bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bandwidth extension method based on the field-shunting effect in a high-gain photoelectric receiver circuit
Authors: Yang Jinqing , Wan Minjie , Qian Weixian , Ren Kan , Lu Dongming , Zhang Jun , Gu Guohua , Chen Qian
Published: October 2021

In the high-gain photoelectric receiver circuit, the method based on the field-shunting effect is applied to improve the bandwidth of the transimpedance amplifier. This method is implemented by adding a ground trace under the gain resistor, which reduces the parasitic capacitance of the gain resistor and thus increases the bandwidth. To obtain the specific impact of this method on bandwidth, a series of simulations are carried out, including electromagnetic simulations of a three-dimensional structure of circuit gain part and simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulations of the high-gain voltage-current feedback transimpedance amplifier. Finally, the optimal simulation result shows that selecting a 1206 size chip fixed resistor and setting the ground trace width to 1.1 mm can greatly reduce the influence of resistor parasitic effects on the circuit, thereby achieving the best performance of bandwidth extension. Further, the comparative experiment also verifies the effectiveness of the method for bandwidth enhancement.
Ultra-wideband terahertz absorber based on graphene modulation: retraction
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Feng Guang , Lin Suben
Published: October 2021

The referenced paper [Appl. Opt. 60, 3170 (2021)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.420143] has been retracted by the authors.
Sub-30-fs Yb:YAG thin-disk laser oscillator operating in the strongly self-phase modulation broadened regime
Authors: Drs Jakub , Fischer Julian , Modsching Norbert , Labaye François , Wittwer Valentin J. , Südmeyer Thomas
Published: October 2021

We experimentally investigate the limits of pulse duration in a Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:YAG thin-disk laser (TDL) oscillator. Thanks to its excellent mechanical and optical properties, Yb:YAG is one of the most used gain materials for continuous-wave and pulsed TDLs. In mode-locked operation, its 8-nm wide gain bandwidth only directly supports pulses with a minimum duration of approximately 140 fs. For achieving shorter pulses, a Kerr-lens mode-locked TDL oscillator can be operated in the strongly self-phase modulation (SPM) broadened regime. Here, the spectral bandwidth of the oscillating pulse exceeds the available gain bandwidth by generating additional frequencies via SPM inside the Kerr medium. In this work, we study and compare different laser configurations in the strongly SPM-broadened regime. Starting with a configuration providing 84-fs pulses at 69 W average power at 17 MHz repetition rate, we reduce the pulse duration by optimizing various mode-locking parameters. One crucial parameter is the dispersion control which was provided by in-house-developed dispersive mirrors produced by ion-beam sputtering (IBS). We discuss trade-offs in average power, pulse duration, efficiency, and intra-cavity peak power. For the configuration operating at the highest SPM-broadening, we achieve a minimum pulse duration of 27 fs, which represents the shortest pulse duration directly generated by any ultrafast TDL oscillator. The corresponding full width at half maximum (FWHM) spectral bandwidth exceeds more than five times the FWHM gain bandwidth. The average output power of 3.3 W is moderate for ultrafast TDL oscillators, but higher than other Yb-based laser oscillators operating at this pulse duration. Additionally, the corresponding intra-cavity peak power of 0.8 GW is highly attractive for implementing intra-cavity extreme nonlinear optical interactions such as high harmonic generation.
Experimental demonstration of superresolution of partially coherent light sources using parity sorting: erratum
Authors: Wadood S. A. , Liang Kevin , Zhou Yiyu , Yang Jing , Alonso M. A. , Qian X.-F. , Malhotra T. , Hashemi Rafsanjani S. M. , Jordan Andrew N. , Boyd Robert W. , Nick Vamivakas A.
Published: October 2021

The authors include references that appeared on arXiv during the preparation of their paper [Opt. Express 29, 22034 (2021)10.1364/OE.427734].
Analysis of 11,430 recombinant protein production experiments reveals that protein yield is tunable by synonymous codon changes of translation initiation sites
Authors: Bhandari Bikash K. , Lim Chun Shen , Remus Daniela M. , Chen Augustine , van Dolleweerd Craig , Gardner Paul P.
Published: October 2021

Recombinant protein production is a key process in generating proteins of interest in the pharmaceutical industry and biomedical research. However, about 50% of recombinant proteins fail to be expressed in a variety of host cells. Here we show that the accessibility of translation initiation sites modelled using the mRNA base-unpairing across the Boltzmann’s ensemble significantly outperforms alternative features. This approach accurately predicts the successes or failures of expression experiments, which utilised Escherichia coli cells to express 11,430 recombinant proteins from over 189 diverse species. On this basis, we develop TIsigner that uses simulated annealing to modify up to the first nine codons of mRNAs with synonymous substitutions. We show that accessibility captures the key propensity beyond the target region (initiation sites in this case), as a modest number of synonymous changes is sufficient to tune the recombinant protein expression levels. We build a stochastic simulation model and show that higher accessibility leads to higher protein production and slower cell growth, supporting the idea of protein cost, where cell growth is constrained by protein circuits during overexpression.
DeepCellState: An autoencoder-based framework for predicting cell type specific transcriptional states induced by drug treatment
Authors: Umarov Ramzan , Li Yu , Arner Erik
Published: October 2021

