scholarly journals Inhalable Nanobody (PiN-21) prevents and treats SARS-CoV-2 infections in Syrian hamsters at ultra-low doses

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (22) ◽  
pp. eabh0319
Author(s):  
Sham Nambulli ◽  
Yufei Xiang ◽  
Natasha L. Tilston-Lunel ◽  
Linda J. Rennick ◽  
Zhe Sang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Aerosol Delivery ◽  
Upper Airways ◽  
Syrian Hamsters ◽  
Innovative Therapy ◽  
Effective Option

Globally, there is an urgency to develop effective, low-cost therapeutic interventions for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We previously generated the stable and ultrapotent homotrimeric Pittsburgh inhalable Nanobody 21 (PiN-21). Using Syrian hamsters that model moderate to severe COVID-19 disease, we demonstrate the high efficacy of PiN-21 to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Intranasal delivery of PiN-21 at 0.6 mg/kg protects infected animals from weight loss and substantially reduces viral burdens in both lower and upper airways compared to control. Aerosol delivery of PiN-21 facilitates deposition throughout the respiratory tract and dose minimization to 0.2 mg/kg. Inhalation treatment quickly reverses animals’ weight loss after infection, decreases lung viral titers by 6 logs leading to drastically mitigated lung pathology, and prevents viral pneumonia. Combined with the marked stability and low production cost, this innovative therapy may provide a convenient and cost-effective option to mitigate the ongoing pandemic.

scholarly journals Inhalable Nanobody (PiN-21) prevents and treats SARS-CoV-2 infections in Syrian hamsters at ultra-low doses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sham Nambulli ◽  
Yufei Xiang ◽  
Natasha L. Tilston-Lunel ◽  
Linda J. Rennick ◽  
Zhe Sang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Aerosol Delivery ◽  
Upper Airways ◽  
Novel Therapy ◽  
Syrian Hamsters ◽  
Effective Option

AbstractGlobally there is an urgency to develop effective, low-cost therapeutic interventions for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We previously generated the stable and ultrapotent homotrimeric Pittsburgh inhalable Nanobody 21 (PiN-21). Using Syrian hamsters that model moderate to severe COVID-19 disease, we demonstrate the high efficacy of PiN-21 to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Intranasal delivery of PiN-21 at 0.6 mg/kg protects infected animals from weight loss and substantially reduces viral burdens in both lower and upper airways compared to control. Aerosol delivery of PiN-21 facilitates deposition throughout the respiratory tract and dose minimization to 0.2 mg/kg. Inhalation treatment quickly reverses animals’ weight loss post-infection and decreases lung viral titers by 6 logs leading to drastically mitigated lung pathology and prevents viral pneumonia. Combined with the marked stability and low production cost, this novel therapy may provide a convenient and cost-effective option to mitigate the ongoing pandemic.

scholarly journals Damping Pressure Pulsations in a Wave-Powered Desalination System

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Hopkins ◽  
Nikhil Padhye ◽  
Alison Greenlee ◽  
James Torres ◽  
Levon Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Constant Pressure ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pressure Fluctuations ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Coastal Communities ◽  
Pressure Pulsations ◽  
Pressure Flow ◽  
Reliable Source ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Elastic Pipes

Wave-driven reverse osmosis desalination systems can be a cost-effective option for providing a safe and reliable source of drinking water for large coastal communities. Such systems usually require the stabilization of pulsating pressures for desalination purposes. The key challenge is to convert a fluctuating pressure flow into a constant pressure flow. To address this task, stub-filters, accumulators, and radially elastic-pipes are considered for smoothing the pressure fluctuations in the flow. An analytical model for fluidic capacitance of accumulators and elastic pipes are derived and verified. Commercially available accumulators in combination with essentially rigid (and low cost) piping are found to be a cost-effective solution for this application, and a model for selecting accumulators with the required fluidic-capacitance for the intended system is thus presented.

scholarly journals Sugarcane Bagasse as an Efficient Biosorbent for Methylene Blue Removal: Kinetics, Isotherms and Thermodynamics

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaisa Caroline Andrade Siqueira ◽  
Isabella Zanette da Silva ◽  
Andressa Jenifer Rubio ◽  
Rosângela Bergamasco ◽  
Francielli Gasparotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methylene Blue ◽  
Sugarcane Bagasse ◽  
Adsorption Isotherms ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Blue Dye ◽  
Maximum Adsorption Capacity ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Pseudo Second Order ◽  
Isotherms And Thermodynamics

