bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-wavelength switchable single-mode lasing from a lanthanide-doped resonator
Authors: Wu Yunkai , Chen Xian , Jin Limin , Ai Xiangzhe , Xiao Shumin , Yang Xiaoli , Song Qinghai
Published: April 2021

Multi-wavelength lasing, with dynamic switching functionality, high spectral purity and contrast, plays an essential role in photonic devices. Lanthanide(Ln3+)-doped upconversion nanocrystals(UCNCs) featured with plentiful energy levels act as ideal candidates for the gain medium. However, it remains a daunting challenge to develop a tunable Ln3+-based single-mode laser across a wide wavelength range due to the absence of an appropriate mode-selection mechanism. Here, we have demonstrated the first active control of unidirectional single-mode lasing with switchable wavelength spanning beyond a record range (~ 300 nm). This is accomplished through the integration of two size-mismatched coupled microdisks cavity and inversely designed dual-mode UCNCs incorporated with selective sensitizer-pair and activator ions. By asymmetric pumping, a reversible and crosstalk-free ultraviolet-to-red single-mode operation were formed respectively from such UCNCs-based system through changing the pumping wavelengths from 980 nm to 808 nm. The results enlighten the rational design of luminescent materials and microcavity. With remarkable doping flexibility, our approach would pave an avenue to a class of UCNCs-based photonic devices for on-chip optical filter, switch, sensor and other devices.
Children’s palliative care education and training: developing an education standard framework and audit
Authors: Neilson Susan , Randall Duncan , McNamara Katrina , Downing Julia
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThe need to align the range of guidance and competencies concerning children's palliative care and develop an education framework have been recommended by a UK All-Party Parliament Group and others. In response to these recommendations the need for a revised children’s palliative care competency framework was recognized. A Children’s Palliative Care Education and Training Action Group was formed across UK and Ireland in 2019 to take this work forward. Their aim was to agree core principles of practice in order to standardize children’s palliative care education and training.MethodsThe Action Group reviewed sources of evidence and guidance including palliative care competency documents and UK and Ireland quality and qualification frameworks. Expected levels of developing knowledge and skills were agreed and identified competencies mapped to each level. The mapping process led to the development of learning outcomes, local indicative programme content and assessment exemplars. Results Four sections depicting developing levels of knowledge and skills were identified: Public Health, Universal, Core, Specialist. Each level has four learning outcomes: Communicating effectively, Working with others in and across various settings, Identifying and managing symptoms, Sustaining self-care and supporting the well-being of others. An audit tool template was developed to facilitate quality assurance of programme delivery. The framework and audit tool repository is on the International Children’s Palliative Care Network website for ease of international access. ConclusionsThe framework has received interest at UK, Ireland and International launches. While there are education programmes in children’s palliative care this is the first international attempt to coordinate education, to address lay carer education and to include public health.
Jigless knotless internal brace versus other open Achilles tendon repair under progressive rehabilitation protocol: A biomechanical study
Authors: Ko Po-Yen , Hsu Chieh-Hsiang , Hong Chih-Kai , Hung Ming-Tung , Jou I-Ming , Su Wei-Ren , Wu Po-Ting , Su Fong-Chin
Published: April 2021

Background

The jigless knotless internal brace surgery (JKIB), a modified minimal invasive surgery (MIS) for acute Achilles tendon injury, showed the advantage of sural-nerve injury prevention in MIS and superficial wound infection in open surgery in previous clinical research. However, to date, biomechanical testing remains not yet validated.
Materials and methods

Sixty porcine fresh Achilles tendons were used to compare the JKIB with other open surgery techniques, the four-strand Krackow suture (4sK) and triple-buddle suture (TBS) in biomechanic testing with cyclic loading at 1 Hz. This approach simulated a progressive rehabilitation protocol where 20-100N was applied in the first 1000 cycles, followed by 20-190N in the second 1000 cycles, and then 20-369N in the third 1000 cycles. The cycles to the repair gap 2mm, 5mm and 10mm were recorded. The survival cycles was defined as repair gap achieving 10mm.
Results

With respect to survived cycles, a significant difference was found among the three groups, in which the TBS was the most robust, followed by the JKIB and the 4sK, with mean survived cycles were 2639.3 +/- 263.55, 2073.6 +/- 319.92 and 1425.25 +/- 268.96, respectively. Significant difference was defined via a post hoc analysis with the Mann–Whitney U test after the Bonferroni correction (p < 0.017).
Conclusions

The TBS was the strongest suture structure in acute Achilles tendon repair. However, the JKIB could be an option in acute Achilles tendon repair with the MIS technique due to it being more robust than the 4sK, which has been favored in open repair.
Reporter Gene-Based Optoacoustic Imaging of E. coli Targeted Colon Cancer In vivo
Authors: Yun Misun , You Sung-Hwan , Nguyen Vu Hong , Prakash Jaya , Glasl Sarah , Gujrati Vipul , Choy Hyon E. , Stiel Andre C. , Min Jung-Joon , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: April 2021

