bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A laboratory scale IoT-based measuring of the solar photovoltaic parameters
Authors: Subrata Arsyad Cahya , Sutikno Tole , Sunardi Sunardi , Pamungkas Anggit , Arsadiando Watra , Cahya Baswara Ahmad Raditya
Published: June 2022

Harvesting solar energy as a renewable energy source has received significant attention through serious studies that could be applied massively. However, the nonlinear nature of photovoltaic (PV) concerning the surrounding environment, especially irradiation and temperature, affects the resulting output. Therefore, the correlation between environmental parameters and PV's energy needs to be studied. This paper presents a design for measuring solar PV parameters monitored on a laboratory scale. The monitoring is based on internet of things (IoT) technology analyzed in realtime. The system was tested in various weather conditions for 18 hours. The results obtained indicate that the output voltage was influenced by the lighting factor of the PV and the surrounding temperature.
Features measurement analysis of pull-in voltage for embedded MEMS
Authors: Baghdadi Hajar , Lamhamdi Mohamed , Rhofir Karim
Published: June 2022

The embedded micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) is a technology that is creating a new era in all fields and especially in the internet of things (IoT) field. MEMS are necessary components for the realization of tiny micro/nano circuits. For this reason, designers are facing many challenges in designing embedded MEMS for achieving efficient products. The pull-in voltage is one of the most important parameters of MEMS design. In this work, we are interested in the analysis of some geometrical and mechanical parameters for the pull-in. The objective is to study of the concept of pull-in voltage in order to reduce it. First, we made a simulation to choose the appropriate material achieving a lower pull-in voltage. Then, we analysed the impact of geometrical parameters on the pull-in voltage. In this work, Finite element method using COMSOL Multiphysics® software is employed to compute the Pull-in voltage and study the behaviour of the MEMS Switch in order to optimize it. Pull-in voltage can be reduced by careful selection of the cantilever material and it can be further reduced by changing the beam parameters.
Successive cancellation decoding of polar codes using new hybrid processing element
Authors: James Sujanth Roy , Gopalakrishnan Lakshminarayanan
Published: June 2022

Polar codes are one of the best linear block codes that are capacity achieving and incorporating along with it a simplified encoding and decoding routines. Successive cancellation (SC) algorithm is one of the predominantly used decoding algorithms due to its low complexity. It has broad scopes for hardware architecture design and reformulation. For polar code, the trade-off among the long latency and the silicon area of the SC algorithm is a bottleneck for the design of a high throughput polar decoder. The available prior SC polar decoder designs have higher area requirements for higher block length. This paper introduces a unique reformulation of the processing element (PE) block of SC decoding. The proposed reformulation leads to two benefits: firstly, critical path and hardware complexity of the PE are meaningfully reduced by using a unified adder block. Secondly, the silicon area requirement and the power consumption were also reduced considerably without any loss in performance. The proposed PE is used to build the decoder for various block lengths. Moreover, a Gate-level analysis of the proposed decoder has revealed that the design attains an 18% area reduction and 38% reduction in power consumption over the conventional one with similar performance.
CEAZA mega board: an open-source data logger for scientists
Authors: Gallardo Adrian , Orrego Nelson Cristian , MacDonell Shelley
Published: June 2022

Over the last decade many researchers have taken advantage of the technology boom related to the launch of the Arduino platform to make their own datalogging devices. Many of these developments ended with the first functional prototypes in which multiple electronic boards are mixed by wiring/soldering and then used in datalogging activities. In this study we present a new, simple, robust, and expandable datalogger board based on maker’s community integrations. Our datalogger board extends previous work in this area as we designed an Arduino Mega 2560 derivative integrated board that is compatible with existing developments but was also designed and implemented considering requirements such as low power consumption, expandability, and integration. Different tests were made so reliability in low temperatures and low energy needs are satisfied. Is expected that the scientific community can add this board to their tool set, as this board solves the energy problem and present an easy transition from handmade logger integrations.
IoT based E-vehicle monitoring system using sensors and imaging processing algorithm
Authors: Alagarsamy Manjunathan , Kasinathan Prabakaran , Manickam Geethalakshmi , Duruvarajan Prabu Ragavendiran , Sakkarai Jeevitha , Suriyan Kannadhasan
Published: June 2022

Human evolution has included the development of transportation systems. People are currently driving a significant number of fuel-powered automobiles. This resulted in an increase in the number of accidents as well as pollution in the environment. To address the disadvantages of gasolinebased vehicles, this study presents an IoT-based E-vehicle monitoring system (E-VMS) for early accident detection and to make the environment cleaner and greener by using alternative energy. E-VMS employs internet of things (IoT) technology to continuously monitor the vehicle as well as to access and control it remotely. The IoT devices installed in vehicles are built using an Arduino microcontroller and sensors to detect accidents quickly. When an accident occurs, the E-VMS recognizes it quickly and determines the severity of the incident. The machine will then promptly alert the authorities. The E-VMS is also familiar with the GPS system. This will allow the E-VMS to maintain track of the cars' location in real time. This information will be used to locate the car in the event of an accident or theft. The E-VMS system's results were promising in terms of accurately identifying accidents, determining the severity of the accident, and determining the position of the vehicle.
Calibration
Authors: Franklin Allan
Published: June 2022