Drug treatment induces cell type specific transcriptional programs, and as the number of combinations of drugs and cell types grows, the cost for exhaustive screens measuring the transcriptional drug response becomes intractable. We developed DeepCellState, a deep learning autoencoder-based framework, for predicting the induced transcriptional state in a cell type after drug treatment, based on the drug response in another cell type. Training the method on a large collection of transcriptional drug perturbation profiles, prediction accuracy improves significantly over baseline and alternative deep learning approaches when applying the method to two cell types, with improved accuracy when generalizing the framework to additional cell types. Treatments with drugs or whole drug families not seen during training are predicted with similar accuracy, and the same framework can be used for predicting the results from other interventions, such as gene knock-downs. Finally, analysis of the trained model shows that the internal representation is able to learn regulatory relationships between genes in a fully data-driven manner.
Predictive markers for the early prognosis of dengue severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thach Tran Quang , Eisa Heba Gamal , Hmeda AlMotsim Ben , Faraj Hazem , Thuan Tieu Minh , Abdelrahman Manal Mahmoud , Awadallah Mario Gerges , Ha Nam Xuan , Noeske Michael , Abdul Aziz Jeza Muhamad , Nam Nguyen Hai , Nile Mohamed El , Dumre Shyam Prakash , Huy Nguyen Tien , Hirayama Kenji
Published: October 2021

Background

Predictive markers represent a solution for the proactive management of severe dengue. Despite the low mortality rate resulting from severe cases, dengue requires constant examination and round-the-clock nursing care due to the unpredictable progression of complications, posing a burden on clinical triage and material resources. Accordingly, identifying markers that allow for predicting disease prognosis from the initial diagnosis is needed. Given the improved pathogenesis understanding, myriad candidates have been proposed to be associated with severe dengue progression. Thus, we aim to review the relationship between the available biomarkers and severe dengue.

Methodology

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the differences in host data collected within 72 hours of fever onset amongst the different disease severity levels. We searched nine bibliographic databases without restrictive criteria of language and publication date. We assessed risk of bias and graded robustness of evidence using NHLBI quality assessments and GRADE, respectively. This study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018104495).

Principal findings

Of 4000 records found, 40 studies for qualitative synthesis, 19 for meta-analysis. We identified 108 host and viral markers collected within 72 hours of fever onset from 6160 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases, including hematopoietic parameters, biochemical substances, clinical symptoms, immune mediators, viral particles, and host genes. Overall, inconsistent case classifications explained substantial heterogeneity, and meta-analyses lacked statistical power. Still, moderate-certainty evidence indicated significantly lower platelet counts (SMD -0.65, 95% CI -0.97 to -0.32) and higher AST levels (SMD 0.87, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.38) in severe cases when compared to non-severe dengue during this time window.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that alterations of platelet count and AST level—in the first 72 hours of fever onset—are independent markers predicting the development of severe dengue.
Association between Japanese community health workers’ willingness to continue service and two categories of motives: Altruistic and self-oriented
Authors: Taguchi Atsuko , Murayama Hiroshi , Ono Keiko
Published: October 2021

Background

As population aging progresses, volunteers in health field are expected to play a key role in health promotion and disease prevention, which may improve community residents’ health and well-being and at the same time help slow the growth of healthcare cost. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of self-oriented motives and altruistic motives as explanatory factors for Japanese Community Health Workers (CHWs)’ desire to continue their service. Unraveling the relative effects of these two types of motivation on CHW retention may lead to policy and practical implications for recruiting, training, and supporting CHWs in Japan. Haddad (2007) observed that citizens in Japan generally have a sense of governmental and individual responsibility for dealing with social problems. Applying these insights to CHWs, we hypothesize that altruistic motives have more potent influence on volunteers’ willingness to continue to serve than self-oriented motives.

Methods

Three cities in Shiga prefecture, Japan agreed to participate in the study. Anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all CHWs who work in the three communities. The survey data were collected in March and April, 2013. A total of 417 questionnaires were mailed to CHWs, of which 346 were completed and returned (response rate 83.0%). Nine questionnaires missing response to the question concerning willingness to continue serving were removed from the analysis. The final analysis used 337 questionnaires (effective response rate 80.8%).

Results

One hundred ninety-nine (59.1%) of the respondents answered the question about willingness to continue CHW affirmatively, and 138 (40.9%) negatively. Controlling for other relevant factors, those with self-oriented motives in serving as CHWs were more likely to state they are willing to continue to serve (OR:1.54, confidence interval 1.00–2.37) than those without such motives. Those with altruistic motives were also more likely to say they want to continue their service (OR 1.56, confidence interval 1.08–2.27) than those without such motives. Contrary to our hypothesis, the two motives, altruistic and self-oriented, were shown to have nearly equal degree of influence on respondents’ willingness to continue serving as CHWs.

