bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Tween-80 Microbiological Assay of Serum Folate Levels in Humans and Animals
Authors: Zhou Zhenghua , Yang Yuan , Li Ming , Kou Chong , Xiao Ping , Jiang Yan , Hong Junrong , Huang Chengyu
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to develop a new Tween-80 microbiological assay (Tween-80 MBA) to determine human or animal serum folate levels and to verify its reliability. The effects of the Lactobacillius casei subspecies rhamnosus (L. casei, ATCC No. 7469) inoculum concentration, incubation time, and Tween-80 on L. casei growth were studied, and the serum folate levels were investigated. Serum samples were collected from patients with esophageal cancer (EC) and healthy control subjects in Yanting, healthy adult subjects in Chengdu, Sichuan, and in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Optimal conditions for the new MBA were as follows: 1.28 × 107 CFU/mL working inoculum, vitamin folic acid assay broth with 0.24% (w/w) Tween-80, and anaerobic incubation with L. casei at 37°C for 22 h. Under the optimal conditions, the working curve was in simple linear rather than logarithmic equation; the linear working curve of the folic acid standard working solution concentration versus the turbidity (adsorption value) of medium with L. casei ranged from 0.05 to 1.00 μg/L; the linear correlation coefficient was 0.9989 (SD 0.0007); the recovery rate of folate was 105.4–112.7%; and the minimum concentration for detecting folate was 0.03 μg/L. The RSD within-day and between-day precisions were 5.6 and 3.3%, respectively. The serum folate level of 100 EC patients was 6.4 (SEM 0.4) μg/L which was significantly lower than that of healthy control subjects [8.0 (SEM 0.6) μg/L, n = 100, P = 0.020]. The new Tween-80 MBA is considered to be a reliable method for measuring serum folate level.
Validation of the Applied Biosystems MicroSEQ® Real-Time PCR System for Detection of E. coli O157:H7 in Food
Authors: Wong Lily Y , Cao Yanxiang , Balachandran Priya , Zoder Patrick , Furtado Manohar R , Petrauskene Olga V , Tebbs Robert S
Published: October 2012

Modern molecular methods offer the advantages of simplicity and short time-to-results compared to traditional culture methods. We describe the validation of a new Real-Time PCR method to detect E. coli O157:H7 in five food matrixes. The complete system consists of the MicroSEQ®E. coli O157:H7 Detection Kit, sample preparation (two sample preparation methods, the PrepSEQ® Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit and the PrepSEQ Rapid Spin Sample Preparation Kit, were validated), the Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR instrument, and RapidFinder™ Express software. The test method was compared to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook 5.04 reference method for detecting E. coli O157:H7 in 25 g and 375 g ground beef and beef trim, and to the ISO 16654 reference method for detecting E. coli O157:H7 in 25 g spinach, orange juice, and apple juice. The MicroSEQ E. coli O157:H7 Detection Kit showed equivalent detection compared to the corresponding reference method based on Mantel-Haenszel Chi-square statistics for all matrixes tested. An independent validation confirmed these findings on ground beef. The MicroSEQ kit detected all 51 E. coli O157:H7 strains tested and showed good discrimination against an exclusivity panel of 30 strains.
Optimization and Validation of a Simple and Fast Method for the Determination of Fungicides in Must and Wine Samples by SPE and GC/MS
Authors: Lagunas-Allué Laura , Sanz-Asensio Jesús , Martínez-Soria Maria-Teresa
Published: October 2012

A rapid, simple, and low-cost method based on SPE was optimized and validated for simultaneous determination of eight fungicides belonging to different chemical classes in must and wine. The method involves extraction of 10 mL of must or wine samples with a C18 cartridge using 5 mL of dichloromethane as the elution solvent. Separation and final determination of the fungicides (vinclozolin, dichlofluanid, penconazol, captan, quinoxyfen, fluquinconazol, boscalid, and pyraclostrobin) was performed by GC coupled to single quadrupole MS. Recoveries at 10, 50, and 100 μg/L were between 71 and 106% in both matrixes for the fungicides evaluated. The calculated LOQ ranged from 1.5 to 3.4 μg/L in must and 1.1 to 3.8 μg/L in wine. Matrix effects observed for wine and must samples were overcome by using matrix-matched calibration. The developed method was linear at concentrations within the tested interval, with coefficients of determination higher than 0.999. The expanded uncertainties at 10 μg/L were <20% for all analytes. Intralaboratory precision in terms of the Horwitz ratio of the fungicides evaluated was below 0.5, suggesting the ruggedness of the method. The proposed method was applied to determine fungicide residues in must samples obtained from red grapes treated with two new commercial formulations, as well as in their corresponding final wines.
Evaluating the Use of Fatty Acid Profiles to Differentiate Human Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Listeria Species
Authors: Whittaker Paul
Published: October 2012