Calibration, the use of a surrogate signal to standardize an instrument, is an important strategy for the establishment of the validity of an experimental result. In this paper, I present several examples, typical of physics experiments, that illustrate the adequacy of the surrogate. In addition, I discuss several episodes in which the question of calibration is both difficult to answer and of paramount importance. These episodes include early attempts to detect gravity waves, the question of the existence of a 17–keV neutrino, and the question of the existence of a Fifth Force in gravity. I argue that in these more complex cases, the adequacy of calibration, in an extended sense, was both considered and established.
Accelerated Neutral Atom Beam (ANAB) Modified Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone for Increasing In Vitro Bone Cell Functions and Reducing Bacteria Colonization Without Drugs or Antibiotics
Authors: Webster Thomas J. , Shallenberger Jeffrey R. , Edelman Elazer R. , Khoury Joseph
Published: June 2022

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) has become the spinal implant material of choice due to its radiolucency, low elastic modulus, manufacturability, and mechanical durability. However, studies have highlighted less that optimal cytocompatibility properties of conventional PEEK leading to
decreased bone growth and/or extensive bacteria infection. In order to improve the surface properties of PEEK for orthopedic applications, here, Accelerated Neutral Atom Beam (ANAB) technology was used to modify PEEK and such samples were tested In Vitro for osteoblast (bone-forming
cell) functions and bacterial colonization. Results showed significantly improved osteoblast responses (such as deposition of calcium containing mineral as well as alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and osteonectin synthesis) on ANAB modified PEEK compared to controls due to optimized
surface energy from nanostructured features and greater exposure of PEEK chemistry. ANAB treatment enhanced protein absorption (specifically, mucin, casein, and lubricin) to the PEEK surface and consequently significantly reduced bacterial (including methicillin resistant Staph. aureus
(or MRSA), E. coli, and Staph. epidermidis) colonization. Collectively, this study introduces ANAB treated PEEK as a novel material that should be further studied for a wide range of improved orthopedic applications.
The Treatment of Human Colon Xenografts Tumor in Mice with Platinum Nanosphere-5-Fluorouracil-Bovine Albumin
Authors: Li Hui , Sun Yi , Gao Li-Li , Tang Yong-Feng , Zhao Zheng
Published: June 2022

Because 5-fluorouracil (FLU) has side effects in cancer treatment, the use of FLU in therapeutic activities is limited. To overcome this challenge, the use of nano-platforms for its targeting is f great interest in biomedical fields. For this purpose, to reduce the FLU toxicity and
improve the its efficacy, platinum nanospheres (PtNS) with anti-cancer properties were used. After producing PtNS by hydrothermal method and loading FLU and bovine albumin (bAL) (PtNS-FLU-bAL), its physicochemical properties were investigated. After evaluating the drug release capability,
the toxicity of PtNS-FLU-bAL on HCT-116 cells was assessed by MTT and flow-cytometry. Also, the effects of the nanospheres on tumor status, liver and kidney tissues were evaluated. The results indicate uniform size of the PtNS-FLU-bAL (79±2.04 nm) with spherical shape, loading of more
than 50% of the FLU (in the ratio of 2:1 FLU to PtNS-bAL), optimal release of the FLU from the PtNS-FLU-bAL (83.1% in pH = 6), and the high toxicity of the PtNS-FLU-bAL on HCT-116 cells. Also, the toxicity mechanism indicated more apoptosis induction by increasing the expression of TNF-α,
Bax, Fas, and Caspase-3 genes for PtNS-FLU-bAL compared to the free FLU. Moreover, the results showed a higher FLU concentration in cancerous tissue and a 1.5-fold reduction in tumor growth by the PtNS-FLU-bAL compared to the free FLU. Overall, the results show that the PtNS-FLU-bAL can enhance
the success of colorectal cancer treatment effectively and safely.
Enhanced Antibacterial and Osteogenic Properties of Graphene Oxide Loaded with Berberine on Biomedical Titanium
Authors: Han Xia-Ying , Meng Tong , Ye Jian-Xin , Yin Hua-Bin , Song Dian-Wen
Published: June 2022

Internal implants are widely used in most orthopedic surgeries, of which titanium and its alloys are most widely used owing to the excellent corrosiveness resistance, low elastic modulus and good biocompatibility. However, implant failure still occurs for that titanium and its alloys
themselves do not own antibacterial and osteogenic properties. In this work, we successfully fabricated berberine-loaded graphene oxide (GO) on the surface of biomedical titanium and systematically investigated its capabilities of antibacteria and osteogenesis. In vitro results showed
that berberine had low antibacterial activity, but GO loaded with berberine on titanium (Ber&GO@Ti) exhibited superior antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with the synergistic effect of GO and berberine. Meanwhile, Ber&GO@Ti performed satisfactory
cytocompatibility and was capable of promoting osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. In the vivo experiment, Ber&GO@Ti showed excellent antibacterial properties and inflammatory cells e.g., neutrophils had seldom been found. No visceral toxicity had been found. This multifunctional
coating showed great potential in orthopedic implants.
Targeting Pulmonary Artery Infusion of Nuclear-Targeted Plasmid-Based Short Hairpin RNA (ShRNA) to Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α3 (pshHIF-1α3) Nano-Microspheres for Treatment of Implanted Lung Cancer in Rats
Authors: Zhao Rui , Gao Shan , He Haiqi , Zhang Jia , Zhang Guangjian , Wen Xiaopeng
Published: June 2022

