scholarly journals Vapor mediation as a tool to control micro-nano scale dendritic crystallization and preferential bacterial distribution in drying respiratory droplets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omkar Hegde ◽  
Ritika Chatterjee ◽  
Abdur Rasheed ◽  
Dipshikha Chakravortty ◽  
Saptarshi Basu
Keyword(s):  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Living Matter ◽  
Protein Solution ◽  
Nucleation Sites ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
And Control ◽  
Respiratory Droplets ◽  
First Time

Deposits of biofluid droplets on surfaces (such as respiratory droplets formed during an expiratory event fallen on surfaces) are composed of the water based salt protein solution that may also contain an infection (bacterial/viral). The final patterns of the deposit formed are dictated by the composition of the fluid and flow dynamics within the droplet. This work reports the spatio temporal, topological regulation of deposits of respiratory fluid droplets and control of motility of bacteria by tweaking flow inside droplets using non contact vapor mediated interactions. When evaporated on a glass surface, respiratory droplets form haphazard multiscale dendritic, cruciform shaped precipitates using vapor mediation as a tool to control these deposits at the level of nano, micro, millimeter scales. We morphologically control dendrite orientation, size and subsequently suppress cruciform-shaped crystals. The nucleation sites are controlled via preferential transfer of solutes in the droplets; thus, achieving control over crystal occurrence and growth dynamics. The active living matter like bacteria is also preferentially segregated with controlled motility without attenuation of its viability and pathogenesis. For the first time, we have experimentally presented a proof of concept to control the motion of live active matter like bacteria in a near nonintrusive manner. The methodology can have ramifications in biomedical applications like disease detection, controlling bacterial motility, and bacterial segregation.

The Effects of Corporate Ownership on Public Accountants' Professionalism and Ethics

2002 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E. Shafer ◽  
D. Jordan Lowe ◽  
Timothy J. Fogarty
Keyword(s):  
Current Trend ◽  
Auditor Independence ◽  
Corporate Ownership ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Public Accounting ◽  
Corporate Acquisitions ◽  
Accounting Professionals ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
And Control ◽  
First Time

The current trend toward corporate acquisitions of CPA firms poses potential threats to the autonomy and ethical standards of public accounting professionals. This recent consolidation movement suggests that for the first time a significant number of public accounting professionals are subject to the supervision and control of nonprofessionals. In addition to acknowledging the potential threats to auditor independence and objectivity, this paper suggests that these new organizational arrangements for the provision of public accounting services have other negative effects on professionalism and ethics such as desensitizing CPAs to traditional professional values, and subverting professional institutions to the goals of corporate employers. This paper develops a framework that identifies several specific research questions related to the effects of corporate ownership on professionalism and ethics in public accounting.

scholarly journals Hexapod Assassins’ Potion: Venom Composition and Bioactivity from the Eurasian Assassin Bug Rhynocoris iracundus

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 819
Author(s):  
Nicolai Rügen ◽  
Timothy P. Jenkins ◽  
Natalie Wielsch ◽  
Heiko Vogel ◽  
Benjamin-Florian Hempel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Galleria Mellonella ◽  
Systemic Reactions ◽  
Venom Composition ◽  
Assassin Bug ◽  
Molecular Components ◽  
First Time ◽  
Tissue Digestion

Assassin bug venoms are potent and exert diverse biological functions, making them potential biomedical goldmines. Besides feeding functions on arthropods, assassin bugs also use their venom for defense purposes causing localized and systemic reactions in vertebrates. However, assassin bug venoms remain poorly characterized. We collected the venom from the assassin bug Rhynocoris iracundus and investigated its composition and bioactivity in vitro and in vivo. It caused lysis of murine neuroblastoma, hepatoma cells, and healthy murine myoblasts. We demonstrated, for the first time, that assassin bug venom induces neurolysis and suggest that it counteracts paralysis locally via the destruction of neural networks, contributing to tissue digestion. Furthermore, the venom caused paralysis and melanization of Galleria mellonella larvae and pupae, whilst also possessing specific antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, but not Listeria grayi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A combinatorial proteo-transcriptomic approach was performed to identify potential toxins responsible for the observed effects. We identified neurotoxic Ptu1, an inhibitory cystin knot (ICK) toxin homologous to ω-conotoxins from cone snails, cytolytic redulysins homologous to trialysins from hematophagous kissing bugs, and pore-forming hemolysins. Additionally, chitinases and kininogens were found and may be responsible for insecticidal and cytolytic activities. We demonstrate the multifunctionality and complexity of assassin bug venom, which renders its molecular components interesting for potential biomedical applications.

