bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of Particle size and Viability of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosols from a Range of Nebuliser Types Using a Novel Sampling Technique
Authors: Paton Susan , Clark Simon , Spencer Antony , Garratt Isobel , Dinesh Ikshitaa , Thompson Katy-Anne , Bennett Allan , Pottage Thomas
Published: February 2022

Little is understood about the impact of nebulisation on the viability of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, a range of nebulisers with differing methods of aerosol generation were evaluated to determine SARS-CoV-2 viability following aerosolisation. The aerosol particle size distribution was assessed using an aerosol particle sizer (APS) and SARS-CoV-2 viability was determined after collection into liquid media using All-Glass Impingers (AGI). Viable particles of SARS-CoV-2 were further characterised using the Collison 6-jet nebuliser in conjunction with novel sample techniques in an Andersen size-fractioning sampler to predict lung deposition profiles. Results demonstrate that all the tested nebulisers can generate stable, polydisperse aerosols (Geometric standard deviation (GSD) circa 1.8) in the respirable range (1.2 to 2.2µm). Viable fractions (PFU/particle, the virus viability as a function of total particles produced) were circa 5x10^-3 and were not significantly affected by relative humidity. The novel Andersen sample collection methods successfully captured viable virus particles across all sizes; with most particle sizes below 3.3µm. MMADs (Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameters) were calculated from linear regression of log10-log10 transformed cumulative PFU data, and calculated MMADs accorded well with APS measurements and did not differ across collection method types. This data will be vital in informing animal aerosol challenge models, and infection prevention and control policies.
Weak Deflection Angle and Bounding Greybody of Electric and Magnetic Charged Black Holes in Nonlinear Electrodynamics
Authors: Javed Wajiha , Atique Mehak , Övgün Ali
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we study the weak deflection angle using Gauss-Bonnet theorem and bounding greybody factor for electric and magnetic black holes in the background of nonlinear electrodynamics. Using Gibbons and Werner's approach, first we acquire the Gaussian optical curvature to use in Gauss-Bonnet theorem and calculate the bending angle for spherically symmetric electric and magnetic black holes in both non-plasma and plasma mediums in the weak field limits. Later, we calculate the rigorous bounds of the greybody factor for the given black holes. Furthermore, we look into the graphical behaviour of bending angles and greybody bounds at some specific values of multiple parameters as well as black holes charges. It is to be mention here that all the results for the electric and magnetic charged black holes solutions reduce into the Schwarzschild black hole solution in the absence of the black holes charges.
Measurements and Analyses of Walk Using a Novel Rollator Equipped with a Rotatable Chest Pad
Authors: Huang Jian , Ashida Hiroaki , He Yuetong , Koyachi Noriho , Harada Takashi ,   Faculty of Engineering, Kindai University 1 Takaya Umenobe, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-2116, Japan,   Choshu Industry Co., Ltd.  3740 Shin-yamanoi, Sanyo-onoda, Yamaguchi 757-8511, Japan,   Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology  1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan,   Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University  3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
Published: February 2022

In recent years, different types of commercial rollators or gait-training devices have been widely used by elderly people, suffering from dementia, for their daily activities to avoid being bedridden. However, the effectiveness of most of these commercial devices has not been investigated thoroughly. In this study, a novel rollator with a freely rotating chest pad, integrated with two angular sensors and two load cells, was developed. Walk measurements were carried out on four young healthy subjects who performed walk tests using the developed rollator. To measure the motion of the lower limbs, two goniometers were attached to the exteriors of both the knees, and two more were attached to the exteriors of both the ankle joints of the subjects. The results of the pressing forces on the pad measured by the load cells, pad rotations, knee extensions, and ankle rotations were demonstrated. Frequency analyses were performed and correlation coefficients were computed for the obtained results. The relationship between the pad rotation and the motion of the lower limbs was investigated, and the effectiveness of the developed novel rollator in walk assistance was discussed.
Adaptation of a Small Robot for Paddy Fields to the Water Depth Change Using Variable Legs
Authors: Kameyama Kentaro ,   Division of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Fukui College Geshi, Sabae, Fukui 916-8507, Japan, Wada Takuya
Published: February 2022

