bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections: A Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Kerala, India
Authors: Sushitha Thindiparembath Surendran , Suseela Kundoly Velayudhan
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) are the commonest nosocomial infection and may lead to serious medical complications. An early detection and appropriate antimicrobial therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing together with infection control practices play a key role in management of CAUTI. Aim: To identify the aetiological agents causing CAUTI and to understand the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care centre in Kerala, India for the duration of six months from January- June 2014. Urine samples were collected from patients with urinary catheters in situ for more than three days, admitted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and wards. Urine samples were subjected to wet mount, culture and susceptibility testing. Responsible pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern were obtained by using Vitek 2 automated system based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards. Data was analysed using the International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 27.0. Descriptive analysis was used. Results: Among 150 catheterised patients included, 36 cases (24%) developed CAUTI. The overall rate of CAUTI was 7.03 per 1000 catheter days in present study. The gram negative bacilli were the major isolates comprising Enterobacteriaceae 32 (87.5%) and Non fermenters 4 (12.5%). Escherichia coli was the predominant 19 (53%) organism followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomaonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis. Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producing gram negative bacteria 19 (67.8%) were isolated. The isolates in CAUTI were found to be susceptible to cefoperazone sulbactam combination 21 (65.6%), amikacin 22 (68.7%), piperacillin+ tazobactam 24 (75%), nitrofurantoin 27 (84%), imipenem 27 (84%) and tigecycline 27 (96.4%). All were susceptible to colistin. The gram positive isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin 3 (75%), vancomycin and linezolid (both 100%). Conclusion: CAUTI is a preventable Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) seen worldwide, but the incidence can be lowered by reducing the catheter procedures, the duration of catheterisation and taking aseptic precautions and by appropriate prophylactic antibiotics.
Struma Ovarii- A Rare Tumour with an Unusual Presentation
Authors: Khan Sadaf , Kudva Ranjini
Published: May 2022

A teratoma composed predominantly or exclusively of a single type of tissue is called monodermal teratoma. Struma Ovarii (SO), a type of monodermal teratoma, is a rare variant of ovarian teratoma composed mainly of mature thyroid tissue. It is usually benign in histology. This is a case of an unusually large cystic ovarian mass reported as SO in a 43-year-old female patient who reported with complaint of acute retention of urine for one day, associated with pain in lower abdomen and distension.
Clinical Epidemiology of Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis in a Nodal Drug Resistant- TB Centre in Southern Odisha: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Das Nalini Prava , Panda Abinash
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a significant public health problem. The number of MDR-TB cases is very high in India and the management is inadequate due to resource constraints. The assessment of MDR-TB burden has to be reliable for programmatic management of MDR-TB under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) of India. Aim: To find the clinico-demographic profile and pattern of MDR-TB among the tuberculosis patients reporting to a nodal tuberculosis centre in Southern Odisha, India. Materials and Methods: The patient record based cross-sectional study was carried out on a convenience sample of 125 sputum positive MDR-TB cases admitted to the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) plus centre of the Nodal Tuberculosis Centre at Berhampur, Odisha, India, during the period from April 2017 to March 2018. A predesigned case record form was used to collect data on the socio-demographic profile, addictions, co-morbidity, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status, Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunisation status, pattern of drug resistance, history of anti-TB treatment, presenting symptoms at admission, adverse drug reactions observed during the treatment for MDR-TB. The data was analysed using GraphPad Prism trial version 7.0. Descriptive statistics were used to present the final data. Results: Highest number of study participants (95, 76%) were within 18-45 years age group and 90 (72%) of the patients were males. Rural habitation (90, 72%), engagement in labour works (65, 52%), low socio-economic status (75, 60%) were the common socio-economic characteristics. Resistance to rifampicin was the commonest variety 101 (80.8%) and 80 (64%) were newly diagnosed cases of tuberculosis. The commonest presenting symptom was cough in 97 (77.6%) patients and gastrointestinal upset was the commonest adverse drug reaction encountered during therapy. Conclusion: The MDR-TB affects the population in their most productive age. Rifampicin resistant TB was the predominant variety observed in the study population. The MDR-TB can be successfully treated with maximally effective and complete drug regimes.
Comparison of Clinical Chemistry Analysers ERBA XL-640 vs ERBA XL-1000 for Glucose Estimation
Authors: Patel Sheetal Paresh , Nakrani Kalpesh , Chavan Vilas U , Patel Nikun J R , Prajapati Roshani
Published: May 2022

