bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating pharmacogenomics into clinical trials of hearing disorders
Authors: Brutnell Thomas P. , Wang Xinwen , Bao Jianxin
Published: November 2022

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidance to increase the efficiency of drug development and support precision medicine, including tailoring treatments to those patients who will benefit based on genetic variation even in the absence of a documented mechanism of action. Although multiple advancements have been made in the field of pharmacogenetics (PGx) for other disease conditions, there are no approved PGx guidelines in the treatment of hearing disorders. In studies of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), some progress has been made in the last several years associating genomic loci with susceptibility to noise damage. However, the power of such studies is limited as the underlying physiological responses may vary considerably among the patient populations. Here, we have summarized previous animal studies to argue that NIHL subtyping is a promising strategy to increase the granularity of audiological assessments. By coupling this enhanced phenotyping capability with genetic association studies, we suggest that drug efficacy will be better predicted, increasing the likelihood of success in clinical trials when populations are stratified based on genetic variation or designed with multidrug combinations to reach a broader segment of individuals suffering or at risk from NIHL.
Shear thickening in dense bidisperse suspensions
Authors: Malbranche Nelya , Chakraborty Bulbul , Morris Jeffrey F.
Published: November 2022

Discrete-particle simulations of bidisperse shear thickening suspensions are reported. The work considers two packing parameters, the large-to-small particle radius ratio ranging from δ=1.4 (nearly monodisperse) to δ=4, and the large particle fraction of the total solid loading with values ζ=0.15, 0.5, and 0.85. Particle-scale simulations are performed over a broad range of shear stresses using a simulation model for spherical particles accounting for short-range lubrication forces, frictional interaction, and repulsion between particles. The variation of rheological properties and the maximum packing fraction ϕJ with shear stress σ are reported. At a fixed volume fraction ϕ, bidispersity decreases the suspension relative viscosity ηr=ηs/η0, where ηs is the suspension viscosity and η0 is the suspending fluid viscosity, over the entire range of shear stresses studied. However, under low shear stress conditions, the suspension exhibits an unusual rheological behavior: the minimum viscosity does not occur as expected at ζ≈0.5, but instead decreases with further increase of ζ to 0.85. The second normal stress difference N2 acts similarly. This behavior is caused by particles ordering into a layered structure, as is also reflected by the zero slope with respect to time of the mean-square displacement in the velocity gradient direction. The relative viscosity ηr of bidisperse rate-dependent suspensions can be predicted by a power law linking it to ϕJ, ηr=(1−ϕ/ϕJ)−2 in both low and high shear stress regimes. The agreement between the power law and experimental data from literature demonstrates that the model captures well the effect of particle size distribution, showing that viscosity roughly collapses onto a single master curve when plotted against the reduced volume fraction ϕ/ϕJ.
Polymer threadings and rigidity dictate the viscoelasticity of entangled ring-linear blends and their composites with rigid rod microtubules
Authors: Peddireddy Karthik R. , Clairmont Ryan , Robertson-Anderson Rae M.
Published: November 2022

Mixtures of polymers of varying topologies and stiffnesses display complex emergent rheological properties that often cannot be predicted from their single-component counterparts. For example, entangled blends of ring and linear polymers have been shown to exhibit enhanced shear thinning and viscosity, as well as prolonged relaxation timescales, compared to pure solutions of rings or linear chains. These emergent properties arise in part from the synergistic threading of rings by linear polymers. Topology has also been shown to play an important role in composites of flexible (e.g., DNA) and stiff (e.g., microtubules) polymers, whereby rings promote mixing while linear polymers induce demixing and flocculation of stiff polymers, with these topology-dependent interactions giving rise to highly distinct rheological signatures. To shed light on these intriguing phenomena, we use optical tweezers microrheology to measure the linear and nonlinear rheological properties of entangled ring-linear DNA blends and their composites with rigid microtubules. We show that linear viscoelasticity is primarily dictated by microtubules at lower frequencies, but their contributions become frozen out at frequencies above the DNA entanglement rate. In the nonlinear regime, we reveal that mechanical response features, such as shear thinning and stress softening, are mediated by entropic stretching, threading, and flow alignment of entangled DNA, as well as forced dethreading, disentanglement, and clustering. The contributions of each of these mechanisms depend on the strain rate as well as the entanglement density and stiffness of the polymers, leading to nonmonotonic rate dependences of mechanical properties that are most pronounced for highly concentrated ring-linear blends rather than DNA-microtubule composites.
“Think Aloud” as a Facilitator of Self-Regulation in Golfers
Authors: Birch Phil D.J. , Yeoman Beth , Whitehead Amy E.
Published: November 2022

Think Aloud (TA) has been used as a tool to promote self-regulation and reflection in coaches, yet it has not been employed in the same context to support athletes. The aim of the present study was to understand golfers’ perceptions of using TA at two time points: immediately postperformance and after a 6- to 8-week reflection period. Six golfers (five male, one female; age: M = 30.8 years, SD = 14.8; handicap: M = 6.92, SD = 3.9) used TA during the performance on six holes of golf and listened back to their TA audio. Using semistructured interviews and subsequent thematic analyses, we generated four themes: increased awareness, awareness of how behavior influences performance, disruption of thought processes and performance, and application to coaching. Preliminary evidence provides support for TA as a potential tool to promote self-regulation in golfers, which could be used to inform coaching interventions.
Childhood lead exposure is associated with lower cognitive functioning at older ages
Authors: Lee Haena , Lee Mark W. , Warren John Robert , Ferrie Joseph
Published: November 2022

