bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight on to Mechanical, Thermal, Long-Term, Hydrothermal, and Chemical Stability of PSf Based Membrane Systems for Separation of O2 /N2
Authors: SWAIN SUCHHANDA , Unnikrishnan Lakshmi , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: March 2021

MMMs have been opened up a new window in gas separation and purification applications, but the actual viability can be reckoned on the basis of performance achieved in realistic feed conditions. This research highlights the selection of silica decorated graphene for the first time to prepare nanocomposite membranes. In the study, XRD, Raman, and UV validated the existence of the different fillers within the host Polysulfone (PSf), while TEM authenticated their distribution. The burst strength and thermal properties were also investigated. Besides, it covered a prudent step towards resolving the dominant ingredients, which routinely appraise the stability and durability of the membranes. These indexes are long-term gas permeation up to 120 hours coupled with sustainability against hydrothermal and chemical resistance under various conditions similar to real-life separation applications. Finally, the report demonstrated that the nanohybrid integrated membrane systems displayed optimum separation performance and stability than their parent counterparts: PSf/mSiO2, PSf/GO.
TCO and back contact buffer significance to achieve highest open circuit voltage and efficiency of CdTe solar cells
Authors: Ghosh Bablu K. , Saad Ismail , Mahmood Khairul A
Published: March 2021

CdTe thin film (TF) solar cells are most promising in commercial stage photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Cell contacts and interface defects related opto-electrical losses are still vital to limit its further technological benefit. Thin film PV cells shallow recombination and parasitic loss lessening purpose carrier selective back contact selection with band matching interface layers are essential. Beside that layer thickness selection is vital for field assisted selective carrier collection. The suitable emitter and buffer layer selection with band gap matching to the active layer can lessen parasitic absorption loss. In this purpose SCAPS software based ZnO and SnO2 TCO as well as CdS and CdSe buffer impact are numerically analyzed. The TCO, emitter, back surface field and metal contacts effects on electrical performance is studied. In the model, TCO and back contact barrier thickness is shown significant to progress electrical performance. Eventually, open circuit voltage Voc = 0.9757 V and 19.92% efficiency is achieved for 90 nm of ZnTe BSF with ZnO TCO and CdS emitter layer of optimized thickness.
Camel milk in asthmatic children: a double blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bakhtiari Elham , Nekouhi Soudabeh , Zibaee Saeid , Rakhshandeh Hasan , Sayedi Seyed Javad
Published: March 2021

Asthma is one of the prevalent diseases in children. There is some evidence regarding benefits of camel milk in asthma. Present study was carried out evaluating the effect of camel milk in asthmatic children. A randomized double blind clinical trial was operated between 2018 and 2019 in a tertiary center. Sixty children aged more than 6 years with not well control asthma were included. Intervention was consist of 200 milliliter camel milk or placebo daily for 2 months. Spirometry parameters and medication regimen were assessed before and after intervention. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. A total of 57 patients completed the trial. Patients were similar in demographic and baseline characteristics (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups after intervention in use of inhaled corticosteroids (96.7% versus 70.4%, p value = 0.01), short acting beta agonists (53.3% versus 29.6%, p value = 0.0001) and long acting beta agonists (53.3% versus 40.7%, p value = 0.04) in control and intervention respectively. The percent of changes in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) in control and intervention groups was 18.54 ± 14.89 and 21.89 ± 17.83 respectively (p = 0.14). The percent of changes in FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) in control and intervention groups was 8.11 ± 7.12 and 11.11 ± 8.33 respectively (p = 0.14). Conclusion: Camel milk leads to significant decrease in inhaled corticosteroids, short acting beta agonists and long acting beta agonist's use, surprisingly. It was suggested that camel milk is added to pharmacological treatment of asthmatic children after more studies.
Higher expression of PAR-1 may be associated with severity of Glioblastomas
Authors: Tripathy Sukanya , Singh Sanjay , Siddiqui Sarfraj Ahmad , Rawat Atul , Modi Dinesh Raj , Banerjee Monisha , Sobti R C , Prakash Anand
Published: March 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malignant types of central nervous system tumors. Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that elicits several pro-tumoral responses. It has been linked to proliferation and invasiveness in glioblastomas. In the present study, prevalence of the receptor (PAR-1) and its associated downstream signaling was studied in two human glioblastoma cell lines D-54 MG and U-87 MG. The expression of PAR1 was found to be significantly higher in D-54 MG cell-line when compared to U-87 MG cell-line. The activation of PAR-1 in the presence of TFLLR (a synthetic peptide activator of PAR-1) led to an increase in ERK ½ activity along with a significant increase in the migration and invasion of these cell-lines. Subsequent treatment with SCH-79797 (PAR-1 inhibitor) significantly decreased the migration and invasion in these glioma cell lines, respectively. The relative increase and decrease in the migration and invasion of these cell lines in presence of activator and inhibitor respectively was found to be linked with the expression of PAR-1. To conclude the study links the PAR-1 signaling with progression of Glioblastoma. PAR-1 and associated downstream signaling may be a potential therapeutic target to preclude the pathogenesis of gliomas.
Cell-imprinted-based integrated microfluidic device for biomedical applications: Computational and experimental studies
Authors: Kashani Sepideh Yazdian , Moraveji Mostafa Keshavarz , Bonakdar Shahin
Published: March 2021

