bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Hot Spot Sequencing of Uzbek Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Z Mirakbarova , S. H Turdikulova
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Carcinoma of lung is a widespread multifactorial disease with a poor prognosis. Uzbek lung cancer patients screening for prevalent mutations, associated with cancer development by targeted next generation sequencing was the main objective of current research. Materials and methods: Preparation of sequencing libraries was conducted using the Illumina Cancer Hot spot Panel v2 covering mutational hot spot regions of 50 cancer genes, from DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples of 10 patients. Sequencing was performed with the Mi Seq Next Generation Sequencing machine(NGS). Results: Hot spot mutations data analysis revealed clinically benign mutations in allstudied samples, with 70% having 3 or more mutations stored in the COSMIC database.According to ClinVarFGFR3 gene was associated with Crouzon syndrome with acanthosis nigricans, PDGFRA, EGFR and TP53 gene mutations were corellated with Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome, Lung cancer and Glioma susceptibility respectively.KIT and KDR gene mutations were, respectively, associated with Gastrointestinal stromal tumor and Hemangioma, capillary infantile. Synonymous variants in RET and HRAS genes, were associated congenital central hypoventilation and epidermal nevus syndrome respectively. EGFR gene mutations occurred exclusively in patients with adenocarcinoma G2. where as MET and BRAF mutations were identified in bronchioalveolar cancer samples. Conclusion. In conclusion, particular polymorphisms and mutations affect treatment response and the toxicity level among patients with lung cancer, undergoing chemotherapy. Variety of SNPs were reported to have impact on disease outcomes of those patients, therefore they should be validated in an independent population, prior to being adopted for pre-personalised therapy screening.
Anti-Obesity Properties of Calocybe Indica in Zebra fishes with Short-Term High-Fat Diet Induction
Authors: Nagaraj Anushree , Wilson Sarah Andrea , Vaidyanathan Lalitha
Published: April 2021

Obesity, a disease involved with complex health problems, is indicated by increased BMI, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Obese individuals are found to be highly susceptible to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,cardiovascular diseases, and also type 2 diabetes mellitus. Synthetic drugs used for treating obesity have been found to be associated with side effects such as anxiety,sleeplessness,hypertension, and drug addiction. Research on natural productspossessing therapeutic biological activitieshasdiscoveredtheir potential to minimize or even completely eliminate such side effects. Medicinal properties ofCalocybe indica include antidiabetic, hypertensive, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects; however, its anti-obesity activity is obscure.In this study, the anti-obesity effects of Calocybe indicawere investigated using a diet-induced obese Zebrafish modeland compared with standard drug Atorvastatin.Results show that 200µg of C. indica was able to effectively bring down triglyceride levels (12.5± 0 mg/ml; normal control 12.7 ± 0.7 mg/ml), cholesterol (210± 15.9 mg; normal control =70.4± 0)and HMG COA Reductase levels (0.9± 0.03; normal = 1.2 ± 0.01). Excessive fat accumulation in the liver (steatohepatitis) reduced after treatment with C. indica to a greater extent than by treatment with standard drug Atorvastatin. 100 µg of C. indica was found to be optimum in decreasing the levels of the liver enzymes, AST (177.1±5.7 IU/L; normal control =177.7±43.02 IU/l), ALT (365.5±2.9 IU/L; normal control= 355.5±34.4 IU/l), and ALP (2.3±1.1μmoles of phenol liberated/mg of protein/min; normal control = 0.7±1.2 μmoles of phenol liberated/mg of protein/min).Whole-body Oil Red O staining of the zebrafishes showed that with increasing concentration of C. indica, the accumulation of triglycerides and lipids decreased.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pharmacovigilance Among Nursing Staff in BGS GIMS Hospital
Authors: R. M Veena , L Kalpana , S. H Lavanya , V. D. Bharat Kumar , C. R Manasa
Published: April 2021

Background:To assess the knowledge, attitude andpractice (KAP) of pharmacovigilance (PV) and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting among nurses and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention for improving awareness of pharmacovigilance among nurses in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods:A predesigned structured KAP survey questionnaire was adapted from the previous studies,modified and validated internally in the department.Nursing staff working in all the departments of BGS GIMS College were included in the study. The KAP questionnaire was used to collect the data before and after an educational intervention. Results:A total of 77 nursing staffs were involved in pre-KAP and post- KAP survey questionnaire.The pre-test response rate was 25.3% for knowledge based questions, 55% for attitude and 24.67% for practice based questions. After educational intervention, the post-test response rate was 96.6% knowledge based questions, 84.4% for attitude and 78.24 % for practice based questions. The overall scores observed between pre-test and post-test were found to be statistically significant proving the effectiveness of educational intervention and improving the knowledge of pharma covigilance among nursing staff.Post educational intervention, nursing staff strongly agreed that pharmacovigilance (PV) should be trained in detail to all health care professionals and understood with the necessity of ADR reporting to the adverse drug monitoring centre (AMC) in our hospital run by department of pharmacology. Conclusions:This study proves that knowledge, attitude and practice of pharma covigilance and adverse drug reporting in routine practice can be improved by proper orientation and medical interventions.
A Comparative study on Efficacy of Lutein and Atorvastatin on Lipid Profile and Lipoprotein(A) in Hypercholesterolemic male Wistar Rats
Authors: Priyadharsini K Soundarya , Ramanna Mali Kalpana , L Somu , Prasad T Krishna
Published: April 2021