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive human pathogen that is responsible for serious infections in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Because of recent epidemics caused by food contaminated with L. monocytogenes, rapid methods for the detection of this pathogen in food are of interest. Capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was used to determine the cellular fatty acid profiles of six species of Listeria. The six different species are L. monocytogenes, L. ivanovii, L. innocua, L. welshimeri, L. seeligeri, and L. grayi. For GC-FID analysis, whole cell fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from cells cultured on brain heart infusion (BHI) agar at 35 ° C for 24 h were obtained by saponification, methylation, and extraction into hexane/methyl tert-butyl ether. A preliminary data set for 15 strains of Listeria species was prepared using fatty acid profiles from two or three replicates prepared on different days. Major fatty acids of the Listeria strains evaluated in this study were C15:0 iso, C15:0 ante iso, C16:0 iso, C16:0, C17:0 iso, and C17:0 ante iso. All of the major fatty acids differ significantly among these six species. The two fatty acids C17:0 ante iso and C15:0 ante iso showed the highest percentages, and the ratio of the two clearly showed significant differences between the human pathogen L. monocytogenes and the five nonpathogenic species. Analysis of FAMEs from Listeria strains grown on BHI agar by a GC-FID method is a sensitive procedure for identification of these organisms and differentiation between pathogenic and nonpathogenic species.
Quantification of Vitamin D3 in Feed, Food, and Pharmaceuticals Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Schadt Heiko S , Gössl Richard , Seibel Natalie , Aebischer Claude-P
Published: October 2012

A rapid, sensitive, and selective method for the quantification of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in solid and liquid food, feed, and tablets based on HPLC/MS/MS has been developed and validated. The sample preparation procedure consists of a quick and robust alkaline saponification and liquid–liquid extraction, followed by direct injection of the organic extract into the HPLC/MS/MS system for analysis without any further concentration, reconstitution, or prepurification steps. The reduction in sample preparation time was achieved by applying a heart-cutting, two-dimensional chromatography technique prior to positive electrospray ionization selected reaction monitoring MS analysis. Total vitamin D3 (sum of previtamin D3 and vitamin D3) was quantified using an isotopically labeled internal standard. The ionization efficiency of previtamin D3 and vitamin D3 in the positive electrospray ionization mode was found to be very similar. The validation experiments included four feed matrixes, three types of tablets, and 12 food matrixes. The obtained recoveries were between 96.1 and 105.3%, and intermediate precision ranged from 1.32 to 15.6% RSD, with HorRat values between 0.07 and 0.65. For all samples, extraction efficiencies were above 95.8%. Analysis of two certified reference materials (SRM 1849 and BCR-122) gave accuracies of 102.4 and 99.8%, respectively.
Validation of the Legipid® Bioalarm Legionella Assay
Authors: Albalat Guillermo Rodríguez , Broch Begoña Bedrina , Bono Marisa Jiménez
Published: October 2012

Legipid® Bioalarm Legionella is a test based on combined magnetic immunocapture and enzyme-immunoassay (CEIA) for the detection of Legionella pneumophila in water. Anti-L. pneumophila antibodies are immobilized on magnetic microspheres. Immunomagnetic analysis is applied to preconcentrated water samples in a final test volume of 9 mL. The method was compared with the standard culture method on both spiked and naturally contaminated water samples. The test was evaluated in potable, industrial, and natural water matrixes, according to the scope of the ISO 11731 reference method. These waters were tested with the target at levels ranging from low (10–99 CFU/mL) to high (100–999 CFU/mL); a Chi-square value of 1.8 indicated that there was no significant difference between the test and the reference method. The false-positive rate was 7%, and the false-negative rate 2%. For the inclusivity study, all 17 strains of L. pneumophila of different serogroups reacted with the test. For the exclusivity study, 17 strains of other Legionella species and 16 non-Legionella strains were tested. There were no cross-reactions with non-Legionella strains. L. beliardensis, L. adelaidensis, and one environmentally isolated Legionella sp. produced a positive result at high concentrations of 1800, 230, and 3900 CFU/mL, respectively. Agreement between the two methods was 95.9%.
Determination and Confirmation of Parent and Total Ractopamine in Bovine, Swine, and Turkey Tissues by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry: First Action 2011.23
Authors: Burnett Thomas J , Rodewald John M , Brunelle Sharon L , Neeley Mark , Wallace Michael , Connolly Paul , Coleman Mark R
Published: October 2012

A candidate method selected by the AOAC Expert Review Panel (ERP) for Ractopamine for determination and confirmation of parent and total ractopamine by LC/MS/MS was validated in a single laboratory for bovine, swine, and turkey tissues. The candidate method utilizes methanol extraction of the tissues, followed by an optional enzymatic hydrolysis for determination of total (parent plus conjugate) ractopamine. A mixed-mode cation exchange SPE cartridge is used to purify the initial extract before LC/MS/MS. Matrix-matched standards and a ractopamine-d6 internal standard are used for quantification of parent and total ractopamine in unknown samples. Validation data demonstrated that mean intertrial recoveries for ractopamine across all concentrations tested ranged from 79.7 to 102.2% for parent ractopamine and from 79.0 to 100.0% when a hydrolysis step was included. Intertrial repeatability precision ranged from 2.44 to 11.1% for parent ractopamine and 4.97 to 15.0% with hydrolysis. Estimated LOD values were below 0.1 ng/g and LOQ values were validated at 0.25x the maximum residue limits. The data satisfy the requirements of the AOAC Stakeholder Panel for Veterinary Drug Residue Methods for single laboratory validation studies. The method was awarded Official Methods of AnalysisSM First Action 2011.23 by the AOAC ERP on Veterinary Drug Residues.
Multiresidue Pesticide Analysis of Tuber and Root Commodities by QuEChERS Extraction and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Frenich Antonia Garrido , Fernández María Del Mar Martín , Moreno Laura Díaz , Vidal Jose Lúis Martínez , López-Gutiérrez Noelia
Published: October 2012