The pshHIF-1α3 stealth nanospheres have been studied if they have the function of arterial targeted drug delivery to provide a new arterial targeted drug delivery method for interventional therapy of lung cancer. The study is also aimed at exploring therapeutic effect of
the checked drug delivery on lung cancer. The tested groups were designed as follows: Group I: blank control group (pulmonary artery perfusion of 0.5 mL 0.9% saline); group II: tail vein injection of pshHIF-1α3 nano-microsphere; group III: pshHIF-1α3 nano-microsphere
pulmonary artery perfusion group. In vitro experiment assessed the effects of pulmonary artery perfusion of pshHIF-1α3 nanospheres on proliferation, apoptosis and colony forming ability of lung cancer A549 cells, which were all evaluated by using MTT method, flow cytometry
and colony formation experiments, respectively. In vivo experiment tumor xenotransplantation was used to observe the effect of pulmonary artery perfusion of pshHIF-1α3 nanospheres on treatment of lung cancer. Both the In vivo pulmonary artery perfusion experiment
and In vitro experiments in A549 cells confirmed that the pulmonary artery perfusion of pshHIF-1α3 nano-microspheres can inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer tissues and cells, promoting apoptosis and inhibiting migration, leading to enhanced therapeutic effect of lung
cancer. One of characteristics of nanomaterials is their large surface area, high dispersion, specific adhesion, tumor-specific affinity and adhesion, thereby prolonging their circulation time in the body. Through aggregation of nanodrug delivery system in tumor cells, the local concentration
of the drug is increased, thereby improving selectivity of chemotherapeutic drugs. The results from this study therefore suggest that pulmonary artery perfusion of pshHIF-1α3 may be used in arterial targeted drug delivery for treatment of lung cancer, providing a new and efficient
targeted drug delivery arterial route for interventional therapy of lung cancer.
Nanoparticles Loaded with GSK1059615 Combined with Sorafenib Inhibited Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1 Expression by Negatively Regulating the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Pathway, Thereby Reversing the Drug Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Sorafenib
Authors: Zhou Shuping , Ma Yongfang , Xu Ruyue , Tang Xiaolong
Published: June 2022

Activation of the cellular signaling pathways can induce sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCR). In this work, the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor GSK1059615 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HCCR cells. PLGA-PEG-mal diblock copolymer was used to load
GSK1059615 and sorafenib, and the vector was further modified with GPC3 antibody (hGC33) to obtain hGC33-modified GSK1059615 and sorafenib-loaded nanoparticles (Ab-G/S-NP). Ab-G/S-NP regulated the activation of cellular signaling pathways in HCCR cells by inhibiting the expression
and activation of NF-κB and downregulating the level of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1(PD-L1) to reverse drug resistance of HCCR cells to sorafenib. These findings deserve further study in the combined treatment of HCCR cells with GSK1059615 in vivo
to develop a more effective treatment of sorafenib-resistant cancers.
Recent Advances of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Typing Technology Based on High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Yang Jin , Liu Hongna , Pan Wenjing , Song Mengru , Lu Yutong , Wang-Ngai Chow Franklin , Hang-Mei Leung Polly , Deng Yan , Hori Masahi , He Nongyue , Li Song
Published: June 2022

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in humans is a genetic region consisting of cell surface proteins located on the short arm of chromosome 6. This is also known as the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region. The HLA region consists of genes that exhibit complex genetic polymorphisms, and are extensively involved in immune responses. Each individual has a unique set of HLAs. Donor-recipient HLA allele matching is an important factor for organ transplantation. Therefore, an established rapid and accurate HLA typing technology is instrumental to preventing graft-verses-host disease (GVHD) in organ recipients. As of recent, high-throughput sequencing has allowed for an increase read length and higher accuracy and throughput, thus achieving complete and high-resolution full-length typing. With more advanced nanotechnology used in high-throughput sequencing, HLA typing is more widely used in third-generation single-molecule sequencing. This review article summarizes some of the most widely used sequencing typing platforms and evaluates the latest developments in HLA typing kits and their clinical applications.
Development of a Quantum Dot-Based Fluorescence-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Puerarin
Authors: Jiang Bing-Qian , Cheng Guo-Liang , Zhang Yue , Kong Hui , Zhao Jie , Zhang Yifan , Wu Tong , Zhao Yan , Qu Hui-Hua
Published: June 2022

In this study, a rapid and highly sensitive fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay for puerarin determination was developed by the conjugation of quantum dots with an antibody against puerarin. The linear range and detection limit of the fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay were
validated. The detection curve (y = −1041ln(x)+5366, R2 = 0.999) was linear in the range of 7.8–125 ng/mL. The 50% inhibitory concentration determined by fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay was 33.8 ng/mL puerarin in water. The limit of detection
for PUE was 6.1 ng/mL. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the quantitative detection of a natural product using quantum dots as fluorescent markers. Furthermore, the newly developed fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay was successfully applied to determine puerarin in several
commercial Gegen Qinlian tablets, with a higher sensitivity than that of conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Mitochondria-Targeted Degradable Nanocomposite Combined with Laser and Ultrasound for Synergistic Tumor Therapies
Authors: Zhu Shuang , Wang De-Qiang , Sun Xue-Hua , Li Xin-Yu , Xiao Hui-Fang , Sun Wan-Ru , Wang Xing-Tao , Li You-Jie , Wang Ping-Yu , Xie Shu-Yang , Wang Ran-Ran
Published: June 2022

