Cell Size Research Articles

Robotic Manipulation of Cumulus–Oocyte Complexes for Cumulus Cell Removal

The removal of cumulus cells from cumulus–oocyte complexes is a critical step in clinical in vitro fertilization. Since the oocyte is partially occluded by the surrounding cumulus cells and individual cumulus cells are small in size, it is difficult for embryologists to assess the oocyte's maturity before cumulus cell removal and to completely remove all the cumulus cells manually . Furthermore, it is easy for the oocyte to become lost inside the micropipette during aspiration due to the inaccuracy of manual control. To deal with these difficulties, a robotic system was developed to completely remove cumulus cells from mature oocytes. In this study, an EPSANet50 network was developed to accurately assess the maturity of oocytes, avoiding the removal of cumulus cells around the immature oocyte. An adaptive controller was designed to accurately position oocytes at the target position, reducing the loss of oocytes inside the micropipette. An improved Yolov5s network was proposed to quantify the number and size of cumulus cells and assess the completeness of cumulus cell removal. The experimental results on mouse cumulus–oocyte complexes showed that the robotic system had a higher success rate (98.0 ± 1.8% vs. 85.3 ± 2.4%) and lower discard rate (4.1 ± 2.7% vs. 19.6 ± 3.5%) than the manual operation. Moreover, a higher amplification rate and lower non-specific rate were also achieved by the robotic system in the subsequent genetic testing procedure, indicating reduced genetic contamination from the cumulus cells.

N-linked protein glycosylation in Nanobdellati (formerly DPANN) archaea and their hosts.

Members of the kingdom Nanobdellati, previously known as DPANN archaea, are characterized by ultrasmall cell sizes and reduced genomes. They primarily thrive through ectosymbiotic interactions with specific hosts in diverse environments. Recent successful cultivations have emphasized the importance of adhesion to host cells for understanding the ecophysiology of Nanobdellati. Cell adhesion is often mediated by cell surface carbohydrates, and in archaea, this may be facilitated by the glycosylated S-layer protein that typically coats their cell surface. In this study, we conducted glycoproteomic analyses on two co-cultures of Nanobdellati with their host archaea, as well as on pure cultures of both host and non-host archaea. Nanobdellati exhibited various glycoproteins, including archaellins and hypothetical proteins, with glycans that were structurally distinct from those of their hosts. This indicated that Nanobdellati autonomously synthesize their glycans for protein modifications probably using host-derived substrates, despite the high energy cost. Glycan modifications on Nanobdellati proteins consistently occurred on asparagine residues within the N-X-S/T sequon, consistent with patterns observed across archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. In both host and non-host archaea, S-layer proteins were commonly modified with hexose, N-acetylhexosamine, and sulfonated deoxyhexose. However, the N-glycan structures of host archaea, characterized by distinct sugars such as deoxyhexose, nonulosonate sugar, and pentose at the nonreducing ends, were implicated in enabling Nanobdellati to differentiate between host and non-host cells. Interestingly, the specific sugar, xylose, was eliminated from the N-glycan in a host archaeon when co-cultured with Nanobdella. These findings enhance our understanding of the role of protein glycosylation in archaeal interactions.IMPORTANCENanobdellati archaea, formerly known as DPANN, are phylogenetically diverse, widely distributed, and obligately ectosymbiotic. The molecular mechanisms by which Nanobdellati recognize and adhere to their specific hosts remain largely unexplored. Protein glycosylation, a fundamental biological mechanism observed across all domains of life, is often crucial for various cell-cell interactions. This study provides the first insights into the glycoproteome of Nanobdellati and their host and non-host archaea. We discovered that Nanobdellati autonomously synthesize glycans for protein modifications, probably utilizing substrates derived from their hosts. Additionally, we identified distinctive glycosylation patterns that suggest mechanisms through which Nanobdellati differentiate between host and non-host cells. This research significantly advances our understanding of the molecular basis of microbial interactions in extreme environments.