Introduction: With advance in technology, many instruments with wide variety of principle or technologies are available in market and in laboratory to conduct sample processing in time bound period. To fulfill the laboratory quality goal, it is essential that result matching be obtained in all used biochemical analysers for examinations. Documented evidence of method/instrument comparison can be used in future for quality improvement purposes. Aim: To assess and compare equivalence and harmonisation in glucose results produce by ERBA XL-640 vs ERBA XL-1000 in clinical biochemistry laboratory. Materials and Methods: A comparative study was carried out by results comparison of glucose measurements obtained in two automated systems ERBA XL-640 and ERBA XL-1000 in Clinical Biochemistry laboratory at Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research between June 2021 to October 2021, based on protocol EP09-3A of result harmonisation and review article-method comparison. The results value were compared according to the total allowable error in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA’88). Results were analysed by visual and quantitative analysis method Regression analysis and Bland-Altman plot, Method evaluation chart (Normalised MEDx chart). Results: Total of 48 samples were run within the batches and between the batches and quantitative analysis of difference was done. It is acceptable at medical decision level 40 mg/dL, 120 mg/dL and 180 mg/dL with comparison to total allowable error. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the comparison of ERBA XL-640 and ERBA XL-1000 for glucose examination by end point method {Glucose Oxidase-Peroxidase (GOD-POD) method} is acceptable and can be used interchangeably without repeat at major clinical decision levels.
Identified Constraints and Suggestions given by Beneficiary Respondents for Effective Implementation of Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) Programme in Rajasthan
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Verma Rajesh Kumar , Jhajharia Arvind Kumar
Published: May 2022

National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) has designed a one year diploma programme titled “Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers” (DAESI) for converting the input dealers as para-extension professional. This program was launched in the year 2003 on pilot basis on self- financing mode. State Institute of Agriculture Management (SIAM) is designated as state level implementing institute in Rajasthan. DAESI diploma holders and non DAESI input dealers in Jaipur and Kota district of Rajasthan were studied as respondents. A list of thirteen constraints were submitted before the beneficiary respondents and their responses were recorded. They might have faced problem in different fields like the course should be open for all input dealers, less number of field visit and classroom session are lengthy etc. They suggested that “DAESI programme should be compulsory for all input dealers”. After that majority of them suggested that “Contact numbers and email Ids of the resource person should be provided to the DAESI dealers for future interaction and clarification of doubts” and “The DAESI programme should be continued”.
Profitability of Annual Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum coronium L.) Flower Production as Influenced by Application of Mycorrhiza and Vermicompost
Authors: Shah Ali Haidar , Laishram Nomita , Singh Arvinder
Published: May 2022

To check the effect of mycorrhiza on growth and flowering of chrysanthemum, an open field experiment was conducted the effect of vermicompost and mycorrhizal treatments on profitability of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. Treatments comprises of 04 mycorrhiza treatments (No application, Glomus mosseae, Acaulospora laevis, Gigaspora margarita) and 04 vermicompost doses (0 g/ m2, 500 g/ m2, 750 g/ m2, 1 kg/ m2). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Chrysanthemum plants showed improved growth and flowering with the application of vermicompost and mycorrhiza. In the present investigations, economic analysis of different treatments reveals that application of treatment M3V2 (Gigaspora margarita + Vermicompost @ 750 g/m2) resulted in highest benefit cost ratio (5.83) closely followed by benefit cost ratio of the treatments; M2 V2 (Acaulospora laevis + Vermicompost @ 750 g/m2) and M1 V2 (Glomus mosseae + Vermicompost @ 750 g/m2).
A Review on Origin and Genetic Analysis of Wheat Genes Conferring Resistance to Wheat Rust in Common Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Dwivedi Abhishek , Pathak Satyam , Kumar Sajan , Srivastava Aman , Singh Vinod , Debnath Ashim
Published: May 2022

Wheat rusts, produced by three species of Puccinia, are severe diseases and important biotic impediments in efforts to keep wheat production going around the world.The most commercially significant and prevalent diseases among global wheat varieties includes leaf rust also known as brown rust, caused by Puccinia graminis triticina Eriks, stem or black rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, and stripe or yellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. Tritici.Currently,more than 200 rust resistance genes (100 leaf rust, 60 stem rust, and 51 stripe rust) have been identified by using various molecular approaches from several wheat crop species and related wild species. This review highlights various aspects of Lr (Leaf rust), Sr (Stem rust) and Yr(yellow rust) resistance genes, their primitive origins, and their prevalence in globally wheat cultivars.
Titres of Antibodies to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen following Hepatitis B Vaccination among Medical Students
Authors: Alisha . , Dhanalakshmi T. A. , Venkatesha D.
Published: May 2022

Aim: To estimate antibody titres to Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among vaccinated medical students.

Study Design: Cross sectional study

 Place and Duration of Study: Study was done in the Department of Microbiology, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G. Nagara between October 2019 to November 2019.

Methodology: Study included 281 medical students who had taken three doses of Hepatitis B vaccination. Informed consent and Institutional Ethical clearance was obtained. Under aseptic precautions, 5 ml of venous blood was collected and serum was separated by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 min. Serum were stored at -200 C. Antibodies to Hepatitis B surface antigen were estimated by Electro Chemiluminescence method (Anti-HBs G2 Elecsys cobas e 100- Roche Diagnostics India Pvt. Ltd.) as per manufacturer’s instruction using quality controls.

