Reverse Test Research Articles

Assessing the impact of different solvents in the bacterial reverse mutation test.

The bacterial reverse mutation test is essential for identifying the mutagenic potential of chemicals. The solubility of the test substance is vital for achieving the recommended assay concentration. Preferred solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide and water are chosen for their compatibility and historical data. Selecting a compatible solvent with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA strains, considering a maximum cytotoxic concentration or the limit of 5 mg/plate, can be challenging. This study assessed various solvents, including N,N-dimethylformamide, acetone, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, 95% ethanol, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, methanol, P-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, and dimethylacetamide, as alternative solvents in the AMES test. Results showed all solvents, except tetrahydrofuran, were compatible at concentrations up to 100 μL/plate or more, as they did not inhibit S9 enzymes, bacterial growth, or alter bacterial revertant colony counts, making them suitable for the bacterial reverse mutation test.

Research on civil aircraft electrical thrust reverse control system verification tests

Research on civil aircraft electrical thrust reverse control system verification tests

Inhibition of monoamine oxidases by heterocyclic derived conjugated dienones: synthesis and in vitro and in silico investigations.

A total of 18 heterocyclic derived conjugated dienones (CD1-CD18) were evaluated for their potential monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A/-B inhibitory activity. Among the analyzed molecules, CD11 and CD14 showed notable inhibitory potentials against MAO-B, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.063 ± 0.001 μM and 0.036 ± 0.008 μM, respectively. In contrast, CD1, CD2 and CD3 showed comparable inhibitory activities toward MAO-A, with IC50 values of 3.45 ± 0.07, 3.23 ± 0.24, and 3.15 ± 0.10 μM, respectively. Derivatives of thiophene (CD13-CD17) exhibited selectivity indices greater than 250 for MAO-B. Both lead compounds exhibited similar potencies to safinamide and were more potent than pargyline. According to kinetic analysis, CD11 and CD14 exhibited competitive inhibition of MAO-B activity, with K i values of 12.67 ± 3.85 nM and 4.5 ± 0.62 nM, respectively. Furthermore, the reversibility test results indicated that the inhibitions were reversible. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies can provide insights into the probable binding interactions of CD11 and CD14 with MAO-B. CD11 demonstrated a bipartite contact with Tyr326 and Phe343, whereas CD14 showed contact with Pro102 and Tyr435 via aromatic hydrogen bonds. These results indicated that both compounds have high-affinity binding interactions ( -10.13 and -9.90 kcal mol-1, respectively) at the active site of MAO-B. Furthermore, we used SwissADME to estimate ADME, and both lead compounds demonstrated blood-brain barrier penetration. The study results indicated that all the compounds evaluated demonstrated potent inhibition of MAO-B activity, which was comparable to the efficacy of reference medications. It is necessary to do further investigations on the lead molecules to see whether they may be used to treat different neurodegenerative illnesses.

A Nationwide Population-based Study for Audio-vestibular Disorders Following COVID-19 Infection.

To date, no study has reported the various otologic conditions associated with COVID-19 using population-based design. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk of audio-vestibular disorders (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, and tinnitus) increase after COVID-19 infection. This retrospective population-based study was conducted using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)-COVID-19 cohort database of South Korea. We identified participants in the COVID-19 group using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests. A matched cohort without COVID-19 was randomly selected in a 1:1 ratio. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, and tinnitus were defined using diagnostic, medication, and procedure codes. The incidence and risk of these disorders were assessed in both groups using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses. In total, 4,976,589 COVID-19 patients and an equivalent number of matched non-infected controls were analyzed. COVID-19 patients faced an increased risk of developing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular neuritis, and tinnitus compared to controls in univariate and multivariate Cox hazard analyses. COVID patients were at an increased risk of Meniere's disease in the univariate analysis; however, the risk of Meniere's disease after COVID-19 did not reach statistical significance in the multivariate analysis. COVID-19 infection may increase the risk of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular neuritis, and tinnitus.

Implementation of an Opt-out and Rapid Point-Of-Care Syphilis Testing Program for Pregnant Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department.