Conclusion

One practical implication of the research is that learning more about the twin motives, self-oriented and altruistic, of volunteers and tailoring the content of CHW training by municipal health professionals to address those motives may be beneficial.
In silico identification of natural product inhibitors against Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) to impede the mechanism of glioma stem cells
Authors: Nayak Chirasmita , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: October 2021

Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) is a core regulator in the retention of stemness, invasive, and self-renewal properties in glioma initiating cells (GSCs) and its overexpression inhibits the differentiation of glioma cells promoting tumor cell proliferation. The Pit-Oct-Unc (POU) domain comprising POU-specific domain (POUS) and POU-type homeodomain (POUHD) subdomains is the most critical part of the Oct4 for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells that lead to tumor initiation, invasion, posttreatment relapse, and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, the present investigation hunts for natural product inhibitors (NPIs) against the POUHD domain of Oct4 by employing receptor-based virtual screening (RBVS) followed by binding free energy calculation and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). RBVS provided 13 compounds with acceptable ranges of pharmacokinetic properties and good docking scores having key interactions with the POUHD domain. More Specifically, conformational and interaction stability analysis of 13 compounds through MDS unveiled two compounds ZINC02145000 and ZINC32124203 which stabilized the backbone of protein even in the presence of linker and POUS domain. Additionally, ZINC02145000 and ZINC32124203 exhibited stable and strong interactions with key residues W277, R242, and R234 of the POUHD domain even in dynamic conditions. Interestingly, ZINC02145000 and ZINC32124203 established communication not only with the POUHD domain but also with the POUS domain indicating their incredible potency toward thwarting the function of Oct4. ZINC02145000 and ZINC32124203 also reduced the flexibility and escalated the correlations between the amino acid residues of Oct4 evidenced by PCA and DCCM analysis. Finally, our examination proposed two NPIs that can impede the Oct4 function and may help to improve overall survival, diminish tumor relapse, and achieve a cure not only in deadly disease GBM but also in other cancers with minimal side effects.
Towards an integrated model for supervision for mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian emergencies: A qualitative study
Authors: Perera Camila , McBride Kelly A. , Travers Áine , Tingsted Blum Pia , Wiedemann Nana , Dinesen Cecilie , Bitanihirwe Byron , Vallières Frédérique
Published: October 2021

Background

Despite recent advances in the development and provision of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in humanitarian settings, inadequate supervision remains a significant barrier to successful implementation. The present study sought to incorporate broad stakeholder engagement as part of the first phase of development of a new Integrated Model for Supervision (IMS) for use within MHPSS and protection services in humanitarian emergencies.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 global mental health professionals. Data was analysed thematically, using a combination of inductive and deductive methods. Codes and themes were validated through co-author cross-checks and through a webinar with an expert advisory group.

Results

Results reinforce the importance of effective supervision to enhance the quality of interventions and to protect supervisees’ wellbeing. Participants generally agreed that regular, supportive supervision on a one-to-one basis and as a separate system from line management, is the ideal format. The interviews highlight a need for guidance in specific areas, such as monitoring and evaluation, and navigating power imbalances in the supervisory relationship. Several approaches to supervision were described, including some solutions for use in low-resource situations, such as group, peer-to-peer or remote supervision.

Conclusion

An integrated model for supervision (IMS) should offer a unified framework encompassing a definition of supervision, consolidation of best practice, and goals and guidance for the supervisory process.
Stable isotopes reveal intensive pig husbandry practices in the middle Yellow River region by the Yangshao period (7000–5000 BP)
Authors: Zhang Quan , Hou Yanfeng , Li Xinwei , Styring Amy , Lee-Thorp Julia
Published: October 2021

It is well-known that pigs (Sus scrofa) were domesticated very early in Neolithic China, but far less is known about the processes by which pig husbandry intensified so that pork became the most important animal protein for humans are less clear. Here, we explore pig feeding practices using the carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of bone collagen, focusing on developments in pig husbandry during the Yangshao period (7000–5000 BP) in the middle Yellow River region of China, and at the site of Xipo (5800–5000 BP) in particular. The results show that the diets of domestic pigs at Xipo were dominated by millet foods. Comparisons with other Yangshao sites in the region show a trend of increasing millet foddering for pigs throughout the Yangshao period. These results, and comparisons of the isotopic data for pigs against those for humans from the Xipo cemetery (5300–5000 BP), suggest that pigs were closely managed by humans. The evidence points to an intensification of Neolithic pig husbandry in the middle Yellow River region from this period.
The impact of economic and political reforms on environmental performance in developing countries
Authors: Zhao Jin , Madni Ghulam Rasool
Published: October 2021

The humans of modern society are enjoying the luxuries and comforts today but future generations will be facing a more polluted environment and scarcity of natural resources. So the effects of global warming and climatic changes are a major policy concern nowadays around the world. The majority of the literature treats the Carbon Dioxide emissions as an indicator of environmental deterioration but this paper considers the environmental performance index as an indicator of environment. This paper addresses the role of institutional reforms for environmental performance that is hardly discussed in the earlier literature. It is argued that a novel approach of institutional reforms can provide some useful insights for environmental performance in developing countries. There is wide agreement that institutional quality is crucial for economic sustainability but rarely focused to explore the impacts of institutional reforms on environmental performance. The institutional reforms are generally divided into two categories; economic and political reforms. This paper investigated the impact of each category of institutional reforms for environmental performance by using panel data of 122 developing economies for a period of 1996–2020. Difference in differences technique is applied to determine the impact of each category of reforms on the environment. It is found that economic and political reforms significantly contribute to protecting the environment in developing countries, and it will be a good policy option to reform the economic and political institutions to preserve the environment in these countries along with sustainable development.
Dreaming of the sleep lab
Authors: Picard-Deland Claudia , Nielsen Tore , Carr Michelle
Published: October 2021

