bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrathin PANI-Decorated, Highly Purified and Well Dispersed Array Cncs for Highly Sensitive HCHO Sensors
Authors: Hu Qingmin , Ma Zhiheng , Yang Jie , Gao Tiange , Wu Yue , Dong Zhe , Li Xuyi , Zeng Wen , Zhao Shichao , Xu Jiaqiang
Published: September 2021

The flocculation of small surficial groups on pristine CNCs (carbon nanocoils) bundles limit their application. In this study, we designed and fabricated novel array CNCs with a surficial decoration of polyaniline (PANI) using in situ methods. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods were employed to fabricate the highly pure array CNCs. The array CNCs decorated with ultra-thin PANI were confirmed by different characterizations. Furthermore, this material displayed a good performance in its detection of formaldehyde. The detection results showed that the CNCs coated with PANI had a low limit of detection of HCHO, as low as 500 ppb, and the sensor also showed good selectivity for other interfering gases, as well as good repeatability over many tests. Furthermore, after increasing the PANI loading on the surface of the CNCs, their detection performance exhibited a typical volcanic curve, and the value of the enthalpy was extracted by using the temperature-varying micro-gravimetric method during the process of detection of the formaldehyde molecules on the CNCs. The use of array CNCs with surficial decoration offers a novel method for the application of CNCs and could be extended to other applications, such as catalysts and energy conversion.
Electrochemical Performance of Lithographically-Defined Micro-Electrodes for Integration and Device Applications
Authors: Hirbodvash Zohreh , Houache Mohamed S. E. , Krupin Oleksiy , Khodami Maryam , Northfield Howard , Olivieri Anthony , Baranova Elena A. , Berini Pierre
Published: September 2021

Small; lithographically-defined and closely-spaced metallic features of dimensions and separation in the micrometer range are of strong interest as working and counter electrodes in compact electrochemical sensing devices. Such micro-electrode systems can be integrated with microfluidics and optical biosensors, such as surface plasmon waveguide biosensors, to enable multi-modal sensing strategies. We investigate lithographically-defined gold and platinum micro-electrodes experimentally, via cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements obtained at various scan rates and concentrations of potassium ferricyanide as the redox species, in potassium nitrate as the supporting electrolyte. The magnitude of the double-layer capacitance is estimated using the voltammograms. Concentration curves for potassium ferricyanide are extracted from our CV measurements as a function of scan rate, and could be used as calibration curves from which an unknown concentration of potassium ferricyanide in the range of 0.5–5 mM can be determined. A blind test was done to confirm the validity of the calibration curve. The diffusion coefficient of potassium ferricyanide is also extracted from our CV measurements by fitting to the Randles–Sevcik equation (D = 4.18 × 10−10 m2/s). Our CV measurements were compared with measurements obtained using macroscopic commercial electrodes, yielding good agreement and verifying that the shape of our CV curves do not depend on micro-electrode geometry (only on area). We also compare our CV measurements with theoretical curves computed using the Butler–Volmer equation, achieving essentially perfect agreement while extracting the rate constant at zero potential for our redox species (ko = 10−6 m/s). Finally, we demonstrate the importance of burn-in to stabilize electrodes from the effects of electromigration and grain reorganization before use in CV measurements, by comparing with results obtained with as-deposited electrodes. Burn-in (or equivalently, annealing) of lithographic microelectrodes before use is of general importance to electrochemical sensing devices
Development and Feasibility of the Headache-Related Light and Sound Sensitivity Inventories in Youth
Authors: Silvia Megan , Smith Allison M.
Published: September 2021

Youth with chronic headache disorders often experience sensitivities to light and sound that trigger or exacerbate their headaches and contribute to functional disability. At present, there are no known validated measures for assessing these sensitivities and their impact on functioning in youth with chronic headaches. This pilot study sought to develop and assess the feasibility of measures of headache-related light and sounds sensitivities in youth with chronic headache disorders. The initial item pools were generated via an intensive literature review, an informal quality improvement project, and a panel of experts in chronic pain. Then, youth (n = 20) presenting for clinical evaluation of headaches completed the revised items as well as assessments of the measures’ feasibility and items’ understandability. A subset (n = 2) completed formal cognitive interviews as well. The resulting 20-item Headache-Related Light Sensitivity Inventory (HALSI) and 18-item Headache-Related Sound Sensitivity Inventory (HASSI) for youth assess headache-related sensory sensitivities, as well as related emotional and behavioral responses. Through the iterative incorporation of feedback, these measures appear to be feasible to administer and understandable tools for assessing light and sound sensitivity in youth with chronic headache disorders. Once they are empirically validated, they have the potential to serve as important tools for understanding the patient experience, developing interventions, and assessing treatment response.
Evaluation and Risk Assessment of Congenital Anomalies in Neonates
Authors: Verma Rita P.
Published: September 2021