Adult and congenital syphilis rates are rising in the US. The aim of this pre- and post-implementation study was to determine whether implementation of an opt-out laboratory-based and rapid syphilis point-of-care testing program in the emergency department (ED) improves the detection and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy in a high-prevalence region. This pre-and post-implementation study was conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX. During the pre-implementation phase (11/01/2023 - 02/29/2024), pregnant patients presenting to the ED underwent lab-based syphilis testing using the reverse algorithm only when clinically indicated. In the post-implementation phase (03/01/2024 - 06/25/2024), pregnant patients without prenatal care or with no documented syphilis result underwent opt-out syphilis testing using the Syphilis Health Check (SHC) point-of-care test and the lab-based reverse syphilis testing algorithm. Patients with positive syphilis test results were treated by providers. All results were confirmed with the lab-based test and patient follow up was scheduled. During the pre-implementation period, 302 pregnant patients presented to the ED, and only 6 (2%) underwent syphilis lab-based testing, none of which yielded positive results. In the post-implementation period, 322 pregnant patients presented to the ED and 202 (62.7%) were approached. Of these, 114 (56.4%) were tested using either the SHC or lab-based reverse algorithm (p < 0.001). Four patients tested positive for syphilis, indicating a prevalence of 3.5%. An opt-out and rapid syphilis testing program for pregnant individuals visiting the ED increased syphilis screening from 2% to 56.4%, and detected syphilis that might have otherwise been missed.

A stable high-entropy perovskite La0.2Pr0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Sr0.2Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ oxygen electrode for reversible solid oxide cells

The electrocatalytic performance of oxygen electrode materials is one of the core issues limiting the development of reversible solid oxide cell (RSOC). In this work, the high-entropy perovskite material La0.2Pr0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Sr0.2Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (HE-LSCF) is synthesized and the catalytic performance is systematically investigated. At 800 ℃, the polarization impedance (Rp) of HE-LSCF cathode is 0.19 Ω·cm2, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity. HE-LSCF exhibits excellent chromium resistance by the doping of highly acidity cations, with the Rp only increased to 3.23 Ω·cm2 after the stability test. In addition, with HE-LSCF electrode on RSOC, the Rp was 0.15 Ω·cm2 at 800 ℃. Meanwhile, with the electrolysis voltage of 1.6 V, the current density is up to −738 mA/cm2. Moreover, the performance of the cell shows no significant degradation in the reversible cycling test, showing an excellent stability brought by the high-entropy design. Through the study, HE-LSCF is proved to be a promising oxygen electrode material.

Family Genetic Risk Communication and Reverse Cascade Testing in the BabySeq Project.

Genomic sequencing of newborns (NBSeq) can initiate disease surveillance and therapy for children, and may identify at-risk relatives through reverse cascade testing. We explored genetic risk communication and reverse cascade testing among families of newborns who underwent exome sequencing and had a risk for autosomal dominant disease identified. We conducted semi-structured interviews with parents of newborns enrolled in the BabySeq Project who had a pathogenic or likely-pathogenic (P/LP) variant associated with an autosomal dominant (AD) childhood- and/or adult-onset disease returned. We utilized directed content analysis to derive themes. From 11 families, all first-degree relatives (n=32, 100%), 29 second-degree relatives (SDRs) (76%), and 26 third-degree relatives (TDRs) (43%) were informed of their risk. All parents (n=22, 69% of FDRs), four (11%) SDRs, and 1 (2%) TDR underwent cascade testing. Most parents preferred to handle risk communication themselves. Parents with positive cascade testing but no associated symptoms were less inclined to share findings with relatives, but highly motivated to share results if the variant's associated disease severity was high, as perceived with adult-onset conditions. One new subtheme, "family member traits," was identified and defined as a relative's propensity to anxiety/concern following risk communication, but did not diminish risk communication. Findings can inform more effective notification and testing practices for families of newborns at risk for hereditary genetic conditions.

Downstream effects of observational threat learning: Generalization and reversal learning across development.