The phenomenon of dreaming about the laboratory when participating in a sleep study is common. The content of such dreams draws upon episodic memory fragments of the participant’s lab experience, generally, experimenters, electrodes, the lab setting, and experimental tasks. However, as common as such dreams are, they have rarely been given a thorough quantitative or qualitative treatment. Here we assessed 528 dreams (N = 343 participants) collected in a Montreal sleep lab to 1) evaluate state and trait factors related to such dreams, and 2) investigate the phenomenology of lab incorporations using a new scoring system. Lab incorporations occurred in over a third (35.8%) of all dreams and were especially likely to occur in REM sleep (44.2%) or from morning naps (48.4%). They tended to be related to higher depression scores, but not to sex, nightmare-proneness or anxiety. Common themes associated with lab incorporation were: Meta-dreaming, including lucid dreams and false awakenings (40.7%), Sensory incorporations (27%), Wayfinding to, from or within the lab (24.3%), Sleep as performance (19.6%), Friends/Family in the lab (15.9%) and Being an object of observation (12.2%). Finally, 31.7% of the lab incorporation dreams included relative projections into a near future (e.g., the experiment having been completed), but very few projections into the past (2.6%). Results clarify sleep stage and sleep timing factors associated with dreamed lab incorporations. Phenomenological findings further reveal both the typical and unique ways in which lab memory elements are incorporated de novo into dreaming. Identified themes point to frequent social and skillful dream scenarios that entail monitoring of one’s current state (in the lab) and projection of the self into dream environments elaborated around local space and time. The findings have implications for understanding fundamental dream formation mechanisms but also for appreciating both the advantages and methodological pitfalls of conducting laboratory-based dream collection.
Carrots for the donkey: Influence of evaluative conditioning and training on self-paced exercise intensity and delay discounting of exercise in healthy adults
Authors: Kubis Hans-Peter , Albelwi Tamam A. , Rogers Robert D.
Published: October 2021

To choose exercise over alternative behaviours, subjective reward evaluation of the potential choices is a principal step in decision making. However, the selection of exercise intensity might integrate acute visceral responses (i.e. pleasant or unpleasant feelings) and motives related to goals (i.e. enjoyment, competition, health). To understand the factors determining the selection of exercise in its intensity and evaluation as a modality, we conducted a study combining exercise training and evaluative conditioning. Evaluative conditioning was performed by using a novel technique using a primary reinforcer (sweetness) as the unconditioned stimulus and physical strain i.e. heart rate elevation as the conditioned stimulus during interval training, using a randomized control design (N = 58). Pre, post-three weeks interval training w/o conditioning, and after 4 weeks follow-up, participants were tested on self-paced speed selection on treadmill measuring heart rate, subjective pleasantness, and effort levels, as well as delay-discounting of exercise and food rewards. Results revealed that the selection of exercise intensity was significantly increased by adaptation to training and evaluative conditioning, revealing the importance of visceral factors as well as learned expected rewards. Delay discounting rates of self-paced exercise were transiently reduced by training but not affected by evaluative conditioning. In conclusion, exercise decisions are suggested to separate the decision-making process into a modality-specific cognitive evaluation of exercise, and an exercise intensity selection based on acute visceral experience integrating effort, pleasantness, and learned rewards.
The role of social support in reducing the impact of violence on adolescents’ mental health in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Quinlan-Davidson Meaghen , Kiss Ligia , Devakumar Delan , Cortina-Borja Mario , Eisner Manuel , Tourinho Peres Maria Fernanda
Published: October 2021

Objectives

We investigated whether perceived social support among adolescent students moderated the association between violence exposure and internalising symptoms in São Paulo city, Brazil.

Methods

We tested the stress-buffering model using data from the cross-sectional school-based, survey São Paulo Project on the Social Development of Children and Adolescents. Internalising symptoms were measured using an adapted version of the Social Behaviour Questionnaire; serious victimisation, being bullied once/week, school violence and community violence, friend and teacher support were scales adapted by the research team; the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire measured parenting style. Linear mixed-effects models were used to quantify moderation effects of (i) social support between violence exposure and internalising symptoms and (ii) gender between violence exposure and internalising symptoms across schools.

Results

Across schools, being bullied once/week, school violence, and community violence were associated with a significant (p<0.001) increase in internalising symptoms (e.g., bullied b = 5.76, 95% CI 2.26, 9.26; school violence b = 0.48, 95% CI 0.30, 0.67; community violence b = 0.36; 95% CI 0.22, 0.50). Males exposed to all types of violence had significantly lower (p<0.01) internalising symptoms compared to females (e.g., serious victimisation: b = -1.45; 95% CI -2.60, -0.29; school violence b = -0.27; 95% CI -0.30, -0.24; community violence b = -0.23; 95% CI -0.25, -0.20). As a main effect, social support was associated with a significant (p<0.01) decrease in internalising symptoms across schools (e.g., positive parenting b = -2.42; 95% CI -3.12, -1.72; parent involvement b = -2.75; 95% CI -3.32, -2.17; friend support b = -1.05; 95% CI -1.74, -0.34; teacher support b = -0.90; 95% CI -1.58, -0.22). Social support did not moderate the association between violence exposure and internalising symptoms.

