3.73 W all-solid-state dual-wavelength Nd:Lu2O3 crystal laser.

The laser output characteristics of N d:L u 2 O 3 crystals were investigated in detail to obtain a dual-wavelength all-solid-state laser. Using 806 nm LD end-face pumped N d:L u 2 O 3 crystals with lengths of 6 mm, a 1076 & 1080 nm laser outputs with a maximum output power of 3.73 W were obtained, with a slope efficiency of 30.4%, an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 28.5%, and a power stability of 0.41% for 4 h of continuous measurement. Furthermore, by suppressing the higher-order modes, a high beam quality laser output with beam quality factors of 2.092 and 1.589 in the x and y directions, respectively, and a maximum output power of 1.27 W were obtained. In addition, it was experimentally verified that both wavelengths of the output laser were elliptically polarized.

Mg-Defect Compensation to Realize High Performance at Room Temperature in Mg3Bi2-Based Thermoelectric Single Crystals.

Mg3Bi2-based materials are a very promising substitute for current commercial Bi2Te3 thermoelectric alloys. The successful growth of Mg3Bi2-based single crystals with high room-temperature performance is especially significant for practical applications. Previous studies indicated that the effective suppression of Mg defects in Mg3Bi2-based materials was crucial for high performance, which was usually realized by applying excessive Mg during syntheses. However, utilization of excessive Mg generates Mg-rich phases between the crystalline boundaries and is unfavorable for the long-term stability of the materials. Here, bulk single crystals with a low-content Mg component such as Mg3.1Bi1.49Sb0.5Te0.01 were successfully grown. For compensating Mg defects, Li was chosen as the additional electron dopant. The results indicate that Li is a very effective electron compensator when low-concentration doping is applied. For high-concentration doping, Mg atoms in the lattice are substituted by Li, leading to decreased electron concentration again. This strategy is very significant for improving the room-temperature performance of Mg3Bi2-based materials. As a result, a record-high figure of merit of 1.05 at 300 K is achieved for Mg3+xLi0.003Bi1.49Sb0.5Te0.01 single crystals.

Novel phosphor GdY2SbO7 co-dope with Eu3+ and Bi3+ for optical thermometer.

A series of GdY2SbO7:Bi3+, Eu3+ phosphors were prepared using the conventional solid-state reaction. In this study, the photoluminescence properties and temperature sensitivity of the samples were investigated. When Bi3+ and Eu3+ were codoped into GdY2SbO7, the intensity of Bi3+ decreased with increasing Eu3+ concentration, indicating a potential energy transfer from Bi3+ to Eu3+. To examine the temperature sensitivity of the sample, its emission spectrum was investigated in the range of 300-500 K. Based on different temperature dependences of Bi3+ and Eu3+, the relative sensitivity (Sr) and absolute sensitivity (Sa) of the samples were calculated using the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) and thermochromic methods. In FIR modes, Sr based on IEu3+/IBi3+ reached 1.26 % K-1 at 500 K, while Sr on double excitation method reached 1.36 % K-1 at 340 K. In addition, according to the thermochromic properties of GdY2SbO7:Bi3+, Eu3+ phosphor, the temperature-sensing ability of the sample was investigated, and Sr reached a maximum value of 0.5996 % K-1 at 300 K.

Sub-100-fs Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:Lu2O3 laser with more than 60% optical efficiency.

Yb-doped sesquioxides represent one of the most excellent laser crystals applying for high-power ultrafast lasers owing to their very high thermal conductivities and broadband emission spectra. Pumped by a high-brightness Yb-fiber laser at 976 nm, the Yb:Lu2O3 laser delivers a maximum output power that amounts to 3.55 W in the continuous-wave regime with an optical efficiency of 75%. In the mode-locked regime, 90-fs pulses were generated via soft-aperture Kerr-lens mode-locking at 1080.6 nm with an average output power of 2.85 W, which corresponds to an optical efficiency of 60.3% and a slope efficiency of 68.8%. Average output power of the mode-locked Yb:Lu2O3 laser can be further scaled to 3.05 W at the expense of the pulse duration (178 fs), which corresponds to an optical efficiency as high as 64.5%. To the best of our knowledge, it is the highest optical efficiency ever reported from any solid-state Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb lasers.