Congenital anomalies (CA) are a large heterogeneous group of disorders of abnormal morphogenesis or biochemistry which present at birth and carry widely variable implications for morbidity and mortality. They are the leading cause of infant mortality in the USA, with an incidence of 3–4% of all births. CA are the fourth leading cause of neonatal mortality worldwide, with an estimated 295,000 deaths annually. The enormous variability in the clinical presentation in terms of severity, time of occurrence, course, complications, management, and outcomes makes the evaluation of CA complicated, highly specific, and individualized. The anomalies can impart tremendous physical, social, and emotional distress on the patient with massive emotional, social, financial, and medical implications for the family and society. The diagnosis may remain elusive despite rigorous, elaborate, and extensive investigations in many cases. While the enormous strides in genetic testing and gene modification therapy have an encouraging impact on the diagnosis and treatment, the risk assessment of recurrence in the family and population of CA remains obscure in most cases due to the lack of information and referable evidence.
Assessment of Psychological Distress and Peer Relations among Trans Adolescents—An Examination of the Use of Gender Norms and Parent–Child Congruence of the YSR-R/CBCL-R among a Treatment-Seeking Sample
Authors: Brecht Alexandra , Bos Sascha , Ries Laura , Winter Sibylle M. , Calvano Claudia
Published: September 2021

Among trans adolescents, increased psychological distress is reported in the literature. The goal of this study was to examine psychological distress, associated peer relations and parent report congruence among the treatment-seeking sample of the Gender Identity Special Consultation (GISC) for youth at the Charité Berlin. Further, differences between the instruments’ binary gender norms were investigated. Retrospectively, we analyzed clinical data derived from the GISC. By initial interviews and using the Youth Self-Report and Child Behavior Checklist, n = 50 trans adolescents aged 12–18 years (M = 15.5) were examined for psychological problems and peer relations. Congruence between self and parent report was analyzed by correlations. Half of the sample reported suicidality, self-harm and bullying. Trans adolescents showed significantly higher internalizing and total problems than the German norm population. The congruence between self and parent report proved to be moderate to high. The level of congruence and poor peer relations were identified as predictors of internalizing problems. Significant differences between the female vs. male gender norms emerged regarding mean scores and the number of clinically significant cases. Data provide valuable implications for intervention on a peer and family level. There are limitations to the suitability of questionnaires that use binary gender norms, and further research on adequate instruments and assessment is needed.
Analysis of Trend and Associated Factors of Neuropsychological Development of Infants and Toddlers Based on Longitudinal Data
Authors: Chen Deng , Huang Yunzhe , Swain Andrew , Yang Xiaoguang , Yu Jinming
Published: September 2021

Objective: To explore the trend and associated factors of neuropsychological development of infants and toddlers in China. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted among 619 infants and toddlers (2914 person-times) aged 0 to 36 months from different provinces or cities in China from January 2013 to December 2019. Results: The development age of each area increased with the extension of follow-up time, but this upward trend slowed down with physiological age at first measurement increasing. Among a low age group and each area, most of the development qualification rates in different follow-up periods were higher than that in the baseline (p < 0.05); however, many of them were not higher than that in the baseline among the medium or high age group (p > 0.05). For the areas of gross motor and self-care, the growth of qualification rate with the extension of follow-up was not obvious in the medium and high age group (both p trend > 0.05). Some impact factors of development in all areas were identified. Conclusions: The neuropsychological development delay of various areas of infants and toddlers, especially that of gross motor and self-care, should be paid early (within 1 years old) and constant attention. The impact of gender and maternal age on the development of young children has been further confirmed in the present study.
Synthetic Oligopeptides Mimicking γ-Core Regions of Cysteine-Rich Peptides of Solanum lycopersicum Possess Antimicrobial Activity against Human and Plant Pathogens
Authors: Slezina Marina P. , Istomina Ekaterina A. , Kulakovskaya Ekaterina V. , Abashina Tatiana N. , Odintsova Tatyana I.
Published: September 2021

Plant cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) represent a diverse group of molecules involved in different aspects of plant physiology. Antimicrobial peptides, which directly suppress the growth of pathogens, are regarded as promising templates for the development of next-generation pharmaceuticals and ecologically friendly plant disease control agents. Their oligopeptide fragments are even more promising because of their low production costs. The goal of this work was to explore the antimicrobial activity of nine short peptides derived from the γ-core-containing regions of tomato CRPs against important plant and human pathogens. We discovered antimicrobial activity in peptides derived from the defensin-like peptides, snakins, and MEG, which demonstrates the direct involvement of these CRPs in defense reactions in tomato. The CRP-derived short peptides appeared particularly active against the gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis, which causes bacterial wilt—opening up new possibilities for their use in agriculture to control this dangerous disease. Furthermore, high inhibitory potency of short oligopeptides was demonstrated against the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans, which causes serious diseases in humans, making these peptide molecules promising candidates for the development of next-generation pharmaceuticals. Studies of the mode of action of the two most active peptides indicate fungal membrane permeabilization as a mechanism of antimicrobial action.
Signaling Pathway of Histamine H1 Receptor-Mediated Histamine H1 Receptor Gene Upregulation Induced by Histamine in U-373 MG Cells
Authors: Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Miyamoto Yuko , Terao Takuma , Yoshida Haruka , Kuroda Wakana , Kitamura Yoshiaki , Takeda Noriaki , Fukui Hiroyuki
Published: September 2021