The Flint, Michigan water crisis renewed concern about lead toxicity in drinking water. While lead in drinking water has been shown to negatively affect cognition among children, much less is known about its long-term consequences for late-life cognition. Using a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults linked to historical administrative data from 1940, we find that older adults who lived as children in cities with lead pipes and acidic or alkaline water—the conditions required for lead to leach into drinking water—had worse cognitive functioning but not steeper cognitive decline. About a quarter of the association between lead and late-life cognition was accounted for by educational attainment. Within the next 10 years, American children exposed to high levels of lead during the 1970s will enter older ages. Our evidence highlights the need for stronger actions to identify interventions to mitigate long-term damage among people at high risk.
Toroidal optical transitions in hydrogen-like atoms
Authors: Kuprov Ilya , Wilkowski David , Zheludev Nikolay
Published: November 2022

It is commonly believed that electromagnetic spectra of atoms and molecules can be fully described by interactions involving electric and magnetic multipoles. However, it has recently become clear that interactions between light and matter also involve toroidal multipoles—toroidal absorption lines have been observed in electromagnetic metamaterials. Here, we show that a previously unexplored type of spectroscopy of the hitherto largely neglected toroidal dipolar interaction becomes feasible if, apart from the classical
r
×
r
×
p
toroidal dipole density term responsible for the toroidal transitions in metamaterials, the spin-dependent
r
×
σ
term (which only occurs in relativistic quantum mechanics) is taken into account. Toroidal dipole operators are odd under parity and time-reversal symmetries; toroidal dipole transitions can therefore be distinguished from electric multipole and magnetic dipole transitions.
Direct detection of photoinduced magnetic force at the nanoscale reveals magnetic nearfield of structured light
Authors: Zeng Jinwei , Albooyeh Mohammad , Rajaei Mohsen , Sifat Abid Anjum , Potma Eric O. , Wickramasinghe H. Kumar , Capolino Filippo
Published: November 2022

We demonstrate experimentally the detection of magnetic force at optical frequencies, defined as the dipolar Lorentz force exerted on a photoinduced magnetic dipole excited by the magnetic component of light. Historically, this magnetic force has been considered elusive since, at optical frequencies, magnetic effects are usually overshadowed by the interaction of the electric component of light, making it difficult to recognize the direct magnetic force from the dominant electric forces. To overcome this challenge, we develop a photoinduced magnetic force characterization method that exploits a magnetic nanoprobe under structured light illumination. This approach enables the direct detection of the magnetic force, revealing the magnetic nearfield distribution at the nanoscale, while maximally suppressing its electric counterpart. The proposed method opens up new avenues for nanoscopy based on optical magnetic contrast, offering a research tool for all-optical spin control and optomagnetic manipulation of matter at the nanoscale.
The void formation behaviors in working solid-state Li metal batteries
Authors: Lu Yang , Zhao Chen-Zi , Hu Jiang-Kui , Sun Shuo , Yuan Hong , Fu Zhong-Heng , Chen Xiang , Huang Jia-Qi , Ouyang Minggao , Zhang Qiang
Published: November 2022

The fundamental understanding of the elusive evolution behavior of the buried solid-solid interfaces is the major barrier to exploring solid-state electrochemical devices. Here, we uncover the interfacial void evolution principles in solid-state batteries, build a solid-state void nucleation and growth model, and make an analogy with the bubble formation in liquid phases. In solid-state lithium metal batteries, the lithium stripping–induced interfacial void formation determines the morphological instabilities that result in battery failure. The void-induced contact loss processes are quantified in a phase diagram under wide current densities ranging from 1.0 to 10.0 milliamperes per square centimeter by rational electrochemistry calculations. The in situ–visualized morphological evolutions reveal the microscopic features of void defects under different stripping circumstances. The electrochemical-morphological relationship helps to elucidate the current density– and areal capacity–dependent void nucleation and growth mechanisms, which affords fresh insights on understanding and designing solid-solid interfaces for advanced solid-state batteries.
In vivo gene immunotherapy for cancer
Authors: Mai David , June Carl H. , Sheppard Neil C.
Published: November 2022

Cancer is becoming increasingly understood not only as a disease of pathological cells but also as one of immune hypofunction. The heterogenous and patient-specific nature of cancer further underscores the need for personalized cellular therapies, which are currently produced ex vivo. Gene-modulating approaches, such as therapeutic RNAs and improved viral vectors, now bring us closer toward strategies for mitigating disease, particularly for diseases that benefit from altering gene or transgene expression profiles in pathological or therapeutic immune cells. An advancing toolbox of technologies and trends toward simplifying personalized therapies foreshadow opportunities for direct, in vivo precision medicine against cancer.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis DprE1 Inhibitor OPC-167832 Is Active against Mycobacterium abscessus
In Vitro
Authors: Sarathy Jickky Palmae , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Gengenbacher Martin , Dartois Véronique , Dick Thomas
Published: November 2022

