recommendations of the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of liver failure (LF), furnishing constructive insights for guideline developers and equipping clinicians with evidence-based information to facilitate informed decision-making. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases and manual searches from January 2011 to August 2023. STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, then full texts for eligibility. Fourteen guidelines were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers extracted data and checked by two others. Methodological quality of the guidelines was appraised using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool. Of the 14 guidelines, only the guidelines established by the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the American College of Gastroenterology (2023) achieved an aggregate quality score exceeding 60%, thereby meriting clinical recommendations. It emerged that there remains ample room for enhancement in the quality of the guidelines, particularly within the domains of stakeholder engagement, rigor, and applicability. Furthermore, an in-depth scrutiny of common recommendations and supporting evidence drawn from the 10 adult LF guidelines unveiled several key issues: controversy exists in the recommendation, the absence of supporting evidence and confusing use of evidence for recommendations, and a preference in evidence selection. CONCLUSIONS: There are high differences in methodological quality and recommendations among LF guidelines. Improving these existing problems and controversies will benefit existing clinical practice and will be an effective way for developers to upgrade the guidelines.

A self-immobilizing near-infrared fluorogenic probe for in vivo imaging of fibroblast activation protein-α.

Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes, making it a key target for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. However, in vivo detection of FAP activity with fluorogenic probes remains challenging due to the rapid diffusion and clearance of fluorescent products from the target. Herein, we developed a self-immobilizing near-infrared (NIR) fluorogenic probe, Hcy-CF2H-PG, by introducing a difluoromethyl group to FAP substrate-caged NIR fluorophore. Upon selective activation by FAP, the fluorescence of Hcy-CF2H-PG was triggered, followed by the covalent labelling of FAP. Hcy-CF2H-PG demonstrated significantly improved sensitivity, selectivity, and long-lasting labelling capacity for FAP both in vitro and in vivo, compared to that of non-immobilized probes. This represents a noteworthy advancement in FAP detection and cancer diagnostics within complex physiological systems.

[Progress of anterior subcutaneous internal fixation in the treatment of anterior pelvic ring injury].

Anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (INFIX) is one of the current representatives of minimally invasive fixation of injuries to the anterior pelvic ring. The nail insertion point of this technique is located at the anterior inferior iliac spinous screw, with an angle of 30° outward and 20° backward. Screw in at an angle, and note that the screw head should be above the deep fascia and maintain a safe distance of 20 to 25 mm from the bone surface. Its improved versions include 3 or 4 nails INFIX with added pubic tubercle screws, unilateral INFIX, short-rod INFIX, and double INFIX. These improvements further enhance stability. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) is relatively easy to be damaged during anatomy, so special attention should be paid during the operation. Biomechanical stability has advantages over external fixation, and its application is flexible. It is not limited to pubic ramus fracture, symphyseal separation, etc. It also plays an important role in combined anterior and posterior ring fixation. It can be combined with posterior sacroiliac screws, iliac lumbar screws, etc. Fixed etc. Good clinical results have also been reported in children, pregnant women, and people with contraindications for subcutaneous connecting rods. In addition, the current application of robots, reduction frames and other technologies has greatly reduced the difficulty of reduction and improved the quality of closed reduction, making it possible to fix complex pelvic fracture. This technique has high reduction quality and is as effective as traditional steel plates. A common complication is LFCN injury. Careful exposure and adjustment of the position and depth of internal fixation during surgery can effectively avoid this complication.

Fine-tuning of stable organic free-radical photosensitizers for photodynamic immunotherapy.

Photodynamic immunotherapy (PDI) is an innovative approach to cancer treatment that utilizes photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photosensitizers (PSs) to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). However, currently most commonly used PSs have restricted capabilities to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) via a type-II mechanism under hypoxic environments, which limits their effectiveness in PDI. To overcome this, we propose a novel approach for constructing oxygen independent PSs based on stable organic free-radical molecules. By fine-tuning the characteristics of tris(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)-methyl (TTM) radicals through the incorporation of electron-donating moieties, we successfully found that TTMIndoOMe could produce substantial amounts of ROS even in hypoxic environments. In vitro experiments showed that TTMIndoOMe could effectively produce O2˙-, kill tumor cells and trigger ICD. Moreover, in vivo experiments also demonstrated that TTMIndoOMe could further trigger anti-tumor immune response and exhibit a superior therapeutic effect compared with PDT alone. Our study offers a promising approach towards the development of next-generation PSs functioning efficiently even under hypoxic conditions and also paves the way for the creation of more effective PSs for PDI.