A simple, rapid, and reliable multiresidue method to determine 84 pesticides in potato and carrot samples by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to MS/MS has been developed and fully validated for routine analysis according to ISO/IEC 17025:2005. The method makes use of a buffered Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation procedure based on a single extraction with acidified acetonitrile, followed by partitioning with salts. Chromatographic conditions were optimized in order to achieve a rapid separation in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Performance characteristics of the method, including an estimation of measurement uncertainty using validation data, are reported for both matrixes. Calibration curves were linear from 0.010 to 0.150 mg/kg for most compounds. The LOD and LOQ were 0.006 and 0.010 mg/kg, respectively, except for fluorocloridone, fluquinconazol, and hexitiazox, which were 0.030 and 0.050 mg/kg, respectively. Recoveries obtained were in the range 70–116%, with intraday precision values ≤20% RSD and interday precision values ≤25% RSD at two different concentration levels. The overall uncertainty of the method was estimated at two concentrations as being lower than 34% in all cases. The method has been applied to the analysis of 70 vegetable samples, and imidacloprid and linuron were the pesticides most frequently found in potato and carrot commodities, respectively.
Razões para a falta de rendimento esportivo do Comercial F.C.
Authors: Ferraresi de Araujo Gerado José , Costa André Lucirton , Carvalho Cesar Machado
Published: October 2012

The international football, according to the report of the Plan for Modernization of the Brazilian Football FGV (2000) annual turnover of approximately $ 250 billion, while Brazil represents only 1% of the total. The Commercial F. C. headquartered in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP), had its poly auctioned sports stadium partially forbidden for 23 years and not disputed the series A1, A3series being relegated to the Campeonato Paulista in 2009. This study aimed to identify those factors that hinder sports performance of the Commercial F. C., to do so, we studied its history, its relations with the government and legislation, market performance, partnerships established, administrative structures and results in the tournaments played between 2007 and 2008 to discuss their management problems. The methods used were research-explanatory and qualitative semi-structured interview to build a case study. We conclude that the gap between the formal structure and practice of members of the answers as a key element in the absence of the club's sports performance.
Faire confiance au Canadien moyen – Les manuels techniques de Louis-Alexandre Bélisle
Authors: Vincent Josée
Published: October 2012

C’est à la veille de la Deuxième Guerre mondiale que Louis-Alexandre Bélisle, journaliste et enseignant devenu imprimeur, conçoit plusieurs collections de manuels à l’usage des ouvriers et des élèves des écoles techniques. Inspirée en partie d’ouvrages produits aux États-Unis, la série « Arts, métiers et technique » n’en est pas moins collée à la réalité québécoise. En effet, Bélisle ne se contente pas de transposer des données factuelles dans le contexte canadien, il adapte les contenus et, surtout, il accorde une importance capitale à la terminologie, n’hésitant pas à conserver des anglicismes et à avoir recours à des canadianismes pour mieux rendre compte de l’univers ouvrier. Ainsi, avec ses manuels, non seulement Bélisle reconnaît l’originalité et l’exactitude du vocabulaire ouvrier, mais il en revendique l’utilisation et en défend la légitimité. Les manuels de Bélisle s’adressent à une classe ouvrière économiquement et culturellement dominée. Certes, l’éditeur y transpose sa vision du monde, soit celle d’un enseignant de l’École de commerce et d’un patron d’entreprise, mais il y transmet aussi sa conception de la culture, qui lui fait préférer au français standard la vivacité de la langue du peuple. C’est cet intérêt pour la langue qui fait des manuels de Bélisle un cas à part, à la frontière des cultures bourgeoise et ouvrière.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnoses in Finland During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Auro Kirsi , Holopainen Ida , Perola Markus , Havulinna Aki S. , Raevuori Anu
Published: June 2024

Importance

Several reports suggest an increase in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This nationwide study assessed new ADHD diagnoses and ADHD prevalence before and during the pandemic.

Objective

To investigate trends in new ADHD diagnoses, prevalence, and ADHD medication use from 2015 to 2022 in Finland.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This longitudinal cohort study comprised the entire Finnish population. ADHD diagnoses and medication use were obtained from nationwide registers and assessed at 3 time points: in 2015 and before (2020) and after (2022) the pandemic. Data were analyzed from January 2015 to June 2022.

Main outcomes and Measures

New ADHD diagnoses, ADHD lifetime prevalence, and ADHD medication use.