Bacteria-mediated cancer-targeted therapy is a novel experimental strategy for the treatment of cancers. Bacteria can be engineered to overcome a major challenge of existing therapeutics by differentiating between malignant and healthy tissue. A prerequisite for further development and study of engineered bacteria is a suitable imaging concept which allows bacterial visualization in tissue and monitoring bacterial targeting and proliferation. Optoacoustics (OA) is an evolving technology allowing whole-tumor imaging and thereby direct observation of bacterial colonization in tumor regions. However, bacterial detection using OA is currently hampered by the lack of endogenous contrast or suitable transgene fluorescent labels. Here, we demonstrate improved visualization of cancer-targeting bacteria using OA imaging and E. coli engineered to express tyrosinase, which uses L-tyrosine as the substrate to produce the strong optoacoustic probe melanin in the tumor microenvironment. Tumors of animals injected with tyrosinase-expressing E. coli showed strong melanin signals, allowing to resolve bacterial growth in the tumor over time using multispectral OA tomography (MSOT). MSOT imaging of melanin accumulation in tumors was confirmed by melanin and E. coli staining. Our results demonstrate that using tyrosinase-expressing E. coli enables non-invasive, longitudinal monitoring of bacterial targeting and proliferation in cancer using MSOT.
Anaemia Among Men in Malaysia: Who Are the Most Affected?
Authors: Awaluddin S Maria , Shahein Nik Adilah , Rahim Norsyamlina Che Abdul , Zaki Nor Azian Mohd , Nasaruddin Nur Hamizah , Saminathan Thamil Arasu , Alias Nazirah , Ganapathy Shubash Shander , Ahmad Noor Ani
Published: April 2021

This study aims to determine the prevalence of anaemia and factors associated with anaemia among men in Malaysia. Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 was utilized. Haemoglobin level for men aged 15 years and above who gave their consent was measured using HemoCue® Hb 201+ System©. Majority of them (87.2%) were men aged 15-59 years referring to the younger age group. The prevalence of anaemia among men was 12.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.9, 14.5). Prevalence was higher in the older men (30.7%; 95% CI: 26.6, 35.1) than the younger men (10.0%; 95% CI: 8.2, 12.2). The multivariable logistic regression observed that anaemia among men was associated with older age (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 3.1; 95% CI: 2.1, 4.4) and those with diabetes (aOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.1). Older men are more affected by anaemia than younger men. Anaemia among older men in Malaysia is considered at the level of moderate to severe public health significance and the likelihood of developing anaemia increases among older men with diabetes. These often-overlooked issues among men need to be detected and treated early to prevent complications and to improve their quality of life.
The Relationship Between Gross Motor Function,Manual Ability, and Cognitive Function With Quality of Life in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Rasafiani Mehdi , Nobakht zahra , soleimani farin , Akbarfahimi Nazila , Vameghi Roshanak
Published: April 2021

Background:Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common type of permanent movement and posturedisorder in childrenleading to contractures, deformities, and activity limitations. Quality of life is considered as an outcome variable to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for children with CP. Therefore, we aimed to examine the relationship between quality of life and gross motor function,manual ability, and cognitivefunction inchildren with CP. Methods:200children with CP aged 4-12 years participated in this study through convenient sampling. Then, their quality of life, gross motor ability, hand function, and cognitive level were assessed using Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire (CPQOL), Gross Motor Function Classification System scale, Manual abilities Classification System Scales and SPARCLE (Study of Participation of Children with Cerebral Palsy Living in Europe) scale, respectively. Results: The results demonstrated that only the functional domain of the CPQOL was significantly correlated withthe manual ability and cognitive level in these children (P=0.001, P=0.001 respectively). Conclusions:A child with CP with poor performance has the potential to report a poorQOL. This needs more evidence for elaboration.
Pattern of Internet Use for Pregnancy-Related Information and Its Predictors Among Women Visiting Primary Healthcare in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Dahshan Ayman , Chehab Mohamad , Mohamed Ayatullah , Al-Kubaisi Noora , Selim Nagah
Published: April 2021

Background

Internet usage has been steadily increasing and the available online information for pregnant ‎women today is immense.‎
Objective

This study aimed to investigate the pattern of internet use for pregnancy-related information and its ‎predictors among pregnant women visiting primary healthcare centers in Qatar‎.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinics of six primary healthcare centers in Qatar between June and December 2019. Pregnant women were recruited through a systematic random sampling technique. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used when appropriate. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was constructed to identify the predictors of internet use for pregnancy-related information.
Results

The study included 403 pregnant women. Most of them were in the 26–35 years age category, in the second trimester (55.5%), and had 1–2 children at home (51.5%). The internet was the most common source (81.1%) of pregnancy-related information. The access to online information was mainly through websites (67.3%), mobile applications (48.3%), and social media platforms (39.7%). The most frequently searched topics online were fetal development (74.3%), diet during pregnancy (53.6%), and management of health ‎problems (39.6%).‎ The multivariable regression model identified the age group 26–35 years (AOR: 4.87; 95% CI: 2.10, 11.27), Arabs (AOR: 4.10; 95% CI: 2.02, 8.32), tertiary education (AOR: 5.22; 95% CI: 1.77, 15.33), having 1–2 children (AOR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.45, 8.01), and being employed or a housewife as independent predictors of internet use for pregnancy-related information.
Conclusion