The antituberculosis candidate OPC-167832, an inhibitor of DprE1, was active against
Mycobacterium abscessus
. Resistance mapped to
M. abscessus
dprE1
, suggesting target retention.
Genome Report of Emergent Fish Pathogen
Edwardsiella piscicida
Recovered from
Pseudoplatystoma corruscans
in Brazil
Authors: Ferrari Natália A. , Takashe João Vitor G. , Aburjaile Flávia F. , Azevedo Vasco , da Costa Mateus M. , Brenig Bertram , Rocha Francisco E. P. , Pereira Ulisses de P.
Published: November 2022

Edwardsiella piscicida
is a Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the
Hafniaceae
family which affects several species of marine and freshwater fish. We present the complete genome of
E
.
piscicida
strain BEP80 recovered from the Brazilian catfish named Surubim (
Pseudoplatystoma corruscans
), consisting a chromosome of 3,883,256 bp and no plasmids.
Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing and Antibiotic Susceptibility Prediction from Whole-Genome Sequence Data of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates
Authors: Cunningham Scott A. , Eberly Allison R. , Beisken Stephan , Posch Andreas E. , Schuetz Audrey N. , Patel Robin
Published: November 2022

Multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates are a serious public health concern due to their resistance to nearly all or all of the available antibiotics, including carbapenems. Utilizing molecular approaches in conjunction with antibiotic susceptibility prediction software warrants investigation for use in the clinical laboratory workflow.
Guerrero-Alisitos-Vizcaino superterrane of western Mexico and its ties to the Mexican continental margin (Gondwana and SW Laurentia)
Authors: Busby* C.J.
Published: November 2022

This chapter expands upon a model, first proposed in 1998 by Busby and others, in which Mesozoic oceanic-arc rocks of Baja California formed along the Mexican continental margin above a single east-dipping subduction zone, and were extensional in nature, due to rollback of an old, cold subducting slab (Panthalassa). It expands on that model by roughly tripling the area of the region representing this fringing extensional oceanic-arc system to include the western third of mainland Mexico. This chapter summarizes the geologic, paleomagnetic, and detrital zircon data that tie all of these oceanic-arc rocks to each other and to the Mexican margin, herein termed the Guerrero-Alisitos-Vizcaino superterrane. These data contradict a model that proposes the oceanic-arc rocks formed in unrelated archipelagos some 2000–4000 km west of Pangean North America.

Following the termination of Permian–Triassic (280–240 Ma) subduction under continental Mexico, the paleo-Pacific Mexico margin was a passive margin dominated by a huge siliciclastic wedge (Potosí fan) composed of sediments eroded from Gondwanan basement and Permian continental-arc rocks. I propose that a second fan formed further north, termed herein the Antimonio-Barranca fan, composed of sediment eroded from southwest Laurentian sources. Zircons from these two fans were dispersed onto the ocean floor as turbidites, forming a unifying signature in the Guerrero-Alisitos-Vizcaino superterrane.

The oldest rocks in the Guerrero-Alisitos-Vizcaino superterrane record subduction initiation in the oceanic realm, producing the 221 Ma Vizcaino ophiolite, which predated the onset of arc magmatism. This ophiolite contains Potosí fan zircons as xenocrysts in its chromitites, which I suggest were deposited on the seafloor before the trench formed and then were subducted eastward. This is consistent with the geophysical interpretation that the Cocos plate (the longest subducted plate on Earth) began subducting eastward under Mexico at 220 Ma. The Early Jurassic to mid-Cretaceous oceanic arc of western Mexico formed above this east-dipping slab, shifting positions with time, and was largely extensional, forming intra-arc basins and spreading centers, including a backarc basin along the continental margin (Arperos basin). Turbidites with ancient Mexican detrital zircons were deposited in many of these basins and recycled along normal fault scarps.

By mid-Cretaceous time, the extensional oceanic arc began to evolve into a contractional continental arc, probably due to an increase in convergence rate that was triggered by a global plate reorganization. Contraction expanded eastward (inboard) throughout the Late Cretaceous, along with inboard migration of arc magmatism, suggesting slab shallowing with time.
Comparison of labor analgesia efficacy between single-orifice and multiorifice wire-reinforced catheters during programmed intermittent epidural boluses: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Yi Juan , Li Yujie , Yuan Yawei , Xu Zhendong , Song Yujie , Ye Binglu , Zhao Qingsong , Yang Yingying , Du Weijia , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: November 2022

Aims

We compared analgesic outcomes between single-orifice and multiorifice wire-reinforced catheters under 480 mL/hour delivery rate with programmed intermittent epidural bolus administration.

Methods

Between August and November 2021, 182 nulliparous and healthy women with singleton pregnancy, 2–5 cm cervical dilation, and requesting neuraxial analgesia were randomized to receive either single-orifice or multiorifice catheters. Epidural analgesia was initiated and maintained with 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.3 µg/mL sufentanil. Programmed intermittent epidural bolus volume of 10 mL was administered every 45 min at 480 mL/hour beginning immediately after the test dose. Primary outcome was the percentage of parturients in the two groups with adequate analgesia 20 min after the initial bolus.