scholarly journals Raman spectroscopic detection of interleukin-10 and angiotensin converting enzyme

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuo Zhang ◽  
Frederieke A. M. van der Mee ◽  
Roel J. Erckens ◽  
Carroll A. B. Webers ◽  
Tos T. J. M. Berendschot
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Interleukin 10 ◽  
Spectral Features ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Raman Spectroscopic ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Confocal Raman ◽  
First Time ◽  
Enzyme Characteristic

AbstractIn this report we present a confocal Raman system to identify the unique spectral features of two proteins, Interleukin-10 and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme. Characteristic Raman spectra were successfully acquired and identified for the first time to our knowledge, showing the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a non-invasive investigation tool for biomedical applications.

scholarly journals Spatio-temporal evolution and influencing mechanism of the COVID-19 epidemic in Shandong province, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinlong Shi ◽  
Xing Gao ◽  
Shuyan Xue ◽  
Fengqing Li ◽  
Qifan Nie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Temporal Evolution ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Shandong Province ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Aged People ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
And Control

AbstractThe novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) outbreak that emerged in late 2019 has posed a severe threat to human health and social and economic development, and thus has become a major public health crisis affecting the world. The spread of COVID-19 in population and regions is a typical geographical process, which is worth discussing from the geographical perspective. This paper focuses on Shandong province, which has a high incidence, though the first Chinese confirmed case was reported from Hubei province. Based on the data of reported confirmed cases and the detailed information of cases collected manually, we used text analysis, mathematical statistics and spatial analysis to reveal the demographic characteristics of confirmed cases and the spatio-temporal evolution process of the epidemic, and to explore the comprehensive mechanism of epidemic evolution and prevention and control. The results show that: (1) the incidence rate of COVID-19 in Shandong is 0.76/100,000. The majority of confirmed cases are old and middle-aged people who are infected by the intra-province diffusion, followed by young and middle-aged people who are infected outside the province. (2) Up to February 5, the number of daily confirmed cases shows a trend of “rapid increase before slowing down”, among which, the changes of age and gender are closely related to population migration, epidemic characteristics and intervention measures. (3) Affected by the regional economy and population, the spatial distribution of the confirmed cases is obviously unbalanced, with the cluster pattern of “high–low” and “low–high”. (4) The evolution of the migration pattern, affected by the geographical location of Wuhan and Chinese traditional culture, is dominated by “cross-provincial” and “intra-provincial” direct flow, and generally shows the trend of “southwest → northeast”. Finally, combined with the targeted countermeasures of “source-flow-sink”, the comprehensive mechanism of COVID-19 epidemic evolution and prevention and control in Shandong is revealed. External and internal prevention and control measures are also figured out.

scholarly journals Phosphatidylserine-Gold Nanoparticles (PS-AuNP) Induce Prostate and Breast Cancer Cell Apoptosis

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1094
Author(s):  
Allan Radaic ◽  
Nam E. Joo ◽  
Soo-Hwan Jeong ◽  
Seong-II Yoo ◽  
Nicholas Kotov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Track Record ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Breast And Prostate Cancer ◽  
First Time

Prostate and breast cancer are the current leading causes of new cancer cases in males and females, respectively. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an essential lipid that mediates macrophage efferocytosis and is dysregulated in tumors. Therefore, developing therapies that selectively restore PS may be a potential therapeutic approach for carcinogenesis. Among the nanomedicine strategies for delivering PS, biocompatible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have an extensive track record in biomedical applications. In this study, we synthesized biomimetic phosphatidylserine-caped gold nanoparticles (PS-AuNPs) and tested their anticancer potential in breast and prostate cancer cells in vitro. We found that both cell lines exhibited changes in cell morphology indicative of apoptosis. After evaluating for histone-associated DNA fragments, a hallmark of apoptosis, we found significant increases in DNA fragmentation upon PS-AuNP treatment compared to the control treatment. These findings demonstrate the use of phosphatidylserine coupled with gold nanoparticles as a potential treatment for prostate and breast cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a phosphatidylserine-capped AuNP has been examined for its therapeutic potential in cancer therapy.

scholarly journals Establishment and lineage dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in the UK

Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. eabf2946
Author(s):  
Louis du Plessis ◽  
John T. McCrone ◽  
Alexander E. Zarebski ◽  
Verity Hill ◽  
Christopher Ruis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Transmission Dynamics ◽  
Genetic Lineage ◽  
Size Dependent ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Lineage Structure ◽  
And Control ◽  
Lineage Diversity

The UK’s COVID-19 epidemic during early 2020 was one of world’s largest and unusually well represented by virus genomic sampling. Here we reveal the fine-scale genetic lineage structure of this epidemic through analysis of 50,887 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, including 26,181 from the UK sampled throughout the country’s first wave of infection. Using large-scale phylogenetic analyses, combined with epidemiological and travel data, we quantify the size, spatio-temporal origins and persistence of genetically-distinct UK transmission lineages. Rapid fluctuations in virus importation rates resulted in >1000 lineages; those introduced prior to national lockdown tended to be larger and more dispersed. Lineage importation and regional lineage diversity declined after lockdown, while lineage elimination was size-dependent. We discuss the implications of our genetic perspective on transmission dynamics for COVID-19 epidemiology and control.

scholarly journals Ear-Bot: Locust Ear-on-a-Chip Bio-Hybrid Platform

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
Idan Fishel ◽  
Yoni Amit ◽  
Neta Shvil ◽  
Anton Sheinin ◽  
Amir Ayali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Robotic Platform ◽  
Neural Signals ◽  
Technological Approach ◽  
Hybrid Platform ◽  
And Control ◽  
Robust Sensing ◽  
Robotic Sensing ◽  
Sound Pulses

During hundreds of millions of years of evolution, insects have evolved some of the most efficient and robust sensing organs, often far more sensitive than their man-made equivalents. In this study, we demonstrate a hybrid bio-technological approach, integrating a locust tympanic ear with a robotic platform. Using an Ear-on-a-Chip method, we manage to create a long-lasting miniature sensory device that operates as part of a bio-hybrid robot. The neural signals recorded from the ear in response to sound pulses, are processed and used to control the robot’s motion. This work is a proof of concept, demonstrating the use of biological ears for robotic sensing and control.

scholarly journals Modulation of Crystallinity through Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in PLLA/Magnetic Nanoparticles Composites: A Proof of Concept

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4300
Author(s):  
Marta Multigner ◽  
Irene Morales ◽  
Marta Muñoz ◽  
Victoria Bonache ◽  
Fernando Giacomone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Magnetic Nanoparticles ◽  
Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Infrared Camera ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Degradation Properties ◽  
Heat Released

To modulate the properties of degradable implants from outside of the human body represents a major challenge in the field of biomaterials. Polylactic acid is one of the most used polymers in biomedical applications, but it tends to lose its mechanical properties too quickly during degradation. In the present study, a way to reinforce poly-L lactic acid (PLLA) with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that have the capacity to heat under radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) is proposed. As mechanical and degradation properties are related to the crystallinity of PLLA, the aim of the work was to explore the possibility of modifying the structure of the polymer through the heating of the reinforcing MNPs by EMF within the biological limit range f·H < 5·× 109 Am−1·s−1. Composites were prepared by dispersing MNPs under sonication in a solution of PLLA. The heat released by the MNPs was monitored by an infrared camera and changes in the polymer were analyzed with differential scanning calorimetry and nanoindentation techniques. The crystallinity, hardness, and elastic modulus of nanocomposites increase with EMF treatment.

Novel Baddeleyite-Based Zirconia Ceramics for Biomedical Applications

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 9-14
Author(s):  
Alexander I. Tyurin ◽  
Andrey O. Zhigachev ◽  
Alexey V. Umrikhin ◽  
Vyacheslav V. Rodaev ◽  
Tatyana S. Pirozhkova
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Fracture Toughness ◽  
Tetragonal Phase ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Zirconia Ceramics ◽  
Engineering Ceramics ◽  
Synthesis Conditions ◽  
Microstructure And Mechanical Properties ◽  
First Time

For the first time nanostructured engineering ceramics were prepared from natural zirconia mineral (baddeleyite) with CaO as a tetragonal phase stabilizer. The effect of synthesis conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties of the baddeleyite-based ceramics is reported, furthermore, the effect of calcia content on hardness and fracture toughness is studied. Optimal calcia concentration and synthesis conditions are found, corresponding hardness and fracture toughness values are 10,8 GPa and 13,3 MPa×m1/2. The reported mechanical properties are comparable to those typically reported for yttria-stabilized engineering zirconia ceramics, prepared from chemically synthesized zirconia.

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