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Abstract In this work, we design and implement a new bifocal diffractive spiral lens within an optical tweezers system. The proposed diffractive optical element coined Kolokaski Kinoform Spiral Lens (KKSL), generates twin optical vortices along the propagation direction. The axial positions, as well as the diameters of the generated vortex beams, are correlated with the Kolakoski aperiodic sequence introduced in the design of the diffractive lens. The unique properties of KKSLs make it ideal for optical trapping applications, allowing independent multiple trapping and particle displacement within each optical vortex beam. We present both the focusing properties of KKSL and the experimental results of its integration into the optical tweezer setup.

Abstract Endothelial cells are integral components of all vasculature within complex organisms. As they line the blood vessel wall, endothelial cells are constantly exposed to a variety of molecular factors and shear force that can induce cellular damage and stress. However, how endothelial cells are removed or eliminate unwanted cellular contents, remains unclear. The generation of large extracellular vesicles (EVs) has emerged as a key mechanism for the removal of cellular waste from cells that are dying or stressed. Here, we used intravital microscopy of the bone marrow to directly measure the kinetics of EV formation from endothelial cells in vivo under homoeostatic and malignant conditions. These large EVs are mitochondria-rich, expose the ‘eat me’ signal phosphatidylserine, and can interact with immune cell populations as a potential clearance mechanism. Elevated levels of circulating EVs correlates with degradation of the bone marrow vasculature caused by acute myeloid leukaemia. Together, our study provides in vivo spatio-temporal characterization of EV formation in the murine vasculature and suggests that circulating, large endothelial cell-derived EVs can provide a snapshot of vascular damage at distal sites.

On 5 April 2024, 10:23 a.m. local time, a moment magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, about 65 km west of New York City. Millions of people from Virginia to Maine and beyond felt the ground shaking, resulting in the largest number (>180,000) of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) “Did You Feel It?” reports of any earthquake. A team deployed by the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance Association and the National Institute of Standards and Technology documented structural and nonstructural damage, including substantial damage to a historic masonry building in Lebanon, New Jersey. The USGS National Earthquake Information Center reported a focal depth of about 5 km, consistent with a lack of signal in Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar data. The focal mechanism solution is strike slip with a substantial thrust component. Neither mechanism’s nodal plane is parallel to the primary northeast trend of geologic discontinuities and mapped faults in the region, including the Ramapo fault. However, many of the relocated aftershocks, for which locations were augmented by temporary seismic deployments, form a cluster that parallels the general northeast trend of the faults. The aftershocks lie near the Tewksbury fault, north of the Ramapo fault.

Exposure to air pollutants is known to be an important risk factor in reducing semen quality in men across the world. Poor semen quality results in decline in the global fertility rate and significant personal stress, dysfunctional sexual relationships, and psychosocial problems. Continuous monitoring and effective efforts to reduce air pollution in industries and the environment and making positive changes in daily lifestyle can prevent adverse effects on semen quality and reduce the high prevalence of men infertility. This review aims to summarize studies associating pollutant concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), formaldehyde (FA), and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylene) on semen quality. In this systematic review, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched until November 13, 2022. The PECO statement was formulated to clarify the research question, and articles that did not satisfy the criteria outlined in this statement were excluded. Generally, 497 articles were obtained through searching databases, and after the investigations, 26 articles that met the entry criteria were extracted and finally considered in the systematic review. The results showed that occupational and environmental exposures to PAHs, formaldehyde, and BTEX were associated with increased metabolite concentration of toxic pollutants in body fluids. These toxin-associated pollutants directly or indirectly cause detrimental effects on sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, and morphology. There is evidence on the impact of PAHs, formaldehyde, and BTEX pollutants on the reduction of semen quality. Therefore, proving the relationship between air pollutants and testicular function in semen quality can play an effective role in macro policies and adopting stricter laws to reduce the emission of air pollutants and promote a healthy lifestyle to improve reproductive health in young men.

