Simple Procedure Research Articles

Examining the Impact of Six Pro-Vaccination Messages on MMR Vaccine Hesitancy Among Mothers in Ukraine

The Ukrainian government began delivering mandatory MMR vaccination letters to parents across the country in 2019. In this two-phase online RCT, we aimed to test the effectiveness of this national mandatory vaccination letter against five behavioural science-informed letters, in terms of their effects on the vaccination attitudes, intentions and behaviours of Ukrainian mothers (N = 738). One letter was focused on the simplicity and accessibility of vaccination procedures; one contained a testimonial from a family doctor; two letters contained pro-vaccination social norm statements (one signed by a family doctor and one by a school director); and one contained a loss-framed message underlining the risks of non-vaccination. The results showed no difference between the conditions in terms of change in vaccination attitudes and intentions but there was an effect on behaviour (measured through clicking a link to schedule a vaccination). The letters signed by a family doctor, outlining how vaccination is a social norm, were most effective in encouraging positive vaccination behaviours. We conclude that the national template used by Ukrainian public health authorities is unlikely to reduce vaccine hesitancy or increase vaccination rates, and that letters emphasising the normative nature of vaccination could increase uptake in the Ukrainian context.

One pot green synthesis of Biginelli reaction catalysed by bio-waste metal-free super acid lignin sulphonate

A Bio-waste metal-free super acid catalyst (BWC) has been synthesized at higher temperature and used as a catalyst for synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2-(1H)-ones (DHPMs) via one pot three component Biginelli reaction. The multicomponent reactions are very complex and involves more than two reagents. In the present study, sulfonated carbonaceous material called a green catalyst was utilized for three component reaction. Catalyst was synthesized from sodium lignosulfonate which is obtained from the wastage of paper-making industries from the sulfite pulping process. The synthesized green catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermal Electronic microscopy (TEM), and elemental analysis. The three component Biginelli synthesis the catalyst was optimized to 8 mol % quantity which was sufficient to complete the reaction within 1–4 hrs. The yield of reaction ranges from 70-90 %. Separation was easy and recycling ability of catalyst was also tested with good retention of catalytical activity. Catalytic activity was performed as an acid-catalyzed reaction in ethanol. The synthesis of all the compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance), MS (Mass Spectra), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared), CHNS (Carbo, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur) analysis. The satisfactory results were obtained with good yields, shorter reaction time and simplicity in the experimental procedure. The catalysts could be recycled and reused three times without decrease in the catalytic activity significantly.

The 3-Dimensional Intelligent Structured Light Technique: A New Registration Method in Stereotactic Neurosurgery.

Surface-based facial scanning registration emerged as an essential registration method in the robot-assisted neuronavigation surgery, providing a marker-free way to align a patient's facial surface with the imaging data. The 3-dimensional (3D) structured light was developed as an advanced registration method based on surface-based facial scanning registration. We aspire to introduce the 3D structured light as a new registration method in the procedure of the robot-assisted neurosurgery and assess the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of this method by analyzing the relative operative results. We analyzed the results of 47 patients who underwent Ommaya reservoir implantation (n = 17) and stereotactic biopsy (n = 30) assisted by 3D structured light at our hospital from January 2022 to May 2023. The accuracy and additional operative results were analyzed. For the Ommaya reservoir implantation, the target point error was 3.2 ± 2.2 mm and the entry point error was 3.3 ± 2.4 mm, while the operation duration was 35.8 ± 8.3 minutes. For the stereotactic biopsy, the target point error was 2.3 ± 1.3 mm and the entry point error was 2.7 ± 1.2 mm, while the operation duration was 24.5 ± 6.3 minutes. The 3D structured light technique reduces the patients' discomfort and offers the advantage of a simpler procedure, which can improve the clinical efficiency with the sufficient accuracy and safety to meet the clinical requirements of the puncture and navigation.