Observational threat learning is a complex social learning process through which typical and atypical fears develop. While studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of observational learning for the acquisition and extinction of threat, the intricacies of this learning process and how it varies across development have been less explored. To this end, we examined the extent to which children, adolescents, and adults generalized threat responses following observational threat learning. We also tested the capacity for reversal acquisition of these threat associations, again through observation. Participants (n=159) from three age groups underwent four consecutive learning phases: observational threat acquisition, direct generalization, observational reversal threat acquisition, and a direct reversal test. Threat responses were measured using psychophysiological and subjective indices. Results indicated that following successful observational threat learning, children, adults, and adolescents experienced threat generalization. Developmental differences emerged for reversal threat acquisition, with adolescents demonstrating poorer learning than children and adults. The study expands current knowledge on how observational threat learning is used in changing circumstances and how it unfolds across development.

Safety Assessment of Butyric Acid-Rich Triglyceride Oil: A Novel Palatable Formulation of Butyrate for the Pediatric Population.

A novel, palatable butyric acid-rich triglyceride oil has been developed and is available as a food supplement for adults in the United States and Canada. A program of safety studies was conducted with butyric acid-rich triglyceride oil for the pediatric population. The oil was tested in a microbial reverse mutation assay Ames Test OECD471 (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in which all bacterial strains showed negative responses over the complete dose range in two independently repeated experiments. All values were within the laboratory historical control data ranges. Further, data from the human lymphocyte micronucleus assay (OECD487) in the presence or absence of a metabolic activator (S9-mix), the oil did not induce a biologically relevant increase in the number of binucleated cells with micronuclei; therefore, the oil is considered not to be clastogenic or aneugenic. In a 90-day rat repeat dose toxicity study (OECD408), there were no unscheduled deaths, no treatment-related clinical signs, or effects on body weight and body weight gain, food consumption, ophthalmology, FOB parameters (including motor activity), clinical chemistry including thyroid hormones, and sperm parameters. There were no related organ weight changes, macroscopic or microscopic findings. In an extended one-generation reproductive toxicology study (EOGRTS) OECD443, there were no biologically important changes in body weight or body weight gain observed in the P generation male rats during the dosing period. At the end of the dosing period, the mean body weights in the male rats were 98% and 98% of the control group value in the 3720 and 4650 mg/kg/day dose groups, respectively. No biologically important changes in maternal body weights or body weight gains were observed during the premating, gestation, or lactation periods at dose levels up to and including 4650 mg/kg/day. Clinical signs observed in the P generation males and females were within the historical data ranges and not test substance related. There were no test substance-related changes in any other tested outcomes analyzed in the P generation males and females at doses up to and including 4650 mg/kg/day. In the F1 Generation, preweaning clinical signs observed in the males and females were within the historical data ranges and not test article related. There were no statistically significant or biologically relevant abnormalities in any of the parameters analyzed throughout the preweaning period at maternal dose levels up to and including 4650 mg/kg/day. In the postweaning period, there were also no clinical signs observed in males and females; all were within the historical data ranges and not test article related. There were no statistically significant or biologically relevant abnormalities in any of the parameters analyzed throughout the postweaning period at maternal dose levels up to and including 4650 mg/kg/day including body weights. Taken together, data from these toxicity studies show that butyric acid-rich triglyceride oil is extremely safe with a "no observed adverse effect level" (NOAEL) considered to be 4650 mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested.

Assessment of genotoxicity and acute oral toxicity of a standardized Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (HolixerTM)

Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly referred to as holy basil or Tulsi, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, due to its various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties. In contemporary contexts, this plant is progressively incorporated into dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. Given its widespread use and potential health beneficial properties, it is imperative to scientifically evaluate the safety of Ocimum tenuiflorum. This study presents comprehensive safety assessments of a standardized extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum. We conducted a series of genotoxicity studies, including the bacterial reverse mutation test (BRMT), in-vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration (CA) test, and in-vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus (MN) test in Swiss Albino mice. Additionally, an acute oral toxicity study was performed using Sprague Dawley rats, adhering to OECD guidelines in a GLP-compliant laboratory. The results showed no mutagenic effect with O. tenuiflorum extract up to a dose of 5000 µg/plate in BRMT. The results of CA test revealed the non clastogenic activity of O. tenuiflorum extract up to a dose of 500 µg/mL with and without metabolic activation (S9). Ocimum tenuiflorum extract was found to be non-clastogenic at the highest tested dose of 2000 mg/kg bodyweight in invivo MN test. In acute oral toxicity study, O. tenuiflorum extract was found to be safe up to 5 g/kg bodyweight in Wistar rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that Ocimum tenuiflorum extract is non-genotoxic and safe for oral consumption up to 5000 mg/kg body weight in Sprague Dawley rats.

Development and Validation of One-Step Reverse Transcription-Droplet Digital PCR for Plum Pox Virus Detection and Quantification from Plant Purified RNA and Crude Extract.

Plum pox virus (PPV) is the etiological agent of sharka, the most important viral disease of stone fruit worldwide. In this study, a one-step reverse transcription real-time PCR test (RT-qPCR) was modified and translated as a one-step RT-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) for sensitive, direct, and accurate detection and quantification of PPV. The modified RT-qPCR and RT-ddPCR PPV detection tests were validated using both plant purified total RNA (TRNA) and crude extract as templates. The proposed tests were sensitive, specific, selective, repeatable, and reproducible in detecting PPV from fresh, lyophilized, and in vitro plant samples. RT-ddPCR was more sensitive than RT-qPCR in detecting PPV using purified TRNA while showing the same sensitivity using crude extract. This work highlights the robustness, time-saving, and cost-effective nature of the proposed one-step RT-ddPCR test, offering a potential reduction in resources for PPV detection and quantification even with raw extracts.

