bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Polyethyleneimine Modified Carbon Quantum Dots for Sensitively Detection of Cobalt Ions
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhu Changjian , Zhang Yaqing , Jing Na , Wang Yingte
Published: January 2021

In this work, fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) was prepared using natural on ions as carbon source with hydrothermal method and it was modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The properties of PEI modified CQDs (PEI-CQDs) were characterized by fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy
and ultraviolet method, the morphology characteristics of PEI-CQDs was observed by transmission electron microscope. The results shown that the fluorescence excitation and emission wavelength were at 340 nm/462 nm, respectively. The fluorescence quantum yield was 8.68%, the average diameter
of the PEI-CQDs was 2.82 nm. The infrared showed that the PEI-CQDs contained hydroxyl and amino groups on its surface. The Co2+ has selective quenching effects on fluorescence of PEICQDs, PEI-CQDs can be used for detection and analysis of Co2+ in samples. The limit of
detection and linear range of Co2+ using the PEI-CQDs as fluorescence probe are 0.048 μM and 0.05–11 μM, respectively. The recovery was in the range of 97.00–100.64%. Moreover, the PEI-CQDs are also successfully utilized for monitoring the Co2+
content of tap water.
Combustion Synthesis of Nanostructured ZrC: Formation Process and Influencing Factors
Authors: Zhao Xian-Rui , Zuo Dun-Wen , Chen Yong , Li Qin-Tao , Liu Gui-Xiang , Zhang Qiang-Yong , Zhu Zheng-Yu , Xu Feng
Published: January 2021

ZrC was produced by the combustion synthesis technology using Cu, Zr, and graphite as the starting element powders. The synthesis mechanism of ZrC was investigated by the combustion wave quenching experiment. Furthermore, the effects of sizes of C and Cu on the combustion synthesis
behavior and products were also explored. Results revealed that ZrC was fabricated through the displacement reaction between C and Cu–Zr liquid. The Cu size hardly affected the combustion temperature and resultant products, indicating that the preparation cost of ZrC could be decreased
by employing coarse Cu powders. With increasing C size, the burning temperature and ceramic particle size reduced. Graphite with size of 2.6 μm was used as the C source, and only ZrC nanoparticles and Cu were obtained. The products could be employed to prepare nano-sized ZrC/Cu composites
without the elimination of by-products.
Assembly and Electroluminescence of Sheet-Like Zinc Oxide/Silicon Light-Emitting Diode by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering Technique
Authors: Castañeda L.
Published: January 2021

Sheet-like Zinc Oxide/Silicon ([ZnO]/[Si]) light emitting diode (LED) has been fabricated through depositing nanoscale ZnO on the p-type single crystal silicon by using a radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method. The (100), (002) and (101) diffraction peaks can be observed.
With the increasing sputtering time, however, the intensity of (100) and (101) diffraction peaks has gradually decreased and the intensity of (002) diffraction peak has gradually enhanced. Through low the sputtering power, the obtained ZnO shows better (002)-orientation growth. Electroluminescence
(EL) from [ZnO]/[Si] LED have been decomposed into three emission bands, i.e., UV, green and orange emissions, which origin from the band gap, zinc interstitial or vacancies oxygen and shallow level, respectively. At the low sputtering power, orange emission is disappeared. It is indicated
that the structures and EL properties are sensitive to the fabrication conditions. It is important to optimize and tune the fabrication condition for purposeful application in the future works.
Fabrication of NiS2 Nanomaterials for Cd2+ Sensing
Authors: Peng Zehui , Xue Yumeng , Gao Yuan , Wang Ka , Song Haizeng , Yan Shancheng
Published: January 2021

Heavy metal Cadmium (Cd) will continuously pollute the atmosphere, soil and various water environments through material circulation, and even pose a threat to human safety. It has been designated as a first-class pollutant in sewage by China, therefore there is an urgent need to find
new, more effective, and low-cost method to accurately detect Cadmium ion (Cd2+) concentration. We experimentally prepared a new Cd2+ sensor based on NiS2 nanomaterials capable of measuring Cd2+ concentration. The corresponding relationship between
over potential of NiS2 nanomaterials in H2SO4 electrolyte solutions with different Cd2+ concentration and reduction peak with change of Cd2+ concentration was obtained by electrochemical method.
Electrical and Optical Properties of Silicone Oil/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites
Authors: Hrenechen Jeferson Matos , Duarte Celso de Araujo , Filho Ney Pereira Mattoso , Ribeiro Evaldo
Published: January 2021

The present work describes the preparation and the investigation of the room temperature electrical and optical properties of a series of liquid nanocomposites (lnC) prepared with different concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in a variety of liquid matrices: glycerin,
Vaseline, glucose, propylene glycol and silicone oil (SIO). Special attention is deserved to the SIO matrix, owing to its convenient electrical properties for our purposes. We verified that a small percent fraction of MWCNT dispersed along the SIO matrix is capable of improving the electrical
conductivity of the matrix by orders of magnitude, indicating that the MWCNT strongly participates in the electrical conduction mechanism. Also, the application of an external electric field to this lnC resulted in large changes in the optical transmittance, that were interpreted as a consequence
of the fieldinduced MWCNT alignment into the liquid matrix. The characteristics of such a new category of nanocomposite in the liquid state suggest further studies.
Structural, Optical and Magnetic Properties of (1−x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3+xBaCoO3−δ Solid Solution Systems Prepared by the Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Dung Dang Duc , Hung Nguyen The
Published: January 2021