Effects of Transdermal 17ß-Estradiol + Norethisterone Acetate on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women: A Meta-analysis of Data From Randomized, Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: To date, no study has demonstrated the role of transdermal 17ß-estradiol + norethisterone acetate on all of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. To overcome this knowledge gap, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the effects of this combination treatment on BMI, body weight, waist/hip ratio, fibrinogen, factor VII, lipoprotein(a), fasting blood sugar, insulin, HbA1c, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC in postmenopausal women. METHODS: PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles published between the inception of each database and April 6, 2023. The sample size and mean (SD) were used to calculate overall effect size using a random-effects model. FINDINGS: A total of 10 articles with 14 arms were included in the meta-analysis. On pooled analysis of effect size, fibrinogen (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.18 g/L; 95% CI, -0.25 to -0.10), factor VII (WMD, -9.58; 95% CI, -12.51 to -6.64), LDL-C (WMD, -13.09 mg/dL; 95% CI, -18.48 to -7.71), and TC (WMD, -12.61 mg/dL; 95% CI, -18.11 to -7.12) were significantly affected with the use of transdermal 17ß-estradiol + norethisterone acetate (all, P < 0.001), but effects on lipoprotein(a), TG, HDL-C, fasting blood sugar, insulin, HbA1c, BMI, body weight, and waist/hip ratio were not significant. IMPLICATIONS: Based on the findings from the present systematic review and meta-analysis, it was concluded that transdermal administration of 17ß-estradiol + norethisterone acetate had beneficial impacts on fibrinogen, factor VII, LDL-C, and TC, suggesting a possible application in the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk.

Identifying patterns of kinesiophobia trajectories among COPD patients: A longitudinal study.

AIM: To determine differences in kinesiophobia levels among COPD patients at different time points 6 months after discharge；To identify potential subgroups of COPD patients who perceived different levels of kinesiophobia over time；and to evaluate differences in identified subgroups based on demographic and disease-related characteristics DESIGN: An observational longitudinal study. METHODS: OPD patients hospitalized in respiratory department of a grade A hospital in Huzhou city from October 2021 to May 2022 were selected as the research objects. TSK scale was used to evaluate the level of kinesiophobia at discharge (T1), 1 month after discharge (T2), 4 months after discharge (T3) and 6 months after discharge (T4). The kinesiophobia level scores at different time points were compared using latent class growth modelling. ANOVA and Fisher's exact tests were used to test differences in demographic characteristics，and univariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to explore the influencing factors. RESULTS: During the first 6 months after discharge, kinesiophobia levels decreased significantly in the entire sample of COPD patients. The best-fitting group-based trajectory model described three distinctive trajectories: Low kinesiophobia group (31.4% of sample); Medium kinesiophobia group (43.4% of sample)；and High kinesiophobia group (25.2% of sample). Logistic regression results showed that sex, age, course of disease, pulmonary function, education level, BMI, the level of pain, MCFS and mMRC were influencing factors of kinesiophobia trajectory in COPD patients (p < 0.05).

Self-Q-switched Er:Lu2O3 laser at 2.74 µm.

A diode-pumped self-Q-switched 2.74 µm Er:Lu2O3 crystal solid-state laser has been experimentally and theoretically studied. Without any additional modulation elements, stable self-Q-switched pulses with a pulse width of 145.3 ns, a repetition rate of 227.8 kHz, and an average output power of 877 mW were generated. Considering the excited-state absorption on the laser photons of the Er:Lu2O3 crystal, we have simulated the dynamic process of self-pulsed generation by solving the rate equations numerically. The simulation results are consistent with the typical characteristics of a Q-switched laser.

Increased risk of ovarian and breast malignancies in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a review article.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common abnormalities in 5 to 8% of reproductive-age women, which is associated with high levels of androgens and polycystic ovaries. A clear connection between the level of sex hormones and some women's cancers and infertility abnormalities has been identified. Investigating common mutations in ovarian and breast cancer in people with PCOS can help to better understand the risk and their relationship. Epidemiological data suggest that the induction and biology of breast and ovarian cancer are related to estrogen levels. According to molecular findings, there are common mutations in BRCA genes in ovarian and breast cancer and PCOS patients. The BRCA1 gene produces proteins that prevent malignant tumor formation in the body. Despite common cancer mutations, there is a risk of ovarian and breast cancer in polycystic patients, and these mutations can confirm the risk of ovarian and breast cancer in PCOS patients. Of course, long-term laboratory studies are needed to confirm this relationship. In addition, the presence of genetic mutations can be considered a predisposing marker in connection with ovarian and breast cancer onset, and this awareness can be effective in preventing them from developing in the future.

Does category of strength predict return-to-work after occupational injury?

