bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Eastern India: A Hospital Based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Debasmita , Choudhury Jayati Roy , Mukherjee Kasturi
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is common (around 40%) in people older than 65 years of age and in people who are strict vegetarians. The major sources of Viamin B12 are meat, fish, dairy products and fortified cereals. Aim: To study the prevalence and common types of presentations of vitamin B12 deficiency among 20-80 years aged, non-vegetarian people attending a tertiary care hospital in a state of Eastern India. Materials and Methods: This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted at IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital between July 2018 to December 2019. Serum samples were collected from 478 adult patients presenting with different symptoms like pallor, fatigue, numbness and tingling sensation in limbs, memory loss, alopecia etc., which may be related to vitamin B12 deficiency. These samples were screened for serum vitamin B12 level by chemiluminescence method in ADVIA, Centaur CP (SIEMENS). Data were analysed statistically by graph pad prism 8 software. Significance of the difference between means were detected using Student’s unpaired t-test and calculating the p-value (p-value <0.05 were considered as significant). Results: Among 184 females, 50 (27.17%) were found to be Vitamin B12 deficient (VBD). Among them, 18 (36%) had mild deficiency (serum vitamin B12 level 201-220 pmol/L), 22 (44%) had moderate (serum vitamin B12 level 150-200 pmol/L) and 10 (20%) had severe deficiency (serum vitamin B12 level <150 pmol/L). A total of 35 (70%) of the VBD females were of <50 years of age. Among 294 males, 83 (28.23%) were found to be VBD. Among them, 34 (41%) had mild deficiency (serum vitamin B12 level 201-220 pmol/L), 36 (43%) had moderate (serum vitamin B12 level 150-200 pmol/L) and 13 (16%) had severe deficiency (serum vitamin B12 level <150 pmol/L). Total 43 (51.8%) of VBD male persons were of <50 years age. Among VBD female patients, 24 (48%) had neuropathy and among VBD male patients, 54 (65%) had neuropathy. Conclusion: So, it can be concluded that if regular screening is done for serum vitamin B12 in symptomatic patients irrespective of age, a number of problems can be reduced or cured by diagnosing VBD patients and treating them with vitamin B12 either by dietary modification or medicinal supplementation.
Plasma Total Thiols and Total Thiol/Albumin Ratio in Patients Suffering from Depression
Authors: Sundaram AS Meenakshi , Prabhu Krishnananda
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Increased oxidative stress has been reported in patients who suffer from depressive disorders. Albumin acts as a target for plasma protein oxidation during oxidative stress. The plasma thiols act as significant in vivo antioxidants. Major SH-groups are found on the surface of albumin molecules. Since depressive disorders are related to oxidative stress. Only a few studies have been done that correlate plasma total thiols with major depressive disorder. The authors intended to draw a relationship between oxidative stress, thiols and major depressive disorder by estimating total plasma thiols and calculating the ratio of thiol/albumin. The study may throw some light in understanding whether the use of anti-oxidant supplements to counter oxidative stress in depressed patients. Aim: The aims was to estimate plasma thiols, albumin and obtain a plasma thiol/albumin ratio in people suffering from depression and compare the levels with the control group. Materials and Methods: This case control study was conducted in Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Plasma thiols were estimated using Ellman’s method. Plasma albumin levels were estimated using Bromo-cresol green dye binding method. Mann- Whitney U test was used for analysing the data for total thiols and thiol/albumin ratio. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study group was made up of 43 (22 males and 21 females) patients and the control group was made up of 40 (18 males and 22 females) healthy controls. Plasma thiol levels and the plasma total thiol/albumin ratio were significantly elevated (p-value=0.00036) in cases (depression) as compared to that of the controls. Conclusion: Plasma total thiols can be used as an early marker for understanding the risk for major depressive disorders and also be used as a prognostic indicator in the follow up of patients suffering from major depressive disorder who are under treatment.
Effect of Six Months Yoga Intervention on Metabolic Profile and Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Prediabetes
Authors: Saboo Neha , Kacker Sudhanshu , Rathore Jeevraj
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Diabetes, the most common endocrine disorder, is projected to show a worldwide increase from 366 million people in the year 2011 to 552 million in the year 2030, out of which around 101 million is expected to be contributed by India. Moreover, the disease manifestations start in the early stages of diabetes and before it gets established as a full blown condition in the pre-stage called prediabetes. Aim: To highlight the importance of yoga intervention on metabolic profile and Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) in prediabetic subjects and implement it as a therapy for primary prevention of diabetes. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was done among adults aged 31-50 years in RUHS College of Medical Sciences and Associated Rukmani Devi Beni Prasad Jaipuria Hospital in Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India. A total of 250 prediabetic subjects were recruited from Jaipuria Hospital. These were divided into two groups, Study group (Group A, n=125) were engaged in yoga session and Control group (Group B, n=125) did not perform any yoga session. Written informed consent was taken from the participants in the local language. Study was conducted over a period of six months from July to December 2018. Statistical analysis was done by student’s paired t-test for intragroup comparison before applying this test the Smirnov-Kolmogorov test was conducted to confirm the normality of each parameter. Results: Yoga intervention resulted in a significant decline in blood glucose (p<0.0001), Glycated haemoglobin (p<0.01), lipid profile Cholesterol (p<0.01), Triglyceride (p<0.01), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) (p<0.01), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) (p-value >0.05) and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) (p-value >0.05), CIMT (p-value <0.05) relative to the control group. Conclusion: Yoga intervention was found to be helpful in control of metabolic profile and CIMT in prediabetes subjects. This preliminary study indicates that a yoga intervention would be a possible risk reduction option for adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes. In addition, yoga holds promise as an approach in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular (CV) events.
Effect of Inhalation of Pyrethroid Based Mosquito Vaporisers Fumes on the Body Weight of Male Albino Wistar Rats- An Experimental Study
Authors: Yadav Swati , Dewan Rakesh Kumar , Rani Anita , Chopra Jyoti
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Pyrethroid based mosquito vaporisers are commonly used as Personal Protective Measure (PPM) to avoid mosquito borne diseases. Effective control of mosquito borne diseases with the use of general public health measures are yet to be achieved in our country, so there is increasing use of PPM like mosquito coils, liquid vaporisers, mats, insecticide treated bed nets in Indian population but data regarding the safety profile of PPM is still scarce. Aim: To analyse the change in the body weight of male albino wistar rats exposed to pyrethroid based mosquito vaporiser. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study on total 12 male albino wistar rats from July 2015 to October 2016. They were randomly divided into group I and II. Each group contained six rats. Group I animals served as control and Group II animals were exposed to mosquito vaporiser, 8 hours/day for six days in a week for 90 days. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Independent samples t-test was used to compare between group differences. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. Results: Pyrethroid exposure results in reduced weight gain in exposed group rats. The mean difference in body weight between the groups at the end of study was 37.32±24.47 gm (p=0.165). Weight gain in both the group rats was almost similar till 8th postexposure week, after that from 9th week onwards decremental trend in weight was seen in group II. Conclusion: The assessment suggests that inhalation of pyrethroid based mosquito vaporisers fumes have toxic effects, reflected as reduced weight gain following subchronic exposure.
Morphological Study of Psoas Minor Muscles with Embryological Basis and Clinical Insights
Authors: Singh Deepshikha , Agarwal Sneh
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The psoas group of muscles belongs to the posterior abdominal wall. The psoas minor is an inconstant, vestigial, fusiform, slender muscle. Researchers have frequently paid attention to the anatomy, morphology, frequency, of this muscle and its clinical, racial, ethnic correlation. Aim: To investigate and study the psoas minor muscle, with regard to its frequency, agenesis, origin, insertion, morphological variations, its embryological basis and clinical significance. Materials and Methods: The present observational study was conducted at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, between December 2018 to May 2019 in the Department of Anatomy. Nine cadavers were studied during routine dissection of the posterior abdominal wall (three females and six males). The prevalence, morphology, morphometry, laterality, sexual dimorphism for psoas minor muscle was assessed. The mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation of the morphometric parameters were also evaluated. Results: Psoas minor muscle was present in 55.55% (5/9) cadavers. The muscle was bilateral in 22.22% (2/9) cases and unilateral in 33.33% (3/9) cases. In all the cases, the muscle took origin from the T12-L1 vertebra and the intervertebral disc. However, the muscle showed a variation in its distal attachment in one of the cadavers. The muscle was unilateral in both the female cadavers and bilateral in two male cadavers. Conclusion: The prevalence was found to be 55.55%. Knowledge about the incidence of psoas minor muscle is of significant academic interest to anatomists as well as clinicians, for diagnostic purposes (particularly in abdominal pain) and during radiographic imaging.
Bacterial Profile and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Yadav Kiran , Kaushik Sandeep , Rani Kumkum , Tyagi Anuj Kumar
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is a chronic and persistent inflammation of the mucosal lining of middle ear cleft which presents with recurrent ear discharge through a tympanic membrane perforation. CSOM is a worldwide disease and has higher prevalence in developing countries causing serious local damage and threatening complications. Aim: To determine the profile of CSOM, its causative agents and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study in which data for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of CSOM cases was retrieved from Microbiology department of Government Medical College, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India, from January 2019 to October 2019 the analysis of data was done in February 2020. Two hundred pus swabs from discharging ears were processed during the study period for aerobic bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in Microbiology department using standard microbiological techniques. The result analysis of the study was expressed as percentage and proportion for distribution of CSOM cases. Results: Out of 200 patients, 114 (57%) were males and 86 (43%) females. Among the 200 cases, 147 (73.5%) cases showed growth and 53 (26.5%) showed no growth. The most common organism isolated in this study was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 67 (42.40%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus.48 (30.37%) and Klebsiella spp. 23 (14.55%). Gentamicin (85%) and amikacin (83%) had high level of antibacterial activity on all the isolates. Meropenem was found to be most effective drug for gram negative isolates. All Staphylococcus spp isolates were sensitive to vancomycin (100%). Conclusion:Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most predominant organism isolated in otitis media patients. Most of the isolates were sensitive to meropenem.
Constructivist Approach for E-Learning Effectiveness in African Higher Education Contexts
Authors: Ismail Mohamed Elfateeh Alobeed A , Sambanthan T. Gnana
Published: May 2021