Objetivo: La circuncisión implica la extirpación parcial o total de la piel que recubre el glande para corregir condiciones médicas asociadas al desarrollo de cáncer de pene, procedimiento descrito como factor protector contra el desarrollo de algunas enfermedades. El objetivo del presente artículo es determinar la relación entre el cáncer de pene y la circuncisión como medida preventiva. Método: Se realizó un análisis del porcentaje de hombres circuncidados y la prevalencia estimada de cáncer de pene en 154 países. Posteriormente, ambas variables fueron agrupadas según la religión predominante en cada país. Resultados: Se observó una correlación negativa entre porcentajes de circuncisión masculina y prevalencia estimada de cáncer de pene (r: –0,7092; p < 0,0001). Los países con mayor porcentaje de hombres circuncidados y menor prevalencia de cáncer de pene son aquellos en que la mayoría de la población practica el islamismo o judaísmo (p < 0,0001). Conclusión: En conclusión, considerar la circuncisión como una opción para reducir el riesgo de cáncer de pene contribuye significativamente a la mejora en la calidad de vida de la población masculina.

Esta revisión narrativa de la literatura pretende describir la importancia de la depresión posparto (DPP), intentando identificar la mejor manera de detectarla y los beneficios de realizar un manejo oportuno. La DPP es un trastorno del estado de ánimo que afecta a las mujeres después de dar a luz. Se caracteriza por síntomas como estado de ánimo deprimido, pérdida de interés o placer, cambios de peso, trastornos del sueño, falta de energía, dificultad para concentrarse, sentimientos de culpa o inutilidad, y pensamientos suicidas. Se estima que afecta al 6,9 a 12,9% de las mujeres en los países desarrollados y hasta el 20% en los de bajos ingresos. La etiología de la DPP involucra una interacción de factores hormonales, neuroendocrinos, genéticos, neuroinflamatorios y psicosociales; además, se han identificado diversos factores de riesgo, como antecedentes familiares de depresión, estrés, falta de apoyo social y problemas de salud del bebé. La detección se puede realizar mediante escalas rápidas, como la Escala de Depresión Posparto de Edimburgo. Su manejo se basa en diferentes tipos de psicoterapia, como la terapia cognitivo-conductual, la terapia de apoyo e interpersonal, además de medidas farmacológicas como los antidepresivos inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina (ISRS) o los inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina y noradrenalina (IRSN), u otras terapias como la brexanolona o los estrógenos.

Abstract In this work, we present a new family of Zone Plates (ZPs) designed using the self-generating Kolakoski sequence. The focusing and imaging properties of these aperiodic diffractive lenses coined Kolakoski Zone Plates (KZPs) are extensively studied. It is shown that under monochromatic plane-wave illumination, a KZP produces two main foci of the same intensity along the axial axis. Moreover, one of the corresponding focal lengths is double the other, property correlated with the involved aperiodic sequence. This distinctive optical characteristic is experimentally confirmed. We have also obtained the first images provided by these bifocal new diffractive lenses.

Abstract Multifocal contact lenses (MCLs) are one of the solutions to correct presbyopia, but their adoption is not widespread. To address this situation, visual simulators can be used to refine the adaptation process. This study aims to obtain accurate simulations for a visual simulator (SimVis Gekko; 2EyesVision) of daily soft MCL designs from four manufacturers. In-vitro characterization of these MCLs—several powers and additions- was obtained using NIMO TR-1504. From the averaged relative power profiles across powers, phase maps were reconstructed and the Through-Focus Visual Strehl metric was calculated for each MCL design. The SimVis Gekko simulation corresponding to each MCL design was obtained computationally and bench-validated. Finally, the MCL simulations were clinically validated involving presbyopic patients. The clinical validation results show a good agreement between the SimVis Gekko simulations and the real MCLs for through-focus visual acuity (TF-VA) curves and VA at three real distances. All MCL designs showed a partial correlation higher than 0.90 and a Root Mean Square Error below 0.07 logMAR between the TF-VA of simulations and Real MCLs across subjects. The validity of the simulation approach using SimVis Gekko and in-vitro measurements was confirmed in this study, opening the possibility to accelerate the adaptation of MCLs.