A new solid solution, (1−x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3+xBaCoO3−δ materials, was fabricated using the sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction showed that the crystal structure of the compound exhibited rhombohedral
symmetry and is similar to the crystal structures of host Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 materials. Distortions in the structures and reduction in the optical band gaps of the Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 materials were possibly due to the random incorporation
of Ba and Co cations into host lattice materials. The magnetic properties of the Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 materials were tuned by controlling the concentrations of BaCoO3−δ as the solid solution. We expect that our work will provide valuable
information on current methods for integrating ferromagnetic properties into lead-free ferroelectric materials for the development of multiferroic materials.
A Low Charge Transfer Resistance CuO Composite for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Mugheri Abdul Qayoom , Tahira Aneela , Aftab Umair , Abro Muhammad Ishaq , Bhatti Adeel Liaquat , Ali Shahid , Abbasi Mazhar Ali , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: January 2021

An efficient, simple, environment-friendly and inexpensive cupric oxide (CuO) electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is demonstrated. CuO is chemically deposited on the porous carbon material obtained from the dehydration of common sugar. The morphology of CuO on the porous
carbon material is plate-like and monoclinic crystalline phase is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. The OER activity of CuO nanostructures is investigated in 1 M KOH aqueous solution. To date, the proposed electrocatalyst has the lowest possible potential of 1.49 V versus RHE (reversible
hydrogen electrode) to achieve a current density of 20 mA/cm2 among the CuO based electrocatalysts and has Tafel slope of 115 mV dec-1. The electrocatalyst exhibits an excellent long-term stability for 6 hours along with significant durability. The enhanced catalytic
active centers of CuO on the carbon material are due to the porous structure of carbon as well as strong coupling between CuO–C. The functionalization of metal oxides or other related nanostructured materials on porous carbon obtained from common sugar provides an opportunity for the
development of efficient energy conversion and energy storage systems.
Understanding the Growth Mechanisms of Tin Oxide Nanowires by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Hieu Nguyen Minh , Hai Nguyen Hoang , Tuan Mai Anh
Published: January 2021

Tin oxides nanowires were prepared by chemical vapor deposition using shadow mask. X-ray diffraction indicated that the products were tetragonal having crystalline structure with lattice constants a = 0.474 nm and c = 0.318 nm. The high-resolution transmission electron
microscopy revealed that inter planar spacing is 0.25 nm. The results chemical mapping in scanning transmission electron microscopy so that the two elements of Oxygen and Tin are distributed very homogeneously in nanowires and exhibit no apparent elements separation. A bottom-up mechanism
for SnO2 growth process has been proposed to explain the morphology of SnO2 nanowires.
Reduction Kinetics of Mill Scale Briquettes by Using A3 Fine Coal as a Reductant
Authors: Viet Nguyen Hoang , Quynh Pham Ngoc Dieu , Oanh Nguyen Thi Hoang
Published: January 2021

In this work, a mixture of mill scale with 5 wt% molasses as binder was pressed under pressure of 200 MPa to prepare briquettes. The reduction process was performed at the temperature of 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150 and 1200 °C in the bed of A3 fine coal as the reductant. The degree of
reduction was evaluated at time duration of 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 150 minutes, after the furnace temperature reached the predetermined reduction temperature. The highest reduction degree is 94.7% at the reduction process temperature of 1200 °C. Reaction rate constant (k) increased
from 4.63×10-4 to 5.03×10-3 min-1 when the temperature increased from 1000 to 1200 °C. The apparent activation energy of the reduction reaction (Ea) is about 95.6 kJ/mole.
Eco-Friendly Synthesis and Applicability to Silver Ink of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared via Stepwise-Modified Tollens Method
Authors: Tu Nguyen Cong , Sang Ho Minh , Anh Luu Thi Lan , Lam Nguyen Huu
Published: January 2021

Silver nanoparticles were eco-friendly synthesized at room temperature via a Tollens process modified with the stepwise method using eco-friendly precursors (citric acid and acetic acid). The field emission scanning electron spectroscopy was used to study the morphology of silver nanoparticles.
The mean size of silver nanoparticles and the components of products were theoretically determined using UV-Vis and X-ray Diffraction spectra. The mole ratio between the silver ion, citric acid and the buffer acid solution (acetic acid) strongly influences the mean size and the composition
of the product. The appearance of acetic acid in the buffer acid solution helped increase the efficiency of silver nanoparticles preparation. With the mole ratio n[Ag+]:ncitric:nacetic = 1.0:2.5:2.5, the highest preparation efficiency was
obtained, the silver nanoparticles had an average dimension of ˜11 nm and narrow size distribution. The silver nanoparticles were dispersed into different solvents to examine their applicability to silver ink. The silver ink using propylene glycol solvent showed good applicability to
silver ink which could work at room temperature.
Chemically Coupled Cobalt Oxide Nanosheets Decorated onto the Surface of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes for Favorable Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Mugheri Abdul Qayoom , Tahira Aneela , Aftab Umair , Bhatti Adeel Liaquat , Lal Ramesh , Bhatti Muhammad Ali , Memon Ghulam Zuhra , Mallah Arfana Begum , Abassi Mazhar Ali , Nafady Ayman , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: January 2021