It has been proved that cell-imprinted substrates molded from template cells can be used for the re-culture of that cell while preserving its normal behavior or to differentiate the cultured stem cells into the template cell. In this study, a microfluidic device was presented to modify the previous irregular cell-imprinted substrate and increase imprinting efficiency by regular and objective cell culture. First, a cell-imprinted substrate from template cells was prepared using a microfluidic chip in a regular pattern. Another microfluidic chip with the same pattern was then aligned on the cell-imprinted substrate to create a chondrocyte-imprinted-based integrated microfluidic device. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to obtain suitable conditions for injecting cells into the microfluidic chip before performing experimental evaluations. In this simulation, the effect of input flow rate, number per unit volume, and size of injected cells in two different sizes of the chip were examined on exerted shear stress and cell trajectories. This numerical simulation was first validated with experiments with cell lines. Finally, chondrocyte was used as template cell to evaluate the chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in the chondrocyte-imprinted-based integrated microfluidic device. ADSCs were positioned precisely on the chondrocyte patterns, and without using any chemical growth factor, their fibroblast-like morphology was modified to the spherical morphology of chondrocytes after 14 days of culture. Both immunostaining and gene expression analysis showed improvement in chondrogenic differentiation compared to traditional imprinting methods. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the cell-imprinted-based integrated microfluidic devices for biomedical applications.
17β-Estradiol Modulates the Expression of CD44 and CD326 in Estrogen-Sensitive Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Barros Daniel Pereira Maurício de , André Ayla Nóbrega , Aru Basak , Simsek Turkay , Demirel Gulderen Yanikkaya
Published: March 2021

With the emergence of Molecular Targeted Therapy, the interest in studying immunogenetic components that act in carcinogenesis has grown. The role of the estrogen receptor (ER) in initiation and progression of breast cancer is well documented and the estrogen treatment may affect expression of proteins described as tumor stem cell biomarkers in estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. The aim of this study is to analyze the expression of CD44 and CD326 on MCF-7 (ER+) and MDA-MB-231 (ER-) cell lines treated with 17β-estradiol for different periods. Our results indicate that 17β-estradiol can modulate CD44 and CD326 expression in breast cancer cells that have functional estrogen receptors in a time dependent manner. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the influence of 17β-estradiol on CD44 and CD326 expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Further investigations with primary patient samples and their cultures will enhance our knowledge on the effect of hormones on breast cancer.
Enhancement and Modeling of Drain Current in Negative Capacitance Double Gate TFET
Authors: S SHIKHA U , James Rekha K , Jacob Jobymol , Pradeep Anju
Published: March 2021

The drain current improvement in a Negative Capacitance Double Gate Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (NC-DG TFET) with the help of Heterojunction (HJ) at the source-channel region is proposed and modeled in this paper. The gate oxide of the proposed TFET is a stacked configuration of high-k over low-k to improve the gate control without any lattice mismatches. Tangent Line Approximation (TLA) method is used here to model the drain current accurately. The model is validated by incorporating two dimensional simulation of DG-HJ TFET with one dimensional Landau-Khalatnikov (LK) equation. The model matches excellently with the device simulation results. The impact of stacked gate oxide topology is also studied in this paper by comparing the characteristics with unstacked gate oxide. Voltage amplification factor (Av), which is an important parameter in NC devices is also analyzed.
Occurrence of Banned and Currently Used Herbicides, in Groundwater of Northern Greece; A Human Health Risk Assessment Approach
Authors: Parlakidis Paraskevas , Rodriguez Soledad Maria , Alexoudis Christos , Perez-Rojas Greivin , Perez-Villanueva Marta , Carrera Alejandro Perez , Fernández-Cirelli Alicia , Vryzas Zisis
Published: March 2021

The presence of pesticide residues in groundwater, many years after their phase out in European Union verifies that the persistence in aquifer is much higher than in other environmental compartments. Factors such as limited degradation, and adsorption in phreatic horizon have resulted in frequent detection of pesticide residues and their metabolites in the saturated zone. Currently used and banned pesticides were monitored in Northern Greece aquifers and risk to human health was assessed. The target compounds were the herbicides metolachlor, terbuthylazine, atrazine and its metabolites Deisopropylatrazine (DIA), Deethylatrazine (DEA) and Hydroxyatrazine (HA). The area’s aquifer has been extensively studied over the past 20 years. Eleven sampling sites were selected in order to have representatives of different type of wells. Namely, five drinking water, two irrigation wells and four experimental boreholes located close to Greek/Turkish/Bulgarian borders were monitored and fifty-four samples were analyzed. Pesticides were extracted by solid-phase extraction and analyzed by liquid chromatography. Metolachlor was detected in 100% of water samples followed by ATR (96.4%), DEA and HA (88.6%), DIA (78.2%) and TER (67.5%). Atrazine, DIA, DEA, HA, MET and TER mean concentrations detected were 0.18, 0.29, 0.14, 0.09, 0.16 and 0.15 μg/L, respectively. Obtained results were compared with historical data from our previous monitoring studies (1999-2003 and 2010-2012) and temporal trends were assessed. Preferential flow was the major factor facilitating pesticide leaching within the month of herbicide application. Moreover, apparent age of groundwater and the reduced pesticide dissipation rates on aquifers resulted of long-term detection of legacy pesticides. Although atrazine had been banned more than 15 years ago, it was detected frequently during our monitoring campaign and their concentrations in some cases were over the maximum permissible limit. Furthermore, human health risk assessment of pesticides was calculated for two different age groups though drinking water consumption. The presence of atrazine residues causes concerns related with chronic toxicity.
A Cross-sectional Survey of an Ongoing Public Multimodal Intervention for Cognitive Health for Older Adults in Times of Covid-19 
Authors: Studer-Luethi Barbara , Brasser Maria , Lusti Simon , Schaerli Rahel
Published: March 2021

