bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Imaging With Two-Photon Microscope For Assessing Tumor Selective Binding Of Anti-CD137 Switch Antibody
Authors: Kaneko Chisato , Tsutsui Haruka , Ozeki Kazuhisa , Honda Masaki , Haraya Kenta , Narita Yoshinori , Kamata-Sakurai Mika , Kikuta Junichi , Tabo Mitsuyasu , Ishii Masaru
Published: December 2021

STA551, a novel anti-CD137 switch antibody, binds to CD137 in an extracellular ATP (exATP) concentration dependent manner. Although STA551 was assumed to show higher target binding in tumor than normal tissues, quantitative detection of the target binding of switch antibody in vivo is technically challenging. In this study, we investigated the target binding of STA551 in vivo using intravital imaging with two-photon microscopy. Tumor-bearing human CD137 knock-in mice were intravenously administered 1 mg/kg of fluorescent-labeled antibodies at day 0 and 3. Flow cytometry analysis of antibody-binding cells and intravital imaging using two-photon microscopy was conducted at day4. Higher CD137 expression in tumor than spleen was detected by flow cytometry analysis, and T cells and NK cells were major CD137 expressing cells. In the intravital imaging experiment, conventional and switch anti-CD137 antibody showed binding in tumor. However, in spleen, the fluorescence of switch antibody was much weaker than conventional anti-CD137 antibody and comparable with isotype control. In conclusion, we could assess switch antibody biodistribution in vivo through intravital imaging with two-photon microscopy. These results suggested that the tumor selective binding of STA551 leads to a wide therapeutic window and potent antitumor efficacy without systemic immune activation.
A Review into the Acute Emergency Response of Operational Partnerships During the Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Cox’s Bazar
Authors: Blackmore Claire , Evers Egmond Samir , Sazed S M Asif , Baidjoe Amrish , Vilas Victor Del Rio , Pesigan Art , Ofrin Roderico
Published: December 2021

Background: The unprecedented influx of Rohingya refugees into Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, in 2017 led to a humanitarian emergency requiring large numbers of humanitarian workers to be deployed to the region. The World Health Organization (WHO) contributed to this effort through several well-established deployment mechanisms: the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and the Standby Partnerships (SBP). The aim of the study was to capture the views and experiences of those humanitarian workers deployed by WHO through operational partnerships between December 2017 and February 2019.Methods: A mixed methods design was used. A desktop review was conducted to describe the demographics of the humanitarian workers deployed to Cox’s Bazar and the work that was undertaken. Interviews were conducted with a subset of the respondents to elicit their views relating to their roles and contributions to the humanitarian response, challenges during their deployment and how the process could be improved. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.Results: We identified sixty-five deployments during the study period. Respondents’ previous experience ranged between 3 and 28 years (mean 9.7 years). The duration of deployment ranged from 8 to 278 days (mean 67 days) and there was a higher representation of workers from Western Pacific and European regions. Forty-one interviews were conducted with people who experienced all aspects of the deployment process. Key themes elicited from interviews related to staffing, the deployment process, the office environment and capacity building. Various issues raised have since been addressed, including the establishment of a sub-office structure, introduction of online training prior to deployment, and a staff wellbeing committee. Conclusions: This study identified successes and areas for improvement for deployments during emergencies. The themes and subthemes elicited can be used to inform policy and practice changes, as well as the development of performance indicators. Common findings between this study and previous literature indicate the pivotal role of staff deployments through partnership agreements during health emergency response operations and a need for continuous improvements of processes to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Evaluation of virtual assessment
Authors: Joyce Pauline , Cassidy Dara , Kenna Laura
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe study emerged from the necessity to reschedule an in-person long case examination to an online platform for Physician Associate students’ final clinical examination. The group had already experienced a delay in taking this clinical examination due to missing clinical hours, during Covid-19 restrictions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experiences of students and examiners for a high stakes’ clinical examination online. Research suggests that the long case is the only clinical examination that promotes holistic assessment. However, a disconnect between the patient’s presence and the student in the virtual environment was a key finding in this study. Methods This was an evaluation research study, using the Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model, which provided a framework to establish the effectiveness and/or success of an online format for a high stakes’ clinical examination. All students and examiners were invited to take part in virtual interviews. ResultsResults suggest that both students (n=5) and examiners (n=7) agree that, while the stress of a face-to-face examination was lessened for the student, this was balanced by a new stressor of potential internet problems. All agreed that a virtual setting for a high stakes assessment is not transferable, with both groups citing the lack of opportunities to ‘read the patient’ and ‘showcase their physical exam skills’ as challenging. Conclusions Our study suggests that, in the context of balancing the risks of the pandemic with graduating healthcare professionals, the online format was a success. The benefits cited included the preparation of students for real life situations in a clinical setting, with a healthcare system now more reliant on virtual consultations, and the capacity to offer increased opportunities for formative assessment of consultation and clinical reasoning skills. However, recommendations suggest that the long case could be planned so that student and patient are in the same setting to perform a ten-minute physical exam, confirming the finding that questions on ‘how to’ examine a patient are no substitute for ‘doing’.
Mapping Evidence of the Power Relations Between Domestic Workers and Their Employers in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Ntini Thobeka , Mulqueeny Delarise , Sewpaul Vishanthie
Published: December 2021