MTHFD2-mediated redox homeostasis promotes gastric cancer progression under hypoxic conditions.

OBJECTIVES: Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to adapt to high oxidative stress, but little is known about how metabolic remodeling enables gastric cancer cells to survive stress associated with aberrant reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Here, we aimed to identify the key metabolic enzymes that protect gastric cancer (GC) cells from oxidative stress. METHODS: ROS level was detected by DCFH-DA probes. Multiple cell biological studies were performed to identify the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, cell-based xenograft and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model were performed to evaluate the role of MTHFD2 in vivo. RESULTS: We found that overexpression of MTHFD2, but not MTHFD1, is associated with reduced overall and disease-free survival in gastric cancer. In addition, MTHFD2 knockdown reduces the cellular NADPH/NADP+ ratio, colony formation and mitochondrial function, increases cellular ROS and cleaved PARP levels and induces in cell death under hypoxia, a hallmark of solid cancers and a common inducer of oxidative stress. Moreover, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of MTHFD2 reduces tumor burden in both tumor cell lines and patient-derived xenograft-based models. DISCUSSION: our study highlights the crucial role of MTHFD2 in redox regulation and tumor progression, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of targeting MTHFD2.

Effect of the extrahepatic bile duct anatomy on choledocholithiasis and its clinical significance.

BACKGROUND: A comprehensive understanding of the extrahepatic bile duct anatomy is vital to guide surgical procedures and perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Anatomical irregularities within the extrahepatic bile duct may increase susceptibility to bile duct stones. AIM: To investigate the anatomical risk factors associated with extrahepatic bile ducts in patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis, with a specific focus on preventing stone recurrence after surgical intervention and endoscopic lithotomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 124 patients without choledocholithiasis and 108 with confirmed choledocholithiasis who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography examinations at our center between January 2022 and October 2022. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the anatomical risk factors influencing the incidence of common bile duct stones. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors independently contributed to choledocholithiasis risk. Significant independent risk factors for choledocholithiasis were diameter of the common hepatic [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-1.92, adjusted P value = 0.016] and common bile (aOR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.27-2.23, adjusted P value < 0.001) ducts, length of the common hepatic duct (aOR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.84-0.99, adjusted P value = 0.034), and angle of the common bile duct (aOR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.89-0.95, adjusted P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The anatomical features of the extrahepatic bile duct were directly associated with choledocholithiasis risk. Key risk factors include an enlarged diameter of the common hepatic and bile ducts, a shorter length of the common hepatic duct, and a reduced angle of the common bile duct.

Metalation of metal-organic frameworks: fundamentals and applications.

Metalation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been developed as a prominent strategy for materials functionalization for pore chemistry modulation and property optimization. By introducing exotic metal ions/complexes/nanoparticles onto/into the parent framework, many metallized MOFs have exhibited significantly improved performance in a wide range of applications. In this review, we focus on the research progress in the metalation of metal-organic frameworks during the last five years, spanning the design principles, synthetic strategies, and potential applications. Based on the crystal engineering principles, a minor change in the MOF composition through metalation would lead to leveraged variation of properties. This review starts from the general strategies established for the incorporation of metal species within MOFs, followed by the design principles to graft the desired functionality while maintaining the porosity of frameworks. Facile metalation has contributed a great number of bespoke materials with excellent performance, and we summarize their applications in gas adsorption and separation, heterogeneous catalysis, detection and sensing, and energy storage and conversion. The underlying mechanisms are also investigated by state-of-the-art techniques and analyzed for gaining insight into the structure-property relationships, which would in turn facilitate the further development of design principles. Finally, the current challenges and opportunities in MOF metalation have been discussed, and the promising future directions for customizing the next-generation advanced materials have been outlined as well.

DOTA-Based Plectin-1 Targeted Contrast Agent Enables Detection of Pancreatic Cancer in Human Tissue.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive and lethal malignancy with extremely poor patient survival rates. A key reason for the poor prognosis is the lack of effective diagnostic tools to detect the disease at curable, premetastatic stages. Tumor surgical resection is PDAC's first-line treatment, however distinguishing between cancerous and healthy tissue with current imaging tools remains a challenge. In this work, we report a DOTA-based fluorescent probe targeting plectin-1 for imaging PDAC with high specificity. To enable heterogeneous functionalization of the DOTA-core with multiple targeting peptide units and the fluorophore, a novel, fully clickable synthetic route that proceeds in one pot was developed. Extensive validation of the probe set the stage for PDAC detection in mice and human tissue. Altogether, these findings may pave the way for improved clinical understanding and early detection of PDAC progression as well as more accurate resection criteria.