Dried storage of sperm at supra-zero temperatures: An alternative for flow cytometric analysis under field conditions

In biotechnological processes such as chromosomal manipulation studies, semen has become a reference in the ploidy verification of the evaluated material. However, the use of fresh samples is limited to the use at field conditions because the analysis is performed under laboratory conditions. Thus, this study aimed to develop a simpler procedure for storing dry semen at 28 °C to reduce cold storage costs. For this, semen samples were evaluated according to established quality semen parameters, a protocol for dry, and 3 sterilization treatments of dry semen were applied to the store. The integrity of the DNA was evaluated every two months, using fresh semen, dry semen (untreated), and particles 3C to compare the peaks by flow cytometry. The results indicated that all samples evaluated before and after drying showed no significant difference in the DNA content. UV-treated semen showed a 1C peak in the histogram up to 180 days of storage and a non-significant difference (P > 0.05) from fresh control in the number of DNA particles up to 120 days and untreated only showed a 1C peak up to 120 days. The developed method may become an interesting procedure to serve as a reference peak for practical flow cytometric analysis, not only in the field of fish biology but also in biomedical and agricultural sciences. Furthermore, dried semen can become a tool for the preservation of genetic material and is a promising low-cost storage technique for biobanking.

Assessing the Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Determine Saccharification Efficiency of Corn Biomass

AbstractNowadays, in the bioethanol production process, improving the simplicity and yield of cell wall saccharification procedure represent the main technical hurdles to overcome. This work evaluated the application of a rapid and cost-effective technology such as near -infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for easily predict saccharification efficiency from corn stover biomass. Calibration process focussing on the number of samples and the genetic background of the maize inbred lines were tested; while Modified Partial Least Squares Regression (MPLS) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) were assessed in predictions. The predictive capacity of the NIRS models was mainly determined by the coefficient of determination (r2ev) and the index of prediction to deviation (RPDev) in external validation. Overall, we could check a better efficiency of the NIRS calibration process for saccharification using larger number of observations (1500 sample set) and genetic backgrounds; while MPLS regression provided better prediction statistics (r2ev = 0.80; RPDev = 2.21) compared to MLR (r2ev = 0.68; RPDev = 1.75). These results indicate that NIRS could be successfully implemented as a large-phenotyping tool in order to test the saccharification potential of corn biomass.

Consideration of the diameter of superficial temporal arteries related to filler injections in the temporal region.

The concavity of the temple due to adipose tissue atrophy from aging accentuates the zygomatic arch and lateral orbital rim, leading to an aged appearance. The use of hyaluronic acid filler in the temporal region has gained popularity due to its procedural simplicity and consistent outcomes. To evaluate the safety of administering hyaluronic acid filler in the temporal region concerning the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery, which is at risk of injury. Empirical observations were conducted on the internal diameter of the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery, a critical anatomical site for potential injury. A significant proportion of the artery segments exhibited an internal diameter below 1 mm. Given that the outer diameter of an 18-gauge cannula is 1.27 mm, this method can be considered a relatively secure approach for enhancing the temporal region. The use of an 18-gauge cannula for hyaluronic acid filler administration in the temporal region appears to be a safe and effective method, with the potential risk to the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery being minimal.

A primary culture method for the easy, efficient, and effective acquisition of oligodendrocyte lineage cells from neonatal rodent brains

Oligodendrocytes (OL) are myelin-forming glial cells in the central nervous system. In vitro primary OL culture models offer the benefit of a more readily controlled environment that facilitates the examination of diverse OL stages and their intricate dynamics. Although conventional methods for primary OL culture exist, their performance in terms of simplicity and efficiency can be improved. Here, we introduce a novel method for primary OL culture, namely the E3 (easy, efficient, and effective) method, which greatly improves the simplicity and efficiency of the primary OL culture procedure using neonatal rodent brains. We also provided the optimal media composition for the augmentation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) proliferation and more robust maturation into myelin-forming OLs. Overall, E3 offers an undemanding method for obtaining primary OLs with high yield and quality. Alongside its value as a practical tool, in vitro characteristics of the OL lineage additionally identified during the development of the E3 method have implications for advancing research on OL physiology and pathophysiology.

Preparation of Sulfonyl Chlorides by Oxidative Chlorination of Thiols and Disulfides using HNO3/HCl/O2 in a Flow Reactor.