Results

The cohort comprised 5 572 420 individuals (2 819 645 women [50.6%]). Lifetime prevalence of ADHD increased by 2.7-fold during 2015 to 2022; prevalence was 1.02% in 2015 (95% CI, 1.01%-1.03%), 1.80% in 2020 (95% CI, 1.79%-1.81%), and 2.76% in 2022 (95% CI, 2.75%-2.77%). Young men aged 13 to 20 years had the highest lifetime prevalence of 11.68% (95% CI, 11.56%-11.81%) in 2022. New ADHD diagnoses doubled during the pandemic, from 238 per 100 000 in 2020 to 477 per 100 000 in 2022. The pandemic-associated incremental increase in new diagnoses was 18.60% (95% CI, 16.47%-20.49%; 9482 per 50 897 cases). Young women aged 13 to 20 years had a 2.6-fold increase in new diagnoses during the pandemic, from 577 per 100 000 in 2020 to 1488 per 100 000 in 2022, and women aged 21 to 30 years had a 3.0-fold increase, from 361 per 100 000 to 1100 per 100 000. New diagnoses increased by 2.9-fold among those older than 55 years (from 5 per 100 000 to 13 per 100 000 in women and from 5 per 100 000 to 14 per 100 000 in men). Boys younger than 13 years had the highest absolute rate of new ADHD diagnoses in 2022 (1745 per 100 000), but boys and young men younger than 21 years did not show a significant incremental increase in new diagnoses. Lifetime prevalence of ADHD medication purchases was 0.57% (95% CI, 0.56%-0.58%) in 2015 (31 771 [55.62%] of those with ADHD diagnosis), 1.15% (95% CI, 1.14%-1.16%) in 2020 (64 034 [63.83%]), and 1.69% (95% CI 1.68%-1.70%) in 2022 (92 557 [61.43%]), respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nationwide cohort study, new ADHD diagnoses and ADHD prevalence showed significant increase in Finland during the pandemic. ADHD medication use did not increase in relation to ADHD diagnoses. These results highlight potential adverse outcomes of pandemic-associated changes in living conditions.
Research Progress of Bifunctional Photocatalysts for Biomass Conversion and Fuel Production
Authors: Hang Tianyu , Wu Linlin , Liu Wenxin , Yang Liuqing , Zhang Tierui
Published: June 2024

Bifunctional photocatalysis for biomass conversion and fuel production not only utilizes abundant and renewable biomass resources, but also obtains high‐energy fuels while obtaining fine chemicals. It is a green, clean, efficient, low‐cost, and high‐value strategy, which is conducive to achieving carbon neutralization, carbon cycle, and solving energy and environmental problems. However, very few literatures have classified and analyzed the bifunctional photocatalysis of biomass. On the basis of latest research progress, the bifunctional photocatalysts based on the classification of biomass transformation coupled with fuel production (hydrogen production or CO2 reduction) by mainly using biomass conversion rate, biomass value‐added product yield, fuel (H2, CO) production rate, and so on as evaluation indicators are reviewed. The reaction mechanisms, development status, and prospects of bifunctional photocatalysts are analyzed, summarized and prospected. This review helps to better understand photocatalysts in a biomass transformation and fuel production bifunctional route.
Progress beyond COVID: Ongoing benefits of a virtual adolescent PHP
Authors: Marcus Marissa , Frazier Elisabeth , Hedrick Molly , May Emily , Beaudoin Gabrielle
Published: June 2024

Partial hospitalization is a unique form of mental health care that provides more intensive care than traditional outpatient settings, but unlike inpatient hospitalization, allows patients the freedom to remain in their home and social environment outside of program hours, encouraging immediate practice of therapeutic skills in context and maintaining protective factors such as friendships and extracurricular activities.
Short sleep and inflammation linked to increased rate of psychosis
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

It's known that short sleep duration, prolonged, can have a detrimental impact on long‐term mental health. One of the protections of sleep is against the development of psychosis.
Electrochemical Liquid‐Liquid‐Solid Growth of Ag‐In Crystals with Liquid Indium Alloy Electrodes
Authors: Wu Henry , Hazelnis Joshua P. , Maldonado Stephen
Published: June 2024

Synthesis of intermetallic crystals by electrodeposition of Ag from alkaline aqueous electrolytes containing AgCN onto liquid metal electrodes via an electrochemical liquid‐liquid‐solid (ec‐LLS) process has been performed. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to identify crystalline products. Ec‐LLS experiments performed with pure liquid Hg and Ga electrodes resulted in the formation of polycrystalline Ag2Ga and Ag2Hg3. Experiments performed with In‐containing liquid metals preferentially yielded Ag9In4 and AgIn2 products with liquid Hg0.35In0.65 and Ga0.86In0.14, respectively. The product distribution with liquid Hg0.35In0.65 depended on the level of Ag supersaturation during the electrodeposition. A mechanism that accounts for the aforementioned observations is presented and discussed. This work described the formation of Ag−In intermetallic phases by the isothermal electroreduction of Ag into different liquid metal solvents via ec‐LLS. Electrodeposition of Ag into a pure Ga or pure Hg liquid metal pool yielded precisely the compounds predicted from isothermal cross‐sections of the respective binary phase diagrams. These compounds were not found when using liquid Hg or Ga containing appreciable In. The smaller enthalpy of formation for AgIn2 was consistent with its synthesis in Ga0.86In0.14. However, the observed product of Ag9In4 in Hg‐containing liquid metals could not be rationalized solely from thermodynamic factors. Instead, this observation was consistent with a kinetic pathway based on the lability of Hg‐metal bonds and nearly identical crystal structures of Ag9In4 and Ag2Hg3. Site exchange of Hg for In is consistent with our prior observations[23] of In exchange into Hg−Pd structures during Pd electrodeposition. This mechanism is not based on any direct role of electrochemistry other than aspects that dictate the operative supersaturation of the metal solute.
Hollow CeO2‐Based Nanozyme with Self‐Accelerated Cascade Reactions for Combined Tumor Therapy
Authors: Meng Lili , Tang Lingxue , Gao Fangli , Zhu Liang , Liu Xinhe , Zhang Jie , Chang Yi , Ma Xiaoming , Guo Yuming
Published: June 2024

