bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Inhibition of Trastuzumab–Tumor Binding to Overcome the “Binding-Site Barrier” and Improve the Efficacy of a Trastuzumab–Gelonin Immunotoxin
Authors: Chen Ping , Bordeau Brandon M. , Zhang Yu , Balthasar Joseph P.
Published: August 2022

We have recently shown that coadministration of mAbs with anti-idiotypic distribution enhancers (AIDE) that inhibit mAb binding to tumor antigens enabled increased intratumoral mAb distribution and increased efficacy of an antibody–drug conjugate (trastuzumab emtansine, T-DM1). In this article, a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model was applied to predict the impact of this optimization strategy on the within-tumor distribution and antitumor efficacy of trastuzumab–gelonin, where the released payload (gelonin) is expected to exhibit negligible bystander activity. Immunofluorescence histology was used to investigate trastuzumab–gelonin distribution in solid tumors following dosing with or without coadministration of anti-trastuzumab AIDEs. Antitumor efficacy of trastuzumab–gelonin, with or without coadministration of AIDEs, was also evaluated in tumor-bearing mice. Trastuzumab–gelonin efficiently induced cytotoxicity when applied to NCI-N87 cells in culture (IC50: 0.224 ± 0.079 nmol/L). PK/PD simulations predicted that anti-idiotypic single-domain antibodies AIDEs with dissociation rate constants between 0.03 and 0.2 per hour would provide optimal enhancement of trastuzumab–gelonin efficacy. LE8 and 1HE, anti-trastuzumab AIDEs, were selected for evaluation in vivo. Coadministration of trastuzumab–gelonin with the inhibitors increased the portion of tumor area that stained positive for trastuzumab–gelonin by 58% (P = 0.0059). In addition, LE8 or 1HE coadministration improved trastuzumab–gelonin efficacy in NCI-N87 xenograft-bearing mice by increasing the percent increase in life span (%ILS) from 27.8% (for trastuzumab–gelonin administered alone) to 62.5% when administered with LE8 (P = 0.0007) or 83.3% (P = 0.0007) when administered with 1HE. These findings support the hypothesis that transient, competitive inhibition of mAb-tumor binding can improve the intratumoral distribution and efficacy of immunotoxins when applied for treatment of solid tumors.
Bioengineered BERA-Wnt5a siRNA Targeting Wnt5a/FZD2 Signaling Suppresses Advanced Prostate Cancer Tumor Growth and Enhances Enzalutamide Treatment
Authors: Ning Shu , Liu Chengfei , Lou Wei , Yang Joy C. , Lombard Alan P. , D'Abronzo Leandro S. , Batra Neelu , Yu Ai-Ming , Leslie Amy R. , Sharifi Masuda , Evans Christopher P. , Gao Allen C.
Published: August 2022

The next-generation antiandrogen drugs such as enzalutamide and abiraterone extend survival times and improve quality of life in patients with advanced prostate cancer. However, resistance to both drugs occurs frequently through mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Wnt signaling, particularly through Wnt5a, plays vital roles in promoting prostate cancer progression and induction of resistance to enzalutamide and abiraterone. Development of novel strategies targeting Wnt5a to overcome resistance is an urgent need. In this study, we demonstrated that Wnt5a/FZD2-mediated noncanonical Wnt pathway is overexpressed in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer. In patient databases, both the levels of Wnt5a and FZD2 expression are upregulated upon the development of enzalutamide resistance and correlate with higher Gleason score, biochemical recurrence, and metastatic status, and with shortened disease-free survival duration. Blocking Wnt5a/FZD2 signal transduction not only diminished the activation of noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway, but also suppressed the constitutively activated androgen receptor (AR) and AR variants. Furthermore, we developed a novel bioengineered BERA-Wnt5a siRNA construct and demonstrated that inhibition of Wnt5a expression by the BERA-Wnt5a siRNA significantly suppressed tumor growth and enhanced enzalutamide treatment in vivo. These results indicate that Wnt5a/FZD2 signal pathway plays a critical role in promoting enzalutamide resistance, and targeting this pathway by BERA-Wnt5a siRNA can be developed as a potential therapy to treat advanced prostate cancer.
AZD4625 is a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of KRASG12C
Authors: Chakraborty Atanu , Hanson Lyndsey , Robinson David , Lewis Hilary , Bickerton Sue , Davies Michael , Polanski Radoslaw , Whiteley Rebecca , Koers Alex , Atkinson James , Baker Tamara , del Barco Barrantes Ivan , Ciotta Giovanni , Kettle Jason G. , Magiera Lukasz , Martins Carla P. , Peter Alison , Wigmore Eleanor , Underwood Zoe , Cosulich Sabina , Niedbala Michael , Ross Sarah
Published: August 2022