Conclusions

Adolescent students in São Paulo exposed to violence have a higher likelihood of internalising symptoms, compared to those who are not. Support from parents, friends, and teachers, independent of violence, appear to be protective against internalising symptoms, pointing to potential programmes that could improve adolescent mental health.
The impact of disease-related knowledge on perceptions of stigma among patients with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection
Authors: Saine M. Elle , Szymczak Julia E. , Moore Tyler M. , Bamford Laura P. , Barg Frances K. , Forde Kimberly A. , Schnittker Jason , Holmes John H. , Mitra Nandita , Lo Re Vincent
Published: October 2021

Most patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection perceive some degree of disease-related stigma. Misunderstandings about diseases may contribute to disease-related stigma. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient-level knowledge about HCV infection transmission and natural history and its association with HCV-related stigma among HCV-infected patients. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among 265 patients with HCV in Philadelphia using the HCV Stigma Scale and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Hepatitis C Follow-up Survey (2001–2008). The association between HCV knowledge and HCV-related stigma was evaluated via linear regression. Overall knowledge about HCV transmission and natural history was high, with >80% of participants answering ≥9 of 11 items correctly (median number of correct responses, 9 [82%]), HCV-related knowledge was similar between HIV/HCV-coinfected and HCV-monoinfected participants (p = 0.30). A higher level of HCV-related knowledge was associated with greater perceived HCV-related stigma (β, 2.34 ([95% CI, 0.51–4.17]; p = 0.013). Results were similar after adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, HIV status, education level, stage of HCV management, time since diagnosis, and history of injection drug use. In this study, increased HCV-related knowledge was associated with greater perceptions of HCV stigma. Clinicians may consider allotting time to address common misconceptions about HCV when educating patients about HCV infection, which may counterbalance the stigmatizing impact of greater HCV-related knowledge.
Will I die of coronavirus? Google Trends data reveal that politics determine virus fears
Authors: Timoneda Joan C. , Vallejo Vera Sebastián
Published: October 2021

Is Google Trends (GT) useful to survey populations? Extant work has shown that certain search queries reflect the attitudes of hard-to-survey populations, but we do not know if this extends to the general population. In this article, we leverage abundant data from the Covid-19 pandemic to assess whether people’s worries about the pandemic match epidemiological trends as well as political preferences. We use the string ‘will I die from coronavirus’ on GT as the measure for people’s level of distress regarding Covid-19. We also test whether concern for coronavirus is a partisan issue by contrasting GT data and 2016 election results. We find strong evidence that (1) GT search volume close matches epidemiological data and (2) significant differences exist between states that supported Clinton or Trump in 2016.
The protective performance of reusable cloth face masks, disposable procedure masks, KN95 masks and N95 respirators: Filtration and total inward leakage
Authors: Duncan Scott , Bodurtha Paul , Naqvi Syed
Published: October 2021

Face coverings are a key component of preventive health measure strategies to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses. In this study five groups of masks were investigated that are of particular relevance to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: re-usable, fabric two-layer and multi-layer masks, disposable procedure/surgical masks, KN95 and N95 filtering facepiece respirators. Experimental work focussed on the particle penetration through mask materials as a function of particle diameter, and the total inward leakage protection performance of the mask system. Geometric mean fabric protection factors varied from 1.78 to 144.5 for the fabric two-layer and KN95 materials, corresponding to overall filtration efficiencies of 43.8% and 99.3% using a flow rate of 17 L/min, equivalent to a breathing expiration rate for a person in a sedentary or standing position conversing with another individual. Geometric mean total inward leakage protection factors for the 2-layer, multi-layer and procedure masks were <2.3, while 6.2 was achieved for the KN95 masks. The highest values were measured for the N95 group at 165.7. Mask performance is dominated by face seal leakage. Despite the additional filtering layers added to cloth masks, and the higher filtration efficiency of the materials used in disposable procedure and KN95 masks, the total inward leakage protection factor was only marginally improved. N95 FFRs were the only mask group investigated that provided not only high filtration efficiency but high total inward leakage protection, and remain the best option to protect individuals from exposure to aerosol in high risk settings. The Mask Quality Factor and total inward leakage performance are very useful to determine the best options for masking. However, it is highly recommended that testing is undertaken on prospective products, or guidance is sought from impartial authorities, to confirm they meet any implied standards.
Evaluation of the prothrombotic potential of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) in animal models
Authors: Ghosh Subhajit , Krege Wilfred , Doerr Baerbel , Mischnik Marcel , Pragst Ingo , Dickneite Gerhard , Herzog Eva
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Acquired coagulopathy may be associated with bleeding risk. Approaches to restore haemostasis include administration of coagulation factor concentrates, but there are concerns regarding potential prothrombotic risk. The present study assessed the prothrombotic potential of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) versus activated PCC (aPCC) and recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa), using three preclinical animal models.

Methods

The first model was a modified Wessler model of venous stasis-induced thrombosis in rabbit, focusing on dilutional coagulopathy; the second model employed the same system but focused on direct oral anticoagulant reversal (i.e. edoxaban). The third model assessed the prothrombotic impact of 4F-PCC, aPCC and rFVIIa in a rat model of ferric chloride-induced arterial thrombosis.

