Plexiglas Box Research Articles

Conducted Electrical Weapon Fire Risk in the Presence of Supplemental Oxygen.

Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) are nonlethal weapons used in tactical environments. Tactical EMS (TEMS) operators provide patient care in environments where CEWs are present. CEWs may produce a spark that can be a source of ignition. When supplemental oxygen is in use by a TEMS operator, the flammability risk from the CEW is unknown. We measured oxygen levels over 20 minutes in an enclosed space with a supplemental oxygen source maximally flowing. Measurements were taken at various distances from the oxygen source to establish baseline concentrations. These concentrations were replicated within a plexiglass box where a CEW was activated to create a sparking arc between probes embedded in a fresh swine shoulder (with skin intact). Various flammable materials, typically found in a patient care setting were used as potential fuel sources. The highest oxygen levels were achieved directly at the source. At 15cm from the source, the maximum oxygen concentration was 31.5%. Within the box, ignition was only achieved at oxygen concentrations greater than 45% and only when human hair was present as fuel. No ignition was achieved at oxygen levels below this regardless of the tested fuel present. Ignition from a CEW is possible at supplemental oxygen levels greater than 45% when human hair is present. In an enclosed space, oxygen concentration levels of 45% are only present within 15cm of a flush rate oxygen source. The likelihood of CEW-caused ignition in such settings with supplemental oxygen in use is extremely low.

Effects of the intermittent intrapulmonary deflation technique on expiratory flow limitation: an in vitro study.

The intermittent intrapulmonary deflation (IID) technique is a recent airway clearance technique that intends to delay the onset of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during exhalation. We showed in a previous study that IID increased the expiratory volume of COPD patients compared to quiet breathing and positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy. We hypothesized that it was due to the attenuation of the EFL. To verify the physiologic effects of IID and PEP techniques on EFL with a mechanical lung model. A mechanical lung model was created to assess the effects of IID and PEP techniques. The thorax was simulated by a plexiglas box in which an adult test lung was connected. A calibration syringe simulated the inspiratory phase. Later, with activation of the IID, the expiratory phase was driven by the deflation generated by the device. With PEP, the expiration occurred maintaining an expiratory pressure between 5 and 10 cmH2O. A pneumotachograph and a pressure transducer were placed in series for flow, volumes and pressure measurements. The model reproduced physiological characteristics of EFL. However, the deflation of the model was slowed by IID and PEP, and flow remained almost constant, so flow limitation was reduced. The IID and PEP attenuate EFL and increase exhaled volume in the in vitro model.

Morpho‐Tectonics of Transpressional Systems: Insights From Analog Modeling

AbstractTranspressional margins are widespread, and their dynamics are relevant for plate boundary evolution globally. Though transpressional orogen evolution involves a topographic response to deformation, many studies focus only on the structural development of the system ignoring surface processes. Here, we present a new set of analog models constructed to investigate how tectonic and surface processes interact at transpressive plate boundaries and shape topography. Experiments are conducted by deforming a previously benchmarked crustal analog material in a meter‐scale plexiglass box while controlling erosion through misting nozzles mounted along the transpressional wedge. To analyze the experiments, we generate digital elevation models from laser scans and conduct image correlation analysis on photos taken during experiments. We focus on three experiments that cover a range of erosional conditions and shortening stages (two end‐member erosion models and a dry reference). In all experiments, a bivergent wedge forms, and strain partitioning broadly evolves according to previously established models. Regarding drainage networks, we find that the streams in our models develop differently through feedback between fault development and drainage rearrangement processes. Differences between end‐member erosional models can be explained by the varying response of streams to structure modulated by rainfall. Additionally, erosion may influence the structural evolution of transpressional topography, leading to accelerated strike‐slip partitioning. From these results, we create a model for developing structures, streams, and topography where incision and valley formation along main structures localize exhumation. We apply insights from the models to natural transpressional systems, including the Transverse Ranges, CA, and the Venezuelan Andes.