AZD4625 is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of oncogenic KRASG12C as demonstrated in cellular assays and in vivo in preclinical cell line–derived and patient-derived xenograft models. In vitro and cellular assays have shown selective binding and inhibition of the KRASG12C mutant isoform, which carries a glycine to cysteine mutation at residue 12, with no binding and inhibition of wild-type RAS or isoforms carrying non-KRASG12C mutations. The pharmacology of AZD4625 shows that it has the potential to provide therapeutic benefit to patients with KRASG12C mutant cancer as either a monotherapy treatment or in combination with other targeted drug agents.
Hiding in Plain Sight: A Novel Microbial Driver for Colorectal Cancer?
Authors: Jain Tejeshwar , Dudeja Vikas
Published: August 2022

In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Drewes and colleagues demonstrate a surprising role for the common gut pathogen Clostridioides difficile in driving colorectal cancer in preclinical models through the bacterial toxin–dependent reprogramming of the epithelial and immune compartments.

See related article by Drewes et al., p. 1873 (3).
Effect of Central Venous Nutrition Infusion, Intravenous Fat Emulsion, and Therapeutic Agents on the Particle Size of Fat Emulsion for Simultaneous Administration of Three Drugs
Authors: Onishi Mika , Koyama Yoshihito , Hagika Akemi , Omotani Sachiko , Hatsuda Yasutoshi , Maezaki Naoyoshi , Myotoku Michiaki
Published: August 2022

Background: In Japan, therapeutic agents are often administered through the side tube of a central venous line or mixed with a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) infusion. This is expected to result in the mixture of three drugs in the infusion line: the infusion product for TPN, the fat emulsion, and the therapeutic agent. Therefore, we investigated whether various therapeutic agents affect the particle size of the fat emulsion. Methods: In model of administration A, the TPN infusion formulation was administered through the main tube, and the fat emulsion and therapeutic agents were simultaneously administered through the side tube; 21 therapeutic agents were used. In model of administration B, the TPN infusion formulation mixed with therapeutic agents was administered through the main tube, and the fat emulsion was simultaneously administered through the side tube; 20 therapeutic agents were used. The number of fine particles for each particle size range in the mixed solution was measured over time using a light-shielding automatic fine-particle measuring device. Results: In model A, the number of fine particles in the fat emulsion changed rapidly for five therapeutic agents and slowly for two therapeutic agents. In model B, this change occurred drastically for five therapeutic agents and slowly for one therapeutic agent. Conclusions: Some therapeutic agents may contribute to fat particle aggregation. Therefore, these therapeutic agents should not be concurrently administered with fat emulsions.
Monitoring Minimal Residual Disease in RUNX1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Nachmias Boaz , Krichevsky Svetlana , Filon Dvora , Even-Or Ehud , Gatt Moshe E. , Saban Revital , Avni Batia , Grisariu Sigal , Aumann Shlomzion , Vainstein Vladimir
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Mutated RUNX1 is considered a poor prognostic factor and usually is mutually exclusive with NPM1 mutations. Monitoring of molecular markers for minimal residual disease provides a powerful tool to assess remission and guide clinical decisions. Methods: Newly diagnosed RUNX1-mutated AML patients, designated to intensive chemotherapy-based treatment or nonintensive regimens, were monitored for mutated RUNX1 transcript levels by qPCR with patient-specific primers. Samples were obtained along the treatment course and follow-up. Results: A clear correlation was observed between mutated RUNX1 levels and response to treatment as observed by flow cytometry and STR-based assessment. Conclusion: We demonstrate the feasibility of RUNX1-based MRD to correlate with the clinicopathological status of leukemia. We further suggest how RUNX1 qPCR monitoring can influence clinical decision-making and contribute to improved personalized patient care.
A new species of pincer wasps of Deinodryinus Perkins (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae) from oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Authors: Martins André Luis
Published: August 2022