Histamine H1 receptor (H1R) is one of the targets of histamine in the nervous system and the peripheral tissues. Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) signaling is involved in histamine-induced upregulation of H1R gene expression in HeLa cells. Histamine also upregulates H1R gene expression in U-373 MG cells. However, the molecular signaling of this upregulation is still unclear. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of histamine-induced H1R gene upregulation in U-373 MG cells. Histamine-induced H1R gene upregulation was inhibited by H1R antagonist d-chlorpheniramine, but not by ranitidine, ciproxifan, or JNJ77777120, and H2R, H3R, or H4R antagonists, respectively. Ro-31-8220 and Go6976 also suppressed this upregulation, however, the PKCδ selective inhibitor rottlerin and the PKCβ selective inhibitor Ly333531 did not. Time-course studies showed distinct kinetics of H1R gene upregulation in U-373 MG cells from that in HeLa cells. A promoter assay revealed that the promoter region responsible for H1R gene upregulation in U-373 MG cells was different from that of HeLa cells. These data suggest that the H1R-activated H1R gene expression signaling pathway in U-373 MG cells is different from that in HeLa cells, possibly by using different promoters. The involvement of PKCα also suggests that compounds that target PKCδ could work as peripheral type H1R-selective inhibitors without a sedative effect.
Cytoskeletal Actin Structure in Osteosarcoma Cells Determines Metastatic Phenotype via Regulating Cell Stiffness, Migration, and Transmigration
Authors: Kita Kouji , Asanuma Kunihiro , Okamoto Takayuki , Kawamoto Eiji , Nakamura Koichi , Hagi Tomohito , Nakamura Tomoki , Shimaoka Motomu , Sudo Akihiro
Published: September 2021

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor. The cause of death due to osteosarcoma is typically a consequence of metastasis to the lung. Controlling metastasis leads to improved prognosis for osteosarcoma patients. The cell stiffness of several tumor types is involved in metastatic potential; however, it is unclear whether the metastatic potential of osteosarcoma depends on cell stiffness. In this study, we analyzed the cell stiffness of the low metastatic Dunn cell line and its highly metastatic LM8 subline, and compared actin organization, cell proliferation, and metastasis. Actin cytoskeleton, polymerization, stiffness, and other cellular properties were analyzed. The organization of the actin cytoskeleton was evaluated by staining F-actin with Alexa Fluor 488 phalloidin. Cell stiffness was measured using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion were also evaluated. All experiments were performed using mouse osteosarcoma cell lines cultured in the absence and presence of cytochalasin. In LM8 cells, actin polymerization was strongly suppressed and actin levels were significantly lower than in Dunn cells. Stiffness evaluation revealed that LM8 cells were significantly softer than Dunn. Young’s modulus images showed more rigid fibrillar structures were present in Dunn cells than in LM8 cells. LM8 cells also exhibited a significantly higher proliferation. The migration and invasion potential were also higher in LM8 cells, whereas the adhesion potential was higher in Dunn cells. The administration of cytochalasin resulted in actin filament fragmentation and decreased actin staining intensity and cell stiffness in both LM8 and Dunn cells. Cells with high metastatic potential exhibited lower actin levels and cell stiffness than cells with low metastatic potential. The metastatic phenotype is highly correlated to actin status and cell stiffness in osteosarcoma cells. These results suggest that evaluation of actin dynamics and cell stiffness is an important quantitative diagnostic parameter for predicting metastatic potential. We believe that these parameters represent new reliable quantitative indicators that can facilitate the development of new drugs against metastasis.
Genome-Wide Survey Reveals the Microsatellite Characteristics and Phylogenetic Relationships of Harpadon nehereus
Authors: Yang Tianyan , Huang Xinxin , Ning Zijun , Gao Tianxiang
Published: September 2021