Although the development of safe and efficient cancer therapeutic agents is essential, this process remains challenging. In this study, a mitochondria-targeted degradable nanoplatform (PDA–MnO2-IR780) for synergistic photothermal, photodynamic, and sonodynamic tumor
treatment was investigated. PDA–MnO2-IR780 exhibits superior photothermal properties owing to the integration of polydopamine, MnO2, and IR780. IR780, a photosensitizer and sonosensitizer, was used for photodynamic therapy and sonodynamic therapy. When PDA–MnO2-IR780
was delivered to the tumor site, MnO2 was decomposed by hydrogen peroxide, producing Mn2+ and oxygen. Meanwhile, alleviating tumor hypoxia promoted the production of reactive oxygen species during photodynamic therapy and sonodynamic therapy. Moreover, large amounts of
reactive oxygen species could reduce the expression of heat shock proteins and increase the heat sensitivity of tumor cells, thereby improving the photothermal treatment effect. In turn, hyperthermia caused by photothermal therapy accelerated the production of reactive oxygen species in photodynamic
therapy. IR780 selectively accumulation in mitochondria also promoted tumor apoptosis. In this system, the mutual promotion of photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy/sonodynamic therapy had an enhanced therapeutic effect. Moreover, the responsive degradable characteristic of PDA–MnO2-IR780
in the tumor microenvironment ensured excellent biological safety. These results reveal a great potential of PDA–MnO2-IR780 for safe and highly-efficiency synergistic therapy for cancer.
Multifunctional Electrospun Textiles for Wound Healing
Authors: Chen Guopu , Hu Jie , Hong Zhiwu , Wang Gefei , Wang Zhiming , Chen Canwen , Huang Jinjian , Wu Xiuwen , Ren Jianan
Published: June 2022

The novel multifunctional electrospun textiles were fabricated by incorporating sheet-like kaolinite and silver nanoparticles (AgNps) into a polyurethane (PU) textile by using electrostatic spinning to promote wound-healing process. Threedimensional network of PU electrospun textiles
offered an appropriate framework for loading kaolinite nanosheets and AgNps. Moreover, the kaolinite nanosheets healed bleeding wounds by accelerating plasma absorption, increasing blood cell concentrations, and stimulating coagulation factors. Furthermore, the AgNps killed microbes by destroying
the cell membrane, while the deleterious effects were controlled by incorporation into the electrospun textile. The therapeutic effects of multifunctional electrospun textile in treating full-thickness abdominal wall defect were explored. The wound healing process could be accelerated via
the textile by restoring the abdominal physiological environment, reducing the inflammatory response, and promoting collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and epithelization.
3D-Printed Bionic Titanium Alloy Artificial Lamina Prevents Epidural Adhesion and Restores the Stability After Laminectomy in Pigs
Authors: Li Jianwen , He Zhongjia , Liu Xianyin , Li Songbo , Yin Yuchao , Fang Guanjun , Chen Yaoxin , Pang Guangxing , Lu Jianfeng , Liu Zhiwei , Ye Guobiao
Published: June 2022

Laminectomy can cause the dura mater to adhere to the surrounding scar tissue, leading to soft spinal stenosis after surgery. Although artificial laminae are considered ideal substitutes, they present challenges such as insecure fixation and insufficient bionics. In this study, we fabricated
a bionic titanium alloy artificial lamina using three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology and evaluated its adhesion prevention and stability after laminectomy in pigs. An in vitro biomechanical pull-out resistance test indicated that the pull-out strength of the artificial lamina
was close to that of a single pedicle screw and was significantly higher than that of a cortical screw. In vivo animal implantation results indicated precise laminectomy and artificial lamina implantation, as well as a safe operation process with the assistance of guide plates. X-ray
and computed tomography results indicated the well fixation of bionic titanium alloy artificial lamina and screws 10 weeks after laminectomy. The artificial lamina was not loosened after being removed from pigs (postoperative week 12), exhibiting good stability. Additionally, no adhesion was
observed in the artificial lamina group, whereas a large amount of scar tissue in the spinal canal covered the dural surface in the control group. Thus, 3D-printed bionic titanium alloy artificial lamina can prevent epidural adhesion after laminectomy, while restoring the structural stability
of the posterior complex, suggesting the potential of lamina substitutes for adhesion prevention after laminectomy.
Serum Extracellular Nano-Vesicles miR-153-3p to Identify Micronodular Lung Cancer from Sub-Centimeter Lung Nodules
Authors: Deng Yuxia , Xue Rongyu , Patel Nishant , Xu Wenwen , Zhang Haijun
Published: June 2022