Characterization of Photo-Crosslinked Methacrylated Type I Collagen as a Platform to Investigate the Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Response

Despite chronic fibrosis occurring in many pathological conditions, few in vitro studies examine how fibrosis impacts lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) behavior. This study examined stiffening profiles of PhotoCol®—commercially available methacrylated type I collagen—photo-crosslinked with the photoinitiators: Lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP), Irgacure 2959 (IRG), and Ruthenium/Sodium Persulfate (Ru/SPS) prior to evaluating PhotoCol® permeability and LEC response to PhotoCol® at stiffnesses representing normal and fibrotic tissues. Ru/SPS produced the highest stiffness (~6 kilopascal (kPa)) for photo-crosslinked PhotoCol®, but stiffness did not change with burst light exposures (30 and 90 s). The collagen fibril area fraction increased, and dextran permeability (40 kilodalton (kDa)) decreased with photo-crosslinking, showing the impact of photo-crosslinking on microstructure and molecular transport. Human dermal LECs on softer, uncrosslinked PhotoCol® (~0.5 kPa) appeared smaller with less prominent vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin (cell–cell junction) expression compared to LECs on stiffer PhotoCol® (~6 kPa), which had increased cell size, border irregularity, and VE-cadherin thickness (junction zippering) that is consistent with LEC morphology in fibrotic tissues. Our quantitative morphological analysis demonstrates our ability to produce LECs with a fibrotic phenotype, and the overall study shows that PhotoCol® with Ru/SPS provides the necessary physical properties to systematically study LEC responses related to capillary growth and function under fibrotic conditions.

Green Synthesis of Catalytic 3D Platinum Nanostructures from a Body‐Centered Cubic Pluronic Micellar Array Template

AbstractOrdered and well‐interconnected 3D electrode nanostructures open up exciting perspectives in catalysis, sensing and energy harvesting. Here, highly ordered 3D nano‐sized Pt mesoporous structures based on the I‐Wrapped Package (I‐WP) architecture with 13.5 nm unit cell size, previously unreported for metal nanomaterials, are presented. The samples are synthetized by soft‐template electrodeposition, using the body‐centred cubic (BCC) lyotropic crystalline micellar phase of Pluronic F68 as the template. The specific surface area of the resulting Pt nanoarchitecture is 36 ± 13 m2 g−1. The oxygen reduction reaction kinetic current is 0.98 mA cm−2; the current density normalized by the electrochemical active surface area and the weight of deposited Pt are 0.92 mA cm−2 and 153.53 A g−1, respectively, showing superior properties than conventional Pt nanostructures produced by surfactant templates. These results suggest a nanostructure based on the topology of the I‐WP minimal surface, representing the first case at this length scale from a metallic material, opening up new research directions in fundamental physics based on predicted thermal and phononic properties for this topology. The water‐based template provides a chemical‐free, eco‐friendly route for ordered mesoporous conductive nanomaterials manufacturing, inspiring future trends in the field.

The influence of viscosity buildup on the foaming dynamics of rigid polyurethane foams

AbstractThe viscoelastic properties development during the reactive foaming of four standard polyurethane formulations was monitored using a flooded parallel plate rheometer. The measurements in situ demonstrated how foams of low catalyst content took longer than 10 min to increase their viscosity from 1 to 103 Pa s, while foams with higher catalysts reached this modulus in less than 4 min. This polymerization speed deeply impacted the evolution of the cellular structure during foaming, which was demonstrated through in situ x‐ray imaging and computer simulation. Foams with high catalyst stabilized in their final cell size in 4–5 min, concurring with the stage of largest viscosity buildup. In contrast, the foams of low catalyst content underwent strong degeneration as a result of the slow gelification and stiffening of the matrix. Simulation results also revealed that stabilization of the cellular structure happens faster when the catalyst and blowing agent contents are increased.