Harpadon nehereus forms one of the most important commercial fisheries along the Bay of Bengal and the southeast coast of China. In this study, the genome-wide survey dataset first produced using next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to provide general information on the genome size, heterozygosity and repeat sequence ratio of H. nehereus. About 68.74 GB of high-quality sequence data were obtained in total and the genome size was estimated to be 1315 Mb with the 17-mer frequency distribution. The sequence repeat ratio and heterozygosity were calculated to be 52.49% and 0.67%, respectively. A total of 1,027,651 microsatellite motifs were identified and dinucleotide repeat was the most dominant simple sequence repeat (SSR) motif with a frequency of 54.35%. As a by-product of whole genome sequencing, the mitochondrial genome is a powerful tool to investigate the evolutionary relationships between H. nehereus and its relatives. The maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree was constructed according to the concatenated matrix of amino acids translated from the 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs). Monophyly of two species of the genus Harpadon was revealed in the present study and they formed a monophyletic clade with Saurida with a high bootstrap value of 100%. The results would help to push back the frontiers of genomics and open the doors of molecular diversity as well as conservation genetics studies on this species.
A Comparative Analysis of the Altered Levels of Human Seminal Plasma Constituents as Contributing Factors in Different Types of Male Infertility
Authors: Vashisht Ashutosh , Ahluwalia Pankaj Kumar , Gahlay Gagandeep Kaur
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: The relationships between the biochemical and immunological components in seminal plasma and their physiological effects on male reproductive system have been underreported. In this study, we evaluated the potential of several seminal plasma biochemical and immunological markers in the pathophysiological developments of the infertile male patients. The study was designed to identify and assess different markers that may be associated with semen functions in different types of male infertility. (2) Methods: A total of 50 infertile male patients who underwent checkup for fertility assessment and 50 fertile controls were included in this study. The complete medical history of each recruited participant was reviewed. The infertile sub-groups (non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), asthenozoospermia (AS), normozoospermic infertile (NI), and oligozoospermia (OZ)) were characterized based on sperm motility and concentration, while NI patients were included after a thorough check up of their female partners as well. We investigated each sample for 21 different analytes, enzymes, trace elements, and immunological markers to find crucial markers posing as contributing factors to a specific type of male infertility. (3) Results: The levels of 15 out of 21 markers, assayed from the seminal plasma of infertile males, were significantly altered in comparison to fertile controls (p < 0.05). For the first time, microprotein levels were also analyzed. The presence of monocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes was limited to semen from NOA patients, while a significant increase in the level of platelets was observed in AS. Hierarchical clustering and ROC-AUC analysis identified the three most significant markers (zinc, LDH, and TG) for the healthy control group and asthenozoospermic group (AUC, of 0.92 and 0.81, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The altered levels of biochemical and immunological markers in seminal plasma might be associated with the different male infertility profiles and could be required for the sperm metabolism and maintenance. However, a larger sample size and follow up analysis is required for establishing the hypothesized panel of markers as biomarkers at clinical stage.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Variants Susceptible to Osteoporosis in Arab Post-Menopausal Women
Authors: Ansari Mohammed. G. A. , Mohammed Abdul Khader , Wani Kaiser A. , Hussain Syed D. , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Abdi Saba , Aljohani Naji J. , Al-Daghri Nasser M.
Published: September 2021

Post-menopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is a multifactorial bone disorder in elderly women. Various vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants have been studied and associated with osteoporosis in other populations, but not in a homogenous Arab ethnic group. Herein, the current study explores the association between VDR polymorphisms and susceptibility to osteoporosis in Saudi postmenopausal women. In total, 600 Saudi postmenopausal women (N = 300 osteoporosis; N = 300 control) were genotyped for VDR gene variants (rs7975232, rs1544410, rs731236) using TaqMan® SNP genotyping assays. Bone mineral density (BMD) for the lumbar spine and femur was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The heterozygous frequency distributions AC of rs7975232, CT of rs1544410, and AG of rs731236 were significantly higher in the osteoporosis group than controls (p < 0.05). Heterozygous AC of rs7975232 (1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.3; p < 0.023), CT of rs1544410 (1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.4; p < 0.022), and AG of rs731236 (1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.4; p < 0.024) were significantly associated with increased risk of osteoporosis, independent of age and BMI. In conclusion, VDR gene variants rs7975232, rs1544410, rs731236 had a significant effect on BMD and were associated with osteoporosis risk in Saudi postmenopausal women.
The Impact of Bacteria of the Genus Bacillus upon the Biodamage/Biodegradation of Some Metals and Extensively Used Petroleum-Based Plastics
Authors: Tkachuk Nataliia , Zelena Liubov
Published: September 2021

This paper tackles bacteria of the genus Bacillus as both biodamaging/biodegrading and biocontrolling agents. The article addresses the said bacteria’s ability to form biofilms and corrosive, antimicrobial and antibiofilm proactive compounds, primarily, siderophores. Their role depends on the species, microorganism strain, production of antimicrobial substances, biofilm formation, and the type of damaged material. The bacteria under analysis have demonstrated the ability to cause as well as inhibit biodamage. The involvement of bacteria of the genus Bacillus in microbiologically influenced corrosion processes is determined by the production of corrosive metabolites and the impact of certain bioelectrochemical mechanisms. Lipopeptides generated by Bacillus subtilis (surfactin, iturin and fengycin) are capable of modifying surfaces’ hydrophobic properties and impacting the microbes’ adhesion to surfaces. Produced by Bacillus velezensis, the siderophore bacillibactin at a high concentration is capable of inhibiting the formation of bacterial biofilms, thus slowing down the degradation of materials. Further study of siderophores as green inhibitors of microbiologically influenced corrosion may be promising as the said compounds possess antibiofilm-forming properties and high-intensity inhibitory capabilities.
Effect of Paint Process on the Performance of Modified Poplar Wood Antique
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Gao Di , Xu Wei
Published: September 2021