Identification of malignancy from sub-centimeter lung nodules (LNs, <1 cm) is core for prevention and treatment of primary phases of lung cancer (LC). The study’s purpose was to predict micro-nodular lung cancer (mnLC), such as adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), micro-invasive
adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma stage 1 (IA1) based on serum extracellular nano-vesicles (sEVs) miR-153-3p. sEVs-miR-153-3p was selected in this study and then used to investigate the expression and efficacy by RT-qPCR in the validation phase, followed by sEVs
derived from patients of mnLC, benign lung nodule (BLN), and healthy people groups comprised of 135 recruiters. Further, the study established the prediction model which combined sEVs-miR-153-3p expression with multiple clinical-radiomics features by Logistic algorithms and was authenticated
by the area under curve (AUC) phenomenon. Then, a simple-to-use nomogram was developed by Cox proportional-hazards regression modeling for predicting mnLC. Besides, in vitro analyses were performed to demonstrate miR-153-3p/ROCK1 axis in regulating biological mechanisms using LC cell
lines. Results demonstrated that sEVs-miR-153-5p’s expression values were higher in mnLC patients compared to BLN and healthy people. The prediction model for mnLC was successfully established, utilizing sEVs-miR-153-5p biomarker with significant clinical-radiomics features and yielding
an AUC = 0.943 (95%CI: 0.898~0.989, P <0.0001). Moreover, the miR-153-3p and its targeted gene ROCK1 were confirmed as down-regulated in NSCLC cell lines and up-regulated expression respectively. Moreover, the miR-153-3p/ROCK1 axis took part in promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal
transition (EMT) signaling pathway and regulated certain biological functions, such as proliferation, migration and invasion of LC cells. Therefore, the sEVs-miR-153-3p associated with radiomics-clinical features showed enormous potential to non-invasively identify malignancy from subcentimeter
LNs. miR-153-3p could promote the genesis and progress of LC via EMT signaling pathway, which may serve as a therapeutic target.
Circulating Abnormal Extracellular Vesicles: Their Mechanism for Crossing Blood–Brain Barrier, Effects on Central Nervous System and Detection Methods
Authors: Fan Boyue , Gu Jiaqi , Wu Jie , Sun Yifan , Huang Rongrong , Shen Han , Zhang Xu , Li Zhiyang
Published: June 2022

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are difficult to treat and harmful. Many CNS diseases are secondary to peripheral diseases, such as tumor brain metastases (BMS), viral infections and inflammation of the brain, and their pathogenic factors travel through the circulatory system to the brain, eventually leading to lesions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in this process. Recent studies have shown that, extracellular EVs can effectively cross the blood– brain barrier (BBB) through endocytosis and they transmit molecular signals in cell-to-cell communication. Abnormal EVs produced in the lesion portion transport pathogenic factors, including miRNAs, proteins, and virions into the CNS. These pathogenic factors participate in cellular pathways to interfere with homeostasis or are themselves pathogens that directly damage CNS. In addition, different or specific pathological molecules in EVs are potential disease markers. We herein reviewed pathways through which the abnormal EVs cross BBB and adverse effects of abnormal exosomes. We also and summarized their existing detection techniques, so as to provide basis for prevention and early diagnosis of secondary diseases.
Treg Cell Evaluation in Patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome with Poor Immune Reconstitution and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Treg Cell Prevention by Polymeric Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
Authors: Liu Linsong , Yuan Gang , Sun Fuyan , Shi Jinchuan , Chen Heling , Hu Yaoren
Published: June 2022

To better deliver antiretroviral drugs for treating patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with poor immune reconstitution, a novel nanopole capsule was designed in this study. Forty-eight patients with AIDS with poor immune reconstitution were chosen as subjects to
test their immune state. CD4+ T and Regulatory T cells (Treg) infected with HIV were cultured to test polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polychitosan (PC) drug delivery system efficiency. The infiltration efficiency test was performed to study the drug delivery efficiency of the delivery
systems, and the cell numbers of CD4+ T and Treg cells infected with HIV were calculated to evaluate the therapeutic effect. The results showed that patients with AIDS with poor immune reconstitution had lower CD4+ T cell count and higher Treg cell count. Furthermore,
the infiltration efficiency of the PC drug delivery system was higher than that of the PEI drug delivery system, and the therapy efficiency of antiretroviral drugs was greatly improved in the PC group. Additionally, the improvement of CD4+ T and Treg cells damaged by HIV was greater
in the PC group. Sequentially, the PC system can better deliver and release loaded antiretroviral drugs and may be a better choice for treating patients with AIDS with poor immune reconstitution in the future.
Study on the Expression of β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 in Gastric Cancer and the Mechanism Promoting Gastric Cancer Progression Based on the Extraction Method of Nanomagnetic Beads
Authors: Zhou Huijun , Zhao Jinfeng , Yang Xiaolin , Liu Jie , Huang Wei
Published: June 2022