Results: In the present study, 98.9% of students had Anti HBs antibody titres >10mIU/ml. Only one (1.1%) student had titre <10mIU/ml. Seventy (77.8%) students had antibody titres >1000 mIU/ml and 15 (16.7%) had antibody levels >100≤1000 mIU/ml. Higher seroconversion rates were noted among female students (100%) but was not statistically significant (P value=0.34)

Conclusion: Except for one, all other study participants were found to have protective antibody titres. Vaccination cards containing the vaccination details and the antibody titres should be made available to all medical students to guide infection control practices in case of accidental exposure.
Strategy for the Location of Shelters in Communities of High Seismic Risk in the Central-South Zone of Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-Partida Diana , Caballero-Morales Santiago-Omar
Published: May 2022

Earthquakes cause diverse damages on human settlements, from disruption of services, collapse and destabilization of buildings, to the rise of diseases and death of people. Mexico is one of the countries with the highest risk of earthquakes given its location in the so-called ''Ring of Fire'' which registers the majority of telluric movements worldwide. In particular, the central-southern zone of Mexico has been severely affected by recent earthquakes. Since the greatest impact has been the immediate loss of housing and basic service infrastructure, a strategy is imperative to locate shelters that cover these needs during and after the seismic event until the affected housing and services are restored. Similarly, these shelters must have the capacity to receive the majority of the long-term affected population. Therefore, this paper develops a logistics strategy to locate these centers for the state of Puebla, which has been severely affected by these events. The strategy makes use of Weber's multiple location model which is solved using a nearest neighbor heuristic and mixed programming. The results provide coverage for high-risk areas that can be implemented in other regions of the country.
Frequency of Teenage Pregnancy, Its Associated Risk Factors, Complications and Impact on Fetal Outcome
Authors: Yousfani Nazia Azam , Zafar Mehwish , Irshad Faisal , Syed Faiza , Khowaja Shabnam Aijaz , Wagan Fareeda
Published: May 2022

Aim: To determine the frequency of teenage pregnancy with associated risk factors and various complications, and to evaluate the obstetric and fetal outcome.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the departments of Community Medicine, Pathology and Gynecology & Obstetrics, Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences, Nawabshah, and Suleman Roshan Medical College Tando Adam, from January 2019- June 2020, consisting of 108 teenage mother group (13-18 years) and 108 adult primigravid reference mother group (19-22 years) that gave birth during the study period.

Results: The teenage group had mostly Spontaneous vaginal delivery 61.11% (n=66). Majority of the teenage mothers suffered from pregnancy complication of anemia 72. 2% (n=78) compared with the reference group 22.2% (n=24). 46.29% neonates of the teenaged group mothers developed complications including Low birth weight 52% (n=26), Preterm Birth 10% (n=5) and most serious complication Perinatal death 4% (n=2) compared to the reference group.

Conclusion: The teenage pregnancies are high risk pregnancies with potential maternal and fetal complications.
Use the Complete Blood Counts and Esr as Biomarkers Prognostic Tool in Breast Cancer Patients Attending Surgery Department at Esut Teaching Hospital, Parklane Enugu Nigeria
Authors: Clara N. Soronnadi , Ibeh N. C. , Ugwuene F. O. , Maduka L. , Odurukwe O. , Aneke E. I. , Ajuba M.
Published: May 2022

Background: Full blood count is a prerequisite investigation requested from all breast cancer patients before and during treatment.Poor parameters adversely influence the outcome of cancers.

Objective: This study investigated the use of Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) as biomarker prognostic tool in breast cancer subjects.

Methods: The sample size comprised of 110 female subjects and controls with ages between 21-70 years. A longitudinal study method was used. The samples were collected from apparently healthy individuals as control, pre-treatment at diagnosis and the treatment samples at different stages of the treatment. Questionnaire used obtained other demographic information. The data was analyzed with IBM SPSS PC. Version 20.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, III., USA.

Results: Results showed that increased Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and decreased Lymphocyte / Monocyte Ratio (LMR) were significantly associated with increased hazard ratio (HR) and decreased OS at p<0.05 while Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio ( PLR) had no significant difference at P>0.05 in Breast Cancer. In CBC and ESR, control, pre-treatment and treatment period, red blood cell (RBC) parameters and total white blood cell (TWBC) parameters decreased significantly at p<0.05 in treatment results compared to the pre-treatment and control results while others showed no significant increase at p<0.05 in treatment results compared to pre-treatment results. Treatment red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) observed a significant increase (p<0.05) compared to the control and pre-treatment results. Age group 21-30 years showed more susceptibility than other age groups with lowest mean±SD in CBC and ESR but with no significant difference at p>0.05.