Comprehensive assessment of corneal microstructural changes following V4c implantable collamer lens surgery using in vivo confocal microscopy

BackgroundImplantable Collamer Lense (ICL) presents a viable alternative to conventional refractive surgeries, but their impact on corneal microstructure remains unclear. By employing in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), we examined changes in stromal and endothelial cells following the insertion of V4c ICLs, with the goal of enhancing post-surgical care and outcomes.MethodsIn this longitudinal investigation, we conducted detailed preoperative assessments on 103 eyes from 53 participants. Follow-up evaluations were carried out after surgery at set intervals: one day, one week, one month, three months, six months, and twelve months. We used IVCM to analyze changes in stromal and endothelial cells. To assess differences between pre- and post-surgery variables and to investigate correlations with age, axial length (AL), and spherical equivalent refraction (SER), we applied a repeated measures mixed-effects model, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.ResultsNo vision-threatening complications were reported post-surgery. Significant reductions in stromal cell density (SCD) were observed postoperatively, with anterior and mid- SCD reaching their lowest values at 3 months and posterior SCD at 1 month, remaining below baseline at 12 months. endothelial cell density (ECD) and percentage of hexagonal cells (PHC) decreased initially, recovering by 12 months. Conversely, endothelial cellular area (ECA) and coefficient of variation of cell size (CoV) increased postoperatively, with the most significant change at 1 week. Endothelial deposits were detected in 49 of 101 eyes on postoperative day 1, half of them were absorbed within 3 months post-surgery. Changes in posterior SCD were negatively related to AL, while AL, SER, lens thickness showed associated with endothelium changes.ConclusionOur findings elucidate the corneal microstructural changes following V4c ICL implantation, particularly the significant early reductions in stromal and endothelial cell densities. We recommend careful management of viscoelastics during surgery to minimize endothelial deposits that may harm the endothelium. Enhanced early postoperative monitoring and these surgical adjustments can lead to improved surgical and post-surgical care, ultimately supporting better patient recovery.

The enhanced neutral process with decreasing cell size: a study on phytoplankton metacommunities from the glacier-fed river of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.

The cell size of phytoplankton is a key life-history trait and key determinant, and phytoplankton of different cell sizes are differentially affected by ecological processes. However, the study of the assembly patterns and drivers of phytoplankton metacommunities with different cell sizes has not been widely carried out. We provide an in-depth analysis of phytoplankton community diversity across three cell sizes in the glacier-fed river, describing how the pattern of phytoplankton communities differs across cell sizes in response to geochemical gradients. The results show that the smaller phytoplankton (picophytoplankton) are relatively more influenced by dispersal-based stochastic processes, whereas larger ones (microphytoplankton and nanophytoplankton) are more structured by selection-based deterministic processes.

Standardized bone marrow assessment, risk variables, and survival in dogs with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are heterogeneous neoplasms of hematopoietic stem cells that are challenging to diagnose, differentiate, and prognosticate. Cytogenetic and mutational analyses are useful in humans but unavailable for dogs, where diagnosis and classification still rely largely on hematologic and morphologic assessment. The objectives of this study were to apply a classification scheme to myeloid neoplasms and to assess outcome in relation to predictor variables. Keyword search of a laboratory database, application of sequential exclusion criteria, and consensus from 3 reviewers yielded 70 cases of myeloid neoplasia with hematology results, and cytologic (11), histologic (14), or both (45) types of marrow specimens. Based on blast percentage and morphology, 42 cases were classified as MDS and 28 as AML. Dogs with MDS had significantly lower body weights, hemoglobin concentrations and blood blasts, and higher red blood cell size variability and platelet numbers than dogs with AML. Estimates of median survival using Kaplan-Meier curves for dogs with MDS and AML were 384 and 6 days, respectively (P < .001). The instantaneous risk of death for dogs with MDS was approximately 5× lower than that of dogs with AML. Significant predictor variables of survival were body weight, white blood cell count, platelet count, and percent blood blasts (P < .05). Hazard ratios (HRs) derived from best-fitting Cox regression models were 1.043, 0.998, and 1.061 for increased neutrophils, decreased platelets, and increased blood blasts, respectively. Findings from this study suggest that hematologic and morphologic variables are useful to predict outcomes in myeloid neoplasia.