Results

Compared with multiorifice catheters, single-orifice catheters were associated with a higher proportion of parturients with adequate analgesia (71.8% vs 56.0%, respectively; 95% CI 1.3% to 29%, p=0.03) and more frequent S2sensory blockade (37.6% vs 22.6%, respectively; 95% CI −30% to 1%, p=0.03) 20 min after block initiation. Median time (IQR) to adequate analgesia was 12 (8–30) min and 20 (10–47) min with single-orifice and multiorifice catheters, respectively (95% CI 0.1 to 0.7 min, p<0.01). The median (IQR) ropivacaine consumption per hour was higher in parturients receiving multiorifice catheters than those with single-orifice catheters (15.3 (13.3–17.0) mg/hour vs 13.3 (13.3–15.4) mg/hour, respectively; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.8 mg/hour, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Single-orifice catheters used for programmed intermittent epidural bolus at 480 mL/hour for epidural labor analgesia had improved analgesic efficacy than multiorifice catheters.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100049872.
Impact of radiographer immediate reporting of X-rays of the chest from general practice on the lung cancer pathway (radioX): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Woznitza Nick , Ghimire Bhagabati , Devaraj Anand , Janes Sam M , Piper Keith , Rowe Susan , Bhowmik Angshu , Hayes Natasha , Togher Daniel , Arumalla Nikita , Skyllberg Erik , Au-Yong Iain T H , Geary Susan , George Bindu , Sheard Sarah , Ellis Stephen , Shah Zoheb , Maughn Sue , Duffy Stephen W , Baldwin David
Published: November 2022

The National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway recommends rapid progression from abnormal chest X-rays (CXRs) to CT. The impact of the more rapid reporting on the whole pathway is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of immediate reporting of CXRs requested by primary care by radiographers on the time to diagnosis of lung cancer.

Method

People referred for CXR from primary care to a single acute district general hospital in London attended sessions that were prerandomised to either immediate radiographer (IR) reporting or standard radiographer (SR) reporting within 24 hours. CXRs were subsequently reported by radiologists blind to the radiographer reports to test the reliability of the radiographer report. Radiographer and local radiologist discordant cases were reviewed by thoracic radiologists, blinded to reporter.

Results

8682 CXRs were performed between 21 June 2017 and 4 August 2018, 4096 (47.2%) for IR and 4586 (52.8%) for SR. Lung cancer was diagnosed in 49, with 27 (55.1%) for IR. The median time from CXR to diagnosis of lung cancer for IR was 32 days (IQR 19, 70) compared with 63 days (IQR 29, 78) for SR (p=0.03).

8258 CXRs (95.1%) were reported by both radiographers and local radiologists. In the 1361 (16.5%) with discordance, the reviewing thoracic radiologists were equally likely to agree with local radiologist and radiographer reports.

Conclusions

Immediate reporting of CXRs from primary care reduces time to diagnosis of lung cancer by half, likely due to rapid progress to CT. Radiographer reports are comparable to local radiologist reports for accuracy.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial NumberISRCTN21818068. Registered on 20 June 2017.
A kinetic description of the body size distribution of species
Authors: Gualandi Stefano , Vercesi Eleonora , Toscani Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

In this paper, by resorting to classical methods of statistical mechanics, we build a kinetic model able to reproduce the observed statistical weight distribution of many diverse species. The kinetic description of the time variations of the weight distribution is based on elementary interactions that describe in a qualitative and quantitative way successive evolutionary updates, and determine explicit equilibrium distributions. Numerical fittings on mammalian eutherians of the order Chiroptera population illustrates the effectiveness of the approach.
Simulation and Experimental Research on Time Varying Delay Feedback Control Under Random Excitation
Authors: Wu Kaiwei , Ren Chuanbo , Li Lin , Guo Yong , Shao Sujuan
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the dynamic vibration absorber considering time delay is taken as the research object, and the effect of time delay on the vibration characteristics of the dynamic vibration absorber is studied by combining theory and experiment. In this paper, a time-varying time-delay feedback control method is proposed. Firstly, the instantaneous frequency of complex excitation is obtained by wavelet analysis. The instantaneous frequency determines the critical time-delay parameters of the dynamic vibration absorber with time-delay as the time-delay control quantity. Then, the optimal fixed time-delay feedback gain is calculated by improved particle swarm optimization. Finally, the time-varying delay gain parameter controls the time-delay dynamic vibration absorber. The vibration reduction effect of this approach under complicated excitation is investigated using a 2-DOF vibration system with a time-delay dynamic vibration absorber as an example. Based on simulation calculation, the bench test of the control strategy is carried out, and the influence of the control strategy on the control dynamic characteristics of the primary system is analyzed. The simulation and experimental results are consistent, laying the groundwork for this paper’s research on time-varying delay control.
Statefinder hierarchy of Kaniadakis holographic dark energy with composite null diagnostic
Authors: Singh Benoy Kumar , Sharma Umesh Kumar , Sharma Lokesh Kumar , Dubey Vipin Chandra
Published: November 2022

We investigate Kaniadakis holographic dark energy (KHDE) model taking the apparent horizon as the IR cutoff in a flat Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) universe. We apply variant dark energy (DE) diagnostic tool to study KHDE model in flat universe with different values of the constant [Formula: see text] and Kaniadakis entropy parameter [Formula: see text]. We use the tools statefinder hierarchy [Formula: see text], fractional growth parameter [Formula: see text] and composite null diagnostic (CND), which is blend of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The evolution of trajectories of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] depicts that there occur degeneracies in early time and also in the far future, whereas, in between these two extremes they are discriminated distinctly. The analysis of the present work shows that by the inclusion of fractional growth parameter [Formula: see text] with statefinder hierarchy (CND) degeneracy is removed reasonably, particularly more in the low redshift region.
On representations of Plesken Lie algebras
Authors: Arjun S. N. , Romeo P. G.
Published: November 2022