BACKGROUND: Occupational accidents may lead laborers to lose their working capacities, affecting their physical and mental health. Occupational rehabilitation helps improve the ability of patients with occupational accidents and suggests appropriate jobs to avoid second injuries. This study aimed to identify whether any of the functional capacity evaluation (FCE) strength subtests predicted successful return to work. METHODS: Data were collected of 84 patients receiving government-subsidized occupational rehabilitation between September 2016 and December 2018. A structured questionnaire was employed for pre- and post-training assessment, including basic information, information of the occupational accident, status of the laborer at the opening of the injury case, physical requirement for the job, and physical capacity. Eight subtests of strength were included in the physical capacity evaluation, i.e., carrying, lifting to several levels, power grip, and lateral pinch, to explore the association between the strength tests and return to work. RESULTS: The unadjusted model showed that for every additional kilogram in bilateral carrying strength before work hardening training, the odds of successful return to work increased (crude odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.24, p = 0.027). After adjustment for basic demographic information and pre-accident physical functional elements of work, the odds of successful return to work increased (adjusted OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.04-1.54, p = 0.02) for every additional kilogram in the pre-training bilateral carrying strength. There were no statistically significant differences observed in the other seven subtests. CONCLUSION: Through thorough evaluation and work hardening training provided in the occupational rehabilitation, patients' physical capacity can be understood and improved. However, a full evaluation of functional capacities is prolonged and time-consuming. This study provides evidence that pre-work-hardening bilateral carrying strength may be a promising predictor of return to work and we recommend to consider it as a prioritized test to assist in determining appropriate advice regarding return to work.

Dioscorea deltoidea Leaf Extract (DDLE) Targets PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Inhibits Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth.

Ovarian cancer is the malignant tumour of the female reproductive organ with highest mortality rate among all the types of gynaecological tumours. This study investigated the effect of Dioscorea deltoidea leaf extract (DDLE) on OV-90 and CAOV4 ovarian cancer cells. The results demonstrated that DDLE suppresses OV-90 and CAOV3 cell viability significantly in dose dependent manner. The OV-90 and CAOV3 cell viability were reduced to 24 and 27% respectively with 20 mg/mL DDLE treatment. Five mg/mL DDLE treatment of OV-90 and CAOV4 cells raised percentage of cells in G2-phase to 55.9 and 51.2%, respectively. In 5 mg/mL DDLE -treated OV-90 and CAOV4 cells a prominent suppression in cyclin-D1 and cyclin B1 proteins was observed in 48 h. The DDLE treatment promoted OV-90 and CAOV3 cell apoptosis to 34.65 and 29.89%, respectively. The Fas, FasL, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax levels were up-regulated markedly in the cells after DDLE treatment. Moreover, DDLE treatment suppressed p-mTOR, p-AKT and p-PI3K expression in OV-90 and CAOV3 cells. Thus, DDLE suppressed ovary cancer cell viability and elevated cell apoptosis. Inhibitory effect of DDLE on ovarian cancer cells is associated with targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Size-dependent electrophoretic migration and separation of water-soluble gold nanoclusters by capillary electrophoresis.

Recently, water-soluble gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have attracted more and more attention due to their unique properties. In this study, penicillamine-protected gold nanoclusters (Pen-AuNCs) were synthesized and initially fractionated by sequential size-selective precipitation (SSSP). The crude Pen-AuNCs and SSSP fractions were separated by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with a diode array detector. The effects of key parameters, including the concentration of phosphate buffer, pH value and the ethanol content were systematically investigated. The separation of water-soluble poly-disperse AuNCs were well achieved at 30 mM phosphate buffer with 7.5% EtOH, pH 12.0, and applied voltage of 15 kV. The linear correlation between AuNCs diameter and mobility was observed. This finding provides an important reference for CE separation and product purification of water-soluble AuNCs or other nanomaterials.

Insights into the Role of Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) in the Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles and Their Electrocatalytic Properties.