Scale Dependence of Dispersion Coefficient for Solute Transport in Porous Media Using Image Analysis

Scale dependence of dispersion coefficient (D) in the advection-dispersion equation (ADE) for solute transport in porous media was investigated by a series of experiments using image analysis. A hexahedral plexiglass box sized 200×8×1.5 cm (L×W×H) was set and packed with glass beads as porous media. The solute transport under different conditions was simulated by changing the particle size of glass beads, flow rate, and detection scale using Bright Blue as tracer. The image analysis method was used to dynamically monitor and identify the spatiotemporal variation of solute concentration distribution. The results showed that image analysis can effectively monitor and identify the solute concentration in porous media, as indicated by an R2 value of 0.9890. There is an obvious linear relationship between hydraulic gradient (J) and velocity (v) in porous media under different experimental conditions. The ADE model is suitable for solute breakthrough curve (BTC) with good fitting accuracy, and can effectively reflect the concentration variation during solute transport. The key parameters controlling the solute transport were analyzed. D has abnormal diffusion (i.e., non-Fickian phenomenon) and scale dependence, and BTCs had a long tail, which becomes more obvious with the increase of flow rate, medium particle size, and transport scale.

Experimental investigation of the effect of optical filters on the performance of the solar photovoltaic system

Researchers are becoming more interested in renewable energies as a viable answer for today’s energy needs due to the rising demand for energy and climate changes brought on by the use of fossil fuel resources. One of the most significant sources of renewable energy is solar energy. Photovoltaic systems are used to convert the received solar radiation to electricity. Low overall performance throughout the operational time caused by raising the solar cells’ temperature is one of the most significant problems with the use of photovoltaic systems. In this experimental work, the influence of optical filters on the performance of photovoltaic panels was studied under Sharjah meteorological conditions. In this study, a 50 W solar PV module’s outdoor performance characteristics were analyzed. This case study employed a Plexiglas sheet, a box filled with air and water, and affixed it directly to the top surface of the PV panel to demonstrate the impact of the Plexiglas as an optical filter on the electrical productivity of the PV panel in relation to the variation in temperature caused by the filters. By imposing optical filters, and therefore lowering the temperature of the system, this work shows promising results in boosting the performance of the PV module. Module current drops dramatically as solar irradiance is blocked, yet panel voltage rises for filter-covered panels compared to the reference panel. In terms of fill factor and electrical efficiency, there has been a noticeable improvement. The voltage at maximum power, electrical efficiency, and maximum output power increased significantly. The average efficiencies of a reference PV module, a plexiglass-sheet-covered PV module, and a plexiglass-air-box-covered PV module are 7.02%, 7.5%, and 8.12%, respectively. In comparison to the reference module’s average efficiency of 6.66%, the covered PV module with plexiglass water box averages 6.74%

Video analysis of the locomotory behaviour of Aedes aegypti and Ae. japonicus mosquitoes under different temperature regimes in a laboratory setting

Mosquito-borne diseases impose a high burden on human and animal health. Temperature strongly influences the physiology and life cycle of mosquitoes, but also the development and/or propagation of the pathogens they transmit. Thus, the vector capacity of mosquitoes depends strongly on temperature and their behavioural thermoregulation through microhabitat selection. Expanding on a previous study of static thermal preferences, the locomotory dynamics of temperate Aedes japonicus (reared from eggs collected in the field) and tropical Ae. aegypti (from a laboratory colony) was investigated at constant temperatures (10 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C) and in temperature gradients (10–20 °C, 20–30 °C, 30–40 °C). Blood-fed or non-blood-fed female mosquitoes were released in groups of 15 individuals into a Plexiglas box positioned on two thermoregulators connected by an aluminium plate to automatically monitor by video analysis mosquito flying, walking and resting duration, covered distances and velocity. Mosquitoes were predominantly resting, followed by walking and flying. At constant 10 °C, flights were rare and brief, and walking was slow. Most activity was observed at 25 °C for Ae. japonicus and 40 °C for Ae. aegypti. In the 30–40 °C gradient, activity of Ae. aegypti increased towards the cold end, suggesting active avoidance of very high temperatures. In the 20–30 °C gradient, edge effects were prominent, nevertheless revealing a greater proportion of mosquitoes gathered at the cooler end. Video analysis showed that this effect was not caused by a cold trap but represents true thermal preference. In the coolest gradient (10–20 °C), mosquitoes were active in all sectors without displaying a preference for either side. Overall, both the tropical and temperate mosquito species preferred cooler temperatures and actively avoided the hottest temperatures. Further studies with infected mosquitoes should provide important insights for developing models of vector-borne disease outbreaks.

