bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel antifouling nanofiltration PES membranes incorporating with C‐KIT‐6 for heavy metal ions removal
Authors: Moradi Golshan , Rahimi Masoud , Zinadini Sirus 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe removal of Pb2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ from contaminated water was investigated using the curcumin functionalized KIT‐6 (C‐KIT‐6) incorporated polyethersulfone (PES) nanofiltration (NF) membranes. The prepared C‐KIT‐6 was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), zeta potential, Energy dispersive X‐Ray (EDX), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). EDX mapping, SEM, and FTIR were used to show that C‐KIT‐6 mixed in the membrane. Zeta potential, mechanical properties, pore radius, pore radius distribution, and overall porosity were also studied to further characterize the prepared membranes. The hydrophilicity of the membranes was determined by the water contact angle and pure water flux study, and it was increased with respect to increasing C‐KIT‐6 loading. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of the C‐KIT‐6 incorporated membranes represented favorable alterations in surface roughness resulting in the amelioration of antifouling behavior. The maximum flux recovery ratio (FRR) and minimum irreversible permeability decay rate (DRir) were attained to be 95.2 and 4.8%, respectively, for the membrane with 0.3 wt% C‐KIT‐6 (M2‐C‐KIT‐6). The rejection of all testing heavy metal ions was maximum (Pb2+ = 91.4%, Ni2+ = 93.1% and Zn2+ = 98.0%) for M2‐C‐KIT‐6. Moreover, M2‐C‐KIT‐6 showed good long‐term reusability performance. The obtained results prove the antifouling C‐KIT‐6 incorporated PES NF membranes are potential candidates for heavy metal ion removal.
SNAP: Supportive noninvasive ventilation for acute chest syndrome prevention in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Guenther Cara S. , Pae Victoria J. , Neri Caitlin M. , Barry Karan , Duggan Molly A. , Cohen Robyn T. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcute chest syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Preventing hypoxemia by optimizing lung aeration during sleep remains a challenge.ObjectivesTo explore safety, feasibility, and tolerability of noninvasive, bi‐level positive airway pressure ventilation (BiPAP) as preventative, supportive care for hospitalized, medically stable children with SCD on a general pediatric inpatient unit.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients ≤22 years of age with SCD admitted to the general pediatric inpatient unit from February 1, 2017 to March 1, 2020 for whom BiPAP was recommended as supportive care. Hospitalizations were excluded if patients were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), required BiPAP for respiratory failure, or used BiPAP at home for obstructive sleep apnea.ResultsTwenty‐three patients had 53 hospitalizations in which BiPAP was recommended. Fifty‐two (98%) hospitalizations included acute SCD pain. Indications for BiPAP included prior ACS (94%), chest or back pain (79%), and/or oxygen desaturation (66%). On 17 occasions, patients already had mild to moderate ACS but were stable when BiPAP was recommended. BiPAP was used successfully during 75% of hospitalizations for a median of two nights. There were no adverse effects associated with BiPAP. PICU transfer for respiratory support occurred during three hospitalizations. In 26 hospitalizations of children at risk for ACS who tolerated BiPAP, 23 (88%) did not develop ACS.ConclusionsBiPAP is safe, feasible, and well tolerated as supportive care for hospitalized children with SCD. Next steps include an intervention trial to further assess the efficacy of BiPAP on ACS prevention.
Can recombinant technology address asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi shortages?
Authors: Maese Luke , Rizzari Carmelo , Coleman Russell , Power Austin , van der Sluis Inge , Rau Rachel E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Bacterial L‐asparaginase has played an important role in ALL treatment for several decades; however, hypersensitivity reactions to Escherichia coli‐derived asparaginases often preclude their use. Inability to receive asparaginase due to hypersensitivities is associated with poor patient outcomes. Erwinia chrysanthemi‐derived asparaginase (ERW) is an effective, non‐cross‐reactive treatment option, but is limited in supply. Consequently, alternative asparaginase preparations are needed to ensure asparaginase availability for patients with hypersensitivities. Recombinant technology can potentially address this unmet need by programming cells to produce recombinant asparaginase. JZP‐458, a recombinant Erwinia asparaginase derived from a novel Pseudomonas fluorescens expression platform with no immunologic cross‐reactivity to E. coli‐derived asparaginases, has the same primary amino acid sequence as ERW, with comparable activity based on in vitro measurements. The efficient manufacturing of JZP‐458 would provide an additional asparaginase preparation for patients with hypersensitivities.