Results

In the first model, thrombi were observed at aPCC doses ≥10 IU/kg (therapeutic dose 100 IU/kg) and rFVIIa doses ≥50 μg/kg (therapeutic dose 90 μg/kg), but not 4F-PCC 50 IU/kg (therapeutic dose 50 IU/kg). The impact of 4F-PCC (up to 300 IU/kg) on thrombus formation was evident from 10 minutes post-administration, but not at 24 hours post-administration; this did not change with addition of tranexamic acid and/or fibrinogen concentrate. 4F-PCC-induced thrombus formation was lower after haemodilution versus non-haemodilution. In the second model, no prothrombotic effect was confirmed at 4F-PCC 50 IU/kg. The third model showed lower incidence of thrombus formation for 4F-PCC 50 IU/kg versus aPCC (50 U/kg) and rFVIIa (90 μg/kg).

Conclusions

These results suggest that 4F-PCC has a low thrombotic potential versus aPCC or rFVIIa, supporting the clinical use of 4F-PCC for the treatment of coagulopathy-mediated bleeding.
Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside improves the viability of human islet cells treated with amylin or Aβ1-42 in vitro
Authors: Croden Jennifer , Silva Josue Rodrigues , Huang Wenlong , Gupta Nancy , Fu Wen , Matovinovic Kaja , Black Mazzen , Li Xian , Chen Kunsong , Wu Yulian , Jhamandas Jack , Rayat Gina R.
Published: October 2021

Islet transplantation is being considered as an alternative treatment for type 1 diabetes. Despite recent progress, transplant recipients continue to experience progressive loss of insulin independence. Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside (C3G) has shown to be protective against damage that may lead to post-transplant islet loss. In this study, human islets cultured with or without C3G were treated with human amylin, Aβ1-42, H2O2, or rapamycin to mimic stresses encountered in the post-transplant environment. Samples of these islets were collected and assayed to determine C3G’s effect on cell viability and function, reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress, amyloid formation, and the presence of inflammatory as well as autophagic markers. C3G treatment of human islets exposed to either amylin or Aβ1-42 increased cell viability (p<0.01) and inhibited amyloid formation (p<0.01). A reduction in ROS and an increase in HO-1 gene expression as well as in vitro islet function were also observed in C3G-treated islets exposed to amylin or Aβ1-42, although not significantly. Additionally, treatment with C3G resulted in a significant reduction in the protein expression of inflammatory markers IL-1β and NLRP3 (p<0.01) as well as an increase in LC3 autophagic marker (p<0.05) in human islets treated with amylin, Aβ1-42, rapamycin, or H2O2. Thus, C3G appears to have a multi-faceted protective effect on human islets in vitro, possibly through its anti-oxidant property and alteration of inflammatory as well as autophagic pathways.
Visualising household air pollution: Colorimetric sensor arrays for monitoring volatile organic compounds indoors
Authors: Duffy Emer , Huttunen Kati , Lahnavik Roosa , Smeaton Alan F. , Morrin Aoife
Published: October 2021

Indoor air quality monitoring as it relates to the domestic setting is an integral part of human exposure monitoring and health risk assessment. Hence there is a great need for easy to use, fast and economical indoor air quality sensors to monitor the volatile organic compound composition of the air which is known to be significantly perturbed by the various source emissions from activities in the home. To meet this need, paper-based colorimetric sensor arrays were deployed as volatile organic compound detectors in a field study aiming to understand which activities elicit responses from these sensor arrays in household settings. The sensor array itself is composed of pH indicators and aniline dyes that enable molecular recognition of carboxylic acids, amines and carbonyl-containing compounds. The sensor arrays were initially deployed in different rooms in a single household having different occupant activity types and levels. Sensor responses were shown to differ for different room settings on the basis of occupancy levels and the nature of the room emission sources. Sensor responses relating to specific activities such as cooking, cleaning, office work, etc were noted in the temporal response. Subsequently, the colorimetric sensor arrays were deployed in a broader study across 9 different households and, using multivariate analysis, the sensor responses were shown to correlate strongly with household occupant activity and year of house build. Overall, this study demonstrates the significant potential for this type of simple approach to indoor air pollution monitoring in residential environments.
Disseminated AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome With Infiltrative Liver Disease
Authors: Van Jeremy , Reau Nancy
Published: October 2021

Clinically significant hepatic acquired immunodeficiency syndrome–related Kaposi sarcoma is rarely described in the literature. Kaposi sarcoma immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome may play a role in the rapid progression of clinically insignificant to significant liver disease. We present an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient with disseminated Kaposi sarcoma that developed 3–6 weeks after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
A Case of Lansoprazole-Induced Bullous Pemphigoid After Zantac Recall
Authors: Tran Minh , Armenta Andrew M. , Wilkerson Michael G. , Afrouzian Marjan , Khan Kashif
Published: October 2021

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment for many gastric acid-related diseases with a relatively safe drug profile. One of the rare side effects is PPI-induced bullous pemphigoid. We describe a case of new-onset bullous pemphigoid on initiation of lansoprazole for esophagitis after a nationwide Zantac recall. This condition can improve with the cessation of PPI and the use of corticosteroids. However, it poses a significant challenge to the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease by limiting available pharmacologic options. In addition, this case highlights the negative effects of a drug recall.
Respon Penurunan Kadar Glukosa Darah Tikus (Rattus norvegicus) Hiperglikemik Setelah Pemberian Berbagai Minyak Konsumsi
Authors: Wachidah Yuniwarti Enny Yusuf , Saraswati Tyas Rini , Kusdiyantini Endang
Published: October 2021