Background Hypercholesterolemia is the predominantfactor in developing atherosclerosis and myocardial diseases.A major contributor for the progression of atherosclerosis is abnormalities in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.Hence the objectives of the study was to estimatethe comparative efficacy of Lutein with atorvastatin on lipid profile and lipoprotein(a) and to estimate the histopahthological changes in hypercholesterolemic male wistar rats. Materials and Methods Experimental Wistar rats (male) were grouped into six. Each group contains 6 rats. Group I is control. Group II received cholesterol rich diet. Group III received cholesterol rich diet and the drug Atorvastatin 5mg/kg. Group IV received cholesterol rich diet and the drugLutein 25mg/kg. Group V received cholesterol rich diet and the drugLutein 50mg/kg. Group VI received cholesterol rich diet and the drug Lutein100mg/kg. At the end of 16 weeks, Blood samples from each rats was taken through retro-orbital puncture to evaluate serum lipoproteinsand lipoprotein(a) and thenwistar rats were sacrificed underinjection I.M Ketamine,Aortaand Liverwere dissected out and sent for histopathological studies. Results The plasma LDL, VLDL, Triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) levels were reduced in all lutein treated groups and atorvastatin treated group compared to high cholesterol diet group. A significant rise in HDL levels was noted in all Lutein treated groups and atorvastatin treated group. No statistically significant difference was seen between Atorvastatin 5mg/kg body weight and Lutein 100mg/kg body weight on reduction of total cholesterol.The efficacy of the drug Lutein in progression of atherosclerosis and its cytoprotective action in liver was proved in this study. Conclusion This study indicates that Lutein has effect onreducing plasma lipoproteins&the study had shown significant antiatherogenic effect.
Prediction of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep Behaviour Disorder using EEG Signal applied EMG1 and EMG2 Channel
Authors: Siddiqui Mohd Maroof , Jain Ruchin
Published: April 2021

This sleep disorder is reflected as the changes in the electrical activities and chemical activities in the brain that can be observed by capturing the brain signals and the images. In this research, Short Time-frequency analysis of Power Spectrum Density (STFAPSD) approach applied on Electroencephalogram (EEG) Signals for prediction of RBD sleep disorder. Collection of Electroencephalogram (EEG) of normal subjects & different type of sleep disordered subjects & application of signal processing on EEG data for development the algorithm for detection of sleep disorder and implementation in MATLAB.
Elution of rifampin and vancomycin from a weight-bearing silorane-based bone cement
Authors: Funk Grahmm August , Menuey Elizabeth M. , Ensminger William P. , Kilway Kathleen V. , McIff Terence E.
Published: April 2021

Aims

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based bone cements are the industry standard in orthopaedics. PMMA cement has inherent disadvantages, which has led to the development and evaluation of a novel silorane-based biomaterial (SBB) for use as an orthopaedic cement. In this study we test both elution and mechanical properties of both PMMA and SBB, with and without antibiotic loading.

Methods

For each cement (PMMA or SBB), three formulations were prepared (rifampin-added, vancomycin-added, and control) and made into pellets (6 mm × 12 mm) for testing. Antibiotic elution into phosphate-buffered saline was measured over 14 days. Compressive strength and modulus of all cement pellets were tested over 14 days.

Results

The SBB cement was able to deliver rifampin over 14 days, while PMMA was unable to do so. SBB released more vancomycin overall than did PMMA. The mechanical properties of PMMA were significantly reduced upon rifampin incorporation, while there was no effect to the SBB cement. Vancomycin incorporation had no effect on the strength of either cement.

Conclusion

SBB was found to be superior in terms of rifampin and vancomycin elution. Additionally, the incorporation of these antibiotics into SBB did not reduce the strength of the resultant SBB cement composite whereas rifampin substantially attenuates the strength of PMMA. Thus, SBB emerges as a potential weight-bearing alternative to PMMA for the local delivery of antibiotics. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(4):277–284.
Segregation of neuronal-vascular components in a retinal nerve fiber layer for thickness measurement using OCT and OCT angiography
Authors: Yow Ai Ping , Tan Bingyao , Chua Jacqueline , Husain Rahat , Schmetterer Leopold , Wong Damon
Published: April 2021