Aromatic-Carbonyl Interactions as an Emerging Type of Non-Covalent Interactions.

Aromatic-carbonyl (Ar···C═O) interactions, attractive interactions between the arene plane and the carbon atom of carbonyl, are in the infancy as one type of new supramolecular bonding forces. Here the study and functionalization of aromatic-carbonyl interactions in solution is reported. A combination of aromatic-carbonyl interactions and dynamic covalent chemistry provided a versatile avenue. The stabilizing role and mechanism of arene-aldehyde/imine interactions are elucidated through crystal structures, NMR studies, and computational evidence. The movement of imine exchange equilibria further allowed the quantification of the interplay between arene-aldehyde/imine interactions and dynamic imine chemistry, with solvent effects offering another handle and matching the electrostatic feature of the interactions. Moreover, arene-aldehyde/imine interactions enabled the reversal of kinetic and thermodynamic selectivity and sorting of dynamic covalent libraries. To show the functional utility diverse modulation of fluorescence signals is realized with arene-aldehyde/imine interactions. The results should find applications in many aspects, including molecular recognition, assemblies, catalysis, and intelligent materials.

Algorithm of automatic identification of diabetic retinopathy foci based on ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.

AIM: To propose an algorithm for automatic detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions based on ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO). METHODS: The algorithm utilized the FasterRCNN (Faster Regions with CNN features)+ResNet50 (Residua Network 50)+FPN (Feature Pyramid Networks) method for detecting hemorrhagic spots, cotton wool spots, exudates, and microaneurysms in DR ultra-widefield SLO. Subimage segmentation combined with a deeper residual network FasterRCNN+ResNet50 was employed for feature extraction to enhance intelligent learning rate. Feature fusion was carried out by the feature pyramid network FPN, which significantly improved lesion detection rates in SLO fundus images. RESULTS: By analyzing 1076 ultra-widefield SLO images provided by our hospital, with a resolution of 2600×2048 dpi, the accuracy rates for hemorrhagic spots, cotton wool spots, exudates, and microaneurysms were found to be 87.23%, 83.57%, 86.75%, and 54.94%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithm demonstrates intelligent detection of DR lesions in ultra-widefield SLO, providing significant advantages over traditional fundus color imaging intelligent diagnosis algorithms.

Cross-Modal Retrieval Between 13C NMR Spectra and Structures Based on Focused Libraries.

Library matching by comparing carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectra with spectral data in the library is a crucial method for compound identification. In our previous paper, we introduced a deep contrastive learning system called CReSS, which used a library that contained more structures. However, CReSS has two limitations: there were no unknown structures in the library, and a redundant library reduces the structure-elucidation accuracy. Herein, we replaced the oversize traditional libraries with focused libraries containing a small number of molecules. A previously generative model, CMGNet, was used to generate focused libraries for CReSS. The combined model achieved a Top-10 accuracy of 54.03% when tested on 6,471 13C NMR spectra. In comparison, CReSS with a random reference structure library achieved an accuracy of only 9.17%. Furthermore, to expand the advantages of the focused libraries, we proposed SAmpRNN, which is a recurrent neural network (RNN). With the large focused library amplified by SAmpRNN, the structure-identification accuracy of the model increased in 70.0% of the 30 random example cases. In general, cross-modal retrieval between 13C NMR spectra and structures based on focused libraries (CFLS) achieved high accuracy and provided more accurate candidate structures than traditional libraries for compound identification.

[Synthesis and tissue distribution of bufadienolides in Bufo bufo gargarizans].

This study explored the biosynthesis of bufadienolides(BDs) in Bufo bufo gargarizans to solve the dilemma of the decreasing resources of B. bufo gargarizans and provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable utilization of the resources. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap-mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS) was employed to detect the synthesis sites of BDs in B. bufo gargarizans, and the results were verified by desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging(DESI-MSI) and homogenate incubation experiments. BDs in B. bufo gargarizans had the highest content in the liver and the highest concentration in the gallbladder, in addition to the parotid gland and skin, which suggested that the liver could synthesize BDs. The results of DESI-MSI also showed that BDs were mainly enriched in the liver rather than the immature parotid gland. The incubation experiment of liver homogenates demonstrated the liver of B. bufo gargarizans had the ability to synthesize BDs. This study showed that the liver was a major organ for the synthesis of BDs in B. bufo gargarizans during metamorphosis, development, and growth, which provided strong theoretical support for the biosynthesis of BDs and the sustainable utilization of B. bufo gargarizans resources.