Vertical transmission of SARS‐CoV2 during pregnancy: A high‐risk cohort
Authors: Maeda Mariane de Fátima Yukie , Brizot Maria de Lourdes , Gibelli Maria Augusta Bento Cicaroni , Ibidi Silvia Maria , Carvalho Werther Brunow de , Hoshida Mara Sandra , Machado Clarisse Martins , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Oliveira da Silva Lea Campos de , Jaenisch Thomas , Mendes‐Correa Maria Cássia Jacintho , Mayaud Philippe , Francisco Rossana Pulcinelli Vieira ,   HC‐FMUSP‐Obstetric COVID19 Study Group
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveIdentify the potential for and risk factors of SARS‐CoV‐2 vertical transmission.MethodsSymptomatic pregnant women with COVID‐19 diagnosis in whom PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 was performed at delivery using maternal serum and at least one of the biological samples: cord blood (CB), amniotic fluid (AF), colostrum and/or oropharyngeal swab (OPS) of the neonate. The association of parameters with maternal, AF and/or CB positivity and the influence of SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity in AF and/or CB on neonatal outcomes were investigated.ResultsOverall 73.4% (80/109) were admitted in hospital due to COVID‐19, 22.9% needed intensive care and there were four maternal deaths. Positive RT‐PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 was observed in 14.7% of maternal blood, 13.9% of AF, 6.7% of CB, 2.1% of colostrum and 3.7% of OPS samples. The interval between COVID‐19 symptoms and delivery was inversely associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity in the maternal blood (p = 0.002) and in the AF and/or CB (p = 0.049). Maternal viremia was associated with positivity for SARS‐CoV‐2 in AF and/or CB (p = 0.001). SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity in the compartments was not associated with neonatal outcomes.ConclusionVertical transmission is possible in pregnant women with COVID‐19 and a shorter interval between maternal symptoms and delivery is an influencing factor.
Research on viscoelastic behavior of semi‐crystalline polymers using instrumented indentation
Authors: Liu Erqiang , Wu Jianguo , Li Huaying , Liu Haitao , Xiao Gesheng , Shen Qiang , Kong Lingyu , Lin Jinbao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this study, the viscoelastic behavior of a polyamide 12 (PA12) polymer was evaluated using instrumented indentation technology based on a rheological model. The creep compliance and retardation spectra were obtained to analyze the viscoelastic response during the holding stage according to the rheological model under different preloading conditions. The results showed that the viscoelastic responses were independent of the indentation depth or load under step loading conditions. However, the creep compliance increases, and the peak intensity of the retardation spectrum decreases with a decrease in the preloading rate owing to the structural relaxation observed during the preloading stage under ramp loading conditions. Furthermore, softening dispersion can be completed during the loading stage under continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) conditions. As the preloading strain rate changes, the peak of the retardation spectrum gradually decreases until it disappears completely. Moreover, studies on indentation creep using the CSM method are challenging because of the complicated viscoelastic response observed during the preloading stage.
Pediatric long‐COVID: An overlooked phenomenon?
Authors: Brackel Caroline L. H. , Lap Coen R. , Buddingh Emilie P. , van Houten Marlies A. , van der Sande Linda J. T. M. , Langereis Eveline J. , Bannier Michiel A. G. E. , Pijnenburg Marielle W. H. , Hashimoto Simone , Terheggen‐Lagro Suzanne W. J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundLong‐COVID is a well‐documented multisystem disease in adults. Far less is known about long‐term sequelae of COVID in children. Here, we report on the occurrence of long‐COVID in Dutch children.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a national survey asking Dutch pediatricians to share their experiences on long‐COVID in children. We furthermore describe a case series of six children with long‐COVID to explore the clinical features in greater detail.ResultsWith a response rate of 78% of Dutch pediatric departments, we identified 89 children, aged 2–18 years, suspected of long‐COVID with various complaints. Of these children, 36% experienced severe limitations in daily function. The most common complaints were fatigue, dyspnea, and concentration difficulties with 87%, 55%, and 45% respectively. Our case series emphasizes the nonspecific and broad clinical manifestations seen in post‐COVID complaints.ConclusionOur study shows that long‐COVID is also present in the pediatric population. The main symptoms resemble those previously described in adults. This novel condition demands a multidisciplinary approach with international awareness and consensus to aid early detection and effective management.