Cohen and Taylor [On a certain Lie algebra defined by a finite group, Am. Math. Mon. 114 (2007) 633–639] introduced certain Lie algebras constructed using finite groups called the Plesken Lie algebras. In this paper, we describe the representation of these Plesken Lie algebras, their irreducibility and the Plesken Lie algebra modules.
River Deltas and Sea-Level Rise
Authors: Nienhuis Jaap H. , Kim Wonsuck , Milne Glenn A. , Quock Melinda , Slangen Aimée B.A. , Törnqvist Torbjörn E.
Published: November 2022

Future sea-level rise poses an existential threat for many river deltas, yet quantifying the effect of sea-level changes on these coastal landforms remains a challenge. Sea-level changes have been slow compared to other coastal processes during the instrumental record, such that our knowledge comes primarily from models, experiments, and the geologic record. Here we review the current state of science on river delta response to sea-level change, including models and observations from the Holocene until 2300 CE. We report on improvements in the detection and modeling of past and future regional sea-level change, including a better understanding of the underlying processes and sources of uncertainty. We also see significant improvements in morphodynamic delta models. Still, substantial uncertainties remain, notably on present and future subsidence rates in and near deltas. Observations of delta submergence and land loss due to modern sea-level rise also remain elusive, posing major challenges to model validation.
▪There are large differences in the initiation time and subsequent delta progradation during the Holocene, likely from different sea-level and sediment supply histories.▪Modern deltas are larger and will face faster sea-level rise than during their Holocene growth, making them susceptible to forced transgression.▪Regional sea-level projections have been much improved in the past decade and now also isolate dominant sources of uncertainty, such as the Antarctic ice sheet.▪Vertical land motion in deltas can be the dominant source of relative sea-level change and the dominant source of uncertainty; limited observations complicate projections.▪River deltas globally might lose 5% (∼35,000 km2) of their surface area by 2100 and 50% by 2300 due to relative sea-level rise under a high-emission scenario.
Postcolonial Language Policy and Planning and the Limits of the Notion of the Modern State
Authors: Makoni Sinfree , Severo Cristine , Abdelhay Ashraf
Published: November 2022

In this review, we discuss the limits of the concept of the modern nation-state to explore language issues in postcolonial contexts, as in Africa. We argue in favor of a revision of the history of the field of language policy and planning (LPP) and sociolinguistics, paying attention to how the colonial issue has been erased and downplayed. We first explore the colonial history of LPP and how this field contributed to frame African multilingualisms as problems to be solved. Second, we briefly discuss how the contemporary understanding of citizenship in Africa is entangled with the colonial history of a particular version of the state in Africa; we focus on Sudan as an example. We problematize the construct of “developing nation” inscribed in the methodological nationalism that characterizes the early LPP framework, which reverberates in contemporary public policies. By doing so, we advocate for a perspective of language that is historically and locally embedded, following a politics that recognizes the importance of Southern epistemologies to language studies.
Influence of Thermal Oxide Layers on the Hydrogen Transport through the Surface of SAE 1010 Steel
Authors: Rubben Tim , Baert Kitty , Depover Tom , Verbeken Kim , Revilla Reynier I. , De Graeve Iris
Published: November 2022

Most research on the hydrogen embrittlement of steel dealt with the interaction of hydrogen with the metal bulk microstructural features, whereas the first contact with hydrogen-containing environments occurs at the metal surface. Steel (when un-polarized) is always covered with an oxide layer, varying in composition and thickness. The impact of the oxide layer on the hydrogen transport is, however, not fully understood. This study focused on the effect of controlled pre-formed thermal oxide layers at the exit side on the hydrogen transport through the surface of SEA 1010 steel, considering two distinct thermally produced oxide types as test cases. Results demonstrated that thermal oxides can greatly limit hydrogen diffusion, with bilayers (hematite/magnetite) having a greater effect compared to magnetite layers. Increased oxide thickness resulted also in greater limiting diffusion. The main objective of this manuscript is to provide experimental evidence concerning the effect of oxide layers on the hydrogen transport through steel. Model thermal oxide layers were used to emphasize the importance of considering the surface characteristics when investigating hydrogen transport through metallic components.
The ubiquitin E3 ligase Parkin regulates neuronal CaV1.3 channel functional expression
Authors: Grimaldo Lizbeth , Sandoval Alejandro , Duran Paz , Gómez Flores-Ramos Liliana , Felix Ricardo
Published: November 2022

The increased expression of CaV1.3 calcium channels is a crucial feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathophysiology. However, the mechanisms that determine this increase are not yet defined. Parkin, an enzyme of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, is known to interact with neuronal channels promoting their ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Interestingly, Parkin mutations also play a role in PD. Here, the degradation mechanisms of CaV1.3 channels and their relationship with the pathophysiology of PD are studied in detail.
The Effect of Built-Up Area Density and Vegetation Density on Surface Temperature in Banjarmasin City
Authors: Adyatma Sidharta , Muhaimin Muhammad , Arisanty Deasy , Hastuti Karunia Puji
Published: November 2022