There is a spurt in online learning worldwide, particularly in Asian and African countries, after the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes Based Education (OBE), the new paradigm in Africa, India and elsewhere in the world promotes e-Learning as part of its Lifelong learning attribute. Design of such e-Learning system should incorporate features of autonomous learner’s characteristics (like African higher education students) for their preparedness and progression phases of e-Learning. This is due to the fact that the learning environment and learner characteristics, may differ from place to place and cultures. As per literature, principles of constructivist theory have been successfully adapted for e-Learning. Meta-cognition is a new addition to the OBE paradigm besides cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains, that plays important role in e-Learning. This paper attempts to construct metrics for meta-cognition using constructivist’s learning parameters, for analyzing three phases of e-Learning. Literatures are limited on meta-cognitive studies of e-Learner characteristics. The novelty of the paper is the adaptation of certain principles of ecological system on meta-cognition with literature support. Inductive research with appropriate methodology is applied for studying the effectiveness of e-Learning. Ecological factors in the meta-cognition aspects of the constructivist’s theory have been considered. Two parts are treated by the paper: i. Comparative study between Indian and African scenario; ii. Detailed study of selective African countries on the preparedness and progression phases of e-Learning. Survey methods have been chosen for obtaining feedbacks on scientifically designed questionnaire. Three hypotheses on the meta-cognitive aspects of self-regulation and a null hypothesis for the comparative study, have been constructed. Observations on the three phases of e-Learning have been documented and inferences drawn. Conclusions made out our research study along with the results presented will be of immense use to e-Learning system designers, particularly for the African scenario.
Relationship between Logistics Cost and Relative Firm Efficiency in Indian Food Processing Sector
Authors: Sharma Ramandeep Kumar , Dharni Khushdeep , Smagh Akashdeep , Vashisht Pushpinder
Published: May 2021