Assessment of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) provides crucial knowledge on the status of the optic nerve. Current circumpapillary RNFL measurements consider only thickness, but an accurate evaluation should also consider blood vessel contribution. Previous studies considered the presence of major vessels in RNFL thickness measurements from optical coherence tomography (OCT). However, such quantitative measurements do not account for smaller vessels, which could also affect circumpapillary RNFL measurements. We present an approach to automatically segregate the neuronal and vascular components in circumpapillary RNFL by combining vascular information from OCT angiography (OCTA) and structural data from OCT. Automated segmentation of the circumpapillary RNFL using a state-of-the-art deep learning network is first performed and followed by the lateral and depth-resolved localization of the vascular component by vertically projecting the vessels along the circular scan from OCTA vessels map onto the segmented RNFL. Using this proposed approach, we compare the correlations of circumpapillary RNFL thicknesses with age at different levels of vessel exclusion (exclusion of major vessels only vs both major- and micro-vessels) and also evaluate the thickness variability in 75 healthy eyes. Our results show that the ratio of major- and micro-vessels to circumpapillary RNFL achieved a stronger correlation with aging (r = 0.478, P < .001) than the ratio with only major vessels to circumpapillary RNFL (r = 0.027, P = .820). Exclusion of blood vessels from circumpapillary RNFL thickness using OCTA imaging provides a better measure of the neuronal components and could potentially improve the diagnostic performance for disease detection.
Hydrophobin HGFI assisted immunobiologic sensor based on a cascaded taper integrated ultra-long-period fiber grating
Authors: Song Binbin , Jin Chang , Wang Bo , Wu Jixuan , Liu Bo , Lin Wei , Huang Wei , Duan Shaoxiang , Qiao Mingqiang
Published: April 2021

A new type of cascaded taper integrated ultra-long-period fiber grating (ULPFG) based immunobiologic sensor has been developed that benefits from the self-assembled monolayer of class I hydrophobin HGFI. Due to the cascaded arc, discharge tapers constitute an ultra-long-period and circular symmetrical refractive index modulation along fiber axial direction, and by local integration in one period, the mode coupling would generate to the higher harmonic of LP02, LP03 and LP04 modes in the wavelength range from 1300 nm to 1620 nm. The hydrophobic characteristic of the ULPFG surface is modified employing the HGFI, and the antibody molecule probes could be absorbed strongly on the HGFI nano-film, furthermore, the performances of immunobiologic sensing are investigated employing multiple control groups of matched and mismatched antigen molecule targets. The results show that it possesses higher sensing sensitivity of 4.5 nm/(µg/ml), faster response time about of 35 min, lower stability error of 8.8%, and excellent immuno-specificity. Moreover, this proposed ULPFG sensor has the advantages of low cost, simple fabrication and label-free, which is a powerful tool in the trace biomedical detection field.
Predictions of resonant mode characteristics for terahertz quantum cascade lasers with distributed feedback utilizing machine learning
Authors: Tang Ping , Chi Xiaomei , Chen Bo , Wu Chongzhao
Published: April 2021

Terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs) are the most powerful solid-state THz sources so far and THz QCLs with various distributed feedback (DFB) gratings have demonstrated single-mode emission, collimated beam, frequency tunability and high output power. Resonant mode characteristics of THz QCLs with DFB, including frequency, loss and electric-field distributions, are important for waveguide analysis, fabrication and indication of THz QCLs’ radiative performance. Typically, predictions of these characteristics rely on numerical simulations. However, traditional numerical simulations demand a large amount of running time and computing resources, and have to deal with the trade-off between accuracy and efficiency. In this work, machine learning models are designed to predict resonant mode characteristics of THz QCLs with first-order, second-order, third-order DFB and antenna-feedback waveguides according to the four input structural parameters, i.e. grating period, total length of waveguide, duty cycle of grating and length of highly-doped contact layer. The machine learning models are composed of a multi-layer perceptron for predictions of frequency and loss, and an up-sampling convolutional neural network for predictions of electric-field distribution of the lowest-loss mode, respectively. A detailed study on more than 1000 samples shows high accuracy and efficiency of the proposed models, with Pearson correlation coefficients over 0.99 for predictions of lasing frequency and loss, median peak signal-to-noise ratios over 33.74dB for predictions of electric-field distribution, and the required time of prediction is within several seconds. Moreover, the designed models are widely applicable to various DFB structures for THz QCLs. Resonators with graded photonic heterostructures and novel phase-locked arrays are accurately predicted as examples.
Hydrostatic pressure effect of photocarrier dynamics in GaAs probed by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Shujuan , Huang Dajian , Liu Zheng , Zhang Kai , Jiang Huachao , Gou Huiyang , Zeng Zhi , Wang Tianwu , Su Fuhai
Published: April 2021