Nanozymes have obvious advantages in improving the efficiency of cancer treatment. However, due to the lack of tissue specificity, low catalytic efficiency, and so on, their clinical applications are limited. Herein, the nanoplatform CeO2@ICG@GOx@HA (CIGH) with self‐accelerated cascade reactions is constructed. The as‐prepared nanozyme shows the superior oxidase (OXD)‐like, superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐like, catalase (CAT)‐like and peroxidase (POD)‐like activities. At the same time, under 808 nm near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, the photodynamic and photothermal capabilities are also significantly enhanced due to the presence of indocyanine green (ICG). We demonstrate that the nanozyme CIGH can efficiently accumulate in the tumor and exhibit amplified cascade antitumor effects with negligible systemic toxicity through the combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and starvation therapy. The nanozyme prepared in this study provides a promising candidate for catalytic nanomedicines for efficient tumor therapy.
Doping control of estra‐4,9‐diene‐3,17‐dione in horses
Authors: Ho Helen S. M. , Farrington Adrian F. , Bond Amanda J. , Ho Emmie N. M. , Wong Wing‐Tak
Published: June 2024

Estra‐4,9‐diene‐3,17‐dione (dienedione) is an anabolic‐androgenic steroid (AAS) available on the market as a dietary supplement for bodybuilding. It is prohibited in both human and equine sports due to its potential performance‐enhancing effect. With the rare presence of the 4,9‐diene configuration in endogenous steroids, dienedione has been considered as a synthetic AAS. Nevertheless, the reoccurring detection of dienedione in entire male horse urine samples led to the investigation of its possible endogenous nature in horses, and its endogenous nature in entire male horses has been recently confirmed and reported by the authors' laboratory. While dienedione is not detected in castrated horses (geldings), it is essential to study its elimination and identify its metabolites for its effective control. To study the elimination and biotransformation of dienedione, administration experiments were performed by giving three castrated horses (geldings) each single oral dose of 1500 mg of dienedione powder for seven consecutive days. The postulated in vivo metabolites included 17‐hydroxyestra‐4,9‐dien‐3‐one (M1a and M1b), hydroxylated dienedione (M2a, M2b, M3a, M3b, M4, M5) and hydroxylated M1 (M6a, M6b, M7a, M7b, M8a and M8b), formed from hydroxylation and reduction of dienedione. To control the misuse of dienedione in geldings, M3a and M3b are the potential targets that gave the longest detection time, which could be detected for up to 2–5 days in urine and 0.4–4 days in plasma.
Therapeutic plasmapheresis in idiopathic membranous nephropathy anti‐PLA2R‐related: A case series
Authors: Musone Dario , Nicosia Valentina , D'Alessandro Riccardo , Andrietti Marco , Steri Paolo Francesco , Ruosi Carolina , Giuliana Sofia , Elefante Claudia , Cuccurullo Pina , Treglia Antonio
Published: June 2024

Membranous nephropathy is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in non‐diabetic adults; in 80% of patients it is idiopathic (PMN). PMN has an autoimmune pathogenesis, 70%‐85% of patients have increased titer of antibodies to the podocyte membrane antigen PLA2R. The etiological, prognostic and predictive role of the Ab anti‐PLA2R is demonstrated. Standard therapy consists in anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (RTX) combined with steroids or immunosuppressants according to the risk of progressive loss of kidney function. The immunosuppressive therapies are potentially associated to severe adverse events that lead to protocol suspension. Given their pivotal pathogenetic role, serum clearance of anti‐PLA2R with plasmapheresis could have a beneficial impact on NS, particularly in patients not requiring or tolerating standard therapies. In this series, we present three cases of PMN anti‐PLA2R related treated with a RTX plus plasmapheresis approach and demonstrate its overall effective role on anti‐PLA2R titer and clinical outcomes.
Accelerating workforce development in the federal infrastructure moment and beyond
Authors: Kane Joseph W.
Published: June 2024

A surge in US federal infrastructure funding is accelerating a variety of transportation, water, energy, broadband, and other improvements nationally, with the potential to support millions of new jobs. However, continued struggles to recruit, train, and retain infrastructure workers—particularly younger workers, women, and people of color—may limit the reach and ultimate impact of this funding. This article—drawing from past Brookings Institution analyses on the infrastructure workforce—explores these struggles in greater depth and points to several steps that both infrastructure and workforce leaders can take to better harness new funding and support more durable workforce development strategies in years to come.
Nutrient limitation dampens the response of a harmful algae to a marine heatwave in an upwelling system
Authors: Fischer Alexis D. , Houliez Emilie , Bill Brian D. , Kavanaugh Maria T. , Alin Simone R. , Collins Andrew U. , Kudela Raphael M. , Moore Stephanie K.
Published: June 2024