Logistics plays an important role in determining the profits for a business enterprise through a dual influence on revenues and costs. Logistics are considered critical in the growth and performance of the food processing sector. The present study was undertaken to examine the relative performance of food processing units in India on the basis of logistics cost. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to study the relative performance and the set considered for analysis consisted of 32 food processing units with the period of analysis covering 5 years from 2007-2011. Results indicate that no food processing unit was efficient throughout the period of analysis. Logistic regression results indicate that with a unit increase in logistics cost likelihood of the firm being efficient decreased 0.642 times. The results of the study underline the criticality of logistics management in the context of the food processing sector in India. For improving firm efficiency, it is imperative for Indian food processing companies to ensure efficiency in logistics operations.
Design and Implementation of a Fuzzy Logic Controller for Power Plant Temperature Monitoring and Control using Fuzzylite
Authors: David F. I. , Akpado K. A. , Alumona T. L.
Published: May 2021

Design and implementation of a fuzzy logic controller for power plant temperature monitoring and control used fuzzy lite software to simulate using triangular method and compared with bell shape membership function. Fuzzy logic technology was deployed; the motor temperature and RPM being used as crisp inputs to the fuzzy logic controller with appropriate membership function definitions. The fuzzy logic was designed and simulated using the Fuzzy Lite and Proteus software. It was implemented as firmware written in C++ programming language being executed on the PIC16F877A microcontroller. The results gotten from the simulations and implementation were in concordance as variations in motor temperature influenced motor speed. Triangular method used in this work was compared with Bell shape method used in previous work to ascertain its contribution to knowledge and also discovered that triangular method is more precise in its result.
Pseudo Vaginoscopy: A Modified Vaginoscopy Technique for Outpatient Hysteroscopy in Cases with Difficult Access
Authors: Memon Fouzia Rasool , Pathan Nusrat Fozia , Naz Asma , Lakhan Hazooran , Baloch Shahida , Memon Umer Farooque , Ahmer Arslan
Published: May 2021

Background: Outpatient hysteroscopy is a safe, reliable and cost-effective alternative to hysteroscopy under a general anaesthetic for the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding. Objectives: The objective of this study was to introduce new technique of pseudo-vaginoscopy for better movement of hysteroscope and less procedural pain. Also to assess acceptability of patients for outpatient hysteroscopy when appropriate analgesia was given prior to the procedure. Methodology: A prospective study was conducted of 74 women attending for outpatient hysteroscopy at the West Cumberland Hospital over a period of one year. Selection criteria include very narrow and atrophic vagina and failed speculum examination in gynaecology outpatient clinics. Results: Of the women studied, 95.5% stated that they would recommend the procedure to friends in future, whilst 5.8% would not want to go through it again. The type of anaesthetic administered during the procedure seem to influence whether women would attend for outpatient hysteroscopy in future.