Pressure effects on photocarrier dynamics such as interband relaxations and intraband cooling in GaAs have been investigated using in situ time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy with a diamond anvil cell. The interband photocarrier lifetime significantly decreases by nearly two orders of magnitude as the external hydrostatic pressure is increased up to 10 GPa. Considerable pressure tuning for the intervalley scattering processes has also been observed, and the time constants under different pressures are extracted based on the three-state rate model. This work provides new perspectives on tailoring nonequilibrium carrier dynamics in semiconductors using hydrostatic pressure and may serve as the impetus for the development of high-pressure terahertz spectroscopy.
Opal-based terahertz optical elements fabricated by self-assembly of porous SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Ulitko V. E. , Katyba G. M. , Zhelnov V. A. , Shmytko I. M. , Emelchenko G. A. , Spector I. E. , Masalov V. M. , Kurlov V. N. , Zaytsev K. I. , Skorobogatiy M.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we study artificial opals as a promising material platform for terahertz (THz) optics. Materials were synthesized using self-assembly of porous SiO2 nanoparticles and annealing at different temperatures to further tune their optical properties. Two distinct approaches for the fabrication of bulk THz optics from these novel materials were considered. First, THz cylindrical lenses of identical geometry but different refractive indices and focal lengths were produced using standard mechanical processing of opals, in order to highlight their compatibility with conventional technologies of bulk optics fabrication. Second, a THz axicone was made via direct sedimentation of aqueous colloidal suspension of SiO2 nanoparticles in the mold of geometry inverse to that of a desired optical shape, followed by annealing and polishing. The second approach has an advantage of being considerably less labor intensive, while capable of obtaining optical elements of complex geometries. Thus fabricated bulk THz optical elements were studied experimentally using continuous-wave THz imaging, and the results were compared with 2D and 3D numerical predictions based on the finite-difference time-domain and finite-element frequency-domain methods. Our findings highlight technological robustness of the developed THz optical material platform and, thus, open the door for creating a variety of bulk THz optical elements of complex shapes and widely-tunable optical performance.
Temporal visualization of femtosecond laser pulses with single-edge transport in turbid media via Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Ren Yuhu , Jian Jimo , Tan Wenjiang , Wang Jing , Chen Tao , Xia Wei
Published: April 2021

We study the propagation of femtosecond laser pulses with a single (front or rear) edge or dual edge through turbid media via Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that both the transmitted pulses spread on the basis of the incident pulse width

t

p

=

100

f
s

, arising from the scattering effect. Further, the broadening width of the incident laser with a dual-edge pulse is wider than that of the incident laser width a single-edge pulse. The effect of the scattering particles on the front edge and the rear edge of the femtosecond laser can be distinguished in the time domain for femtosecond laser pulses through turbid media with the optical depth (OD) less than 10. In this scattering regime, the front-edge pulse scattered by the particles contributes more to diffused photons, but the effect of the scattering particles on the front edge and the rear edge of the femtosecond laser cannot be discriminated in turbid media with the OD more than 10, where the scattering is dominated by multiple scattering.
Serological test performance for bovine tuberculosis in cattle from herds with evidence of on-going infection in Northern Ireland
Authors: McCallan Lyanne , Brooks Cathy , Barry Claire , Couzens Catherine , Young Fiona J. , McNair Jim , Byrne Andrew W.
Published: April 2021

The ability to accurately identify infected hosts is the cornerstone of effective disease control and eradication programs. In the case of bovine tuberculosis, accurately identifying infected individual animals has been challenging as all available tests exhibit limited discriminatory ability. Here we assess the utility of two serological tests (IDEXX Mycobacterium bovis Ab test and Enfer multiplex antibody assay) and assess their performance relative to skin test (Single Intradermal Comparative Cervical Tuberculin; SICCT), gamma-interferon (IFNγ) and post-mortem results in a Northern Ireland setting. Furthermore, we describe a case-study where one test was used in conjunction with statutory testing. Serological tests using samples taken prior to SICCT disclosed low proportions of animals as test positive (mean 3% positive), despite the cohort having high proportions with positive SICCT test under standard interpretation (121/921; 13%) or IFNγ (365/922; 40%) results. Furthermore, for animals with a post-mortem record (n = 286), there was a high proportion with TB visible lesions (27%) or with laboratory confirmed infection (25%). As a result, apparent sensitivities within this cohort was very low (≤15%), however the tests succeeded in achieving very high specificities (96–100%). During the case-study, 7/670 (1.04%) samples from SICCT negative animals from a large chronically infected herd were serology positive, with a further 17 animals being borderline positive (17/670; 2.54%). Nine of the borderline animals were voluntarily removed, none of which were found to be infected post-mortem (no lesions/bacteriology negative). One serology test negative animal was subsequently found to have lesions at slaughter with M. bovis confirmed in the laboratory.
Relative snowpack response to elevation, temperature and precipitation in the Crown of the Continent region of North America 1980-2013
Authors: Broberg Len
Published: April 2021