Banjarmasin City continues to develop rapidly. Malls and settlements are the newly built-up area that has reduced vegetation cover leading to changes in surface temperature in Banjarmasin City. Analysis of temperature changes is needed to determine the effect of increasing built-up areas and decreasing vegetation cover. The surface temperature can be detected and analyzed using satellite imagery. The study aimed to analyze the built-up area and vegetation density index and their effect on changes in surface temperature in Banjarmasin City from 2015 to 2019. We employed remote sensing and surveys to monitor and detect regional changes in urban areas due to rapid development. Built-up areas can be mapped using the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI) algorithm, and vegetation density can be mapped using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) algorithm. The correlation value between building density and surface temperature in 2015 was 0.826, and in 2019, it was 0.969. This means that the NDBI of the built-up area density in 2015 and 2019 strongly correlates with surface temperature. Correlation values between the vegetation density score and the surface temperature were -0.860 in 2015 and -0.949 in 2019. All correlation results are negative, which means that the vegetation density has an inverse ratio to surface temperature; in other words, high vegetation density causes low surface temperature.
Noninvasive Approach of Plasmodium falciparum Molecular Detection for Malaria Surveillance in Malaria Endemic Areas in Cameroon
Authors: Netongo Palmer Masumbe , Kamdem Severin Donald , Ouayoue Ardin Noutong , Djiokeng Theophile Patrick , Toju Sophie Wankio , Tchoupe Eric Berenger , Djivida Prisca , Chedjou Jean Paul , Domkam Irenée , Mbacham Wilfred
Published: November 2022

Background. Accurate, cost‐effective, and noninvasive alternative molecular methods are needed for detecting low malaria parasitemia. The currently‐used nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) requires blood as well as skilled personnel in order to minimise the risk of bloodborne disease transmission. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the accuracy of a noninvasive and more affordable malaria diagnosis with saliva using the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. Methods. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Centre and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Matched blood and saliva samples collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic participants were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests, microscopy, PCR, and LAMP. Statistics were performed using R studio software at 95% confidence interval. Results. A total of 100 participants (65% symptomatic and 35% asymptomatic) aged between 1 and 74 years with a balanced gender distribution ratio of 1.08 were included in our study. The prevalence of malaria was 61%, 57%, 59%, 42%, 35%, 17%, and 16% for blood‐RDT, blood‐PCR, blood‐LAMP, blood‐RT‐LAMP, saliva‐PCR, saliva‐RT‐LAMP, and saliva‐LAMP, respectively. Both saliva and blood showed a sensitivity of 43.90% and respective specificities of 68.75% and 57.62%. When using RT‐LAMP, sensitivities of 49.38% and 48.21% and specificities of 94.11% and 66.67% were recorded for saliva and blood, respectively. Sensitivities of 70.23% and 73.49% and specificities of 62.5% and 76.47% were recorded, respectively, for saliva‐LAMP and saliva‐RT‐LAMP when compared to saliva‐PCR as the gold standard. Saliva‐LAMP and saliva‐RT‐LAMP had a fair agreement (к = 0.221 and 0.352, respectively) with saliva‐PCR. Homemade LAMP and RT‐LAMP technologies match the WHO recommendations and after proper validation in a larger sample size, could serve for malaria diagnosis in developing countries.
Comprehensive Analysis Reveals PTK6 as a Prognostic Biomarker Involved in the Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Lili , Luo Shuimei , Wang Ziming , Huang Yiqiang , Luo Yang , Xie Xianhe
Published: November 2022

The significant mortality rate that is currently experienced by female breast cancer (BC) patients highlights the importance of locating potent and dependable biomarkers in BC patients. Over the past few years, a number of studies have demonstrated that PTK6 was dysregulated in a variety of cancers. However, its expression and the clinical importance it may have in patients with BC have not been explored. Based on datasets from the TCGA database and GTEx database, we studied the expressions and functions of PTK6 across 33 different kinds of cancer. In this study, we investigated the differential expression of PTK6 in tumor tissue compared to nontumor tissue as well as in various stages of cancer. ROC assays were used to conduct an investigation into the diagnostic potential of PTK6 in BC. After that, the Kaplan-Meier method, univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis were carried out in order to investigate the PTK6 gene’s potential prognostic significance in patients with BC. ssGSEA was utilized in order to conduct an investigation of the immune infiltration. In this study, we discovered that the expressions of PTK6 were significantly raised in the majority of different types of malignancies, including BC. The diagnostic value of PTK6 expression was validated by ROC tests, demonstrating an AUC greater than 0.7. A positive PR, ER, and HER2 status was found to be related with high expression levels of PTK6. According to the results of a survival analysis, patients who had a high level of PTK6 expression had a shorter overall survival time than those who had a low level of PTK6 expression. Besides, we observed that PTK6 expressions were positively correlated with the abundance of NK CD56bright cells and Th17 cells and negatively correlated with that of Th1 cells, macrophages, B cells, T cells, aDC, DC, cytotoxic cells, Tem, TFH, NK CD56dim cells, Treg, and Tgd. In conclusion, PTK6 expression was found to be linked with the clinical phenotype of BC, and as a result, this finding may have consequences for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of individuals with BC.
Assessment of Major Wetlands’ Current Situation and Their Contribution To Livelihood Improvement, South Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Tecklie Assefa , Yosef Binyam
Published: November 2022