The internet was a commonly used source of health information among pregnant women in Qatar. Internet use was significantly associated with the age group of 26–35 years, Arabs, higher level of education, being employed or a housewife, and having up to two children.
miR-424 up-regulation inhibiting RF/6A cells function under high glucose condition via CCND1
Authors: Chen Yuan , Chen Hai-Ying , Wu Miao-Qin , Huang Zheng-Ru
Published: April 2021

Backgrounds: Retinal vascular dysfunction is an important factor to the progression of diabetic retinopathy(DR). Multiple abnormal microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction. However, the role and underlying mechanism of miR-424 in retinal vascular endothelial cells dysfunction under hyperglycemia stress remain obscure. Methods: Rhesus macaque choroid retinal endothelial cell line (RF/6A) cells were cultured under normal glucose (NG) and high glucose (HG) condition. qPCR was used to quantify the mRNA expression of miR-424 and Cyclin D1 (CCND1) and western blot was applied to detect the protein amount of CCND1. RF/6A cells were transfected with miR-424 mimics, miR-424 inhibitor, miR-424 inhibitor+ siRNA-CCND1 or with vehicle molecules. The cell proliferation, wound healing, tube formation ability and cell cycle were evaluated by MTT assay, scratch wound healing assay, tube formation assay and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Interaction between miR-424 and CCND1 was predicted with bioinformatics and confirmed by Dual Luciferase Reporter Analysis.Results: Compared with NG, miR-424 was up-regulated and cell phenotype such as proliferation, wound healing and tube formation were inhibited in HG. The phenotypes can be reversed by inverting miR-424 expression under different conditions. CCND1 was confirmed as one of target genes of miR-424 and it can be modulated at transcriptional or translation level. Manipulation of silencing CCND1 can reverse the influences, such as promotion in proliferation, scratch wound tube formation and cell cycle, induced by transfecting miR-424 inhibitor into RF/6A cells under HG. Conclusions: Overexpression of miR-424 in RF/6A cells under HG stress significantly inhibited the cell function such as cell proliferation, wound healing, tube formation through suppressing CCND1 and blocking cell cycle.
A New Modified Gant-Miwa-Thiersch Combined With Internal and External Rectal Sclerosant Injection Procedure for The Treatment of Full-Thickness Rectal Prolapse in Elderly Women
Authors: Wang Jinxi , Li Huiyu , Ma Xiaoming , Du Gang , Ma Jun , Ren Xiaojing , Zhang Fang , Dong Xiushan , Zhao Haoliang , Ren Chongren
Published: April 2021

Background: Full-thickness rectal prolapse (FTRP) occurs frequently in in elderly women, and more than 100 surgical procedures have been proposed to restore FTRP. The Gant-Miwa-Thiersch (GMT) procedure is the most used treatment in China. However, the recurrence rates of GMT that reach as high as 23.8% is concerning. We described a new modified GMT combined with internal and external rectal sclerosant injection (nmGMTSI) procedure to address this problem.Methods: The nmGMTSI was performed under spinal anesthesia in 34 frail, elderly female patients with FTRP. The surgical results of FTRP were assessed. Fecal incontinence and constipation were evaluated using the Wexner score, and anal canal rest pressure (ACRP), maximum anal systolic pressure (MASP), anorectal sensation thresholds (AST), and maximum rectal tolerance (MRT) using anorectal manometry preoperatively and postoperatively. The causes of recurrence and complications were analyzed.Results: All patients were cured in accordance with clinical cure standard. The perioperative Wexner fecal incontinence score (WFIS) was 10.3±3.31, which became 3.7±2.43 (P <0.0001) postoperatively. The perioperative ACRP was 2.0±0.56 kPa, which became 8.5±2.25 kPa (P <0.0001) postoperatively. The perioperative MASP was 4.5±1.16 kPa, which became 18.6±2.50 kPa (P <0.0001) postoperatively. However, there was no significant change between preoperative and postoperative Wexner constipation scores (WCS) (17.3±2.25 vs. 15.4±2.89, P =0.1047). The AST were 38.1±5.34 mL; after the operation, it became 23.5±3.61 mL (P =0.0002).The maximum rectal tolerance (MRT) was 157.1±16.73 mL; after the operation, it became 121.2±12.45 mL (P =0.0009). The patients had no serious postoperative complications. The total relapse rate after nmGMTSI was 2.9% in the median 2 years follow-up period. The most common cause of relapse after nmGMTSI was the removal of infected threads used in the Thiersch procedure.Conclusion: The benefits of nmGMTSI include low recurrence, complications, mortality, cost and wide adaptation, minimally invasive, technically simple. It should be considered as the first option for the treatment of FTRP in frail elderly women.
Biodiesel Production from Castor oil in the Presence of Lipase/ Functionalized Mesoporous SBA-15
Authors: Davoodimehr Arash , Nematian Tahereh , shakeri alireza , Ghaemi Nasser
Published: April 2021