Cobalt oxide has been widely investigated among potential transition metal oxides for the electrochemical energy conversion, storage, and water splitting. However, they have inherently low electronic conductivity and high corrosive nature in alkaline media. Herein, we propose a promising
and facile approach to improve the conductivity and charge transport of cobalt oxide Co3O4 through chemical coupling with well-dispersed multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) during hydrothermal treatment. The morphology of prepared composite material consisting of nanosheets
which are anchored on the MWCNTs as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A cubic crystalline system is exhibited by the cobalt oxide as confirmed by the X-ray diffraction study. The Co, O, and C are the only elements present in the composite material. FTIR study has indicated the
successful coupling of cobalt oxide with MWCNTs. The chemically coupled cobalt oxide onto the surface of MWCNTs composite is found highly active towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with a low onset potential 1.44 V versus RHE, low overpotential 262 mV at 10 mAcm-2 and small
Tafel slope 81 mV dec-1. For continuous operation of 40 hours during durability test, no decay in activity was recorded. Electrochemical impedance study further revealed a low charge transfer resistance of 70.64 Ohms for the composite material during the electrochemical reaction
and which strongly favored OER kinetics. This work provides a simple, low cost, and smartly designing electrocatalysts via hydrothermal reaction for the catalysis and energy storage applications.
Response Times of Metal-Oxide Chemiresistors: Comparison Between the Isothermal and Temperature Modulation Modes
Authors: Soprani Matteo , Zambotti Giulia , Ponzoni Andrea
Published: January 2021

The response time is one of the main functional parameter for gas sensors, including metal oxide chemiresistors. This parameter is widely investigated for devices working in isothermal mode but it is much less investigated for gas sensors working in temperature modulation mode. In this
work, considering ethanol as target gas, we compare the response times of a metal oxide chemiresistor working according to these two modes. In order to compare them, we worked with nearly the same average temperature in both cases, supplying a constant voltage to the heater in the isothermal
mode and a squared voltage wave in temperature modulation. Our results show that, depending on the average working temperature, one mode or the other may be faster. At high average working temperature, the response time recorded with the isothermal mode is shorter than the thermal-period of
the temperature modulation mode. Lowering the average working temperature, the response time increases for both modes, but the increase is more marked for the isothermal mode, which become slower than the temperature modulation one.
Synthesis of ZnO/Au Nanorods for Self Cleaning Applications
Authors: Tran Thi Ha , Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang , Nguyen Manh Hong , Pham Nguyen Hai , Ngac An Bang , Mai Hanh Hong , Pham Van Thanh , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Ho Khac Hieu , Nguyen Trong Tam , Nguyen Viet Tuyen
Published: January 2021

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a well-known semiconductor with valuable characteristics: wide direct band gap of ˜3.3 eV, large exciton binding energy of 60 meV at room temperature, high efficient photocatalyst, etc. which have been applied in many fields such as optical devices (LEDs, laser),
solar cells and sensors. Besides, various low dimensional structures of ZnO in terms of nanoparticles, nanorods, nanoneedles, nanotetrapods find applications in technology and life. This material is also appealing due to the diversity of available processing methods including both chemical
and physical approaches such as: hydrothermal, sol–gel, chemical vapor deposition and sputtering. In this report, ZnO nanorods are prepared by hydrothermal method assisted with galvanic-cell effect. The effect of counter electrode materials on the morphology and structure of obtained
product was studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the product showed that counter electrodes made of aluminum offers nanorods of higher quality than other materials in terms of uniform size, high density and good preferred orientation. The as-prepared nanorods were then sputtered
with gold (Au). ZnO/Au nanostructures show excellent photocatalyst activities which were demonstrated by complete photodegradation of methylene blue (Mb) under UV irradiation and high decomposition rate k of 0.011 min-1.
Boron Doped ZnO Nanostructures for Photo Degradation of Methylene Blue, Methyl Orange and Rhodamine B
Authors: Shah Aqeel Ahmed , Chandio Ali Dad , Sheikh Asif Ahmed
Published: January 2021