Improvement of Reversal-Tolerance By Ti4O7-C Supported Pt-Ir Composite Catalysts

ABSTRACTWhen hydrogen is depleted in PEFCs, the anode potential increases (cell reversal), which involves the oxidation of carbon (COR), resulting in the deactivation of the anode. The addition of the oxygen evolution (OER) catalysts has been reported to suppress the degradation1. Ioroi et al. have reported that the combination of Ti4O7 with Ir catalysts improved the reversal-tolerance2. Li et al. have recently reported that Pt-IrO2 catalyst supported on Ti4O7 exhibited excellent reversal-tolerance3. We have also independently found a similar combination to be effective using Ti4O7-C synthesized by the carbothermal process4 and reported that the composite catalysts (Pt and OER catalysts supported on Ti4O7-C) showed better reversal-tolerance than the physical mixture of Pt/Ti4O7-C and Ti4O7-supported OER catalysts5. In this study, the composite effect of Pt-Ir was studied in terms of the chemical state of iridium catalysts and the effect of Ti4O7-supported catalysts. The reversal-tolerance was evaluated on the hydrogen pump.Experimental Preparation of catalysts: 20 wt% Pt/Ti4O7-C (11 wt% C) was prepared as previously reported4. IrO2 catalysts Ti4O7-C or Pt/Ti4O7-C was impregnated in IrCl3 solution, and hydrothermally treated at 180°C. Afterwards, the sediment was washed and dried at 80°C. 3.8 - 5.7 wt% IrO2/Ti4O7-C and 18 wt% Pt-3.7 wt% IrO2/Ti4O7-C were used for the physical mixture catalysts (hereafter denoted as “catalyst name-M”) and the composite catalyst, respectively. Ir0 catalyst Pt/Ti4O7-C was dipped into IrCl3 aqueous solution, and NaBH4 solution was added. It was washed by ethanol and water and dried at 80°C. Electrochemical measurement: The MEA was composed of Nafion NRE211 as the electrolyte membrane, a commercial heat-treated c-Pt/CB as the cathode (0.5 mg-Pt/cm2), and the above-mentioned catalyst or the physical mixture catalyst as the anode (0.2 mg-Pt/cm2). A commercial c-Pt/CB was also used for a physical mixture catalyst. The Ir loadings were 0.036 - 0.047 mg/cm2 and are indicated in parentheses. The performance was firstly evaluated with IV curves, and then the hydrogen pump, CV and LSV were conducted by flowing H2 gas to the cathode under 80°C fully humidified condition. The cell reversal test was performed by switching the anode supply gas to N2 (RH 78%) while the hydrogen pump was carried out at 0.2 A/cm2, and it was kept it was kept for 10 minutes at a cutoff voltage of 2.7 V. After the test, the same check of the characteristics was conducted. The second test was repeated in the same manner, and the third test was performed until it reached the cutoff voltage.Results and Discussion Difference in Ir chemical states of composite catalysts: The difference between IrO2 and Ir0 catalysts was studied (Cat 1 and Cat2). Both catalysts exhibited similar behavior. It was inferred that the oxidized Ir on the surface functioned as the active species for both catalysts3. Since 41% of Ir was leached after the tests for Pt-IrO2/Ti4O7-C catalyst (Cat1), the catalyst calcined at 300°C was also tested. Though the amount of leached Ir by the tests was suppressed to 10%, the degradation behavior hardly changed. Effects of Ir catalysts for the physical mixture catalyst: To confirm the effect of Ti4O7-C-supported IrO2 catalyst for the physical mixture catalyst, the same loading of Ir black was added to Pt/Ti4O7-C (Cat4). It showed better reversal-tolerance than the catalyst with IrO2/Ti4O7-C (Cat3), which means that the reversal-tolerance was improved in the case that Ir was supported on Pt/Ti4O7-C. Differences between Pt/Ti 4 O 7 -C and c-Pt/CB for the physical mixture catalysts: For the physical mixture catalyst with IrO2/Ti4O7-C, c-Pt/CB was used (Cat5). c-Pt/CB showed better reversal-tolerance than the catalyst with Pt/Ti4O7-C. Even though the catalyst with c-Pt/CB held below 1.7 V during the second test, the performance on the hydrogen pump deteriorated, because the COR slowly occurred below 1.7 V2. On the other hand, Ti4O7-C supported Pt-based catalysts did not exhibit significant deterioration on the hydrogen pump while they were kept below 1.7 V, and the HOR activity decreased after the anode voltage increased over 1.7 V. We have confirmed that the Ti4O7-C was slightly oxidized above 1.7 V, however the increase in the ohmic resistance was not the main factor for the increase in the voltage.This work was supported by NEDO.(1) T. R. Ralph et al., Platinum Metals Rev. , 46, 117 (2002). (2) T. Ioroi et al., J. Power Sources, 450, 227656 (2020). (3) Z. Li et al., Energy Environ . Sci ., 17, 1580 (2024). (4) M. Chisaka et al., Chem. Comm. , 57, 12772 (2021). (5) H. Wakita et al., In s of Papers, The 91st ECSJ Annual Meeting, S9-1_3_06, Electrochemical Society of Japan, Nagoya (2024). Figure 1

New Paleomagnetic results from Late Triassic limestone of the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane: Implications for the closure of the Paleo-Jinshajiang Ocean

To constrain the drift history of the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane and the closure time of the Paleo-Jinshajiang Ocean, we conducted a paleomagnetic study of Late Triassic limestones in the Qamdo region of the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane. The results of the rock magnetic, petrographic, and reversal test indicate the limestones carry primary magnetizations. Our new paleomagnetic data provide a Late Triassic paleopole of 30.9°N, 161.4°E (A95 = 8.4°), which corresponds to a paleolatitude of 35 ± 8.4°N for the study area. Integrating these data with existing paleomagnetic results and geological evidence, we determine that the Eastern Qiangtang Terrane was situated at a relatively constant paleolatitudinal position without significant N-S displacements during ∼230–209 Ma. We conclude that the Paleo-Jinshajiang Ocean in the Qamdo region had already closed before ∼221 Ma, and likely around ∼230 Ma.