The oncogenic role of β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 (B3GNT3) in several cancers is well documented. However, the expression, function, and mechanism of B3GNT3 in gastric cancer (GC) remain to be investigated. Here, we extracted RNA using the nanomagnetic bead method
and investigated B3GNT3 expression in GC and its mechanism for promoting malignant progression of GC using bioinformatics, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and western blot (WB). The results showed that the upregulation of B3GNT3 expression was positively
related to original T phase, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage but negatively related to GC prognosis. Meanwhile, the knockdown of the B3GNT3 gene significantly suppressed the growth and infiltration of GC cells. In addition, B3GNT3 promoted the malignant progression of GC cells by upregulating
EphA2 transcription and subsequently activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. This work reveals for the first time the upregulation and protumor role of B3GNT3 in GC and highlights the potential clinical applications of B3GNT3/EphA2/AKT signaling in GC diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction.
Toxicity of Nanoparticles of AgO, La2O3, CuO, AgO–Fe3O4, Ag-Graphene, and GO–Cu–AgO to the Fungus Moniliella wahieum Y12T Isolated from Degraded Biodiesel and the Bacterium Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Qing X. , Li Xiaotong , Yoza Brandon , Zhou Lingyan
Published: June 2022

Moniliella wahieum Y12T (M. wahieum Y12T), a fungal isolated from biodiesel caused serious biodiesel contamination and resulting in biofouling and corrosion, especially during storage. Nanoparticles (NPs) composed of silver, copper, iron, and graphene
or their binary mixtures were examined as environmental inhibitors against the fungus Moniliella wahieum Y12T, a biodiesel contaminant. Exposure of M. wahieum Y12T and Escherichia coli (E. coli) to low concentrations of Ag-based nanoparticles
(from 0.01 to 0.05 mg mL−1) resulted in excellent growth inhibition. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of M. wahieum Y12T by La2O3 NPs was 138 times greater when compared with silver (AgO). The median effective
concentration (EC50) of La2O3 NPs on E. coli was 379 times more than M. wahieum Y12T. At this same concentration, E. coli was uninhibited after exposure to the NPs. However, a fluorescein diacetate analysis showed the Ag-based
NPs (including AgO, AgO–Fe3O4 and GO–Cu–AgO) significantly reduced the metabolic activity for both of the compared organisms. Compared with other metal oxide NPs, AgO and AgO–Fe3O4 NPs display strong bactericidal effect with
higher stability and dispersibility, with the zeta potential of −22.27 mV and poly-dispersity index (PDI) values of 0.36. These results demonstrate the broad-spectrum biological inhibition that occurs with both Ag-based bimetallic and graphene oxide nanoparticles and the combined utilization
of Ag-based NPs paves a new way for inhibits the biodegradation of biodiesel.
Construction of a New Dual-Responsive Nano-Drug Delivery System for Matrix Metalloproteinases and Adenosine Triphosphate in Ovarian Cancer Using Nanomicelles
Authors: Li Guocheng , Xu Wenwen , Shi Yong , Chen Mengzhu , Peng Danhong
Published: June 2022

In this manuscript we constructed a dual-responsive nano-drug delivery system for matrix metalloproteinases and ATP in ovarian cancer microenvironment. The nanomicelle PCL-DNA/DOX-Peptide-PEG was prepared by intercalating doxorubicin hydrochloride between C and G base pairs of DNA double
helix structure. Another ATP-responsive nanomicelle PCL-DNA/DOX-PEG was prepared. Then we analyzed the characterization of nanomicelles (particle size, potential, surface morphology, etc.) and drug loading binding and drug release behavior. In addition, the effect of nanomicelles on the viability
of mouse ovarian epithelial tumor cell ID-8 was detected by CCK-8 method. CCK-8 assay detected that different concentrations of carrier had no difference on the proliferation of ID-8 cells, and the survival rate of ID-8 cells by different concentrations of DOX preparations was statistically
significant and the same results were observed in cytotoxicity comparison. Confocal microscopy showed that DOX in the drug-loaded micelle group was concentrated in the nucleus, while free DOX was concentrated in the cytoplasm. ID-8 cells took up the drug-loaded micelles faster. The semi-quantitative
analysis of the DOX uptake of ID-8 cells with different treatments showed extremely significant statistical differences. In conclusion, the prepared self-assembled dual-responsive nanomicelle PCL-DNA/DOX-Peptide-PEG is novel anti-tumor agent, and is expected to have good tumor tissue penetration
ability with a low toxicity.
Co-Encapsulation of Violacein and Iron Oxide in Poly(lactic acid) Nanoparticles for Simultaneous Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications
Authors: Kanelli Maria , Saleh Bahram , Webster Thomas J. , Vouyiouka Stamatina , Topakas Evangelos
Published: June 2022

To date, the possibility of drug-resistant bacterial infections in hospitals and intensive care units comprises a significant concern especially for immunocompromised cancer patients. In the current study, violacein and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were co-encapsulated
in polylactic acid nanoparticles (vio-Fe3O4-PLA) and tested for their antimicrobial and anticancer activity. The loaded nanoparticles presented efficient saturation magnetization that rendered this nanosystem a promising candidate for magnetic targeting. Moreover, violacein
released from the nanoparticles at 500 μg/mL successfully inhibited the growth of the “superbug” methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with an IC50 value of 595.8 μg/mL, while it did not prove effective against multi-drug-resistant Escherichia
coli at concentrations of 10–1000 μg/mL. Finally, a concentration of 500 μg/mL of drug loaded magnetic nanoparticles induced an over 80% growth inhibition of glioblastoma and melanoma cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 221.30 and 201.60 μg/mL,
respectively. Since bacterial infections are a key clinical problem for cancer patients due to their compromised immune systems, the presented results suggest that our system should be further studied for its simultaneous anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties, as it comprises a promising
strategy for combating bacterial infections and providing anticancer activity through magnetic-targeted delivery.
Not All Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Benefit From Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Chang Carolyn , Bliggenstorfer Jonathan T. , Liu Jessie , Shearer Jennifer , Dreher Paul , Bingmer Katherine , Stein Sharon L. , Steinhagen Emily
Published: June 2022

Background

While neoadjuvant combined modality therapy (NA-CMT) is beneficial for most patients with locally advanced rectal cancer some patients may experience disease progression during treatment. The purpose of this study is to identify characteristics associated with progression during NA-CMT.