BackgroundEnzyme immobilization is efficient tool to reduce enzymatic processes cost and improve catalyst stability. The enzymatic catalytic transesterification reaction of castor oil was studied for the production of biodiesel. In this research, castor seeds oil was extracted and used along with methanol as substrates for enzymatic transesterification reaction. Porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) immobilized on calcium alginate (Ca-Alg) and mesoporous SBA-15 supports identified, and its potential was investigated for used as the reaction catalyst.ResultsThe mesoporous SBA-15 supports with a high specific surface area (519.25 m2/g) and the pore diameter (83.2 Å) was suitable for immobilization of the PPL with 4.6⨯2.6⨯1.1 nm3 dimensions. The effect of temperature, biocatalyst concentration, methanol/oil molar ratio and water content on biodiesel conversion were investigated in presents of PPL immobilized on mesoporous SBA-15-OH-NH2-GA. The biodiesel conversion in the presence of PPL immobilized on SBA-15-OH-NH2-GA and Ca-Alg was calculated 88.6% and 77.65% in optimal conditions respectively. Conclusions The result indicate that castor plant has a very high potential for use in the future of the biodiesel industry as a substrate for transesterification reaction. The biodiesel production efficiency is higher when the PPL is immobilized on the SBA-15-OH-NH2-GA toward than conditions that immobilized on the Ca-Alg.
Predictors of the Demand for Dental Appointments in Primary Health Care: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Melo Estêvão Azevedo , Probst Livia Fernandes , Guerra Luciane Miranda , Tagliaferro Elaine Pereira Silva , De-Carli Alessandro Diogo , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: April 2021

Background

Aiming to reverse the current impact of oral diseases, which are among the most prevalent diseases worldwide, it is necessary that public dental services act in an integrated manner within the Health System, particularly with the primary care services. However, even inside availability scenarios in health care, the use of dental services is determined by complex phenomena related to the individual, the environment and practices in which care is offered. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictors of the demand for dental care in Primary Health Care Units (PHC) with Oral Health Teams (OHTs).
Methods

The present is a cross-sectional analytical study that used data from the external assessment of the third cycle of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB, Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica), carried out between 2017 and 2018, in Brazil. The final sample consisted of 85,231 patients and 22,475 Oral Health teams (OHTs). The outcome variable was the fact that the user requested a dental appointment at the Health Unit. A multilevel analysis was carried out to verify the association between individual variables (related to users) and contextual variables (related to the OHTs) in relation to the outcome.
Results

In the final model, of the variables at the individual level, the patient's age over 43 years (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.96–2.10) was the one that had the greatest effect on the outcome. In turn, among the contextual variables related to the teams, the ones with the greatest effect on the outcome were 'oral health teams that assisted no more than a single family health team' (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.23–1.36) or 'those in which the dental form constitutes the user's medical record' (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.15–1.26) were predictors of the demand for a dental appointment in Primary Health Care.
Conclusion

It can be concluded that individual and contextual issues interfere in the demand for dental care. Oral health planning must consider an active search for patients with profiles that do not favor the spontaneous demand for oral health care, such as being older, male gender and non-white ethnicity. It is also concluded that the oral health teams that worked in line with the Brasil Sorridente guidelines are the teams most often sought after by the users.
Characterization of Priming, Induced Resistance, and Tolerance to Spodoptera Frugiperda by Silicon Fertilization in Maize Genotypes
Authors: Sousa Amanda Cristina Guimarães , de Souza Bruno Henrique Sardinha , Marchiori Paulo Eduardo Ribeiro , Bôas Lissa Vasconcellos Vilas
Published: April 2021

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is considered the main defoliating insect pest of maize in many countries. Silicon (Si) applied to plants has been shown to increase the resistance to insects, especially in grasses such as maize. This study characterized the effects of Si fertilization regarding priming, induced resistance, and tolerance to FAW in a landrace variety and hybrid of maize. Si was applied in soil of potted-plants as H4SiO4 at 2 t ha− 1 when maize plants were at V2 stage, and when they reached V3 two FAW neonates were infested in the plants whorls. Plants at V4 were reinfested with a 4th-instar larva that was kept feeding until V5 stage. Concentrations of H2O2 and malondialdehyde were used as proxies of injury and oxidative stress, and activities of antioxidant enzymes were related to Si-induced responses on plants growth, and FAW injury and performance. As main results, there was reduced FAW injury and larval weight gain in Si-treated plants subjected to herbivory. Greater root dry mass was observed in the landrace variety with Si and without herbivory. Landrace plants showed higher shoot weights than the hybrid under FAW infestation. Si-fertilized plants showed higher H2O2 concentrations. The highest peroxidase activities occurred in Si-treated plants without herbivory, and the catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were highest in Si-treated plants without herbivory or herbivory-injured plants without Si. These results are important for characterizing the Si-induced defense effects in maize to FAW, which can benefit the strategic use of Si in integrated pest management.
CSF PGRN May be Associated With Postoperative Delirium After Knee Replacement in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Nested Case-Control Study in the PNDABLE Study
Authors: Wang Bin , Lin Xu , Sun XiuJie , Liu Fang hao , Tao He , Deng XIYuan , Lin Yanan , Dong Rui , Bi Yanlin
Published: April 2021