Four types of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles were prepared from the systems containing PdCl2 or Na2PdCl4 with or without the assistance of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Two types of Pd nanoparticles obtained in the absence of PVP were obviously larger than those synthesized with the assistance of PVP. The former large Pd particles showed typical features in cyclic voltammetry in H2SO4 solution, whereas two types of small Pd nanoparticles did not. However, small nanoparticles treated first in an electrochemical way in 0.5 M KOH solution displayed the adsorption and desorption peaks similar to those of typical Pd-modified electrodes in H2SO4 solution. Large Pd nanoparticles from the PdCl2 synthesis system showed a catalytic specific current of 629 mA/mg in the electrocatalysis of ethanol, whereas large particles from the Na2PdCl4 system showed a current of 262 mA/mg. The maximum catalytic currents of small Pd nanoparticles without surface cleaning treatment were 1382 and 1019 mA/mg for samples from the Na2PdCl4 and PdCl2 systems, respectively, higher than those being treated in KOH solution first, and the electrocatalytic stability of the two untreated samples was better. However, small nanoparticles after the electrochemical treatment can reach the maximum catalytic current faster. The synthesis and structure-property relation of four types of Pd nanoparticles have been discussed and analyzed on the basis of systematically experimental data.

Green, Hydrothermal Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Nanodots from Gardenia, Enabling the Detection of Metronidazole in Pharmaceuticals and Rabbit Plasma.

Strong fluorescent carbon nanodots (FCNs) were synthesized with a green approach using gardenia as a carbon source through a one-step hydrothermal method. FCNs were characterized by their UV-vis absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We further explored the use of as-synthesized FCNs as an effective probe for the detection of metronidazole (MNZ), which is based on MNZ-induced fluorescence quenching of FCNs. The proposed method displayed a wide linear range from 0.8 to 225.0 µM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9992 and a limit of detection as low as 279 nM. It was successfully applied to the determination of MNZ in commercial tablets and rabbit plasma with excellent sensitivity and selectivity, which indicates its potential applications in clinical analysis and biologically related studies.

Morphologic Damage of Rat Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells Induced by Bile Acids Could Be Ameliorated by Farnesoid X Receptor Inhibitor Z-Guggulsterone In Vitro.

Objective. To determine whether bile acids (BAs) affect respiratory functions through the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) expressed in the lungs and to explore the possible mechanisms of BAs-induced respiratory disorder. Methods. Primary cultured alveolar epithelial type II cells (AECIIs) of rat were treated with different concentrations of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) in the presence or absence of FXR inhibitor Z-guggulsterone (GS). Then, expression of FXR in nuclei of AECIIs was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy. And ultrastructural changes of the cells were observed under transmission electron microscope and analyzed by Image-Pro Plus software. Results. Morphologic damage of AECIIs was exhibited in high BAs group in vitro, with high-level expression of FXR, while FXR inhibitor GS could attenuate the cytotoxicity of BAs to AECIIs. Conclusions. FXR expression was related to the morphologic damage of AECIIs induced by BAs, thus influencing respiratory functions.

Effects of bile acids and the bile acid receptor FXR agonist on the respiratory rhythm in the in vitro brainstem medulla slice of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is always accompanied by adverse fetal outcomes such as malfunctions of respiration. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays a critical role in the homeostasis of bile acids. Thus, we are determined to explore the effects of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and five bile acids on respiratory rhythm generation and modulation of neonatal rats. Spontaneous periodic respiratory-related rhythmical discharge activity (RRDA) was recorded from hypoglossal nerves during the perfusion of modified Krebs solution. Group 1-6 was each given GW4064 and five bile acids of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), cholic acid (CA) as well as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) at different concentrations to identify their specific functions on respiratory rhythm modulations. Group 7 was applied to receive FXR blocker Z-guggulsterone and Z-guggulsterone with the above bile acids separately to explore the role of FXR in the respiratory rhythm modulation. Group 8 was given dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as controls. Apart from UDCA, CDCA, DCA LCA and CA all exerted effects on RRDA recorded from hypoglossal nerves in a concentration-dependent manner. Respiratory cycle (RC), Inspiratory time (TI), Expiratory Time (TE) and Integral Amplitude (IA) were influenced and such effects could be reversed by Z-guggulsterone. FXR may contribute to the effects on the modulation of respiratory rhythm exerted by bile acids.

[Effect of bile acids on surface tension of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To observe changes in surface tension of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) in rabbits with hyperbilirubinemia and the influence of bile diluents and 5 different bile acids on BALF surface tension to provide better insight into the regulatory role of bile acids on respiratory function. METHODS: Bronchoalveolar lavage with 0.9% normal saline was carried out in 30 male New Zealand rabbits and the surface tensions of BALF were measured. The changes in BALF surface tension was measured in rabbits with hyperbilirubinemia. Different concentrations of bile diluents, normal saline, or water solutions of 5 bile acids were added into the collected BALF to test their influence on the surface tension of BALF. RESULTS: The BALF from rabbits with hyperbilirubinemia showed a significantly increased surface tension (P<0.05). The bile diluents (1:15, 1:10, and 1:5) added into the BALF increased the surface tension of the BALF by 21.15%, 26.09%, and 19.64%, respectively. Among the water solutions of the 5 bile acids, UDCA produced no significant influence on the surface tension of BALF while CDCA, CA, LCA, and DCA increased the surface tension by 16.10%, 21.66%, 14.21%, and 13.05%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The surface tension of BALF increases significantly during hyperbilirubinemia. Bile diluents as well as the free bile acids CDCA, CA, LCA and DCA, but not UDCA, can increase the surface tension of BALF, suggesting that these bile acids may emulsify pulmonary alveolar surfactants to increase the alveolar surface tension.

