Multi-level optical signal generation using a segmented-electrode InP IQ-MZM with integrated CMOS binary drivers

We present a segmented-electrode InP IQ-MZM, capable of multi-level optical signal generation (5-bit per I/Q arm) by employing direct digital drive from integrated, low-power (1W) CMOS binary drivers. Programmable, multi-level operation is demonstrated experimentally on one MZM of the device

Should We Continue to Measure Endometrial Thickness in Modern-Day Medicine? The Effect on Live Birth Rates and Birth Weight

The evaluation of endometrial thickness (EMT) is still part of standard cycle monitoring during IVF, despite the lack of robust evidence of any value of this measurement to predict little revalidation in contemporary medical practice; other tools, however, such as endocrine profile monitoring, have become increasingly popular. The aim of this study was to reassess whether EMT affects the outcome of a fresh embryo transfer in modern-day medicine, using a retrospective, single-centre cohort of 3350 IVF cycles (2827 women) carried out between 2010 and 2014. In the multivariate regression analysis, EMT was non-linearly associated with live birth, with live birth rates being the lowest with an EMT less than 7.0 mm (21.6%; P < 0.001) and then between 7.0 mm and 9.0 mm (30.2%; P = 0.008). An EMT less than 7.0 mm was also associated with a decrease in neonatal birthweight z-scores (-0.40; 95% CI -0.69 to -0.12). In conclusion, these results reaffirm the use of EMT as a potential prognostic tool for live birth rates and neonatal birthweight in contemporary IVF, namely when considered together with other ovarian stimulation monitoring methods, such as the late-follicular endocrine profile.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): an effect biomarker of neurodevelopment in human biomonitoring programs

The present narrative review summarizes recent findings focusing on the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a biomarker of effect for neurodevelopmental alterations during adolescence, based on health effects of exposure to environmental chemical pollutants. To this end, information was gathered from the PubMed database and the results obtained in the European project Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU), in which BDNF was measured at two levels of biological organization: total BDNF protein (serum) and BDNF gene DNA methylation (whole blood) levels. The obtained information is organized as follows. First, human biomonitoring, biomarkers of effect and the current state of the art on neurodevelopmental alterations in the population are presented. Second, BDNF secretion and mechanisms of action are briefly explained. Third, previous studies using BDNF as an effect biomarker were consulted in PubMed database and summarized. Finally, the impact of bisphenol A (BPA), metals, and nonpersistent pesticide metabolites on BDNF secretion patterns and its mediation role with behavioral outcomes are addressed and discussed. These findingswere obtained from three pilot studies conducted in HBM4EU project. Published findings suggested that exposure to some chemical pollutants such as fine particle matter (PM), PFAS, heavy metals, bisphenols, and non-persistent pesticides may alter circulating BDNF levels in healthy population. Therefore, BDNF could be used as a valuable effect biomarker to investigate developmental neurotoxicity of some chemical pollutants.European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HMB4EU) project supported financially by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreements No’s 733032Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), supported financially by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreements No’s 101057014Postdoctoral fellowship granted by the Fundación Ramón Areces (BEVP34P01A6845), Spai

Stronger diversity effects with increased environmental stress : a study of multitrophic interactions between oak, powdery mildew and ladybirds

Recent research has suggested that increasing neighbourhood tree species diversity may mitigate the impact of pests or pathogens by supporting the activities of their natural enemies and/or reducing the density of available hosts. In this study, we attempted to assess these mechanisms in a multitrophic study system of young oak (Quercus), oak powdery mildew (PM, caused by Erysiphe spp.) and a mycophagous ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduo-punctata). We assessed ladybird mycophagy on oak PM in function of different neighbourhood tree species compositions. We also evaluated whether these species interactions were modulated by environmental conditions as suggested by the Stress Gradient Hypothesis. We adopted a complementary approach of a field experiment where we monitored oak saplings subjected to a reduced rainfall gradient in a young planted forest consisting of different tree species mixtures, as well as a lab experiment where we independently evaluated the effect of different watering treatments on PM infections and ladybird mycophagy. In the field experiment, we found effects of neighbourhood tree species richness on ladybird mycophagy becoming more positive as the target trees received less water. This effect was only found as weather conditions grew drier. In the lab experiment, we found a preference of ladybirds to graze on infected leaves from trees that received less water. We discuss potential mechanisms that might explain this preference, such as emissions of volatile leaf chemicals. Our results are in line with the expectations of the Natural Enemies Hypothesis and support the hypothesis that biodiversity effects become stronger with increased environmental stress

Dutch orthopedic thromboprophylaxis: a 5-year follow-up survey

Background and purpose Previous surveys in the Netherlands have revealed that guidelines regarding orthopedic thromboprophylaxis were not followed and that a wide variation in protocols exists. This survey was performed to assess the current use of thromboprophylactic modalities and to compare it with the results of a previous survey