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) represents a serious complication following anesthesia and surgical procedures for patients undergoing surgical intervention. At present, there is no effective index to predict the occurrence of POD ,so the aim of this study was to validate whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PGRN could predict the occurrence of POD.Methods: We conducted a prospective nested case-control and 1:1 matched (on age, diagnosis, American Society of Anesthesiologist’ (ASA) physical status, duration of surgery, and intraoperative blood loss) study. A total of 600 Han Chinese patients over the age of 65~ 90 who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty were included in the PNDABLE study from June 2020 to November 2020. POD cases and non-POD controls were selected from using Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) on the first, second, third and seventh (or before discharge) postoperative days. Delirium severity was measured by the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS). In the six month, cognitive function was assessed with the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life brief version (WHOQOLBREF). CSF PGRN and core biomarkers were measured by ELISA using the microplate reader. The associations of CSF PGRN levels with POD risk and CSF core biomarkers (Aβ1–42, Aβ1–40 ,T-tau and P-tau)were assessed. The effect of CSF PGRN on predicting POD occurrence was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).Results: POD incidence was 9.7% (53/545). There were significant differences in preoperative CSF PGRN concentration between POD patients and non-POD (P<0.001), and CSF PGRN levels decreased with age, as demonstrated by a significantly negative correlation. CSF PGRN levels decrease with CAM scores and MDAS scores, as demonstrated by significantly negative correlations(r=-0.692, P=0.001; r=-0.435, P=0.001). There were positive associations of CSF PGRN with Aβ1–42 (β = 0.756, P < 0.001) , Aβ1–40 (β =0.637, P < 0.001) and negative associations of CSF PGRN with T-tau (β = -0.716, P < 0.001) and P-tau (β = -0.739, P < 0.001) in POD patients. The ROC curve analysis of PGRN showed that PGRN concentrations had high diagnostic value for POD.Conclusions: Aβ pathology is associated with increasing in CSF PGRN whereas Tau pathology and neurodegeneration is associated with decreasing in CSF PGRN in POD patients.CSF PGRN can predict the occurrence of POD in elderly patients．Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2000033439.
Modulation of Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress Attenuates Microvascular Hyperpermeability in Ovine Model of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Sepsis
Authors: Fukuda Satoshi , Niimi Yosuke , Hirasawa Yasutaka , Manyeza Ennert R. , Garner C. Edwin , Southan Garry , Salzman Andrew L. , Prough Donald S. , Enkhbaatar Perenlei
Published: April 2021

Background: Sepsis is one of the most frequent causes of death in the ICU, and microvascular hyperpermeability caused by oxidative/nitrosative stress plays an important role in tissue edema leading to multi-organ dysfunctions and increased mortality. This study tested the efficacy of a novel compound R-107, a modulator of oxidative/nitrosative stress, in an ovine model of sepsis. We hypothesized that R-107 effectively ameliorates the severity of microvascular hyperpermeability and preserves multi-organ function.Methods: Sepsis was induced in twenty-two adult female Merino sheep by intravenous infusion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1x1010 CFUs) for 60 minutes. After injury, animals were allocated into the following groups: 1) Control: intramuscular injection (IM) of saline, n=13; and 2) Treatment: IM of 50 mg/kg R-107, n=9. The IM treatment was given after the completion of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa injection. Animals were placed on a mechanical ventilator, fluid resuscitated, and monitored for 24 hours in a conscious state. Results: R-107 treatment attenuated 24-hour mortality (11 vs. 30%). R-107 significantly reduced fluid requirement (15 – 24 hours, p<0.05), net fluid balance (9 – 24 hours, p<0.05), and water content in lung, heart, and kidney (p=0.02, 0.04, and 0.01, respectively) compared to control. R-107 treatment significantly delayed the onset of positive qSOFA (3.3 vs. 6.8 hours, p=0.04), and significantly decreased lung injury score and modified sheep SOFA score at 24 hours (p=0.01 and 0.04). The R-107 treatment group had significantly lower arterial lactate (21 – 24 hours, p<0.05), shed syndecan-1 (3 – 6 hours, p<0.05), and interleukin-6 (6 – 12 hours, p<0.05) levels in plasma, and significantly attenuated lung tissue 3-nitrotyrosine and vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression (p=0.03 and 0.002) compared to control. There was no adverse effect observed during R-107 treatment.Conclusions: Modulation of oxidative/nitrosative stress by R-107 reduced lung tissue vascular endothelial growth factor-A, plasma shed syndecan-1, and interleukin-6 and attenuated severe microvascular hyperpermeability resulting in improved multi-organ function and survival in Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis.
The consequences of inaction on carbon dioxide removal
Authors: Galán-Martín Ángel , Vázquez Daniel , Cobo Selene , Dowell Niall Mac , Caballero José , Gosalbez Gonzalo Guillen
Published: April 2021