In this study, the authors conduct an operational test of a small weeding robot in paddy fields, and classify its behavioral incapacitations into two groups. Furthermore, the authors propose a leg structure for overcoming a sudden increase in water depth, one of the main causes of incapacitation. The robot is a two-wheeled vehicle with balance floats in the front and rear of the body, and the proposed structure enables the wheels to reach the ground by deforming the legs holding the wheels (variable-leg). The variable-leg robot is compared with a fixed-leg robot via a water tank experiment. It is verified that the variable-leg model can run at water depths of up to 180 mm, whereas the fixed-leg model can only run at water depths of approximately 80 mm. Furthermore, the variable-leg robot can adapt to dynamically changing water depths, as demonstrated by running over a hole.
STUDI PENELUSURAN ALUMNI PROGRAM STUDI PENDIDIKAN TATA BUSANA UNIVERSITAS NEGERI JAKARTA TAHUN KELULUSAN 2018-2020
Authors: Dwi Anugerah Pranawulan , Wesnina Wesnina , Mahdiyah Mahdiyah
Published: February 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Kajian Profil Alumni Program Studi Pendidikan Tata Busana di dunia kerja dan tingkat kepuasan alumni dalam bekerja. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah alumni Program Studi Pendidikan Tata Busana dengan tahun kelulusan 2018-2020 sebanyak 95 orang. Metodologi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode survey dengan menggunakan analisis data kuantitatif secara deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa, kajian profil alumni Prodi Pendidikan Tata Busana, yaitu: periode masa studi alumni dapat menjalankan perkuliahan dengan baik, 52.6% lulus di atas standar masa studi Strata 1 (S1) yaitu 5 – 6,5 tahun, dan rata-rata keseluruhan IPA Alumni, yaitu 3,41. Periode pekerjaan pertama alumni sangat baik, melihat alumni sebesar 79% telah mendapatkan pekerjaan pertamanya kurang dari 6 bulan. Prodi dapat dikatakan berhasil melihat dari data, 42% alumni menyatakan kurikulum Prodi sesuai dengan kebutuhan di dunia kerja, dan sebesar 53% alumni menyatakan Prodi Tata Busana dikenal di industri busana. Alumni mendapatkan pekerjaan saat ini sangat sesuai dengan latar belakang pendidikan yang dimiliki, sebesar 52% alumni. Untuk gaji pertama yang diperoleh alumni sangat baik, diatas 4 juta sebesar 42% alumni. Alumni sangat puas dengan pekerjaan nya saat ini, melihat dari 65% alumni sudah sejahtera dengan pekerjaan utamanya saat ini, 64% alumni puas dengan penghargaan yang diraih.
Integrating the Geology, Seismic Attributes, and Production of Reservoirs to Adjust Interwell Areas
Authors: Zhumabekov A.K. , Liu Z. , Portnov V.S. , Wei X. , Chen X.
Published: February 2022

—Dynamic models of the seismic, geological, and flow characteristics of a reservoir are the main tool used to evaluate the potential of drilling new infill wells. Static geological models are mainly based on borehole data combined with dynamic analyses of production dynamics. They are used to determine the redevelopment of and adjustments to new drilling locations; however, such models rarely incorporate seismic data. Consequently, it is difficult to control the changes in geological models between wells, which results in the configuration of well positions and predicted results being less than ideal. To improve the development of adjusted areas in terms of their remaining oil contents, we developed a new integrated analysis that combines static sediment modelling, including microfacies analysis (among other reservoir and seismic properties), with production behaviours. Here, we illustrate this new process by (1) establishing favourable areas for static geological analysis; (2) studying well recompletion potential and the condition of non-producing wells; (3) conducting interwell analyses with seismic and sedimentary data; (4) identifying potential sites constrained by seismic and geological studies, as well as initial oilfield production; (5) providing suggestions in a new well development plan.
Impact of a Psychiatric Consultation Program on COVID-19 Patients: An Experimental Study
Authors: Won Geun Hui , Lee Hye Jeong , Lee Keon Hui , Lee Jong Hun , Choi Tae Young , Kim Jun Won , Yoon Seo Young , Hong Hyo-Lim , Jung Chi Young
Published: February 2022

Background: Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the importance of addressing acute stress induced by psychological burdens of diseases became apparent. This study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new mode of psychiatric intervention designed to target similar psychological crises. Methods: Participants included 32 out of 114 COVID in-patients at a hospital in Daegu, Korea, who were assessed between March 30 and April 7, 2020. Multiple scales for screening psychological difficulties such as depressed mood, anxiety, insomnia, acute stress and suicidality were done. Psychological problem evaluations and interventions were conducted in the form of consultations to alleviate participants’ psychological challenges via telepsychiatry. The interventions’ effects, as well as clinical improvements before and after the intervention, were analyzed. Results: As a result of screening, 21 patients were experiencing psychological difficulties beyond clinical thresholds after COVID-19 infection (screening positive group). The remaining 11 were screening negative groups. The two groups differed significantly in past psychiatric histories (p=.034), with the former having a higher number of diagnoses. The effect of the intervention was analyzed, and clinical improvement before and after the intervention was observed. Our intervention was found to be effective in reducing the overall emotional difficultiesConclusions: This study highlighted the usefulness of new interventions required in the context of healthcare following the COVID-19 pandemic.Trial registration: Clinical Trials, NCT04395872. Registered 24 May 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04395872
Computing Techniques for Modeling the Retention of Polar Pharmaceutical Active Compounds by Membranes
Authors: Ammi Yamina , Moussa Cherif Si , Hanini Salah
Published: February 2022