Water availability in western Canada and the United States is dependent on the accumulation of snowpack in the montane regions and threatened by increased winter temperature and more precipitation as rain linked to climate change. In order to make reasoned decisions to adapt to climate change managers require knowledge of the role of temperature and precipitation in SWE development and data to distinguish the relative retention response of snowpack regions to expected temperature and precipitation regime shifts at the watershed scale. Using the Daymet interpolated 1 km2 dataset, effects of elevation, temperature (Tmax, Tmin and Tavg) and precipitation on April 1 SWE in the Crown of the Continent were tested by linear regression and Kendall correlation. Changes in Daymet estimated snow water equivalent (SWE) in response to increased temperatures and changes in precipitation were estimated in two ways: 1) comparing April 1SWE in the 11 warmest (mean Tmax February) and driest (mean precipitation January to March) years with the 22 cooler/wetter years 1981–2013 and 2) SWE retention from April 1 to June 1 over the period 1980 to 2013 across 120 watersheds in a major continental headwater region, the Crown of the Continent of North America. Historical analysis of period warm year April 1 SWE was assumed to indicate the recent impact of warmer winter temperatures. Changes in snowpack April 1 to June 1 reflected likely effects on peak runoff and were, therefore, also relevant for future climate change adaptation considerations. Winter (JFM) precipitation proved more influential than temperature in shaping April 1 SWE response at the regional scale. Of the three factors, elevation was most positively associated with April 1 SWE at the watershed scale. Temperature and precipitation influenced SWE accumulation and persistence at the watershed scale, but higher precipitation was more closely associated with higher April 1 SWE retention. Ranking of watershed snowpack retention in warm and dry years, combined with spring snowpack retention offers data to assist identification of watersheds with greatest snowpack persistence in the face of anticipated climate change effects.
Modelling the inhibitors of cold supply chain using fuzzy interpretive structural modeling and fuzzy MICMAC analysis
Authors: Sharma Anshuman , Abbas Haidar , Siddiqui Muhammad Qutubuddin
Published: April 2021

The Cold Supply Chain (CSC) is an integral part of the supply chain of perishable products. The aim of this research is to examine the inhibitors that have a major impact on the performance of CSC operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study provides a synthesis and suggests a hierarchical model among CSC inhibitors and their respective relevance. The hierarchical synthesis of twelve (12) primary CSC inhibitors is achieved through a comprehensive literature review and consultation with academics and CSC professionals. This study used semi-structured interviews, a fuzzy interpretive structural modeling (FISM) and a Fuzzy-MICMAC (FMICMAC) analysis to explore and establish the relationship between and among identified inhibitors. FISM is used to examine the interaction between inhibitors, while FMICMAC analysis is used to examine the nature of inhibitors on the basis of their dependence and driving power. The results of the FISM and FMICMAC analysis show the inter-relationships and relative dominance of identified inhibitors. The results show that some inhibitors are of high strategic importance due to their high driving power and low dependence. These inhibitors seek more management attention in order to improve their effectiveness. The result of a hierarchical model helps to understand the influence of a particular inhibitor on others. ‘Higher capital and operating costs’ occupy the highest level in the FISM model. The ‘fragmented cold supply chains’, ‘lack of skilled labor’, ‘inadequate information system infrastructure’ and ‘lack of commitment by top level management’ had strong driving power but weak dependence, which characterizes them as independent inhibitors. Management should be extra careful when dealing with these inhibitors as they influence the effects of other variables at the top of the FISM hierarchy in the overall management of the cold supply chain. The study also suggests a number of recommendations for addressing these inhibitors in cold supply chains operating in the UAE. With due attention and care for these inhibitors, the operation of the cold supply chains is likely to be even more successful.
Low risk of SARS-CoV-2 in blood transfusion
Authors: Owusu Michael , Sylverken Augustina Angelina , El-Duah Philip , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Yeboah Richmond , Adu Eric , Asamoah Jesse , Frimpong Michael , Senyo Japhet , Acheampong Godfred , Mutocheluh Mohamed , Amuasi John , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw , Phillips Richard Odame
Published: April 2021

Background

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to remain a global challenge. There is emerging evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus found in the blood of patients from China and some developed countries. However, there is inadequate data reported in Ghana and other parts of Africa, where blood transfusion service heavily relies on voluntary and replacement blood donors. This study aimed to investigate whether plasma of infected individuals could pose significant transfusion transmitted risk of COVID-19 in Ghanaian populations.

Methods

This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine (KCCR), KNUST, Ghana. Study subjects comprised contacts of COVID-19 individuals, those with classical symptoms of COVID-19 and individuals who had recovered based on the new Ghana discharge criteria. Whole blood, sputum or deep coughed saliva samples were collected and transported to KCCR for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Viral nucleic acid was extracted from sputum/nasopharyngeal samples using Da An Gene column based kit and from plasma using LBP nucleic acid extraction kit. Real-Time PCR was performed specifically targeting the ORF1ab and Nucleocapsid (N) genomic regions of the virus.

Results

A total of 97 individuals were recruited into the study, with more than half being males (58; 59.7%). The mean age of all subjects was 33 years (SD = 7.7) with minimum being 22 years and maximum 56 years. Majority (76; 78.4%) of all the subjects were asymptomatic, and among the few symptomatic subjects, cough (10; 10.3%) was the most predominant symptom. Of the 97 sputum samples tested, 79 (81.4%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. We identified SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in the plasma of 1 (1.03%) subject who had clinically recovered.