A continuous flow metal-free protocol for the synthesis of sulfonyl chlorides from thiols and disulfides in the presence of nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and oxygen was developed. The influence of the reaction parameters was investigated under batch and flow conditions. Online 19F NMR was successfully implemented to investigate different reaction conditions within a single experiment. The sulfonyl chlorides were isolated (mostly in 70-81 % yield) after performing a simple aqueous washing procedure. In particular, the protocol was successfully operated for >6 hours to convert diphenyl disulfide to its corresponding sulfonyl chloride, achieving a throughput of 3.7 g h-1. The environmental impact of the protocol was assessed and compared to an existing continuous flow protocol using 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DCH) as reagent. The process mass intensity (PMI) for the newly-developed flow protocol (15) compared favorably to the DCH flow process (20).

The Difunctionalization of Alkenes Completed by DMTSM and CF3SO2Na without Metal Catalysts

AbstractThe electrophilic thiolation of alkenes initiated by DMTSM and the addition of CF3SO2Na in one pot has been developed. This reaction also can be extended to ArSO2Na. This protocol features a good substrate scope, simple procedures, and mild reaction conditions and affords the desired products in moderate yields without metal catalysts.

The Mythical Construction of the Spread of Lassa Fever among Garri Marketers: Empirical Evidence from Edo State, Nigeria

Lassa fever (LF) is prevalent in Edo State, where garri, the most important cassava product, is processed and marketed. The disease spreads through practices influenced by the beliefs and traditions of garri marketers. The study examines the mythical beliefs people hold about Lassa fever. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select 192 garri marketers. A structured interview schedule was employed to elicit quantitative data, while in-depth interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. Gross Margin was used to determine profitability, and the qualitative data were transcribed. Garri marketing is a profitable venture with a gross margin of N80,752.22 per month. A large proportion (39.5%) of the marketers never believed in the epidemic nature of Lassa fever, attributing the disease to punishment from deities. Additionally, 44.6% indicated that the government used it to secure funding from international communities, while others believed that rats are not the cause of Lassa fever. In conclusion, some marketers hold false beliefs about the reality of Lassa fever. Expanding an effective awareness campaign to dispel myths about Lassa fever is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of preventive measures against its spread.

Simple procedure for the simultaneous extraction and purification of anthocyanins using a jabuticaba byproduct biosorbent

The burgeoning interest in anthocyanins, fueled by their recognized nutraceutical benefits, faces challenges due to the intricate and time-consuming nature of the extraction and purification processes. This study addresses this hurdle by introducing a pioneering method for the simultaneous extraction and purification of anthocyanins from jabuticaba byproducts (Plinia cauliflora). Utilizing a BoxBehnken experimental design, the investigation fine-tuned maceration extraction conditions, pinpointing the optimal combination of time (30 min), temperature (60 ºC), and solvent composition (50% MeOH v/v), resulting in a yield of 14.43 ± 0.09 mg g−1 of anthocyanins. After optimizing extraction conditions, a simultaneous purification step was integrated into the in situ process. The biosorbent from jabuticaba byproducts demonstrated anthocyanin purification from the extract exceeding 90%, outperforming the commercial adsorbent (PoraPak™ Rxn) tested. The study unveils an eco-friendly method for anthocyanin extraction with an impressive Ecoscale rating of 86 (maximum of 100). This novel one-step extraction and purification method emphasizes significant anthocyanin recovery while aligning with circular economy principles. It offers notable time and cost savings, enhancing overall production efficiency.

Simple robust PD control for asymptotic stabilization of uncertain spacecraft with actuator constraints and disturbances

AbstractThis paper concerns the problem of asymptotic attitude stabilization for uncertain spacecraft subject to actuator constraints and bounded external disturbances. A simple model‐free saturated robust PD control is proposed within the framework of PD design methodology combining sliding mode control strategy. Asymptotic stabilization stability is proved in terms of Lyapunov's direct method and Barbalat's lemma. Advantages of the proposed control include the easy‐going implementation with simple and intuitive structure and explicit tuning procedure and abilities to guarantee the asymptotic attitude stabilization and bounded disturbance rejection and ensure the actuator constraint is not violated by selecting the control gains a priori. Simulation comparisons demonstrate the improved performance of the proposed approach.

Photoinduced Decarboxylative Borylation of N-Hydroxyphthalimide Esters with Hypoboric Acid.

We developed a visible-light-driven photochemical transformation in which activated primary, secondary, and tertiary alkylcarboxylic acids were converted into the corresponding boronic esters in the absence of catechol and any added photocatalyst. The procedure relies on the utilization of hypoboric acid and redox-active esters of alkylcarboxylic acids to ensure a simple and economic procedure. Quantum chemical calculations and mechanistic considerations provide deeper insights into the mechanism of photochemical borylation reactions.