The design of sensitive and efficient photo catalyst for the energy and environmental applications with minimum charge recombination rate and excellent photo conversion efficiency is a challenging task. Herein we have developed a nonmetal doping methodology into ZnO crystal using simple
solvothermal approach. The boron (B) is induced into ZnO. The doping of B did not make any significant change on the morphology of ZnO nano rods as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) without considerable change on periodic arrangement of nanostructures. The existence of B, Zn,
and O is shown by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns are well matched to the hexagonal phase for both pristine ZnO and B-doped ZnO. The XRD has shown slight dislocation of 2theta degree. The UV-visible spectroscopy was used to measure the optical bandgap
and photo catalytic activity for the degradation of organic dyes. The nonmetal doped ZnO has shown potential and outstanding photo catalytic activity for the photo degradation of methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO) and rhodamine B in aqueous solution. The photo degradation efficiency of
MB, MO and rhodamine B is found to be 96%, 86% and 80% respectively. The enhanced photo catalytic activity of B-doped ZnO is indexed to the inhibited charge recombination rate due to the reduction in the optical bandgap. Based on the obtained results, it can be said that nonmetal doping is
excellent provision for the design of active materials for the extended range of applications.
A Resveratrol-Loaded Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-Chitosan Based Nanotherapeutic: Characterization and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Against Prostate Cancer
Authors: Eroglu Erdal
Published: January 2021

The delivery of therapeutic molecules such as drugs, nucleic acids, or other active molecules into the target tissue and cells is limited because of biological and cellular barriers. Recently, many efforts are being made to bypass these barriers using nanosized drug delivery vehicles.
For the targeted transfer of anticancer agents into the cancer tissue with higher efficiency and lower cellular toxicity, synthesis of nano-scale smart materials hold great promise due to the enhanced permeability and retention capability. Encapsulation of natural anticancer compounds such
as resveratrol displaying low water-solubility and poor chemical stability into nanomaterials are intensely being studied to achieve the enhanced anticancer activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the drug delivery efficiency of the poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA)-chitosan
nanoparticles (PCNPs) against PC-3 human prostate cancer cells In Vitro. To achieve this aim, resveratrol (RES), one of the widely known natural anticancer agent, is encapsulated into pHEMA core and pHEMARES nanospheres were coated with a cationic polymer, chitosan. Then, developed
PCNPs-RES complexes were characterized using fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV) visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses. The characterization studies
revealed the synthesis of PCNPs nanoparticles and the entrapment of RES into PCNPs. Also, the cytotoxicity and drug delivery efficiency of PCNPs-RES complexes were tested in human prostate cancer cells, PC-3, In Vitro. As a consequence, PCNPs was shown to be a promising candidate as
a new generation nanotherapeutic against prostate cancer In Vitro.
Astragalus Polysaccharide Nano-Liposomes Modulate the Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress in Stroke-Associated Pneumonia by Increasing OIP5-AS1 to Regulate the miR-128-3p/SIRT1 Pathway
Authors: Zhu Weidong , Yu Lifeng , Zhu Ze , Zhang Dongmei , Wang Yuyan , Ma Jun
Published: January 2021

Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is major reason for the poor prognosis of stroke patients. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is a commonly used Chinese herbal extract that regulates the inflammatory response, however, its therapeutic effects on APS as well as its underlying mechanism
of action are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of APS nano-liposomes on SAP, including regulation of the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, as well as the underlying molecular mechanism. Serum samples of SPA were collected from patients and healthy controls and the
expression of OIP5-AS1 and miR-128-3p was measured. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to construct an in vitro lung injury model using RLE-6TN lung epithelial cells and APS nanoliposomes were used for treatment. Several cellular processes were evaluated including OIP5-AS1, miR-128-3p,
and SIRT1 expression by RT-PCR, SIRT1 protein expression by western blot analysis, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression by ELISA, a bioinformatics analysis for downstream molecular targets of OIP5-AS1, and dual luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays to identify
interactions between miR-128-3p, OIP5-AS1, and SIRT1. Our results revealed low expression of OIP5-AS1 and high expression of miR-128-3p in SAP. Treatment with APS nano-liposomes reduced LPS-induced apoptosis of RLE-6TN cells, inhibited the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and increased
OIP5-AS1 and SIRT1 expression. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-128-3p reversed the protective effect of APS nano-liposomes on LPS-induced RLE-6TN cells. In summary, OIP5-AS1 is an endogenous competitor that inhibits miR-128-3p targeting of SIRT1. APS nanoliposomes significantly reduced
miR-128-3p expression resulting in increased OIP5-AS1 expression.
The Effects of Nanometer Titanium Dioxide on Tumor Cells and in Rats with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Peng , Zhang Fang , Liu Qing
Published: January 2021

A drug delivery system based on nanomaterials has demonstrated a powerful function in disease treatment. In this study, a titanium-dioxide-nanotube-based cisplatin (nano-TiO2-DDP) delivery system was designed, and its effects in rats with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and
on tumor cells were analyzed. First, we obtained electrochemistry anodic oxidation (EAO) for the preparation of Nnano-TiO2, which was adopted as the carrier of cisplatin (CDDP). Then, we used a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to characterize and study the surface morphology of
nano-TiO2. At the cellular level, flow cytometry, MTT, and Transwell assays were performed to analyze the apoptosis, proliferation, and invasion of cells treated by nano-TiO2-DDP, respectively. At the animal level, a xenotransplantation model was established for evaluating
tumor growth and changes in experimental animals after injection of nano-TiO2-DDP. As a result, nano-TiO2-DDP strongly suppressed the invasion and vitality of tumor cells, induced their apoptosis, and delivered DDP more efficiently than did systems without a nano-TiO2
structure. In addition, injected nano-TiO2-DDP strongly inhibited the growth of solid tumors in vivo. Therefore, we believe that nano-TiO2-DDP can effectively suppress the growth of NPC, and it is more efficient than conventional drugs.
Precision Control of Micromechanical Automatic Manufacturing Based on Nanotechnology
Authors: Li Ailian
Published: January 2021

