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From fish to fiber: 3D-nanoprinted optical neuromast for multi-integrated underwater detection
Retraction Note: Experimental and theoretical validation for transmutation of palladium at electrochemical interfaces
Evaluation of organotin (IV) dithiocarbamate compounds as potential anti-leukemia agents towards CCRF-CEM (CCL-119) cell line: Cytotoxic, apoptotic, cell cycle and genotoxic study
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common cancer affecting children worldwide, and current treatment has adverse effects such as neurotoxicity. To overcome this problem, new organotin (IV) dithiocarbamate compounds were synthesized. In this study, the T-lymphoblastic leukemia cell line (CCL-119) was tested against seven new compounds: diphenyltin (IV) diisopropyl dithiocarbamate (ODTC 1), diphenyltin (IV) diallyl dithiocarbamate (ODTC 2), triphenyltin (IV) diisopropyl dithiocarbamate (ODTC 3), triphenyltin (IV) diallyl dithiocarbamate (ODTC 4), triphenyltin (IV) diethyl dithiocarbamate (ODTC 5), dimethyltin (IV) diisopropyl dithiocarbamate (ODTC 6) and dimethyltin (IV) diethyl dithiocarbamate (ODTC 7) hereafter referred to as ODTC 1–7, to identify their cytotoxic effects (MTT assay), mode of cell death (Annexin V FITC/PI staining) and effects on the cell cycle (RNase/PI staining) as well as genotoxic effects (alkaline comet assay). Results obtained after 24 hours of exposure showed that all organotin (IV) dithiocarbamate compounds (ODTC 1–7) exhibited potent cytotoxicity, with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.18 µM to 3.10 µM. The selectivity index showed that diphenyltin (IV) and triphenyltin (IV) dithiocarbamate compounds are more selective towards CCL-119 cells. All ODTC compounds induced apoptosis in CCL-119 cells, and each compound caused cell cycle arrest at specific phases, indicating diverse mechanisms of action. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were confirmed by flow cytometry. Treatment of the compounds caused significant (p < 0.05) DNA damage compared to the negative control, with ODTC 1 causing the highest genotoxic effects. In conclusion, diphenyltin (IV) and triphenyltin (IV) dithiocarbamate compounds show good potential as anti-leukemia agents. However, further studies on the mechanisms of action need to be conducted to have better insights into the effect of this compound on CCL-119 leukemia cells.
Powder diffraction crystal structure determination using generative models
Quantitative structure property relationship and multiattribute decision analysis of antianginal drugs using topological indices
Enhancing knowledge of hypertension among general practitioners in Pakistan through a Train-The-Trainer initiative
Background Hypertension (HTN) affects over a billion people worldwide, with most cases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where awareness and control remain low. In Pakistan, general practitioners (GPs) are usually the initial contact for hypertensive patients. Through the Train the Trainer (TTT) initiative, a group of consultant cardiologists were trained as master trainers to conduct training for GPs across Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the TTT initiative regarding knowledge of GPs about the diagnosis and management of HTN. Methods This study included 540 GPs from all over Pakistan. Participants attended HTN training workshops run by Master Trainers under the TTT model and completed a structured online questionnaire in relation to knowledge of HTN before and 1–3 months after training. Knowledge scores were derived from correct responses for 19 items. Results Pre-training GPs demonstrated low HTN knowledge scores with a median of 26.3 [IQR: 15.8–36.8] and 92% scoring less than 50. In contrast, post-training medians increased significantly to 42.1 [IQR: 31.6–63.2], with 38.5% of GPs achieving moderate or high knowledge scores ≥50 (p < 0.001). Overall, gains were observed across all demographic groups; significant improvement was observed among female and younger GPs. Conclusions The TTT initiative effectively improved knowledge in both the diagnosis and management of hypertension among GPs, thus standing to potentially improve the current gaps in HTN care in many LMICs through similar models. Further studies are warranted to document the long-term clinical impact of this kind of training on patient outcomes and hypertension control.
A fundamental mass transport model based on molecular insights for pervaporation desalination
The soil microbiome enhances sesame growth and oil composition, and soil nutrients under saline conditions
Effects of germicidal far-UVC on ozone and particulate matter in a conference room
The application of 222 nm light from KrCl excimer lamps (GUV222 or far-UVC) is a promising approach to reduce the indoor transmission of airborne pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus. GUV222 inactivates airborne pathogens and is believed to be relatively safe for human skin and eye exposure. However, UV light initiates photochemical reactions which may negatively impact indoor air quality. We conducted a series of experiments to assess the formation of ozone ( O 3 ), and resulting formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), induced by commercial far-UVC devices in an office environment (small conference room) with an air exchange rate of 1.3 h − 1 . We studied scenarios with a single far-UVC lamp, corresponding to the manufacturer’s recommendations for disinfection of a space that size, and with four far-UVC lamps, to test conditions of greater far-UVC fluence. The single lamp did not significantly impact O 3 or fine particulate matter levels in the room. Consistent with previous studies in the literature, the higher far-UVC fluences lead to increases in O 3 of 5 to 10 ppb above background, and minor increases in particulate matter (16% ± 10 % increase in particle number count). The use of far-UVC at minimum intensities required for disinfection, and in conjunction with adequate ventilation rates (e.g. ANSI/ASHRAE recommendations), may allow the reduction of airborne pathogen levels while minimizing the formation of air pollutants in furnished indoor environments.