Conclusion

This study reports the identification of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in a convalescent individual in Ghana. Due to the low prevalence observed and the marginal cycling thresholds associated, the risk of transfusion transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is negligible. Well-powered studies and advanced diagnostics to determine infectious viremia is recommended to further evaluate the potential risk of hematogenous transmission among recovered patients.
Molecular phylogeny and species delimitation of the genus Tonkinacris (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae) from China
Authors: Wang Haojie , Jiang Bing , Gu Jingxiao , Wei Tao , Lin Liliang , Huang Yuan , Liang Dan , Huang Jianhua
Published: April 2021

Tonkinacrisis a small group in Acrididae. While a few species were occasionally sampled in some previous molecular studies, there is no revisionary research devoted to the genus. In this study, we explored the phylogeny of and the relationships among Chinese species of the genusTonkinacrisusing the mitochondrialCOIbarcode and the complete sequences ofITS1andITS2of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. The phylogeny was reconstructed in maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference frameworks, respectively. The overlap range between intraspecific variation and interspecific divergence was assessed via K2P distances. Species boundaries were delimitated using phylogenetic species concept, NJ tree, K2P distance, the statistical parsimony network as well as the GMYC model. The results demonstrate that the ChineseTonkinacrisspecies is a monophyletic group and the phylogenetic relationship among them is (T.sinensis, (T.meridionalis, (T.decoratus,T.damingshanus))). WhileT.sinensis,T.meridionalisandT.decoratuswere confirmed being good independent species strongly supported by both morphological and molecular evidences, the validity ofT.damingshanuswas not perfectly supported by molecular evidence in this study.
Puerarin dry powder inhaler formulations for pulmonary delivery: Development and characterization
Authors: Rashid Md Abdur , Muneer Saiqa , Wang Tony , Alhamhoom Yahya , Rintoul Llew , Izake Emad L. , Islam Nazrul
Published: April 2021

This study aims at developing and characterizing the puerarin dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations for pulmonary delivery. The inhalable particles size (<2 μm) was accomplished by micronization and its morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The puerarin-excipient interaction in powder mixtures was analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman confocal microscopy, X-Ray powder Diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. Using a Twin stage impinger (TSI), the in-vitro aerosolization of the powder formulations was carried out at a flow rate of 60 L/min and the drug was quantified by employing a validated HPLC method. No significant interactions between the drug and the excipients were observed in the powder formulations. The fine particle fraction (FPF) of the drug alone was 4.2% which has increased five to six-fold for the formulations with aerosolization enhancers. Formulation containing lactose as large carriers produced 32.7% FPF, which further increased with the addition of dispersibility enhancers, leucine and magnesium stearate (40.8% and 41.2%, respectively). The Raman and FTIR techniques are very useful tool for understanding structural integrity and stability of the puerarin in the powder formulations. The puerarin was found to be compatible with the excipients used and the developed DPI formulation may be considered as an efficient formulation for pulmonary delivery for the management of various diseases at a very low dose.
Effect of aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system regulation with treadmill exercise-induced stress among adolescents
Authors: Lin Pin-Hsuan , Lin Yuan-Ping , Chen Kai-Li , Yang Shang-Yu , Shih Yin-Hwa , Wang Po-Yu
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Stress is a major health issue in adolescents owing to the important transitions experienced during this period. Aromatherapy is an effective method for the reduction of stress in adolescents.

Purpose

The aims of this study were to examine the effect of aromatherapy on the regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) along with stress relief and to explore the effect of aromatherapy on adolescents with different levels of stress.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study comprised three types of treatments: control (no essential oil), pure essential oil therapy (sandalwood), and blended essential oil therapy (sandalwood-lavender). The heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated to evaluate the post-exercise recovery of the ANS to the baseline level in the recruited adolescents. To examine the efficiency of aromatherapy, Friedman test was used to assess the significance of difference in all parameters (i.e., mean heart rate, SDNN, normalized LF, normalized HF, and LF/HF) between baseline and after exercise among the three treatment conditions.

Results

The participants comprised 43 junior college students (8 males and 35 females) with a mean age of 18.21 ± 0.99. Significant differences in changes of two HRV parameters (normalized LF and LF/HF) were associated with both essential oil therapies compared to those in the control group (p<0.05), and one more HRV parameter (normalized HF) exhibited significant difference related to blended essential oil therapy compared to that of the control group. Besides, changes in two HRV parameters (mean heart rate and normalized HF) of both essential oil therapies in the low level stress subgroup showed significant differences compared to those of the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that aromatherapy could be used for ANS regulation with stress-relieving effects in adolescents. The participants with a low stress level appeared to respond better to the blended essential oil therapy, whereas those with medium to high levels of stress appeared to respond poorly to aromatherapy compared to the control.
Lack of collagen α6(IV) chain in mice does not cause severe-to-profound hearing loss or cochlear malformation, a distinct phenotype from nonsyndromic hearing loss with COL4A6 missense mutation
Authors: Tang Shaoying , Yonezawa Tomoko , Maeda Yukihide , Ono Mitsuaki , Maeba Takahiro , Miyoshi Toru , Momota Ryusuke , Tomono Yasuko , Oohashi Toshitaka
Published: April 2021