Conclusion: Our pseudo-vaginoscopic approach allows more freedom for the scope movements not limited by the speculum with the advantage of prior cervical preparation.  It was certainly at value for operative outpatient hysteroscopy in patients with very high BMI where access was difficult owing to depth.
Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Prebiotics and Probiotics as Dietary Supplements in Rats with Gastric Ulcer
Authors: Al-garni Ahmad Ali , Khalifa Fares K. , Zeyadi Mustafa Adnan
Published: May 2021

Gastric ulcer is considered as main problem of gastrointestinal disease, presenting one of the most important health issues in all societies. This comparative study designed to explore the anti-ulcerogenic role of probiotics and prebiotics and to evaluate the most potent effect against gastric ulcer. Sixty rats were distributed into 6 groups : G1 Healthy control; G2 gastric ulcer (GU), ulcer was induced by four oral doses of Aspirin 200 mg/kg b.w./week ;G3 Prebiotics (PreB) administered orally group ( 0.5 g/day); G4 Probiotics (ProB) administered orally group ( 0.5 mg/day); G5 Prebiotics (Therapeutic): prebiotics was administered orally at dose ( 0.5g/day) for 30 days after induction of gastric ulcer (GU+PreB); G6 Probiotics (Therapeutic): probiotics was administered orally at dose ( 0.5mg/day) for 30 days after induction of gastric ulcer (GU+ProB). Oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory markers were measured. Results revealed that: aspirin caused gastric ulcer associated with increased MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 and decreased gastroprotective mediators SOD, GSH, CAT, and PGE2compared with control rats. Treatment with prebiotics or probiotics efficiently reduces gastric injury, oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines. Comparing treatment groups showed that, Probiotics as a therapeutic group was the most potent demonstrated a hopeful role against gastric ulcer.
Assessment of β-Aescin Effect in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Model: Diabetic Hepatotoxicity Study
Authors: Gupta Saumya , Tiwari Megha , Dubey Vishal
Published: May 2021

Objective - Diabetic hepatotoxicity involves complex events which include kupffer cell activation, formation of reactive oxygen species, cytokines release (TNF-α, IL-1β), and finally leads to hepatocyte death. “β- Aescin showed anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, gastroprotective and anti-oedema properties. The present study investigated the protective effect of β- Aescin in streptozotocin induced diabetic hepatotoxicity.

Method - Female mice were divided into six groups, the first group served as the control, the second to sixth group received single i.p. dose of 90 mg/kg of STZ, the second group served as the untreated diabetic group, the third, fourth and fifth group received β- aescin intra-peritoneally at the dose of 0.9 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg and 3.6 mg/kg body weight respectively. The last sixth group was treated with 10 mg/kg glibenclamide i.p. for 14 days. A significant decrease in the blood glucose level was showed in β-aescin group as compared to the control group.

Result - A significant increase of blood glucose level was observed in high and mid dose of β- aescin (3.6 mg/kg and 1.8 mg/kg respectively), standard drug (glibenclamide 10 mg/kg) groups as compared to control group. ROS generation was evaluated by using DCF-DA estimation method for the acute toxicity in liver tissue. Streptozotocin group showed more ROS generation in comparison to β- aescin group (3.6 mg/kg). Serum biochemical markers showed a significant decrease in β- aescin treated diabetic mice compared to untreated diabetic mice. Histopathological evaluation showed severe changes in untreated diabetic liver tissue marked by large number of inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes along with hepatic sinusoidal inflammation and hepatocyte necrosis whereas treated diabetic mice with β- aescin showed reduction in hepatotoxicity marked by regeneration changes of hepatocytes and mildly hepatocyte degeneration.

Conclusion - In the study, β- aescin showed beneficial effects on the efficient properties of the liver and microscopic improvements in diabetic hepatotoxicity.
Sphingomyelinases in a journey to combat arthropod‐borne pathogen transmission
Authors: Rajendran Kundave V. , Neelakanta Girish , Sultana Hameeda
Published: May 2021

Ixodes scapularis ticks feed on humans and other vertebrate hosts and transmit several pathogens of public health concern. Tick saliva is a complex mixture of bioactive proteins, lipids and immunomodulators, such as I. scapularis sphingomyelinase (IsSMase)‐like protein, an ortholog of dermonecrotoxin SMase D found in the venom of Loxosceles spp. of spiders. IsSMase modulates the host immune response towards Th2, which suppresses Th1‐mediated cytokines to facilitate pathogen transmission. Arboviruses utilize exosomes for their transmission from tick to the vertebrate host, and exosomes derived from tick saliva/salivary glands suppress C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 12 and interleukin‐8 immune response(s) in human skin to delay wound healing and repair processes. IsSMase affects also viral replication and exosome biogenesis, thereby inhibiting tick‐to‐vertebrate host transmission of pathogenic exosomes. In this review, we elaborate on exosomes and their biogenesis as potential candidates for developing novel control measure(s) to combat tick‐borne diseases. Such targets could help with the development of an efficient anti‐tick vaccine for preventing the transmission of tick‐borne pathogens.
CDX2 expression in the hematopoietic lineage promotes leukemogenesis via TGFβ inhibition
Authors: Galland Ava , Gourain Victor , Habbas Karima , Güler Yonca , Martin Elisabeth , Ebel Claudine , Tavian Manuela , Vallat Laurent , Chenard Marie‐Pierre , Mauvieux Laurent , Freund Jean‐Noël , Duluc Isabelle , Domon‐Dell Claire
Published: May 2021