The retention of polar pharmaceutical active compounds (PPhACs) by nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes is of paramount importance in membrane separation processes. The retention of 21 PPhACs was correlated using computational intelligence techniques (feedforward neural networks multi-layer perceptron, feedforward neural networks radial basis function, and support vector machines). A database of 541 retention values has been collected from the literature. The results showed a high training and predictive capacity of the FNN-MLP model for the retention of PPhACs by NF/RO with a very high correlation coefficient (R = 0.9714) and a very low root mean squared error (RMSE = 3.9139%) for the all phase, which the FNN-MLP model is better than that obtained using FNN-RBF model (R = 0.7807 and RMSE = 10.2785%) and SVM model (R = 0.9677 and RMSE = 4.1598). The sensitivity analysis was computed and emphasized that the retention of PPhACs is governed by three interactions arranged in descending order: the polarity interactions (hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity) (Relative Importance RI = 75.68%), electrostatic repulsion (RI = 58.88%), and steric hindrance (RI = 54.73% and RI = 32.25%). This research suggests that the PPhACs retention on the NF/RO strongly depend much more on the topological polar surface area.
Impact of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in Palliative Care on Outcomes for Advanced Cancer Inpatients in Resource Limited Setting
Authors: Pornrattanakavee Pitchayapa , Sric Tassaya , Seetalarom Kasan , Saichamchan Siriwimon , Oer-areemitr Nittha , Prasongsook Naiyarat
Published: February 2022

Background
Palliative care for advanced cancer patients improves suffering symptoms, quality of life (QoLs). However, routine implementation of palliative care by specialty palliative care consultation is still unmet need among advanced cancer inpatients. Our study aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of team-based approach on QoLs and readmission rate when compare to routine practice by among medical oncologists.
Methods
This study was prospective, Quasi-Experimental design. Advanced cancer inpatients were non-randomly assigned to receive palliative care service by team-based approach or medical oncologists only. The primary endpoint was QoL. The secondary endpoint was readmission rate at 7, and 30 days of hospital discharge.
Results
One hundred twenty-two inpatients were enrolled. Inpatients who were assessed by team-based approach had significantly improved in change scores of subjective well-being (SWB) when compare to another group (∆ SWB: -1 [-19–11] vs 0 [-9–15], p-value = 0.043). Furthermore, inpatients who were assessed by team-based approach had significantly decreased in term of readmission rate at 7 days of hospital discharge (4.92% in team-based approach group vs. 19.67% in medical oncologist group, p-value = 0.013).
Conclusions
Interdisciplinary collaboration is key success for establishing goal of care, which are supporting the best possible QoL and relieving suffering symptoms for those advanced cancer inpatients. Furthermore, readmission rate at 7 days of hospital discharge was significantly reduced by team-based approach. Therefore, comprehensive palliative care assessment by interprofessional collaborative practice is required.
Characterization of Maize Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenases Induced in Response to 2,3,7,8 Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin: The Role of Indigenous Biomarkers in Environmental Monitoring of Contaminated Sites
Authors: Leung Ho Man , Sung Ka Chun , Yue Patrick Ying Kit , Peng Xiao Ling , Cheung Kwai Chung , Au Chi Kin , Yung Ken Kin Lam , Li Wai Chin
Published: February 2022

The objective of this research is to evaluate the potential of detecting or degrading 2,3,7,8 Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) in soil using a native plant growing in a contaminated site by gene expression of Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) method. A significant difference in the root length (range of value: 580.2 mm to 799.2 mm) and enzyme activity (range of value: 31.2 to 82.3 nmolmin -1 g -1 total protein) of such indigenous plant was found in 10 µg/L TCDD treatment when compared to other treatments. Thirteen- and twenty-fold levels of gene expression in CYP71C1 and CYP79A61 of the plant growing in the contaminated site were found after 10 µg/L TCDD treatment. Such indigenous plant is sensitive to the detection of such persistent organic pollutant in the field site and involves gene expression change facilitated by a plant-microbe symbiotic association.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Correlates with Symptom Severity, Autoimmunity, and Responses to Probiotics Treatment in a Cohort of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a Post-hoc Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sherman Hannah Tayla , Liu Kevin , Kwong Kenneth , Chan Suk-Tak , Li Alice Chukun , Kong Xue-Jun
Published: February 2022

BackgroundInflammation, autoimmunity, and gut-brain axis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO) as a non-invasive measurement of inflammation has not been studied in individuals with ASD. We conducted this post-hoc study based on our published clinical trial to explore SpCO and its association with ASD severity, autoimmunity, and response to daily Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic supplementation.MethodsIn this study, we included 35 individuals with ASD aged 3-20 years from a previously published clinical trial of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive daily Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic (6 × 1010 CFUs) or a placebo for 16 weeks. The outcomes in this analysis include Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist second edition (ABC-2), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, SpCO measured by CO-oximetry, fecal microbiome by 16s rRNA sequencing, blood serum inflammatory markers, autoantibodies, and oxytocin (OT) by ELISA. We performed Kendall’s correlation to examine their interrelationships and used Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare the means of all outcomes between the two groups at baseline and 16 weeks.ResultsElevated levels of serum anti-tubulin, CaM kinase II, anti-dopamine receptor D1 (anti-D1), and SpCO were found in the majority of ASD subjects. ASD severity is correlated with SpCO, anti-lysoganglioside GM1, anti-tubulin, and anti-D1 in treatment group.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study suggests that the easily administered and non-invasive SpCO test offers a potentially promising autoimmunity and inflammatory biomarker to screen/subgroup ASD and monitor the treatment response to probiotics. Furthermore, we propose that the associations between autoantibodies, gut microbiome profile, serum OT level, GI symptom severity, and ASD core symptom severity scores are specific to the usage of probiotic treatment in our subject cohort. Taken together, these results warrant further studies to improve ASD early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03337035, registered November 8, 2017.
The Stage III Melanoma in Cervical Region, Prognostic Impact of the Lymph Node Ratio of the Neck Dissections
Authors: QUIRINY Marie , Shall Firaz , Moreau Michel , Willemse Esther , Sales François , Andry Guy , Digonnet Antoine
Published: February 2022

