bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A murine model of ischemia–reperfusion: the perfusion with leptin promotes the apoptosis-related relocation of mitochondrial proteins Bax and cytochrome c
Authors: Rosado Loman Wendy Natalia , Cruz Hernández Jarumi Hishel , Gómez-Crisóstomo Nancy Patricia , de la Cruz-Hernández Erick N. , Aguilar-Gamas Carlos Francisco , Martínez-Abundis Eduardo
Published: July 2022

Background

Leptin exerts both protective and deleterious effects on the heart; the first occurs under hypoxia- or ischemia-associated damage, the second is a pro-hypertrophic factor on cardiomyocytes. Therefore, leptin could represent a link between obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The study aimed to investigate the effect of leptin—the same concentration that is frequently measured in obesity and induces cardiac hypertrophy—on murine hearts following an episode of ischemia–reperfusion; moreover, we evaluated the heart's performance, hypertrophy, and activation of apoptosis. Rat hearts were perfused continuously with or without 3.1 nM leptin for one h before and 1 h after an episode of ischemia. Cardiac performance was evaluated, homogenates and mitochondria were prepared for western blot analysis of cardiac actin, leptin receptor, STAT3, pSTAT3, and apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, and caspase 3.

Results

Leptin worsened heart recovery after ischemia (p < 0.05 Control vs IR + Lep of Heart Perform, Fig. 2). Although no hypertrophic response was observed, leptin induced the migration of Bax to the mitochondria and the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol (p < 0.05 Control vs IR + Lep, Fig. 5), essential events in the intrinsic/mitochondrial apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the presence of leptin for 1 h before and after the ischemic insult reduces heart recovery and amplifies apoptotic signaling through the mitochondrial pathway.
Antioxidant potential and antibacterial activities of Allium cepa (onion) and Allium sativum (garlic) against the multidrug resistance bacteria
Authors: Oyawoye O. M. , Olotu T. M. , Nzekwe S. C. , Idowu J. A. , Abdullahi T. A. , Babatunde S. O. , Ridwan I. A. , Batiha Gaber E. , Idowu Nike , Alorabi Mohammed , Faidah Hani
Published: July 2022

Background

The increase in the demand for synthetic drugs due to the surge in the cases of drug-resistant infectious organisms has led to the search for new medicines in plants.Some plants have phytochemicals that can serve medicinal purposes.This study focuses on the antibacterial activity and antioxidant potential ofAllium sativumandAllium cepaextract on bacterial isolates isolated from the wound of diabetic patients. Agar well-diffusion method was used for the antibacterial susceptibility.Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coliwere used for this study.The total phenolic content of the extract was determined using standard Spectrophotometric techniques.

Results

The ethanolic extract of each plant had higher inhibitory effects against the bacterial isolates than the aqueous extracts. The zone of inhibition of each ethanolic section ranged from 3 to 12.5 mm, while the aqueous extracts ranged from 4 to 10 mm. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed at 150 mg/ml inA. sativumethanolic extract when tested againstStaphylococcus aureus,which resulted in a zone of inhibition of 12.5 mm. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts ofA. cepahave higher phenolic content than that ofA. sativum.

Conclusion

This research showed that the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of both plants vary in their abilities to serve act as antioxidants and antimicrobials.
Sudden vision loss and neurological deficits after facial hyaluronic acid filler injection
Authors: Lucaciu Alexandra , Samp Patrick Felix , Hattingen Elke , Kestner Roxane-Isabelle , Davidova Petra , Kohnen Thomas , Rudolph Jasmin , Dietz Andreas , Steinmetz Helmuth , Strzelczyk Adam
Published: July 2022

Background

The ongoing expansion of the cosmetic armamentarium of facial rejuvenation fails to uncover the inherent risks of cosmetic interventions. Informed consent to all risks of cosmetic filler injections and potential sequelae, including ocular and neurological complications, should be carefully ensured. We present two cases of complications following facial hyaluronic acid filler injections.

Case presentations

Case 1: A 43-year-old woman presented with monocular vision loss of the left eye, associated ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, periocular pain and nausea, cutaneous changes of the glabella region and forehead, and sensory impairment in the left maxillary branch dermatome (V2) after receiving a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection into the left glabellar area. On ophthalmological examination, an ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO) was diagnosed upon identification of a “cherry-red spot”. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left ischemic optic neuropathy. Supportive therapy and hyaluronidase injections were initiated. A follow-up MRI of the head performed two months after presentation corresponded to stable MRI findings. The patient had irreversible and complete vision loss of the left eye, however, the ptosis resolved.

Case 2: A 29-year-old woman was admitted to hospital a few hours after a rhinoplasty and cheek augmentation with hyaluronic acid, presenting with acute monocular vision loss in the right eye, retrobulbar pain, fatigue and vomiting. In addition, the patient presented a harbinger of impending skin necrosis and a complete oculomotor nerve palsy on the right side, choroidal ischemia and vision impairment. Supportive treatment and hyaluronidase injections into the ischemic tissue were initiated. A small scar at the tip of the nose, vision impairment and an irregular pupillary margin on the right side persisted at follow-up.