The first record of the genus Deinodryinus Perkins and the description of a new species Deinodryinus noronhensis sp. nov. from oceanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha (Brazil) are performed. Additionally, an illustration of the new species and a modified key are presented together with a discussion on the Deinodryinus records for the northeastern region of Brazil.
Adherence and Exercise Capacity Improvements of Patients With Adult Congenital Heart Disease Participating in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Sheng S. Peter , Feinberg Jodi L. , Bostrom John A. , Tang Ying , Sweeney Greg , Pierre Alicia , Katz Edward S. , Whiteson Jonathan H. , Haas François , Dodson John A. , Halpern Dan G.
Published: August 2022

Background

As the number of adults with congenital heart disease increases because of therapeutic advances, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is increasingly being used in this population after cardiac procedures or for reduced exercise tolerance. We aim to describe the adherence and exercise capacity improvements of patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) in CR.

Methods and Results

This retrospective study included patients with ACHD in CR at New York University Langone Rusk Rehabilitation from 2013 to 2020. We collected data on patient characteristics, number of sessions attended, and functional testing results. Pre‐CR and post‐CR metabolic equivalent task, exercise time, and maximal oxygen uptake were assessed. In total, 89 patients with ACHD (mean age, 39.0 years; 54.0% women) participated in CR. Referral indications were reduced exercise tolerance for 42.7% and post–cardiac procedure (transcatheter or surgical) for the remainder. Mean number of sessions attended was 24.2, and 42 participants (47.2%) completed all 36 CR sessions. Among participants who completed the program as well as pre‐CR and post‐CR functional testing, metabolic equivalent task increased by 1.3 (95% CI, 0.7–1.9; baseline mean, 8.1), exercise time increased by 66.4 seconds (95% CI, 21.4–111.4 seconds; baseline mean, 536.1 seconds), and maximal oxygen uptake increased by 2.5 mL/kg per minute (95% CI, 0.7–4.2 mL/kg per minute; baseline mean, 20.2 mL/kg per minute).

Conclusions

On average, patients with ACHD who completed CR experienced improvements in exercise capacity. Efforts to increase adherence would allow more patients with ACHD to benefit.
Functional Echocardiographic and Serum Biomarker Changes Following Surgical and Percutaneous Atrial Septal Defect Closure in Children
Authors: van der Ven Jelle P. G. , van den Bosch Eva , Kamphuis Vivian P. , Terol Covadonga , Gnanam Devi , Bogers Ad J. J. C. , Breur Johannes M. P. J. , Berger Rolf M. F. , Blom Nico A. , Koopman Laurens , ten Harkel Arend D. J. , Helbing Willem A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Ventricular performance is temporarily reduced following surgical atrial septal defect closure. Cardiopulmonary bypass and changes in loading conditions are considered important factors, but this phenomenon is incompletely understood. We aim to characterize biventricular performance following surgical and percutaneous atrial septal defect closure and to relate biomarkers to ventricular performance following intervention.

Methods and Results

In this multicenter prospective study, children scheduled for surgical or percutaneous atrial septal defect closure were included. Subjects were assessed preoperatively, in the second week postintervention (at 2‐weeks follow‐up), and 1‐year postintervention (1‐year follow‐up). At each time point, an echocardiographic study and a panel of biomarkers were obtained. Sixty‐three patients (median age, 4.1 [interquartile range, 3.1–6.1] years) were included. Forty‐three patients underwent surgery. At 2‐weeks follow‐up, right ventricular global longitudinal strain was decreased for the surgical, but not the percutaneous, group (−17.6±4.1 versus −27.1±3.4;
P
<0.001). A smaller decrease was noted for left ventricular global longitudinal strain at 2‐weeks follow‐up for the surgical group (surgical versus percutaneous, −18.6±3.2 versus −20.2±2.4;
P
=0.040). At 1‐year follow‐up, left ventricular performance returned to baseline, whereas right ventricular performance improved, but did not reach preintervention levels. Eight biomarkers relating to cardiovascular and immunological processes differed across study time points. Of these biomarkers, only NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) correlated with less favorable left ventricular global longitudinal strain at 2‐weeks follow‐up.