The orb-weaver's step-by-step guide to homebuilding

It's hard to believe that the intricate patterns of fine silk we call cobwebs are each constructed by a single spider. They diligently design and build homes strong enough to stop an insect in its tracks. A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University, USA, led by Andrew Gordus, set out to characterize the way orb-weavers, Uloborus diversus, construct such exquisite webs by closely analyzing the spiders' movements while they build.To observe the spiders' skills up close, the researchers outfitted a chamber with a video camera looking down onto a plexiglass box. They then annotated a portion of video, frame by frame, labelling the body, legs and joints so that they could adapt algorithms to predict where the legs and body would be in the rest of the videos. Using this approach, the researchers characterized each spider's movements as they spun their webs.It turns out that web assembly is made up of four previously defined construction phases: proto-web, radii, auxiliary and capture. In the initial stage of a web the spider builds a proto-web, which serves as scaffolding and looks like a messy tangle. The spiders paused most often while building the proto-web, suggesting that they use this time to assess the integrity of their composition. During the radii stage the spiders removed much of the proto-web and anchored silk between the edges and the center hub. Following the radii stage, the spiders built an auxiliary web, which is a single spiral that sweeps out from the hub to the edge of the web. And finally, the spiders removed the auxiliary spiral during the final capture stage, when the spider spun silk around the radii spiralling in tightly toward the center.By tracking the spiders' limbs, the research team distinguished behaviors such as walking, moving right or left legs, and pulling silk quickly or slowly. When they organized these behaviors by construction phase, they saw that particular behaviors are more likely to occur at some stages than others, such as leg sweeps during capture and increased pausing while building the proto-web. By tracking the position of the spider, they predicted when the spider was building radii by the straight walks from the center to the edge and back again. They then analyzed transitions between behaviors by calculating the probability that one behavior will follow another. They found that although each stage is made up of similar sets of behaviors, the probability that one will follow another is different for each stage. For example, during the capture stage, a fast silk pull is likely to follow multiple different behaviors, whereas during the radii stage, slow silk pulls are more common.Finally, the team used a mathematical model to test if the spiders' motions were distinct enough to predict the stage based on the probability of movements and transitions between movements. They found that their model successfully predicted different stages except for the proto and radii stage, which the model did not differentiate well. The researchers interpreted this outcome to mean that spiders move similarly while building the proto-web and the radii but the different patterns of web construction result from where the spider is on the web.A close and careful investigation of orb-weavers honing their craft shows that even a complex masterpiece like a spiderweb is ultimately made by an individual's flexible execution of a limited set of repeated movements.