The wetland ecosystem is among the most important ecosystems globally. It is a source of ecosystem services that can contribute to the income and means of livelihood for communities living near the vicinity of wetlands especially in developing countries. Ethiopia is among the least developing countries in Africa where many communities around the wetlands depend on ecosystem services for their livelihoods. However, these wetlands are being degraded both by anthropogenic and natural factors. The objectives of the study were to assess the status of the major wetlands and their contribution to the livelihoods of communities in South Wollo Zone of Amhara Regional State located in North-Eastern Ethiopia. Districts in South Wollo with wetland potential were selected purposely in collaboration with Zonal Agricultural Office experts. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 114 respondents living around the wetlands for the interview. In addition to this, three focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted to gather data focused on types of wetlands, major provisioning ecosystem services, and major threats to wetlands. In the study area, 9 natural and 3 manmade major wetlands were identified. These wetlands have provisioning ecosystem services such as food production; source of grasses for animal feed; ceremonial activities; roof making and handicrafts; and water for drinking, livestock watering, and irrigation which are the major sources of livelihoods. Though these wetlands have important roles in livelihood, they are highly affected by settlement, conversion for agriculture, overgrazing, excessive water abstraction, deforestation, sand mining, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Therefore, wetland management intervention plan should be prepared and implemented through a community-based restoration approach.
Topically confined enhancement of cutaneous microcirculation by cold plasma
Authors: Borchardt Thomas , Helmke Andreas , Ernst Jennifer , Emmert Steffen , Schilling Arndt F. , Felmerer Gunther , Viöl Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
We aim to explore potentials and modalities of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) for the subsequent development of therapies targeting an increased perfusion of the lower leg skin tissue. In this study, we addressed the question whether the microcirculation enhancement is restricted to the tissue in direct contact with plasma or if adjacent tissue might also benefit.

Methods:
A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)-generated CAP device exhibiting an electrode area of 27.5 cm² was used to treat the anterior lower leg of ten healthy subjects for 4.5 minutes. Subsequently, hyperspectral imaging (HIS) was performed to measure tempo-spatially resolved characteristics of microcirculation parameters in superficial (up to 1 mm) and deeper (up to 5 mm) skin layers.

Results:
In the tissue area covered by the plasma electrode, DBD-CAP treatment enhances most of the perfusion parameters. The maximum oxygen saturation (StO2) increase reached 8 %, the near infrared perfusion index (NIR) increases by a maximum of 4 %, and the maximum tissue hemoglobin (THI) increase equaled 14 %. Tissue water index (TWI) was lower in both the control and the plasma group thus not affected by the DBD-CAP treatment. Yet, our study reveals that adjacent tissue is hardly affected by the enhancements in the electrode area and the effects are locally confined.

Conclusion:
Application of DBD-CAP to the lower leg resulted in enhancement of cutaneous microcirculation that extended 1 h beyond the treatment period with localization to the tissue area in direct contact with the cold plasma. This suggests the possibility of tailoring application schemes for topically confined enhancement of skin microcirculation, e.g. in the treatment of chronic wounds.
As meninas de hoje em dia: Gênero, geração e (des)afetos em conversas sobre amor e sexo em Cabo Verde
Authors: Lobo Andrea
Published: November 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é pensar as avaliações morais sobre os comportamentos das mulheres jovens e adultas no universo afetivo-conjugal, estando atenta para os complexos processos de transformação e reprodução social. Os dados analisados se assentam em pesquisas realizadas no arquipélago de Cabo Verde com três conjuntos de interlocutores/as, mulheres de meia idade (mães/avós), moças e rapazes. Seus discursos são atravessados por interpretações, análises, julgamentos e acusações mútuas que versam sobre os comportamentos e as condutas femininas. A partir de um diverso material etnográfico, argumento que a base de tais discursos se assenta em grades classificatórias moralizantes que têm continuidade no tempo e no espaço, porém, sendo vivenciadas diferenciadamente pelas “meninas de hoje em dia”.
O feitiço em relação: notas etnográficas sobre agressão e morte numa comunidade Magüta (Alto Solimões – Brasil)
Authors: Bueno Maria Isabel Cardozo da Silva
Published: November 2022

Este artigo aborda as acusações de feitiçaria, bem como as técnicas utilizadas em supostos enfeitiçamentos, num grande aldeamento da etnia Ticuna, autodenominada Magüta (Alto Solimões, Brasil). Será explorada a figura do pajé, yuücü, em seu potencial ambíguo, que pode implicar tanto em cura, quanto em morte. Em seguida, a partir de um momento particular de crise vivenciado no contexto etnográfico, qual seja uma série de mortes por enforcamento ocorridas em um curto período, objetiva-se esboçar uma teia de relações composta por agentes diversos, que podem surgir na tentativa de se encontrar o autor do feitiço. Entra em cena aqui uma “nova” técnica de enfeitiçamento que estaria sendo praticada através de um objeto exógeno, o livro de magia de São Cipriano. Por fim, buscar-se-á avançar em uma reflexão acerca do contexto em que se dão tais acusações de feitiçaria e suas implicações na contemporaneidade ticuna.
Perfil dos profissionais de saúde de um hospital público e sua percepção acerca da atuação do fisioterapeuta no enfrentamento da COVID-19
Authors: Menezes Georgia Silva , Costa Sávylla Sklabrynne Silva , Azevedo Gustavo Silva de
Published: November 2022