Metamaterial inspired superstrate loaded miniaturized quad port MIMO antenna for 5G C-band applications

This paper proposes a new quad-port Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output antenna with a unique Maze structure Epsilon Negative (ENG) Metamaterial superstrate for 5G NR C-band applications. The suggested 2x2 MIMO antenna has four microstrip antennas with a C-shaped stub inside the slot arranged orthogonally on a FR4 substrate. The overall dimension of the proposed 2x2 MIMO antenna is 0.62λ0 x 0.62λ0 x 0.02λ0, where λ0 is the free space wavelength at 3.7 GHz. The proposed MIMO antenna has excellent impedance matching over a bandwidth of 32% (3.2 GHz–4.4 GHz). The proposed antenna incorporates a superstrate layer composed of modified maze-structured metamaterial elements with a unit cell size of 0.16λ0 x 0.16λ0 x 0.02λ0 on a single-layer FR4 substrate to enhance the antenna's gain, improve isolation properties, and achieve size reduction. By strategically placing the metamaterial superstrate, it reduces the mutual coupling between the antennas and enhances peak isolation of < −30 dB. In order to accomplish the goals of isolation and gain improvement, the metamaterial superstrate is positioned 10.5 mm (0.13λ0) above the MIMO components. Furthermore, it attains a 3.54 dB peak realized gain, which is enhanced by 162% across the frequency ranges, and the overall size of the MIMO antenna is reduced to approximately 17%. Adequate values for factors such as the diversity gain, envelope correlation coefficient, channel capacity loss, and total active reflection coefficient are also determined for the MIMO antenna performance. The design prototype of the proposed antenna is built and verified by measurements that reveal a strong correlation with the simulation's output.

Identification of novel genetic factors that regulate c-di-AMP production in Staphylococcus aureus using a riboswitch-based biosensor.

Nucleotide secondary messengers regulate various processes in bacteria allowing them to rapidly respond to changes in environmental conditions. c-di-AMP is an essential second messenger required for the growth of the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, regulating potassium, osmolyte uptake, and beta-lactam resistance. Cellular concentrations of c-di-AMP are regulated by the activities of two enzymes, DacA and GdpP, which synthesize and hydrolyze c-di-AMP, respectively. Besides these, only a limited number of other factors are known to regulate c-di-AMP levels. Using a c-di-AMP biosensor consisting of the Bacillus subtilis c-di-AMP-binding kimA riboswitch and yfp, we were able to efficiently detect differences in cellular c-di-AMP levels in S. aureus. To identify novel factors that regulate c-di-AMP levels, we introduced the biosensor into a library of S. aureus transposon mutants. In this manner, we obtained mutants with increased c-di-AMP levels that contained insertions in gdpP coding for the c-di-AMP hydrolase and ybbR (cdaR) coding for a c-di-AMP cyclase regulator, thus validating our screen. We also identified two high c-di-AMP mutants with insertions upstream of the nrdIEF operon coding for the ribonucleotide reductase enzyme. Further analysis revealed that the insertion down-regulated nrdIEF expression, indicating that the enzyme is a negative regulator of c-di-AMP production. This negative regulation was dependent on rsh, encoding for the synthase of the endogenous GdpP inhibitor (p)ppGpp. The methods established in this work can be readily adapted for use in other bacteria to uncover genetic or environmental factors regulating c-di-AMP levels.IMPORTANCEc-di-AMP is an important secondary messenger, produced by many bacterial species including the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. In this bacterium, c-di-AMP controls cell wall homeostasis, cell size, and osmotic balance. In addition, it has been shown that strains with high c-di-AMP levels exhibit increased resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. Here, we developed a biosensor-based method for the rapid detection of c-di-AMP levels in S. aureus. We utilized the biosensor in a genetic screen for the identification of novel factors that impact cellular c-di-AMP. In this manner, we identified the ribonucleotide reductase as a novel factor altering cellular c-di-AMP levels and showed that reducing its expression leads to increased cellular c-di-AMP levels. As methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains are considered as a global health threat, it is important to study processes that dictate cellular c-di-AMP levels, which are associated with antibiotic resistance.

Sinapic-Acid-Loaded Nanoparticles Optimized via Experimental Design Methods: Cytotoxic, Antiapoptotoic, Antiproliferative, and Antioxidant Activity.