BackgroundCaring for a family member living with dementia is costly. A major contributor to care demands, and therefore to the costs, are the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Here, we examine the feasibility of ascertaining costs related to caregiving from weekly web-based surveys collected during a telehealth-based behavioral intervention study—Support via Technology: Living and Learning with Advancing Alzheimer Disease. ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of using a web-based weekly survey to capture real-time data on out-of-pocket caregiving expenses and time commitments associated with dementia care. To examine relationships between behavioral symptoms, care partner reactivity, burden, and out-of-pocket dementia care costs. MethodsFeasibility was measured by accrual, retention, and data completion by participating care partners. Behavioral symptoms, care partner reactivity, and burden were collected before and after the intervention from 13 care partners. Weekly web-based surveys queried Support via Technology: Living and Learning with Advancing Alzheimer Disease care partners about their out-of-pocket costs associated with care-related activities. The surveys included questions on out-of-pocket costs care partners incurred from hospitalizations and emergency department use, primary care provider visits, use of paid in-home care or respite services, use of prescription medications, and use of over-the-counter medications. The surveys also queried the amount of time care partners devoted to these specific care–related activities. ResultsOut-of-pocket costs of dementia care were collected via a web-based weekly survey for up to 18 months. In-home assistance was the most frequently reported type of out-of-pocket care expense and the costliest. care partners who paid for in-home assistance or respite reported more behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia behaviors, higher reactivity, and higher burden than those who did not. ConclusionsThis novel web-based weekly survey–based approach offers lessons for designing and implementing future cost-focused studies and care partner–supportive telehealth-based interventions for Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). The results correspond with the existing understanding of ADRD in that high family-related out-of-pocket costs are a typical part of the caregiving experience, and those costs likely increase with dementia severity. The results may also offer potential insights to health systems and policy makers as they seek to implement telehealth-based and related interventions that seek to better support people living with ADRD and their family care partners. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04335110; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04335110

Background. Mesangial expansion (ME) is an understudied histologic lesion in renal allografts. The current Banff mm score is not reproducible and may miss important ME features. The study aimed to improve the quantification of ME using morphometry, assess changes over time, and determine its association with allograft loss. Methods. We studied ME in 1-y and 5-y surveillance biopsies in 835 kidney transplants performed between January 2000 and December 2013. ME was assessed using the Banff mm score by a central pathologist and by morphometry. We derived 3 different morphometric measures: (1) %MEmm (%glomeruli with ME in ≥2 lobules, like Banff mm); (2) %MEany (%glomeruli with any ME lesion); and (3) %ME area (sum of all ME areas/all glomerular tuft areas). Unadjusted and adjusted Cox models assessed the risk of death-censored allograft loss. Results. From 1- to 5-y biopsies, the mean Banff mm score increased from 0.18 to 0.34, whereas %MEmm increased from 2.5% to 13.3%. Banff mm score had modest correlations with morphometric ME measures. Moderate-severe %MEmm was present in 20.1% of 5-y biopsies, whereas only 6.6% of Banff mm scores were. In general, higher ME on both 1- and 5-y biopsies was associated with a deceased donor, older recipient age, recipient diabetes/obesity (present in >50% of severely affected biopsies), higher hemoglobin A1c at 5 y posttransplant, and recurrent kidney disease. Higher ME on 5-y biopsies was associated with delayed graft function. A higher Banff mm score at 1-y biopsy and morphometry ME measures at 5-y biopsy were associated with rejection during the first year posttransplant. Morphometric ME measures were associated with allograft loss independent of Banff scores and all clinical characteristics, including kidney function and recurrent disease. The model with %MEany had the highest c-statistic (0.872). Conclusions. Banff mm score underestimates the pervasiveness of ME in 5-y biopsies. ME is common and associated with alloimmune and nonalloimmune causes of graft loss.

Abstract The seismicity of the Philippines and Taiwan provides insight into the tectonics and seismic hazards of a region characterized by subduction and collision. We summarize the seismotectonics of the Philippines and Taiwan by documenting the distribution of hypocenters for earthquakes of magnitude M ≥ 4.6 and focal mechanisms for earthquakes of magnitude M ≥ 5.0 over ∼21 years. We quantify seismicity rates (earthquake frequency) and compare seismicity distributions with proposed tectonic and faulting models. 6,187 earthquakes of magnitude M ≥ 4.6 occurred between 1 January 2000 and 31 March 2021, 79% at depths 70 km trace the Wadati‐Benioff zones of subducting slabs, most of which are only seismically active to depths of ∼250 km. The distribution of earthquakes at depths >70 km is likely influenced by the subduction of young lithosphere, slab tearing, and phase boundary interactions between depths of 410 and 660 km. Shallow earthquakes at depths ≤70 km are generated by megathrust, crustal, and intraslab faulting. Crustal thrust and strike‐slip faulting are the most abundant and prevalent sources of damaging earthquakes. The Philippines and Taiwan are subject to high seismic risk, similar to nearby Indonesia.