Segment precision affects the accuracy level of micro machine manufacturing, only for the linear change is not big, more straight segment control, easy to cause dimensional deviation, so a precision control method of micro machine automatic manufacturing based on nanotechnology is proposed.
The white noise is selected as random sequence to eliminate the concentrated trend and high frequency components in the input and output data. The precision control parameters of micromechanical automatic manufacturing are adjusted by setting the current loop, speed loop and position loop.
According to the setting results, the contact area of micromechanical automation manufacturing is established in the coordinate system o-xy, and the equivalent curvature radius of the contact surface is calculated. Through coordinate transformation, the pressure distribution in the
circular contact area is obtained, and the precision control area model of micromanical automation manufacturing is established. According to the model and the finite element analysis method, the control flow is designed to realize the precision control of the automatic manufacturing of micromachines.
The experimental results show that the design method can reduce the precision control error of the automatic manufacturing of micromachines and improve the construction level of micromachines.
The Protective Effect of Icariin on Myocardial Injury in Viral Myocarditis Based on the Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate-Protein Kinase a Signaling Pathway
Authors: Luo Wei , Deng Junhua , Xie Jinqin , Liang Daizhun , Lu Jie , Lu Yi
Published: January 2021

Viral myocarditis (VM) is an inflammatory lesion of the myocardium caused by a viral infection. Icariin has anti-viral effects, but its therapeutic effect and mechanism of VM action are still not clear. This study evaluated icariin’s intervention effect on the myocardial cAMP-PKA
signaling pathway and explored the possible mechanism of icariin’s effect. The results showed that a high dose of icariin could improve VM rats’ quality of life. Icariin-treated rats had lower mortality, insignificant weight loss, and decreased CK-MB and LDH. Hematoxylin-Eosin
(HE) staining to observe the pathological changes of rats. The myocardium of VM rats is severely damaged, and myocardial cells have dissolution, necrosis, degeneration, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The degree of myocardial pathology in rats after icariin treatment is less than that
in VM model rats. ELISA detected the serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and it was found that the levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in rats after icariin treatment were lower than those in model rats. Prove that icariin plays a protective effect on cardiomyocytes. The positive expression of Fas in the myocardium
was measured using the immunohistochemical method. The results demonstrated that the positive expression of Fas in rats was reduced after icariin treatment. The results proved that icariin reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Western Blot detected myocardial cAMP and PKA protein content. In contrast
with model rats, icariin reduced the cAMP and PKA levels of VM rats, showing that icariin reduces myocardial cell damage.
Effect of Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with the Aid of Intelligent Administration of Insulin-Loaded Nanoparticle
Authors: Zhang Xiaofan , Zhang Youyou , Gu Lingjia , Tao Haiying , Zhu Shuang
Published: January 2021

Nanoparticles play a major role in drug delivery. We investigated the effects of the intelligent administration of insulin-loaded nanoparticles (ILNP) when combined with a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) on the metabolism of patients with type 2 diabetes. ILNP and smart vesicle polymers
were developed, and their properties were studied in vitro. Further clinical trials were performed, during which body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were compared between type 2 diabetes patients on LCDs those on normal diets.
The results demonstrated that ILNP resisted protease degradation due to steric hindrance, and remained relatively stable at a pH range of 5.0 to 7.4. The nanoparticle enteric-coated capsules resisted the gastric juice acidity (pH = 2.5) and ensured the stable embedding of the insulin. The
insulin was then released at a slightly higher pH (pH = 6.6), which mimicked the small intestine. Smart vesicle polymers further embedded the insulin and glucose oxidase simultaneously in nano polymer compounds, which allowed for a dose-dependent response to the concentration of glucose. Thus,
the insulin was not released in a low-concentration glucose solution, but rather in a high-concentration glucose solution. Based on these results, we concluded that the clinical trial results showed that the intelligent administration of ILNP combined with a LCD reduced BMI, FBG, and HbA1c
levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Docosahexaenoic fatty acid reduces the pro‐inflammatory response induced by IL-1β in astrocytes through inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factor activation
Authors: Zgórzyńska Emilia , Stulczewski Dawid , Dziedzic Barbara , Su Kuan-Pin , Walczewska Anna
Published: January 2021

Background

Astrocytes are responsible for a broad range of functions that maintain homeostasis in the brain. However, their response to the pro-inflammatory cytokines released by activated microglia in various neurological pathologies may exacerbate neurodegenerative processes. Accumulating evidence suggests that omega-3 docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) has an anti-inflammatory effect in various cell cultures studies and in a variety of neurological disorders. In this study we examined the mechanism involved in the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory response by DHA in astrocytes treated with IL-1β.