Nanoparticles are frequently investigated as carrier systems that increase the biological activities of hydrophobic molecules, especially by providing them with water solubility. Sinapic acid (Sa), commonly found in plants, is a phenolic compound with a wide spectrum of biological activities and extensive pharmacological properties. The aim of this study was the synthesis/characterization of optimized sinapic-acid-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (SaNPs) to improve the solubility of sinapic acid (Sa) that limit its use in the biological system and investigate the biological activities of these nanoparticles in the breast cancer cell line. For this purpose, sinapic-acid-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were obtained and optimized by experimental design methods. Then, cytotoxic (MTT method), antiapoptotic (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay), antiproliferative (immunocytochemically by PCNA assay), and antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), and caspase-3 levels) of optimized nanoparticles were examined comperatively with free drug on MCF-7 cells. The IC50 values of the SaNPs (170.6 ± 3.6 nm size) in MCF-7 cells were determined at 180, 168, and 145 μg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, and at these doses, the nanoparticles did not show any toxic effect on the MCF10A cell line. Treatment of Sa and SaNPs at doses of 24 and 48 h showed a statistically significant reduction in the PCNA level in MCF-7 cells, with an increase in the number of cells leading to apoptosis. In MCF-7 cells treated with SaNP at concentrations of 150 and 200 μg/mL for 24 h, MDA levels were significantly increased, SOD activities were significantly decreased, and reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase levels were increased compared with control groups. The findings of this study indicate that polyphenolic compounds can contribute to the design of drugs for treatment by forming nanoparticle formulations. The developed nanoparticle formulation is thought to be a useful model for other hydrophobic biological active substances.

Thermal effects on damping determination of perpendicular MRAM devices by spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance

We report device-level damping measurements using spin-torque driven ferromagnetic resonance on perpendicular magnetic random-access memory cells. It is shown that thermal agitation enhances the apparent damping for cells smaller than about 55 nm. The effect is fundamental and does not reflect a true damping increase. In addition to the thermal effect, it is still found that device-level damping is higher than film-level damping and increases with decreasing cell size. This is attributed to edge damage caused by device patterning.

Metabolic modulation to improve MSC expansion and therapeutic potential for articular cartilage repair

BackgroundArticular cartilage degeneration can result from injury, age, or arthritis, causing significant joint pain and disability without surgical intervention. Currently, the only FDA cell-based therapy for articular cartilage injury is Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI); however, this procedure is costly, time-intensive, and requires multiple treatments. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an attractive alternative autologous therapy due to their availability and ability to robustly differentiate into chondrocytes for transplantation with good safety profiles. However, treatment outcomes are variable due to donor-to-donor variability as well as intrapopulation heterogeneity and unstandardized MSC manufacturing protocols. Process improvements that reduce cell heterogeneity while increasing donor cell numbers with improved chondrogenic potential during expansion culture are needed to realize the full potential of MSC therapy.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the potential of MSC metabolic modulation during expansion to enhance their chondrogenic commitment by varying the nutrient composition, including glucose, pyruvate, glutamine, and ascorbic acid in culture media. We tested the effect of metabolic modulation in short-term (one passage) and long-term (up to seven passages). We measured metabolic state, cell size, population doubling time, and senescence and employed novel tools including micro-magnetic resonance relaxometry (µMRR) relaxation time (T2) to characterize the effects of AA on improved MSC expansion and chondrogenic potential.ResultsOur data show that the addition of 1 mM L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate (AA) to cultures for one passage during MSC expansion prior to initiation of differentiation improves chondrogenic differentiation. We further demonstrate that AA treatment reduced the proportion of senescent cells and cell heterogeneity also allowing for long-term expansion that led to a > 300-fold increase in yield of MSCs with enhanced chondrogenic potential compared to untreated cells. AA-treated MSCs with improved chondrogenic potential showed a robust shift in metabolic profile to OXPHOS and higher µMRR T2 values, identifying critical quality attributes that could be implemented in MSC manufacturing for articular cartilage repair.ConclusionsOur results suggest an improved MSC manufacturing process that can enhance chondrogenic potential by targeting MSC metabolism and integrating process analytic tools during expansion.