Conclusion

These two case reports and the literature review emphasize the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to potentially devastating complications. In order to reduce the risk of vision loss secondary to cosmetic filler injections, practitioners should possess a thorough knowledge of anatomy and preventive strategies.
Clinical significance and management of meniscal extrusion in different knee pathologies: a comprehensive review of the literature and treatment algorithm
Authors: Makiev Konstantinos G. , Vasios Ioannis S. , Georgoulas Paraskevas , Tilkeridis Konstantinos , Drosos Georgios , Ververidis Athanasios
Published: July 2022

The menisci are crescent-shaped, fibrocartilaginous structures that play a crucial role in the load transition and distribution of the contact forces along the tibiofemoral articulation. Meniscal extrusion (ME) is a radiological finding, especially in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, for which there has been growing interest in recent years. ME, in the coronary plane, is defined as the maximum distance of the most distal end of the meniscus from the border of the tibial plateau, where the tibial eminences are the most prominent, without taking into account the osteophytes. Although there is still controversy in the literature in respect of the optimal cutoff value, a threshold of 3 mm is considered significant. ME has no specific clinical finding or sign and it is encountered in many knee pathologies. It is associated with either rapidly progressive knee osteoarthritis or early onset of knee osteoarthritis and increased morbidity. In this review, we delineate the clinical significance of ME in various knee pathologies, as well as when, why and how it should be managed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to elaborate on these topics.
Prognostic significance of STAT3 gene expression in patients with glioblastoma tumors: a study from Western India
Authors: Trivedi Trupti , Panchal Kinjal , Bhalala Neha , Trivedi Priti
Published: July 2022

Objective

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a devastating the most common primary malignant intracranial brain tumors. In India, the incidence of this malignancy is escalating, however, there are very few studies on this tumor entity from Indian population. The present study sought to investigate the prevalence and prognostic significance of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) gene expression in GBM patients from Western India.

Method

STAT3 gene expression using real-time PCR was detected in total 55 GBM patients. The impact of STAT3 aberrant expression on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall (OS) was analysed using univariate and multivariate survival analysis. The data were analysed using SPSS statistical software and p value ≤0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

The aberrant STAT3 expression was found in 85% (47/55) of patients with -1.12 fold change down-regulation in 49% (23/47) and 3.36 fold change up-regulation was noted in 51% (24/47) of patients. In wild type IDH tumors (n=30), down regulation and up regulation of STAT3 was noted in 63% and 27% of patients, respectively, whereas, for IDH mutant GBM tumors (n=25), the incidence of low expression and high expression of STAT3 was noted in 16% and 68% of patients, respectively. Thus, we found that incidence of STAT3 down regulation was significantly high in patients with IDH wild type tumors, whereas, in IDH mutant GBM tumors, the incidence of up-regulated STAT3 was significantly high (P=0.021, χ2=12.81, r=+0.310). In Kaplan-Meier univariate survival analysis, a part from age (P=0.006), tumor location (P=0.025), and KPS score (P=0.002), co-detection of STAT3 up regulation and presence of IDH mutation (P=0.030) remained significant prognostic factors for PFS and OS. In multivariate survival analysis also, co-detection of STAT3 high expression and presence of IDH mutation remained independent prognosticators for PFS (HR=6.45, 95% CI=1.32-31.40, P=0.021) and OS (HR=8.69, 95% CI=1.66-45.51, P=0.010).

Conclusion

For GBM tumors, STAT3 up-regulation and presence of IDH mutations together predicts better survival. This reflects unique molecular etiology for GBM patients. Therefore, they would be useful in the future for targeted therapy and for clinicians they would be useful for better patient management. However, study on a larger sample size is required for validation.
A narrative review of ablative neurosurgery in refractory mental disorders
Authors: Whitehead Thomas , Barrera Alvaro
Published: July 2022

Neurosurgery for mental disorder (NMD) is currently performed in the UK for cases of severe depressive disorder and obsessive–compulsive disorder refractory to treatment, under stringent regulations as set out under the Mental Health Act 1983. These surgical procedures appear to be effective for a proportion of individuals in this particularly treatment-resistant cohort. The two ablative procedures currently in use in the UK are anterior cingulotomy (ACING) and anterior capsulotomy (ACAPS). After briefly outlining these procedures, their evidence base and how they compare with other neurosurgical procedures, we suggest two ways in which they could be enhanced in terms of precision, namely the use of stereotactic (Gamma Knife®) radiosurgery guided by magnetic resonance imaging as well as a detailed and expanded standardised psychopathological and neuropsychological assessment both before and after surgery. The latter should involve extended long-term follow-up. We then reflect on how such psychopathological and neuropsychological assessments could help to understand why and how these procedures relieve patients’ suffering and distress.
Psychosocial markers of age at onset in bipolar disorder: a machine learning approach
Authors: Bolton Sorcha , Joyce Dan W. , Gordon-Smith Katherine , Jones Lisa , Jones Ian , Geddes John , Saunders Kate E. A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and severe mental health disorder. Early stratification of individuals into subgroups based on age at onset (AAO) has the potential to inform diagnosis and early intervention. Yet, the psychosocial predictors associated with AAO are unknown.

Aims

We aim to identify psychosocial factors associated with bipolar disorder AAO.

Method

Using data from the Bipolar Disorder Research Network UK, we employed least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to identify psychosocial factors associated with bipolar disorder AAO. Twenty-eight factors were entered into our model, with AAO as our outcome measure.

Results

We included 1022 participants with bipolar disorder (μ = 23.0, s.d. ± 9.86) in our model. Six variables predicted an earlier AAO: childhood abuse (β = −0.2855), regular cannabis use in the year before onset (β = −0.2765), death of a close family friend or relative in the 6 months before onset (β = −0.2435), family history of suicide (β = −0.1385), schizotypal personality traits (β = −0.1055) and irritable temperament (β = −0.0685). Five predicted a later AAO: the average number of alcohol units consumed per week in the year before onset (β = 0.1385); birth of a child in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.2755); death of parent, partner, child or sibling in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.3125); seeking work without success for 1 month or more in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.3505) and a major financial crisis in the 6 months before onset (β = 0.4575).