Conclusions

Right, and to a lesser degree left, ventricular performance was reduced early after surgical atrial septal defect closure. Right ventricular performance at 1‐year follow‐up remained below baseline levels. Several biomarkers showed a pattern over time similar to ventricular performance. These biomarkers may provide insight into the processes that affect ventricular function.

Registration

URL:
https://www.trialregister.nl/
; Unique identifier: NL5129
Short‐Term Outcomes Following Left Atrial Appendage Closure in the Very Elderly: A Population‐Based Analysis
Authors: Farwati Medhat , Amin Mustapha , Isogai Toshiaki , Saad Anas M. , Abushouk Abdelrahman I. , Krishnaswamy Amar , Wazni Oussama , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Data on percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) outcomes in the very elderly with atrial fibrillation are limited. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and short‐term outcomes of patients 80 years or older following percutaneous LAAC in a large nationwide database.

Methods and Results

Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, we identified patients who underwent percutaneous LAAC between January 2016 and December 2018. Patients were categorized based on age (≥80 and <80 years old). The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were in‐hospital end points including periprocedural complications, 30‐day outcomes, and all‐cause 30‐day readmissions. A propensity score–matched model (1:1) was used to adjust for baseline characteristics among the study groups. A total of 13 208 patients were included in this study (43% women, median age in years [interquartile range] 79.5 [73–84]) and matched one‐to‐one (6604 and 6604 patients were ≥80 and <80 years old, respectively). In‐hospital mortality was not statistically different between the study groups and occurred in 21 patients ≥80 years old (0.32%) and in 14 patients <80 years old (0.21%);
P
=0.236. Rates of in‐hospital stroke/transient ischemic attack were higher in patients ≥80 years old compared with those <80 years old (1.22% versus 0.77%;
P
=0.009). In‐hospital bleeding requiring transfusion, vascular complications, systemic embolization, and pericardial effusion/tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis or surgical intervention occurred more frequently in patients ≥80 years old. Furthermore, the elderly group was more likely to be readmitted within 30 days compared with those <80 years old (9.91% versus 8.4%;
P
=0.004); however, rates of 30‐day complications were not statistically different between the study groups.

Conclusions

In a large nationwide database, patients ≥80 years old undergoing percutaneous LAAC were found to have similar in‐hospital mortality but an increased risk of periprocedural complications and 30‐day readmission compared with younger patients. Our data suggest that LAAC should be considered on a case‐by‐case basis in the very elderly, taking into consideration the risks and benefits of this intervention. Further studies are needed to assess long‐term LAAC outcomes in this high‐risk population.
Effect of Canagliflozin on Total Cardiovascular Burden in Patients With Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis From the CREDENCE Trial
Authors: Li Jing‐Wei , Arnott Clare , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , MBiostat Qiang Li , Cannon Christopher P. , Wheeler David C. , Charytan David M. , Barraclough Jennifer , Figtree Gemma A. , Agarwal Rajiv , Bakris George , de Zeeuw Dick , Greene Tom , Levin Adeera , Pollock Carol , Zhang Hong , Zinman Bernard , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Perkovic Vlado , Neal Bruce , Jardine Meg J.
Published: August 2022

Background

The sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin reduced the risk of first cardiovascular composite events in the CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes With Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation) trial. In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated the effect of canagliflozin on total (first and recurrent) cardiovascular events.

Methods and Results

The CREDENCE trial compared canagliflozin or matching placebo in 4401 patients with type 2 diabetes, albuminuria, and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30 to <90 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, over a median of 2.6 years. The primary outcome was analyzed as a composite of any cardiovascular event including myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, hospitalization for unstable angina, and cardiovascular death. Negative binomial regression models were used to assess the effect of canagliflozin on the net burden of cardiovascular events. During the trial, 634 patients had 883 cardiovascular events, of whom 472 (74%) had just 1 cardiovascular event and 162 (26%) had multiple cardiovascular events. Canagliflozin reduced first cardiovascular events by 26% (hazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.63–0.86];
P
<0.001) and total cardiovascular events by 29% (incidence rate ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.59–0.86];
P
<0.001). The absolute risk difference per 1000 patients treated over 2.5 years was −44 (95% CI, −67 to −21) first cardiovascular events and −73 (95% CI, −114 to −33) total events.