Background

Across various intersectional lines, including race, class and gender, domestic work is profoundly exploitative than other comparable occupations. The private household, within which domestic workers (DWs) work and function, provides for a space of complex and nuanced dynamics of power. According to the International Labour Organization there are more than 65 million DWs in the world, and Africa is the third largest employer of DWs, with more than 5.2 million DWs reported. The inception of the Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189) (C189) in 2011 sought to protect DWs from all forms of exploitation and discrimination in the workplace, the convention brought global attention to the violation of their human rights and inequalities within the domestic work sector. Although there are more than 5.2 million DWs in Africa, 39/46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have not ratified this convention. Due to the extremely low ratification of the C189 and scanty evidence on the power relations between DWs and their employers in SSA, this scoping review is relevant to detect the extent and characteristics of domestic work in SSA since the introduction of C189 in September 2011.
Methods

The literature that will be included in this scoping review are published peer-reviewed articles, grey literature from relevant departmental websites, humanitarian organisations and theses. Electronic searches of databases and search engines such as Google, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, EBSCO Discovery Service, Scopus, World Bank and International Labour Organization (ILO) for literature published between September 2011-2021. Other search engines will include screening citations and references of appearing literature within the stipulated time period. All retrieved literature will be exported to an Endnote X9 library. Duplicate documents will be deleted prior to commencement of title screening. An adapted Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT), developed in a Google form, will be used by two reviewers to quality assess and describe all included studies (qualitative, mixed methods and quantitative).
Discussion

We anticipate mapping relevant literature on the power relations between domestic workers and their employers in sub-Saharan Africa. Once analysis and summary is finalised, the data will be useful to guide future research.
Perceptions and Experiences of Latinx Parents with Language Barriers in a Pediatric Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zamor Ronine L. , Vaughn Lisa M. , McCann Erin , Sanchez Luisanna , Page Erica M. , Mahabee-Gittens E. Melinda
Published: December 2021

Background: Prior research has shown disparities exist among Latinx children who present to the pediatric emergency department (PED) for respiratory illnesses. Limited data exist regarding Latinx families’ perspectives on healthcare for their children in PEDs within non-traditional destination areas. Their perspective can identify areas of improvement for reducing healthcare disparities among pediatric patients within this population. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of Latinx families with language barriers in the PED. Methods: Study staff screened the electronic health records of a purposive sample of patients. Families were considered eligible for the study if they: 1) presented to the PED with their 0-2 year-old child for a respiratory illness, 2) affirmed that their preferred language was Spanish at triage, and 3) requested a Spanish interpreter during registration. Semi-structured, one-on-one qualitative interviews were conducted via telephone, audiotaped, translated, and transcribed. All transcripts were reviewed using a thematic analysis. Results: Interviews were conducted with 16 Latinx parents. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: (1) Uncertainty - Families expressed uncertainty regarding how to care for a child with distressing symptoms, (2) Communication – Families favored in-person interpreters which enhanced communication and allowed families to feel more informed, (3) Resources – Families reported that the unfamiliarity with the US health system and lack of resources are additional burdens, and (4) Closure – The emergency department visits garnered confidence and reassurance for families. Conclusions: The PED can be a key area of the health system that can help reduce disparities among the Latinx population. Further areas of intervention should focus on support beyond providing access to an interpreter, including identifying potential provider bias, improving information delivery, and enhancing education on community resources for families who face language barriers in the PED.
Associations Between Student Behavior, Teacher Practice Delivery and Teacher Student Relationships: An Integrative Data Analytic Approach
Authors: Broda Michael , Granger Kristen , Sayers Robin , Washington-Nortey Melissa , Chow Jason , Sutherland Kevin , Conroy Maureen
Published: December 2021

This study used integrative data analysis (IDA) to examine student teacher relationship profiles within student problem behavior, teacher delivered practices, and teacher-student relationships, and the influence of profiles on distal outcomes in early childhood and early elementary classrooms with students with or at risk for EBD. Typically, samples from these two age groups are considered separately, however, we use IDA procedures such as data harmonization to identify measures from three separate federally funded studies spanning ages (3-8) to examine these phenomena across these developmental ranges. Using an exploratory approach to latent profile analysis (LPA) and including Conflict, Closeness, Teacher Delivery of Practices, Social Skills, and Problem Behavior scores as indicators, we found significant evidence for the existence of four student teacher relationship profiles among our sample of 196 student-teacher dyads observed across three different datasets. These dyads roughly corresponded to what we describe as four different teacher-student interaction profiles: 1) Responsive, 2) Unresponsive, 3) Difficult, and 4) Challenging. Nearly 80 percent of dyads fell into profiles 1 or 3, with the remaining dyads split between profiles 2 and 4. Further, we found that profile membership did predict significant differences on most of the same measures observed at Time 2, in the Spring. Findings from the present study provide evidence that teacher student relationships in early childhood and elementary school classrooms are multifaceted and that transactional processes inherent in these relationships influence some outcomes at the end of the school year.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Assessing Inflammatory Inhibitory Activity of a New Cyclic Alkaloid Compound from Root Bark of Ziziphus Nummularia (Aubrev.)
Authors: Ray Sarbani Dey , Das Nirupam , Ray Supratim
Published: December 2021