Conclusion: This study supports the concept that biomarkers such as CBC and ESR can be used as a prognostic tool in early detection, treatment and monitoring of the disease progression in these subjects
Formulation and Evaluation of Superporus Hydrogel Composite as a Gastro Retentive Drug Delivery for Cefditoren Pivoxil
Authors: Jeslin D. , Nithyakalyani K. , Panneerselvam P. , Padmaja V. , Kumar P. Suresh , Kumar S. Anand
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this work was to incorporate superporus hydrogels for cefditoren pivoxil by using polymer like poly acrylic acid aqua cc polymer and composite agent like cross linked sodium carboxy methyl cellulose in the presence of N,N-methylene-bis-Acrylamide as crosslinking agent. Pluronic F-127 as a stabilizer and ammonium per sulfate and tetramethylene diamine as a initiator pair. Poly acrylic acid aqua cc polymer-cross linked sodium carboxy methyl cellulose superporus hydrogels of cefditoren pivoxil were incorporate by gas blowing technique. The reaction  of pH on the swelling ratio was decisive. Swelling reversibility research was also achieve. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and scanning electron microscopy studies were assume to indicate the drug loaded superporous hydrogels, while dissolution studies were achieve to assess release characteristics. Swelling was hugely depending on the term of crosslinking and the quantity of the polymer existing in formulation. The huge amount of cross-linking agent reduced the swelling ratio. The superporous hydrogels were hugely perceptive to pH of swelling medium, and exhibit reversible swelling and de-swelling behavior during still keep their mechanical stability. Apparent density was reliant on the amount of the superporous hydrogels and reduced with developing crosslink density. Degradation kinetics reveals that poly acrylic acid aqua cc polymer superporous hydrogels had good water holding potential. Drug release was similar to quantity of cross-linking agent. The studies report that poly acrylic acid aqua cc polymer superporous hydrogels can be used as a Gastroretentive drug delivery system in view of their swelling characteristics in acidic pH.
Nematodes, a Problem for Soybean Crops in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Júnior Manuel Tomaz Ataíde , Santos André Ferreira Dos , Barros Daniella Inácio , Quirino Mariana Senna , Nunes Helber Veras , Sales Paulo Victor Gomes , Oliveira Liomar Borges de , Leite Olavo da Costa , Gonçalves Flávia Barreira , Reis Amanda da Silva , Vale Kaio Cesar Lima , Pinto Jackeline Ribeiro , Aguiar Elisania Coelho de , Nunes Bruno Henrique di Napoli
Published: May 2022

Nematodes can damage and cause significant suppression in soybean productivity (Glycine max) directly because of their migration and feeding activities, or indirectly as partners in disease complexes with other organisms. Several cultural practices have been investigated as possible management strategies for nematodes, including manipulation of planting season, soil preparation, and cultivars with higher resistance levels than currently available. This literature review shows that gall nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) significantly reduce soybean productivity [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the Brazilian cerrado. The most important pathogenic nematodes of soybean, worldwide, are the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, and some of the gall nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. Currently, different management methods are necessary, being chemical, biological, and cultural to obtain maximum efficiency in the control of this pest.
Manufacture of Bio-ethanol from Waste Material (Cassava Peels) Utilizing Some Microbes
Authors: Oladipo O. O. , Ilesanmi T. M. , Odeleye A. A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction: There has been various report of the potential of manufacturing of bioethanol from the use of different microbial inoculants for the fermentation of different feedstocks has been previously described and carried out by various researchers. And bioethanol is considered as cheap and efficient biofuel, and environmentally friendly

Aims: The aim of this study is to manufacture bio-ethanol from waste material; such as cassava peel, which would serve as an alternate source of fuel.

Methodology: Cassava peels obtained from garri processing plant in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, were washed, sun-dried, grounded into powdery form and then sieved with 1.5 μ nylon sieve. The powdery cassava peels obtained was cultured using the following inoculant combinations: A = 20 g + Bacillus; B = 20 g + Pseudomonas; C = 20 g + Bacillus + Pseudomonas; D = 40 g + Bacillus; E = 40 g + Pseudomonas; F = 40 g + Bacillus + Pseudomonas; G = 20 g + Aspergillus niger; H = 20 g + Fusarium; I = 40 g + Aspergillus niger; J = 40 g + Fusarium. The control was free of inoculated organism. The cultures were subjected to distillation process for on the 21st day; and the quantity of bio-ethanol manufactured in each group was recorded.

Results: The waste material (cassava peels) produced the highest bio-ethanol yield of 147 mL with A. niger, followed by the combination of Bacillus + Pseudomonas which yielded 108 mL of bio-ethanol. Low ethanol yields of 45, 83 and 94 ml/L were obtained from the cassava peels of in combination with Fusarium, Pseudomonas and Bacillus alone.

Conclusion: Microbes of choice in this study displayed great potential for manufacturing of bio-ethanol from cassava peels.
Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Copper Mold Cast Nd–Fe–B Magnets Investigated by Phase‐Field and Micromagnetic Simulations
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Gang , Qiu Zhaoguo , Zheng Zhigang , Zeng Dechang
Published: May 2022

The effects of several factors, including alloy composition, cooling rate, and external magnetic field, on the microstructures and magnetic properties of Nd–Fe–B ternary alloy are explored in detail by using phase‐field and micromagnetic simulations during the copper mold casting process. It is found that the characteristic of regional distribution is formed due to the temperature gradient in the alloy, and that Nd19Fe71.5B9.5 (at%) exhibits the highest coercivity and pretty good comprehensive magnetic properties among all alloys studied, which can be interpreted by the refinement of Nd2Fe14B grain size and thickness of Nd‐rich grain boundary phase. The cooling rate has significant influence on the average grain size and the amount of amorphous phase. An increase of cooling rate results in a decrease of grain size and an increase of amorphous phase, which then affect the coercivity and remanence of the magnet. Applying an external magnetic field is demonstrated to be a good approach to enhance the coercivity and remanence by refining the grain size and restraining the formation of amorphous phase and T2 phase.
Tribological and Mechanical Performance of Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2 Thin Films
Authors: Quispe Roger , Torres Carlos , Eggert Lara , Ccama Gianella A. , Kurniawan Mario , Hopfeld Marcus , Zárate José L. , Camargo Magali K. , Rosenkranz Andreas , Acosta Julio A. , Bund Andreas , Schaaf Peter , Grieseler Rolf
Published: May 2022