Conclusions

The identified predictor variables have the potential to help stratify high-risk individuals into likely AAO groups, to inform treatment provision and early intervention.
A brief history of Hawking's information paradox
Authors: Calmet Xavier , Hsu Stephen D. H.
Published: July 2022

In this invited review, we describe Hawking's information paradox and a recently proposed resolution of it. Explicit calculations demonstrate the existence of quantum hair on black holes, meaning that the quantum state of the external graviton field depends on the internal state of the black hole. Simple quantum mechanics then implies that Hawking radiation amplitudes depend on the internal state, resulting in a pure final radiation state that preserves unitarity and, importantly, violates a factorization assumption which is central to the original paradox. Black hole information is encoded in entangled macroscopic superposition states of the radiation.
Affimers and nanobodies as molecular probes and their applications in imaging
Authors: Cordell Paul , Carrington Glenn , Curd Alistair , Parker Francine , Tomlinson Darren , Peckham Michelle
Published: July 2022

Antibodies are the most widely used, traditional tool for labelling molecules in cells. In the past five to ten years, many new labelling tools have been developed with significant advantages over the traditional antibody. Here, we focus on nanobodies and the non-antibody binding scaffold proteins called Affimers. We explain how they are generated, selected and produced, and we describe how their small size, high binding affinity and specificity provides them with many advantages compared to antibodies. Of particular importance, their small size enables them to better penetrate dense cytoskeletal regions within cells, as well as tissues, providing them with specific advantage for super-resolution imaging, as they place the fluorophore with a few nanometres of the target protein being imaged. We expect these novel tools to be of broad interest to many cell biologists and anticipate them becoming the tools of choice for super-resolution imaging.
Summary of key guidelines for locoregional treatment of HCC in Asia, Europe, South and North America
Authors: Garcia-Monaco Ricardo D , Chung Jin Wook , Vilgrain Valérie , Bouattour Mohamed , Covey Anne M
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide accounting for over 800,000 new cases in 2018, with the highest incidence in Asia and Africa where hepatitis B is the most common risk factor. In Europe, Japan, and the United States, hepatitis C chronic alcohol abuse and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are more common risk factors. Five-year survival is low, less than 20% worldwide. HCC is a particularly challenging disease to treat because therapeutic options and prognosis must also consider hepatitis or cirrhosis independent of the malignancy. Locoregional therapies (LRT) including ablation, arterially directed therapy and external beam radiation are the preferred treatments for patients with good performance status, unresectable disease limited to the liver and preserved liver function. In practice, patients with portal vein tumor thrombus and limited extrahepatic disease may also be considered candidates for LRT. There are several guidelines developed by expert panels provide recommendations on treating this challenging disease including the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer, European Association for the Study of the Liver, European Society for Medical Oncology, American Association for the Study of the Liver Diseases, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The purpose of this paper is to review the guidelines as they are applied clinically in regions with high incidence of HCC.
The novel concept of destination love in tourism and marketing
Authors: Λυκούδη Δήμητρα-Μαργιέτα
Published: July 2022

Ο ουσιαστικός ρόλος της αγάπης, στον τουρισμό και το μάρκετινγκ, έχει τονιστεί από πολλούς ακαδημαϊκούς. Στον τουρισμό, το brand προορισμού -δηλαδή η δημιουργία ενός ονόματος, συμβόλου, λογότυπου, λεκτικού σήματος ή άλλου γραφικού που προσδιορίζει έναν προορισμό- (Blain et al., 2005) έχει εξελιχθεί ως μέσο υποστήριξης της δημιουργίας μιας ξεχωριστής εικόνας προορισμού που θα επηρέαζε τελικά τις επιλογές προορισμού των καταναλωτών. Έτσι, μαζί με τις διάφορες έννοιες του branding που μεταφέρθηκαν από το Μάρκετινγκ στον Τουρισμό, η αγάπη για το brand προορισμού βρήκε μια ιδιαίτερη θέση στη σχετική βιβλιογραφία.Πρόσφατα, ωστόσο, οι ερευνητές/ακαδημαϊκοί εστιάζουν στην εμπειρία της αγάπης όσον αφορά στις σχέσεις ανθρώπου-προϊόντος, πέρα από τις μάρκες και τις εικόνες, και επομένως είναι πολύ σημαντικό να επανεξετάσουμε την εμπειρία προορισμού-επισκέπτη και συγκεκριμένα την έννοια της αγάπης για τον προορισμό. Αυτή η διδακτορική διατριβή στοχεύει να διερευνήσει διεξοδικά την έννοια της αγάπης για έναν προορισμό και να αναπτύξει τη θεωρία καθώς και την πρώτη κλίμακα μέτρησης για την αγάπη προς τον προορισμό, ως μια καθολική έννοια που υπερβαίνει συγκεκριμένες μάρκες και εικόνες προορισμού. Η αγάπη προορισμού αποτελεί μια έννοια που σχετίζεται περισσότερο με την αγάπη για τις εμπειρίες που ζούμε σε έναν προορισμό, τις αλληλεπιδράσεις με το τοπίο, την κουλτούρα, τους ανθρώπους και τα δημιουργήματά του, παρά με τα συναισθήματα που σχηματίζουν οι τουρίστες προς τα στοιχεία της επωνυμίας του προορισμού.Για να καλύψει αυτό το ερευνητικό κενό, αυτή η διατριβή αναφέρει μια σειρά από τρεις ερευνητικές προσπάθειες και αναπτύσσει μια κλίμακα για να καταγράψει την καθολικότητα της αγάπης για τον προορισμό. Η αγάπη για τον προορισμό είναι μια έννοια εξαιρετικά περιεκτική, τριών επιπέδων. Διαθέτει μια επταδιάστατη δομή που αποτελείται από την αγάπη για τον εαυτό μας, συναισθηματική αλληλεγγύη με τους ντόπιους, θετική συναισθηματική σύνδεση με τον προορισμό, ανθρωπομορφισμό τουπροορισμού, ενσωμάτωση του προορισμού στον εαυτό μας, μακροχρόνια σχέση με τον προορισμό και παθιασμένη/ρομαντική συμπεριφορά για τον προορισμό. Η κλίμακα έχει αξιοπιστία εσωτερικής συνέπειας, εννοιολογική εγκυρότητα και νομολογική εγκυρότητα. Αυτή η διατριβή παρέχει πολύτιμες ακαδημαϊκές προεκτάσεις, καθώς συμβάλλει στη θεωρία και καθιερώνει μια κλίμακα αγάπης για τον προορισμό και συνεπώς για την κατανόηση των δεσμών των τουριστών προς τους προορισμούς. Παρέχει επίσης εφαρμόσιμες στρατηγικές για τους επαγγελματίες του τουρισμού.
Κατανομή πολυμορφισμών που σχετίζονται με τη φαρμακοθεραπεία καρδιοαγγειακών παθήσεων σε δείγμα νοτιοανατολικού ευρωπαϊκού καυκάσιου πληθυσμού
Authors: Γκιώση Βάια
Published: July 2022