Target volume‐guarantee in high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation for preterm respiratory distress syndrome: Low volumes and high frequencies lead to adequate ventilation
Authors: Solís‐García Gonzalo , González‐Pacheco Noelia , Ramos‐Navarro Cristina , Rodríguez Sánchez de la Blanca Ana , Sánchez‐Luna Manuel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRespiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and ventilation‐induced lung injury lead to significant morbidity in preterm infants. High‐frequency oscillatory ventilation with volume‐guarantee (HFOV‐VG) has been used as a rescue therapy and might lead to lower rates of death and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, especially when using low tidal volumes and high frequencies. The aim of the study was to define HFOV‐VG parameters leading to adequate ventilation in the first 72 h of preterm RDS using a low volume and high‐frequency strategy.Design and MethodsRetrospective cohort study in a tertiary‐level neonatology unit. Infants <32 weeks with severe respiratory insufficiency needing HFOV‐VG were included. Patients were ventilated following a standard mechanical ventilation aiming for low tidal volumes and high frequencies. Clinical data, perinatal characteristics and high‐frequency parameters corresponding with adequate ventilation were recorded.Results116 patients were included. Median gestational age was 25 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] = 24–27), median birth weight 724 g (IQR = 600–900 g). HFOV‐VG was started at 2 h, median high‐frequency tidal volume was 1.63 ml/kg (IQR = 1.44–1.84) and median frequency was 16 Hz (IQR = 15–18). Weight‐adjusted tidal volumes did not depend on gestational age, antenatal corticosteroids nor chorioamnionitis, and were inversely correlated with frequencies (R
2 = −0.10, p = .001).ConclusionHFOV‐VG can reach adequate ventilation at high frequencies when using adequate volumes, providing a feasible ventilation strategy that might be of help in preterm infants with RDS.
Experimental Investigation of the Thermal Decomposition Pathways and Kinetics of TATB by Isotopic Substitution
Authors: Koroglu Batikan , Crowhurst Jonathan C. , Kahl Evan M. , Moore Jason S. , Racoveanu Ana , Mason Harris E. , Weisz David G. , Reynolds John G. , Burnham Alan K. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractReal‐time measurements of the product gases arising from the thermal decomposition of triamino‐trinitro benzene (TATB), its deuterated analogue, and plastically bonded TATB (LX‐17) are presented in this study. Gas‐phase decomposition products are identified by IR absorption spectroscopy. The frequency shifts in rovibrational spectra due to isotopic substitution and the change in rate of formation of decomposition products due to the kinetic‐isotope‐effect (KIE) help elucidate the decomposition pathways. The formation of H2O precedes other molecules (e. g., HCN, HNCO) during decomposition. After the concentrations of HCN and HNCO molecules reach a peak, their amounts gradually decrease. The concentrations of the other decomposition products (e. g., NH3 and CO2) rapidly rise after an induction period, which is attributed to the presence of autocatalytic reactions. The trends of chemical evolution are similar for all the samples, but their kinetic behaviors are different. This indicates the rates of consistent pathways are changed during thermal decomposition. The kinetics of deuterated TATB decomposition is slower than that of unsubstituted TATB due to the KIE (kH/kD∼1.41). The rate of LX‐17 decomposition is slightly lower than unsubstituted TATB (kTATB/kLX‐17∼1.15). The KIE is more pronounced during the early stage of decomposition, which is attributed to the first steps of TATB decomposition involving water formation (i. e., H vs D transfer). The KIE slows down the formation of all gases, including those lacking hydrogen (e. g., CO2). These results suggest the TATB thermal decomposition mechanism might involve a series of pathways rather than a set of independent and parallel reactions.