Mn+1AXn (MAX) phases are novel structural and functional materials with a layered crystal structure. Their unique properties such as good machinability, high electrical conductivity, low friction, and corrosion resistance are appealing for many engineering applications. Herein, Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2 MAX thin films are synthesized by magnetron sputtering and subsequent thermal annealing. A multilayer approach is used to deposit single‐element nanolayers of titanium, aluminum, and carbon onto silicon substrates with a double‐layer‐diffusion barrier of SiO2 and SixNy. Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2 thin films (thickness ≈500 nm) are formed via rapid thermal annealing and verified by X‐Ray diffraction. Nanoindentation tests show hardness values of about 11.6 and 5.3 GPa for Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2, respectively. The tribological behavior of the Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2 thin films against AISI 52100 steel balls under dry sliding conditions is studied using ball‐on‐flat tribometry. The resulting coefficient of friction (CoF) for Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2 ranges between 0.21–0.42 and 0.64–0.91, respectively. The better tribological behavior observed for Ti2AlC thin films is ascribed to its smaller grain size, reduced surface roughness, and higher hardness.
Shellac: A Bioactive Coating for Surface Engineering of Cardiovascular Devices
Authors: Yang Mingyuan , Wang Yong , Yue Fangyu , Jing Fengjuan , Qin Lina , Xie Dong , Zhao Yuancong , Huang Nan , Akhavan Behnam , Leng Yongxiang
Published: May 2022

Neointimal hyperplasia and thrombosis are the main factors contributing to implantation failure of blood‐contacting devices. Here, the excellent potential of shellac (lac), a naturally‐sourced, non‐toxic, and biodegradable resin, as a multifunctional coating to address these critical issues in blood‐contacting devices is reported. Shellac coatings with varied thicknesses of 95.1–518.6 nm are fabricated using spin coating. The viability and proliferation of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells cultured on the coatings with a relatively low thickness (95.1 nm) have no significant difference compared with that of 316L stainless steel (316L SS), while the viability and proliferation of the cells decrease significantly for the shellac coatings with thicknesses higher than 308.5 nm. Hemolysis ratios for all shellac coatings are less than 5%. The results of anticoagulation tests manifest that shellac coatings show superior anticoagulant performance compared with 316L SS through inhibiting coagulation pathways. Through implantation in the abdominal aorta of rats, it is shown for the first time that shellac coatings can inhibit neointimal hyperplasia, most likely due to the inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transformation. Bio‐resin, multifunctional shellac coatings studied here, can be easily administered from ethanol solutions onto almost any type of solid material, ushering a new dimension for surface engineering of cardiovascular devices such as inferior vena cava filters and stents.
Circularly Polarized Light Source from Self‐Assembled Hybrid Nanoarchitecture
Authors: Wang Xiongbin , Wang Qiushi , Zhang Xuanyu , Miao Jun , Cheng Jiaji , He Tingchao , Li Yiwen , Tang Zikang , Chen Rui
Published: May 2022

Circularly polarized luminescent inorganics arouses attentions due to scalable preparation and versatile chiral optoelectronic applications. Here, strong circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) activity has been developed from self‐assembled cellulose nanocrystals decorated with blue emitting silicon quantum dots (QDs). The electrostatic attraction promotes the successful incorporation of QDs into chiral template matrix to form homogeneous hybrid nanoarchitecture films. It is found that their circular dichroism behaviors are closely related to the photonic band gap (PBG) while the CPL behaviors are determined by the QDs and PBG simultaneously. Furthermore, the as‐prepared chiral composite thin films have been employed as an efficient circularly polarized light source for preparing enantioselective polymer, which can induce chirality and photopolymerization simultaneously. Such strong CPL activity in nanoarchitecture films is highly promising for future inorganic optoelectronics.
Separate H2 and CO production from CH4‐CO2 cycling of Fe‐Ni
Authors: Jin Bo , Srinath Nadadur Veeraraghavan , Poelman Hilde , Detavernier Christophe , Liang Zhiwu , Marin Guy B. , Galvita Vladimir V.
Published: May 2022

CH4‐CO2 chemical looping is proposed for separate H2 and CO production using nanostructured Fe‐Ni looping materials. The product streams are obtained by first feeding CH4, which decomposes to H2 and carbon. The latter acts as reductant for the subsequent CO2 feed, which together with Fe re‐oxidation yields CO. After 25 CH4‐CO2 cycles, 10Fe5Ni@Zr has a higher H2 space–time yield than 10Fe0Ni@Zr ( vs. ), a 2.6 times higher CO yield () and lower deactivation. This improvement has two reasons: (i) CH4 activation over Ni leading to cracking, (ii) product hydrogen causing deeper FeO reduction. Deactivation follows from accumulated carbon, non‐reactive for CO2. On Ni and Fe sites, carbon can be removed by lattice oxygen or CO2, yielding more CO compared to the theoretical value for Fe oxidation. However, carbon that migrates away from the metals requires oxygen for removal, which restores the activity of the Ni‐containing samples.
Integrated metal‐organic framework (MOF) and pressure/vacuum swing adsorption process design:MOFmatching
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zhou Teng , Sundmacher Kai
Published: May 2022