Οι καρδιαγγειακές παθήσεις είναι πολυπαραγοντικές και πολυεπίπεδες ασθένειες και κατέχουν την πρώτη θέση στις αιτίες θανάτου από μη μεταδοτικές νόσους παγκοσμίως. Ο παγκόσμιος στόχος είναι η μείωση των καρδιοαγγειακών παθήσεων σε ποσοστό 25% μέχρι το 2025, λόγω της πρόωρης θνητότητας στις αναπτυσσόμενες χώρες. Στις καρδιαγγειακές παθήσεις (CVDs), ανήκουν οι παθήσεις της καρδιάς και των αγγείων (φλέβες και αρτηρίες). Το δίκτυο των αγγείων υπάρχει σε όλο το ανθρώπινο σώμα. Εντός του δικτύου κυκλοφορεί το αίμα, το οποίο διέρχεται από την καρδιά και αιματώνει τους ιστούς και τον εγκέφαλο. Η ισορροπημένη κυκλοφορία των υγρών οδηγεί στην κανονική πίεση του αίματος. Η παθογένεση των καρδιαγγειακών παθήσεων (διαταραχές της λειτουργίας της καρδιάς και των αγγείων) οφείλεται σε γενετικούς (ηλικία, φύλο, γονιδίωμα) και περιβαλλοντικούς παράγοντες. Διαταραχές της κυκλοφορίας του αίματος οφείλονται σε αθηρώματα (υψηλή χοληστερίνη) και τριγλυκερίδια τα οποία παρεμποδίζουν την ομαλή κυκλοφορία του αίματος και είναι δυνατόν να οδηγήσουν σε έμφραγμα του μυοκαρδίου ή και συγκοπή. Πρόληψη των ανωτέρω συμβάντων είναι δυνατόν να γίνει με προγνωστικούς παράγοντες, γονίδια και πολυμορφισμούς, σχετιζόμενους με το έμφραγμα του μυοκαρδίου, την υπέρταση και την καρδιακή ανεπάρκεια όπως τα γονίδια ACE, APOE και eNOS. Περαιτέρω, ο δείκτης ΤGS (total genomic score) αποτελεί τον αλγόριθμο που αποτυπώνει την επίδραση του κάθε πολυμορφισμού στην προδιάθεση και εμφάνιση των καρδιοαγγειακών παθήσεων και είναι δείκτης προστασίας αλλά και επικινδυνότητας κατά την διεξαγωγή της εξατομικευμένης θεραπείας. Η κλασσική φαρμακοθεραπεία αποτελεί το κύριο θεραπευτικό εργαλείο της πρωτοβάθμιας φροντίδας υγείας, συνδυαζόμενη με τη διαχείριση παραγόντων επικιδυνότητας και πρόληψης, όπως η διακοπή του καπνίσματος, η καλή διατροφή (μεσογειακή) και η φυσική δραστηριότητα. Επομένως η θεραπεία των καρδιαγγειακών παθήσεων μπορεί να γίνει με την αξιοποίηση συγκεκριμένων γονιδίων του ατόμου (πολυμορφισμών), ώστε η χρήση των φαρμάκων να είναι πιο αποτελεσματική και ασφαλής με περιορισμό των ανεπιθύμητων επιδράσεων στο ελάχιστο και την ρύθμιση του δοσολογικού σχήματος των φαρμάκων με ακρίβεια, αναλόγως του γενετικού προφίλ του ασθενούς (γονιδιωματική ιατρική).
Μελέτη ηλεκτρικών ιδιοτήτων διηλεκτρικών υμενίων για εφαρμογές σε ΜΕMS και δομές μικροηλεκτρονικής
Authors: Μπιρμπιλιώτης Δημήτριος
Published: July 2022