Robotic system for magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound ablation of abdominal cancer
Authors: Antoniou Anastasia , Giannakou Marinos , Evripidou Nikolas , Evripidou Georgios , Spanoudes Kyriakos , Menikou Georgios , Damianou Christakis 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundA prototype robotic system that uses magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) technology is presented. It features three degrees of freedom (DOF) and is intended for thermal ablation of abdominal cancer.MethodsThe device is equipped with three identical transducers being offset between them, thus focussing at different depths in tissue. The efficacy and safety of the system in ablating rabbit liver and kidney was assessed, both in laboratory and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditions.ResultsDespite these organs' challenging location, in situ coagulative necrosis of a tissue area was achieved. Heating of abdominal organs in rabbit was successfully monitored with MR thermometry.ConclusionsThe MRgFUS system was proven successful in creating lesions in the abdominal area of rabbits. The outcomes of the study are promising for future translation of the technology to the clinic.
The in situ treatment of Basic Violet 16 synthetic dye in groundwater
Authors: McGregor Rick , Maziarz Anastasia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSynthetic dyes have been shown to be micropollutants in various aquatic and groundwater systems, often occurring at milligram per liter (mg/L) concentrations. Synthetic dyes are typically introduced into the environment either as a continuous stream from wastewater or as episodic events related to the disposal of residues or spills generated during the manufacturing process. Various studies for the treatment of synthetic dyes have been undertaken for wastewater but studies for the in situ treatment of synthetic dyes in groundwater are limited. A pilot‐scale test was conducted to determine if the use of colloidal activated carbon (CAC) could effectively reduce dissolved concentrations of the synthetic dye Basic Violet (BV16) in groundwater using in situ methods. The pilot test was carried out downgradient of a textile manufacturing facility where historic disposal practices resulted in the release of various chemicals of concern including BV16 to an unconfined silty sand aquifer. A 10‐weight percent CAC solution was injected into a series of temporary direct push injection points to target the synthetic dye that was present at concentrations of up to 1,640 micrograms per liter (μg/L) during the 738‐day study. The results from the pilot test indicated that the CAC was effectively delivered to the target injection zone resulting in a three order of magnitude increase in total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations compared to preinjection TOC concentrations within the aquifer. Distribution of the CAC within the targeted injection zone indicated that heterogeneity affected the distribution with a zone of higher horizontal hydraulic conductivity (KH) having an average TOC concentration approximately 100 percent greater than the mean TOC concentration within the surrounding aquifer targeted by the CAC injection. Analyses of the groundwater chemistry before and postinjection indicated that the CAC had no detrimental impact on the groundwater quality while reducing the concentration of dissolved BV16 within the plume to below the method detection limits within 62 days of injection. The concentration of BV16 remained below the method detection limit of 10 µg/L for the 738‐day duration of the study apart from one detection of 180 µg/L at Day 183 within groundwater sampled from one monitoring well suggesting that the CAC was effective in attenuating the BV16 over the short and moderate term.
Managing National Food Security in the Global North: Is collaborative governance a possible route forward?
Authors: Larsson Oscar L. , Sjöqvist Sara 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMany countries in the “Global North” that have enjoyed relative food security for a number of decades now face challenges that may lead to disturbances in food supplies. Global markets and global flows are not as self‐evident as they were a few years ago and new modes of governance for managing national food security during crisis are required. Recent events such as the COVID‐19 pandemic have further showed that global production systems and communications are fragile to a range of different disturbances. This article examines the possibility of managing national food security through collaborative arrangements between public authorities and private food companies through a case study of the Swedish approach to food security. The analysis is based on a theoretical framework that highlights the importance of motivation, leadership, shared understanding, and trust as four dimensions that evaluate collaborative governance in precrisis situations. We conclude that although a broader understnding of the importance of food security has emerged, collaborative governance arrangements run the risk of creating only an illusion of readiness, due to unclear mandates and clear leadership not able to advance trust, legal structures, or concrete agreements for ensuring national food security.