BackgroundIn recent decades, the proportion of older adults in the population has continued to rise and with it the need for intervention programs to maintain cognitive functions into old age. Multiple lifestyle factors, first and foremost physical, cognitive, and social activities, have been shown to be crucial to forestalling decline in cognitive functions. However, since Covid-19 has curtailed opportunities for such activities, strategies must be designed to support older adults to remain cognitively healthy. MethodsThis study describes a newly developed ongoing publicly available preventive intervention, called brain coach, to support and stimulate cognitive activity in older adults. The intervention consists of weekly recommendations for evidence-based physical, cognitive, social, mindful, and creative activation exercises that can be integrated in daily life. 660 participants participated in an online cross-sectional survey examining experienced benefits and changes in relation to the program.ResultsParticipants reported benefits in memory, well-being, attitudes towards the brain, and lifestyle habits. Importantly, time invested in the intervention as well as some characteristics of participants, such as personality and positive attitude toward brain health, show positive relationships with these experienced benefits. Further research will explore the effects of such a multimodal intervention in a longitudinal randomized controlled trial study.
Does a Relationship Exist Between Posterior Vitreous Detachment, Macular Thickness and Foveal Avascular Zone Dimensions in Myopic Eyes?
Authors: Janarthanam Jothi Balaji , Agarwal Arpit , Raman Rajiv , Vasudevan Lakshminarayanan
Published: March 2021

Background: The posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a separation of the posterior vitreous cortex from the internal limiting membrane of the retina. The PVD induces several potentially serious pathologic events at the vitreoretinal interface. The aim of the study is to determine if relationships exist between PVD, macular thickness (MT) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in myopic eyes. Methods: This is a retrospective case study of 63 myopic subjects who underwent comprehensive eye examination including the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) between January 1 and Jun 30, 2019. The spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated using the manifest refraction. The myopia grouping was based on a severity scale, namely mild, moderate, high and very high using standard refractive error classifications. The PVD classification was based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. The status of the PVD and MT were evaluated with Macular Cube 200 × 200 images and the FAZ was imaged with an OCTA, Angioplex. The MT and FAZ dimensions were calculated using a custom algorithm. Results: A total of 114 myopic eyes subjects had median (range) age of 26.00 (22.00 - 28.00) years. Of this cohort, females comprised 62.3 % of the dataset, and the right eyes were 50.00 %. In this population, 10 eyes had no PVD in any quadrant, and 73 eyes had incomplete PVD in all four quadrants. The inferior quadrant had the maximum number of PVD cases and the nasal quadrant had the least number of cases. High myopic eyes exhibited significantly increased low foveal volume (p = 0.000). The inferior part of para- and perimacular area showed a significant thinning in very high myopic eyes (p = <0.05). A statistically significant alteration of FAZ circularity index found in very high myopic eyes (p = 0.002). Conclusion: In high and very high myopic eyes, an increasing trend of partial PVD is seen. The most commonly involved location was the inferior quadrant. A significant alteration in foveal volume and circularity index of the FAZ is seen in high and very high myopic eyes.
Striking Cardiac Phenotypic Variability in A Chinese Family With A MYH7 Splice Site Mutation
Authors: Tu Peng , Sun Hairui , Zhang Xiaohang , Ran Qian , Ran suzhen , He Yihua
Published: March 2021

Background: Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a rare congenital heart defect (CHD), genetics defects have been found in patients with LVNC and their family members; and MYH7 is the most common genetic associated with LVNC. Methods: A trio (fetus and the parents) whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed when the fetus was found with Ebstein's anomaly (EA), heart dilatation, perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSD), mild seroperitoneum and single umbilical artery (SUA).Results: Whole-exome sequencing identified a maternal inherited heterozygous splice site mutation in MYH7 (NM_000257.3:c.732+1G>A). Subsequent Sanger sequencing confirmed that the mutation was heterozygous in the fetus, the old sister, the grandmother, and the mother. QPCR experiment using RNA from blood lymphocytes but were unable to amplify any product.Conclusion: This familial case underlines that the striking cardiac phenotypic of MYH7 mutation (the c.732+1G>A spice site variant) may be highly variable. The mechanistic studies which could uncover candidate genes modulating cardiac phenotype associated with LVNC/EA should be proceed.
A Novel Application of Bubble-eye Strain of Carassius Auratus for Ex Vivo Fish Immunological Studies
Authors: Nakajima Hiroto , Miyashita Atsushi , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: March 2021