A two‐step integrated metal‐organic framework (MOF) and pressure/vacuum swing adsorption (P/VSA) process design has been recently established for gas separation. In the first step, selected MOF descriptors and process operating conditions are simultaneously optimized to maximize the process performance. Based on the obtained results, the second step (i.e., MOF matching) is addressed and exemplified by propene/propane separation in this work. Computational MOF synthesis and screening are explicitly carried out to find new advanced material candidates for enhancing the separation process efficiency. First, model‐based property‐performance relationships are developed for fast MOF screening. Then, MOF building blocks are extracted from 471 MOFs contained in the Computation‐Ready Experimental (CoRE) MOF database. With these building blocks, 45,472 hypothetical MOFs are created. After model‐based and molecular simulation‐based screening, six candidates are left and sent to P/VSA process optimization. Finally, three candidates are found to meet the predefined separation specifications and one candidate shows a better process performance than the best out of the 471 CoRE MOFs.
Synthesis and characterization of polyimidazolium species on silica nanoparticles: Study on cytotoxicity and removal of nitrate from water
Authors: Amininasab S. Mojtaba , Mohammadi Parisa , Abdolmaleki Sara
Published: May 2022

A nanocomposite containing imidazolium based on modified silica nanoparticles (polyimidazolium based on nano silica particles [PIZNS]) was prepared to remove nitrate from water. The prepared compounds were fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared,1H‐NMR, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and thermogravimetric analyzes. The ability of PIZNS in nitrate ions adsorption was tested under different operating conditions. The maximum removal efficiency and adsorption capacity (Qmax) of the PIZNS were obtained 90.56% and 37.73 mg g−1, respectively (initial nitrate ion concentration of 50 mg/L, at pH = 7, 30 mg adsorbent, contact time of 30 min). To evaluate the selectivity coefficient, the removal of nitrate ion was determined in the presence of competitive sulfate, bicarbonate, chloride, and phosphate ions by adsorbent. Further, kinetic and isotherm investigation showed best fit by second order and Langmuir models, respectively. In addition, the anti‐cancer properties and subsequently the cytotoxicity effect of the PIZNS was assayed in vitro using cisplatin as a standard against three cancer cell lines including PC12, HL60, and βTC. The most potent inhibition effect was observed toward HL60 cells by PIZNS. Thus, the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated in these cells. In addition, the cytostatic effect of this polymer was depicted in the HL60 3D spheroid model.
A brief history of Russian research on the autonomic nervous system
Authors: Nozdrachev Alexandr D.
Published: May 2022

The first information on the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system dates back to the time of Galen (second century), while the beginning of the study of the autonomic nervous system in Russia can be traced back to the mid‐19th century. This review is devoted to the professional achievements of Russian researchers in the 19th and 20th centuries who were active in the field of the autonomic nervous system at different stages of the development of neuromorphology and neurophysiology. In addition, recent achievements of modern Russian researchers active in this domain are also highlighted. This review is mainly devoted to research on the autonomic nervous system in Russia, but it would be unfair not to mention the scientists who made a significant contribution to this field of science and worked in the republics of the former USSR. Russian morphology and physiology developed under the significant influence of well‐known western scientific schools. I sincerely hope that cooperation between Russian and foreign colleagues will continue and will be fruitful for global science.
Premature mortality in a population‐based cohort of autistic adults in Canada
Authors: Lunsky Yona , Lai Meng‐Chuan , Balogh Robert , Chung Hannah , Durbin Anna , Jachyra Patrick , Tint Ami , Weiss Jonathan , Lin Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Research from different countries suggests that autistic adults are more likely to die prematurely than non‐autistic adults, but these studies do not always investigate male and female individuals separately and do not consider whether this pattern is unique to autistic people or is also an issue for people with other developmental disabilities. We examined premature mortality in autistic males and females (assigned at birth) in a population‐based cohort, compared to males and females with and without other developmental disabilities. Using linked administrative health and social services population data from Ontario, Canada, age‐matched males and females aged 19–65 years were followed between 2010 and 2016, and causes of death were determined. Over the 6‐year observation period, 330 of 42,607 persons (0.77%) in the group without developmental disabilities had died compared to 259 of 10,646 persons (2.43%) in the autism group and 419 of 10,615 persons (3.95%) in the other developmental disabilities group. Autistic males and females were more likely to die than non‐autistic males (adjusted risk ratio, RR 3.13, 95%CI 2.58–3.79) and non‐autistic females (adjusted RR 3.12, 95%CI 2.35–4.13) without developmental disabilities, but were less likely to die than adults with other developmental disabilities (males: adjusted RR 0.66, 95%CI 0.55–0.79; females: adjusted RR 0.55, 95%CI 0.43–0.71). Most common causes of death varied depending on a person's sex and diagnosis. Given the greater likelihood of premature mortality in adults with developmental disabilities including autism, greater attention and resources directed toward their health and social care are needed, tailored to their sex and diagnosis‐informed needs.