The intestine‐specific caudal‐related homeobox gene‐2 (CDX2) homeobox gene, while being a tumor suppressor in the gut, is ectopically expressed in a large proportion of acute leukemia and is associated with poor prognosis. Here, we report that turning on human CDX2 expression in the hematopoietic lineage of mice induces acute monoblastic leukemia, characterized by the decrease in erythroid and lymphoid cells at the benefit of immature monocytic and granulocytic cells. One of the highly stimulated genes in leukemic bone marrow cells was BMP and activin membrane‐bound inhibitor (Bambi), an inhibitor of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling. The CDX2 protein was shown to bind to and activate the transcription of the human BAMBI promoter. Moreover, in a leukemic cell line established from CDX2‐expressing mice, reducing the levels of CDX2 or Bambi stimulated the TGF‐β‐dependent expression of Cd11b, a marker of monocyte maturation. Taken together, this work demonstrates the strong oncogenic potential of the homeobox gene CDX2 in the hematopoietic lineage, in contrast with its physiological tumor suppressor activity exerted in the gut. It also reveals, through BAMBI and TGF‐β signaling, the involvement of CDX2 in the perturbation of the interactions between leukemia cells and their microenvironment.
Predictive mapping to identify refuges for plant communities threatened by earthworm invasion
Authors: Fleri Jesse R. , Arcese Peter
Published: May 2021

Biological invasions by cryptic ecosystem engineers can alter the ecological and socio‐economic values of ecosystems in ways that may take decades to detect. The invasion of North American glacial refuges by non‐native earthworms offers a prominent but understudied example of a cryptic invasion. Non‐native earthworms are known to alter carbon sequestration, disrupt mycorrhizal networks and homogenize plant communities, but natural resource managers still lack robust protocols to identify and safeguard high conservation value communities (HCVCs) from such invasions. In the absence of such protocols, or reliable methods to eradicate non‐native earthworm populations once established, there is an urgent need for methods to identify HCVCs at risk of or potentially shielded from earthworm invasion by the existence of abiotic barriers to their dispersal or persistence in such sites.

We developed species distribution models (SDMs) using in situ field surveys and remotely sensed data to (1) identify factors limiting the occurrence of non‐nativeLumbricusearthworms in imperilled coastal Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest and Garry oak (Quercus garryana) and maritime meadow ecosystems endemic to glacial refugia of the Pacific Northwest of North America and to (2) evaluate their influence on plant species diversity and identify abiotic factors capable of preventing their dispersal or persistence at a site.

As predicted, shallow, drier soils and steeper terrain limited earthworm occurrence and abundance in our highly heterogeneous study area, and earthworm presence appeared to reduce plant species richness. Our results indicated that HCVCs endemic to shallow‐soil (< 12 ± 3 cm) sites that experience regular summer drought appear to act as refuges from invasion by non‐native earthworms. Our results also elevate concerns for the conservation of deep‐soil habitats not isolated from earthworm invasions by shallow soil, saltwater or other barriers to earthworm dispersal.

The SDMs developed here offer guidance to the identification of potential refuges for the conservation of imperilled native species and communities from the detrimental effects non‐native earthworms in glacial refugia of western North America and should thereby facilitate proactive planning by conservation practitioners.
On a hybrid lossless compression technique for three‐dimensional medical images
Authors: Subramanian Boopathiraja , Palanisamy Kalavathi , Prasath V. B. Surya
Published: May 2021

In the last two decades, incredible progress in various medical imaging modalities and sensing techniques have been made, leading to the proliferation of three‐dimensional (3D) imagery. Byproduct of such great progress is the production of huge volume of medical images and this big data place a burden on automatic image processing methods for diagnostic assistance processes. Moreover, large amount of medical imaging data needs to be transmitted with no loss of information for the purpose of telemedicine, remote diagnosis etc. In this work, we consider a hybrid lossless compression technique with object‐based features for three‐dimensional (3D) medical images. Our approach utilizes two phases as follows: first we determine the volume of interest (VOI) for a given 3D medical imagery using selective bounding volume (SBV) method, and second the obtained VOI is encoded using a hybrid lossless algorithm using Lembel‐Ziv‐Welch Coding (LZW) followed by arithmetic coding (L to A). Experimental results show that our proposed 3D medical image compression method is comparable with other existing standard lossless encoding methods such as Huffman Coding, Run Length Coding, LZW, and Arithmetic Coding and obtains superior results overall.
Efficient optimization of R50% when planning multiple cranial metastases simultaneously in single isocenter SRS/SRT
Authors: Desai Dharmin D. , Cordrey Ivan L. , Johnson E.L.
Published: May 2021

Simultaneous optimization of multiple Planning Target Volumes (PTVs) of varying size and location in the cranium is a non‐trivial task. The rate of dose falloff around PTV structures is variable and depends on PTV characteristics such as the volume. The metric R50% is one parameter that can be used to quantify dose falloff achieved in a given treatment plan. An important treatment planning question is how to construct optimization conditions that result in the efficient production of acceptable plan outcomes considering metrics such as R50%. Guidance provided in literature suggests generating multiple shell control structures around each PTV. The constraints applied to these shells can vary significantly depending on PTV volume. Additionally, there is no clear guidance on how to prospectively determine objective constraints for the optimization shells to achieve a specified goal of R50%. Based on physical principles and empirical evidence, we provide clear quantitative guidance on how to translate the desired R50% outcome into appropriately sized optimization structures around PTVs via an equation that depends on a desired goal for R50% and the volume of PTV. Optimization schema are also provided that allow the goal R50% to be approached or achieved for all PTVs individually. We demonstrate the application of the methodology using commercially available treatment planning software and radiotherapy treatment equipment.
3D Spheroids Versus 3D Tumor‐Like Microcapsules: Confinement and Mechanical Stress May Lead to the Expression of Malignant Responses in Cancer Cells
Authors: Fuentes‐Chandía Miguel , Vierling Andreas , Kappelmann‐Fenzl Melanie , Monavari Mahshid , Letort Gaelle , Höne Lucas , Parma Beatrice , Antara Sharmin Khan , Ertekin Özlem , Palmisano Ralph , Dong Meng , Böpple Kathrin , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Ceppi Paolo , Bosserhoff Anja K. , Leal‐Egaña Aldo
Published: May 2021