Purpose
The lymph node (LN) status is one of the most important prognostic factors of melanoma. The first treatment of LN metastasis is the lymph node dissection (LND). To date the surgical technic for neck metastasis is discussed. The lymph node ratio (LNR) is defined as the number of invaded LNs dividing by the total number of removed LNs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of the LNR and the extent of neck LND on the prognosis.
Methods
We recorded LNDs for neck LN metastasis during 16 years. Selective LND (SLND) was limited to the level with LN metastasis. Extensive LND (ELND) was extended to the adjacent LN level. The LNRs were categorized using cutoff points. Among the 62 included patients, 48 LNRs were available for the survival analysis. Time to event endpoint were defined as the time between the event and the date of the previous recurrence. The cut-off p-value for significant statistic was 0.05.
Results
Breslow thickness < 2mm presented a longer OS (p=0.035) and extracapsular spread presented a shorter overall survival (OS) (p=0.035). Clark levels III and IV presented a longer systemic disease free survival. The OS and the regional control were longer when the LNRs were respectively < 5% and < 10%. ELND improved the regional control, compared to SLND (p=0.02).
Conclusion
The ELND could improve the regional control compared to SLND. The LNR of neck LNDs could be a prognostic factor and should be low as possible to improve the outcomes.
OCFSP: Self-supervised One-class Classification Approach Using Feature-slide Prediction Subtask for Feature Data
Authors: Hayashi Toshitaka , Fujita Hamido
Published: February 2022

One-class classification (OCC) is a machine learning problem where training data has only one class. Recently, self-supervised OCC algorithms have been increasing attention. These algorithms train the model for pretext tasks and use the model error for OCC. However, these tasks are specialized for images, and applying them to feature data is not practical or appropriate for such purpose. This paper proposes a one-class classification approach using feature-slide prediction (FSP) subtask for feature data (OCFSP). In particular, the self-labeled dataset is created from training data. In which additional feature vectors are generated by sliding original vectors and self-annotated as the number of the feature slide. Such a dataset is used to train a multi-class classifier, which aims to predict the number of the feature slides. Since this classification model is built using data from only one class, the FSP accuracy for seen data is high relative to unseen data. Accordingly, OCC could be made using the accuracy of FSP. Proposed methods are experimented with using the imbalanced-learn dataset.
Developing a hierarchical framework for assessing the strategic effectiveness of sustainable waste management in Somaliland construction industry
Authors: Negash Yeneneh Tamirat , Hassan Abdiqani Muse , Tseng Ming-Lang , Ali Mohd Helmi , Lim Ming K.
Published: February 2022

This study contributes to the literature by developing a hierarchical framework for assessing the strategic effectiveness of waste management in the construction industry. This study identifies a valid set of strategic effectiveness attributes of sustainable waste management in construction. Prior studies have neglected to develop sustainable waste management's strategic effectiveness assessment framework to identify reuse and recycle policy initiatives that ensure waste minimization and resource recovery programs. This study utilizes the fuzzy Delphi method to screen out nonessential attributes in qualitative information. Fuzzy interpretive structural modeling divides the attributes into various elements. It constructs a multilevel model that depicts the interrelationships among the attributes into a hierarchical framework and finds and ranks the optimal drivers for practical improvement. This study integrates the best-worst method to measure different criteria’ weights in the hierarchical strategic effectiveness framework. The findings reveal that waste management operations strategy, construction site waste management performance, and mutual coordination are the top aspects for assessing strategic effectiveness in the hierarchical framework. In practice, the waste reduction rate, recycling rate, reuse rate and noise and air pollution levels are identified to assist policymakers in evaluation. The theoretical and managerial implications are discussed
Scorpion Venom Polypeptide Inhibits Pulmonary Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Systemic Sclerosis-interstitial Lung Disease Model Mice by Intervening TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yan , Xu Liping , Chen Qiang , Guan Tianrong , Lin Na , Xu Danyang , Lu Lihong , Dai Qiaoding , Song Xinwei
Published: February 2022