A closely spaced dual band polarization insensitive FSS for 5G applications

This study presents a novel single layer Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) for fifth generation (5G) applications with a polarization independent closely spaced dual band response. The proposed design consists of four split ring apertures etched on a square patch printed on a RT5880 dielectric substrate. The FSS has two stop-bands at 24.78 GHz and 28 GHz center frequencies with attenuations around 55 dB. The S21<−10 dB bandwidths (BW) of these bands are 14.48 % and 9.25 %, respectively and these closely spaced bands succeed 1.13 frequency ratio. It shows a stable frequency response for both TE and TM polarizations. Furthermore, the FSS represents a single layered and quite thin (thickness 0.042λl) structure with its unit cell size (0.70λl × 0.70λl, where λl is the free-space wavelength at lower frequency). The novelty of the presented FSS is not only achieving a small closely spaced band ratio in the mmWave band and exhibiting polarization insensitivity but also providing these features with a simple geometry and, uncomplicated single layer structure. The simulation results were confirmed by well accordant measurement results. All these results make the presented FSS a good candidate for 5G electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications.

The failure and re-initiation of quasi-detonations in stoichiometric acetylene-oxygen mixtures diluted by nitrogen

In this study, the failure and re-initiation of quasi-detonations are investigated systematically in stoichiometric acetylene-oxygen mixtures diluted by nitrogen, and the nitrogen dilution range of 10–45 % is considered. Photodiodes are introduced to obtain the average velocity by recording the detonation time-of-arrival. The smoked foil technique is performed to register the detonation cellular structures, and a high-speed schlieren system is used to observe the propagation processes. Three propagation modes are defined based on nine repeated experiments, i.e., Go, No-go and Critical regimes. For the “go” regime, the exiting detonation all successfully evolves into a spherical detonation in nine repetitions of the experiments. For the “no-go” case, the detonation all fails upon exit and becomes a deflagration. The case between the Go and No-go is called as the critical mode. Near the limits, the critical pressure of successful evolution into a spherical detonation is obtained, and the data indicates that the critical pressure is approximately independent of the wall roughness. But the critical pressure can increase obviously by introducing the nitrogen dilution. The cell sizes for quasi-detonations are measured, and the ratio of the critical tube diameter (dc) to the cell size (λ) is considered to quantify the critical criterion of detonation re-initiation. Note that the previous criterion of dc/λ ≥ 13 about normal detonation re-initiation cannot be applied to the quasi-detonation, and the re-initiation condition for quasi-detonations can be nearly quantified as dc/λ ≥ 8. The results are consistent with those obtained in our previous study (Xuxu Sun et al., Combustion and Flame, 112280). Corresponding to the normal detonation in a smooth tube, the critical value of dc/λ is always lower for quasi-detonations, which indicates a favorable effect on the detonation transmission is verified.

Microstructural influence on compressive behavior and strain rate sensitivity of open-cell nickel foam

Open-cell nickel foam (OCNF) is a highly porous, three-dimensional material with potential applications in various fields, such as energy storage, catalysis, and thermal management. However, the microstructural effect of pores per inch (PPI), cell size and strain rate (SR) sensitivity on the mechanical properties of OCNF has not been fully explored. We characterized the samples of OCNFs using digital image correlation (DIC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. Our results show that the OCNF exhibits a linear elastic response under quasi-static compression, with high compressive strength and a low compressive modulus. The dynamic compression test results demonstrate that the OCNF has a high energy absorption capacity and good structural stability. We designed and constructed a method to generate the 3D meshes based on the scans of the OCNFs obtained by X-ray micro-CT. The 3D meshes allow the finite element method to capture the key features of the mechanical behaviors with high fidelity. The simulated mechanical behavior of the OCNFs demonstrates strong concordance with the observed experimental findings.

Vortex light bullets in rotating Quasi-Phase-Matched photonic crystals

We present a methodology for the generation of stable vortex light bullets (LBs) in rotating Quasi-Phase-Matched (QPM) photonic crystals with quadratic nonlinearity. The photonic crystal is designed with a checkerboard structure, which is feasible to realize by using contemporary technological advancements. Within this framework, square- and rhombus-shaped LBs are observed, both of which are constructed as four-peak vortex mode. The control parameters include the effective phase mismatch, power, rotating frequency, and the size of checkerboard cells. These parameters play key roles in determining the distribution and stability domains of vortex LBs. In contrast to the stable vortex solitons observed in two-dimensional (2D) quadratic systems, the LBs investigated in the 3D rotating system exhibit narrower stability domains within the system’s parameter space. The rotating frequency results in the transition of LBs from quadrupole to traditional vortex modes. Potential applications of this research lie in the field of optical communications and information processing.