Conclusions

Canagliflozin reduced cardiovascular events, with a larger absolute benefit for total cardiovascular than first cardiovascular events. These findings provide further support for the benefit of continuing canagliflozin therapy after an initial event to prevent recurrent cardiovascular events.

Registration Information

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier: NCT02065791.
Impact of Insulin Receptor Substrate‐1 rs956115 and CYP2C19 rs4244285 Genotypes on Clinical Outcome of Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Zong Jiaxin , Tang Yingdan , Wang Tong , Ullah Inam , Xu Ke , Wang Jing , Chen Pengsheng , Chen Zengguang , Zhu Tiantian , Chen Jun , Li Jimin , Wang Fei , Yang Lu , Fan Yuansheng , Shi Lu , Gong Xiaoxuan , Eikelboom John W. , Zhao Yang , Li Chunjian
Published: August 2022

Background

Insulin receptor substrate‐1 (
IRS‐1
) rs956115 is associated with vascular risk in patients with coronary artery disease and concomitant diabetes.
CYP2C19*2
(rs4244285) modulates clopidogrel response and predicts the outcome of coronary artery disease. This study was designed to explore the association between
IRS‐1
,
CYP2C19*2
genotypes, platelet reactivity, and 1‐year outcome in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results

Genotyping was performed using an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction technique. Platelet aggregation was assessed by light transmission aggregometry. Major adverse cardiovascular events were defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. A total of 2213 consecutive patients were screened and 1614 were recruited. At 1 month, patients with
IRS‐1
CG genotype had significantly lower levels of ADP‐induced platelet aggregation compared with patients with CC homozygotes. Patients with
IRS‐1
CG or GG genotype had a 2.09‐fold higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with those with CC homozygotes (95% CI, 1.04–4.19;
P
=0.0376). By comparison, patients with
CYP2C19*2
GA or AA genotype had higher ADP‐induced platelet aggregation compared with patients with GG homozygotes. Although there was no significant difference in risk of major adverse cardiovascular events between patients with GA/AA and GG genotypes, patients with GA genotype had a 2.19‐fold higher risk than those with GG homozygotes (95% CI, 1.13–4.24;
P
=0.0200). No interaction between
IRS‐1
and
CYP2C19*2
genotypes was observed.

Conclusions

In patients following percutaneous coronary intervention,
IRS‐1
GG/CG and
CYP2C19*2
GA genotypes were associated with 2.09‐ and 2.19‐fold increased cardiovascular risk, respectively, at 1‐year follow‐up. The association between
IRS‐1
genotypes and major adverse cardiovascular events appeared to be independent of known clinical predictors.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01968499.
Leadless or Conventional Transvenous Ventricular Permanent Pacemakers: A Nationwide Matched Control Study
Authors: Bodin Alexandre , Clementy Nicolas , Bisson Arnaud , Pierre Bertrand , Herbert Julien , Babuty Dominique , Fauchier Laurent
Published: August 2022

Background

Leadless ventricular permanent pacemakers (leadless VVI or LPM) were designed to reduce lead‐related complications of conventional VVI pacemakers (CPM). The aim of our study was to assess and compare real‐life clinical outcomes within the first 30 days and during a midterm follow‐up with the 2 techniques.