Assessment of hydrogeochemical behavior of layered waste rock stockpiles: A meso-scale laboratory experiment

Large quantities of waste rocks are removed during ore extraction particularly in open pit mining and stored at the surface in piles. When these materials contain reactive minerals and are exposed to surface environmental conditions, they can generate contaminated mine drainage. A new approach of construction of waste rock piles using inclined compacted benches was developed in order to control water infiltration and minimize contamination. An experimental waste rock pile was built on the Lake Tio mine site to evaluate the performance of this approach under field conditions. To address all concerns related to the limitation of the field experiment, laboratory infiltration tests were conducted inside a steel and plexiglass box filled with three layers of different materials including a flow control layer (consisting of two compacted sand and crushed anorthosite sub-layers) and a layer of coarser materials (hemo-ilmenite waste rock containing sulphides and the non-reactive anorthosite waste rock). These infiltration tests were carried out testing different rates of precipitation (8 mm/day, 17 mm/day and 27 mm/day) at different slopes (0, 3, 5 and 7%). The effects of precipitation rate and box slope on the flow and quality of the infiltrated water in the system were studied in detail. Results show that the inclination angle of the box and the applied rainfall rate largely govern the diversion of water down the slope of the infiltration box. The results also show that the distribution of infiltration within the system was dependent on rainfall intensity. Based on the results of infiltration tests, it was found that nickel and sulfate loadings are influenced by the applied rainfall rates and a better diversion of water by the flow control layer improves the drainage water quality. These results suggest that nickel and sulfate loadings are mainly controlled by the capillary barrier effects (CBEs), flow paths and the flow rate. The findings are useful for improving the use of a flow control layer as a waste rock management and reclamation method.

Innovative problem-solving in a threatened gull species, the Olrog's Gull (Larus atlanticus).

Innovation, a process that plays an important role in the ecology and evolution of species, is considered an expression of behavioral flexibility in animals. Here we analyzed innovative problem-solving ability and performance enhancement through learning in the Olrog's Gull (Larus atlanticus), under controlled processes and experimental conditions. Trials were undertaken with nine adult individuals captured at a highly urbanized coastal area of Argentina. Each individual was presented with a Plexiglas box that could be opened by pushing or pulling two lids, each lid leading to a separated food reward. We measured problem-solving ability through consumption latency and the number of solved lids. As explanatory variables, we measured contact rate, as a measure of persistence, and the number of effective contacts. The results showed that the contact rate and effective contacts did not affect variables related to problem-solving ability during the first confrontation of the individuals with the closed box. Consumption latency decreased significantly throughout the trials, and with increasing contact rate and effective contacts. The number of solved lids increased through the trials independently of the contact rate and the total effective contacts with the box. Although persistence did not influence individuals' performance during the problem-solving test; this variable affected individuals' ability to solve the task throughout trials. Learning was evidenced by the decrease in the resolution time across experiments, suggesting that successful individuals improved their performance probably through a trial-and-error process. Evaluation of behavioral responses of a threatened seabird to a novel problem-solving task adds knowledge to previous field studies and provides a better understanding of the ability of individuals to adjust their foraging behavior in highly urbanized areas used during the non-breeding season.

Effects of bevacizumab administration on the hypoxia - induced pulmonary hypertension rat model.

Background/aim Bevacizumab is a chemotherapeutic drug, which selectively binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mainly inhibits angiogenesis and neovascularization. We aimed to study the possible effects of bevacizumab on right ventricular pressure (RVP), right ventricular hypertrophy, and VEGF, in hypoxia - induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) rat model.Materials and methods 24 adult Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group - saline; Bevacizumab Group; PH Group; PH + Bevacizumab Group. In hypoxia - induced model, 10% oxygen and 90% nitrogen were applied in a plexiglas box for eight days to PH Group and PH + Bevacizumab Group. On day eight, RVPs were measured directly from the heart, and then animals were sacrificed. Heart and lung tissues were examined, and Fulton index was measured.Results RVP, Fulton index, and tissue VEGF scores were significantly lower in PH + Bevacizumab group than PH group: median (ranges), RVP, mmHg, 37.8 (33.0–39.0) and 32.3 (28.0–35.0), p: 0.01; Fulton index: 0.30 (0.29–0.33) and 0.25 (0.24–0.26), p: 0.003; tissue VEGF scores: 5.1 (4.8–5.3) and 4.0 (3.8 4.1), p: 0.004, respectively. Conclusion Bevacizumab, which is indeed an antineoplastic agent, might have a favorable effect on hypoxia - induced pulmonary hypertension.