Kelly D McCall,1– 6 Debra Walter,1,2 Ashley Patton,1,2 Jean R Thuma,3 Maria C Courreges,3 Grzegorz Palczewski,7 Douglas J Goetz,1,6,8 Stephen Bergmeier,1,6,9 Frank L Schwartz3,5,6 1Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University College of Arts & Sciences, Athens, OH, USA; 2Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University College of Arts & Sciences, Athens, OH, USA; 3Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH, USA; 4Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH, USA; 5Diabetes Institute, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH, USA; 6Biomedical Engineering Program, Ohio University Russ College of Engineering and Technology, Athens, OH, USA; 7Metabolon Inc., Durham, NC, USA; 8Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio University Russ College of Engineering and Technology, Athens, OH, USA; 9Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Ohio University College of Arts & Sciences, Athens, OH, USACorrespondence: Kelly D McCall, Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Academic & Research Center 302B, Athens, OH, 45701, USA, Tel +1 740 593 0926, Fax +1 740 597 1371, Email mccallk@ohio.eduPurpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently renamed metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is the most common chronic liver disease in the United States. Presently, there is an intense and ongoing effort to identify and develop novel therapeutics for this disease. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory activity of a new compound, termed IOI-214, and its therapeutic potential to ameliorate NAFLD/MAFLD in male C57BL/6J mice fed a high fat (HF) diet.Methods: Murine macrophages and hepatocytes in culture were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ± IOI-214 or DMSO (vehicle), and RT-qPCR analyses of inflammatory cytokine gene expression were used to assess IOI-214’s anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Male C57BL/6J mice were also placed on a HF diet and treated once daily with IOI-214 or DMSO for 16 weeks. Tissues were collected and analyzed to determine the effects of IOI-214 on HF diet-induced NAFL D/MAFLD. Measurements such as weight, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, liver/serum triglyceride, insulin, and glucose tolerance tests, ELISAs, metabolomics, Western blots, histology, gut microbiome, and serum LPS binding protein analyses were conducted.Results: IOI-214 inhibited LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages and hepatocytes in culture and abrogated HF diet-induced mesenteric fat accumulation, hepatic inflammation and steatosis/hepatocellular ballooning, as well as fasting hyperglycemia without affecting insulin resistance or fasting insulin, cholesterol or TG levels despite overall obesity in vivo in male C57BL/6J mice. IOI-214 also decreased systemic inflammation in vivo and improved gut microbiota dysbiosis and leaky gut.Conclusion: Combined, these data indicate that IOI-214 works at multiple levels in parallel to inhibit the inflammation that drives HF diet-induced NAFLD/MAFLD, suggesting that it may have therapeutic potential for NAFLD/MAFLD.Keywords: high fat diet, toll-like receptor 4, IOI-214, metabolomics, gut microbiome, lipopolysaccharide

En este trabajo presentamos un nuevo laboratorio virtual, desarrollado en Python, que permite la caracterización óptica de una serie de lentes multifocales bajo diferentes parámetros de configuración (esfera, cilindro, eje, diámetro de pupila, aberración esférica, ...) mediante diferentes métricas basadas en la óptica de Fourier, tales como la Función de Transferencia de Modulación (MTF), la Función de Dispersión del Punto (PSF) y la simulación de formación de imágenes de diferentes optotipos.