As 2D surfaces fail to resemble the tumoral milieu, current discussions are focused on which 3D cell culture strategy may better lead the cells to express in vitro most of the malignant hints described in vivo. In this study, this question is assessed by analyzing the full genetic profile of MCF7 cells cultured either as 3D spheroids‐considered as “gold standard” for in vitro cancer research‐ or immobilized in 3D tumor‐like microcapsules, by RNA‐Seq and transcriptomic methods, allowing to discriminate at big‐data scale, which in vitro strategy can better resemble most of the malignant features described in neoplastic diseases. The results clearly show that mechanical stress, rather than 3D morphology only, stimulates most of the biological processes involved in cancer pathogenicity, such as cytoskeletal organization, migration, and stemness. Furthermore, cells entrapped in hydrogel‐based scaffolds are likely expressing other physiological hints described in malignancy, such as the upregulated expression of metalloproteinases or the resistance to anticancer drugs, among others. According to the knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to answer which 3D experimental system can better mimic the neoplastic architecture in vitro, emphasizing the relevance of confinement in cancer pathogenicity, which can be easily achieved by using hydrogel‐based matrices.
Modulation of Mammalian Cell Behavior by Nanoporous Glass
Authors: Emmert Martin , Somorowsky Ferdinand , Ebert Jutta , Görick Dominik , Heyn Andreas , Rosenberger Eva , Wahl Moritz , Heinrich Doris
Published: May 2021

The introduction of novel bioactive materials to manipulate living cell behavior is a crucial topic for biomedical research and tissue engineering. Biomaterials or surface patterns that boost specific cell functions can enable innovative new products in cell culture and diagnostics. This study investigates the influence of the intrinsically nano‐patterned surface of nanoporous glass membranes on the behavior of mammalian cells. Three different cell lines and primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) proliferate readily on nanoporous glass membranes with mean pore sizes between 10 and 124 nm. In both proliferation and mRNA expression experiments, L929 fibroblasts show a distinct trend toward mean pore sizes >80 nm. For primary hMSCs, excellent proliferation is observed on all nanoporous surfaces. hMSCs on samples with 17 nm pore size display increased expression of COL10, COL2A1, and SOX9, especially during the first two weeks of culture. In the upside down culture, SK‐MEL‐28 cells on nanoporous glass resist the gravitational force and proliferate well in contrast to cells on flat references. The effect of paclitaxel treatment of MDA‐MB‐321 breast cancer cells is already visible after 48 h on nanoporous membranes and strongly pronounced in comparison to reference samples, underlining the material's potential for functional drug screening.
Surface Segregation and Self‐Assembly of Block‐Copolymer Separation Layers on Top of Homopolymer Substructures in Asymmetric Ultrafiltration Membranes from a Single Casting Step
Authors: Hibi Yusuke , Wiesner Ulrich
Published: May 2021

Surface segregation in blended polymer films has attracted much interest in fundamental research as well as for practical applications. A variety of methodologies have been proposed for controlling surface segregation. They often require long annealing times, however, to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium. Here, a strategy and proof‐of‐principle experiments are described to control surface segregation of thin block‐copolymer (BCP) layers on top of a homopolymer in a single casting step from blended BCP/homopolymer solutions. The surface coverage by the minor constituent BCP (2–10 wt%) is accomplished despite almost identical surface energies of BCP and homopolymer constituents. Immersing this casted solution into water for nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS), a nonequilibrium process, affords solidified bilayer ultrafiltration membranes composed of a thin porous surface layer of self‐assembled BCP atop an asymmetric porous homopolymer substructure. Key to successful BCP surface segregation is the choice of a binary solvent system based on careful considerations of solvent surface energies and polymer‐solvent interaction parameters. Furthermore, stabilizing the BCP micellar structure by a divalent metal additive is also essential. The approach provides a cost‐effective method for fabricating bilayer‐type asymmetric ultrafiltration membranes with uniform BCP self‐assembly based selective top surface pore layers in a single casting step.
All‐in‐One Hollow Flower‐Like Covalent Organic Frameworks for Flexible Transparent Devices
Authors: Wang Weikang , Zhao Weiwei , Chen Tiantian , Bai Yan , Xu Haotian , Jiang Mengyue , Liu Shujuan , Huang Wei , Zhao Qiang
Published: May 2021