[(16-methoxy-10-(3-methyl-butyl)-2-oxa-6, 9, 12-triaza-tricyclo [13.3.1.03, 7] nonadeca-1(18), 13, 15 (19), 16-tetraene-8, 11-Dione], a putative cyclic alkaloid compound (IC) isolated from the root bark of Ziziphus nummularia, showed potential anti-inflammatory potential. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) levels were measured in vitro to assess IC's potential. ADME simulations and molecular docking of IC by TNF- α receptor were also performed. The in vivo potentials of IC and ethanolic extract (EE) were investigated by assessing carrageenan-induced paw oedema and arachidonic acid/xylene-induced ear oedema. TNF-α inhibition was higher in IC than in others, with a maximal percent inhibition of 88.00 percent at 50.11 µM. IC generated hydrogen bonds with ASP 45 and GLN 47, according to in silico research. Carrageenan, xylene, and arachidonic acid-induced oedema were all significantly reduced by IC. As a result, IC may have clinical potential in the future treatment of inflammation.
Selection of Contrasting Parents for Drought Tolerance in Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.)
Authors: Grandón Nancy Gabriela , Martin Eugenia Alejandra , Cicconi Emanuel Mauro , Díaz Carolina del Pilar , Mamaní Eva María Celia , Moreno María Valeria
Published: December 2021

The aim of this research was select the best combination of contrasting parents to develop a mapping population for drought tolerance, based on phenotypic and genotypic data. Phenotyping was conducted in a greenhouse during 16 days at vegetative stage under well-watered (WW) and water-deficit (WD) conditions. Traits evaluated were: gain of leaf area (GLA), total water use (TWU), net assimilation rate (NAR), water use efficiency (WUE) and transpiration rate (TR) response to vapor pressure deficit (VPD) (slope and breakpoint). Genotyping was performed with 127 SSR markers and a cluster analyses was conducted. An important interaction was observed for NAR, WUE and breakpoint in the VPD response. Under WD conditions, all genotypes showed lower GLA and TWU, whereas NAR and WUE increased its values. All genotypes showed reduction of the slope and breakpoint in high VPD response on WD. PCA analysis explains the 80% of the total variability. PC1 discriminated HA89 and R419 due to a lower slope and higher breakpoint, while PC2 separated by water treatment based on the WUE and TWU values. Nighty nine SSR marker were amplified detecting 262 alleles. Cluster analyzes showed two main groups, one including HAR4 and B59 and the other one including five remaining genotypes. According to these results, only R419xHA64 and HA89xHAR4 had a greater genetic distance (1.08), besides a high polymorphism level between ILs (about 60%). Therefore, we conclude that these would be the best combination of contrasting parents to develop mapping populations for drought tolerance in sunflower.
Selective Etching of Silicon Nitride Over Silicon Oxide using ClF3/H2 Remote Plasma
Authors: Lee Won Oh , Kim Ki Hyun , Kim Doo San , Ji You Jin , Kang Ji Eun , Tak Hyun Woo , Park Jin Woo , Song Han Duck , Kim Ki Seok , Cho Byeong Ok , Kim Young Lae , Yeom Geun Young
Published: December 2021

Precise and selective removal of silicon nitride in a SiNx/SiOy stack is crucial for a current 3D-NAND (not and) fabrication process. In this study, fast and ultra-high selective isotropic etching of SiNx have been studied using a ClF3/H2 remote plasma in an inductively coupled plasma system and a mechanism of SiNx etching was investigated by focusing on the role of Cl, F, and H radicals in the plasma. The SiNx etch rate over 800 Å/min with the etch selectivity of ~130 could be observed under a ClF3 remote plasma at a room temperature. Furthermore, compromising the etch rate of SiNx by adding H2 to the ClF3 plasma, the etch selectivity of SiNx over SiOy close to ~ 200 could be obtained. The etch characteristics of SiNx and SiOy with increasing the process temperature demonstrated the higher activation energy of SiOy compared to that of SiNx with ClF3 plasma.
Neuroprotective Effects of losartan and Captopril in an H2O2- Induced Neurotoxicity Model of Neuro-2A Cells
Authors: Firouzabadi Negar , Kiafar MohammadReza , Alimoradi Nahid , Keshtgar Sara , Mehdipour Fereshteh , Ghods Atri
Published: December 2021