Methods and results

Activation of the transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 was measured in IL-1β-treated primary astrocytes incubated with various concentrations of DHA. COX-2 and iNOS protein expression was determined by Western blot, and TNF-α and IL-6 secretion was measured using ELISA-based assays. DHA treatment inhibited translocation of p65NF-κB to the nucleus, significantly lowered p65NF-κB protein level and fluorescence of p65NF-κB in the nucleus, reduced dose-dependently IκB protein phosphorylation, and the binding of the AP-1 transcription factor members (c-Jun/c-Fos) to the specific TPA-response element (TRE) of DNA. In addition, the expression of pro-inflammatory COX-2 and iNOS proteins was downregulated and TNF-α and IL-6 secretion was also reduced.

Conclusions

These results indicate that DHA is a powerful factor that reduces the pro-inflammatory response in astrocytes. Consequently, successful introduction of DHA into the astrocyte membranes can attenuate neuroinflammation, which is a key factor of age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Comparison of ocular biometric measurements in patients with cataract using three swept-source optical coherence tomography devices
Authors: Oh Richul , Oh Joo Youn , Choi Hyuk Jin , Kim Mee Kum , Yoon Chang Ho
Published: January 2021

Background

Precise measurement of ocular biometry is critical for determining intraocular lens power. Newly developed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) - based ocular biometric devices, ANTERION and CASIA2 provide ocular biometric measurements as IOLMaster 700. This study aimed to assess agreement between three devices.

Methods

This retrospective comparative study includes patients with cataract who underwent ocular biometric measurements with three devices, ANTERION, CASIA2, and IOLMaster 700, at Seoul National University Hospital, in April 2020. Anterior keratometry, total keratometry, central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and axial length (AL) were the main parameters for the comparison. To assess the agreement between the devices, intraclass coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used.

Results

A total of 47 eyes of 29 patients were measured with three devices. Average anterior keratometry showed excellent agreement (ICC ≥ 0.989), and the mean difference was less than 0.1 D. However, the ICC of the total average keratometry ranged from 0.808 to 0.952, and the difference was more than 0.43 D. The AL measured by ANTERION and IOLMaster 700 showed excellent agreement (ICC = 0.999), and the mean difference was 0.005 mm. The ANTERION and IOLMaster 700 did not obtain AL in six (12.8%) and three (6.4%) cases, respectively (P = 0.001 by Fisher’s exact test). The CCT, ACD, and LT also showed excellent agreement (ICC > 0.9).

Conclusions

The new SS-OCT-based devices, ANTERION, and CASIA2 showed a good agreement with IOLMaster 700 in measuring ocular biometry except for the total keratometry. The AL of ANTERION and IOLMaster 700 showed excellent agreement.
Impact of video-led educational intervention on the uptake of influenza vaccine among adults aged 60 years and above in China: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Pengchao , Hayat Khezar , Jiang Minghuan , Pu Zhaojing , Yao Xuelin , Zou Yamin , Lambojon Krizzia , Huang Yifan , Hua Jinghua , Xiao Hanri , Du Fulei , Shi Li , Zhai Panpan , Ji Wenjing , Feng Zhitong , Gong Yilin , Fang Yu
Published: January 2021

Background

Influenza is a global health threat to older adults, and the influenza vaccine is the most effective approach to prevent influenza infection. However, influenza vaccination coverage among Chinese older adults is far less than in developed countries such as the United States (4.0% vs. 64.9%). This study aims to increase influenza vaccination coverage in Chinese adults ≥60 years using a video-led educational intervention conducted by medical students.

Methods

A cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted in 4 districts of Xi’an city, Shaanxi Province, China, using a stratified sampling approach. Adults aged ≥60 years will be recruited from 8 community hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) will be employed to record the KAP score. During the 6-month interventional period, participants in the intervention group will receive educational videos focused on influenza and influenza vaccination, coupled with a group discussion conducted by the medical students. For those in the control group, no intervention will be provided. The outcomes measured in both groups will be the influenza vaccination coverage and the KAP scores of all participants.

Discussion

Medical students are more likely to educate older adults about scientific knowledge of influenza and its vaccine compared to clinical practitioners, who, most of the time, remain over-occupied due to the extensive workload. Video-led counseling and education could be a useful option to optimize older adults’ understanding of influenza and influenza vaccination. This eventually could improve the uptake of influenza vaccine among Chinese older adults.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; ChiCTR2000034330; Registered 3rd July 2019.
Benchmarking experience to improve paediatric healthcare: listening to the voices of families from two European Children’s University Hospitals
Authors: Corazza Ilaria , Gilmore Kendall Jamieson , Menegazzo Francesca , Abols Valts
Published: January 2021

Background

Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) are recognized as an important indicator of high quality care and person-centeredness. PREMs are increasingly adopted for paediatric care, but there is little published evidence on how to administer, collect, and report paediatric PREMs at scale.

Methods

This paper describes the development of a PREMs questionnaire and administration system for the Meyer Children’s University Hospital in Florence (Meyer) and the Children’s Clinical University Hospital in Riga (CCUH). The system continuously recruits participants into the electronic administration model, with surveys completed by caregivers or adolescents at their convenience, post-discharge. We analyse 1661 responses from Meyer and 6585 from CCUH, collected from 1st December 2018 to 21st January 2020. Quantitative and qualitative experience analyses are included, using Pearson chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests and narrative evidence from free text responses.