Methods and Results

This French longitudinal cohort study was based on the national hospitalization database. All adults (age ≥18 years) hospitalized in French hospitals from January 1, 2017 to September 1, 2020, who underwent a first LPM or CPM were included. The study included 40 828 patients with CPM and 1487 with LPM. After propensity score matching 1344 patients with CPM were matched 1:1 with patients treated with LPM. Patients with LPM had a lower rate of all‐cause and cardiovascular death within the 30 days after implantation. During subsequent follow‐up (mean: 8.6±10.5 months), risk of all‐cause death in the unmatched population was significantly higher in the LPM group than in the CPM group, whereas risk of cardiovascular death and of endocarditis was not significantly different. After matching on all baseline characteristics including comorbidities (mean follow‐up 6.2±8.7 months), all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, and infective endocarditis were not statistically different in the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Patients treated with leadless VVI pacemakers had better clinical outcomes in the first month compared with the patients treated with conventional VVI pacing. During a midterm follow‐up, risk of all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, and endocarditis in patients treated with leadless VVI pacemaker was not statistically different after propensity score matching.
The Jus ad Bellum and Russia’s “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine
Authors: Gill T.D.
Published: August 2022

This editorial commentary examines the justifications put forward by the Russian government for its “special military operation” against the background of the law governing the use of force (jus ad bellum). It also addresses the relevance of that body of law in light of what has transpired since the Russian invasion of Ukraine commenced.
The Conflict in Ukraine and Genocide
Authors: Quénivet Noëlle
Published: August 2022

Since the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine that started on 24 February 2022 accusations of genocide have been levelled against each other by both sides. This article focuses on the claim that Russia is carrying out a genocide in Ukraine. After explaining the concept of genocide and the legal consequences of such qualification, the article applies the law to the situation, drawing the conclusion that, based on the current information, it does not appear that a genocide is being committed as, so far, no dolus specialis can be identified.
Russia Attacks and the International Order Strikes Back
Authors: Richey Mason , Easley Leif-Eric
Published: August 2022

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine violated international norms more than many thought imaginable in the year 2022, but the global effort to aid Kyiv has also exceeded expectations. Where does this leave the international order? In terms of peace and security, the order is not destroyed but fractured; global political economics are not de-coupled but more disjointed; and non-traditional security cooperation may be increasing but supply is falling further behind demand. Defeating Russian aggression is only the beginning of an uncertain order rebuilding project involving efforts at more coordinated trade standards, principled engagement with China, and institutionalized cooperation on transnational threats, including climate change.
Expanding Universe: Grotian Moments in the Practice of the UN Security Council
Authors: Österdahl Inger
Published: August 2022

This contribution explores Grotian Moments in the practice of the UN Security Council in three different but closely related subject areas. The three areas are, in turn, the way the Security Council interprets the concept of ‘threat to the peace’ or more generally ‘international peace and security’, the law-making by the Security Council, and the subjects – in the sense of legal or natural persons – that the Security Council chooses to address. It turns out that the interpretation by the Security Council of the UN Charter has been remarkably flexible, expanding the scope of action of the Council considerably. Whether its interpretation of the UN Charter also deserves to be labelled ‘Grotian’, however, is rather a matter of rhetoric than law.
Microbial Quality and Potential Health Risks Assessment of Frequently Consume Fresh Fruits and Nuts
Authors: Uguru H. , Akpokodje O. I. , Sami Rokayya , Aluta E. O. , Tayeb Faris J. , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Khan Muhammad Imran , Salih Alsamani A. M.
Published: August 2022

Increment in food-borne diseases had become a major concern globally, mostly in the health and socioeconomic sectors. This work was done to appraise the microbiological status of some commonly consumed fresh fruits and vegetables, to ascertain their microbiological load and their impact
on the human health. Microbial quality of seven ready to eat (fresh) fruits and nuts (water melon, pineapple, avocado pear, banana, skinned and packaged groundnut, cucumber and pawpaw) were investigated according to standard procedures. Six bacteria species, namely: Escherichia coli, Salmonella,
Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus and Shigella, were isolated from each sample, by using standard procedures. Findings from the laboratory tests revealed that most of the fruits posed serious hazards and health risks to human beings. Salmonella was the most predominant
bacteria in all the food samples, while Vibrio cholerae was the least predominant bacteria in all the food samples, being absent in most of the fruits samples. It was observed that skinned and packaged groundnut, water melon, cucumber and pawpaw were highly infested with pathogenic
bacteria; compared to avocado pear, banana and pineapple. This portrayed that the health risks conditions resulting from ingesting packaged groundnut, water melon, cucumber and pawpaw were higher, compared to the risk of ingesting fresh avocado pear, banana and pineapple. Also the health risks
assessment results revealed that children consumed higher dosages of microorganism, portraying that they are more susceptible to foodborne diseases. This research discovery had shown the necessity for better food safety surveillance structures, by the health and legal authorities to minimize
the incidences of foodborne diseases and infant morbidity.
Photoelectric properties of tellurium nanowires by a green thermal solvothermal method
Authors: Zhu Hongliang , Chen JiaHao , Fan Li , Liu Hao , Wei Qichen , Hu Mengdi , Kong Lijun , Zhang Jiawei , Yan Shancheng
Published: August 2022