Harmful algal blooms caused by toxin‐producing species of the diatom genus Pseudo‐nitzschia have been linked to anomalously warm ocean conditions in the Northern California Current System. This study compares summertime concentrations of Pseudo‐nitzschia spp. and the toxin they produce, domoic acid, during a marine heatwave year (2019) and a climatologically neutral year (2021). An Imaging FlowCytobot was installed on a fishery survey vessel alongside environmental sensors to continuously sample phytoplankton and oceanographic parameters. This was paired with targeted manual sample collections for nutrients, chlorophyll, and domoic acid. Accumulations of Pseudo‐nitzschia spp. were associated with upwelling zones and established hotspot regions: the Juan de Fuca Eddy, Heceta Bank, and Trinidad Head. Overall, however, Pseudo‐nitzschia spp. and domoic acid concentrations were low during both summers and appear to have been limited by nitrate. Nutrient availability may therefore modulate the response of Pseudo‐nitzschia spp. to warm anomalies. Comparison of these results with 2015, another marine heatwave year but one that produced record concentrations of Pseudo‐nitzschia spp. and domoic acid, suggests that the timing of marine heatwave conditions in the nearshore relative to seasonal upwelling plays a key role in determining whether a Pseudo‐nitzschia spp. harmful algal bloom will occur.
A linear finite difference scheme with error analysis designed to preserve the structure of the 2D Boussinesq paradigm equation
Authors: Poochinapan K. , Manorot P. , Mouktonglang T. , Wongsaijai B.
Published: June 2024

Use of the finite difference method has produced successful solutions to the general partial differential equations due to its efficiency and effectiveness with wide applications. For example, the 2D Boussinesq paradigm equation can be numerically studied using a linear‐implicit finite difference scheme based on the Crank‐Nicolson/Adams‐Bashforth technique. First, conservative quantities are derived and preserved through numerical scheme. Then, the convergence and stability analysis is then provided to simulate a numerical solution whose existence and uniqueness are proved based on the boundedness of the numerical solution. Analysis of spatial accuracy is found to be second order on a uniform grid. Numerical results from simulations indicate that these proposed scheme provide satisfactory second‐order accuracy both in time and space with an ‐norm, and also preserve discrete invariants. Additionally, previous scientific literature review has provided little evidence of studied terms with dispersive effect in 2D Boussinesq paradigm equation. The current study explores solution behavior by applying the proposed scheme to numerically analyze initial Gaussian condition.
Appropriate use of anticholinergics
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: June 2024

Drug‐induced movement disorders, including drug‐induced parkinsonism, dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia, are common adverse effects of dopamine receptor blockers, such as antipsychotics (especially first‐generation agents). Anticholinergic medications are commonly used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms and drug‐induced movement disorders. However, the multiple etiologies of the various types of abnormal movement disorders suggest that even though their presenting symptoms might be similar, different drug‐induced movement disorders should not be treated with the same medication.
Zoonoses in the workplace: A Seroprevalence study of Coxiella, Brucella, and Leptospira among marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation workers in California
Authors: Bjork Adam , Stoddard Robyn A. , Anderson Alicia D. , de Perio Marie A. , Niemeier Richard Todd , Self Joshua S. , Fitzpatrick Kelly A. , Gulland Frances M. D. , Field Cara L. , Kersh Gilbert J. , Gibbins John D.
Published: June 2024

Background

Q fever, brucellosis, and leptospirosis are zoonoses typically associated with terrestrial animal reservoirs. These bacterial agents are now known to infect marine mammal species, though little is known about potential human health risks from marine mammal reservoir species. We investigated potential risks of these bacteria in humans associated with marine mammal exposure.

Methods

The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) in Sausalito, California, requested a Health Hazard Evaluation by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In June 2011, an investigation occurred, which included a written questionnaire and serosurvey among workers for Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., and Leptospira spp., and an environmental assessment for C. burnetii.

Results

Serologic evidence of past exposure was detected in 4% (C. burnetii), 0% (Brucella), and 1% (Leptospira) of 213 participants, respectively. One of 130 environmental samples tested positive for C. burnetii. No significant marine mammal‐specific risk factors were identified, but some safety deficiencies were noted that could lead to a higher risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases.

Conclusion

Although this study did not identify disease exposure risks associated with marine mammals, additional studies in different settings of other groups with frequent exposure to marine mammals are warranted. Some deficiencies in safety were noted, and based on these, TMMC modified protocols to improve safety.
Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women attending antenatal care in low‐ and middle‐income countries between 2000 and 2020: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Park Faith Jiyeong , Rosca Aliona S. , Cools Piet , Chico R. Matthew
Published: June 2024

Background

Bacterial vaginosis increases risk of preterm birth and low birthweight, adverse pregnancy outcomes that disproportionately affect low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Objectives

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women attending antenatal care in LMICs between 2000 and 2020.

Search Strategy

We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Embase and five regional databases.

Selection Criteria

We included studies conducted in LMICs and published between 2000 and 2020 in which bacterial vaginosis prevalence was reported among pregnant women attending antenatal care.

Data Collection and Analysis

We corrected point estimates and applied random‐effects models to generate pool prevalence estimates. We carried out subgroup analyses by study year, country‐income level, HIV prevalence, sample size, diagnostic method, trimester of pregnancy, presence of symptoms at diagnosis and risk of bias.

Main Results

Of 1132 publications, 74 studies met inclusion criteria, contributing 80 data points from 46 661 pregnant women. Overall pooled mean prevalence across LMICs was 15.7%. Regional prevalence ranged from 25.1% in sub‐Saharan Africa to 7.4% in Central and Southern Asia. Prevalence was 33.4% in studies where HIV prevalence was ≥10%, and 6.6% in which HIV prevalence was <10%. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women who were symptomatic was 24.2% versus 11.8% among those without associated symptoms.