Aims: We address the following questions: 1) Which are the main vegetation types that currently occur in the Arid Chaco? 2) Do those vegetation types differ in terms of floristic composition, endemism, chorotypes and life forms? and 3) Is there any spatial association between the vegetation types and the environmental heterogeneity of the Arid Chaco? Study area: The southwestern extreme of the Gran Chaco, in Central-Western Argentina. Methods: The survey was based on a dataset comprising 654 relevés collected according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Data were classified by the hierarchical ISOmetric feature mapping and Partition Around Medoids (ISOPAM), and ordinated through isometric feature mapping (ISOMAP). Bioclimatic and edaphic variables were related to the ISOMAP ordination. Results: We recorded 439 vascular plant species, 62 endemic at the national level and 22 endemic species restricted to the study and surrounding environments in Central-Western Argentina. A total of nine vegetation types, belonging to four major clusters, were identified. The most prominent chorotypes included species distributed in the Chaco region and in the Arid Chaco/Monte phytogeographic units. The predominant life forms were micro- and nano-phanerophytes, followed by hemicryptophytes, chamaephytes and mesophanerophytes. Conclusions: Major results highlighted that xerophytic shrublands are the most common vegetation types in this area as a result of the historical and present use, while old growth forests were constrained to areas with low anthropogenic disturbance in the last decades or to protected areas. Most vegetation types (with the exception of halophytic environments) are poorly differentiated from a floristic point of view; however, they clearly differ in physiognomy. The floristic composition of the vegetation types described revealed numerous species in common with other sectors of the Chaco of northern Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Although the number of species restricted to the Arid Chaco was quite low, the most relevant chorotype included species with Western and Eastern Chaco distribution, conferring a clear Chaquenian identity to this area and discriminating it from other phytogeographic units. Taxonomic reference: Catálogo de las Plantas Vasculares del Cono Sur (Zuloaga et al. 2008) and its online update (http://www.darwin.edu.ar). Abbreviations: ISOMAP = isometric feature mapping; ISOPAM = isometric partitioning around medoids.

Background: In the medical field, it is increasingly common to observe the use of nanotubes, for example, in the administration of drugs. However, nanotubes raise concerns for male fertility due to potential effects on hormone levels and sperm quality observed in animal studies. In addition, animal exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotube models found alterations in hormone levels, sperm motility, and sperm count. Limited evidence in humans suggests no adverse effects, but further research is needed. This study aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the in vitro effects of nanotubes on semen and fertility in humans. Methods: We included all published in vitro studies about semen or sperm or male fertility and nanotubes in humans. A search was conducted in LILACS, PubMed, and SCOPUS as of May 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUIN tool. Results: Four studies using nanotubes on human sperm were included, nanotubes exposure appears not to affect sperm viability; however, some alterations to motility, velocity and production of reactive oxygen species were reported. Limited evidence is provided because of the small quantity of publications. Conclusions: Nanotubes appear to have no adverse effects on human sperm.

Abstract Background Monepantel is an anti‐helminthic drug that also has anti‐cancer properties. Despite several studies over the years, the molecular target of monepantel in mammalian cells is still unknown, and its mechanism‐of‐action is not fully understood, though effects on cell cycle, mTOR signalling and autophagy have been implicated. Methods Viability assays were performed on >20 solid cancer cell cells, and apoptosis assays were performed on a subset of these, including 3D cultures. Genetic deletion of BAX/BAK and ATG were used to establish roles of apoptosis and autophagy in killing activity. RNA‐sequencing was performed on four cell lines after monepantel treatment, and differentially regulated genes were confirmed by Western blotting. Results We showed that monepantel has anti‐proliferative activity on a broad range of cancer cell lines. In some, this was associated with induction of apoptosis which was confirmed using a BAX/BAK‐deficient cell line. However, proliferation is still inhibited in these cells following monepantel treatment, indicating cell‐cycle disruption as the major anti‐cancer effect. Previous studies have also indicated autophagic cell death occurs following monepantel treatment. We showed autophagy induction in multiple cell lines; however, deletion of a key autophagy regulator ATG7 had minimal impact on monepantel’s anti‐proliferative activity, suggesting autophagy is associated with, but not required for its anti‐tumour effects. Transcriptomic analysis of four cell lines treated with monepantel revealed downregulation of many genes involved in the cell cycle, and upregulation of genes linked to ATF4‐mediated ER stress responses, especially those involved in amino‐acid metabolism and protein synthesis. Conclusions As these outcomes are all associated with mTOR signalling, cell cycle and autophagy, we now provide a likely triggering mechanism for the anti‐cancer activity of monepantel.