Congenital hearing loss affects 1 in every 1000 births, with genetic mutations contributing to more than 50% of all cases. X-linked nonsyndromic hereditary hearing loss is associated with six loci (DFNX1-6) and five genes. Recently, the missense mutation (c.1771G>A, p.Gly591Ser) inCOL4A6, encoding the basement membrane (BM) collagen α6(IV) chain, was shown to be associated with X-linked congenital nonsyndromic hearing loss with cochlear malformation. However, the mechanism by which theCOL4A6mutation impacts hereditary hearing loss has not yet been elucidated. Herein, we investigatedCol4a6knockout (KO) effects on hearing function and cochlear formation in mice. Immunohistochemistry showed that the collagen α6(IV) chain was distributed throughout the mouse cochlea within subepithelial BMs underlying the interdental cells, inner sulcus cells, basilar membrane, outer sulcus cells, root cells, Reissner’s membrane, and perivascular BMs in the spiral limbus, spiral ligament, and stria vascularis. However, the click-evoked auditory brainstem response analysis did not show significant changes in the hearing threshold ofCol4a6KO mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice with the same genetic background. In addition, the cochlear structures ofCol4a6KO mice did not exhibit morphological alterations, according to the results of high-resolution micro-computed tomography and histology. Hence, loss ofCol4a6gene expression in mice showed normal click ABR thresholds and normal cochlear formation, which differs from humans with theCOL4A6missense mutation c.1771G>A, p.Gly591Ser. Therefore, the deleterious effects in the auditory system caused by the missense mutation inCOL4A6are likely due to the dominant-negative effects of the α6(IV) chain and/or α5α6α5(IV) heterotrimer with an aberrant structure that would not occur in cases with loss of gene expression.
Flexibility of equine bioenergetics and muscle plasticity in response to different types of training: An integrative approach, questioning existing paradigms
Authors: de Meeûs d’Argenteuil Constance , Boshuizen Berit , Oosterlinck Maarten , van de Winkel Don , De Spiegelaere Ward , de Bruijn Cornelis Marinus , Goethals Klara , Vanderperren Katrien , Delesalle Cathérine John Ghislaine
Published: April 2021

Equine bioenergetics have predominantly been studied focusing on glycogen and fatty acids. Combining omics with conventional techniques allows for an integrative approach to broadly explore and identify important biomolecules. Friesian horses were aquatrained (n = 5) or dry treadmill trained (n = 7) (8 weeks) and monitored for: evolution of muscle diameter in response to aquatraining and dry treadmill training, fiber type composition and fiber cross-sectional area of the M. pectoralis, M. vastus lateralis and M. semitendinosus and untargeted metabolomics of the M. pectoralis and M. vastus lateralis in response to dry treadmill training. Aquatraining was superior to dry treadmill training to increase muscle diameter in the hindquarters, with maximum effect after 4 weeks. After dry treadmill training, the M. pectoralis showed increased muscle diameter, more type I fibers, decreased fiber mean cross sectional area, and an upregulated oxidative metabolic profile: increased β-oxidation (key metabolites: decreased long chain fatty acids and increased long chain acylcarnitines), TCA activity (intermediates including succinyl-carnitine and 2-methylcitrate), amino acid metabolism (glutamine, aromatic amino acids, serine, urea cycle metabolites such as proline, arginine and ornithine) and xenobiotic metabolism (especially p-cresol glucuronide). The M. vastus lateralis expanded its fast twitch profile, with decreased muscle diameter, type I fibers and an upregulation of glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway activity, and increased branched-chain and aromatic amino acid metabolism (cis-urocanate, carnosine, homocarnosine, tyrosine, tryptophan, p-cresol-glucuronide, serine, methionine, cysteine, proline and ornithine). Trained Friesians showed increased collagen and elastin turn-over. Results show that branched-chain amino acids, aromatic amino acids and microbiome-derived xenobiotics need further study in horses. They feed the TCA cycle at steps further downstream from acetyl CoA and most likely, they are oxidized in type IIA fibers, the predominant fiber type of the horse. These study results underline the importance of reviewing existing paradigms on equine bioenergetics.
Breast lesion detection through MammoWave device: Empirical detection capability assessment of microwave images’ parameters
Authors: Sani Lorenzo , Vispa Alessandro , Loretoni Riccardo , Duranti Michele , Ghavami Navid , Alvarez Sánchez-Bayuela Daniel , Caschera Stefano , Paoli Martina , Bigotti Alessandra , Badia Mario , Scorsipa Michele , Raspa Giovanni , Ghavami Mohammad , Tiberi Gianluigi
Published: April 2021

MammoWave is a microwave imaging device for breast lesions detection, which operates using two (azimuthally rotating) antennas without any matching liquid. Images, subsequently obtained by resorting to Huygens Principle, are intensity maps, representing the homogeneity of tissues’ dielectric properties. In this paper, we propose to generate, for each breast, a set of conductivity weighted microwave images by using different values of conductivity in the Huygens Principle imaging algorithm. Next, microwave images’ parameters, i.e. features, are introduced to quantify the non-homogenous behaviour of the image. We empirically verify on 103 breasts that a selection of these features may allow distinction between breasts with no radiological finding (NF) and breasts with radiological findings (WF), i.e. with lesions which may be benign or malignant. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. We obtained single features Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curves (AUCs) spanning from 0.65 to 0.69. In addition, an empirical rule-of-thumb allowing breast assessment is introduced using a binary score S operating on an appropriate combination of features. Performances of such rule-of-thumb are evaluated empirically, obtaining a sensitivity of 74%, which increases to 82% when considering dense breasts only.
JAN SOKOL'S APPROACH TO THE RENEWAL OF MONUMENTS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON HIS ACTIVITIES AT PRAGUE CASTLE
Authors: Šnorbert Martin
Published: April 2021