Slope inspection under dense vegetation using LiDAR-based quadrotors
Damage constitutive model and experimental study of deep coal rock under thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling
Randomised trial reveals a mismatch between preferences for and hormonal responses to anthropogenic light colour temperatures
Public streetlights are universally used to improve visibility after dark and improve residents’ safety. However, anthropogenic light negatively impacts human health and well-being, biodiversity and energy consumption. Anthropogenic light impacts could be mitigated by technological changes optimising light characteristics, yet we know little of light colour temperature’s influence on well-being. Here, we aim to examine the impact of exposure to LED streetlights of 2700K, 4000K and 6500K on the impression of light, the feeling of safety, and the well-being (affect, self-reported stress and physiological stress). We used a parallel group field experiment with 77 participants, over 18 years old, in a small Swiss town with controlled light settings. Participants were randomly allocated to a light treatment through computer-generated randomisation. With 25–26 participants per treatment, we showed that participants had better impressions of warmer temperatures than of cold ones. Light temperatures did not influence affect, the feeling of safety or self-reported stress, yet the decrease in cortisol was stronger under 6500K than under 2700K. The observed lower hormonal stress levels in 6500K lights can be attributed to their resemblance to daytime light temperatures, while preferences for warmer lights reflect the expectations for night-time situations.
A continuously oxygenated macroencapsulation system enables high-density packing and delivery of insulin-secreting cells
Determination method of rational position for working face entries in coordinated mining of section coal pillars and lower sub-layer
Correction: Physician factors affecting patient preferences in selecting a primary care provider: A qualitative research study in Singapore
Mechanistic insights into the versatile stoichiometry and biased signaling of the apelin receptor-arrestin complex
Property-driven localization and characterization in deep molecular representations
Pneumococcal vaccination at 65 years and vaccination coverage in at-risk adults: A retrospective population-based study in France
Objectives Age (> 50 years) is a risk factor for pneumococcal disease, but is not an indication for vaccination in France, by contrast to influenza. In 2018, the pneumococcal vaccine coverage rate (VCR) was 4.5% in adults at-risk, in contrast to the influenza VCR, which was 43.6%. We aimed to assess pneumococcal and influenza VCR in 2020 in the entire French population and factors associated with a higher VCR (including the age of 65 years). Methods We retrospectively included all adults covered by the National Health Service in 2020 and identified patients at-risk using validated algorithms. We assessed VCRs by analysing pneumococcal vaccines reimbursed between 2009 and 2020 (13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV13] and 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine [PPSV23]), and influenza vaccines reimbursed between September 2020 and March 2021. Results In 2020, we identified 7,336,769 adults at risk (median age: 67.0 years): 84.2% had comorbidities and 24.5% were immunocompromised. The overall pneumococcal VCR (PCV13 + PPSV23) was 9.9% and the seasonal influenza VCR was 51.1%. The variable associated with the highest odds of VCR was an “age ≥65 years” for influenza (odds ratio [OR] 4.14), but not for pneumococcal vaccination (OR 1.02). In patients with comorbidities, pneumococcal VCR did not significantly increase between those aged 18–65 years and those aged > 65 years (7.2% to 9.4%), and even decreased from 20% to 17.9% in patients with immunodeficiencies. In contrast, influenza VCR increased significantly from 35.5% to 67.9% (OR 3.55) in patients with comorbidities, and from 27.3% to 71.2% (OR 5.57) in those with immunodeficiencies. Conclusion In France, pneumococcal VCR did not increase above 65 years of age (OR 1.02), by contrast to influenza VCR (OR 4.14) that increased significantly, suggesting that an age-based recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination will probably benefit to VCR in at-risk, elderly population.
Correcting market failure for no-regret electric road investments under uncertainty
Abstract Several electric road system technologies that enable in-motion charging of electric vehicles are nearing market readiness. However, substantial contribution to decarbonization requires rapid deployment on an international scale. Investment is discouraged by prior research that has identified that declining battery costs may eventually leave the infrastructure a stranded asset. We explore under what circumstances electric roads offer effective and low-risk decarbonization of European heavy-duty road freight. Transport system dynamics are explored and quantified, through pairwise comparison of scenarios with and without electric road incorporation, using a purpose-built agent-based simulation (MOSTACHI). Prior stranded asset risks are confirmed, but we show that policy that encourages high electric road utilization can correct for market failures and make the infrastructure a no-regret investment in much of Europe – never yielding worse outcomes than not investing. Electric roads are shown to be an effective risk mitigation strategy, achieving market-driven phase-out of fossil fuels before 2050, also in pessimistic scenarios where static charging alone would be insufficient. Electric roads reduce levelized system cost by 0–17%, greenhouse gas emissions by 7–63% (2030 to 2050, cumulative) and battery mineral demand by 20–40%. Benefits are maximized with early and predictable deployment.