WOX11-mediated cell size control in Arabidopsis attenuates growth and fecundity of endoparasitic cyst nematodes.

Cyst nematodes establish permanent feeding structures called syncytia inside the host root vasculature, disrupting the flow of water and minerals. In response, plants form WOX11-mediated adventitious lateral roots at nematode infection sites. WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting modulates tolerance to nematode infections; however, whether this also benefits nematode parasitism remains unknown. Here, we report on bioassays using a 35S::WOX11-SRDX transcriptional repressor mutant to investigate whether WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting promotes syncytium development and thereby female growth and fecundity. Moreover, we chemically inhibited cellulose biosynthesis to verify if WOX11 directly modulates cell wall plasticity in syncytia. Finally, we performed histochemical analyses to test if WOX11 mediates syncytial cell wall plasticity via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Repression of WOX11-mediated transcription specifically enhanced the radial expansion of syncytial elements, increasing both syncytium size and female offspring. The enhanced syncytial hypertrophy observed in the 35S::WOX11-SRDX mutant could be phenocopied by chemical inhibition of cellulose biosynthesis and was associated with elevated levels of ROS at nematode infection sites. We, therefore, conclude that WOX11 restricts radial expansion of nematode-feeding structures and female growth and fecundity, likely by modulating ROS-mediated cell wall plasticity mechanisms. Remarkably, this novel role of WOX11 in plant cell size control is distinct from WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting underlying disease tolerance.

Red Cell Distribution Width and its Association with Maternal Mortality in HIV-Infected Pregnancy

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), a measure of the variability in red blood cell size, has gained attention for its role in diagnosing and predicting outcomes in various medical conditions. In the context of HIV-infected pregnancies, RDW may serve as a significant marker for assessing maternal health and predicting complications. This review explores the association between RDW and maternal mortality in HIV-positive pregnant women, highlighting how fluctuations in RDW can indicate underlying issues such as anemia, inflammation, and the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Elevated RDW levels may correlate with increased risk of adverse outcomes, making it a potentially valuable tool in managing HIV-infected pregnancies. HIV infection complicates pregnancy by increasing the risk of adverse outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and anemia, all of which can contribute to maternal mortality. RDW, by reflecting red blood cell variability, offers insights into these complications and the overall impact of HIV on maternal health. ART, crucial for managing HIV, can also influence RDW levels, as some regimens may affect red blood cell production and contribute to anemia. Monitoring RDW in conjunction with ART and other clinical parameters can enhance the detection of complications and improve management strategies.

Design a metamaterial based applicator for hyperthermia cancer treatment

This research describes a metamaterial-based applicator with and without water bolus for cancer treatment. The metamaterial based applicator consists of a double spiral antenna and a slotted square shape artificial magnetic conductor (SSA) structure. The antenna is designed on a low-cost FR4 substrate with dimensions of 32 × 32 × 3.27 mm3, and the SSA unit cell which behaves as a metamaterial, is designed on an RT-duroid substrate with dimensions of 15 × 15 × 0.76 mm3 (size of the unit cell). The 4 × 4 unit cells of the SSA structure are optimized to direct the maximum field toward the cancer tissue. The proposed applicator (antenna + SSA structure) is tested for hyperthermia treatment using a heterogeneous phantom (skin, fat, and muscle layers) and the human-mimicked model with an air medium and a water bolus layer. The applicator’s performance is evaluated in terms of specific absorption rate (SAR), penetration depth (PD), and effective field size (EFS). Further, thermal analysis is performed, with 1.5 W of input power at the antenna port, and the maximum temperature rise of 44 0C is obtained. The cancer tissue (tumor) temperature ranges between 41 °C to 45 °C, sufficient for effective hyperthermia therapy. Finally, the suggested metamaterial based applicator is built and tested in the presence of a phantom and head tissue simulating liquid.