Background: The use of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) as cover crop is increasing worldwide. Hairy vetch can contribute as a nitrogen (N) source with potential to impact subsequent high N demanding cereals such as maize (Zea mays L.). Contrasting literature results emphasize the need for a global synthesis analysis to quantify changes in maize yield after hairy vetch. Objectives: A meta-analysis was conducted to i) quantify maize yield response to hairy vetch as previous crop, ii) explore hairy vetch influence on fertilized and non-N fertilized maize yields, and iii) assess the tillage and environment factors on maize yield response to hairy vetch. Methods: The global systematic search yielded 23 publications selected by the following criteria, i) hairy vetch dry matter at the end of the season, ii) maize grain yield, and iii) experimental design with (Mzhv) and without (Mzcontrol) hairy vetch treatments. Information such as N fertilization for maize, N accumulation in hairy vetch, organic matter, and tillage before maize sowing were recorded. Hairy vetch effects (effect size) were expressed as a ratio (percentage of grain yield variation in Mzhv/Mzcontrol). Results: Under non-N fertilization (n = 9), results revealed hairy vetch had mostly a positive effect, ranging from 13 to 45% (n = 6). In contrast, N-fertilized maize (n = 20) showed a high chance of neutral effects (n = 12), moderate probability of positive yield impact (7 to 38%, n = 6), and a low likelihood of negative effects (−32 and −17%, n = 2). Notably, maize yields improved by 21–25% when the N accumulation in hairy vetch ranged from 95 to 150 kg ha−1 and N rate from 0 to 120 kg ha−1. Non-N-fertilized maize exhibited a 14% increase in response in no-till systems and a 31% increase with conventional tillage. Conclusion: This study summarizes potential benefits of hairy vetch preceding maize. Yet, the heterogeneous outcomes deserve further exploration in terms of environment and management factors.

Summary: Maintaining and improving brain health, one of the most critical global challenges of this century, necessitates innovative, interdisciplinary, and collaborative strategies to address the growing challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean. This paper introduces Brain Health Diplomacy (BHD) as a pioneering approach to bridge disciplinary and geographic boundaries and mobilize resources to promote equitable brain health outcomes in the region. Our framework provides a toolkit for emerging brain health leaders, equipping them with essential concepts and practical resources to apply in their professional work and collaborations. By providing case studies, we highlight the importance of culturally sensitive, region-specific interventions to address unique needs of vulnerable populations. By encouraging dialogue, ideation, and cross-sector discussions, we aspire to develop new research, policy, and programmatic avenues. The novel BHD approach has the potential to revolutionize brain health across the region and beyond, ultimately contributing to a more equitable global cognitive health landscape.

Objective: This proof-of-principle aims to develop an index to aid the differential diagnosis of disorders affecting testicular and/or epididymis. A total of 202 subject data were evaluated in two groups: fertile men with children naturally conceived within 1 year of unprotected intercourse (n = 36) and infertile men (n = 166) who had attempted a pregnancy more than 1 year with unprotected intercourse. Materials and methods: Semen parameters (sperm count, vitality, motility, morphology, and hypoosmotic swelling test [HOST]) were evaluated. The index was calculated by dividing the percentage HOST by the percentage of sperm progressive motility in the fertile group (n = 36). Results: A normal range from 1.23 to 1.53 was determined. Using this index, the outcomes of semen analysis from infertile men were grouped in three study groups: below 1.23 (n = 24), normal (n = 44), and higher than 1.53 (n = 98). These parameters were significantly decreased in semen with normal range (p < 0.01) and in indexes higher than 1.53 (p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curves compared progressive motility and morphology in infertile men with indexes higher than 1.53 shows that semen samples with normal sperm progressive motility and morphology did not suggest dysfunctions in testis and epididymis. Semen samples with asthenozoospermia suggested epididymal dysfunction (area under the curve [AUC] 0.889, confidence interval [CI] 0.783-1), whereas semen samples with teratoasthenozoospermia suggested dysfunction in both testicles and epididymis (AUC 0.891, CI 0.77-1). Conclusions: The current index proof-of-principle of the success of such a strategy provides valuable information about whether a disorder individually affects testicular and/or epididymal function.

Summary: The design and implementation of a multiplexed spiral phase mask in an experimental optical tweezers setup are presented. This diffractive optical element allows the generation of multiple concentric vortex beams with independent topological charges and without amplitude modulation. The generalization of the phase mask for multiple concentric vortices is also shown. The design for a phase mask of two multiplexed vortices with different topological charges is developed. We experimentally show the transfer of angular momentum to the optically trapped microparticles by enabling nearly independent orbiting dynamics around the optical axis within each vortex. The angular velocity of the confined particles versus the optical power in the focal region is also discussed for different combinations of topological charges.