Planning actions with a magnetic tool: how initial tool orientation and number of functional ends influence motor planning abilities in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.).

The way in which animals grasp objects to perform subsequent action execution allows studying their anticipatory abilities. We examined whether 11 capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) were able to prospectively grasp a magnetic dowel to use it as a tool to retrieve a baited metallic container from a plexiglas box placed in front of them. We investigated whether and how initial dowel orientation (horizontal vs vertical) affected grasping and using the dowel to retrieve the container in two testing conditions: (1) 2-FE condition in which the dowel had two functional magnetic ends; (2) 1-FE condition in which the dowel had only one functional magnetic end. In the 2-FE condition, capuchins had to take into account the initial dowel orientation since both ends were functional, whereas in the 1-FE condition capuchins had also to take into account the initial functional end position when grasping the dowel. Capuchins were trained to grasp the dowel to put one functional end in contact with the metallic container. However, they did not learn to associate the functional end of the 1-FE dowel to successful retrieval. Capuchins showed better anticipatory planning (1) in 2-FE than in 1-FE condition and (2) when the dowel was initially positioned on the horizontal plane than on the vertical one. Moreover, hand preferences affected planning in the 1-FE condition. Results were discussed within the frameworks of primates' abilities to use abstract cues and on their abilities to process functional features and spatial cues and to perform mental rotations.

Improved Training and Semen Collection Outcomes Using the Closed Box Chair for Macaques.

Simple SummaryRefining procedures is an important part of promoting animal welfare. One area in which refinements are particularly important is animal restraint. Monkeys and other animals may be restrained for a variety of reasons, including sperm collection. In this study, we compared the use of a closed box chair (CBC) as a potential refinement over the more traditional open restraint chair (ORC) for restraint. We trained 34 male rhesus macaques to enter either the CBC or the ORC, allow restraint, and provide a semen sample. While all monkeys were reliably trained for the CBC, only 75% completed the task in the ORC. Further, it took longer to train the monkeys for the ORC than the CBC. Importantly, monkeys restrained in the CBC produced a higher ejaculatory volume and a higher sperm concentration than those in the ORC. Taken together, these data suggest that the CBC reduces stress for the animals while improving scientific outcomes, and thus is a refinement over the ORC.Collaborative semen collection in monkeys is a valuable tool in research, animal collection management, and conservation efforts. To obtain samples, monkeys are often restrained in open restraint chairs (ORC) with the “pole and collar” technique. While commonly used, this restraint is not tolerated by all individuals; some become anxious or aggressive towards the poles and people. In an effort to refine this procedure and improve welfare of the monkeys, we examined the use of a “closed box chair” (CBC), a clear, plexiglass box in which the monkey is trained to sit for sperm collection. The CBC does not require pole and collar, and although legs are secured, the arms and neck are not restrained. The use of CBCs has increased in recent years; however, there are few studies demonstrating its effects on scientific outcomes. We used positive reinforcement techniques to train 34 adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to provide semen samples using either the ORC or the CBC. While all CBC monkeys (n = 14) were reliably trained for this procedure, only 75% of ORC (n = 20) males completed the training (p = 0.04). It took significantly less time to train animals in the CBC than the ORC (201.0 vs. 412.4 min; p <0.001). In a controlled subset, males restrained with ORC (n = 7) produced a significantly lower ejaculatory volume than those collected by CBC (n = 10) (297.6 µL vs. 522.1 µL respectively; p = 0.04) and had a lower concentration of sperm (186.0 × 106/mL vs. 367.5 × 106/mL respectively; p = 0.017), although there were no differences with respect to sperm motility (p = 0.15). Our data suggest the closed box chair technique reduces stress on the animals while enhancing semen quality, supporting the use of the CBC as an important refinement.