In this study, we investigated a new application of bubble-eye goldfish (commercially available strain with large bubble-shaped eye sacs) for immunological studies in fishes utilizing the technical advantage of examining immune cells in the eye sac fluid ex vivo without sacrificing animals. As known in many aquatic species, the common goldfish strain showed an increased infection sensitivity at high temperature, which we demonstrate may be due to an immune impairment using the bubble-eye goldfish model. Injection of heat-killed bacterial cells into the eye sac resulted in an inflammatory symptom (surface reddening) and increased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in vivo, and high rearing temperature suppressed the induction of pro-inflammatory gene expressions. We further conducted ex vivo experiments using the immune cells harvested from the eye sac and found that the induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was suppressed when we increased the temperature of ex vivo culture, suggesting that the temperature response of the eye-sac immune cells is a cell autonomous function. These results indicate that the bubble-eye goldfish is a suitable model for ex vivo investigation of fish immune cells and that the temperature-induced infection susceptibility in the goldfish may be due to functional impairments of immune cells.
Two Faces of Arbutine in Hepatocelluler Carcinoma (HepG2) Cells: Anticarcinogenic Effect in LD50 Dose and Protective Effect Against Cisplatin Toxication Through its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in LD0 Dose
Authors: Hazman Ömer , Evin Hatice , Bozkurt Mehmet Fatih , Ciğerci İbrahim Hakkı
Published: March 2021

Arbutine is one of the active substances used as a skin whitening agent in cosmetic products. Possible effects of arbutine on hepatocelluler carcinoma (HepG2) cells and cisplatin toxication in HepG2 cells were investigated in this study. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and proliferation levels were determined in experimental groups established for the purpose above. It was determined that when low dose of α-arbutine (in LD0 dose) was administered to HepG2 cells alone, it had no genotoxic and cytotoxic effects and no effects on inflammation, apoptosis and proliferation. However, when low dose of arbutine was used with cisplatin, it was observed that oxidative stress, inflammation, and genotoxicity levels increased as a result of cisplatin toxicity, but caspase 3 levels were not affected by this situation. As a result of high dose (in LD50 dose) of α-arbutine administration to HepG2 cells, it was determined that it would have anticarcinogenic effects by increasing oxidative stress, genotoxicity, inflammation and apoptosis and by suppressing proliferation. In the presented study it was determined that as well as α-arbutine had an anticarcinogenic effect on HepG2 cells in high doses, it might be protective to reduce the side effects caused by low dose (LD0 dose) of cisplatin treatment. In addition, it was concluded that α/β-arbutine-including cosmetic products were safe for cancer patients because α/β-arbutine had no effect on proliferation in HepG2 cells. In order to present the activity of arbutine isoforms more clearly it is recommended that studies should be conducted using healthy and different cell lines.
Decontamination of N95 Respirators using Moist Heat Delivered by Hospital Blanket Warming Cabinets: A Widely Available Method for N95 Re-Processing
Authors: Kumar Anand , Kasloff Samantha B. , Cutts Todd , Leung Anders , Sharma Naresh , Vazquez-Grande Gloria , Drew Tracy , Laframboise Denis , Orofino Olivero , Tanelli Joe , Krishnan Jay
Published: March 2021

Shortages of personal protective equipment for use during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continue to be an issue among health-care workers globally. Extended and repeated use of N95 filtering facepiece respirators without adequate decontamination is of particular concern. Although several methods to decontaminate and re-use these masks have been proposed, logistic or practical issues limit adoption of these techniques. In this study, we propose and validate the use of the application of moist heat (70oC with humidity augmented by an open pan of water) applied by commonly available hospital (blanket) warming cabinets to decontaminate N95 masks. This report shows that a variety of N95 masks can be repeatedly decontaminated of SARS-CoV-2 over 6 hours moist heat exposure without compromise of their filtering function as assessed by standard fit and sodium chloride aerosol filtration efficiency testing. This approached can easily adapted to provide point-of-care N95 mask decontamination allowing for increased practical utility of mask recycling in the health care setting.
Reconciling the Plant-Animal Interface: Convergence of Optimal Herbage Accumulation and Intake Rate by Sheep Grazing Tall Fescue
Authors: Szymczak Leonardo Silvestri , Moraes Anibal , Sulc Reuben Mark , Barker David , Monteiro Alda Lucia Gomes , Lang Claudete R. , Moraes Renata Franciéli , Lemaire Gilles , Carvalho Paulo César de Faccio
Published: March 2021