Οι χωρητικοί διακόπτες RF – MEMS αποτελούν ιδιαίτερα υποσχόμενες ηλεκτρονικές διατάξεις με εφαρμογές κυρίως στον τομέα των τηλεπικοινωνιών. Εμφανίζουν αρκετά πλεονεκτήματα σε σχέση με τις υφιστάμενες υλοποιήσεις διακοπτών στερεάς κατάστασης (δίοδοι PIN, τρανζίστορ FET) όπως μικρό κόστος και μέγεθος, χαμηλή κατανάλωση ισχύος, υψηλή γραμμικότητα και ικανότητα διαχείρισης υψίσυχνων σημάτων τάξης GHz έως και THz. Παρόλα τα πλεονεκτήματα τους, η εμπορευματοποίηση τους μέχρι σήμερα δεν είναι εφικτή κυρίως λόγω των προβλημάτων αξιοπιστίας που εμφανίζουν, με το κυρίαρχο να αποτελεί το ζήτημα της πόλωσης/φόρτισης των διηλεκτρικών υμενίων.Κατά τη διάρκεια της ενεργοποίησης των διακοπτών, όπου ο κινούμενος μεταλλικός οπλισμός έρχεται σε επαφή με την επάνω επιφάνεια του διηλεκτρικού, φορτία εγχέονται εντός του υμενίου και παγιδεύονται από τις ατέλειες του υλικού. Η απαγωγή του φορτίου αυτού λαμβάνει χώρα κατά την απενεργοποίηση του διακόπτη και μόνο διαμέσου του διηλεκτρικού προς το κάτω ηλεκτρόδιο. Επομένως, οι ρυθμοί έγχυσης και μεταφοράς φορτίου αναμένεται να καθορίσουν την αξιοπιστία και τον χρόνο ενεργού ζωής της διάταξης.Ο ρυθμός έγχυσης θα καθοριστεί από τις συνθήκες ενεργοποίησης και τους εμπλεκόμενους μηχανισμούς έγχυσης/ανακατανομής φορτίου και δεδομένου ότι τα πεδία που αναπτύσσονται είναι υψηλά (>1ΜV/cm) η διαδικασία φόρτισης είναι ιδιαίτερα ταχεία. Αντίθετα, η εκφόρτιση των υμενίων πραγματοποιείται υπό το καθεστώς χαμηλών ηλεκτρικών πεδίων, καθορίζεται από τον κυρίαρχο μηχανισμό αγωγιμότητας και αποτελεί μία αργή διαδικασία με διάρκεια ωρών έως και μηνών εξαρτώμενη από τις ηλεκτρικές ιδιότητες του διηλεκτρικού υμενίου.Κύριος στόχος της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η μελέτη της διαδικασίας εκφόρτισης των διηλεκτρικών υμενίων και η κατανόηση των εμπλεκόμενων μηχανισμών μεταφοράς φορτίου με απώτερο σκοπό τη βελτιστοποίηση τους για αύξηση της αξιοπιστίας των διατάξεων. Για να καταστεί αυτό εφικτό, επιλύθηκαν βασικά ηλεκτρομηχανικά προβλήματα που δυσχεραίνουν τον ηλεκτρικό χαρακτηρισμό, με την ανάπτυξη μοντέλου που επιτρέπει την μελέτη του διηλεκτρικού υμενίου. Για την μελέτη της ηλεκτρικής συμπεριφοράς των διηλεκτρικών υλικών χρησιμοποιήθηκαν διατάξεις πυκνωτών Μετάλλου – Διηλεκτρικού – Μετάλλου (ΜΙΜ) και διακόπτες χωρητικότητας MEMS, με το νιτρίδιο του πυριτίου (SiNx) να αποτελεί υλικό αναφοράς.Στα υμένια SiNx , βρέθηκε ότι ο μηχανισμός hopping κυριαρχεί κατά την εκφόρτιση διατάξεων MIM και MEMS και μελετήθηκε η επίδραση της στοιχειομετρίας του υμενίου, των συνθηκών πόλωσης και της θερμοκρασίας στα φυσικά μεγέθη του μηχανισμού. Επιπλέον, μελετάται η δυνατότητα περαιτέρω βελτίωσης της εκφόρτισης υμενίων SiNx με την εισαγωγή νανοσωματίων. Σε νανοδομημένα υμένια ταυτοποιήθηκε η παρουσία του μηχανισμού field emission και δύο νέων μηχανισμών εκφόρτισης που μπορούν να δικαιολογήσουν τις βελτιωμένες ιδιότητες τους. Τέλος, μελετήθηκε και η επίδραση της υγρασίας του περιβάλλοντος στην «διασπορά» του επιφανειακού φορτίου και προτείνεται μοντέλο υπολογισμού του μέτρου της, απευθείας σε διακόπτες MEMS.
Genomic prediction in plants: opportunities for ensemble machine learning based approaches
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , van Dijk Aalt D.J. , Nijveen Harm , Mansoor Shahid , de Ridder Dick
Published: July 2022

Background: Many studies have demonstrated the utility of machine learning (ML) methods for genomic prediction (GP) of various plant traits, but a clear rationale for choosing ML over conventionally used, often simpler parametric methods, is still lacking. Predictive performance of GP models might depend on a plethora of factors including sample size, number of markers, population structure and genetic architecture.

Methods: Here, we investigate which problem and dataset characteristics are related to good performance of ML methods for genomic prediction. We compare the predictive performance of two frequently used ensemble ML methods (Random Forest and Extreme Gradient Boosting) with parametric methods including genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), reproducing kernel Hilbert space regression (RKHS), BayesA and BayesB. To explore problem characteristics, we use simulated and real plant traits under different genetic complexity levels determined by the number of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), heritability (h2 and h2e), population structure and linkage disequilibrium between causal nucleotides and other SNPs.

Results: Decision tree based ensemble ML methods are a better choice for nonlinear phenotypes and are comparable to Bayesian methods for linear phenotypes in the case of large effect Quantitative Trait Nucleotides (QTNs). Furthermore, we find that ML methods are susceptible to confounding due to population structure but less sensitive to low linkage disequilibrium than linear parametric methods.

Conclusions: Overall, this provides insights into the role of ML in GP as well as guidelines for practitioners.
Roman Rybarski wobec działań politycznych obozu sanacyjnego w pierwszych latach jego rządów (1926–1930) w świetle publicystyki i wystąpień sejmowych
Authors: Zychowicz Damian
Published: July 2022

Roman Rybarski, jako jeden z działaczy obozu narodowego oraz przywódca klubu parlamentarnego Stronnictwa Narodowego (powstałego w 1928 r.), wyrażał się w sposób krytyczny o politycznych działaniach obozu sanacyjnego. Swoją krytykę opierał na argumentach odnoszących się do wartości cywilizacji zachodniej, m.in. poszanowania prawa, wolności osobistej oraz pluralizmu politycznego. Oprócz wysuwania zarzutów o naruszanie tychże wartości Rybarski proponował własne pomysły na naprawę sytuacji w państwie. Miejscami, w których Rybarski wyrażał swoje poglądy, była głównie prasa oraz mównica sejmowa. Niniejsza praca skupia się na okresie kształtowania i umacniania pozycji obozu sanacyjnego, czyli na latach 1926–1930 (od przewrotu majowego do wyborów brzeskich).
Regulating Professional Players in Peer-to-Peer Markets: Evidence from Airbnb
Authors: Chen Wei , Wei Zaiyan , Xie Karen
Published: July 2022