Image analysis for the automatic phenotyping of Orobanche cumana tubercles on sunflower roots

BackgroundThe parasitic plant Orobanche cumana is one of the most important threats to sunflower crops in Europe. Resistant sunflower varieties have been developed, but new O. cumana races have evolved and have overcome introgressed resistance genes, leading to the recurrent need for new resistance methods. Screening for resistance requires the phenotyping of thousands of sunflower plants to various O. cumana races. Most phenotyping experiments have been performed in fields at the later stage of the interaction, requiring time and space. A rapid phenotyping screening method under controlled conditions would need less space and would allow screening for resistance of many sunflower genotypes. Our study proposes a phenotyping tool for the sunflower/O. cumana interaction under controlled conditions through image analysis for broomrape tubercle analysis at early stages of the interaction.ResultsWe optimized the phenotyping of sunflower/O. cumana interactions by using rhizotrons (transparent Plexiglas boxes) in a growth chamber to control culture conditions and Orobanche inoculum. We used a Raspberry Pi computer with a picamera for acquiring images of inoculated sunflower roots 3 weeks post inoculation. We set up a macro using ImageJ free software for the automatic counting of the number of tubercles. This phenotyping tool was named RhizOSun. We evaluated five sunflower genotypes inoculated with two O. cumana races and showed that automatic counting of the number of tubercles using RhizOSun was highly correlated with manual time-consuming counting and could be efficiently used for screening sunflower genotypes at the tubercle stage.ConclusionThis method is rapid, accurate and low-cost. It allows rapid imaging of numerous rhizotrons over time, and it enables image tracking of all the data with time kinetics. This paves the way toward automatization of phenotyping in rhizotrons that could be used for other root phenotyping, such as symbiotic nodules on legumes.

Evolution of parallel, oblique and triple-junction rifts: Insights from analogue modelling

The study of extensional structures such as normal faults, grabens and rift systems using analogue modelling techniques has been widely used to understand the evolution of sedimentary basins. These have been particularly helpful to understand the generation of oil reservoirs and structural traps. The present work was inspired by the discussion on the origins of two sub-parallel grabens located in the intracratonic Parecis Basin in the centre-west of Brazil. Parallel, oblique or intersecting grabens may form by the reactivation of inherited basement weaknesses that can act as velocity discontinuities, with their geometry and proximity controlling the evolution of the resulting grabens. In this work, we use sandbox analogue experiments to investigate the geometric and kinematic evolution of two nearby, sometimes intersecting, grabens. We do this by varying the distance and the geometry of two basal velocity discontinuities (VDs). In all experiments, an extension of 3 cm (scaling to 12 km) was prescribed to affect a 3 cm thick sand pack. The materials were deformed using a plexiglass box with two basal velocity discontinuities attached to two lateral movable walls. In a first set of experiments, we varied systematically the distance between the VDs. In the second set, we varied the angles between the VDs with different configurations, including situations in which the VDs intersect forming triple junctions. The results show that when the VDs are initially close (<2 cm, corresponding to ~8 km in nature) there is the formation of a wide graben composed of two sub-grabens that interfere with each other, while if the spacing between the VDs is >2 cm, the grabens develop independently and do not interfere. Furthermore, it is possible to conclude that whenever (not interfering) VDs are prescribed to the base of a sand pack it always leads to the formation of asymmetric grabens, except when the two VDs are initially close to each other. In the experiments with conjugate triple-junction VDs, the extension was shared between two independent asymmetric grabens where the VDs were at a certain distance from each other, and always led to the formation of a wide graben where the VDs were close or intersect each other.

Facial Mask and Plexiglass Box: a critical overview on the current strategies to protect patients from COVID-19 infection.