Adsorption in biomass has proven to be a cost-effective option for treatment of wastewater containing dyes and other pollutants, as it is a simple and low cost technique and does not require high initial investments. The present work aimed to study the adsorption of methylene blue dye (MB) using sugarcane bagasse (SCB). The biomass was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorption studies were conducted batchwise. Kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and thermodynamics were studied. The results showed that SCB presented a maximum adsorption capacity of 9.41 mg g−1 at 45 °C after 24 h of contact time. Adsorption kinetics data better fitted the pseudo-second order model, indicating a chemical process was involved. The Sips’s three-parameter isotherm model was better for adjusting the data obtained for the adsorption isotherms, indicating a heterogeneous adsorption process. The process showed to be endothermic, spontaneous, and feasible. Therefore, it was concluded that SCB presented as a potential biosorbent material for the treatment of MB-contaminated waters.

scholarly journals Design and fabrication of Windchill for low cost vegetable preservation

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-218
Author(s):  
SS Tunny ◽  
MAE Rabbani ◽  
MS Basir
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Physical Appearance ◽  
Load Condition ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Load Test ◽  
Storage Chamber ◽  
Weight Loss Percentage ◽  
Bulk Load

In Bangladesh, every year a huge amount of vegetables are being lost after harvesting from the field due to inadequate storage facilities at farmers’ level. Considering this a low cost storage chamber, windchill was designed and fabricated that consumes low power to operate by a 12V duct fan. The average temperature inside the chamber at no load condition was found 24.7◦C with a relative humidity of 77.2% while the outside temperature and relative humidity were 28.9◦C and 54%, respectively. Performance of the chamber was tested keeping vegetables inside the chamber for four and five days during pre-test and bulk load test, respectively. During bulk load test the temperature and relative humidity inside the chamber were 24.7◦C and 77.1%, respectively while outside the chamber, these were 28.8◦C and 52.8%, respectively. After four days weight loss percentage inside the chamber at pre-test condition were 1.76% (tomato), 3.53% (brinjal), 5.2% (greenchili) and 18.16% (red amaranth) while weight loss outside the chamber were 4.18% (tomato), 9.52% (brinjal), 14.44% (greenchili) and 49.44% (red amaranth). Weight loss percentage at bulk load condition inside the chamber was 1.46% while outside the chamber was 15.15% at 5th day. Physical appearance of vegetables kept inside the chamber was also much better than those kept outside the chamber. The panel test result for evaluating physical appearance was found satisfactory based on their acceptance level after preservation. The initial construction cost of the full unit was Tk. 6010 which was found cost effective for farmers to store their vegetables for several days after harvesting. Progressive Agriculture 30 (2): 209-218, 2019

scholarly journals Response Surface Optimization of Fixed Bed Adsorption of Cr+6 Onto Low-cost Adsorbent

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 632-639
Author(s):  
Padmaja Megham ◽  
R Bhavani
Keyword(s):  
Response Surface ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Fixed Bed ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
P Value ◽  
Response Surface Optimization ◽  
Shrimp Shell ◽  
Fixed Bed Adsorption ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Shrimp Shell Waste

The paper emphasizes the removal ofChromium from tanning industryeffluent using adsorption as a cost effective option. The essential source of contamination identified from variable amounts of liquid discharges was Chromium (Cr+6). A column study was carried out using Shrimp shell waste (SSW) as an adsorbent in the removal of Cr+6 ion from synthetic solutions. Operational factors such as the size of adsorbent, bed depthand compared their adsorption capacities thereof. For a given size, the adsorption capacity increased by a reduction in the amount of Chromium. TheCr+6removal based on adsorbent size was in the order: 150 microns> 300 microns> 600 microns.The experimental data was optimized and modelled using Response Surface method, and a 23 factorial Central composite design (CCD) was applied, and the data was analyzed for ANOVA. A P-Value<0.005 indicated that the probability of the experimental results was significant.