We study professional players and their roles in peer-to-peer (P2P) markets. Most notably, P2P home-sharing platforms (e.g., Airbnb) consist of both professional hosts and nonprofessional individual hosts. What are the roles of the professionals? Should home-sharing platforms regulate their participation? Professional hosts may primarily offer properties that nonprofessional hosts would not supply and attract more guests—the differentiation effect. Or they may mostly supply similar properties and compete with the nonprofessionals—the competition effect. Using a unique data set of Airbnb listings, we first find that professional hosts’ properties are more expensive and have superior characteristics than nonprofessionals’. Second, we capitalize on a quasi-experiment in which Airbnb capped the number of properties a host can manage in several cities in the United States to determine the roles of professional hosts. With different predictions (about the policy impacts) under the differentiation versus competition effects, we find evidence suggesting the dominance of the latter. In particular, the policy increased the supply from nonprofessional hosts, and the price level of nonprofessional properties as a group went up after the policy. However, our findings of heterogeneity in policy impacts suggest that the dominance of competition is less prominent in certain markets. Finally, we find that the platform was not worse off in attracting reservations or securing revenue after the policy. Our findings contribute to both theory and practice as they reveal the roles of professional players and how P2P platforms can manage their participation.

This paper was accepted by Kartik Hosanagar, information systems.

Funding: K. Xie acknowledges financial support from the University of Denver’s Betty and Fritz Knoebel Faculty Fellowship [Grant #84383] and the Marketing Science Institute [Grant 4000791].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4480 .
A Case of Anti-Synthetase Syndrome Successfully Treated with Mycophenolate Mofetil and Rituximab but No Corticosteroids
Authors: Sieradzka Agnieszka Ewa , Naccini Bruno , Fontana Massimiliano
Published: July 2022

A patient with antisynthetase syndrome with pulmonary and muscular involvement was treated with immunosuppressive agents without corticosteroids. Rituximab was added to mycophenolate mofetil therapy with improvement in lung functional and imaging findings and normalization of creatine kinase levels.
Kesiapan siswa dalam pembelajaran daring di masa pandemi Covid-19 di SD Muhammadiyah Sapen Yogyakarta
Authors: Hidayah Nur , Kurniawan Ragil
Published: July 2022

Kegiatan pembelajaran di Indonesia saat ini sedang mengalami suatu perubahan hal ini dikarenakan adanya virus covid-19. Virus ini sangat berdampak hampir ke semua sektor yang ada terutama dalam sektor dunia pendidikan. Pandemi covid-19 membawa perubahan dalam pembelajaran, sehingga pembelajaran tidak lagi dilakukan di sekolah melainkan di rumah secara daring (online) melalui media elektronik. Pelaksanaan pembelajaran daring perlu adanya kesiapan sekolah dengan merencanakan, mengatur, mengarahkan proses pembelajaran di tengah pandemi covid-19. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan serta mengetahui kesiapan sekolah terkait dengan sarana prasarana, guru, siswa, dan orang tua dalam pembelajaran daring di SD Muhammadiyah Sapen. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data menggunakan triangulasi sumber dan triangulasi teknik. Teknik analisis data menggunakan teknik intensif, Miles dan Huberman. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah kepala sekolah, guru, siswa Sd Muhammadiyah Sapen. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa kesiapan sekolah dalam pembelajaran daring dimasa pandemi covid-19 SD Muhammadiyah Sapen sudah sangat baik hal ini terlihat ketika sekolah memberikan penunjang untuk pembelajaran daring meliputi kesiapan sarpras, kesiapan gurudan kesiapan siswa. Sarpras sdh dipersiapkan bai dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran, Guru memiliki kompetensi ketika melakukan kegiatan belajar mengajar mulai dari persiapan maupun pelaksanaan pembelajaran, siswa juga dapat mengikuti dalam pembelajaran daring.
Preparation, Cellular Uptake, and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Remdesivir-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex.
Authors: Priyono Saraswati Ramadhani , S Sutriyo , Rahmasari Ratika
Published: July 2022

Covid-19 was mainly treated by a broad-spectrum antiviral called Remdesivir. A truncated cone molecular structure of Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin can enhance the solubility and cellular uptake of the poorly soluble drug's through biological membranes. This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, observe cellular uptake and evaluate the cytotoxicity of remdesivir-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (RDV-HPβCD) inclusion complex. The RDV-HPβCD inclusion complex was synthesized by the solvent evaporation method. Furthermore, the inclusion complex characteristic was evaluated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry; particle size analyzer (PSA); Fourier infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR); X-ray diffraction (XRD); and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further, fluorescence microscopy was used to evaluate the cellular uptake and 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used in the cytotoxicity study. In the UV-Vis spectrum, both the inclusion complex and pure remdesivir showed a maximum peak at 246 nm. The inclusion complex has a particle size of 1697 ± 738.02 nm with -22.4 ± 1.58 mV of zeta potential. Shifted FTIR spectrum, broad XRD peak, and broad DSC thermogram peak at 72.93 °C indicated the successful formation of the RDV-HPβCD inclusion complex. Furthermore, cellular uptake observation of RDV-HPβCD inclusion complex conjugated to FITC showed better intensity inside the Vero cell than pure remdesivir conjugated to FITC. Further, Inclusion complex showed higher cell viability than pure remdesivir at a certain concentration.
Antioxidant Activity and Flavonoid Estimation in Rosa multiflora and Rosa wichuraiana Fruits and Flowers
Authors: Kim Hyeusoo , Seo Kyoung-Sun , Yun Kyeong Won
Published: July 2022