As typical P-type narrow-band semiconductors, tellurium nanostructures have received extensive attention in fabrication of modern microdevices. However, their synthesis generally requires the use of toxic reducing agents and difficult operating conditions. In this study, a green thermal
solvothermal method was used to synthesize tellurium nanowires, whereby Polyvinylpyrrolidone was used as a soft template and ethylene glycol was used not only as a mild solvent but also as a reducing agent. We studied the optoelectronic properties of tellurium nanowire devices, the mobility
of which was 200 cm2v−1s−1 at 7 K. We also measured the transient response under 650 nm laser irradiation, and spectral response of tellurium nanowire photodetectors degree was 1.02 WA−1. Photoelectric effect generation mechanism
for tellurium nanowires was at the same time further studied. We believe that tellurium nanowires have great development prospects in the field of optoelectronic devices.
The Role of Tibetan Plateau–Indian Ocean Thermal Contrast in the Significant Increasing Precipitation over the Southern Tibetan Plateau in May after the Mid-1990s
Authors: Li Zhangqun , Xiao Ziniu
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the impact of the interannual variation of Tibetan Plateau (TP)–Indian Ocean thermal contrast on southern TP precipitation in May and its changes in the mid-1990s. It is found that the southern TP precipitation is closely related to the TP–Indian Ocean thermal contrast, which could be represented by a thermal contrast index (TCI). The analysis reveals that the southern TP precipitation in May increases significantly after 1996. Meanwhile, the TCI also enhances notably. It is also found that compared with the period in 1979–96 (P1), the relationship between the southern TP precipitation and the TCI is more pronounced in 1997–2014 (P2). Further analysis shows that the meridional water vapor flux anomaly over the Arabian Sea (ABS_QV) acts as a linkage between the southern TP precipitation and the TCI. During P2, associated with the positive ABS_QV, positive water vapor flux anomalies emerge over the Arabian Sea and divide into two branches to the southwest of TP. One branch transports the moisture to the southern TP directly and forms a stronger southwesterly anomaly at the southwest edge of the TP than P1. The other branch stretches northward and imposes positive diabatic heating (Q1) anomalies over the Ural Mountains region (UMR_Q1). The results obtained by composite analysis and an anomaly atmospheric general circulation model both confirm that the UMR_Q1 anomalies can induce the wave activity propagating from the UMR_Q1 area to the TP and form the northerly anomaly over the TP, contributing to the convergence that favors the southern TP precipitation.
Estimating Microphysics Properties in Ice-Dominated Clouds from Airborne Ka–W-band Dual-Wavelength Ratio Reflectivity Factor in Close Proximity to In Situ Probes
Authors: Grasmick Coltin , Geerts Bart , French Jeffrey R. , Haimov Samuel , Rauber Robert M.
Published: August 2022

Properties of frozen hydrometeors in clouds remain difficult to sense remotely. Estimates of number concentration, distribution shape, ice particle density, and ice water content are essential for connecting cloud processes to surface precipitation. Progress has been made with dual-frequency radars, but validation has been difficult because of lack of particle imaging and sizing observations collocated with the radar measurements. Here, data are used from two airborne profiling (up and down) radars, the W-band Wyoming Cloud Radar and the Ka-band Profiling Radar, allowing for Ka–W-band dual-wavelength ratio (DWR) profiles. The aircraft (the University of Wyoming King Air) also carried a suite of in situ cloud and precipitation probes. This arrangement is optimal for relating the “flight-level” DWR (an average from radar gates below and above flight level) to ice particle size distributions measured by in situ optical array probes, as well as bulk properties such as minimum snow particle density and ice water content. This comparison reveals a strong relationship between DWR and the ice particle median-volume diameter. An optimal range of DWR values ensures the highest retrieval confidence, bounded by the radars’ relative calibration and DWR saturation, found here to be about 2.5–7.5 dB. The DWR-defined size distribution shape is used with a Mie scattering model and an experimental mass–diameter relationship to test retrievals of ice particle concentration and ice water content. Comparison with flight-level cloud-probe data indicate good performance, allowing microphysical interpretations for the rest of the vertical radar transects.
« Elle lui parlait comme s’il était un enfant » : la voie de la dévotion maternelle dans les récits des vies des saints vishnouïtes
Authors: Pasche Guignard Florence
Published: August 2022