Lay Summary

This study looked at how many autistic men and women died over 6 years (2010–2016), along with how they died, and compared this to adults who did not have autism living in Ontario, Canada. It found that autistic men and women were more than three times as likely to die as people of the same age who did not have a developmental disability. However, adults with other developmental disabilities besides autism were even more likely to die than autistic adults. This means that we have to pay more attention and invest in better social and health care for autistic people, along with people who have other types of developmental disabilities.
Plasticizing effect of Apis mellifera honey on whey protein isolate films
Authors: Osuna Mariana B. , Michaluk Ariel , Romero Ana M. , Judis María A. , Bertola Nora C.
Published: May 2022

The aims of this study were to analyze the plasticizing effect of Apis mellifera honey on the mechanical, physicochemical and optical properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) films and to compare the results collected with the plasticizing effect of glycerol on WPI‐films. Response surface was applied to optimize the amounts of WPI and glycerol in order to obtain films with higher tensile strength (TS), moderate elongation, and lower water vapor permeability so that they could be used as reference films. Honey was added at different concentrations (60%, 80%, and 100%) of g honey/100 g WPI, as a plasticizer to the WPI‐films. In comparison to glycerol‐plasticized films, an increase in the percentage of honey produced a reduction of 20 ± 10 to 48 ± 0.5% of TS, a 66 ± 0.5% lower in Young's modulus (WPI‐films with 100% honey), and an increase of 186 ± 11% in elongation at break in the WPI‐films with 100% honey. Honey‐plasticized WPI‐films were from 29 ± 11 to 43 ± 3% less permeable to water vapor than glycerol‐plasticized WPI films. The mechanical characteristics of the 80% honey formulation did not differ significantly from those of the reference film (p > 0.05). Findings from this study indicate that honey has great potential as a plasticizer in WPI‐films.
Hybrid solid‐phase extraction to overcome interference due to phospholipids for determination of neratinib in human plasma using UPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Shah Priyanka A. , Sharma Vinay S. , Vanol Pravin G. , Sanyal Mallika , Shrivastav Pranav S.
Published: May 2022

A reliable and robust bioanalytical method was developed to quantify neratinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in human plasma, using UPLC–MS/MS. The extraction of neratinib and its deuterated internal standard, neratinib‐d6, was successfully performed on hybrid solid‐phase extraction ultra‐cartridges to remove the interference of phospholipids and proteins. Chromatographic analysis was performed on a UPLC BEH C18 (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column using 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile under gradient conditions. The total analysis time was 1.5 min. Neratinib was quantified using electrospray ionization source operated in the positive‐ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. The mass transitions of neratinib and neratinib‐d6 were m/z 557.3/112.1 and m/z 563.1/118.2, respectively. The linear concentration range for neratinib was 0.5–500 ng/mL, which adequately covers concentration levels expected in real subject samples. The assay was extensively validated for various validation parameters following standard guidelines for a bioanalytical assay. The intra‐ and inter‐batch precision was ≤4.6%, and neratinib was found to be stable under various stability conditions. The mean internal standard–normalized matrix factor and recovery were 0.997 and 95.4%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in healthy subjects with different doses.
Injectable bioactive glass/sodium alginate hydrogel with immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties for enhanced tendon healing
Authors: Xu Hongtao , Zhu Yanlun , Xu Jiankun , Tong Wenxue , Hu Shiwen , Chen Yi‐Fan , Deng Shuai , Yao Hao , Li Jie , Lee Chien‐Wei , Chan Hon Fai
Published: May 2022

Tendon healing is a complex process involving inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, eventually achieving a state of hypocellularity and hypovascularity. Currently, few treatments can satisfactorily restore the structure and function of native tendon. Bioactive glass (BG) has been shown to possess immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties. In this study, we investigated whether an injectable hydrogel fabricated of BG and sodium alginate (SA) could be applied to enhance tenogenesis following suture repair of injured tendon. We demonstrated that BG/SA hydrogel significantly accelerated tenogenesis without inducing heterotopic ossification based on histological analysis. The therapeutic effect could attribute to increased angiogenesis and M1 to M2 phenotypic switch of macrophages within 7 days post‐surgery. Morphological characterization demonstrated that BG/SA hydrogel partially reverted the pathological changes of Achilles tendon, including increased length and cross‐sectional area (CSA). Finally, biomechanical test showed that BG/SA hydrogel significantly improved ultimate load, failure stress, and tensile modulus of the repaired tendon. In conclusion, administration of an injectable BG/SA hydrogel can be a novel and promising therapeutic approach to augment Achilles tendon healing in conjunction with surgical intervention.
Application of Ambr15 system for simulation of entire SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine production process involving macrocarriers
Authors: Jayson Avital , Goldvaser Michael , Dor Eyal , Monash Arik , Levin Lilach , Cherry Lilach , Lupu Edith , Natan Niva , Girshengorn Meni , Epstein Eyal , Rosen Osnat
Published: May 2022