Modified poplar wood is used as the substrate, based on the surface coating process and actual operation requirements of European and American furniture, and the painting process is studied. Four different paint coating methods are applied to modified poplar wood that has undergone different surface pretreatments. The gloss and adhesion of the coating system were measured. The difference in paint film performance of different paint finishes on the modified poplar with different surface pretreatments was discussed. The reasons were analyzed to establish the corresponding relationship between wood surface performance and paint film performance and obtain the best coating process parameters. The number of passes of nitrocellulose (NC) transparent primer was appropriately increasing, and the adhesion of the overall paint film was improved through the bonding between the films after sanding. NC transparent primer has the function of weakening the surface gloss. NC transparent topcoat has the effect of improving gloss. The proper use of PU sealing primer is beneficial to improve the gloss of the paint film, but excessive use will not produce any effect. The paint process of Group C is more suitable for the antique, old-fashioned process of European and American furniture from the perspective of the glossiness of the paint film.
Solar-Blind Photodetector Based on NaTaO3/TiO2 Composite Film with Enhanced Photoelectric Performance
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Zhenjiang , Zhao Yunfei , Wu Zhaofeng , Zhang Jun , Yang Linyu , Wang Shuying , Li Shiqing
Published: September 2021

In this study, ultraviolet detectors based on NaTaO3/TiO2 were fabricated with enhanced detection performance towards solar-blind (200–280 nm) light. A TiO2 seed layer was introduced and served as a buffer layer between the fluorine tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrate and the TiO2 film, which increased the adhesion between them. The periodic stability and photoelectric characteristics of the detectors were studied and analyzed. The detectors showed a high performance when illuminated by 265 nm and 254 nm UV light. At −15 V bias, the dark current of the detector was only 70 pA. Under the bias of −15 V and the illumination of 254 nm, the maximum photo-to-dark current ratio reached 20, and the response time was less than 300 ms. Moreover, the detector exhibited a fast response time and remained very stable after numerous testing cycles. These results demonstrate the potential application of NaTaO3/TiO2 composites in UV detection.
GC-MS Analysis and In Silico Approaches of Indigofera heterantha Root Oil Chemical Constituents
Authors: Zeb Muhammad Aurang , Rahman Taj Ur , Sajid Muhammad , Xiao Weilie , Musharraf Syed Ghulam , Bibi Shabana , Akitsu Takashiro , Liaqat Wajiha
Published: September 2021

The phytochemical investigation on Indigofera heterantha root oil resulted in the identification of 121 phytochemicals using GC-MS analysis. These phytochemicals were docked against alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase enzymes. The docking results suggested that Hexacosyl acetate (121) possess alpha-amylase inhibitory potential with a docking score of −8.2944994 and the interaction with alpha-glucosidase enzyme was −9.73762512, followed by 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic acid, 2, 3-dihydroxypropyl ester, (Z, Z, Z)-(83) with a docking score of −9.59869957, showed outstanding results in all the stages of the study and may be shown as the most auspicious phytochemical resulting from the docking studies of the new antidiabetic drug. Additionally, Pharmacokinetic and PASS studies revealed their drug-likeness, expected safety upon consumption, and likely pharmacological effects.
A Throat Lozenge with Fixed Combination of Cetylpyridinium Chloride and Benzydamine Hydrochloride Has Direct Virucidal Effect on SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Steyer Andrej , Marušić Miša , Kolenc Marko , Triglav Tina
Published: September 2021

Viruses are the most common causative agents of inflammation in the oral cavity and throat region. Most respiratory tract infections are self-limiting and require no specific treatment. However, patients often use different self-medication therapies that can treat both the symptoms and the cause. Throat lozenges with a fixed combination of benzydamine hydrochloride and cetypiridinium chloride (BH/CPC) have been shown to provide effective symptomatic relief for sore throat, but their effect on viruses has not been investigated to date. The antiseptic, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), has already been described as a successful bactericide. In addition, there are some studies suggesting its efficacy against certain enveloped viruses. Thus, the aim of our study was to examine the virucidal activity of CPC and a combination of BH/CPC as a free active substance or as lozenge on SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Under in-laboratory simulated conditions of lozenge administration, we incubated SARS-CoV-2 with three different concentrations of each of the active substances, CPC, free BH/CPC or BH/CPC, as a lozenge suspension for 1 min, 5 min and 15 min of contact time. Infective viral particles were detected in cell cultures and the viral titre was calculated accordingly. Our results show that all active substances in high-concentration suspensions, as well as a medium concentration of the BH/CPC combination, exhibited a 4-log reduction in viral titre. Additionally, the highest concentration of BH/CPC as a lozenge had a faster virucidal effect compared to CPC as a free active substance alone, since a contact time as short as 1 min reduced the initial virus concentration by more than 4-log. This study demonstrates the effective strong virucidal effect of the lozenge, with the possibility of viral load reduction in the oral cavity and, consequently, reduced risk of viral transmission.
The Mediating Role of Rumination in the Relationship between Loneliness and Depression in University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Luttenbacher Ines , Breukel Jamie S. , Adamson Maheen M.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: While mitigation procedures are needed to prevent the continuous spread of COVID-19, they may, in turn, negatively impact individuals’ mental health. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the relationships between loneliness, rumination, and depression, as well as the mediating role of rumination in the relationship between loneliness and depression in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was circulated, collecting a final sample of 288 university students (Mage = 22.01, SD = 3.45, range = 18–55, 75.7% female). Study variables were measured utilizing self-report questionnaires. Results: In line with the hypotheses, rumination partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and depression. Discussion: Therefore, ruminative thoughts may be one of the key factors contributing to lonely university students’ susceptibility to depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simulation Study of Silicon-Based Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes with Double Buried Layers and Deep Trench Electrodes
Authors: Du Yanyan , Li Bo , Wang Xu
Published: September 2021