IGF‐I and NGFβ enhance in vitro progressive motility and vitality of human spermatozoa
Authors: Asimakopoulos Byron , Tiptiri‐Kourpeti Aggeliki , Metallinou Chrysa 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeProgressive motility (PM) and vitality are positively associated with fertilization ability of spermatozoa. Here, the effects of IGF‐I and NGFβ on PM and vitality of human spermatozoa were investigated.MethodsForty‐three volunteers gave semen samples after 2‐3 days of sexual abstinence. Each sample was processed with density gradient centrifugation and sperm washing. The pellet was divided into 3 aliquots. An aliquot containing one million of progressively motile spermatozoa was incubated for an hour (37°C) in standard culture medium (control group), and two aliquots with the same number of progressively motile spermatozoa were incubated in medium supplemented with IGF‐I or NGFβ. Two concentrations of IGF‐I (100 ng/ml and 1000 ng/ml) and NGFβ (0,5 ng/ml and 5 ng/ml) were tested.ResultsBoth growth factors significantly increased PM and vitality in comparison with control either at the low or the high concentration. IGF‐I seemed to be more effective than NGFβ. The effects did not seem to be dose dependent with the exception of the effect of IGF‐I on vitality.ConclusionsThe enhancement of PM and vitality of human spermatozoa by IGF‐I and NGFβ opens new ways for the improvement of sperm processing. Further research is needed to determine the most effective concentrations.
ASSURED‐compliant point‐of‐care diagnostics for the detection of human viral infections
Authors: Naseri Mahdi , Ziora Zyta M , Simon George P , Batchelor Warren 
Published: June 2021

AbstractViral disease outbreaks have been always a threat to global public health making affordable, rapid and accurate diagnostics highly important tools to slow down the spread of viruses and decrease the mortality rate. Point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostics have emerged as a strong tool for the diagnosis of viral infections, especially in countries where health‐care systems are inadequate to provide proper services to all citizens. According to the World Health Organization, an ideal POC diagnostic must be Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User‐friendly, Rapid/Robust, Equipment‐free and Deliverable (ASSURED). This review surveys carefully each ASSURED criterion and identifies where existing viral POC diagnostics fail to meet these criteria. Given the widespread concern with plastic pollution, we also propose the addition of 'disposability' to the existing ASSURED criteria and consider the letter “D” as the representative of both Deliverable and Disposable. Next, the POC tests used for the diagnosis of several common human viral infections which met all the ASSURED criteria (ASSURED‐compliant) are described in detail. Finally, the future of ASSURED‐compliant POC diagnostics, capable of generating comparable results to the viral diagnostic gold standards, is discussed.
Carbon dioxide flush as a soil health indicator related to soil properties and crop yields
Authors: Sainju Upendra M. , Liptzin Daniel , Dangi Sadikshya M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCarbon dioxide flush after rewetting of dried soils has been recommended as a promising soil health indicator, but it has not been related to most soil properties and crop yields. We evaluated the effect of cropping systems and N fertilization on CO2 flushes at 1‐ (1dC) and 4‐d incubations (4dC) after rewetting of dried soils and related to 54 soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and annualized crop yields in two long‐term experimental sites in eastern Montana (USA). Treatments included till and no‐till spring wheat (Triticum aestiveum L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and fallow rotations with and without N fertilization. Carbon dioxide flushes were lower in till crop–fallow than in no‐till continuous cropping systems at both sites. The 1dC was correlated to 5 soil physical, 7 chemical, and 12 biological properties, and 4dC was correlated to 9 physical, 8 chemical, and 11 biological properties in Froid. In Sidney, 1dC was correlated to 10 physical, 13 chemical, and 9 biological properties, and 4dC was correlated to 7 physical, 11 chemical, and 2 biological properties (1–8 moderately, 18–21 strongly, and 1–3 very strongly related). Carbon dioxide flushes were also related to mean annualized crop yields in both sites, except for the relationship between 4dC and crop yield in Sidney. Because of its stronger relationship with soil properties and crop yields, 1dC after rewetting of dried soils determined by using the infrared gas analyzer can be used as a simple, rapid, reliable, and inexpensive indicator of measuring soil health in dryland cropping systems.