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses and knowledge about its pathophysiology will assist in smart treatment of depression. RAS is a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Role of brain RAS has been highlighted in many mental and neurological disorders. Many drugs that target this system, such as ACEIs and ARBs, have shown positive effects on improving depression in clinical studies and animal models.Methods and results: Regarding the effectiveness RAS in depression, this study was conducted to compare the neuroprotective effects of ARB and ACEI drugs and common antidepressants on Neuro-2a cells. The cells were treated in the different concentrations of captopril, losartan, imipramine, and venlafaxine (1, 10, 50, 100 μM), after exposure to H2O2. Intracellular Ca2+ content, cell viability, SOD activity and ROS generation were measured in all groups. Our results show that cell viability of H2O2-treated cells was significantly increased in the presence of antihypertensive drugs. We observed a protective effect against ROS production in all drug groups in Neuro-2a cells. Losartan at all concentrations and captopril prevented cell damage caused by ROS. Cell death due to intracellular Ca2+, was significantly reduced with all antidepressant. At low concentrations of losartan and captopril cell death due to intracellular Ca2+was significantly reduced compared to the H2O2 group. Conclusions: Antihypertensive drugs, especially losartan can have neuroprotective effects and if approved in animal models, it may be used in the future as an adjunct in psychiatric diseases such as depression.
Production and Characterization Of Electroless Ni Coated Fe-Co Composite Using Powder Metallurgy In Microwave Furnace
Authors: YONETKEN Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet
Published: December 2021

The specimens, magnetic properties materials, and microwave characteristics of Ni coated Fe and Co composites were researched by specimens produced by microwave furnace sintering at 1100°C temperature. A uniform nickel deposit on Fe-Co particles was coated previously to sintering by electroless coating deposition procedure. A composite consisting of quaternary additions, a metallic phase, Fe-Co inside of Ni matrix has been prepared under in a neutral atmosphere environment then microwave sintered. X-Ray Diffraction, SEM(Scanning-Electron-Microscope), Empedans Phase Analyzer were utilized to obtain structural data and to determine magnetic and electrical features such as dielectric and conductivity at the temperature range of 25-400C. The ferromagnetic resonance varied from 10 Hz to 1GHz and measurements were employed to characterize the features of the specimens. Empirical of findings obtained for the composition (Fe-%25Co)50Ni at 1100°C recommend that the best conductivity and hardness were obtained with 50Ni addition at a sintering temperature of 1100°C.
Minimization of Extraocular Muscle Damage in Thyroid Eye Disease Patients Following Surgery Based on Computerized Biomechanics
Authors: Jeong Byeong-Cheol , Lee Chi-Seung , Ryu Dong-man , Park Jungyul
Published: December 2021

Background To evaluate the risk of general orbital decompression in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED).Methods In this study, we replicated the behavior of intraorbital tissue in patients with TED based on finite element analysis. The orbit and intraorbital tissues of TED patient who underwent orbital decompression were modeled as finite element models. The stress was examined at a specific location of the removed orbital wall of a patient with TED who had undergone orbital decompression, and its variation was investigated and analyzed as a function of the shape and dimension (to be removed).Results In orbital decompression surgery which removes the orbital wall in a rectangular shape, the stress at the orbital wall decreased as the width and depth of the removed orbital wall increased. In addition, the stress of the non-chamfered model (a form of general orbital decompression) was higher than that of the chamfered model. Especially, in the case of orbital decompression, it can be seen that the chamfered model compared to the non-chamfered model have the stress reduction rate from 11.08% to 97.88%.Conclusions It is inferred that if orbital decompression surgery considering the chamfered model is performed on an actual TED patient, it is expected that the damage to the extraocular muscle caused by the removed orbital wall will be reduced.
Best Time Domain Features for Early Detection of Faults in Rotary Machines Using RAT and ANN
Authors: Al-SAAD Mohammed , Al-Mosallam MOHAMMED , Alsahlani Ahmed
Published: December 2021