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) will be essential to meet the climate targets, so enabling its deployment at the right time will be decisive. Here, we investigate the still poorly understood implications of delaying CDR actions, focusing on integrating direct air capture and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (DACCS and BECCS) into the European Union power mix. Under an indicative target of − 50 Gt of net CO2 by 2100, delayed CDR would cost an extra of 0.12 − 0.19 trillion EUR per year of inaction. Moreover, postponing CDR beyond mid-century would substantially reduce the removal potential to almost half (− 35.60 Gt CO2) due to the underused biomass and land resources and the maximum technology diffusion speed. The effective design of BECCS and DACCS systems calls for long-term planning starting from now and aligned with the evolving power systems. Our quantitative analysis of the consequences of inaction on CDR —with climate targets at risk and fair CDR contributions at stake —should help to break the current impasse and incentivize early actions worldwide.
Enhanced Sunlight Photocatalytic Activity and Biosafety of Marine-Driven Synthesized Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: A Future prospect
Authors: Safat Somayeh , Buazar Foad , Matroodi Soheila , Albukhaty Salim
Published: April 2021

This contribution presents the biosynthesis, physiochemical properties, and biological activity of biogenic CeO2 NPs using, for the first time, marine oyster extract as an effective and rich source of bioreducing and capping/stabilizing agents in a one-pot recipe. CeO2 NPs formation was initially confirmed through the color change from light green to pale yellow and subsequently, their corresponding absorption peak was spectroscopically observed at 310 nm with an optical band-gap of 4.67 eV using the DR-UV technique. Further, XRD and Raman analyses indicated that nanoceria possessed face-centered cubic arrangements without any impurities, having an average crystallite size of 10 nm. TEM and histogram results revealed that biogenic CeO2 NPs was approximately spherical in shape with a median particle size of 15±1 nm. The presence of various bioorganic substances on the surface of nanoparticles was deduced by FTIR and TGA results. It is found that marine-based nanoceria shows no cytotoxic effect on the cell, thus indicating their enhanced biocompatibility and biosafety to living organisms. In contrast, nanoceria demonstrated as an effective bactericidal agent toward pathogens. Visible light-activated CeO2 nanocatalyst revealed rapid photodegradation of methylene blue. Owing to simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendly nature, this novel marine biosynthetic route paves the way for prospective applications of nanoparticles in various areas of bioscience.
Configuration of Flowsheet and Reagent Dosage for Gilsonite Flotation Towards the Ultra-Low-Ash Concentrate
Authors: Bahrami Ataallah , Kazemi Fatemeh , Mirmohammadi Mirsaleh , Ghorbani Yousef , Farajzadeh Saghar
Published: April 2021