The Ambr15 system is an automated, high‐throughput bioreactor platform which comprises 24 individually controlled, single‐use stirred‐tank reactors. This system plays a critical role in process development by reducing reagent requirements and facilitating high‐throughput screening of process parameters. However, until now, the system was used to simulate processes involving cells in suspension or growing on microcarriers and has never been tested for simulating cells growing on macrocarriers. Moreover, to our knowledge, a complete production process including cell growth and virus production has never been simulated. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, the amenability of the automated Ambr15 cell culture reactor system to simulate the entire SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine production process using macrocarriers. To simulate the production process, accessories were first developed to enable insertion of tens of Fibra‐Cel macrocarries into the reactors. Vero cell adsorption to Fibra‐Cels was then monitored and its adsorption curve was studied. After incorporating of all optimized factors, Vero cells were adsorbed to and grown on Fibra‐Cels for several days. During the process, culture medium was exchanged, and the quantity and viability of the cells were followed, resulting in a typical growth curve. After successfully growing cells for 6 days, they were infected with the rVSV‐ΔG‐Spike vaccine virus. The present results indicate that the Ambr15 system is not only suitable for simulating a process using macrocarriers, but also to simulate an entire vaccine production process, from cell adsorption, cell growth, infection and vaccine virus production.
Hypertensive events after the initiation of contemporary cancer therapies for breast cancer control
Authors: Carter Rebecca R. , Chum Aaron P. , Sanchez Reynaldo , Guha Avirup , Dey Amit K. , Reinbolt Raquel , Kim Lisa , Otchere Prince , Oppong‐Nkrumah Oduro , Abraham William T. , Lustberg Maryam , Addison Daniel
Published: May 2022

Background

Contemporary therapies improve breast cancer (BC) outcomes. Yet, many of these therapies have been increasingly linked with serious cardiotoxicity, including reports of profound hypertension. Yet, the incidence, predictors, and impacts of these events are largely unknown.

Methods

Leveraging two large U.S.‐based registries, the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) databases, we assessed the incidence, factors, and outcomes of hypertensive events among BC patients from 2007 to 2015. Differences in baseline characteristics, hypertension‐related discharges, and complications were examined over time. Further, we performed a disproportionality analysis using reporting‐odds‐ratios (ROR) to determine the association between individual BC drugs and hypertensive events. Utilizing an ROR cutoff of >1.0, we quantified associations by drug‐class, and individual drugs with the likelihood of excess hypertension.

Results

Overall, there were 5,464,401 BC‐admissions, of which 46,989 (0.8%) presented with hypertension. Hypertensive BC patients were older, and saw initially increased in‐hospital mortality, which equilibrated over time. The mean incidence of hypertension‐related admissions was 732 per 100,000 among BC patients, versus 96 per 100,000 among non‐cancer patients (RR 7.71, p < 0.001). Moreover, in FAERS, those with hypertension versus other BC‐treatment side‐effects were more frequently hospitalized (40.1% vs. 36.7%, p < 0.001), and were most commonly associated with chemotherapy (45.9%). Outside of Eribulin (ROR 3.36; 95% CI 1.37–8.22), no specific drug was associated with a higher reporting of hypertension; however, collectively BC drugs were associated with a higher odds of hypertension (ROR 1.66; 95% CI 1.09–2.53).

Conclusions

BC therapies are associated with a substantial increase in limiting hypertension.
Absorption of Carbon Dioxide into n‐Butanol and Ethyl Acetate in a Column with Structured Packing
Authors: Çelikçi Gizem Genç , Uysal Duygu , Uysal Bekir Zühtü
Published: May 2022

A recently developed and efficient absorption contactor was evaluated, using alternative physical absorption liquids that are more economical, environmentally friendly, easier to recycle, untested and have lower energy requirements compared to commercial absorption solutions for capturing carbon dioxide. For this purpose, CO2 was captured using n‐butanol and ethyl acetate in an originally designed structured packed column. Mass transfer coefficients were determined at different gas and liquid velocities. The results are correlated in terms of dimensionless numbers, such as ShL = 0.01283ReG1.4ReLScL1/3, with a regression coefficient of 0.992.
Hetero MOF‐on‐MOF‐derived carbon nanotube interconnected nitrogen‐doped carbon‐encapsulated FeNi/FeF2 for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhou Yang , Liu Hui , Gu Xiaocong , Wu Xiang , Feng Ligang
Published: May 2022

Heterostructures derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with multicomponent synergism are significant in the energy conversion and catalysis reactions. Herein, we demonstrated such an efficient catalyst with the structure of self‐catalyzed nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotube interconnected FeNi/FeF2 derived from hetero‐zeolite imidazolate frameworks 8 (ZIF‐8) on Fe2Ni MIL (MIL represents Materials of Institut Lavoisier) for oxygen evolution reaction. The obtained catalyst showed efficient synergism of the multicomponents, high polarity, more active sites exposure, increased intrinsic activity, and improved conductivity and stability by a carbon interconnected and confined structure as revealed by the spectroscopic analysis and electrochemical measurements. It required an overpotential of only ca. 240 mV (no iR correction) to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in a KOH solution when loaded on an inert glass carbon electrode, much better than similar kinds of catalysts. The improved catalytic performance can be well correlated to the structural transformation step by step from different MOFs to their derivatives by subsequent carbonation and fluorination. Because of the above‐mentioned structural advantages, good catalysis performance of high activity and stability, faster catalytic kinetics, and facile active phase formation were observed compared to those of other similar materials. This work offers a new platform of derivatives from hetero MOF‐on‐MOF for catalysis reactions.