The route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been understood thanks to the knowledge of previously identified human coronaviruses. According to these studies, the transmission of the virus occurs mainly between humans at close range, through respiratory droplets produced during conversation or coughing, as well as through direct contact of the hands then placed on the mucous membranes or mouth. From the final analysis of studies carried out on protective systems, the validity of plexiglass as a material to be used for the construction of protective devices could be affirmed. The plexiglass, in fact, would seem able to isolate the diffusion of aerosol particles dispersed by infected subjects and in different environments.

Research on the stiffness of Grillage Method in Virtual Cross Beam based on Fuzzy recognition

The stiffness of virtual cross beam is an important parameter which affects the calculation results when using beam grillage method to analyze the stress of bridge structure. In order to obtain a reasonable value of the stiffness about the virtual cross beam, it is necessary to make comparative analysis. On the basis of the comprehensive comparative analysis of the stress and deflection of the control section in hollow slab bridge and simply supported beam bridge with twin-box single cross section, the value range of the virtual cross beam stiffness is obtained. Based on the theory of fuzzy mathematics, a fuzzy recognition model for the stiffness of the virtual beam was proposed. By calculating the relative membership degree vector of the stiffness in each virtual beam, the length and width of the cross section of the virtual beam is obtained to be 0.7 times height of the beam. In order to further verify the reasonable of the value, the stress and deflection values of the control section have been compared. These values are taken from the single-box and double-chamber plexiglass box girder model and highway single-box three-chamber box beam. The compared results show that the solution of the grillage model with the stiffness of the virtual beam in this paper is in good agreement with shell solutions and solid solutions.

Protective effects of maternal administration of curcumin and hesperidin in the rat offspring following repeated febrile seizure: Role of inflammation and TLR4

Neuroinflammation has a key role in seizure generation and perpetuation in the neonatal period, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway has a prominent role in neuroinflammatory diseases. Administration of antioxidants and targeting TLR4 in the embryonic period may protect rat offspring against the next incidence of febrile seizure and its harmful effects. Curcumin and hesperidin are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and have an inhibitory action on TLR4 receptors. We evaluated the effect of maternal administration of curcumin and hesperidin on infantile febrile seizure and subsequent memory dysfunction in adulthood.Hyperthermia febrile seizure was induced on postnatal days 9–11 on male rat pups with 24 h intervals, in a Plexiglas box that was heated to ~45 °C by a heat lamp. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) assessment for evaluation of inflammatory cytokine levels, TLR4 protein expression, and oxidative responses in the hippocampal tissues. For assessing working memory and long-term potentiation, the double Y-maze test and Schaffer collateral-CA1 in vivo electrophysiological recording were performed, respectivelyOur results showed that curcumin and hesperidin decreased TNF-α, IL-10, and TLR4 protein expression and reversed memory dysfunction. However, they did not provoke a significant effect on GSH content or amplitude and slope of recorded fEPSPs in the hippocampus. In addition, curcumin, but not hesperidin, decreased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and MDA levels.These findings imply that curcumin and hesperidin induced significant protective effects on febrile seizures, possibly via their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and downregulation of TLR4.

Thermal preferences of subtropical Aedes aegypti and temperate Ae. japonicus mosquitoes.

Temperature is an important determinant affecting the capacity of disease vectors like mosquitoes (Culicidae) to transmit disease agents. Although the impact of temperature on vector-borne disease dynamics has been studied intensively, the actual temperature encountered by the vector in a heterogeneous landscape is rarely taken into account. If disease vectors have temperature preferences and therefore select specific microhabitats, this would substantially influence key life history traits that determine transmission intensity. The thermal preferences of subtropical Aedes aegypti and temperate Ae. japonicus mosquitoes were investigated in a temperature gradient set-up consisting of a Plexiglas box on top of an aluminium plate on two thermal regulators. Blood-fed (one day after feeding) and unfed (non-blood-fed) mosquitoes were released in small (15-20°C, 20-25°C, 25-30°C) and large (15-30°C, 30-45°C) temperature gradients to assess their thermal preferences after 15min. Additionally, the effect of humidity was investigated in a two-choice chamber setup. Both mosquito species avoided higher temperatures, pronouncedly dangerously high temperatures in the 30-45°C gradient. At lower temperatures, blood-fed mosquitoes preferred the cooler sides of the 20-25°C and 25-30°C gradient, which were all below their rearing temperature. In the lowest gradient of 15-20°C, no preferences were found. The thermal preference of unfed mosquitoes was similar to that of the blood-fed mosquitoes. No humidity preference or effect of humidity on temperature preferences was observed within the tested range (40-90%). The set-up allows for assessing the thermal preference of mosquitoes under controlled conditions. The observed preference of mosquitoes for cooler temperatures would increase their longevity and slow down pathogen development. If similar microhabitat selection is observed in the field, vector borne disease models should be adjusted accordingly.