Selenochemical modification of low molecular weight polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa and the mechanism of their inhibitory effects on gastric cancer cells.

An important micronutrient involved in immune response and antitumor is selenium. LMW-GFP, a polysaccharide extracted from Grifola frondosa seed bodies, has a relatively weak antitumor effect on BGC-823 and MFC cells in vitro, whereas selenium binding to LMW-GFP can significantly increase the in vitro antitumor activity of LMW-GFP. In this study, Se-LMW-GFP was prepared by the HNO3-Na2SeO3 method, and the structures of LMW-GFP and Se-LMW-GFP were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy of absorption, FTIR spectroscopy, and electron scanning microscopy, and these structural analyses showed that selenium was successfully complexed to LMW-GFP. The selenium content of Se-LMW-GFP was measured to be 2.08 % ± 0.08 % by ICP-MS. The anti-tumor activity of LMW-GFP before and after selenium modification was compared by cellular experiments, and the findings indicated that the anti-tumor activity of Se-LMW-GFP was considerably improved over that of LMW-GFP, and inhibited the proliferation of BGC-823 cells and MFC cells through a combination of the Fas/FasL-mediated exogenous death receptor pathway as well as the endogenous mitochondrial pathway. Our results suggest that Se-LMW-GFP not only has great potential for natural health food and anti-gastric cancer drug development but is also a good selenium supplement.

Unravelling Immune-Inflammatory Responses and Lysosomal Adaptation: Insights from Two-Photon Excited Delayed Fluorescence Imaging.

Two-photon excitation (TPE) microscopy with near-infrared (NIR) emission has emerged as a promising technique for deep-tissue optical imaging. Recent developments in fluorescence lifetime imaging with long-lived emission probes have further enhanced the spatial resolution and precision of fluorescence imaging, especially in complex systems with short-lived background signals. In this study, two innovative lysosome-targeting probes, Cz-NA and tCz-NA, are introduced. These probes offer a combination of advantages, including TPE (λex = 880 nm), NIR emission (λem = 650 nm), and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with long-lived lifetimes (1.05 and 1.71 µs, respectively). These characteristics significantly improve the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in deep-tissue imaging. By integrating an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) device with TPE microscopy, the authors successfully applied Cz-NA in two-photon excited delayed fluorescence (TPEDF) imaging to track lysosomal adaptation and immune responses to inflammation in mice. This study sheds light on the relationship between lysosome tubulation, innate immune responses, and inflammation in vivo, providing valuable insights for the development of autofluorescence-free molecular probes in the future.

Study on the potential mechanism of Qingxin Lianzi Yin Decoction on renoprotection in db/db mice via network pharmacology and metabolomics.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) was one of the most popular and most significant microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Qingxin Lianzi Yin Decoction (QXLZY) was a traditional Chinese classical formula, suitable for chronic urinary system diseases. QXLZY had good clinical efficacy in early DN, but the underlying molecular mechanism remained unrevealed. PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish the content determination method of QXLZY index components and explore the mechanism of QXLZY on DN by network pharmacology and metabolomics studies. METHODS: Firstly, the content determination methods of QXLZY were established with calycosin-7-O-ß-d-glucoside, acteoside, baicalin and glycyrrhizic acid as index components. Secondly, pharmacological experiments of QXLZY were evaluated using db/db mice. UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS was used to carry out untargeted urine metabolomics, serum metabolomics, and kidney metabolomics studies. Thirdly, employing network pharmacology, key components and targets were analyzed. Finally, targeted metabolomics studies were performed on the endogenous constituents in biological samples for validation based on untargeted metabolomics results. RESULTS: A method for the simultaneous determination of multiple index components in QXLZY was established, which passed the comprehensive methodological verification. It was simple, feasible, and scientific. The QXLZY treatment alleviated kidney injury of db/db mice, included the degree of histopathological damage and the level of urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio. Untargeted metabolomics studies had identified metabolic dysfunction in pathways associated with amino acid metabolism in db/db mice. Treatment with QXLZY could reverse metabolite abnormalities and influence the pathways related to energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. It had been found that pathways with a high degree were involved in signal transduction, prominently on amino acids metabolism and lipid metabolism, analyzed by network pharmacology. Disorders of amino acid metabolism did occur in db/db mice. QXLZY could revert the levels of metabolites, such as quinolinic acid, arginine, and asparagine. CONCLUSION: This study was the first time to demonstrate that QXLZY alleviated diabetes-induced pathological changes in the kidneys of db/db mice by correcting disturbances in amino acid metabolism. This work could provide a new experimental basis and theoretical guidance for the rational application of QXLZY on DN, exploring the new pharmacological effect of traditional Chinese medicine, and promoting in-depth research and development.