Methods

A single institution retrospective review of patients with stage II-III rectal cancer receiving NA-CMT was conducted from 2008-2019. Patients with incomplete or unknown NA-CMT treatment and those who received chemotherapy in addition to NA-CMT were excluded. Initial staging MRI was compared to post-operative pathology to determine progression. Definitions: responders (complete response or regression) and non-responders (stable disease or progression).

Results

156 patients were included: 25 (16.1%) complete responders, 79 (50.6%) had evidence of regression, 34 (21.8%) were stable non-responders, and 18 (11.5%) were progressors. Those who progressed had worse overall survival. Factors associated with non-responders included black race (OR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.10-18.7) and increasing distance from the anal verge (OR 1.2, 95% CI: .2-2.9). Distance from the anal verge was determined via MRI. Recurrence was significantly more common among non-responders (15, 30.61%) when compared to responders (14, 13.46%), P = .012.

Conclusion

Patients who progress despite NA-CMT have overall worse survival compared to patients who do respond. While this study failed to identify modifiable or predictive risk factors for progression, the multivariate logistic regression model suggests that race and tumor biology may play a role in progression. Future studies should focus on early identification of patients who may not benefit from NA-CMT in an effort to develop alternative treatment algorithms.
Predicting Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Surgery Using Machine Learning
Authors: Hassan Abbas M. , Biaggi-Ondina Andrea , Rajesh Aashish , Asaad Malke , Nelson Jonas A. , Coert J. Henk , Mehrara Babak J. , Butler Charles E.
Published: June 2022

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) enable providers to identify differences in treatment effectiveness, postoperative recovery, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. By allowing a shift from disease-specific factors to the patient perspective, PROs provide a tailored patient-centric approach to shared decision-making. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques can facilitate such shared decision-making and improve patient outcomes by accurate prediction of PROs. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the use of AI and ML models in predicting PROs following surgery through an overview of common predictive algorithms and modeling techniques, as well as current applications and limitations in the surgical field.
The Sepsis Bundle Effect: An Evaluation of Culture Results and Utilization in Pediatric Appendicitis
Authors: Stephenson Krista J. , Shewmake Connor N. , Spray Beverly J. , Burford Jeffrey M. , Bonasso Patrick C. , Dassinger Melvin S.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Sepsis prevention pathways, which often include blood and urine cultures, are common in children’s hospitals. Fever and tachycardia, signs often seen in patients with appendicitis, frequently trigger these pathways. We hypothesized that cultures were frequently obtained in children with appendicitis.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study evaluating children with image-confirmed appendicitis from 4/1/2019 to 10/1/2020, coinciding with the initiation of sepsis prevention pathways. Factors associated with culture acquisition, as well as culture results, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Six hundred and fifty eight children presented with acute appendicitis during the 1.5-year period, with a median age of 10.67 years (interquartile range (IQR) 8.17-14.08). Cultures were obtained in 22.9%, including blood culture (BCx) in 8.1% and urine culture (UCx) in 17.9%. Culture acquisition decreased by 17.6% after sepsis protocol initiation. Blood culture acquisition correlated with fever ( P = .003) and younger age ( P = .03), whereas the attainment of BCx and UCx was associated with female sex ( P = .04, P < .0001), complicated appendicitis ( P = .0001, P = .03), and unknown diagnosis ( P < .0001, P < .0001). There were five positive UCx (4.24%); however, all remained asymptomatic despite a short antibiotic duration dictated by institutional appendicitis protocol. The one positive BCx (1.89%) was suspected contamination and not treated.

Discussion

The findings of this cohort suggest a low incidence of positive culture as well as lack of impact on clinical management in image-proven appendicitis and the initiation of a sepsis bundle without automatic culture acquisition may result in decreased culture attainment.
Decoding the Changing Role of the Neo-Liberal State in a Globalising World: Convergence of Public–Private Partnership in Innovative Governance
Authors: Singh Nachiketa
Published: June 2022

Ever since the concept of territorial nation-state occupied the centre stage of global politics, the international community has witnessed different political and economic systems being introduced from time-to-time to cater to the needs of the global community. Since the inception of the Westphalia State System (Treaty of Westphalia 1648), nation states have reinvented themselves and re-imagined their political and economic trajectories to adapt themselves to the changing needs of time and circumstances. In the contemporary international political economy, one finds a paradigm shift towards the convergence of interests between private and public, where the states across the globe are striving to achieve common good and promote public interest by creating a synergy with the private stakeholders. This article aims at decoding the circumstances and explaining the rationale behind the changing role of the state, while redefining its economic strategy and priorities in the era of globalisation. It further tries to examine the areas of convergence and issues of divergence in public–private partnership in pursuit of the goals of development and progress. The conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the article are conceived around the philosophy of liberalism and democracy, on the one hand, and the institutional framework of free market capitalism, on the other, as envisaged in the doctrine of globalisation.
Queer decisions: Racial matching among gay male intended parents
Authors: Smietana Marcin , Twine France Winddance
Published: June 2022