Aims This study evaluated the optimal herbage level from both plant and animal perspectives, through the adjustment of instantaneous herbage accumulation rate as estimed by the Gompertz curve model and short-term intake rate of sheep. Schedonorus arundinaceus (tall fescue) was used as an experimental model. Methods Weekly tall fescue herbage accumulation was measured during seven growth periods initiated on monthly intervals (October, November, and December 2015, and March, April, August and September 2016) with the initiation dates arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Total herbage mass, leaf lamina mass, pseudo-stem + sheath mass, senescent mass, and sward surface height were measured each week. Results We demonstrated that a pre-grazing sward surface height of 22.3 cm of tall fescue promoted concomitantly the maximum short-term intake rate of sheep and the instantaneous herbage accumulation rate in the spring and autumn periods. In general, the convergent point occurred after the maximum instantaneous leaf lamina accumulation rate and before the maximum instantaneous accumulation rate of pseudo-stem + sheath and senescent material. Conclusions We suggest the existence of a convergent point in which both primary and secondary production of pastoral ecosystems could be fostered, potentially reconciling the fundamental ecological dilemma of grazing systems.
The effects of adding glucocorticosteroids to standard care for children with sepsis. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Korang Steven Kwasi , Safi Sanam , Gluud Christian , Jakobsen Janus C
Published: March 2021

Background: Glucocorticosteroids are widely used to treat severe sepsis in pediatric intensive care units. However, the evidence on the clinical effects is unclear.Objective: To assess the benefits and harms of glucocorticosteroids for children with sepsis. Data Sources: We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) (PROSPERO CRD42017054341). We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, SCI-Expanded, and more. Study Selection: Randomized clinical trials assessing the effects of adding glucocorticosteroids to standard care for children with sepsis. Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data. Evidence was assessed by GRADE according to our published protocol.Data Synthesis: We included 24 trials randomizing 3073 participants. Meta-analyses showed no evidence of an effect of adding glucocorticosteroids for children with sepsis with a mixed focus for any of our outcomes. Meta-analyses suggested evidence of a beneficial effect of dexamethasone for children with meningitis when assessing serious adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 0.86; P = 0.001, very low certainty of evidence) and ototoxicity (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.88; P = 0.007, low certainty of evidence). TSAs showed that we did not have sufficient data to confirm or reject these results. We found insufficient evidence to confirm or reject an effect on mortality or our other outcomes. No trials reported quality of life or organ failure. Most trials were at high risks of bias. We found high clinical heterogeneity between participants. None of our TSAs showed benefits, harms or futility. Conclusions: Generally, we found no evidence of an effect of glucocorticosteroids for children with sepsis without meningitis. Dexamethasone for sepsis in children due to meningitis may decrease serious adverse events and ototoxicity.
Physiological Effects of Different Stubble Height and Freeze-Thaw Stress on Secale cereale L. Seedlings
Authors: Zhang Longtian , Bao Guozhang , Zhang Mengyu , Yu Zihang , Guan Tao , Li Jingwen , Su Yidan
Published: March 2021

Background: As a biennial plant, Secale cereale L is usually harvested in the autumn in the northern part of China where the temperature difference between day and night is of great disparity Through the pot experiment, the seedlings were cut to 2, 6 and 10 cm stubble height, and the simulated freeze-thaw (FT) stress (10/-5℃) was carried out after 6 days regrowth. The physiological effects of FT with different stubble height were revealed by analyzing the relative water content (RWC), osmotic adjustment substance concentration (soluble sugar and protein), membrane peroxidation (MDA) and catalase (CAT) activity. Results: The results demonstrated that under freeze stress (-5℃), the content of soluble protein and MDA decreased and the seedlings of 2 cm treatment kept higher level of soluble protein and MDA, while the seedlings of 6 and 10 cm treatments kept higher level of the RWC, soluble sugar content, and CAT activity. After FT stress, the content of soluble sugar and protein, RWC in the 6 cm treatment were higher than those in 2 cm and 10 cm treatments, and the CAT activity in 10 cm treatment was the highest while the MDA content is lower.Conclusion: These data suggest that keeping high stubble height is more adaptive for short-term FT stress.
Social Isolation, Inflammation, and Cancer Mortality from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey - A Study of 3,446 Women
Authors: Koh-Bell Alexander , Chan Joshua , Mann Amandeep K. , Kapp Daniel S.
Published: March 2021

Background To evaluate the relationships of social isolation, inflammatory biomarkers, and cancer mortality among women.Methods Data were abstracted from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988-1994. The Social Network Index was used to assess participants’ degree of social isolation. C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were included as markers of inflammation. We used the National Death Index to identify causes and dates of mortality. Chi-square and multivariable Cox regressions were employed for statistical analyses.Results Of 3,446 women (median age: 55 years), the most isolated, very isolated, somewhat isolated, and not isolated comprised 14.5%, 30.3%, 37.0%, and 18.2% of the sample, respectively. The most isolated participants were more likely to have low income (57.1% vs 12.2 %, p<0.001), have fewer years of education (40.6% vs 12.2%; p<0.001), have low physical activity (27.3% vs 14.6%; p<0.003), be obese (32.3% vs 24.2%; p=0.02), and be current smokers (33.8% vs 10.2 %; p<0.001) compared to the not isolated ones. Mean fibrinogen levels increased with degree of social isolation (p=0.02), but C-reactive protein showed no association (p=0.58). Kaplan-Meier estimates indicated higher cancer mortality rates among participants with elevated fibrinogen levels, though not statistically significant (p=0.07). Furthermore, there was no correlation between social isolation and cancer mortality (p=0.55). On multivariate analysis, obesity (HR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.83; p=0.02) and lower education (HR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.04-2.11; p=0.03) were independent predictors for cancer mortality, while high physical activity predicted for lower mortality from cancer (HR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.91; p=0.01). However, social isolation was not a predictor (p=0.88).Conclusion Social isolation among women was associated with an increased level of fibrinogen, but not associated with cancer mortality. The relationship between inflammation and cancer mortality warrants further investigation.
Clinical and Biological Prognostic Factors in Follicular Lymphoma Patients During Treatment
Authors: Jóna Ádám , Kenyeres Anna , Barna Sándor , Illés Árpád , Simon Zsófia
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
ADAPT: A Smart Mask for Active Defense Against Air-Borne Pathogens
Authors: Kalavakonda Rohan Reddy , Masna Naren Vikram Raj , Mandal Soumyajit , Bhunia Swarup
Published: March 2021