The common mechanical defect of rotating machinery is bearing failure which is considered the most common failure mode in rotating machinery. This kind of failure can lead to large losses as financial during work. Early detection of different faults in rotating machines such as bearing fault, misalignment, and others is considered one of the techniques in which is achieved by further signal processing techniques. Thus, using statistical methods such as reverse arrangement tests (RAT) to obtain the best a feature associated with these different faults is the perfect solution to find the failure which is widespread in the early detection of a fault. This type of feature will be used in Artificial Neural networks (ANN) as input for auto diagnosis. These characteristics are independently associated with different types of fault. Using RAT is considered very important in the process of linking different kinds of failures with the most important features.
Successful Therapy in Cases Series of Systemic Autoinflammatory Disease and Literature Review
Authors: HU SHAOXIAN , YU MEI , HUANG XIAOWEI , XING RUI , YU YIKAI
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Systemic autoinflammatory disease (SAID) is a rare systemic auto-inﬂammatory and progressive disorders. There have been some reports with various therapies in SAID patients. The objective of this study is to describe the chareatercis of four cases of NAIDs beneﬁting from JAK 1/2 inhibitor baricitinib.Methods: We reported the four cases with SAID including two cases of Blau syndrome, one case of FMF and one case of FCAS3 syndrome. These four different patients were either resistant to currently available therapies or biologics were unaccessible during COVID-19 pandemic. We also conducted a systematic literature review about the current therapies of SAID.Results: Although genetically and phenotypically different, four cases of SAID that were treated with single use baricitinib 4 mg per day achieved improvement over eight weeks. We further identiﬁed 132 manuscripts providing more than 100 cases of SAID. Among these patients, 24 underwent biological treatments and 22 of them recovered. In these 132 manuscripts, 2 underwent JAK 1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib treatment and recovered fully.Conclusions: Case series study on the use of Jak inhibitor agents have yielded positive results in our study. For SAID patients baricitinib may be a better choice compared to injection biological treatments.
A Closed-Form Analytical Solution to the Complete Three-Dimensional Unsteady Compressible Navier-Stokes Equations
Authors: Amoloye Taofiq
Published: December 2021

The three main approaches in fluid dynamics are actual experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical solutions. Numerical simulations and theoretical solutions are based on the continuity equation and Navier-Stokes equations (NSE) that govern experimental observations of fluid dynamics.Theoretical solutions can offer huge advantages over numerical solutions and experiments in the understanding of fluid flows and design. These advantages are in terms of cost and time consumption. However, theoretical solutions have been limited by the prized NSE problem that seeks a physically consistent solution than what classical potential theory (CPT) offers. Therefore, the current author refined CPT. He introduced refined potential theory (RPT) that provides a viscous potential/stream function as a physically consistent solution to the NSE problem. This function captures observable unsteady flow features including separation, wake, vortex shedding, compressibility, turbulence, and Reynolds-number-dependence. It appropriately combines the properties of a three-dimensional potential function that satisfy the inertia terms of NSE and the features of a stream function that satisfy the continuity equation, the viscous vorticity equation, and the viscous terms of NSE. RPT has been verified and validated against experimental and numerical results of incompressible unsteady sub-critical Reynolds number flows on stationary finite circular cylinder, sphere, and spheroid.
Aromatase Inhibitors and Contralateral Breast Cancer in BRCA Mutation Carriers: A long-term Follow-up
Authors: Shafaee Maryam Nemati , Goutsouliak Kristina , Lin Heather , Bevers Therese B , Gutierrez-Barrera Angelica , Bondy Melissa , Arun Banu
Published: December 2021

Background: Deleterious BRCA mutations confer a significant lifetime risk of breast cancer (BC) as well as contralateral BC (CBC) in patients who do not undergo prophylactic mastectomy. Prior reports have suggested that tamoxifen reduces the risk of CBC in BRCA mutation carriers. Whether aromatase inhibitors (AI) have the same effect is unknown. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with non-metastatic ER+ BC between 2004-2014 with known BRCA mutation status. Patients were followed from primary diagnosis until CBC diagnosis or death. Median follow up was 11.5 years. Risk of CBC was evaluated as time to event. Results: 935 subjects were included in this analysis, with 53 BRCA1 mutation carriers, and 94 BRCA2 mutation carriers. Median age at diagnosis was 42.7 years. Seventy-two percent (676) received tamoxifen and 43% (405) received AI. A total of 66 CBCs occurred, of which 10% (15/147) occurred in BRCA mutation carriers vs %6.5 (51/788) in BRCA wild type. Multivariate analyses indicated that BRCA status and AI use were significantly associated with CBC risk. AI use resulted in a significant reduction in risk of CBC (HR 0.44, p=0.004) regardless of the BRCA mutation status. Tamoxifen use was not associated with reduced risk of CBC. Conclusions: This is the first report showing that AIs reduce the risk of CBC in BRCA mutation carriers. The potential role of AIs as chemoprevention should be validated in larger independent cohorts.
Sustained Decline in Cigarette Consumption During COVID-19
Authors: Fosgaard Toke , Pizzo Alice , Sadoff Sally
Published: December 2021