Objective
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease, and interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an important complication of SSc. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polypeptide extract of scorpion venom (PESV) on alleviating pulmonary epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in SSc-ILD mice and its possible mechanism.
Methods
C57/BL6 mice were injected with bleomycin to establish a SSc-ILD model. Different concentrations of PESV solution were administered, and dexamethasone was used as a positive control. Then the lung tissues of mice in each group were removed, and the pathological changes of mice in each group were observed using HE staining and Masson staining. TGF-β1 expression levels were detected by immunohistochemical. The expression of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin, collagenI, vimentin, N-cadherin, and α-SMA was detected by Western blot, and the expression of TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related proteins was also detected. The contents of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β1 in serum and BALF were also measured by ELISA.
Results
Pathological analysis showed that PESV alleviated the SSc-ILD induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. The results showed that after PESV treatment, the contents of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly lower than those in the model group. PESV could increase the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin and reduce the expression of interstitial markers collagenI, vimentin, N-cadherin, and α-SMA. PESV can reduce the expression level of TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related proteins .
Conclusion
PESV can inhibit the EMT and relevant TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, to alleviate pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, thus to play a protective effect against SSc-ILD.
Evaluation of Batch and Equilibrium Cr6+ adsorption on Fe3O4 nanoparticles via isothermal and kinetic studies
Authors: Singh Rimmy , Bhateria Rachna
Published: February 2022

Since many centuries, we have progressively tracked our capacities in the field of water contamination. An intense increase in heavy metals have led to the problems needing priority concerns. In this study, we have fabricated nanoparticles as an alternative source to decontaminate heavy metals from water. Hence, the efficacy of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was observed by adsorbing Cr6+ ions from aqueous systems. HRTEM analysis determined the average size of 42.90 nm and spherical morphology of the nanoparticles. Various parameters at their optimum conditions such as pH 2, contact time 50 minutes, temperature 20°C, initial metal concentration of 10 mgL-1 and nanoparticle dose of 60 mg were found to achieve maximum adsorption. Isotherms like Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and D-R were applied to the experimental equilibrium data, and it corresponds to the Temkin model with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99. Moreover, pseudo second order reaction describes the adsorption which was a three-step process. The negative value of ΔG well describes the physisorption nature, feasibility, and spontaneity of the adsorption process.
Plasmon-enhanced Quantitative Lateral Flow Assay for Femtomolar Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Antigens
Authors: Gupta Rohit , Gupta Prashant , Wang Zheyu , Seth Anushree , Morrissey Jeremiah , George Ige , Gandra Sumanth , Storch Gregory , Parikh Bijal , Genin Guy , Singamaneni Srikanth
Published: February 2022

Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are the cornerstone of point-of-care diagnostics. Although rapid and inexpensive, they are 1000-fold less sensitive than laboratory-based tests and cannot be used for definitive negative diagnosis. Here, we overcome this fundamental limitation by employing plasmonically-enhanced nanoscale colorimetric and fluorescent labels. Plasmonic LFAs (p-LFAs) enabled ultrasensitive detection and quantification of low abundance analytes, without compromising the direct visual detection of conventional LFAs. Dynamic ranges and limits of detection were up to 100-fold superior to “gold standard” ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). p-LFAs had sample-to-answer time of 20 min, compared to 4 hours for ELISA, while achieving over 95% analytical sensitivity and 100% analytical specificity for antibodies and antigens of SARS-CoV-2 in human specimens. We also demonstrate that the p-LFAs enable quantitative detection of the target analytes in a standard-free manner. p-LFAs offer potential as a broadly adaptable point-of-care diagnostic platform that outperforms standard laboratory tests in sensitivity, speed, dynamic range, ease of use, and cost.
Perceptions of COVID-19 Self-Testing and Recommendations for Implementation and Scale up Among Black/African Americans: Implications for the COVID-19 STEP Project
Authors: Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Obiezu-Umeh Chisom , Diallo Hassim , Graham Danielle , Whembolua Guy-Lucien , Bourgeau Marie Janeeca , Ritchwood Tiarney , Nelson LaRon E. , Shato Thembekile , Mathews Allison , Moise Rhoda , Ward Maranda C. , Raude Jocelyn , Ahonkhai Aima A. , Young Diane J. , Conserve Donaldson F.
Published: February 2022