Face masks are a primary preventive measure against airborne pathogens. Thus, they have become one of the keys to controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Common examples, including N95 masks, surgical masks, and face coverings, are passive devices that minimize the spread of suspended pathogens by inserting an aerosol-filtering barrier between the user’s nasal and oral cavities and the environment. However, the filtering process does not adapt to changing pathogen levels or other environmental factors, which reduces its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This paper addresses the limitations of passive masks by proposing ADAPT, a smart IoT-enabled “active mask”. This wearable device contains a real-time closed-loop control system that senses airborne particles of different sizes near the mask by using an on-board particulate matter (PM) sensor. It then intelligently mitigates the threat by using mist spray, generated by a piezoelectric actuator, to load nearby aerosol particles such that they rapidly fall to the ground. The system is controlled by an on-board micro-controller unit (MCU) that collects sensor data, analyzes it, and activates the mist generator as necessary. A custom smartphone application enables the user to remotely control the device and also receive real-time alerts related to recharging, refilling, and/or decontamination of the mask before reuse. Experimental results on a working prototype confirm that aerosol clouds rapidly fall to the ground when the mask is activated, thus significantly reducing PM counts near the user. Also, usage of the mask significantly increases local relative humidity (RH) levels.
The Dark Side of Nighttime All-Terrain Vehicle Use
Authors: Jennissen Charles Anthony , Stange Nicholas R , Fjeld AnnaMarie , Denning Gerene M
Published: March 2021

Background Driving at night is considered a risk factor for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes and injuries but few studies have addressed this issue. Our objective was to compare daytime and nighttime ATV crashes to better understand the potential risk factors associated with riding at night. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on Iowa ATV-related crashes and injuries from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2019 using four statewide datasets: the Iowa Department of Transportation (2002-2019), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2002-2019), the Iowa State Trauma Registry (2002-2018) and Iowa newspaper clippings (2009-2019). A standardized coding system was developed, and matching records were identified using Link Plus®. Descriptive (frequencies) and bivariate (chi-square, Fishers exact test) analyses were performed using VassarStats (Statistical Computation Website).ResultsAmong crash victims where light conditions were documented (2125/3752, 57%), about one-quarter (485/2125, 23%) were injured at night. Nighttime crash victims were less likely youth (14% vs. 30%, p<0.0001), less likely to be wearing helmets (11% vs. 18%, p=0.003), and less frequently involved in motor vehicle crashes (7% vs. 14%, p<0.0001) as compared to daytime victims. Nighttime victims were also more likely to be passengers (22% vs. 15%, p=0.002), to test positive for alcohol (44% vs. 13% in adults, p<0.0001), and to be injured on a roadway (53% vs. 45%, p=0.007) and on weekends (76% vs. 63%, p<0.0001). Numerous differences between daytime and nighttime characteristics were observed for males, females, and adults, whereas most characteristics were similar for youth. The severity of injuries and proportion of fatalities were similar among daytime and nighttime crash victims.ConclusionsNighttime crash victims, particularly adults, were characterized by more frequent risky behaviors like carrying passengers, roadway riding, alcohol use, and lack of helmets. Whereas the frequency of risky behaviors among youth was similar for daytime and nighttime crashes, these behaviors put children at potential risk for injury. Multi-factorial, targeted injury prevention strategies are needed, including improved vehicle design, education about the dangers of nighttime operation, and passage and enforcement of ATV safety laws. Particularly relevant to our study are laws that prohibit nighttime riding.
Identification of Lipid Biomarkers for Skeletal Tuberculosis Using an Untargeted Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Li Qing , Fan Jun , Xue Yi , Huo Fengmin , Shang Yuanyuan , Qin Shibing , Pang Yu
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe identification of novel biomarkers in the human body is urgently needed to improve diagnosis and the clinical management of skeletal tuberculosis (STB). This study aimed to identify potential lipid markers to differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection from other infections, and establish a metabolite biomarker panel suitable for STB diagnosis from abscess samples.MethodsParticipants were recruited from Beijing Chest Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. Abscess specimens were collected from STB patients and patients diagnosed with other skeletal infections. Then we comparatively explored the lipid metabolomes of abscess specimens from STB and non-STB patients using untargeted lipid metabolomics approach.ResultsA total of 957 features in ESI + mode and 584 in ESI– mode were extracted from the lipidomic data. Among 1541 lipid metabolites, 55 lipid metabolites were significantly changed in STB patients compared to the control group. Significant up-regulation was clearly visualized in phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, lysophatidylinositols, lysophosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylethanolamine. Concomitantly, triacylglycerols and phosphatidylcholines were significantly down-regulated in patients affected by STB. It is worth noting that the two down-regulated monoacyl chain phosphatidylcholine, triacylglycerols and one up-regulated LPE showed excellent diagnostic potential, the AUC values of which were higher than 0.9 and the highest value was 1.0. Conclusions﻿To conclude, our data firstly characterize the lipid signatures of abscess specimens from STB patients. The LPEs are significantly upregulated in the STB cases than those in non-STB control, whereas phosphocholines and triacylglycerol are markedly downregulated in the STB cases. The panel of five lipid biomarkers exhibits great capacity for differential diagnosis of STB and non-TB cases.
Wild type Bacillus subtilis treated with ethyl methyl sulphonate produced catabolite insensitive mutants with improved cellulase production
Authors: Olaniyi Oladipo
Published: March 2021