Filtration efficiency of surgical and FFP3 masks against composite dust.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protection efficiency of two types of face masks against composite dust and to characterize the particles that penetrated through the masks. Composite dust was created by grinding a commercial nano-filled composite in a plexiglass box without using water cooling or high vacuum evacuation, in order to obtain a worst-case exposure. Dust particles were collected using a personal inhalable aerosol sampler (IOM) fixed inside a custom-made phantom head. Surgical and filtering facepiece (FFP3) masks were tested, and the situation without a mask served as control. The IOM sampler contained a cassette with two filters to collect large inhalable (4-100µm) and respirable dust particles (<4µm). The amount of particles was determined gravimetrically by weighing filters before and after composite grinding, and further characterized by electron microscopy. Particle collection for both inhalable and respirable dust was the highest when no mask was used, and the lowest with the use of a FFP3 mask. Different sizes and shapes of particles were observed, with the largest particles (>1µm) being seen when no mask was applied, whereas only nanoparticles could be detected when either type of face mask was applied. Even though FFP3 masks showed a higher filtration efficacy than surgical masks of the inhalable dust fraction, penetration of a small respirable particle fraction was inevitable for both masks.

Plexiglas barrier box to improve ERCP safety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Since December 2019, more than 1.5 million cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded worldwide, and the number of infected patients is rapidly increasing. Medical personnel are at great risk for acquiring COVID-19 infection because of their high exposure to patients’ body fluids and the aerosol generated during GI endoscopic procedures. With the idea of minimizing the spread of aerosols during endoscopy, we are using a specially designed transparent Plexiglas box (length 90 cm, width 70 cm, height 60 cm) with a smaller opening on the side for the endoscope (diameter 60 mm) and 2 openings for the anesthesiologist’s maneuvers and the passage of various equipment cables (each diameter 150 mm) (A). During ERCP, the patients are sedated in the prone position with both arms extended next to the head to facilitate the approach of the anesthesiologist (B). The Plexiglas box does not limit necessary access to the patient, the endoscopic procedure, or the quality of the flouroscopic view. We have not specifically tested our box model for limitation of aerosol spread, but our device seems to be similar to the device studied for endotracheal intubation recently published by Canelli et al in the New England Journal of Medicine. All authors disclosed no financial relationships. Commentary Necessity is the mother of invention. The COVID crisis of 2019 to 2020 has made it clear to all concerned that endoscopy in this setting needs to be performed safely, from the perspective of both patients and healthcare providers. The authors in this case have enclosed their patient's head in a clear Plexiglas box to reduce the spread of aerosolized GI secretions. In theory, this device (or a device like it) could be used for any upper or lower endoscopic procedure, including bronchoscopy. The authors note that they have not tested the actual ability of this device to reduce the spread of disease, but perhaps this will come with time. It should be noted that the patient in this case is not intubated and that intubation in the context of general anesthesia is another highly effective way to reduce or nearly eliminate aerosolization of GI secretions (after the intubation procedure itself is complete, of course). Douglas G. Adler, DMD, FASGE, GIE Senior Associate Editor, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah Mohamed O. Othman, MD, Associate Editor for Focal Points