How does race and location shape the reproductive decisions of gay men who are intended parents? In this article, we propose the concept of strategic racialization to characterize the ways in which gay male parents employ racial matching in their selection of egg donors and surrogates in the United States and United Kingdom. We argue that racial matching is a strategy of stigma management. This study draws upon interview data from 40 gay male couples who formed families through surrogacy. We find that pre-conception fathers seek racialized resemblance to reinforce kinship between themselves and their children. In California and England, gay men seeking donor eggs engage in racial matching, which reveals that the racialized biogenetic model of kinship remains dominant. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature on race and queer family formation.
Improvement of mechanical and wear resistance property by varying glass fiber contents and amino-silicate coupling agents on polyamide 612 composites
Authors: Yeh Yu-Hsiang , Chen Chin-Wen , Ranganathan Palraj , Rwei Syang-Peng
Published: June 2022

Among the polyamide series polymer materials, PA612 has excellent mechanical properties and low moisture absorption characteristics. This work studied the effect of coupling agent addition on the crystallization behavior, adhesive wear, mechanical, thermal, and morphological attributes of glass fiber (GF) reinforced PA612 composites. Amino-silane was applied as a coupling agent to enhance the interfacial adhesion between glass fiber and the PA612 matrix. The loading level of the coupling agent was changed to 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0wt%, while the GF loading level in the composite material was 10, 15, 20, and 30wt%. The composite materials were analyzed via X-ray diffraction, tribological characterization, and adhesion wear test. The mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties were also investigated. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to study the analytical samples’ wear and fracture surfaces. Test results unveiled that adding 1.0wt% amino-silane coupling agent upgraded the fiber-matrix adhesion, mechanical properties (tensile strength:136 MPa), and corresponding wear resistance of GF reinforced PA612-based composites. Furthermore, it is compatible with pure PA612 substrates and has similar processing rheological behavior. These results reveal that the compiled PA612 matrix is highly viable for tribological applications comprising automotive parts, bearings, and bearing materials for space applications.
Young People’s Experiences of Death Anxiety and Responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hughes Ben , Jones Kerry
Published: June 2022

Capacity for death awareness and death anxiety in young people has been previously documented but the impact of Covid-19 is not currently known. Therefore, the aim of this study of this study was to explore young people’s experiences and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. Qualitative data was collected from young people via a two-stage process across the United Kingdom: Stage One consisted of an online questionnaire; Stage Two comprised online semi-structured interviews. Responses for Stage One of the study totalled 120 young people; 9 of these were interviewed for Stage Two of the study. Thematic analysis of data identified four themes relating to young people’s experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic: death anxiety; mental health; normalising death; and identified support needs. Young people experienced heightened death anxiety due to the pandemic but death also became normalized for them and their mental health was negatively affected.
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of a Newly Developed Chinese Screening Tool for Speech Disorders in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chen Chi-Lin , Lin Ching-Huang , Su Chen-San , Cheng Hsiang-Chun , Chen Li-Mei , Cherng Rong-Ju
Published: June 2022

The study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of a newly developed Chinese screening tool, the Chinese Version of the Speech Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (SDPD-C). The SDPD-C contains a 24-item questionnaire with four assessment domains. Overall, 93 patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) (age 70.1 ± 8.9 years) and 76 healthy older adults (age 67.2 ± 8.1 years) participated in the psychometric analysis study. The internal consistency of the SDPD-C was .91 (four dimensions: .69–.85), and test-retest reliability was .91 (four dimensions: .85–.88). The SDPD-C was highly correlated with the Voice Handicap Index-10 and Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale II 2.1 (r = .83 and .78, respectively). The SDPD-C scores also differed significantly between stages 1 and 4 of the Hoehn and Yahr Scale ( p < .05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was .955 (95% confidence interval, .927–.983; asymptotic significance p < .001), and the optimal cut-off score of this study was 36, with a sensitivity of .849 and specificity of .947. The results indicate that SDPD-C showed good reliability, validity, accuracy, and discrimination. It can be used as a screening tool for speech disorders in patients with PD.
Making of a Primitive Bandit Criminal: Trial of Jadonang in the British Colonial Court
Authors: Singh Khwairakpam Premjit
Published: June 2022

In the game of the ‘have and have nots’ of the texts, the illiterate communities remain the victims. Who produced whose text and ‘interest’ are similarly important in order to understand the reliability of text sources. Jadonang, a highlander messiah cum non-violence freedom fighter was caught, tried, and hanged. This article delves into Jadonang’s trial from an alternative historical perspective, rather than simply accepting Jadonang as the murderer. The testimony of 23 defendants at the trial indicated possibilities of incorporating entire colonial state mechanisms into the construction of facts in order to crush the Zeliangrong movement forever.