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) exhibit great potential in the application of functional electronic devices. However, there has been no report of the precise fabrication of 3D all‐in‐one hollow micro/nanostructures based on COFs. Here, for the first time, all‐in‐one hollow dioxin‐based COF‐316 microflowers are synthesized measuring 5–7 µm and with interconnected hollow petals through a self‐template strategy. The growth mechanism involves the collaborative process of self‐assembly of nanoparticles, inside‐out Ostwald ripening, and epitaxial growth. Due to the intrinsic porosity and interconnected hollow structure, COF‐316 can uniformly composite with polypyrrole (PPy) through the “interior” and “exterior” functionalization, in which the hydrogen bond interaction enhances the charge transfer efficiency and structural stability in the charge/discharge process. The COF‐316@PPy flexible transparent supercapacitors exhibit an areal specific capacitance (CA) of 783.6 µF cm–2 at 3 µA cm–2 and long‐term cycling stability. This work will boost research on the valuable design concepts of 3D hollow COF materials for energy storage devices.
Combining Photothermal‐Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Nanomaterials with Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Metastatic Cancer Treatment and Creation of Immune Memory
Authors: Lima‐Sousa Rita , Melo Bruna L. , Alves Cátia G. , Moreira André F. , Mendonça António G. , Correia Ilídio J. , de Melo‐Diogo Duarte
Published: May 2021

The pursuit of effective treatments for metastatic cancer is still one of the most intensive areas of research in the biomedical field. In a not‐so‐distant past, the scientific community has witnessed the rise of immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This therapeutic modality intends to abolish immunosuppressive interactions, re‐establishing T cell responses against metastasized cancer cells. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the ICIs were later found to be associated with low clinical therapeutic outcomes and immune‐related side effects. To address these limitations, researchers are exploring the combination of ICIs with nanomaterial‐mediated phototherapies. These nanomaterials can accumulate within the tumor and produce, upon interaction with light, a temperature increase (photothermal therapy) and/or reactive oxygen species (photodynamic therapy), causing damage to cancer cells. Importantly, these photothermal‐photodynamic effects can pave the way for an enhanced ICI‐based immunotherapy by inducing the release of tumor‐associated antigens and danger‐associated molecular patterns, as well as by relieving tumor hypoxia and triggering a pro‐inflammatory response. This progress report analyses the potential of nanomaterial‐mediated photothermal‐photodynamic therapy in combination with ICIs, focusing on their ability to modulate T cell populations leading to an anti‐metastatic abscopal effect and on their capacity to generate immune memory that prevents tumor recurrence.
Carbonized Wood Decorated with Cobalt‐Nickel Binary Nanoparticles as a Low‐Cost and Efficient Electrode for Water Splitting
Authors: Gan Wentao , Wu Lianping , Wang Yaoxing , Gao He , Gao Likun , Xiao Shaoliang , Liu Jiuqing , Xie Yanjun , Li Teng , Li Jian
Published: May 2021

Using an inexpensive and eco‐friendly wood substrate, herein, a one‐step calcination method is developed to deposit Co‐Ni binary nanoparticles into aligned wood channels and an effective carbonized wood (CW) electrode (termed as Co/Ni‐CW) is fabricated. Well distributed Co‐Ni nanoparticles are achieved by the coordination bonds between the hydroxyl groups on wood matrix and soaked metal cations. Subsequently, high‐temperature calcination promotes the nucleation of Co‐Ni nanoparticles and the formation of CW. With the uniform distribution of Co‐Ni nanoparticles and porous wood structure, not only is a high active surface area, but also the electron and mass diffusion pathways are enhanced. Thus, the as‐prepared Co/Ni‐CW affords the current density of 10 mA cm–2 at low overpotentials of 330 and 157 mV for oxygen and hydrogen evolution, respectively. Remarkably, when the wood‐based bifunctional electrocatalyst is used as both the anode and cathode, a low cell voltage of 1.64 V is required to reach the current density of 10 mA cm–2. Compared with most substrates used in bifunctional electrocatalysts, the abundance, low cost, eco‐friendliness, and easy operation of wood‐based catalysts allow for an active and scalable electrode for water splitting and many other energy storage devices.
Enlarging the Reservoir: High Absorption Coefficient Dyes Enable Synergetic Near Infrared‐II Fluorescence Imaging and Near Infrared‐I Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Jianquan , Liu Shunjie , Zhang Chen , Chuah Clarence , Tang Youhong , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Ou Hanlin , Ding Dan , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2021

Although organic materials with near infrared (NIR)‐II fluorescence and a photothermal effect have been widely investigated for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of tumors, optimizing the output signals of both remain challenging. Here, a strategy by “enlarging absorption reservoir” to address this issue, since an increase in photon absorption can naturally enhance output signals, is proposed. As a proof‐of‐concept, a large π‐conjugated diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) unit is selected to fabricate strong light‐absorbing systems. To enhance solid‐state fluorescence, highly twisted alkylthiophene–benzobisthiadiazole–alkylthiophene and triphenylamine rotor are introduced to restrict the strong intermolecular π–π interactions. Moreover, the number of DPP units in molecules is engineered to optimize photophysical properties. Results show that TDADT with two DPP units possesses an exceptionally high molar absorptivity of 2.1 × 105 L mol−1 cm−1 at 808 nm, an acceptable NIR‐II quantum yield of 0.1% (emission peak at 1270 nm), and a sizeable photothermal conversion efficiency of 60.4%. The excellent photophysical properties of the TDADT nanoparticles are particularly suitable for in vivo NIR‐II imaging‐guided cancer surgery and NIR‐I photothermal therapy. The presented strategy provides a new approach of designing highly efficient NIR‐II phototheranostic agents.
Metal‐Bridged Graphene–Protein Supraparticles for Analog and Digital Nitric Oxide Sensing
Authors: Qu Zhi‐Bei , Zhou Xinguang , Zhang Min , Shen Jianlei , Li Qian , Xu Feng , Kotov Nicholas , Fan Chunhai
Published: May 2021