The fruits of Rosa multiflora Thunberg and Rosa wichuraiana Crépin are oriental medicine resources used complementary in management dropsy, edema and nocturnal enuresis in Korea. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and the content of kaempferol and quercetin of Rosa multiflora and Rosa wichuraiana fruits and flowers. Crude ethanol extracts of the species’ fruits and flowers from the two Rosa species were fractionized with hexane, ether, ethyl acetate and water, and antioxidant activities of the resulting fractions were evaluated in vitro using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity. The content of kaempferol and quercetin was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. The water fraction of R. multiflora and ethyl acetate fraction of R. wichuraiana exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity, which are generally proportionally to concentration, and the ethyl acetate fraction of fruit and ether fraction of the flower from the two Rosa species exhibited the highest superoxide anion radical scavenging activity. Meanwhile, the ethyl acetate and ether fraction of flower and fruit from the two Rosa species contained high level content of kaempferol and quercetin. These findings indicate that the antioxidant activity and the content of kaempferol and quercetin of Rosa multiflora and Rosa wichuraiana is dependent on solvent fraction. Moreover, both Rosa species fruits and flowers are promising sources of antioxidant phytochemicals, which further supports their use in complementary oriental medicine resource in Korea.
Evaluation of changes in Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate (HR) among controlled Hypertensive and Normotensive Patients before and after receiving Dental Local Anesthesia (DLA) with Adrenaline: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ali Fareedi Mukram , M Iryani Ghassan , Bakri Mohammed Mousa , Halawi Sultan , Mashyakhi Essa , Darraj Omar , Hobani Abbas
Published: July 2022

To evaluate the alterations in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) among hypertensive and normotensive patients receiving dental local anesthesia using 2% lidocaine with epinephrine. This prospective observational study was carried out at the College of Dentistry, Jazan, KSA. A total of 40 adult patients were included in the study. They were divided into two groups (n=20). Group “A” included normotensive patients and group “B” included controlled hypertensive patients. The BP and HR were measured by a sphygmomanometer and pulse oximeter in three different temporal locations: on arrival to the waiting room, and in clinic before and after administration of local anesthesia. The mean values of the measurements in the three locations; the waiting area, clinic before and after the administration of DLA, were noted. The only significant alterations were found in the Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) of both hypertensive and normotensive patients before the administration of DLA and in the HR of hypertensive patients again only before the administration of DLA. Endogenous catecholamines are more significant in causing hemodynamic disturbances in dental patients. Hypertensive patients seem to be more vulnerable to these disturbances.
Reactivity and Safety of BioNTech/Pfizer® Vaccine Anti-SARS-CoV-2, in Health Personnel from the Mexican State of Guanajuato
Authors: -Olivos Efraín Navarro , -Vázquez Francisco J. Magos , Sánchez-Navarro María del Rosario , Díaz-Martínez Daniel A. , Gallardo-Luna María de Jesús , Raygoza Nicolás Padilla-
Published: July 2022

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, first detected in Wuhan, China, in 2019, had spread all over the world. It has caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowadays, there are effective and safe vaccines proven against this virus. The goal of this study was to verify it among health-care workers from the Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State who received the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. For this purpose, we designed a quantitative cross-sectional study. The database was obtained from a previous strategy program by the Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State called ENSERO-COVID. The available data consisted of two chemiluminescence measures of the IgG anti-Spike antibodies after one and six months of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine two doses application. The survey also included self-reported reactions to this vaccine. Frequency tables are presented for descriptive purposes. We performed the chi-square test, the z test for proportions, and the t-test for comparisons. Also, two linear regression models were fitted between the first and second chemiluminescence levels stratifying by prior infection by SARS-CoV-2. The database consisted of 177 records. Of them, 45 (25.4%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 before vaccination. Only one person did not react to the two doses of vaccine application. Most of the self-reported reactions ceased in a short period -less than three days-. The differences observed, regarding chemiluminescence levels, between those with and without prior infection by SARS-CoV-2 were not statistically significant. More analyses are required to assess the long-term effects of the BioNTech/Pfizer ® vaccine.
Clinical results and patient-reported outcomes following robotic-assisted primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Joo Peter Y. , Chen Antonia F. , Richards Jarod , Law Tsun Y. , Taylor Kelly , Marchand Kevin , Clark Gavin , Collopy Dermot , Marchand Robert C. , Roche Martin , Mont Michael A. , Malkani Arthur L.
Published: July 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to report patient and clinical outcomes following robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) at multiple institutions with a minimum two-year follow-up.

Methods

This was a multicentre registry study from October 2016 to June 2021 that included 861 primary RA-TKA patients who completed at least one pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) questionnaire, including Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS JR), and pain out of 100 points. The mean age was 67 years (35 to 86), 452 were male (53%), mean BMI was 31.5 kg/m2 (19 to 58), and 553 (64%) cemented and 308 (36%) cementless implants.

Results

There were significant improvements in PROMs over time between preoperative, one- to two-year, and > two-year follow-up, with a mean FJS of 17.5 (SD 18.2), 70.2 (SD 27.8), and 76.7 (SD 25.8; p < 0.001); mean KOOS JR of 51.6 (SD 11.5), 85.1 (SD 13.8), and 87.9 (SD 13.0; p < 0.001); and mean pain scores of 65.7 (SD 20.4), 13.0 (SD 19.1), and 11.3 (SD 19.9; p < 0.001), respectively. There were eight superficial infections (0.9%) and four revisions (0.5%).