Results

The large populations reached in both countries suggest the continuous, digital collection of paediatric PREMs described is feasible for collecting paediatric PREMs at scale. Overall response rates were 59% in Meyer and 45% in CCUH. There was very low variation in mean scores between the hospitals, with greater clustering of Likert scores around the mean in CCUH and a wider spread in Meyer for a number of items. The significant majority of responses represent the carers’ point of view or the perspective of children and adolescents expressed through proxy reporting by carers.

Conclusions

Very similar reported scores may reflect broadly shared preferences among children, adolescents and carers in the two countries, and the ability of both hospitals in this study to meet their expectations.

The model has several interesting features: inclusion of a narrative element; electronic administration and completion after discharge from hospital, with high completion rates and easy data management; access for staff and researchers through an online platform, with real time analysis and visualization; dual implementation in two sites in different settings, with comparison and shared learning. These bring new opportunities for the utilization of PREMs for more person-centered and better quality care, although further research is needed in order to access direct reporting by children and adolescents.
Progress on pivotal role and application of exosome in lung cancer carcinogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis
Authors: Li Ming-Yue , Liu Li-Zhong , Dong Ming
Published: January 2021

Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and has a poor prognosis. Conventional treatments are not effective for metastatic lung cancer therapy. Although some of molecular targets have been identified with favorable response, those targets cannot be exploited due to the lack of suitable drug carriers. Lung cancer cell-derived exosomes (LCCDEs) receive recent interest in its role in carcinogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of lung cancer due to its biological functions and natural ability to carry donor cell biomolecules. LCCDEs can promote cell proliferation and metastasis, affect angiogenesis, modulate antitumor immune responses during lung cancer carcinogenesis, regulate drug resistance in lung cancer therapy, and be now considered an important component in liquid biopsy assessments for detecting lung cancer. Therapeutic deliverable exosomes are emerging as promising drug delivery agents specifically to tumor high precision medicine because of their natural intercellular communication role, excellent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, low toxicity, long blood circulation ability, biodegradable characteristics, and their ability to cross various biological barriers. Several studies are currently underway to develop novel diagnostic and prognostic modalities using LCCDEs, and to develop methods of exploiting exosomes for use as efficient drug delivery vehicles. Current status of lung cancer and extensive applicability of LCCDEs are illustrated in this review. The promising data and technologies indicate that the approach on LCCDEs implies the potential application of LCCDEs to clinical management of lung cancer patients.
How are you doing in the eyes of your spouse? Level of agreement between the self-completed EQ-5D-5L and two proxy perspectives in an orthopaedic population: a randomized agreement study
Authors: Tol Maria C. J. M. , Kuipers Jurrian P. , Willigenburg Nienke W. , Willems Hanna C. , Poolman Rudolf W.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To determine the level of agreement between both proxy versions and the self-completed EQ-5D-5L.

Design

A randomized agreement study.

Setting and participants

We recruited 120 patients (compos mentis) and their proxies at the orthopaedic outpatient clinic. Patients completed the regular EQ-5D-5L and their proxy completed the proxy version of the EQ-5D-5L and rated the patients’ health from their own (proxy-proxy) perspective (i.e. how do you rate the health of the patient), and from the patient’s (proxy-patient) perspective (i.e. how do you think the patient would rate their own health if they were able to).

Measures

The primary outcome was the agreement between patients and their proxy, quantified as the intra class correlation coefficient for the EQ-5D-5L Utility score.

Results

Average Utility scores were 0.65 with the self completed EQ-5D-5L, versus 0.60 with the proxy-patient version and 0.58 with the proxy-proxy version. The ICC was 0.66 (95% CI 0.523, 0.753) for the proxy-patient perspective and 0.58 (95% CI 0.411, 0.697) for the proxy-proxy perspective. The mean gold standard score of the VAS-Health was 69.7 whereas the proxy-proxy perspective was 66.5 and the proxy-patient perspective was 66.3.

Conclusion and implications

The proxy-patient perspective yielded substantial agreement with the self completed EQ-5D-5L, while the agreement with the proxy-proxy perspective was moderate. In this study population of patients without cognitive impairment, proxies tended to underestimate the quality of life of their relative.
Nomogram based on homogeneous and heterogeneous associated factors for predicting distant metastases in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Luo Tianwen , Wang Yutong , Shan Xuefeng , Bai Ye , Huang Chun , Li Guangcan , Wang Hongmei
Published: January 2021

Background

The identification of the homogeneous and heterogeneous risk factors for different types of metastases in colorectal cancer (CRC) may shed light on the aetiology and help individualize prophylactic treatment. The present study characterized the incidence differences and identified the homogeneous and heterogeneous risk factors associated with distant metastases in CRC.