Regular Friedmann Universes and Matter Transformations

Regular Friedmann Universes and Matter Transformations

Attitudes to multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests for population-based screening: A qualitative study in Great Britain

BackgroundTrials are underway to test the clinical utility of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests for screening asymptomatic individuals. We sought to understand the acceptability of MCED blood test screening and potential barriers and facilitators to participation among the general public. MethodsWe conducted eleven semi-structured online focus groups with 50-77-year-olds (n = 53) in April–November 2022. Participants were purposefully sampled to include a mix of socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds as well as people who would not want ‘a blood test for cancer’. Participants were shown information about MCED blood tests. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsParticipants showed enthusiasm for MCED screening. Perceived benefits included procedural familiarity and the potential to screen for many cancers. Enthusiasm was driven by beliefs that cancer is a real and increasing risk (both at population level and personally with age) and that early detection reduces treatment burden and cancer mortality. Some felt they would not want to know if they had cancer. The potential for MCED tests to raise anxiety was a concern, especially in a false-positive scenario. Participants wanted to avoid unpleasant and unnecessary procedures. The initial blood test was deemed “less invasive” than current screening tests, but potential follow-up procedures were a concern. Views on MCED screening were influenced by wider factors including dislike of uncertainty, desire for choice and control over one's health, and existing relationships with the NHS. ConclusionThe introduction of MCED screening is likely to be appealing due to the simplicity and familiarity of the primary test procedure. Test accuracy needs to be high to facilitate acceptability and should be communicated from the outset. Some people would rather not know if they have cancer, and MCEDs will not appeal to all.

Versatile Prepolymer Platform for Controlled Tailoring of Quantum Dot Surface Properties.

Quantum dots (QDs) hold immense promise for bioimaging, yet technical challenges in surface engineering limit their wider scientific use. We introduce poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) (PPFPA) as a user-friendly prepolymer platform for creating precisely controlled multidentate polymeric ligands for QD surface engineering, accessible to researchers without extensive synthetic expertise. PPFPA combines the benefits of both bottom-up and prepolymer approaches, offering minimal susceptibility to hydrolysis and side reactions for controlled chemical composition, along with simple synthetic procedures using commercially available reagents. Live cell imaging experiments highlighted a significant reduction in nonspecific binding when employing PPFPA, owing to its minimal hydrolysis, in contrast to ligands synthesized by using a conventional prepolymer prone to uncontrolled hydrolysis. This observation underscores the distinct advantage of our prepolymer system. Leveraging PPFPA, we synthesized biomolecule-conjugated QDs and performed QD-based immunofluorescence to detect a cytosolic protein. To effectively label cytosolic targets in such a dense and complex environment, probes must exhibit minimal nonspecific binding and be compact. As a result, QD-immunofluorescence has focused primarily on cell surface targets. By creating compact QD-F(ab')2, we sensitively detected alpha-tubulin with a ∼50-fold higher signal-to-noise ratio compared to organic dye-based labeling. PPFPA represents a versatile and accessible platform for tailoring QD surfaces, offering a pathway to realize the full potential of colloidal QDs in various scientific applications.

The effect of Bletilla striata polysaccharide on the physical and healing properties of curdlan-based hydrogel for wound healing.

Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) was added to curdlan to form a blend hydrogel through a simple heating-cooling procedure to improve the hydrophilicity and healing efficacy of curdlan-based hydrogel used in wound healing. We explored the interplay between BSP and curdlan, studied how BSP concentration affects the physical properties and microstructures of hydrogels, and examined the biocompatibility and healing properties of the blend hydrogel. It was proved that the hydrogel framework was primarily formed by ordered arranged curdlan molecules, with BSP uniformly dispersed and intertwined with curdlan through hydrogen bonding. This effectively improved its hydrophilicity and strengthened the microstructure. Curdlan was found to be compatible with BSP. The blend hydrogel B3Cd3 (containing 1.5% BSP and 1.5% curdlan, w/v) was identified as the optimal formulation based on its higher water adsorption, water retention, thermal stability and interconnected microstructure, and was thus selected for further research. In vitro experiments revealed the highest cell viability of L929 in B3Cd3 extracts compared to those extracts of single-component curdlan hydrogel (Cd). In vivo, animal studies indicated that the B3Cd3 accelerated wound healing compared to the control group by improving re-epithelialization and blood vessel regeneration. On Days 3 and 11, the therapeutic benefits of B3Cd3 exceeded those of the Cd group, and no significant differences were observed in wound healing rates between the B and B3Cd3 groups from Day 7. The study proves that BSP enhances the physical and healing properties, as well as cell proliferation, of the curdlan-based hydrogel. The blend hydrogel B3Cd3, with its exceptional properties, holds potential for future application as a material for non-infected wound healing.