In this paper we present a study of a silicon-based Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) in the near-infrared band with double buried layers and deep trench electrodes fabricated by the complimentary metal–oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The deep trench electrodes aim to promote the movement of carriers in the device and reduce the transit time of the photo-generated carrier. The double buried layers are introduced to increase the electric field in the avalanche area and withstand a larger excess bias voltage as its larger depletion region. The semiconductor device simulation software TCAD is used to simulate the performance of this SPAD model, such as the I-V characteristic, the electric field and the Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE). Further optimization of the structure are studied with influence factors such as the doping concentration and depletion region thickness. Based on the results in this study, the designed a structure that can provide a high detecting efficiency in the near-infrared band.
Formation of Stable Lithium-Containing Ceramics Using Solid-Phase Synthesis Method
Authors: Shlimas Dmitriy I. , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: September 2021

Today, one of the most promising materials for a wide range of practical applications is lithium-containing ceramics based on Li2TiO3. At the same time, despite the high potential of their practical application, a number of questions remains related to the methods of their preparation, as well as the formation of a stable crystal structure and a pure-phase composition. To solve these issues, this paper proposes a method for obtaining stable Li2TiO3 ceramics, which is based on solid-phase synthesis combined with the high-temperature sintering of ceramics. During the studies carried out using X-ray diffraction methods, temperature dependences of phase transformations of the TiO2/Li2Ti6O13 → Li2TiO3 type were determined, according to which, at temperatures above 800 °C, the formation of a stable Li2TiO3 phase characterized by a high structural ordering degree of 89–91% is observed. The dependence of changes in structural, optical and ferroelectric characteristics on the conditions of synthesis and phase composition of ceramics was also determined.
Spectroscopic Insight into Tetrahedrally Distorted Square Planar Copper(II) Complex: XRD/HSA, Physicochemical, DFT, and Thermal Investigations
Authors: Boshaala Ahmed , Abrahem Abrahem F. , Almughery Abdulla Ali , Al-Zaqri Nabil , Zarrouk Abdelkader , Lgaz Hassane , Warad Ismail
Published: September 2021

The reaction of bidentate N-S-thione-Schiff base, (E)-benzyl 2-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-ethylidene)hydrazinecarbodithioate, with Cu(NO3)2·3H2O produced a cis-Cu(II) complex. The molecular structure was confirmed and characterized by CHN-EA, FAB-MS, IR, and UV-Vis analyses. The XRD supported cis-isomer of the bis anionic bidentate N (azomethine) and S (thiol) ligand coordination mode in tetrahedrally distorted square planar, rarely reported in the literature. The results of the XRD-bond lengths were in perfect agreement with the density functional theory (DFT) calculation. DFT-calculated angles around the Cu(II) center displayed slightly less distortion around the metal center from those of XRD. Additionally, the thermal stability of the complex was evaluated via thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Two-dimensional fingerprint (2D-FP), Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA), and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) support the XRD-packing results with the existence of the H⸱⸱⸱Cl and CH⸱⸱⸱π bonds as the main interactions in the crystal lattice of the desired complex.
FT-MIR Analysis of Water-Soluble Extracts during the Ripening of Sheep Milk Cheese with Different Phospholipid Content
Authors: Sakkas Lambros , Pappas Christos S. , Moatsou Golfo
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this work was to study the suitability of the water-soluble extracts (WSE) of semi-hard sheep milk cheese for analysis by diffuse reflectance Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy (FT-MIR) and the development of classification models using discriminant analysis and based on cheese age or phospholipid content. WSE was extracted from three types of sheep milk cheeses (full-fat, reduced-fat and reduced-fat fortified with lyophilized sweet sheep buttermilk) at various stages of ripening from six to 168 days and lyophilized. The first model used 1854–1381 and 1192–760 cm−1 regions of the first-derivative spectra and successfully differentiated samples of different age, based on changes in the water-soluble products of ripening biochemical events. The second model used the phospholipid absorbance spectral regions (3012–2851, 1854–1611 and 1192–909 cm−1) to successfully discriminate cheeses of markedly different phospholipid content. Cheese WSE was found suitable for FT-MIR analysis. According to the results, a fast and simple method to monitor cheese ripening based on water-soluble substances has been developed. Additionally, the results indicated that a considerable amount of phospholipids migrates to the cheese WSE and that FT-MIR can be a useful tool for their assessment.
Single-Center Clinico-Pathological Case Study of 19 Patients with Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Following COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Niebel Dennis , Wenzel Joerg , Wilsmann-Theis Dagmar , Ziob Jana , Wilhelmi Jasmin , Braegelmann Christine
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are currently employed on a population-wide scale in most countries worldwide. Data about unusual cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADR) are scant, though. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed moderate to severe vaccine-related ADR in the Department of Dermatology and Allergy of the University Hospital Bonn between May to June 2021 and analyzed related skin biopsies. (3) Results: As a specialized dermatological academic center, we encountered a total of n = 19 clinically and pathologically heterogeneous cutaneous ADR with a female predominance. Delayed cutaneous ADR occurred as late as 30 days after vaccination. The majority of ADR were mild, though a few patients required systemic treatment (antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids). (4) Conclusions: The clinico-pathological spectrum of cutaneous side effects with COVID-19 vaccines is wide; however, the benefits outweigh the risks by far. More dermatopathological studies on cutaneous ADR not limited to COVID-19 vaccines are desirable to enable a better understanding of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Agile Powertrain Development: Considerations to Incorporate Agile Principles
Authors: Lukas Andreas , Moerth-Teo Oliver , Schwarz Lukas , Schnöll Hans P. , Wolf Matthias , Ramsauer Christian
Published: September 2021