Gilsonite is a natural occurrence of bitumen and consists of a complex structure of organic compounds. Gilsonite has a wide variety of applications in the industry, including the manufacture of electrodes, paints and resins, as well as the production of asphalt and roof-waterproofing material. Ash content of gilsonite is a determining parameter for its application in some industries (e.g., ash content <5% as an additive in drilling fluids, Resins). In this study, a process mineralogy approach used in order to design an optimal flotation circuit for the production of gilsonite concentrate with ultra-low ash content (<5%) from gilsonite ore with an average ash content of 15%. According to mineralogical studies, carbonates and clay minerals are the main associated impurities (more than 90 vol.%). Furthermore, sulfur was observed in two forms of mineral (pyrite and marcasite) and organic in the structure of gilsonite. Most of these impurities are interlocked with gilsonite in size fractions smaller than 105 µm. In addition, the size of +105 µm to 420 µm has a higher pure gilsonite (approximately 90%) than other size fractions. The effect of different reagent regime on the production of low ash content concentration in gilsonite flotation are investigated. Based on the results, 400 g/ton of kerosene collector led to the production of a concentrate with the lowest amount of ash (6.36%) in the rougher stage. In addition, the highest amount of recovery (80.83%) were obtained in gilsonite flotation with kerosene collector. The use of depressants in the rougher stage increased the gilsonite recovery by 3.5% and slightly reduced the ash content (less than 0.20%) of gilsonite concentrate. In general, gilsonite flotation with 400 g/ton kerosene collector, 100 g/ton from a mixture of sodium silicate, tannic acid, sulfuric acid and sodium cyanide depressants, and the use of 100 g/ton MIBC resulted in the production of a concentrate with the lowest amount of ash (6.36%) in the rougher flotation stage. Cleaner and recleaner flotation for the rougher flotation concentrate resulted in a product with an ash content of 4.89% and recovery of 86.75%. Due to the interlocking of gilsonite with impurities in size fractions smaller than 105 µm, it is better to re-grinding the concentrate of rougher stage then flotation done in the cleaner and recleaner stages. Finally, flowsheet has been proposed to produce gilsonite with the least ash.
Assessing Health System Factors Affecting Access and Delivery of IPTp-SP and ITN to Pregnant Women Attending ANC Clinics in Ghana-A Quantitative Study
Authors: De-Gaulle Virtue Fiawokome , Magnussen Pascal , Kamgno Joseph , Mbacham Wilfred , Orish Verner Ndudiri , Tagbor Harry
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Malaria interventions including use of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine as Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPTp-SP) and distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) have been implemented through ante-natal clinic (ANC) services in Ghana. Yet, the high ANC attendance is not commensurate with the uptake of these interventions, with missed opportunities to deliver the interventions. This study sought to assess the health system factors affecting access and delivery of IPTp-SP and ITN as defined by the Ghana Malaria Policy Guideline to eligible pregnant women attending ANC clinic sessions.Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Volta Region of Ghana, with data collected across three levels of health care delivery facilities, including hospitals, health centres and Community-Based Health Planning Service (CHPS) compounds. Data collection included structured observation checklists to document the communication and interaction between the ANC health staff and pregnant women. Additionally, structured questionnaires were used to elicit information on cadre, trainings attended, knowledge and delivery practices of health workers on IPTp-SP and ITN. Stata 16 was used for data analysis, and a defined delivery algorithm was used to compute appropriate and inappropriate delivery practices, using the Ghana policy directive as a guide. Predictors of appropriate delivery were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: Approximately 97% of the 680 ANC observations had complete information for analysis. Of these, 78% (511) were eligible for IPTp-SP after excluding women who have less than 16 weeks of gestation, G6PD deficient, malaria positive and have taken 5 doses of IPTp-SP prior to day of observation. Appropriate delivery of IPTp-SP was 76% (390). Despite the availability of SP, 15% (75) of all eligible women were not offered the medication and 37% (44) of inappropriate delivery was due to stock out. ITNs were appropriately delivered to 59% (139) out of 237 eligible women. Thirty-two percent (77) of eligible women, mostly continuing ANC clients, were not given ITN despite stock availability. Conclusions: IPTp-SP was appropriately delivered to 76% of clients as compared to 59% in the case of ITN. Despite stock availability, IPTp-SP and ITN were not delivered to some eligible women. This highlights health worker related factors influencing delivery.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rotating Spatial Closures for Managing Fisheries
Authors: Chen Renfei , Hastings Alan
Published: April 2021

Marine reserves are becoming an increasingly important tool in fisheries management. Particularly for species with relatively sedentary adults, the basic approach taken is to permanently close areas to fishing which allows species to recover inside the reserve and export larvae outside the reserve which eventually can be harvested. Two key issues are insuring the movement of larvae outside the reserve to support fisheries and the sociological and economic impact of permanent closures. An alternative approach that deals with these issues is rotating spatial closures which have been implemented for some fisheries. What has been missing is a general analysis of the relative impact of permanent closures versus rotating closures on fisheries yield that could be used to provide general principles to guide management. Using a simplified model with clear assumptions, we show that the approach that provides a higher yield depends on both dispersal and the fraction of the coastline in marine reserves. With high larval retention and small rotational fraction rotating closures are superior and the optimal rate of rotation cannot be too slow or too fast. These results provide quantitative guidelines in cases where decisions must be made in the face of limited data as well as providing a framework for more detailed analyses in cases where more data is available.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Guided Pleural Biopsy Improves Diagnostic Confidence in Multidisciplinary Diagnosis of Pleural Lesions: A 3-year Prospective Study
Authors: Sun Wenwen , Zhou Yiming , Yang Cong , Dong Zhengwei , Zhang ZheMin , Wang Yin , Fan Lin
Published: April 2021

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and safety of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) guided biopsy in the diagnosis of pleural lesions.Method: A prospective study was conducted on patients with undiagnosed pleural lesions. Patients who met the inclusion criteria received pleural biopsy guided by CEUS to obtain specimens, followed by histomathological and etiological examinations. After treatment and follow-up, surgical thoracoscopy was performed for cases of undefinite diagnosis.Result: A total of 460 patients were finally included. CEUS showed internal necrosis in 72.17% cases and peripheral obvious vessels 55.43% cases , both of which were significantly higher than the conventional ultrasound imaged (P 0.00). The diagnostic accuracy through CEUS guided biopsy sampling was 98.91% (455/460). The etiological diagnostic yield achieved 88.82% (278/313) in infectious lesions. In 330 cases combined pleural effusion, CEUS guided biopsy increased the diagnostic yield from 60.30 % (199 /330 ) to 98.36 % (325 /330) in all cases (P 0.00）, from 15.56 % (14/90) to 94.44% (85/90) in malignant lesions ( P 0.00）and from 77.08 %（185/240）to 100%（240/240, P 0.00) in infectious lesions. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion: CEUS guided biopsy provides a minimally invasive、 effective and safe diagnostic biopsy method for pleural lesions.Clinical Trials Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000029749 ( ChiCTR, www.chictr.org.cn )
Morphological and Transcriptomic Analysis of Attenuated and Virulent Strains of Phytophthora Infestans
Authors: Liu Jiafang , Li Lei , wang yong , Yun Xingfu
Published: April 2021