Ailanthone targets the KMT2A-MEN1 complex to suppress lung metastasis of osteosarcoma

BackgroundLung metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with osteosarcoma (OS), and new drugs are urgently needed. Epigenetic reprogramming is a recently proposed hallmark of malignancy; therefore, targeting epigenetic enzymes might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for OS lung metastasis. We recently reported that ailanthone (AIL), a natural product isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant Ailanthus altissima, inhibits OS cell growth and induces substantial metabolic changes; however, its direct targets remain unclear. PurposeTo identify the direct targets of AIL in OS and to explore the effects of AIL on OS lung metastasis in vivo. Study designDirect target proteins of AIL and downstream signaling pathways were identified in Saos-2 and U-2OS OS cells. The in vivo effects of AIL on OS lung metastasis were investigated using a mouse model. MethodsA novel surface plasmon resonance-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPR-HPLC-MS) assay was used to determine direct targets of AIL in OS. A cellular thermal shift assay, molecular docking analysis, enzyme activity assay, qRT-PCR, western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and reverse tests were performed to confirm the target and downstream pathway of AIL. A tumor xenograft model was used to verify the efficacy and mechanisms in vivo. ResultsHistone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) together with its scaffold protein menin (MEN1) were identified as direct target proteins of AIL in OS. AIL induced the autophagic degradation of the KMT2A-MEN1 complex. Moreover, AIL inhibited intracellular H3K4 methyltransferase activity and epigenetically inhibited the transcription of genes in the serine biosynthetic pathway (SSP). Furthermore, AIL suppressed OS lung metastasis and downregulated KMT2A, MEN1, and SSP in mouse models. ConclusionThis work showed that AIL targets the KMT2A-MEN1 complex and inhibits SSP to suppress OS lung metastasis. Notably, AIL exhibits new mechanisms of action, distinct from those of existing anti-OS drugs. On the basis of these findings, we proposed a novel strategy to treat OS by targeting epigenetic enzymes and cancer metabolism.

A straightforward method for estimating evolutionary power spectral density of non-stationary typhoon wind speed

PurposeA precise estimation of the evolutionary power spectral density (EPSD) of typhoon wind speed is a difficult and significant undertaking in the analysis of turbulence effects on large-expansive structures. A majority of the prevailing EPSD estimation techniques rely on complex signal processing methodologies, such as wavelet decomposition, Hilbert–Huang transformation and time-varying autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model. However, these approaches often pose challenges in terms of comprehensibility and practical implementation for engineers. In light of this issue, the present study introduces a straightforward and effective EPSD estimation method tailored specifically for typhoon wind speed, aiming to facilitate its understanding and application in engineering contexts.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, the mathematical model of a uniformly modulated non-stationary process is employed to represent the typhoon wind speed. Secondly, the reverse arrangement test serves as an auxiliary tool in conjunction with wavelet transform or empirical mode decomposition, aiding in the determination of the optimal slowly varying mean wind speed. Thirdly, Kernel regression technique is utilized to discern the time-dependent standard deviation of wind speed fluctuations. Finally, the power spectral density (PSD) of wind speed residuals is computed to facilitate the estimation of the EPSD.FindingsFirstly, the reverse arrangement test-assisted approach enables the determination of an optimal time-dependent mean from the candidate results obtained through discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Secondly, the application of the Kernel regression technique facilitates accurate identification of the time-dependent variance from the fluctuating wind speed data. Thirdly, due to the influence of the extreme weather, the Gaussianity of the reduced turbulent fluctuations in typhoon wind is easily disturbed, resulting in the obvious non-Gaussian features.Originality/valueThis paper employs the mathematical model of uniformly modulated non-stationary process to characterize typhoon wind speeds and then proposes a straightforward and efficient method for estimating the EPSD of typhoon wind. The accuracy and efficacy of the presented estimation method are verified using the field-measured wind speed data from Typhoon Rammasun. The proposed EPSD estimation method for typhoon wind exhibits suitability for engineering applications owing to its simplicity and computational efficiency.