Clinical findings and interventions in cancer patients referred to a cachexia clinic (CC)

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20551-e20551
Author(s):  
Z. Nooruddin ◽  
D. Hui ◽  
S. Dalal ◽  
E. Bruera ◽  
E. Del Fabbro
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Secondary Causes

e20551 Background: The cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome is primarily caused by an aberrant inflammatory response and neurohormonal dysfunction. Secondary causes that contribute to diminished nutrient intake include early satiety, constipation, nausea, vomiting, mood alterations, dysgeusia, and dysphagia. We determined the frequency and management of both secondary cachexia causes and metabolic/endocrine alterations in a new CC at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 159 consecutive patients who underwent structured assessments at the CC. Demographics, weight loss, secondary causes and specific treatments were analyzed. Results: The patients had the following characteristics: median age 59, females 39%, median body mass index 20.3, median weight loss over the preceding 3 months 7%, and hypoalbuminemia 76%. At consultation, 102 (64%) were on chemotherapy/radiation and 13 (8%) were on enteral or parenteral nutrition. Appetite stimulants prior to consult included megestrol (n=36, 22%), corticosteroids (n=21, 13%) and dronabinol (n=10, 6%). The median number of secondary causes was 3 (Q1-Q3 2–4), with a median of 2 (Q1-Q3 1–3) interventions per patient. 22 (14%), 105 (66%) and 32 (20%) patients had 0–1, 2–4 and 5–8 secondary cachexia causes, respectively. The table lists the significant findings and corresponding interventions. 52 (33%) were enrolled onto clinical trials for primary cachexia. Conclusions: A total of 411 treatable secondary cachexia causes and 89 endocrine/metabolic alterations were identified in our cohort. Low cost effective interventions were available for most of the common findings. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals Replicating bacterium-vectored vaccine expressing SARS-CoV-2 Membrane and Nucleocapsid proteins protects against severe COVID-19-like disease in hamsters

npj Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingmei Jia ◽  
Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann ◽  
Rachel M. Maison ◽  
Saša Masleša-Galić ◽  
Sarah K. Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
High Homology ◽  
Universal Vaccine ◽  
Nucleocapsid Proteins ◽  
Syrian Hamsters ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Vectored Vaccine

AbstractTo generate an inexpensive readily manufactured COVID-19 vaccine, we employed the LVS ΔcapB vector platform, previously used to generate potent candidate vaccines against Select Agent diseases tularemia, anthrax, plague, and melioidosis. Vaccines expressing SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins are constructed using the LVS ΔcapB vector, a highly attenuated replicating intracellular bacterium, and evaluated for efficacy in golden Syrian hamsters, which develop severe COVID-19-like disease. Hamsters immunized intradermally or intranasally with a vaccine co-expressing the Membrane and Nucleocapsid proteins and challenged 5 weeks later with a high dose of SARS-CoV-2 are protected against severe weight loss and lung pathology and show reduced viral loads in the oropharynx and lungs. Protection correlates with anti-Nucleocapsid antibody. This potent vaccine should be safe; inexpensive; easily manufactured, stored, and distributed; and given the high homology between Membrane and Nucleocapsid proteins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, potentially serve as a universal vaccine against the SARS subset of pandemic causing β-coronaviruses.

scholarly journals Assessment of Electricity-Free Hydroponics in India: A Proof of Concept Field Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Indira Roy ◽  
Yelena Naumova ◽  
A. J. Both
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Chili Pepper ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Deccan Plateau ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Cost

Subsistence and smallholder farmers in the Deccan plateau region of India struggle with a predominantly hot and dry climate and often accumulated debt due to the cost of fertilizer that they need to increase yields for profitability. While a low-cost deep-flow technique hydroponic growing system (DFT) as a supplement to soil-based agriculture could help reduce debt, the cost of electricity needed to operate the DFT makes it inaccessible to these farmers. The objective of this project was to test the viability of electricity-free DFT which would substantially reduce production costs. Two DFT systems were set up in a shade net house and prepared with identical nutrients to grow chili pepper seedlings. Each DFT system was oxygenated for 30 minutes per day, one system using an electrical air pump, and the other system was oxygenated manually. After four weeks of growth, the dry mass of the shoots of the chili pepper seedlings in each system was measured. While the pump-oxygenated DFT system produced more dry matter, the manually-oxygenated system produced a larger number of visually healthier plants. Therefore, we conclude that electricity-free DFT hydroponics may be a viable alternative to pump-oxygenated DFT hydroponics, making hydroponic farming a cost-effective option for poor farmers.