Background
COVID-19 self-testing (ST) is an innovative strategy with the potential to increase the access and uptake of testing and ultimately to limit the spread of the virus. To maximize the uptake and reach of this promising strategy and inform intervention development and scale up, research is needed to understand the acceptability of and willingness to use this tool. This is vital to ensure that Black/African Americans are reached by the Biden-Harris Administration’s free national COVID-19 ST program. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and recommendations to promote and scale up the uptake of COVID-19 ST among Black/African Americans.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using a semi-structured survey to assess barriers and facilitators to the uptake of COVID-19 ST among a convenience sample of 28 self-identified Black/African Americans from schools, community centers, and faith-based institutions in Ohio and Maryland. Inductive content analysis was conducted to identify categories and subcategories related to acceptability and recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST in communities.
Results
Participants perceived COVID-19 self-testing as an acceptable tool that is beneficial to prevent transmission and address some of the barriers associated with health facility testing, such as transportation cost and human contact at the health facility. However, concerns were raised regarding the accurate use of the kits and costs. Recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST included engagement of community stakeholders to disseminate information about COVID-19 self-testing and creating culturally appropriate education tools to promote knowledge of and clear instructions about how to properly use COVID-19 ST kits. Based on these recommendations, the COVID-19 STEP (Self-Testing Education and Promotion) Project is being developed and will involve engaging community partners such as barbers, church leaders, and other community-based organizations to increase the uptake and use of free COVID-19 ST kits among Black/African Americans.
Conclusion
Findings showed that most participants considered COVID-19 ST valuable for encouraging COVID-19 testing. However, cost and accuracy concerns may pose barriers. Future work should consider implementing interventions that leverage the benefits of COVID-19 ST and further assess the extent to which these identified facilitators and barriers may influence COVID-19 ST uptake.
N addition alters non-structural carbohydrates and C:N:P stoichiometry in different organs of Reaumuria soongorica seedlings in Gobi Desert of the Northwest, China
Authors: xie tingting , Shan Lishan , Zhang Wanting
Published: February 2022

Reaumuria soongorica is an important biological barrier for ecological protection in Gobi desert of the Northwest, China, where soil nitrogen availability is low. N deposition increasing significantly in Gobi desert, so that the response of R. soongorica to N enrichment may become a problem. However, little is known the effects of N addition on biomass, non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), and carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry of R. soongorica in this region. Here, we examined changes in biomass, NSC and C:N:P ratios of different organs for one year growth of R. soongorica at four N treatments which is 0 (N0), 4.6 (N1), 9.2(N2), and 13.8 (N3) g m−2 year−1. The N addition ( reach to 9.2 g m−2 year−1) significantly enhanced the biomass of different organs, meanwhile the belowground:aboveground ratio was also significantly increased. The NSC concentration of root significantly enhanced under N addition treatments, but the stem and leaf NSC concentration was only increased significantly at N1 and N2 addition. N addition only enhanced the soluble sugar concentration of leaf and root, and reduced starch concentration of different organs. The N concentration of stem and root were significantly enhanced at N2 and N3 addition and the leaf N concentration was only increased in N3 addition, but N addition had no significant effect on C and P concentrations. The stem and leaf C:N ratio were reduced significantly in N2 and N3 treatments, but the root C:N ratio was decreased significantly in N addition. The N3 addition significantly increased N:P ratio of different organs. Our results suggested N addition changed the biomass, NSC, N concentration, C:N and N:P ratio of different organs, meanwhile the root responded more strongly than stem or leaf, this is beneficial for absorbing more water in arid soil in this region, then to ensure the survival of R. soongorica seedlings.
Cardiopulmonary work up of patients with and without fatigue 6 months after COVID-19
Authors: Thiele Kirsten , Balfanz Paul , Müller Tobias , Hartmann Bojan , Spiesshoefer Jens , Grebe Julian , Müller-Wieland Dirk , Marx Nikolaus , Dreher Michael , Daher Ayham
Published: February 2022

The pathogenesis of post-COVID-19 symptoms remains incompletely understood. Therefore, we aimed to determine cardiopulmonary limitations six months after surviving COVID-19 using pulmonary function tests (PFTs), echocardiographic studies to the point of analyses of global-longitudinal-strain (GLS), which describes the cycling myocardium deformation and provides better data on left ventricular (LV) dysfunction than LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and validated questionnaires. Overall, 60 consecutive hospitalized patients were included (61±2 years, 32% treated in the ICU). At follow-up (194±3 days after discharge), fatigue was the most prevalent symptom (28%). Patients with fatigue were more symptomatic overall and characterized by worse quality of life (QoL) scores compared to patients without fatigue (all p<0.05), mainly due to limited mobility and high symptom burden. While PFT variables and LVEF were normal in the vast majority (LVEF=52% (45%-52%)) of patients, GLS was significantly reduced (-15%(-18%_-14%)). However, GLS values were not different between patients with and without fatigue. In conclusion, fatigue was the most prevalent post-COVID-19 symptom in our cohort, which was associated with worse QoL mainly due to limited mobility and the high burden of concomitant symptoms. Patients showed a subtle myocardial dysfunction six months after surviving COVID-19, but this did not relate to the presence of fatigue.
A reliable framework for laparoscopic colorectal surgery based on well-structured and standardized surgical and post-operative protocols
Authors: Gkionis Ioannis G , Flamourakis Mathaios E. , Karafoulidou Zafeiro I. , Giakoumakis Michail I. , Laliotis Aggelos , Tsagkataki Eleni S. , Kaloeidi Eleni I. , Strehle Andreas F. , Bachlitzanakis Emmanouil N. , Matzakanis Georgios P. , Alegkakis Athanasios K. , Christodoulakis Manousos S.
Published: February 2022