Background: An estimated 8 million people die every year due to tobacco use. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the health costs of smoking, which is a leading risk factor for more severe COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and death. The pandemic has also led to reductions in physical activity, increases in stress and declines in mental well-being, all factors commonly associated with triggering higher tobacco. Methods: Using a longitudinal data set of purchasing behavior from 2019-2020 among a national sample of the Danish population (n=4042), we estimate changes in tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our analysis compares tobacco purchases prior to the pandemic to purchases during the pandemic, at the individual level. We also examine effects within subgroups based on smoking behavior in 2019 prior to the pandemic. We estimate effects for smokers and non-smokers. Within smokers, we separately estimate effects for occasional smokers and regular smokers. Results: We find large, sustained, decreases in tobacco consumption during COVID-19. We estimate that, controlling for price, weekly tobacco purchase rates decline by 24 percent and average quantities decline by 12 percent during the period spanning the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 through the end of the year. The declines are driven by regular smokers with little change in behavior among non-smokers or occasional smokers. Among regular smokers, purchase rates decline by about 30 percent, tobacco consumption declines by about 20 percent and quitting rates increase by about 10 percentage points. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with individuals responding to the increased health risks of smoking due to COVID-19 and suggest that the pandemic could lead to sustained reductions in tobacco consumption.
Experimental Research On The Technology of Two-Pass Different Temperature Rolling For Thick Steel/Aluminum/Aluminum-Alloy Composite Plate
Authors: Chen Ke , Liu Wenwen , Wang Tao , Wang Najin , Chen Zhongyu
Published: December 2021

Thick steel/aluminum/aluminum-alloy composite plate is one of the key materials connecting steel structures and aluminum alloy structures, and has been widely used in shipbuilding industry and other fields. However, steel/aluminum/aluminum-alloy composite plates with a total thickness of more than 10 mm and a steel layer thickness of more than 5 mm are prone to problems such as inconsistent deformation of component metals and low bonding strength during the rolling process, and cannot be continuously prepared. In order to solve this problem, this article proposes a two-pass different temperature rolling process for thick steel/aluminum/aluminum-alloy composite plates, and conducts research on Q235B steel, 1060 aluminum and 5083 aluminum alloy as component metals. The results show that the process is reliable. It can prepare Q235B/1060/5083 composite plates with a thickness of 15.65 mm without oxygen protection measures. Meanwhile, the interfacial shear and pull-off strength of the composite plates obtained under different experimental conditions in this article are higher than the requirements of the US military standards MIL-J-24445A and Chinese ship standard CB20091-2012. And the composite plates showed good performance in 90° and 137° bending tests without obvious defects. Under the best condition of them, a 1.48 μm interlocking diffusion layer was formed at the steel/aluminum interface of the composite plates, and the interfacial shear strength exceeded 70 MPa, and the interfacial pull-off strength exceeded 110 MPa. Finally, according to the experimental results, the reasons for the feasibility of the two-pass different rolling of thick steel/aluminum/aluminum-alloy composite plates are given.
Lumbo-Pelvic and Lower Limb Joint Kinematics in Subjects with and Without Low Back Pain: A Protocol for Systematic Review
Authors: Dehcheshme Fatemeh Ghasemi , Arab Massoud , Nourbakhsh Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2021

Background
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. While its main cause is mostly unknown, more than 80% of people experience this disorder during their lifetime .Some clinical evidence suggests that people with chronic LBP have various lower extremity movement disorders. This study aims to systematically review the literature on comparing the kinematics of the lumbopelvic region and lower limb joints in people with non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) compared to healthy individuals.
Methods/design:
We will search main electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Pedro, ProQuest and Google Scholar) and two key journals (Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, Clinical Biomechanics). Also, the reference list of the previous systematic reviews would be hand-searched. Studies that have examined the kinematic differences in lumbopelvic or lower limbs between NS-LBP and healthy individuals will be included. We will examine the methodological quality and statistical reporting of each eligible trial using the Newcastle – Ottawa Scale (NOS).
Discussion
To our knowledge, this study will be the first systematic review to examine the kinematic differences of the lower limb joints and pelvic complex between healthy people and NS-LBP. Since the kinematic assessment of the lower extremities and pelvic joints during daily activities may help understand underlying factors causing LBP, it is important to evaluate the kinematic changes in these regions, during repetitive daily functions in these patients.
Systematic review registration:
PROSPERO (CRD42021230826)
Amniotic Fluid-derived MSC Secretome Halts Action of IL-1β and TNF-α Through ERK/MAPK and Returns Cartilage Repair Under OA Inflammatory Stimuli
Authors: Klaymook Supatra , Chareancholvanich Keerati , Tirawanchai Napatara , Chetsawang Banthit , Pokathikorn Puttachart , Julavijitphong Suphakde , Phermthai Tatsanee
Published: December 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative cartilage disease. OA cartilage has a limited repair capacity due to the effect of IL-1β and TNF-α on the chondrocyte progenitor cells (CPC) in an OA joint. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) therapy is a therapeutic option for osteoarthritis that initiated by the ability of secretory growth factors and mediator molecules to heal OA. Amniotic fluid MSC (AF-MSC), an interesting MSC source, has been shown to secrete various growth factors and anti-inflammatory molecules promoting tissue repair and regeneration. However, the effect of AF-MSC secretory factors to inflammation and cartilage repair is still limited. The current study aims to explore the action of AF-MSC secretome to IL-1β and TNF-α, and the CPC function that encourages cartilage repair.Methods: The effect of AF-MSC secretome to OA inflammatory cytokines was observed via the CPC migration using scratch assay. Inhibitory action of AF-MSC secretome to IL-1β and TNF-α was determined through NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways by western blot. The repaired function of OA cartilage was analyzed via the cartilage outgrowth study and the expression of chondrogenic and anabolic genes using qRT-PCR.Results: AF-MSC secretome can arrest inflammatory action of IL-1β and TNF-α and reduces production of NF-κB, pNF-κB, p38, pp38, ERK, COX-2, and iNOS signaling proteins. It significantly reduced the production of pERK (P = 0.0434). For cartilage repair, AF-MSC secretome promotes CPC outgrowth and migration in human OA cartilage, even under inflammatory stimuli. By the action of AF-MSC secretome, the inflamed CPC can restore Col II and anabolic genes; IGF1 expression, indicating reactivation of cartilage regeneration.Conclusion: AF-MSC secretory factors have the ability to halt inflammatory actions of IL-1β and TNF-α via the ERK/MAPK pathway and motivate CPC function and anabolic property.
An Evidence-Based Vestibular Schwannoma Surgical Outcome Grading Scale for Large-to-Giant Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Fatima Nida , Lekovic Gregory P.
Published: December 2021