The growing global concern in the perpetration of environmental crimes such as pollution and degradation at an international level by States have triggered massive promulgation of international law instruments to make ample provisions for the protection of the environment and at the same time to impose stringent sanctions to those who harm the environment. The obligation to protect or not to harm the environment has been conceptualized; “the duty to care for the environment” and the International environmental law have made States to also be the bearers of this obligation hence they ought to exercise careness in their daily activities in order to avoid causing harm to the environments in the territory of another State. An act of State done in breach of this obligation is faced with penal consequences which may take civil or criminal form. This paper therefore looks at the salient international instruments or laws that impose liability to States or international organizations who cause environmental harm.

Objective: To detect DNA of different microorganisms, in semen samples from apparently healthy men and correlate their presence with seminal quality. Methods: Semen samples from 81 healthy volunteers were collected, and semen parameters were analyzed. DNA extraction was performed using the phenol-chloroform technique, and the microorganisms were detected by the amplification of specific primers using polymerase chain reaction. Results: DNA from at least one of the microorganisms was detected in 78 samples. The most frequent microorganism found in semen were: Lactobacillus spp. (70%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) (36%), Streptococcus epidermidis (64%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (56%), Staphylococcus aureus (32%), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) (28%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27%). The seminal parameters of all semen samples were over the lower reference values for normal semen analysis. To compare with negative samples, seminal volume was higher for the Escherichia coli positive samples and lower for Pseudomonas aeruginosa positive samples. Semen samples positive for Staphylococcus aureus had worse sperm morphology. The frequency of progressive motility was higher in positive samples for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. Positive semen samples for C. trachomatis had a higher concentration per milliliter. Conclusion: It is common to find microorganisms in semen of asymptomatic men, including those responsible for sexually transmitted infections. Antimicrobial treatment is recommended only in those individuals with a sexually transmitted infection (C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae) and always promote condom use.

ABSTRACT Scheffersomyces stipitis is a yeast that robustly ferments the 5-carbon sugar xylose, making the yeast a valuable candidate for lignocellulosic ethanol fermentation. However, the non-canonical codon usage of S. stipitis is an obstacle for implementing molecular tools that were developed for other yeast species, thereby limiting the molecular toolset available for S. stipitis. Here, we developed a series of molecular tools for S. stipitis including BLINCAR, a Bio-Luminescent Indicator that is Nullified by Cas9-Actuated Recombination, which can be used repeatedly to add different exogenous DNA payloads to the wild-type S. stipitis genome or used repeatedly to remove multiple native S. stipitis genes from the wild-type genome. Through the use of BLINCAR tools, one first produces antibiotic-resistant, bioluminescent colonies of S. stipitis whose bioluminescence highlights those clones that have been genetically modified; then second, once candidate clones have been confirmed, one uses a transient Cas9-producing plasmid to nullify the antibiotic resistance and bioluminescent markers from the prior introduction, thereby producing non-bioluminescent colonies that highlight those clones which have been re-sensitized to the antibiotic and are therefore susceptible to another round of BLINCAR implementation. IMPORTANCE Cellulose and hemicellulose that comprise a large portion of sawdust, leaves, and grass can be valuable sources of fermentable sugars for ethanol production. However, some of the sugars liberated from hemicellulose (like xylose) are not easily fermented using conventional glucose-fermenting yeast like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, so engineering robust xylose-fermenting yeast that is not inhibited by other components liberated from cellulose/hemicellulose will be important for maximizing yield and making lignocellulosic ethanol fermentation cost efficient. The yeast Scheffersomyces stipitis is one such yeast that can ferment xylose; however, it possesses several barriers to genetic manipulation. It is difficult to transform, has only a few antibiotic resistance markers, and uses an alternative genetic code from most other organisms. We developed a genetic toolset for S. stipitis that lowers these barriers and allows a user to deliver and/or delete multiple genetic elements to/from the wild-type genome, thereby expanding S. stipitis’s potential.

Photosynthetically Active Radiation or PAR is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that drives photosynthesis in plants. Measuring PAR is an important task in farming, plant biology and environmental science. This article reviews the theoretical basis and various practical approaches for measuring PAR. This review also describes the principles of operation and the technology behind different types of PAR sensors. Comparisons between commercially-available PAR sensors and sensors that are in the prototyping stage are provided to give the reader a quick overview of the technologies available for PAR measurement. The aim of this review is threefold: 1) to serve as an introduction to the topic of PAR sensing for researchers new to the field, 2) to provide list of options for readers seeking to use commercially-available PAR sensors and 3) to give the theoretical foundation and technical information to those readers that seek to develop custom PAR sensing solutions.