Background: Although the number of colorectal operations performed laparoscopically has increased, it has not yet surpassed the number of laparotomies. The purpose of this single centre study was to determine, using various parameters and following well-structured and standardized surgical and post-operative procedures the safety and clinical outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal resections performed in a regional hospital by a team of surgeons supervised by a specialized in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Through this process, it was given the opportunity to evaluate the impact of the learning curve by comparing their performance. Methods: From 2012 to 2021, a total of 234 patients with pathology in the colon and rectum underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection. Patients’ case records and histopathology reports were examined for predefined parameters, statistically analysed and compared.Results: The type of operation had a significant effect on operative time (p<0.001). When the duration of operation was correlated to the number of hospitalization days, a significant positive association was found (r=0.173, p=0.012). The patient’s age showed to affect operative time in a proportional way (p=0.004), while the reverse is true for the number of days after 1st surgery (p<0.001). A reduction in operative times was observed for both the specialized and non-specialized surgeons (r=-0.315, p<0.001, rs=-0.324, p<0.001), with a larger decline for specialized surgeon (r=-0.322, p<0.001, rs=-0.360, p<0.001). Conclusions: Taking into consideration all the parameters, it is our belief that through the framework we have implemented, any surgeon can complete uneventfully the learning curve of laparoscopic colorectal surgery, even in a regional hospital.
Social isolation and Life satisfaction mediating the association of ADL and mild cognitive impairment in rural older adults:A multi-group SEM with latent response variable mediation analysis
Authors: jia gaizhen
Published: February 2022

Background: There are many studies on the relationship between daily activity ability (ADL) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and only the discussion of the relationship between ADL and MCI. However, the mechanism of the potential difference is very important to reduce the impact of cognitive dysfunction in later life. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether social isolation and life satisfaction mediated the relationship between ADL and MCI in the older adults.Methods: A village-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,933 older adults people over 60 years old from Shandong Province, China. ADL, MCI, social isolation and life satisfaction were respectively assessed using the daily living capacity scale for Chinese, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool, the LSNS 6 scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale questionnaire. The multi-group SEM with latent response variable method was conducted to evaluate the association between ADL and MCI mediated by social isolation and life satisfaction.Results: The study found that daily activity ability was negatively correlated with mild cognitive impairment in the older adults. Further analysis of mediating effect found that social isolation and life satisfaction had a partial mediating effect between ADL and MCI in the older adults.Conclusion: These results indicated that social isolation and life satisfaction may act as a partial mediator in the relationship between ADL and MCI, and the mediating effect of social isolation was more pronounced than that of life satisfaction.
Media Addiction Behaviour, Computer Vision Syndrome and Neural Patterns
Authors: Hossain Gahangir , Faiyazuddin Musab
Published: February 2022

These Post-COVID days, seventy percent of businesses have or are working on a digital transformation, which make us to spend more time with media interaction [1]. Media has always existed in much of our history; the shape and function of such media instruments may have evolved over time, but human nature has always been drawn to them. Social networking is one of the most common and addictive media resources available today. They have only been around for a decade, but they're more appealing and addictive in nature. According to a recent survey, there are approximately 400 million social media users, and 5 to 10% of the world's population suffers from gaming or internet addiction [2]. Addiction is described as a person's neurotic behavior that contributes to harmful behavior – social media addiction cannot be the exception. This research explores human brain signals, electroencephalogram (EEG) of addictive media abusers and compare it to that of alcoholics to draw a distinction between these two different types of addictions. We performed brain signal analysis in rest stage and working stages. The magnitude and spatial distribution of beta power in the resting EEG were examined to address the possibility of an excitation-inhibition imbalance in the central nervous system of alcoholics with compared to medica addiction. Similar increase in Beta absolute power was observed in alcohol dependent as well as media addictive subjects. In addition, we observed that human eye blink rates that reflects human attention, also reflects media addiction – especially the Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). While performing attentive tasks on digital screens causes a decrease in eye blink rate (EBR), which leads to the fundamental symptom of eye strain or the CVS.
Vacuum microwave drying of acerola residue: Effects of pre-treatment and operating variables on main bioactive compounds
Authors: Nogueira Geraldo D. R. , Silva Priscila B. , Souza Glaucia F. M. V. , Duarte Claudio R. , Barrozo Marcos A.S.
Published: February 2022

Even though the residue from the processing of acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) has significant amounts of vitamin C and other bioactive compounds at the same level as the pulp and the juice of this fruit, it also has a high moisture content level (> 80%). In this work, the drying performance of acerola residue in a microwave oven combined with a vacuum environment was investigated. The effect of pretreatment with ethanol on this drying process was successfully analyzed, together with the influence of main process variables on the moisture removal and the main bioactive compounds of this by-product of the fruit industry. The values obtained for the bioactive compounds after drying could be classified as intermediate concentrations, thus showing a good potential to be used as food additives. The growth of mesophilic bacteria, molds, and yeasts in acerola residues was not observed for the dried material at a final moisture content below 26.2% (wb).
Refractory Serositis In Gorham-Stout Syndrome
Authors: Di Hong , Zhang Bingqing , Xu Na , Yin Yue , Han Xinxin , Zhang Yun , Zeng Xuejun
Published: February 2022