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between facial nerve function and extent of resection (EOR) as outcomes in the surgical management of large vestibular schwannoma (VS) (≥ 2.5 cm maximal) and evaluate use of a new grading system that incorporates both outcomes.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the electronic databases using different MeSH terms from 1990 to 2021. 5,623 patients from 56 studies were found appropriate for inclusion in the study. Surgical approach was reported in 5,144 patients, including translabyrinthine approach (TL) in 43.3% (n=2,225), retrosigmoid (RS) approach in 56.3% (n=2,899), retrolabyrinthine (RL) approach in 0.3% (n=16), and extended translabyrinthine (EX) approach in 0.1% (n=4). The proposed VS Grading System defines outcomes of gross total resection (GTR), near total resection (NTR) and subtotal resection (STR) with good facial nerve function [House-Brackmann (HB) Grade I-II] as Classes A, B and C respectively. Those with poor facial nerve outcome (HB III-VI) are graded as Classes D, E and F, respectively. Results:. As expected, patients with STR had a higher likelihood of better facial nerve outcomes (HB I-II) compared to NTR [Odds Ratio (OR): 7.30, 95%CI: 2.45-12.1, p=0.004] and GTR (OR: 9.61, 95%CI: 3.61-15.6, p=0.002), while NTR had better facial nerve outcome than GTR (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.14-4.6, p<0.0001). A Class A result, representing the best possible outcome, was obtained in 55.8% of TL vs. 49.4% undergoing RS approach. Conclusion: Complete surgical resection with preservation of facial nerve function is the gold standard for large VS.
Green Approach to Clean Marble Surfaces
Authors: Campanella Luigi , Cardellicchio Francesco , Dell’Aglio Emanuele , Reale Rita , Salvi Anna Maria
Published: December 2021

In the field of cultural heritage restoration, the removal of iron corrosion stains is a difficult problem to deal with, especially in porous stone materials. Many studies in recent years have been aimed at finding simple and reliable methods using non-toxic chelating compounds. The search for natural compounds is therefore of great relevance, especially in the restoration of cultural heritage, where the use of toxic chemical compounds often involves risks for the environment and human health. Following this trend, the purpose of this preliminary work was to verify the use of two natural proteins, Lactotransferrin (Ltf) and Ovotransferrin (Ovt), for the removal of iron-based stains on marble surfaces. The two proteins, whose high affinity for iron "in vivo" has been widely documented, were extracted from their natural matrices. The protein extracts were then immobilized using a common cellulose pulp. The poultices obtained were spread on the surfaces of artificially stained marble specimens and, after a set time, were easily removed. The effectiveness of the removal, visually evident, was detected by spectrocolorimetry and image analysis. The surface analyses, before and after the treatment, carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirmed that both proteins have a selective and effective complexing capacity for the ferric ions of rust stains.
Ensovibep, a novel trispecific DARPin candidate that protects against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Stumpp Michael
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has infected millions of people globally and continues to undergo evolution. Emerging variants can be partially resistant to vaccine induced and therapeutic antibodies, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible, broad-spectrum therapeutics. Here, we report a comprehensive study of ensovibep, the first trispecific clinical DARPin candidate, that can simultaneously engage all three units of the spike protein trimer to potently inhibit ACE2 interaction, as revealed by structural analyses. The cooperative binding of the individual modules enables ensovibep to retain inhibitory potency against all frequent SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, as of December 2021. Moreover, viral passaging experiments show that ensovibep, when used as a single agent, can prevent development of escape mutations comparably to a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Finally, we demonstrate that the very high in vitro antiviral potency also translates into significant therapeutic protection and reduction of pathogenesis in Roborovski dwarf hamsters infected with either the SARS-CoV-2 wild-type or the Alpha variant. In this model, ensovibep prevents fatality and provides substantial protection equivalent to the standard of care mAb cocktail. These results support further clinical evaluation and indicate that ensovibep could be a valuable alternative to mAb cocktails and other treatments for COVID-19.
Tuning The Properties of Ba-M Hexaferrite BaFe11.5Co0.5O19: A Road Towards Diverse Applications
Authors: Ateia Ebtesam , Elsayed Kareem , Ramadan Rania
Published: December 2021