Conclusion

RA-TKA demonstrated consistent clinical results across multiple institutions with excellent PROMs that continued to improve over time. With the ability to achieve target alignment in the coronal, axial, and sagittal planes and provide intraoperative real-time data to obtain balanced gaps, RA-TKA demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes and PROMs in this patient population. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(7):589–595.
Expansão dos programas de pedágio eletrônico nas rodovias de São Paulo (Brasil): Inserção de bancos digitais e grupos financeiros
Authors: Manocchio Fernando Guilherme Silveira , Gallo Fabricio
Published: July 2022

Tendo em vista a expansão dos programas de pedágio eletrônico nas rodovias concessionadas do estado de São Paulo (Brasil), objetivamos analisar a atuação das principais empresas desse ramo -Sem Parar, ConectCar, Veloe e Taggy-, em conjunto com grandes agentes financeiros, de caráter nacional e internacional, presente em suas respectivas estruturas acionárias. Para tal, tendo como noção de que o objeto de estudo da geografia é o espaço geográfico, sinônimo de território usado, direcionamos nossa análise aos processos de popularização desse modo automático e digital de pagamento, que necessita apenas de uma etiqueta presente no para-brisa dos veículos. A partir dos resultados, nota-se uma dinamização da esfera financeira, concomitantemente ao surgimento de novas formas de circulação do dinheiro pelo território. Os grupos financeiros trabalhados nesse artigo se mostram interessados na evolução e massificação das formas inovadoras de pagamento e a tendência é que as disputas nesse setor sejam cada vez mais acirradas, sendo os bancos digitais cada vez mais presentes no segmento. Contudo, essas novas formas de circulação financeira exigem um território cada vez mais informatizado e denso em materialidades.
Rosa Alcoy, El Bosco en dos trípticos del Museo del Prado. Editorial Universidad de Granada, Granada, 2020
Authors: Fontcuberta Famadas Cristina
Published: July 2022

Ressenya del llibre: Rosa Alcoy, El Bosco en dos trípticos del Museo del Prado, Granada, Editorial Universidad de Granada, 2020.
“E sotto essa la città nostra”. Simone Martini, the cathedral of Siena, and civic identity
Authors: Bartalini Roberto
Published: July 2022

For centuries, ever since Lorenzo Ghiberti's Commentarii, countless literary sources mentioned, in lists of the main works by Simone Martini, a certain wall-painting that is now lost to us, but which, in the 1780s, albeit in an increasingly poorly-preserved state, Guglielmo Della Valle was still able to describe in minute detail. According to information reported by Ettore Romagnoli, it disappeared in the earthquake that struck Siena in 1798.
Jerónimo Münzer y Fernando Gallego. Notas para interpretar el retablo perdido de la Catedral de Zamora
Authors: Muñoz Gómez Elena
Published: July 2022

El Itinerario de Jerónimo Münzer cuenta que, en 1495, la catedral de Zamora tenía en el choro un altissimo pinnaculo con tabulis et aliis depicta. Estas palabras, que se han visto referidas al retablo mayor perdido, hoy atribuido al taller de Fernando gallego, en El Salvador, abren muchas posibilidades de interpretación. Pero debido a la fijación de la Historia del Arte en la autoría, y al peso de la jerarquía de las Bellas Artes, se han venido apoyando las lecturas de la fuente sólo en traducciones que enfatizan el medio pictórico de una obra que, como sugiere el término ‘pináculo’, pudo tener otras dimensiones: la combinación de técnicas en este tipo de producciones es frecuente, y la cabecera de la iglesia zamorana, un escenario de representación interartística.
El comportamiento de la industria española en los mercados internacionales (1890-1913)
Authors: Delgado Perea Pablo
Published: July 2022

El papel que desempeñó la industria española en los mercados internacionales durante la primera globalización ha generado un intenso debate en la literatura. Parte de ella considera que, a pesar de una débil demanda nacional, la industria optó por reservarse el mercado interior en lugar de competir en el exterior. En este trabajo nos cuestionamos esta hipótesis a partir de un análisis desagregado y en los márgenes de las exportaciones españolas en 1890 y 1913. Se pone de manifiesto que las empresas manufactureras fueron muy dinámicas encontrando nuevos destinos donde exportar nuevos productos. No obstante, estos nuevos destinos tenían una demanda potencial demasiado baja como para fomentar el desarrollo industrial. Por tanto, una parte del atraso económico español está relacionado con la falta de demanda exterior.
The expansion of the Spanish railway network (1848–1941): an analysis through the evolution of its companyies
Authors: Esteban-Oliver Guillermo , Martí-Henneberg Jordi
Published: July 2022

En este artículo analizamos la expansión de la red de ferrocarril en España a partir de la evolución de las compañías del sector durante el período 1848-1941. Para ello hemos elaborado una nueva base de datos que incluye los tramos, líneas y estaciones y apeaderos que operó cada compañía en cada uno de los años del período. Además, utilizamos GIS para vincular este proceso de expansión con el territorio y sus características. Nuestros resultados señalan que la red mayoritariamente se desarrolló siguiendo criterios económicos y de estrategias de rentabilidad empresarial de las compañías.
Resolution-enhanced optical inspection system to examine metallic nanostructures using structured illumination
Authors: Yoon Taerim , Kim Pil Un , Ahn Heesang , Kim Taeyeon , Eom Tae Joong , Kim Kyujung , Choi Jong-ryul
Published: July 2022

We developed a structured
illumination-based optical inspection system to inspect metallic
nanostructures in real time. To address this, we used
post-image-processing techniques to enhance the image resolution. To
examine the fabricated metallic nanostructures in real time, a compact
and highly resolved optical inspection system was designed for
practical industrial use. Structured illumination microscopy yields
multiple images with various linear illumination patterns, which can
be used to reconstruct resolution-enhanced images. Images of nanosized
posts and complex structures reflected in the structured illumination
were reconstructed into images with improved resolution. A comparison
with wide-field images demonstrates that the optical inspection system
exhibits high performance and is available as a real-time
nanostructure inspection platform. Because it does not require special
environmental conditions and enables multiple systems to be covered in
arrays, the developed system is expected to provide real-time and
noninvasive inspections during the production of large-area
nanostructured components.