Self‐limited nanoassemblies, such as supraparticles (SPs), can be made from virtually any nanoscale components, but SPs from nanocarbons including graphene quantum dots (GQDs), are hardly known because of the weak van der Waals attraction between them. Here it is shown that highly uniform SPs from GQDs can be successfully assembled when the components are bridged by Tb3+ ions supplementing van der Waals interactions. Furthermore, they can be coassembled with superoxide dismutase, which also has weak attraction to GQDs. Tight structural integration of multilevel components into SPs enables efficient transfer of excitonic energy from GQDs and protein to Tb3+. This mechanism is activated when Cu2+ is reduced to Cu1+ by nitric oxide (NO)—an important biomarker for viral pulmonary infections and Alzheimer's disease. Due to multipronged fluorescence enhancement, the limit of NO detection improves 200 times reaching 10 × 10–12 m. Furthermore, the uniform size of SPs enables digitization of the NO detection using the single particle detection format resulting in confident registration of as few as 600 molecules mL−1. The practicality of the SP‐based assay is demonstrated by the successful monitoring of NO in human breath. The biocompatible SPs combining proteins, carbonaceous nanostructures, and ionic components provide a general path for engineering uniquely sensitive assays for noninvasive tracking of infections and other diseases.
A Floating Mold Technique for the Programmed Assembly of Protocells into Protocellular Materials Capable of Non‐Equilibrium Biochemical Sensing
Authors: Galanti Agostino , Moreno‐Tortolero Rafael O. , Azad Raihan , Cross Stephen , Davis Sean , Gobbo Pierangelo
Published: May 2021

Despite important breakthroughs in bottom‐up synthetic biology, a major challenge still remains the construction of free‐standing, macroscopic, and robust materials from protocell building blocks that are stable in water and capable of emergent behaviors. Herein, a new floating mold technique for the fabrication of millimeter‐ to centimeter‐sized protocellular materials (PCMs) of any shape that overcomes most of the current challenges in prototissue engineering is reported. Significantly, this technique also allows for the generation of 2D periodic arrays of PCMs that display an emergent non‐equilibrium spatiotemporal sensing behavior. These arrays are capable of collectively translating the information provided by the external environment and are encoded in the form of propagating reaction–diffusion fronts into a readable dynamic signal output. Overall, the methodology opens up a route to the fabrication of macroscopic and robust tissue‐like materials with emergent behaviors, providing a new paradigm of bottom‐up synthetic biology and biomimetic materials science.
Surfactant‐Free, One‐Step Synthesis of Lead‐Free Perovskite Hollow Nanospheres for Trace CO Detection
Authors: Ye Wen , He Jing‐Hui , Cao Qiang , Sun Wu‐Ji , Wang Jia , Chen Ze‐Kun , Cheng Xue‐Feng , Yu Chuang , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: May 2021

Owing to their special photoelectric properties, halide perovskites have always attracted research attention. Hollow‐structured halide perovskites have many practical applications but are challenging to prepare as most template methods violate their poor chemical and thermal stability. In this study, novel halide perovskite Cs2PdBr6 hollow nanospheres are prepared using a template‐free method; specifically, large quantities of highly pure lead‐free halide perovskite Cs2PdBr6 hollow nanospheres are produced at 30 °C without a surfactant. These ultrapure nanospheres exhibit superiority in chemresistive detection of CO with a detection limit of 50 ppb, which is the lowest among all the reported CO sensing materials. Moreover, in situ sum‐frequency‐generation spectra and density functional theory calculations reveal that the high sensitivity is attributable to the large specific surface area and surfactant‐free surface of rich Br− vacancies that favor CO binding. Overall, this work provides insight on regulation of the halide perovskite structure and the use of hollow spheres in gas‐sensing applications.
Mixed‐Anion Compounds: An Unexplored Playground for ALD Fabrication
Authors: Tripathi Tripurari Sharan , Karppinen Maarit
Published: May 2021

For decades the most successful approach towards new inorganic material innovations for next‐generation devices has been to manipulate the cation composition. As this cation‐centric material development is inevitably approaching its saturation, new chemistries are needed to maintain the pace of technological progress. One of the new chemistry approaches is to play with the anions instead of the cations. Moreover, advances in fabrication techniques are needed to address the endeavors to shrink the device and component dimensions. Here, the combination of mixed‐anion chemistries, such as oxychalcogenides or carbopnictides, and the state‐of‐the‐art atomic layer deposition (ALD) thin‐film technology are highlighted. The unique bottom‐up material building mode of ALD can lead to scientifically exciting but at the same time industry‐feasible material innovations. In this brief review, the present status and prospects, and the challenges of this emerging field are discussed.