The development of hexaferrite nanoparticles is scrutinized as potential sorbents for the removal of chromium (Cr) ions from aqueous chromium-containing solutions in a batch adsorption experiment. The transition metal Co doped BaFe12O19 hexaferrite compounds (BHF) have been synthesized successfully via citrate auto combustion technique. Structural, morphological, and magnetic properties are testified. X-ray diffraction pattern ratifies the existence of hexagonal phase as a main phase for the prepared samples. The average crystallite sizes are found in the range of 47–49 nm. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), as well as the Fourier, transform infrared spectrophotometry results confirm an M-type hexagonal structure existing. The c-T indicates the temperature-dependent ferromagnetic behavior of BHF nanoparticles. The derivative shows a single transition temperature Tc at 698 °C, 710 for BHF and BHCF respectively. The prepared samples are utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of Cr (VI) from the aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of Cr (VI) on the nano hexaferrite is higher than that of various other adsorbents testified in the literature. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model gives a better fit to the experimental data
Impact of CSA Innovations on Household Food and Nutrition Security: Evidence From the Upper Blue Nile Highland of Ethiopia
Authors: Teklu Abyiot , Simane Belay , Bezabih Mintewab
Published: December 2021

Background: Food insecurity remains a major challenge to smallholder farmers in the face of changing climate in the Upper Blue Nile Highlands of Ethiopia. To improve food and nutrition security of climate change vulnerable smallholder farmers in eastern Ethiopia, several climate-smart agriculture (CSA) innovations have been adopted and scaled-up. However, the impact of these innovations on household food and nutritional security was not systematically studied. This study examined the impact of selected CSA technologies on household food and nutrition security. Cross-sectional data were generated from 424 randomly selected rural smallholder agriculture households in the five selected agroecosystems of the Upper Blue Nile Highlands of Ethiopia. The study employed propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression estimation models. Results: Households that practiced crop residue management had an 8.46 higher Food Consumption Score (FCS) and a 0.4 higher Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) than non-adopters. Similarly, households who adopted compost and agroforestry had a 0.462 and 0.446 higher Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) than non-adopters, respectively. The endogenous switching regression analysis result showed that households that practiced crop residue management had an 22.6 higher Food Consumption Score (FCS) and a 2.2 higher Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) than non-adopters. Similarly, households who adopted physical SWC had a 2.3 higher Food Consumption Score (FCS) than non-adopters. Whereas, compost and agroforestry had a 0.28 and 2.12 higher Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) than non-adopters, respectively. Conclusions: This shows that households adopting CSA innovations are more likely to have higher food security compared to non-adopters. This suggests that promotion and scale-up of CSA innovations in the study area can enhance household food and nutrition security.
Survival Based On The Pathologic Lymph Node Ratio For Local Advanced Gastric Cancer; Elderly Patients Versus Non Elderly Patients
Authors: Yalkin Omer , Iflazoglu Nidal , Deniz Olgun , Uzunoglu Mustafa Yener , Turhan Ezgi Isil
Published: December 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic value of the pathological lymph node ratio for elderly and non-elderly gastric cancer patients and to evaluate whether there is a difference in the survival of patients with the same LNR (Lymph Node Ratio).Materials and Methods: A total of 222 patients diagnosed with locally advanced gastric cancer and who underwent gastrectomy were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to age. Clinicopathological properties of the two groups were compared. Potential prognostic factors affecting survival were analyzed. Subsequently, the effect of lymphadenectomy and LNR on survival in both groups was evaluated. Results: Significant differences were detected in terms of the location of primary lesions, hemoglobin and albumin levels between elderly patients and non-elderly patients (p < .05). Overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in elderly patients (22 months vs. 67 months, p<0.001). The survival rates in elderly patients were significantly lower from those of non-elderly in the subgroup LNR Stage 2 (12.1% vs. 47.9 %, P = 0.004) and LNR Stage 3 classification (9.1% vs. 34.1%, P = 0.039). LNR was found to be significant for OS with a cut-off point of 0.18. Conclusion: A survival difference was found between the elderly and non-elderly patients with the same LNR. LNR was found to be an independent factor for survival especially in elderly patients. Survival was found to be further decreased in elderly patients compared to non-elderly patients with increasing LNR.