Olive oil, VCO, dan minyak buah merah memiliki manfaat sebagai antidiabetik karena ketiga minyak tersebut mengandung antioksidan yang tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan respon ketiga minyak tersebut terhadap persentase penurunan kadar glukosa darah, berat badan dan diameter sel hepatosit tikus jantan (Rattus norvegicus) hiperglikemik. Lima belas ekor tikus putih (Rattus norvegicus) jantan dengan umur sekitar 2 bulan digunakan sebagai hewan uji. Induksi aloksan sebesar 150 mg per kg BB tikus secara intraperitonial dilakukan untuk mendapatkan tikus hiperglikemik. Design penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap, dengan tiga perlakuan dan lima ulangan, yaitu P1 merupakan  perlakuan dengan VCO 0,2 ml per BB tikus, P2 merupakan perlakuan dengan olive oil 0,2 ml per BB serta P3 merupakan perlakuan dengan minyak buah merah sebanyak 0,2 ml per BB tikus per hari. Perlakuan diberikan secara oral selama empat minggu, data yang didapat dianalisa dengan ANOVA dan uji lanjut dengan uji LSD. Hasil yang didapat menunjukkan bahwa rerata persentase penurunan kadar glukosa darah dan bobot badan pada P1 berbeda nyata dengan P2 dan P3 (p<0.05), sedang diameter sel hepatosit tidak menunjukkan perbedaan yang nyata antar perlakuan (p>0.05), sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa VCO lebih potensial sebagai antidiabetik dibanding olive oil dan minyak buah merah,
Regulasi Fotodeteksi: Peran Cahaya Pada Performa Produksi Telur Unggas
Authors: Kasiyati _
Published: October 2021

Cahaya merupakan salah satu faktor lingkungan yang esensial bagi kehidupan aves. Signal cahaya yang diterima oleh hipotalamus dapat mengontrol sekresi gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) yang berperan dalam menstimulasi pitutari melepaskan follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) dan luteinizing hormone (LH). Peningkatan konsetrasi dan waktu sekresi gonadotropin  berpengaruh pada umur dewasa kelamin, siklus ovulasi, serta performa produksi telur pada aves. Tujuan dari ulasan artikel ini fokus pada peran cahaya yang melibatkan sistem sensori pada performa produksi telur unggas. Organ fotoreseptor vertebrata non-mamalia termasuk aves selain mata adalah organ pineal dan fotoreseptor otak bagian dalam (deep brain photoreceptors). Beberapa molekul fotoreseptor deep brain, yaitu rodopsin (RH), melanopsin (OPN4), dan vertebrate ancient (VA)-opsin, serta protein opsin 5 (OPN5 atau neuropsin). Paparan cahaya yang lebih lama pada siang hari yang panjang menstimulasi peningkatan ekspresi mRNA GnRH sehingga menginduksi dewasa (matang) kelamin unggas. Peningkatan performa reproduksi walaupun kecil tetap berpengaruh pada produksi telur. Lebih dari 33% peningkatan performa reproduksi dan produksi telur merupakan kontribusi dari penggunaan cahaya. Intisari dari ulasan ini adalah mengetahui peran fotoreseptor pada unggas.
Analisis Proksimat dan Nilai Kesukaaan Beras Artifisial Berbahan Dasar Tepung Ubi Kayu (Manihot esculenta Crantz ) dan Tepung Labu Kuning (Cucurbita moschata Durch)
Authors: Rahmawati Dewi Kartika , Izzati Munifatul , Parman Sarjana
Published: October 2021

Beras artifisial adalah beras yang dibuat dari non padi dengan kandungan karbohidrat mendekati atau melebihi beras. Beras artifisial berbahan dasar tepung ubi kayu dan labu  kuning merupakan solusi agar ketergantungan masyarakat terhadap beras dapat dikurangi.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan mengkaji kandungan gizi beras  artifisial  berbahan dasar tepung ubi kayu dan labu kuning ditinjau dari analisis proksimat dan antioksidan serta mengetahui dan mengkaji tingkat kesukaan masyarakat. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap dengan satu faktor yaitu jumlah perbandingan tepung ubi kayu dan tepung labu kuning yang terdiri dari 3 taraf yaitu formula 2:1, 1:1 dan 1:2. Metode dari penelitian ini meliputi analisis proksimat, analisis antioksidan dan uji nilai kesukaan.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa formula beras artifisial berbahan dasar tepung ubi kayu dan labu kuning yang memiliki kualitas gizi terbaik yaitu formula 1:2. Formula 1:2  memiliki kadar abu sebesar 3,5%; kadar  a ir 9,2%; kadar serat kasar 8,2%;kadar protein 8%; kadar lemak 0,4%; kadar karbohidrat 78,5% dan  kadar antioksidan 8%. Uji nilai kesukaan menunjukan bahwa beras artifisial berbahan dasar tepung ubi kayu dan labu kuning formula 1:2 kurang disukai dari segi warna, aroma, dan penerimaan umum,  namun dari segi rasa panelis rata-rata menyukainya.
Pengaruh Perbedaan Kedalaman Tanam dan Volume Air terhadap Perkecambahan dan Pertumbuhan Benih Sorgum (Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench)
Authors: Nugraheni Febiasasti Trias , Haryanti Sri , Prihastanti Erma
Published: October 2021