Respiratory viruses associated with severe acute respiratory infection in children aged

With the increased availability of licensed vaccines for respiratory viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza virus, a better understanding of the viral aetiology of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) among children could help in optimising the use of these vaccines. We conducted a study among children aged <5 years hospitalised with SARI at a tertiary care children's hospital in north India and tested for common respiratory pathogens. We randomly enrolled eligible SARI cases aged <5 years from August 2013 to July 2015. SARI cases were defined as either <7-day history of fever with cough or in children aged eight days to three months, a physician diagnosis of acute lower respiratory infection requiring hospitalisation. We also enrolled an age-group matched control without any acute illness in a 2:1 ratio from the outpatient clinic within 24 hours of case enrolment. Nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal swabs were collected and tested using TaqMan Array Cards, a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-based multi-pathogen testing platform for selected respiratory viruses among the enrolled cases and controls. We compared the prevalence of each pathogen among cases and controls using the χ2 (χ2) or Fisher exact test (P < 0.05). We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) which were then used to calculate aetiologic fractions (EFs). We enrolled 840 cases and 419 outpatient controls. Almost half of the individuals in the whole sample were aged <6 months (n = 521, 41.4%). Females made up 33.7% of cases and 37.2% of controls. Viral detections were more common among cases (69%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 66, 73) compared to controls (33%; 95% CI = 29, 38) (P < 0.01). RSV (n = 257, 31%; 95% CI = 28, 34%) was the most common virus detected among cases. Influenza A was detected among 24 (3%; 95% CI = 2, 4%), and influenza B among 5 (1%; 95% CI = 0, 1%) cases. The association between the virus and SARI was strongest for RSV (aOR = 23; 95% CI = 12, 47; EF = 96%). Antivirals were administered to 1% of SARI cases while 78% received antibiotics. Using a multi-pathogen molecular detection method, we detected respiratory viruses among more than two-thirds of children aged <5 years admitted with SARI in the Delhi tertiary care children's hospital. The guidelines for preventing and managing SARI cases among children could be optimised further with the improved availability of antivirals and vaccines.

Structured protein probes modified with selenium nanoparticle for 1-minute measurement of SARS-CoV-2 antigen

Conventional point-of-care lateral flow immunoassays are characterized by an antibody-tagged probe irregular coupling that can limit sensitivity and require a long assay’s time. We synthesized polyethylene glycol-modified selenium nanoparticles (PEG-SeNPs) by template method and developed a strategy to set antibody probes targeted and orderly by using PEG-SeNPs. Synthesized PEG-SeNPs with high stability could immobilize antibodies in the “stand-up” orientation, resulting in a faster detection time of less than 1 min by direct observer visualization without instruments or equipment. Results showed that SARS-CoV-2 antibody could be systematically structured on the chip, resulting in a detection limit of 10 pg/mL, significantly higher than conventional chips. The new device has been validated on 192 clinical samples and we found 100% negative coincidence, 93.94% positive coincidence, and 95.83% overall coincidence with reverse transcriptional PCR test. The orderly arrayed probe’s stability allowed to detect throat swabs, saliva, serum, fingertip blood samples, and mutant strains without cross-reactivity with common respiratory viruses or pathogenic strains, demonstrating promising potential for a universal colorimetric platform for ultrafast field-deployable diagnostics.

The effect of kaolin on postprocedural radial artery compression - randomized comparison