Methods

CRC patients registered in the SEER database between 2010 and 2016 were included in this study. Logistic regression was used to analyse homogeneous and heterogeneous risk factors for the occurrence of different types of metastases. Nomograms were constructed to predict the risk for developing metastases, and the performance was quantitatively assessed using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and calibration curve.

Results

A total of 204,595 eligible CRC patients were included in our study, and 17.07% of them had distant metastases. The overall incidences of liver metastases, lung metastases, bone metastases, and brain metastases were 15.34%, 5.22%, 1.26%, and 0.29%, respectively. The incidence of distant metastases differed by age, gender, and the original CRC sites. Poorly differentiated grade, more lymphatic metastasis, higher carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and different metastatic organs were all positively associated with four patterns of metastases. In contrast, age, sex, race, insurance status, position, and T stage were heterogeneously associated with metastases. The calibration and ROC curves exhibited good performance for predicting distant metastases.

Conclusions

The incidence of distant metastases in CRC exhibited distinct differences, and the patients had homogeneous and heterogeneous associated risk factors. Although limited risk factors were included in the present study, the established nomogram showed good prediction performance.
A natural experimental study of improvements along an urban canal: impact on canal usage, physical activity and other wellbeing behaviours
Authors: Benton Jack S. , Cotterill Sarah , Anderson Jamie , Macintyre Vanessa G. , Gittins Matthew , Dennis Matthew , French David P.
Published: January 2021

Background

There are few robust natural experimental studies of improving urban green spaces on physical activity and wellbeing. The aim of this controlled natural experimental study was to examine the impact of green space improvements along an urban canal on canal usage, physical activity and two other wellbeing behaviours (social interactions and taking notice of the environment) among adults in Greater Manchester, UK. The intervention included resurfaced footpaths, removal of encroaching vegetation, improved entrances, new benches and signage.

Methods

Two comparison sites were matched to the intervention site using a systematic five-step process, based on eight correlates of physical activity at the neighbourhood (e.g. population density) and site (e.g. lighting) levels. Outcomes were assessed using systematic observations at baseline, and 7, 12 and 24 months post-baseline. The primary outcome was the change in the number of people using the canal path from baseline to 12 months. Other outcomes were changes in physical activity levels (Sedentary, Walking, Vigorous), Connect and Take Notice behaviours. Data were analysed using multilevel mixed-effects negative binomial regression models, comparing outcomes in the intervention group with the matched comparison group, controlling for day, time of day and precipitation. A process evaluation assessed potential displacement of activity from a separate existing canal path using intercept surveys and observations.

Results

The total number of people observed using the canal path at the intervention site increased more than the comparison group at 12 months post-baseline (IRR 2.10, 95% CI 1.79–2.48); there were similar observed increases at 7 and 24 months post-baseline. There was some evidence that the intervention brought about increases in walking and vigorous physical activity, social interactions, and people taking notice of the environment. The process evaluation suggested that there was some displacement of activity, but the intervention also encouraged existing users to use the canal more often.

Conclusions

Urban canals are promising settings for interventions to encourage green space usage and potentially increase physical activity and other wellbeing behaviours. Interventions that improve access to green corridors along canals and provide separate routes for different types of physical activities may be particularly effective and warrant further research.

Study protocol

Study protocol published in Open Science Framework in July 2018 before the first follow-up data collection finished (https://osf.io/zcm7v). Date of registration: 28 June 2018.
Conducting a conventional multi-casualty incident in COVID-19 personal protective equipment - a semi-structured interview
Authors: Raitt James , Watts Ben , Rayet Jaspreet , Hodkinson Mark , Zideman David
Published: January 2021

Background

The risk of COVID-19 transmission to healthcare professionals is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. The wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) presents a number of potential challenges to responders that may impact upon the management of patients in a multi-casualty incident.

This report describes a multi-agency multi-casualty incident. It identifies learning points specifically related to the challenges of conducting a conventional multi-casualty incident in COVID-19 PPE.

Case

The multi casualty incident in Reading, UK on the 20 June 2020 involved six stab injury victims and was attended by four pre-hospital critical care teams. This was the first conventional multi-casualty incident that pre-hospital critical care teams had attended during the COVID-19 era and it was conducted in COVID-19 PPE (1). The scene was an urban park where three patients were confirmed to be in Traumatic Cardiac Arrest (TCA) from stab wounds and another three patients had also suffered stab injuries. By the time the incident had concluded three patients were pronounced dead at the scene. Two patients were transported to the local trauma unit and one patient was transported to the regional Major Trauma Centre depending on the severity of their injuries.

Conclusions

We conducted a semi structured telephone interview with the critical care clinicians who were involved in the incident. The interviews focused specifically on the challenges of responding whilst wearing COVID-19 PPE, rather than the wider challenges of responding to such an incident. The key learning points identified were:

Improving the identifiability of clinicians in level 3 PPE

wearing identification tabards

using visible labelling on PPE suits

Improving communication by radio

using a belt to carry the radio

using an earpiece and push to talk system.

Training in conducting multi casualty incidents in level 3 PPE.
Correction to: Deep mantle melting, global water circulation and its implications for the stability of the ocean mass
Authors: Karato Shun-ichiro , Karki Bijaya , Park Jeffrey
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.