Pediatric acute urinary retention due to impacted urethral meatal calculus: a rare case report

Urethral calculus is rare in pediatrics, especially with acute urinary retention. The diagnosis of urethral calculus is made by proper history taking, physical examination, and imaging studies. In this case, the diagnosis was made mainly by anamnesis, inspection, and palpation of the calculus in the external urethral meatus. Invasive and less invasive procedures such as open surgery, meatotomy, or laser lithotripsy procedure, can be a management of urethral calculus. In this case, simple extraction was performed without meatotomy or other invasive procedures. A 5-year-old, boy was reported to come to the emergency department because of severe pain in his penis and acute urinary retention.  The patient had a history of dysuria, a habit of delaying urination, and low fluid intake. On physical examination, it was found a distention in the suprapubic area and a green-white solid mass at the external urethral meatus. A 10-millimeter calculus was successfully extracted from the external urethral meatus with simple extraction procedures under local anesthesia. This case report demonstrated a rare case of pediatric acute urinary retention secondary to impacted urethral meatal calculus in an emergency setting of a low-level hospital.  Immediate and proper management was required due to the patient's condition and considering the lack of facilities. The extraction of calculus with minimal urethral damage was the recommendation.

Solubility of Methane in Ionic Liquids for Gas Removal Processes Using a Single Multilayer Perceptron Model

In this work, four hundred and forty experimental solubility data points of 14 systems composed of methane and ionic liquids are considered to train a multilayer perceptron model. The main objective is to propose a simple procedure for the prediction of methane solubility in ionic liquids. Eight machine learning algorithms are tested to determine the appropriate model, and architectures composed of one input layer, two hidden layers, and one output layer are analyzed. The input variables of an artificial neural network are the experimental temperature (T) and pressure (P), the critical properties of temperature (Tc) and pressure (Pc), and the acentric (ω) and compressibility (Zc) factors. The findings show that a (4,4,4,1) architecture with the combination of T-P-Tc-Pc variables results in a simple 45-parameter model with an absolute prediction deviation of less than 12%.

Ansa Cervicalis External Branch Anastomosis to Restore High Tone Voice in Thyroid Surgery.

Injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) causes low-pitch voice and voice fatigue, particularly in female subjects, and available treatments are limited. Here, we assess a novel surgical procedure to restore a high-tone voice: ansa cervicalis to EBSLN anastomosis (A-E anastomosis). Between November 2012 and April 2022, 13 patients (12 female) underwent unilateral EBSLN resection and A-E anastomosis, while 20 (16 female) underwent EBSLN resection during thyroid surgery. Patients (4494 women and 1025 men) with normal laryngoscopy scheduled for thyroid surgery served as normal controls. Phonatory function was examined using a Phonation Analyzer PA-1000 preoperatively and intermittently postoperatively. In patients who underwent A-E anastomosis, high-tone voice pitch decreased significantly postoperatively (673.9-471.5 Hz, p = 0.047), with restoration achieved within 5 months. The mean voice pitch in female patients who underwent A-E anastomosis, EBSLN resection, and controls were 580.4, 522.8, and 682.0 Hz, respectively, indicating a significant decrease in EBSLN resection patients than controls (p = 0.002). The (mean - 1SD) of high-tone voice pitch in female controls was 497 Hz; exceeding this may indicate recovery to a high-tone voice. Overall, 73% (8/11) of A-E anastomosis patients exceeded this value, which was marginally larger than the 43% (6/14) who underwent EBSLN resection. Data on male subjects are limited. There were no cases of adverse functional or cosmetic events. A-E anastomosis, a novel simple procedure, restored high-tone voice to some extent without any adverse events and thus warrants further investigation. 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.