Abstract Background Mechanical compression is a standard method of postprocedural radial artery hemostasis. We investigated the use of this method and its combination with kaolin impragnated gauze patch as a new method of hemostasis. Methods We randomized 712 consecutive patients (pts) from our same day discharge program (age 66±8 years, 76% males) after coronary angiography (69%) and intervention (31%) from the proximal (PRA) and distal radial (DRA) approaches. Compression was performed by mechanical inflatable device with or without kaolin gauze : 241 versus (vs) 241 patients in proximal groups and 115 vs 115 pts in distal groups were compared. Postprocedural proximal radial artery patency was evaluated by reverse Barbeau test with finger oximetry testing. Time to hemostasis and access site complications were analyzed. Results Baseline characteristics were similar in all four groups - proximal with kaolin (PK+) and without kaolin (PK-), distal with kaolin (DK+) and without kaolin (DK-). Mean compression time was 57±20 min in PK+ vs 83±19 min in PK- groups (p&amp;lt;0.001) and 48±12 min in DK+ vs 63±12 min in DK- groups (p&amp;lt;0.001). In parallel, compression times were shorter in the distal groups compared to the corresponding proximal groups: (DK+ vs PK+; DK- vs PK-; both p&amp;lt;0.001). Postprocedural EASY grade II (&amp;lt;10cm) and III (&amp;gt; 10cm) hematomas occured more often in PRA (4,7% and 0,8%) in comparison with DRA (1,7% and 0%; p=0,03). There were no other local complications including the absence of proximal radial artery occlusion. Conclusions The use of kaolin in combination with mechanical radial artery compression was associated with shorter compression time in both PRA and DRA compared to mechanical compression alone. DRA was associated with an overall lower incidence of hematomas and also shorter compression time compared to the same PRA groups. No proximal radial artery occlusion was detected in our analysis.

Causal relationship between amino acids and ovarian cancer in the European population: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study and meta-analysis.

In recent years, an increasing number of observational studies have reported the impact of amino acids on ovarian cancer. However, Mendelian randomization studies have not yet been conducted to explore the causal relationship between them in the context of ovarian cancer. This study conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of 20 amino acids in relation to ovarian cancer data from 2 different sources within the European population, using a two-sample MR approach. The primary results from the inverse variance weighting analysis were then subjected to a meta-analysis, followed by multiple testing correction for the meta-analysis thresholds. Finally, reverse causality testing was performed on the positively associated amino acids and ovarian cancer. MR analyses were conducted for 20 amino acids with ovarian cancer data from both the Finngen R10 and Open genome-wide association study databases. The inverse variance weighted results from these 2 analyses were then combined through meta-analysis, with multiple corrections applied to the significance thresholds of the meta-analysis results. The findings showed that only cysteine had a significant association with ovarian cancer, with an (odds ratio) odds ratio value of 0.507 (95% confidence interval: 0.335-0.767, P = .025). The P-value of the combined MR and meta-analysis, after multiple testing correction, was 0.025, indicating statistical significance (P < .05). Additionally, cysteine did not show a reverse causal relationship with ovarian cancer in either data source. Cysteine is a protective factor for ovarian cancer, potentially reducing the risk of ovarian cancer and slowing the progression of the disease.

Stability of severe asthma phenotypes

Introduction. Severe asthma (SA) is a heterogeneous disease with several phenotypes. There are lack of data about its stability.Aim. To assess stability of SA phenotypes in adult patients during 5 years follow-up.Materials and methods. Prospective study included 117 adult outpatients with allergic SA, 51 severe asthmatics with aspirin-induced disease, 59 patient with persistent airflow limitation (PAL) and 35 patients with SA and concomitant COPD, 65 steroid-dependent severe asthmatics and 89 patients with SA and frequent (≥2 per year) exacerbations. Spirometry and bronchodilator reversibility testing were carried out; fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured; hypersensitivity to common inhalant allergens (skin prick and blood specific IgE testing) and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were estimated. Asthma control and asthma-related quality of life were assessed by using ACQ-5 and SGRQ questionnaire.Results. During 5-year prospective study stability of aspirin-induced SA and SA with COPD was 100%. Allergic phenotype was stable in 81% of SA cases and in patients with changed atopic status we revealed worsening of symptoms and accelerated lung function decline. Stability of SA phenotype with PAL without COPD was 86% and steroid-dependent SA was stable in 55% of cases. After 5 years of treatment frequent exacerbations remained in 28% of severe asthmatics.Conclusion. The most stable phenotypes of SA were aspirin-induced and asthma with concomitant COPD. Less stable were allergic SA, steroid-dependent SA and phenotype with persistent airflow limitation. The least stable was SA phenotype with frequent exacerbations.