scholarly journals Role of seton versus conventional techniques in the management of anorectal fistulas

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 2235
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sadik Akhtar ◽  
Sheikh Saif Alim ◽  
Mohammad Habib Raza ◽  
Wasif Mohammad Ali
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Recurrent Fistula ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Complex Fistula ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Cutting Seton

Background: This study was conducted to compare the use of different setons with conventional management like fistulotomy and fistulectomy in terms of healing (after 1 and 3 months), recurrence and incontinence.Methods: This was a retrospective non-randomized study conducted at JNMCH, Aligarh from January 2018 to June 2019. Patients included- patients (males and females) of age group 18-70 years, patients giving consent. Patients excluded- fistula secondary to- Crohn’s disease, tuberculosis, malignancy, recurrent fistula, pregnant females, immuno-suppressed patients.Results: After 1 month, 17 out of 24 patients (70.8%) of fistulotomy, 48 out of 68 patients (70.6%) of seton group and 21 out of 32 patients (65.6%) of fistulectomy group had their wounds healed (p=0.8693). After 3 months, 19 out of 24 (79.2%) patients of fistulotomy, 61 out of 68 (89.7%) of seton, and 24 out of 32 patients (75%) with fistulectomy had their wound healed (p=0.1374). Recurrence was observed in 5 out of 24 patients of fistulotomy, 10 out of 68 patients of seton use and 5 out of 32 patients with fistulectomy (p=0.7788). 6 out of 24 patients (25%) had incontinence after fistulotomy, 7 out of 68 (10.3%) of seton group and 8 out of 24 (25%) after fistulectomy (p=0.0944). Healing was higher in patients of non-cutting setons as compared to cutting seton (p=0.0252). After 3 months, no difference was observed (p=0.1245). Recurrence higher in cutting setons as compared to non-cutting setons (p=0.0187).Conclusions: Setons are safe, low-cost, less invasive, precise, and cost-effective option for treating simple and complex fistula-in-ano. 

scholarly journals The B.1.427/1.429 (epsilon) SARS-CoV-2 variants are more virulent than ancestral B.1 (614G) in Syrian hamsters

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Carroll ◽  
Douglas Fox ◽  
Neeltje van Doremalen ◽  
Erin Ball ◽  
Mary Kate Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Relative Fitness ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Syrian Hamsters

As novel SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge, it is critical that their potential to cause severe disease and evade vaccine-induced immunity is rapidly assessed in humans and studied in animal models. In early January 2021, a novel variant of concern (VOC) designated B.1.429 comprising 2 lineages, B.1.427 and B.1.429, was originally detected in California (CA) and shown to enhance infectivity in vitro and decrease antibody neutralization by plasma from convalescent patients and vaccine recipients. Here we examine the virulence, transmissibility, and susceptibility to pre-existing immunity for B 1.427 and B 1.429 in the Syrian hamster model. We find that both strains exhibit enhanced virulence as measured by increased body weight loss compared to hamsters infected with ancestral B.1 (614G), with B.1.429 causing the most body weight loss among all 3 lineages. Faster dissemination from airways to parenchyma and more severe lung pathology at both early and late stages were also observed with B.1.429 infections relative to B.1. (614G) and B.1.427 infections. In addition, subgenomic viral RNA (sgRNA) levels were highest in oral swabs of hamsters infected with B.1.429, however sgRNA levels in lungs were similar in all three strains. This demonstrates that B.1.429 replicates to higher levels than ancestral B.1 (614G) or B.1.427 in the upper respiratory tract (URT) but not in the lungs. In multi-virus in-vivo competition experiments, we found that epsilon (B.1.427/B.1.429) and gamma (P.1) dramatically outcompete alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351) and zeta (P.2) in the lungs. In the URT gamma, and epsilon dominate, but the highly infectious alpha variant also maintains a moderate size niche. We did not observe significant differences in airborne transmission efficiency among the B.1.427, B.1.429 and ancestral B.1 (614G) variants in hamsters. These results demonstrate enhanced virulence and high relative fitness of the epsilon (B.1.427/B.1.429) variant in Syrian hamsters compared to an ancestral B.1 (614G) strain.

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