C-terminal in Sp1-like artificial zinc-finger proteins plays crucial roles in determining their DNA binding affinity.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the C-terminal zinc-finger-3 in transcription factor Sp1 contributes more than the N-terminal zinc-finger-1 in determining Sp1's DNA binding capacity. Sp1-like artificial poly-zinc-finger proteins (ZFPs) are powerful biotechnological tools for gene-specific recognization and manipulation. It is important to understand whether the C-terminal fingers in the Sp1-like artificial ZFPs remain crucial for their DNA binding ability. Recently, a set of p16 promoter-specific seven-ZFPs (7ZFPs) has been constructed to reactivate the expression of methylation-silenced p16. These 7ZFPs contain one N-terminal three-zinc-finger domain of Sp1 (3ZF), two Sp1-like two-zinc-finger domains derived from the Sp1 finger-2 and finger-3 (2ZF) in the middle and C-terminal regions. RESULTS: In the present study, sets of variants for several representative 7ZFPs with the p16-binding affinity were further constructed. This was accomplished through finger replacements and key amino acid mutations in the N-terminal fingers, C-terminal fingers, and linker peptide, respectively. Their p16-binding activity was analysed using gel mobility shift assays. Results showed that the motif replacement or a key amino acid mutation (S > R) at position +2 of the α-helix in the C-terminal 2ZF domain completely abolished their p16-binding affinity. Deletion of three amino acids in a consensus linker (TGEKP > TG) between finger-7 and the 6 × Histidine-tag in the C-terminal also dramatically abolished their binding affinity. In contrast, the replacement of the finger-3 in the N-terminal 3ZF domain did not affect their binding affinity, but decreased their binding stability. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the present study show that the C-terminal region may play crucial roles in determining the DNA binding affinity of Sp1-like artificial ZFPs.

[Effect of high blood levels of bile acid on respiratory functions of New Zealand rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the patterns of respiratory function variations resulting from the classical reflex of blood pressure fall and high blood levels of bile acid, so as to provide evidence for the regulation of respiratory function via bile acids. METHODS: Seventy New Zealand male Rabbits, under general anesthesia with 20% urethane, were subjected to tracheal intubations and carotid artery cannulations via median incisions of the neck. Using a biological signal acquisition system, the changes in the breathing and blood pressure were observed in response to stimulation of the pneumogastric nerves or to ear vein injections of diluted bile acids or the water solutions of 5 dissociated bile acids. RESULTS: Stimulation of the pneumogastric nerves and injections of diluted bile acids both lowered the blood pressure without significant differences in the total reaction time (T). However, the total respiratory reaction time of bile acids, RT(bile acids), was 9-10 times longer than the total reaction time of blood pressure T(bile acids) (P<0.001). The peak-peak values of respiratory range RR(bile acids) were higher than that RR(pneumogastric nerves)resulting from the classical reflex (P<0.001). In the interval of RT1(bile acids), the values of RR(bile acids) were significantly higher than those of RR(bile acids) in RT2(bile acids) interval. UDCA produced no significant influence on blood pressure or respiratory function (P<0.05) as the other 4 dissociated bile acid reagents did (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: High blood levels of bile acids not only act through reflex factors but also have direct effects on respiratory function regulation. Under our experimental conditions, UDCA has no effect on blood pressure or respiratory function, but the other 4 dissociated bile acid reagents can all dose-dependently lower blood pressure and significantly affect respiratory function.

[FXR and its influence on hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal diseases].

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a bile acid receptor, serves as a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. It plays a pivotal role in regulating hepatic inflammation and regeneration. Recent evidence suggests, that FXR and the bile acid are involved in diseases such as cholestatic and inflammatory liver diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma, and bacterial translocation. In this review we discuss the pathophysiology influence of FXR and the bile acid on liver, biliary and gastrointestinal diseases and its mechanisms.