The goal of this present investigation was to mutagenize Bacillus subtilis with Ethyl Methyl Sulphonate (EMS), screen the mutants for cellulase production and evaluate the influence of different glucose concentrations on their cellulase production potentials. The wild type B. subtilis was treated with 20, 40, 60 and 80 µl of EMS and the mutants generated were screened for cellulase production in minimal salt medium containing carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC) as the carbon source. Quantitatively, cellulase activity and protein contents were determined by dinitrosalicylic acid and Lowry methods respectively. Seven mutants were developed from each of the EMS concentration bringing the total to twenty-eight from all the concentrations. Approximately 14 and 57% of the mutants developed from 40 and 60µl of EMS had higher cellulase activities than the wild type, while none of the mutants developed from 20 and 80 µl of EMS had better activities than the wild type. The supplementation of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% glucose in enzyme production medium caused approximately 100, 14, 29 and 14% cellulase repression respectively in the mutants developed from 60µl EMS. Mutants MSSS02 and MSSS05 were considered as catabolite insensitive mutants because their cellulase production were enhanced in comparison to wild type.
Simultaneous Bilateral Oculoplastic Surgical Simulation
Authors: Ma Andre , Chan Karen Kar Wun , Yuen Hunter Kwok Lai , Chong Kelvin Kam Lung
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe current crisis of COVID-19 has reduced training opportunities for many ophthalmology residents. This study describes a model of simultaneous bilateral cadaveric surgical simulation for oculoplastic trainees as means to maximise training outcomes in a time- and resource-limited setting. MethodsA total of fourteen participants were included. Bilateral oculoplastic simulation were performed by two trainees assigned to a human cadaver at the same time. One participant started with transethmoidal endoscopic medial wall decompression over one side while another participant learned transcutaneous lateral wall decompression over the other eye, both under the direct supervision of a single experienced oculoplastic trainer. The number of orbital decompression surgeries performed, and participants’ rating of their learning progress and satisfaction with this simulation model were reported. ResultsThe fourteen participants included five ophthalmic residents (34%) and nine oculoplastic fellows (64%). Each participant completed one endoscopic medial and one lateral wall orbital decompression within 4 hours, hence a total four decompression surgeries was performed per human cadaver. Most (88%) participants agreed that simultaneous bilateral learning was preferred over the conventional and sequential unilateral simulation as it offered more hands-on time especially in a setting of limited time, cadavers and operative instruments. All (100%) would recommend fellow ophthalmic trainees to this type of simulation workshop.ConclusionIn this pilot study, simultaneous bilateral surgical simulation using human cadaver maximises the individual learning opportunity and was well received by all participants. It is an effective and resourceful model especially useful for oculoplastic training.
Esmolol during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Reduces Neurological Injury in a Porcine Model of Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Ruggeri Laura , Nespoli Francesca , Ristagno Giuseppe , Fumagalli Francesca , Boccardo Antonio , Olivari Davide , Affatato Roberta , Novelli Deborah , Giorgio Daria De , Romanelli Pierpaolo , Minoli Lucia , Cucino Alberto , Babini Giovanni , Staszewsky Lidia , Zani Davide , Pravettoni Davide , Belloli Angelo , Scanziani Eugenio , Latini Roberto , Magliocca Aurora
Published: March 2021