Pressure to increase effectiveness and efficiency drives the product development process. The software industry has been using agile development approaches due to their advantages when coping with uncertainties and simultaneously increasing value. Therefore, the following work deals with the considerations of agile powertrain development. In order to identify important conditions for the incorporation of agile principles into powertrain development, semistructured interviews were conducted with experts from an engineering company. Having identified agile development challenges, advantages, and principles, the next step is comparing agile principles with the current principles of conventional powertrain development. Furthermore, a basic understanding of the powertrain development process regarding the incorporation of agile principles is established, the main attributes of powertrain development are investigated, and the key disciplines involved are identified. Finally, a model is created to assess whether the application of an agile or conventional development approach is more suitable.
High-Risk Screening for Fabry Disease: A Nationwide Study in Japan and Literature Review
Authors: Sawada Takaaki , Kido Jun , Sugawara Keishin , Nakamura Kimitoshi
Published: September 2021

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked inherited disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene, which encodes the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). FD detection in patients at an early stage is essential to achieve sufficient treatment effects, and high-risk screening may be effective. Here, we performed high-risk screening for FD in Japan and showed that peripheral neurological manifestations are important in young patients with FD. Moreover, we reviewed the literature on high-risk screening in patients with renal, cardiac, and central neurological manifestations. Based on the results of this study and review of research abroad, we believe that FD can be detected more effectively by targeting individuals based on age. In recent years, the methods for high-risk screening have been ameliorated, and high-risk screening studies using GLA next-generation sequencing have been conducted. Considering the cost-effectiveness of screening, GLA sequencing should be performed in individuals with reduced α-Gal A activity and females with certain FD manifestations and/or a family history of FD. The findings suggest that family analysis would likely detect FD patients, although GLA sequencing of asymptomatic family members requires adequate genetic counseling.
Usefulness of Lung Ultrasound in Paediatric Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Sansone Francesco , Attanasi Marina , Di Filippo Paola , Sferrazza Papa Giuseppe Francesco , Di Pillo Sabrina , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: September 2021

Respiratory infection diseases are among the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Diagnosis is focused on clinical presentation, yet signs and symptoms are not specific and there is a need for new non-radiating diagnostic tools. Among these, lung ultrasound (LUS) has recently been included in point-of-care protocols showing interesting results. In comparison to other imaging techniques, such as chest X-ray and computed tomography, ultrasonography does not use ionizing radiations. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for clinical follow-up of paediatric patients. LUS requires only 5–10 min and allows physicians to make quick decisions about the patient’s management. Nowadays, LUS has become an early diagnostic tool to detect pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this narrative review, we show the most recent scientific literature about advantages and limits of LUS performance in children. Furthermore, we discuss the major paediatric indications separately, with a paragraph fully dedicated to COVID-19. Finally, we mention potential future perspectives about LUS application in paediatric respiratory diseases.
Textured-Based Deep Learning in Prostate Cancer Classification with 3T Multiparametric MRI: Comparison with PI-RADS-Based Classification
Authors: Liu Yongkai , Zheng Haoxin , Liang Zhengrong , Miao Qi , Brisbane Wayne G. , Marks Leonard S. , Raman Steven S. , Reiter Robert E. , Yang Guang , Sung Kyunghyun
Published: September 2021