Background: Gorham-Stout syndrome (GSS) is a rare disorder with various presentations and unpredictable prognoses. Previous understandings of GSS mainly focused on progressive bone destruction, while we identified a group of GSS patients with serous effusion as the first symptom. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with GSS having serous effusion as the first symptom. Methods: Patients diagnosed with GSS were identified through the Peking Union Medical College Hospital Medical Record System. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected. Patients who first presented with serous effusion were recruited into the serous group, while those with bone destruction were recruited into the bone group.Results: Of the 23 patients with GSS enrolled, 13 were in the bone group and 10 in the serous group. The median disease duration was shorter and exercise tolerance was lower in the serous group. Despite less frequent bone pain in the serous group, the frequency of bone involvement was similar to that in the bone group. Patients in the serous group had higher rates of bilateral pleural effusion and multiple serous effusion. However, serous effusion also developed with disease progression in the bone group. Of the 17 patients treated with bisphosphonates, 14 reached bone-stable state. However, 5 out of 10 patients with serous effusion still had refractory effusions after bisphosphonates treatment. Three patients received sirolimus treatment, with an improvement in serous effusion. Seventeen patients were followed up; three patients died, two in the bone group and one in the serous group. Conclusions: This study discovered that GSS could first be presented with serous effusion. We believe that this may be a new phenotype of the disease. Sirolimus might help in controlling serous effusion and improving prognosis.
Impact of Infectious Diseases Training in the Perception of Antibiotic Resistance and Rational Use of Antibiotics Among Spanish Medical Students. A Case-Control Study
Authors: Yuste José Ramón , Matteo Andrés Blanco-Di , Gruber Fernando
Published: February 2022

Antibiotic resistance is one of the main public health problems worldwide. A key tool to optimize antibiotic prescription is medical training. The aim of this study is to compare the impact of training in infectious diseases in the knowledge of the antibiotic resistance problem and the rationale use of antibiotics. We performed a case-control study in the medical school of the University of Navarra, one of the top private Universities in Spain. We conducted an anonymous presential survey of students in each year of formation. Data were analyzed grouping the students: GROUP 1: first three years of education. They have not trained in Clinical Microbiology (CM) neither in Infectious Diseases (ID); GROUP 2: fourth-year students; they have training in CM but not ID; GROUP 3: Fifth and sixth-year students; they have completed the training in CM and ID. A total of 994 students answered the survey, 80.4% of the eligible students. Almost all students who have completed infectious diseases formation perceive antibiotic resistance as a relevant problem in comparation with students who did not complete the formation (99.5% in group 3 vs 94.5% in group 1, p=0.02). Knowledge of antibiotic stewardship statistically significant change with infectious diseases formation (from 9.2% in group 1 to 52.2% in group 3, p<0.001). In the training questions block we also found an increase in the average of the correct answers (21.4% in group 1 vs 44.7% in group 3, p<0.001). When comparing the results of subgroups 3A and 3B we found a significant loss of knowledge as we move away from training (49% vs 40.9%, p<0.001). The training of medical students is key both to improve the perception and knowledge of infectious diseases. However, we have an opportunity to educational improvement in infectious diseases in both the acquisition of knowledge and its loss when we move away from training.
Bioactivity Of Fungal Secondary Metabolites Against Some Economic Pests
Authors: Abdelgaleil Samir , Shiono Yoshihito , Taktak Nehad , Saad Mona
Published: February 2022

Fungi have been shown to be a good source for lead molecules in drug discovery and development. However, many compounds derived from fungi were not evaluated for their bioactivity against economic pests. In this study, twelve fungal secondary metabolites (1-12) were evaluated for herbicidal activity against Silybum marianum, fungicidal activity against Alternaria solani and Fusarium oxysporum, insecticidal activity against Culex pipiens larvae, and antifeedant activity against Spodoptera littoralis larvae. Among the tested metabolites, brefeldin A (6) and 6-eopxy-4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methyl-cyclohex-2-en-1-one (11) showed potent herbicidal activity against S. marianum with complete inhibition of seed germination at 500 mg/l. Compound 6 revealed an exceptional herbicidal activity as it caused complete inhibition of root growth and strong reduction in shoot growth (I = 74.5%) and germination (10.0%) at 25 mg/l. In addition, anthracobic acid A (7) showed the highest antifungal activity against F. oxysporum (EC50 = 8.21 mg/l) and 19-(α-D-glucopyranosyloxy)isopimara-7,15-dien-3β-ol (2) was the most potent compound against A. solani (EC50 = 140.8 mg/l). Furthermore, dehydroaustin (9), phomaxanthone A (4) and deacetylphomaxanthone A (5) displayed a potent toxicity against fourth larval instar of C. pipiens with LC50 values of 3.27, 57.03 and 63.5 mg/l, respectively. Among the tested metabolites, four compounds (4, 5, 7 and 11) showed antifeedant activity against third-instar larvae of S. littoralis at 1000 mg/l. The results presented in this study should be useful for developing brefeldin A (6) and dehydroaustin (9) as natural herbicide and insecticide, respectively.