Sorgum merupakan tanaman yang dapat digunakan sumber pangan dan dapat dijadikan alternatif pengganti gandum karena memiliki kandungan karbohidrat yang sama dengan gandum sebagai bahan baku tepung terigu. Produksi sorgum di Indonesia masih rendah, sehingga untuk mendapatkan bibit sorgum yang unggul dan berkualitas perlu memperhatikan kedalaman tanam dan volume air. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh perbedaan kedalaman tanam dan volume air terhadap perkecambahan dan pertumbuhan sorgum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). Penelitian terdiri dari 2 unit, yaitu perkecambahan dan pertumbuhan sorgum yang menggunakan 9 perlakuan dengan 3 ulangan. Perlakuan kedalaman tanam terdiri dari K1 (1 cm), K2 (3 cm), K3 (5 cm) dan volume air P1 (150 ml), P2 (300 ml), P3 (600 ml). Kedua faktor dikombinasikan menjadi perlakuan K1P1, K1P2, K1P3, K2P1, K2P2, K2P3, K3P1, K3P2, K3P3. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) faktorial. Faktorial. Data penelitian dianalisis dengan ANOVA yang dilanjutkan dengan uji lanjut Duncan pada taraf signifikasi 95%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tidak ada pengaruh terhadap persentase perkecambahan, laju perkecambahan, tinggi tanaman, dan jumlah daun, tetapi terdapat perbedaan yang nyata terhadap berat basah, berat kering, dan panjang akar sorgum. Perlakuan K3P2 menunjukkan perkecambahan dan pertumbuhan sorgum terbaik.
Kandungan Ca, Cu, dan Pb pada Berbagai Produk Olahan Rumput Laut Gracillaria verrucosa (Hudson) Papenfuss dari Tambak Lorok, Semarang
Authors: Naja Muhammad Ghozy Nailan , Izzati Munifatul , Haryanti Sri
Published: October 2021

Perkembangan industri di sekitar Tambak lorok Semarang menghasilkan buangan limbah dan menimbulkan pencemaran logam berat seperti Cu dan Pb. Cemaran tersebut dapat membahayakan organisme yang hidup di dalamnya. Salah satunya adalah rumput laut G. verrucosa yang mampu menyerap logam berat, dan sangat berbahaya apabila dikonsumsi . G. verrucosa juga mempunyai kandungan mineral yang lengkap, antara lain yaitu Ca. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji kandungan mineral Ca pada tepung agar, dan ampas ekstrak agar yang berasal dari rumput laut G. verrucosa serta menguji kandungan logam berat Cu dan Pb pada tepung agar, dan ampas ekstrak agar yang berasal dari rumput laut G. verrucosa. Metode analisis kandungan mineral serta logam berat menggunakan metode Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES).  Hasil Penelitian menunjukan bahwa rerata kandungan mineral Ca yang dimiliki oleh tepung agar yaitu sebesar 18,75 ppm, dan pada  ampas ekstrak agar yaitu sebesar 12,63 ppm. Nilai rerata kandungan logam berat Cu yang dimiliki oleh tepung agar yaitu sebesar 1,239 ppm, dan pada  ampas ekstrak agar yaitu sebesar 0,733 ppm, dan nilai rerata kandungan logam berat Pb yang dimiliki oleh  tepung agar yaitu sebesar 0,158 ppm, dan pada  ampas ekstrak agar yaitu sebesar 0,042 ppm.           Kata kunci: G. verrucosa, mineral, logam berat, ICP-OES, tambak lorok
Pengaruh Pemberian Ekstrak Etanol Daun Mimba (Azadirachta indica A.Juss) terhadap Berat Uterus dan Tebal Endometrium Mencit (Mus musculus L.)
Authors: Alfiyanti Anis , Sitasiwi Agung Janika , Mardiati Siti Muflichatun
Published: October 2021

Daun Mimba (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) mengandung bahan aktif seperti flavonoid, triterpenoid, alkaloid, tanin dan saponin yang berpotensi sebagai senyawa antifertilitas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh ekstrak etanol daun mimba (Azadirachta indica A.Juss) terhadap berat uterus dan tebal endometrium mencit (Mus musculus L.). Penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) yang terdiri dari 5 perlakuan yaitu K- (Akuades), K+ (Pil Kontrasepsi), P1, P2 dan P3 (Perlakuan ekstrak etanol daun Mimba dengan dosis 8,4; 11,2 dan 14 mg/kg BB/hari) masing-masing dengan 5 ulangan. Perlakuan diberikan secara oral dengan volume 0,2 mL selama 21 hari. Pemberian pakan dan minum dilakukan secara ad libitum. Uterus diisolasi, ditimbang dan dibuat sediaan histologis menggunakan metode paraffin dengan tebal sayatan 5 µm dan pewarnaan Hematoksilin Eosin (HE). Pengukuran tebal endometrium dilakukan pada 6 sayatan di setiap sediaan histologi uterus. Data dianalisis menggunakan Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) pada taraf kepercayaan 95% dan uji lanjut DMRT. Hasil analisis menunjukkan paparan bahan uji memberikan pengaruh yang nyata (p<0,05) terhadap tebal endometrium namun tidak berpengaruh nyata (p>0,05) terhadap bobot uterus dan bobot total organ reproduksi. Penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa pemberian ekstrak etanol daun Mimba selama 21 hari dapat memengaruhi fertilitas dengan cara menurunkan tebal endometrium.   Kata kunci: daun Mimba, tebal endometrium, bobot uterus