Conclusions

Bacterial vaginosis prevalence is high. World Health Organization guidelines recommend screening and treatment for symptomatic pregnant women. This recommendation should be extended to include all pregnant women who have HIV infection. Research is needed to characterise biological mechanisms of bacterial vaginosis that lead to preterm birth and low birthweight, and to investigate antenatal interventions that may better interrupt these pathways.
1‐2: High Performance of InSnO Thin‐Film Transistors Enabled by Anodization Techniques
Authors: Yang Huan , Le Yong , Lu Lei , Zhang Shengdong
Published: June 2024

Amorphous ITO TFT technology based on the anodization approach is demonstrated, featured with the source/drain electrodes and channel region made of one single ITO layer. The anodized ITO TFT fabricated at room temperature shows high performance, including high on/off current ratio up to 109, high mobility of 56.1 cm2 V‐1 s‐1, low subthreshold swing of 0.14 V/decade, near‐zero threshold voltage of 1.7 V and good stress stabilities.
4‐2: Design of MLA‐based Integrated Projection System Using Radial Basis Function Mapping Method
Authors: Dai Xilong , Yang Tong , Cheng Dewen
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we present a design method for MLA‐based integrated projection imaging system. By combining ray tracing method and RBF (radial basis function) mapping method, both geometrical and optical information of the muti‐channel projection system are efficiently obtained. A comprehensive image processing pipeline is proposed to address the issues such as misalignment of sub‐projection‐images, image distortion, and non‐uniform illumination. Additionally, anti‐aliasing technique is employed to avoid pixel loss during process of image predistortion. A large FOV (field‐of‐view) integrated system is designed with a telescope structure. We give two design examples for both illumination and imaging application to demonstrate the general ability of our design method. The illumination simulation results demonstrate that the integrated projection system achieves 0.4% distortion and 99% illumination uniformity.
5‐1: Adaptive Luminance Display Technology based on Neural Network
Authors: Hou Feng , Wu Congrui , Guo Rui , An Zhanfu , Duan Ran , Song Zheyuan , Wei Xiaolong , Meng Song , Liu Yuyu , Jiang Xingqun
Published: June 2024

Nowdays screens offer exceptional visuals but it does not work best when displaying some low‐quality images. This paper presents an innovative adaptive scene display technology utilizing neural network to Improve luminance, and optimize display quality.
5‐2: Unveiling Privacy Challenges: Big Data‐Driven Digital Twins in Smart City Applications
Authors: Zheng Yujia , Li Tianhao , Ma Weizhi , Zheng Jiaxiang , Li Zhengping , Wang Lijun
Published: June 2024

Urban centers serve as dynamic hubs of data and information, continually shaping the modern landscape. The fusion of Big Data and Digital Twin (DT) technology plays a pivotal role in advancing smart city initiatives. DT, acting as a comprehensive virtual replica mirroring physical entities' lifecycles, utilizes real‐time data, simulations, and machine learning to enrich decision‐making processes. In urban development, Big Data assumes diverse roles, particularly in urban planning, resource management, and traffic optimization, providing valuable, data‐driven insights to decisionmakers. Simultaneously, DT technology contributes significantly to modeling urban environments, enabling real‐time simulations, and strengthening decision support systems. However, challenges persist, notably in data security and model precision. Addressing these challenges necessitates concerted efforts to enhance data privacy measures and refine the cognitive capabilities of DT models. This paper examines the intricate interplay between Big Data and DT technology in shaping the evolution of smart cities, offering insights into their roles, applications, and implementation challenges. Furthermore, it advocates for future research endeavors aimed at overcoming existing obstacles, thereby fostering secure and effective deployment of Big Data‐driven DT technology and promoting innovative advancements in smart city management and sustainable development.
10‐1: Invited Paper: (Invited) Exploration of Driving Schemes and Device Structures for Wearable Electroluminescence and Reflective Displays
Authors: Fan Qitian , Peng Lisha , Qiu Zhiguang , Yang Bo-Ru , Deng Shaozhi
Published: June 2024

Wearable displays were recognized as one of the most universal user interface in the future. In this work, our exploration of the functional wearable display is briefly discussed, including a novel driving scheme for alternating current electroluminescence (ACEL) display and some recent studies on the textile EPD devices with different structures. With these results, we may take a step closer to the applicable, reliable wearable displays in the future.
10‐2: Research on low brightness Motion blur in low temperature poly‐silicon display field
Authors: Sun Guangyuan , Zhao Xuesen , Shangguan Xiuning , Ma Zhili , Huang Genmao , Zhu Xiujian
Published: June 2024

Our research found that there are some low‐brightness application scenarios in the process of using the mobile phone. The smart interface option of the mobile phone is called "dark scene mode/dark color mode". Under this mode, the brightness of the mobile phone is adjusted to the lowest level, the background interface is black, the font displayed is white or the color with gray scale. When read a novel or drag the phone interface, the white text displayed on the screen is dimmer and the color is changed, which is called "Motion blur". In the research process, we compared the TFT device of low‐temperature poly‐silicon with that OLED device of organic light‐emitting material. The research results showed that under low brightness, Motion blurred has been showed different response states when OLED material or its related process parameters has been changed .while the TFT device of low‐temperature poly‐silicon only responded under the condition of high brightness. When brightness decreases, there is a weak correlation between the effects on Motion blurs
12‐2: Liquid Crystal Based All Optical Diffraction Neural Networks
Authors: LONG Quanzhou , ZHOU Lingxiao , ZHANG Wanlong , YUAN Xiaocong
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we propose the liquid crystal based all optical diffraction neural network. Based on the optical diffractive propagation theory, the photo‐induced aligned liquid crystal volume phase plates work as the neural layers while the single pixel of each liquid crystal layer denote the neural with modulating the geometric phase retardation for the incident light. The simulation and experimental results are conducted to demonstrate the neural network for the application of digital handwritten digits’ recognition, achieving 89% recognition accuracy of the handwritten digits through the all optical diffraction neural network, presenting the potential application in image classification, logical operations, and other fields.
17‐1: Persistent Photoconductivity Suppression in Amorphous Oxide Thin‐Film Transistors with Double‐Stacked Channel Layers
Authors: Li Liangdong , Shen Ao , Wei Xiaomin , Dong Chengyuan
Published: June 2024