Background. Primary vasopressor efficacy of epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is due to its α-adrenergic effects. However, epinephrine plays β1-adrenergic actions, which increasing myocardial oxygen consumption may lead to refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) and poor outcome. Methods. Effects of a single dose of esmolol in addition to epinephrine during CPR were investigated in a porcine model of VF with an underlying acute myocardial infarction. VF was ischemically induced in 36 pigs and left untreated for 12min. During CPR, animals were randomized to receive epinephrine (30µg/kg) with either esmolol (0.5mg/kg) or saline (control). Pigs were then observed up to 96h. Results. Coronary perfusion pressure increased during CPR in the esmolol group compared to control (p<0.05). In both groups, 7 animals were successfully resuscitated and 4 survived up to 96h. No significant differences were observed between groups in the total number of defibrillations delivered prior to final resuscitation. Brain histology demonstrated reductions in cortical neuronal degeneration/necrosis (p<0.05) and hippocampal microglial activation (p<0.01) in the esmolol group compared to control. Lower circulating levels of neuron specific enolase were measured in esmolol animals compared to controls (p<0.01). Conclusions. In this preclinical model, β1-blockade during CPR did not facilitate VF termination but provided neuroprotection.
Isolation and characterization of copper leaching microbes from sanitary landfills for copper bioleaching of waste printed circuit boards
Authors: Razali Muhammad Syafiq , Riyadi Fatimah Azizah , Ak Fazrena Nadia Md , Yuzir Muhamad Ali Muhammad , Othman Nor’azizi , Hara Hirofumi
Published: March 2021

Electronic waste has been the fastest increasing waste generated globally and predicted to surpass 111 million tons per year by the end of 2050. The amount of e-waste is a concern not just due to its volume, but also due to its high composition of heavy metal elements, which has leads to increased development of urban mining in terms of heavy metal extraction. One common method of extraction, i.e., acid leaching, is known for its harmful residual leachate, in which can have a high impact on the environment. This focuses on the alternative leaching techniques known as bioleaching, which take advantages of microbial activity in mobilization of metal into a more soluble form. Strains from sanitary landfill soil were isolated in acidic media and identified as Bacillus sp. strain SE, Lysinibacillus sp. strain SE2, Bacillus sp. strain S1A, and Oryzobacter sp. strain SC. Among the isolated stains, the identified strain Oryzobacter sp. strain SC was able to extract up to 23.36 ppm copper from waste printed circuit boards using a two-step bioleaching process, confirming the ability of the strain to perform bioleaching of copper from e-waste.
Breast Microecology Improvement Using Probiotics Following Needle Aspiration in Patients With Lactational Breast Abscess: a Multi-center Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gao Yajun , Qin Jing , Li Xiaoting , Jiang Fei , Cai Yuanxuan , Feng Hui , Gu Xidong , Gao Mingze , Wang Lijuan , Lin Yiqi , Fan Yingyi , Xu Bucun , Wang Enli , Shao Qing
Published: March 2021

Background: Studies show that oral probiotics can improve the breast microecology and thus alleviate the inflammatory response; however, there is a lack of experimental data corresponding to cases with existing abscesses. We aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 during needle aspiration in patients with lactational breast abscesses.Methods: Patients (aged 20–41 years) with lactational single-cavity breast abscesses (diameter 3–6 cm) from 12 hospitals were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=51) and control groups (n=50). Outcome measures included the abscess cure rate on day-5 of treatment, delactation rate, relieving pain rate, and the number of needle aspirations until day-28.Results: The experimental group’s 5-day cure rate (43.1%, 22/51) was significantly higher (p<0.05). The breastfeeding continuation on day-5 did not differ significantly (experimental group: 88.2%, 45/51; control group: 96.0%, 48/50; p=0.269). In the experimental and control groups, 19.6% and 14.0% of patients experienced moderate to severe pain on day-5, respectively, with no statistically significant differences (p=0.451). The median number of needle aspirations up to day-28 was two in the experimental (1–3 times) and control (1–4 times) groups, with no statistically significant differences (Mann–Whitney U test, p=0.322). Four patients in each group developed diarrhea, with adverse reaction rates of 7.84% (4/51) and 8.0% (4/50), respectively. No adverse reactions were reported in the infants.Conclusion: L. fermentum can shorten the healing time in patients with lactational breast abscesses.Trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn), registration number: ChiCTR2000032682, registration date: May 6, 2020.
Long-lived phonon polaritons in hyperbolic materials
Authors: Ni Guangxin , McLeod Alexander , Sun Zhiyuan , Matson Joseph , Lo Leo , Rhodes Daniel , Ruta Frank , Moore Samuel , Vitalone Rocco , Cuscó Ramon , Artus Lluis , Xiong Lin , Dean Cory , Hone James , Millis Andrew , Fogler Michael , Edgar James , Caldwell Joshua , Basov Dmitri
Published: March 2021

Natural hyperbolic materials with dielectric permittivities of opposite sign along different principal axes can confine long-wavelength electromagnetic waves down to the nanoscale, well below the diffraction limit. This has been demonstrated using hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPP) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and -MoO3, among other materials. However, HPP dissipation at ambient conditions is substantial and its fundamental limits remain unexplored1,2. Here, we exploit cryogenic nano-infrared imaging to investigate propagating HPP in isotopically pure hBN and naturally abundant -MoO3 crystals. Close to liquid-nitrogen temperatures, the losses for HPP in isotopic hBN drop significantly, resulting in propagation lengths in excess of 25 micrometers, with lifetimes exceeding 5 picoseconds, thereby surpassing prior reports on such highly-confined polaritonic modes. Our nanoscale, temperature-dependent imaging reveals the relevance of acoustic phonons in hyperbolic polariton damping and will be instrumental in mitigating such losses for miniaturized middle infrared technologies operating at the liquid-nitrogen temperatures.