Investigating the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic plaque remodelling and diabetes using high-resolution vessel wall imaging.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial atherosclerosis, a leading cause of stroke, involves arterial plaque formation. This study explores the link between plaque remodelling patterns and diabetes using high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI). AIM: To investigate the factors of intracranial atherosclerotic remodelling patterns and the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic remodelling and diabetes mellitus using HR-VWI. METHODS: Ninety-four patients diagnosed with middle cerebral artery or basilar artery atherosclerosis were enrolled. Their basic clinical data were collected, and HR-VWI was performed. The vascular area at the plaque (VAMLN) and normal reference vessel (VAreference) were delineated and measured using image postprocessing software, and the Remodelling index (RI) was calculated. According to the value of the RI, the patients were divided into a positive remodelling (PR) group, intermediate remodelling (IR) group, negative remodelling (NR) group, PR group and non-PR (N-PR) group. RESULTS: The PR group exhibited a higher prevalence of diabetes and serum cholesterol levels than the IR and NR groups [45.2%, 4.54 (4.16, 5.93) vs 25%, 4.80 ± 1.22 and 16.4%, 4.14 (3.53, 4.75), respectively, P < 0.05]. The diabetes incidence was also significantly greater in the PR group than in the N-PR group (45.2% vs 17.5%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the PR group displayed elevated serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels compared to the N-PR group [1.64 (1.23, 2.33) and 4.54 (4.16, 5.93) vs 4.54 (4.16, 5.93) and 4.24 (3.53, 4.89), P < 0.05]. Logistic regression analysis revealed diabetes mellitus as an independent influencing factor in plaque-PR [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.718 (1.207-11.454), P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: HR-VWI can clearly show the morphology and signal characteristics of intracranial vascular walls and plaques. Intracranial atherosclerotic plaques in diabetic patients are more likely to show PR, suggesting poor plaque stability and a greater risk of stroke.

Growth, spectroscopy and SESAM mode-locking of a "mixed" Yb:Ca(Gd,Y)AlO4 disordered crystal.

We present the growth, spectroscopy, continuous-wave (CW) and passively mode-locked (ML) operation of a novel "mixed" tetragonal calcium rare-earth aluminate crystal, Yb3+:Ca(Gd,Y)AlO4. The absorption, stimulated-emission, and gain cross-sections are derived for π and σ polarizations. The laser performance of a c-cut Yb:Ca(Gd,Y)AlO4 crystal is studied using a spatially single-mode, 976-nm fiber-coupled laser diode as a pump source. A maximum output power of 347 mW is obtained in the CW regime with a slope efficiency of 48.9%. The emission wavelength is continuously tunable across 90 nm (1010 - 1100 nm) using a quartz-based Lyot filter. With a commercial SEmiconductor Saturable Absorber Mirror to initiate and maintain ML operation, soliton pulses as short as 35 fs are generated at 1059.8 nm with an average output power of 51 mW at ∼65.95 MHz. The average output power can be scaled to 105 mW for slightly longer pulses of 42 fs at 1063.5 nm.

Continuous-wave and SESAM mode-locked operation of a Yb:YSr3(PO4)3 laser.

We report on the continuous-wave (CW) and, for what we believe to be the first time, passively mode-locked (ML) laser operation of an Yb3+-doped YSr3(PO4)3 crystal. Utilizing a 976-nm spatially single-mode, fiber-coupled laser diode as pump source, the Yb:YSr3(PO4)3 laser delivers a maximum CW output power of 333 mW at 1045.8 nm with an optical efficiency of 55.7% and a slope efficiency of 60.9%. Employing a quartz-based Lyot filter, an impressive wavelength tuning range of 97 nm at the zero level was achieved in the CW regime, spanning from 1007 nm to 1104 nm. In the ML regime, incorporating a commercially available semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) to initiate and maintain soliton-like pulse shaping, the Yb:YSr3(PO4)3 laser generated pulses as short as 61 fs at 1062.7 nm, with an average output power of 38 mW at a repetition rate of ∼66.7 MHz.