The persistent photoconductivity(PPC) effect, which is hindering the applications of amorphous InGaZnO thin film transistors (a‐IGZO TFTs) as ultraviolet (UV) light detectors, can be effectively suppressed by double‐stacked channel layers (DSCL). Both excitation and recovery rates for the DSCL‐device are much quicker than those of the device with single channel layer (SCL). More interestingly, this improvement can be further enlarged by the modulation of the gate driving voltage. We speculate that this fact is caused by the band bending resulting from the built‐in electric field at the interface of the DSCL‐device.
17‐2: Characterization of A‐In‐Ga‐Zn‐O Field Effect Transistors with ALD‐Grown IGZO Channel Layer
Authors: Gu Chen , Zhang Chunyu , Chen Chuanke , Geng Di
Published: June 2024

The A‐In‐Ga‐Zn‐O field effect transistors are proposed, with the a‐IGZO channel layer deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The characterization of the transistors are researched. The situation where different concentration of components (In:Ga:Zn) are also considered, including 1:1:1, 2:1:1 and 3:1:1.
18‐1: Composite UTG Cover Window Selectively Reinforced with Glass‐Cloth for Improvement of Both Pen‐Drop Resistance and Foldability
Authors: Kang Hyun Seok , Park Sehun , Lee Yung , Bae Byeong-Soo
Published: June 2024

We introduce UTG cover window with spatially selective glasscloth reinforced siloxane hybrid composite. Various compositions of siloxane hybrid materials were applied with their refractive index precisely controlled to result in a highly transparent composite. The composite UTG cover window shows excellent foldability (1.5mm radius 200K cycle) regardless of the siloxane resin type. Also, the impact resistance was superior to typical protective PET film based UTG cover window.
18‐3: Research on Improving the Back Impact resistance of Flexible OLED Modules
Authors: Feng Zikang , Zhang Youwei , Pan Kun , Zhang Fan , Hu Jinwen , Zhu Xiaoguang , Tang Jialiang , Dai Chao , Wu Yuanjun
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on the enhancement of back‐impact resistance in flexible OLED modules, a critical aspect for the durability of modern slim‐profile electronic devices. Under rear compressive forces, flexible OLED modules are prone to bending towards the glass cover, placing the outermost touch layer under significant tensile strain. The brittle nature of the inorganic film within the touch layer, coupled with its low fracture elongation, predisposes it to crack initiation under stress. This mechanical vulnerability can lead to catastrophic failure of the OLED functionality due to moisture and oxygen infiltration, manifesting as black spots on the display. Addressing this, we propose a dual‐faceted approach: optimizing stress distribution by the module design and enhancing the tensile strength of the touch layer's inorganic film, achieving a sixfold increase in the module's resistance to back compression. This paper outlines the experimental setup, finite element method (FEM) simulations, and the resultant implications for flexible OLED module design and durability.
18‐4: Mechanical Stress‐Induced Recoverable and Unrecoverable Deteriorations of Flexible a‐InGaZnO Thin‐Film Transistor
Authors: Li Jilin , Sun Bowen , Yang Huan , Shi Runxiao , Yeung Fion Sze Yan , Wong Man Hoi , Jiao Hailong , Zhang Shengdong , Lu Lei
Published: June 2024

The electrical characteristics and mechanical stress stability of dual‐gate amorphous InGaZnO thin film transistors (DG a‐IGZO TFTs) were investigated. It is revealed that the TFT operating in DG mode demonstrates superior mechanical reliability compared to one in BG mode. However, although it has the ability to fully self‐recover from a Vth shift of 1.86 V (ΔVth), it still experiences noticeable overall deterioration of electrical characteristics. Conversely, experimental findings indicate that the TFT with an F‐doped active layer exhibits only a significant increase in Ioff under mechanical stress while completely self‐recovering from a mere 0.37 V of ΔVth.
19‐3: Development and Evaluation of G6H Collimating & Recycling Linear Source for AMOLED Mass Production
Authors: Kim Sungmoon , Chi Daijoon , Jeon Jonghun
Published: June 2024

Low angle flux of linear evaporation source for AMOLED MP line can cause mask shadow effect, low material utilization and nozzle clogging. We had developed CnR (Collimating and Recycling) source. It has unique nozzle structure that can make low angle flux go down to recycling basket and pass only high angle flux through final nozzle. We made G6H CnR linear source and tested. It can make collimating flux that is similar with cosine to the twelve. And it can decrease mask shadow 40%. Also, it can increase material utilization over 2 times.