This contribution deals with the approach of the architect Jan Sokol to the renovation of monuments within his architectural work. Close attention is paid to the biographical part, as it describes the development of the architect's relation to the history of art and cultural heritage of previous generations. Personalities who influenced him during his studies, but also during architectural practice, are mentioned. It also captures the period when Sokol worked as an employee in a state studio which was focused on the preservation and restoration of monuments. Subsequently, selected buildings and projects designed by this architect in the field of historic preservation are discussed. Of these, the most emphasized are the projects which were created for the area of Prague Castle. To understand these projects, the preserved texts, plans and ideas of the author are used. Unfortunately, many of the discussed projects were not implemented, but they are very valuable in their thought form. And this is one of the reasons why this article iss written, it tries to show the quality of Sokol's projects. Furthermore, the purpose is to point out the personality of the architect, who has not been fully appreciated yet, nevertheless he has inspired several of his students and other architects. In conclusion, it is pointed out that the Sokol's discussed approach was based on a deep knowledge of the construction of the historical buildings and history of art, and that led him to approach to these buildings with a certain humbleness. It is further stated that the architect Jan Sokol was a generally gifted author with an overlap into fields areas.
SEISMIC MITIGATION EFFICIENCY STUDY OF THE COUPLING BEAM DAMPER IN THE SHEAR WALL STRUCTURE
Authors: Huang Xin
Published: April 2021

Coupling beam damper can be easily repaired in the post-earthquake, which can dissipate the seismic energy of the structure in the earthquake action. In this paper, the seismic mitigation efficiency of the coupling beam damper in the shear wall structure is analysed by using the fast nonlinear analysis method. Meanwhile, the effect of the layout location and number of the coupling beam dampers on the seismic mitigation efficiency of the structure are studied. Finally, the effect of the performance parameter of the coupling beam damper on the seismic mitigation efficiency is also analysed. The results indicate that: the story shear force and the drift angle of the shear wall structure can be effectively decreased because of the coupling beam damper, and the maximum decreased amplification of the story drift angle and base shear force can reach up to 16.7% and 8.8% respectively. Relating to the decreased amplification of the base shear force, the decreased amplification of the story drift angle of the structure with coupling beam damper is obvious. The coupling beam damper installed in the upper part of the structure is more economical, because the deformation of the structural coupling beam is mainly concentrated in the upper part of the structure. To ensure economic of the structure with damper, the reasonable coupling damper performance parameter should be determinate according to the dynamic response of the shear wall structure in the earthquake action. The above research work can provide guidance for the seismic design of the shear wall structure.
THE SEISMIC BEHAVIOR OF BURIED SEABED WALLS IN LIQUEFACTION SOIL
Authors: Royaei Javad , Sadeghi Kabir
Published: April 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the seismic behavior of enclosed seawater walls, the buried site of which lies in liquefaction soil. An experimental specimen was manufactured and tested on the seismic table, and a numerical study was also modeled in the ABAQUS software based on the experimental outcomes. In both the experimental and numerical studies, a susceptible liquefaction layer around the root of the wall was considered due to the root lean soil leakage and large lateral pressure, and the soil behind the root caused the failure of the buried section. According to the results, the lateral movement significantly decreased due to the backing effect of this layer on the buried section of the wall. Furthermore, an active wedge was formed from the buried side to the back of the containment, and the braces were overwhelming due to the presence of the locks in the wedge and their movement along with the wedge. The displacement of the crown and foot of the wall decreased with the increased base acceleration and higher frequency of the entrance movement.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE MECHANICAL AND DEFORMATION PROPERTIES OF PIPE AND SOIL IN RECTANGULAR PIPE JACKING CONSTRUCTION WITH CONTROLLABLE CEMENT GROUTING TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Tang Jun , Li Shengcai
Published: April 2021

Based on the utility tunnel project of Chengbei Road in Suzhou, the experimental study on the mechanical and deformation properties of pipe and soil in rectangular pipe jacking construction with controllable cement grouting drag reduction technology is carried out. Based on the monitoring and analysis of pipe and soil stress and deformation of pipe joints during pipe jacking, the relevant theoretical model is established and the finite element simulation is carried out to experimentally study and compare the stress and deformation of pipe and soil in rectangular pipe jacking construction with controllable cement grouting drag reduction technology. The results show that the controllable cement grouting drag reduction technology has a significant effect on the pipe and soil stress in rectangular pipe jacking, which reduces pipe-soil interaction forces effectively, and improves the overall safety of pipe jacking construction.