The current standardized scheme for interpreting MRI requires a high level of expertise and exhibits a significant degree of inter-reader and intra-reader variability. An automated prostate cancer (PCa) classification can improve the ability of MRI to assess the spectrum of PCa. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the performance of a texture-based deep learning model (Textured-DL) for differentiating between clinically significant PCa (csPCa) and non-csPCa and to compare the Textured-DL with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS)-based classification (PI-RADS-CLA), where a threshold of PI-RADS ≥ 4, representing highly suspicious lesions for csPCa, was applied. The study cohort included 402 patients (60% (n = 239) of patients for training, 10% (n = 42) for validation, and 30% (n = 121) for testing) with 3T multiparametric MRI matched with whole-mount histopathology after radical prostatectomy. For a given suspicious prostate lesion, the volumetric patches of T2-Weighted MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient images were cropped and used as the input to Textured-DL, consisting of a 3D gray-level co-occurrence matrix extractor and a CNN. PI-RADS-CLA by an expert reader served as a baseline to compare classification performance with Textured-DL in differentiating csPCa from non-csPCa. Sensitivity and specificity comparisons were performed using Mcnemar’s test. Bootstrapping with 1000 samples was performed to estimate the 95% confidence interval (CI) for AUC. CIs of sensitivity and specificity were calculated by the Wald method. The Textured-DL model achieved an AUC of 0.85 (CI [0.79, 0.91]), which was significantly higher than the PI-RADS-CLA (AUC of 0.73 (CI [0.65, 0.80]); p < 0.05) for PCa classification, and the specificity was significantly different between Textured-DL and PI-RADS-CLA (0.70 (CI [0.59, 0.82]) vs. 0.47 (CI [0.35, 0.59]); p < 0.05). In sub-analyses, Textured-DL demonstrated significantly higher specificities in the peripheral zone (PZ) and solitary tumor lesions compared to the PI-RADS-CLA (0.78 (CI [0.66, 0.90]) vs. 0.42 (CI [0.28, 0.57]); 0.75 (CI [0.54, 0.96]) vs. 0.38 [0.14, 0.61]; all p values < 0.05). Moreover, Textured-DL demonstrated a high negative predictive value of 92% while maintaining a high positive predictive value of 58% among the lesions with a PI-RADS score of 3. In conclusion, the Textured-DL model was superior to the PI-RADS-CLA in the classification of PCa. In addition, Textured-DL demonstrated superior performance in the specificities for the peripheral zone and solitary tumors compared with PI-RADS-based risk assessment.
Fast SARS-CoV-2 Variant Detection Using Snapback Primer High-Resolution Melting
Authors: Lownik Joseph C. , Farrar Jared S. , Way Grayson W. , McKay Angela , Roychoudhury Pavitra , Greninger Alexander L. , Martin Rebecca K.
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, emerged in late 2019 and has since spread throughout the world, infecting over 200 million people. The fast spread of SARS-CoV-2 showcased the need for rapid and sensitive testing methodologies to help track the disease. Over the past 18 months, numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged. Many of these variants are suggested to be more transmissible as well as less responsive to neutralization by vaccine-induced antibodies. Viral whole-genome sequencing is the current standard for tracking these variants. However, whole-genome sequencing is costly and the technology and expertise are limited to larger reference laboratories. Here, we present the feasibility of a fast, inexpensive methodology using snapback primer-based high-resolution melting to test for >20 high-consequence SARS-CoV-2 spike mutations. This assay can distinguish between multiple variant lineages and be completed in roughly 2 h for less than $10 per sample.
Total Lung and Lobar Quantitative Assessment Based on Paired Inspiratory–Expiratory Chest CT in Healthy Adults: Correlation with Pulmonary Ventilatory Function
Authors: Wu Feihong , Chen Leqing , Huang Jia , Fan Wenliang , Yang Jinrong , Zhang Xiaohui , Jin Yang , Yang Fan , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: September 2021

Objective: To provide the quantitative volumetric data of the total lung and lobes in inspiration and expiration from healthy adults, and to explore the value of paired inspiratory–expiratory chest CT scan in pulmonary ventilatory function and further explore the influence of each lobe on ventilation. Methods: A total of 65 adults (29 males and 36 females) with normal clinical pulmonary function test (PFT) and paired inspiratory–expiratory chest CT scan were retrospectively enrolled. The inspiratory and expiratory volumetric indexes of the total lung (TL) and 5 lobes (left upper lobe [LUL], left lower lobe [LLL], right upper lobe [RUL], right middle lobe [RML], and right lower lobe [RLL]) were obtained by Philips IntelliSpace Portal image postprocessing workstation, including inspiratory lung volume (LVin), expiratory lung volume (LVex), volume change (∆LV), and well-aerated lung volume (WAL, lung tissue with CT threshold between −950 and −750 HU in inspiratory scan). Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between CT quantitative indexes of the total lung and ventilatory function indexes (including total lung capacity [TLC], residual volume [RV], and force vital capacity [FVC]). Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used to explore the influence of each lobe on ventilation. Results: At end-inspiratory phase, the LVin-TL was 4664.6 (4282.7, 5916.2) mL, the WALTL was 4173 (3639.6, 5250.9) mL; both showed excellent correlation with TLC (LVin-TL: r = 0.890, p < 0.001; WALTL: r = 0.879, p < 0.001). From multiple linear regression analysis with lobar CT indexes as variables, the LVin and WAL of these two lobes, LLL and RUL, showed a significant relationship with TLC. At end-expiratory phase, the LVex-TL was 2325.2 (1969.7, 2722.5) mL with good correlation with RV (r = 0.811, p < 0.001), of which the LVex of RUL and RML had a significant relationship with RV. For the volumetric change within breathing, the ∆LVTL was 2485.6 (2169.8, 3078.1) mL with good correlation with FVC (r = 0.719, p < 0.001), moreover, WALTL showed a better correlation with FVC (r = 0.817, p < 0.001) than that of ∆LVTL. Likewise, there was also a strong association between ∆LV, WAL of these two lobes (LLL and RUL), and FVC. Conclusions: The quantitative indexes derived from paired inspiratory–expiratory chest CT could reflect the clinical pulmonary ventilatory function, LLL, and RUL give greater impact on ventilation. Thus, the pulmonary functional evaluation needs to be more precise and not limited to the total lung level.