Phytophthora infestans is a hemibiotroph oomycete that primarily infects tomato. In this study, the growth status and pathogenicity of attenuated and virulent strains of Phytophthora infestans were determined. Furthermore, RNA-seq technology was used to explore the differences in gene transcription levels between attenuated and virulent strains. Gene Ontology (GO) classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) obtained by sequencing, and the significant DEGs related to the growth and pathogenicity of the strains were screened from the significantly enriched pathways. The results revealed that compared with the virulent strain, the growth of the attenuated strain was inhibited, the structure of hyphae was destroyed, and the disease index was decreased. The differences in the growth status and disease index of the attenuated strain were related to changes in several metabolic pathways, and the DEGs in the metabolic pathways indicated alterations in the attenuated strain growth and pathogenicity. There were 2,651 DEGs in the attenuated strain, of which 1,086 were up-regulated and 1,565 were down-regulated. The inhibited growth of the attenuated strain was associated with accumulation of excessive glucose, decomposition of serine/glycine, and reduction of tryptophan synthesis. The reduced pathogenicity of the strain was associated with degradation of the cell wall and reduced formation of melanin and α-keto butyric acid. These results could offer insights into the mechanisms of attenuation of Phytophthora infestans.
Development and Initial Validation of a Novel Prognostic Model in Adult Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Patients: Experience From a Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Dongguang , Tong Xiang , Wang Lian , Zhang Wentao , Zhang Shijie , Zhang Tianli , Wang Qian , Fan Hong
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To describe the prognostic factors of adult patients diagnosed with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disease caused by excessive immune activation and uncontrolled cytokine storm, and to establish and initially validate the predictive value of a prognostic model.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 204 adult secondary HLH patients from January 2010 to December 2018 (the development cohort, n=161) and January 2019 to December 2020 (the validation cohort, n=43). All patients met ≥5 HLH-2004 criteria. Prognostic variables to death within three months at diagnosis were selected by logistic regression models, and performance of the predictive model was assessed in development and validation cohort, respectively.Results: Of all patients, malignancies were the most common trigger, accounting for 61.3%. Patients with poor prognosis showed lower hemoglobin (P<0.001), platelets (P<0.001), albumin (P=0.007) and fibrinogen (P=0.002), and higher levels of total bilirubin (P=0.007), LDH (P=0.033), BUN (P=0.006), and TG (P=0.015). Furthermore, patients with poor prognosis had a higher ISTH score (P<0.001). In the development cohort, a predictive model was established based on four variables (splenomegaly, hemoglobin, LDH and ISTH score) recognized by the multivariate logistic regression, with the cut-off value of 0.277 reaching a sensitivity of 87.7%, specificity of 49.0% and AUC of 0.731 (95%CI 0.651-0.810, P<0.001). Besides, the model could perform well in the validation cohort, with a sensitivity of 53.8%, specificity of 40.0% and accuracy of 44.2%.Conclusions: Our predictive model provides a possibility of forecasting the prognosis of adult patients within three months at diagnosis of secondary HLH, while more large sample, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical research are needed to confirm it.
Diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound elastography combined with rapid onsite cytological evaluation in endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration
Authors: Huang Jing , Lu Yuan , Wang Xihua , Zhu Xiaoli , Li Ping , Chen Jing , Chen Pinsheng , Ding Ming
Published: April 2021

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) elastography has been applied in EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) to identify malignant lymph nodes based on the tissue stiffness. Rapid onsite cytological evaluation (ROSE) has been widely used for onsite evaluation of the adequacy of the samples and guiding the sampling during EBUS-TBNA. The aim of the study is to investigate the diagnostic value of combined EBUS elastography and ROSE in evaluating of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes status.Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed from December 2018 to September 2020. Patients’ demographic, EBUS elastography score, ROSE, pathologic and clinical outcomes were collected. The EBUS elastography scores were classified as follows: Type 1, predominantly non-blue; Type 2, partially blue and partially non-blue; Type 3, predominantly blue. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio among EBUS elastography, ROSE, and EBUS combined with ROSE groups for evaluation of malignant lymph nodes.Results: A total of 247 patients (345 lymph nodes) were included in our study. The sensitivity and specificity of EBUS elastography group in the diagnosis of malignant lymph nodes were 90.51% and 57.26%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity in the ROSE alone group were 96.32% and 79.05%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of EBUS elastography combined with ROSE group were 86.61%, 92.65%, 11.78, and 0.14, respectively, and the area under curve was 0.942.Conclusions: The combination of EBUS elastography and ROSE significantly increased the diagnostic value of EBUS-TBNA in evaluating mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes status.