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In this study, linear and nonlinear optical characteristics of NaBi(Mo0.5W0.5O4)2 crystal, a new material that may have potential for optoelectronic applications, were investigated. NaBi(Mo0.5W0.5O4)2 single crystals were grown via the Czochralski method. Two sharp and well-defined peaks were observed in the x-ray diffraction pattern. These peaks were associated with tetragonal crystal structure. The data obtained from ellipsometer measurements was matched with a suitable optical model. This allowed for the presentation of the spectral dependence of various optical parameters like refractive index, dielectric constant, optical conductivity, extinction, and absorption coefficients in the range of 1.2–5.0 eV. As a result of studying the spectral dependence of the absorption coefficient under Tauc relationship, bandgap energy of the compound was found to be 3.20 eV. Using the spectral dependence of the dielectric function, the existence of two critical points with energy values of 3.72 and 4.44 eV was revealed. The change of the refractive index in the region under the bandgap was studied using the single oscillator model. Single oscillator and dispersion energies were determined from the analysis results. Nonlinear optical parameters of NaBi(Mo0.5W0.5O4)2 crystal were also determined. With this study, the optical properties of the NaBi(Mo0.5W0.5O4)2 are presented in more detail and valuable information is presented for the potential use of the material in optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compound NaBi(MoO4)2 has garnered significant interest in optoelectronic fields. This study employs spectroscopic ellipsometry to thoroughly examine the linear and nonlinear optical characteristics of NaBi(MoO4)2 crystals, offering detailed insights into their optical behavior. Our investigation presents a precise method for discerning the crystal's spectral features, revealing the spectral variations of key optical parameters such as refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric function, and absorption coefficient within the 1.2-5.0 eV range. Through analysis, we determined optical attributes including bandgap energy, critical point energy, and single oscillator parameters. Additionally, we explored the nonlinear optical properties of NaBi(MoO4)2, unveiling potential applications such as optoelectronic devices, frequency conversion, and optical sensors. This study enhances comprehension of optical properties of NaBi(MoO4)2, underscoring its significance in future optical and electronic advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double tungstates (DT) and double molybdates (DM) have significant importance because of their optoelectronic applications. Regarding the importance of DT and DM, we investigated experimentally structural and optical properties of (Na0.5Bi0.5)(Mo1−xWx)O4 (x = 0.25) crystal that belongs to the NaBi-DT and DM crystals group. Czochralski method was used to grow the single crystals. The structure of the crystal was identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Two sharp peaks associated with tetragonal crystal structure appeared in the pattern. Vibrational modes of the studied crystal were obtained from the Raman experiments. By the help of the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) measurements, infrared transmittance spectrum of the studied compound was recorded. Band gap energy wase found around 3.04 eV using two methods, Tauc and derivative analysis, based on transmission spectrum. Based on the analysis of absorption coefficient, Urbach energy was obtained as 0.22 eV. The revealed structural and optical properties of the crystal indicated that the material may be a candidate for optoelectronic devices in which NaBi(MoO4)2 and NaBi(WO4)2 materials are utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infertility represents a significant global concern affecting millions of couples worldwide. Among the various causes contributing to infertility, tubal factor infertility (TFI) emerges as a prominent factor that warrants closer investigation. Such abnormalities may originate from multiple causes, including congenital tubal anomalies (CTAs). This study aimed to reveal the prevalence of CTAs and associated pathologies among patients diagnosed with TFI. Methods: This observational study was conducted at two centers (University Hospital and a referral infertility clinic), between 2020 and 2023. Diagnostic laparoscopy was offered to all women diagnosed with TFI after hysterosalpingography (HSG) and who did not achieve pregnancy within six months after the examination. Patients who consented to undergo diagnostic laparoscopic were included in the study. Results: After the initial infertility work-up, 895 women (21%) were diagnosed with suspected TFI. Out of these, 220 women consented to undergo diagnostic laparoscopy. Among them, 113 (51.3%) were found to have surgically confirmed tubal pathologies/anomalies, while 107 (49.7%) revealed normal findings. A total of 34 women (15%) were found to have, total or partial agenesis, among which 32 revealed congenital uterine anomalies, and 16 revealed other system anomalies. Conclusions: CTAs contribute significantly more to TFI than expected in the general population. Therefore, careful systemic examinations, especially for uterine anomalies, are essential.