A pandemia atual pelo COVID-19 é um marco na história da saúde mundial recente. O conhecimento da atuação do fisioterapeuta por outros profissionais de saúde torna acessível a assistência em saúde pela equipe. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil e analisar a percepção dos profissionais de saúde de um hospital público acerca da atuação do fisioterapeuta no enfrentamento do COVID-19. Método: Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico, descritivo, transversal. O estudo teve aprovação do CEP pelo parecer 4078528/2020 e todos os participantes apresentaram aceite no TCLE. Os voluntários responderam ficha pré-estruturada, contendo indagações sobre práticas comuns ao fisioterapeuta na área hospitalar. Resultados: Participaram 30 profissionais, com idade média de 36,83 anos, sendo 86,7% do sexo feminino. A atuação da fisioterapia foi considerada importante no enfrentamento da COVID-19 (100%), apesar dos diferentes locais de atuação dos entrevistados, diferentes profissões de saúde e nível de escolaridade dos participantes. Em destaque a reabilitação motora (100%) e respiratória (100%) foi vista como uma contribuição da fisioterapia em pacientes acometidos pelo coronavírus. Procedimentos como a implementação da oxigenoterapia (96,7%), ventilação mecânica não invasiva (80%), ajuste de parâmetros da ventilação mecânica (100%) e extubação (70%), foram considerados majoritariamente como das atribuições da fisioterapia. Foram descritos também os procedimentos compartilhados pela equipe multiprofissional, como a implementação de oxigenoterapia (80%), ajuste de parâmetros ventilatórios (86,7%) e aspiração de via aérea e via aérea artificial (90%). Conclusão: O fisioterapeuta tem papel importante no enfrentamento do COVID-19, associado a equipe multiprofissional, em especial na reabilitação cardiorrespiratória e musculoesquelética dos pacientes afetados pelo coronavírus.
Efeitos de um protocolo de aquecimento-alongamento-resfriamento sobre a flexibilidade muscular
Authors: Sanchez Hugo Machado , Sousa Cibele Cristhine Santos de , Vieira Naiara Souza , Sanchez Eliane Gouveia de Morais , Almeida Gustavo Gerolami de Melo
Published: November 2022

Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da associação entre alongamento e recursos termoterapêuticos sobre o ganho de flexibilidade e amplitude de movimento. Métodos: Este ensaio clínico, controlado, não randomizado e cego teve duração de três semanas, com duas sessões semanais e incluiu 27 indivíduos do sexo feminino, as quais compuseram tanto o grupo experimental quanto o controle, de forma que um de seus membros inferiores recebeu a intervenção terapêutica dos recursos termoterapêuticos e o membro oposto foi submetido apenas ao alongamento.  A análise angular foi realizada através do software de avaliação postural Kinovera.  Resultados: Os efeitos do alongamento associado ao calor prévio e resfriamento pós intervenção se mostraram mais eficazes comparado ao grupo controle pré-intervenção (p<0,000), grupo controle pós intervenção (p= 0,003) e grupo experimental pré-intervenção (p<0,000). Conclusão: A aplicação de calor prévio ao alongamento, seguido pelo emprego imediato de resfriamento propicia ganhos de flexibilidade muscular e amplitude de movimento maiores que o alongamento simples.
Sintomas de ansiedade e depressão durante a pandemia da COVID-19: um estudo comparativo em função da prática de exercício e qualidade da alimentação
Authors: Oliveira Daniel  Vicentini de , Santos Natália Quevedo dos , Freire Gabriel Lucas Morais , Nascimento Júnior José Roberto Andrade do , Fidelix Yara Lucy , Scarponi Alice Pinheiro , Bertolini Sonia Maria Marques Gomes
Published: November 2022

Objetivo: Comparar os sintomas de ansiedade e depressão de adultos brasileiros durante a pandemia da COVID-19 em função da prática de exercício e qualidade da alimentação. Método: Pesquisa transversal e observacional, realizada com 1.118 adultos (18 a 59 anos) de diferentes regiões do Brasil. Foram utilizados um questionário com questões sociodemográficas, de prática de exercício físico, alimentação e isolamento social durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Foi utilizada também a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HAD). Resultados: A análise de dados foi realizada por meio do teste Koolmogorov-Smirnov, teste de homogeneidade das variâncias de Levene e teste t independente (p<0,05). Os indivíduos que reportaram que não praticavam exercício físico antes do isolamento social apresentaram maiores escores tanto de ansiedade quanto de depressão (p= 0,001). Já os indivíduos que reportaram estar praticando exercício durante o isolamento social apresentam menores escores tanto de ansiedade quanto de depressão (p= 0,001). Os indivíduos que reportaram estar ingerindo maior quantidade e pior qualidade de alimentos durante o isolamento, apresentam maiores escores em ambas as variáveis. Conclusão: A prática de exercício físico e a qualidade da alimentação demonstraram ser, possivelmente, fatores intervenientes nos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão antes e durante o período de isolamento social provocado pela pandemia da COVID-19.