Purpose: To investigate whether the DNA methylation profiles of GNAS(20q13.32), MEST(7q32.2), MESTIT1(7q32.2), IGF2(11p15.5), H19 (7q32.2), and CEP41(7q32.2) genes are related to the transcriptomic and epigenomic etiology of male infertility., Methods: The DNA methylation levels of spermatozoa were obtained from fertile (n = 30), oligozoospermic (n = 30), and men with normal sperm count (n = 30). The methylation status of each CpG site was categorized as hypermethylated or hypomethylated. Expression levels of target gene transcripts were determined using real-time PCR., Results: The oligozoospermia showed a higher frequency of hypermethylation at GNASAS 1st, 3rd, and 5th CpG dinucleotides (66.7%, 73.3%, 73.3%) compared to the fertile group (33.3%, 33.3%, 40%, respectively). The normal sperm count exhibited a higher frequency of hypermethylation at the 3rd CpG of CEP41 (46.7%) than the fertile group (16.7%). Normal sperm count was predicted by CEP41 hypermethylation (OR = 1.750, 95%CI 1.038-2.950) and hypermethylation of both CEP41 and GNASAS (OR = 2.389, 95%CI 1.137-5.021). Oligozoospermia was predicted solely by GNASAS hypermethylation (OR = 2.460, 95%CI 1.315-4.603). In sperms with decreased IGF2 expression in the fertile group, we observed hypomethylation in the 2nd CpG of IGF2 antisense (IFG2AS), and hypermethylation in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th CpGs of H19. No significant relationship was found between IGF2 expression and methylation status of IGF2AS and H19 in infertile groups., Conclusion: The disappearance of the relationship between IGF2 expression and IGF2AS and H19 methylations in the infertile group provides new information regarding the disruption of epigenetic programming during spermatogenesis. A better understanding of sperm GNASAS and CEP41 hypermethylation could advance innovative diagnostic markers for male infertility., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: People with serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have a higher risk of premature morbidity and mortality. In the general population, impaired lung function is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We compared lung function between people with and without serious mental illnesses using a cross-sectional study in 9 community mental health units. Methods: Subjects aged 40-70 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were recruited consecutively. The controls had no psychiatric diagnosis and were not receiving any psychotropics. Spirometry was performed by a trained nurse. We used the 2021 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society standards for the interpretation of the spirometry results. Results: We studied 287 subjects. People with SMI ( n = 169) had lower spirometry values than those without a psychiatric diagnosis ( n = 118). An abnormal spirometry pattern (36.1% vs 16.9%, p < 0.001), possible restriction or non-specific (Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry [PRISm]) pattern (17.8% vs 7.6%, p = 0.014), and pattern of airflow obstruction or possible mixed disorder (18.3% vs 9.3%, p = 0.033) were more frequent in people with SMI. Multivariate analyses showed that the PRISm pattern was associated with abdominal circumference (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.08) and that the pattern of airflow obstruction or possible mixed disorder was associated with smoking behavior (OR 5.15, 95%CI 2.06-15.7). Conclusion: People with SMI have impaired lung function, with up to one-third of them showing an abnormal spirometry pattern. This suggests that regular monitoring of lung function and addressing modifiable risk factors, such as tobacco use and obesity, in this population is of paramount importance., Competing Interests: FS during the last 5 years has been speaker for Rovi and Janssen-Cilag. DM is a consultant to GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Up to Date and is an expert witness on behalf of people suing the tobacco industry. LG-R during the last 5 years has been speaker and advisory board member for Janssen-Cilag, Astra-Zeneca, Rovi, Lundbeck, Otsuka, GSK and Pfizer. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Ruiz-Rull, Jaén-Moreno, del Pozo, Gómez, Montiel, Alcántara, Carrión, Chauca, Feu, Guler, Rico-Villademoros, Camacho-Rodríguez, Gutierrez-Rojas, Mannino and Sarramea.)