A rereading of selected episodes in the hagiographic literature on the lives of Vaiṣṇava saints through the lens of motherhood reveals the peculiarities of a particular devotional mode, that of parental or, precisely, maternal – not just feminine – love ( vātsalya bhāva). This article considers maternal figures in a selection of narratives from two hagiographic collections in Braj language, the Caurāsī vaiṣṇavan kī vārtā (84VV) and the Do sau bāvan vaiṣṇavan kī vārtā (252VV), which feature, respectively, 84 and 252 members of the Vallabhācaryā community (1479–1531) and their entourage. These exemplary accounts of bhakti (devotion) were likely compiled in the century following the death of the founder of the “path of grace” ( puṣṭimārga). In particular, the analysis focuses on the story ( vārtā 83 of 252) in which a young girl, a childwidow, practices her devotion in the maternal mode, considering the god as her son. From the moment she deviates from this to recall Krishna’s omnipotence, the relationship is shattered. The hagiographic account of the life of the young woman in the story is then contrasted with that of other feminine saints of bhakti who have privileged love in the erotic mode for their male god who is, more often than not, a lover. This opens up broader considerations about women who reject the traditional roles assigned to them in order to enter into a devotional relationship with a god as a lover, rather than as a child. The article concludes that the relationship in the mode of motherly love is one of several possible ways, valued in the devotional expressions of Hinduism, of relating to the god and that while motherhood is not in itself an obstacle to devotion in this community, it is not exempt from difficulties either.
Youth and the consumption of credit
Authors: Farrugia David , Cook Julia , Senior Kate , Threadgold Steven , Coffey Julia , Davies Kate , Haro Adriana , Shannon Barrie
Published: August 2022

This article explores young people’s consumption of credit and the role of credit and debt in the distinction between youth and adulthood. The article engages with recent shifts in the nature of credit that have turned credit into an object of consumption in itself, as well as broader arguments about the financialisation of daily life, in order to understand the temporalities and moral distinctions enacted in different forms of credit and debt among youth. While it is well recognised that financialised capitalism operates and creates value from differences including gender, racialisation and class, the formation of youth subjectivities through credit and debt technologies remains unexplored in the literature despite an emerging crisis of consumer credit among young people. With this in mind, this article draws on a qualitative study of youth, credit and debt, to show that young people experience debt within contradictory temporalities and calculative logics, including the long-term ‘investments’ required to become an adult, and the logic of consumption attached to consumer credit which positions credit as a failure of self-responsible adulthood because it places future creditworthiness in jeopardy. In this way, the article suggests a future research agenda on the way that biographical distinctions are enacted through credit and debt, and how notions of youth and adulthood contribute to the qualification and consumption of credit.
3D Digital protection and representation of burial ruins based on LiDAR and UAV survey
Authors: Guo Ming , Fu Zexin , Pan Deng , Zhou Yuquan , Huang Ming , Guo Kecai
Published: August 2022

To improve the efficiency and accuracy of digital protection of burial sites, the digital protection of burial sites was studied by the collaborative observation technology of LiDAR and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mapping. Multi-feature constrained iterative global registration algorithm is used to realize fast registration of multi-site cloud, the Structure from motion (SFM)-based algorithm is used to generate dense point cloud from UAV image, and then the Iterative Closest Point(ICP) algorithm is used to realize the fusion of point cloud data on-site and image. According to the fused data, a variety of measurable results, such as high-precision burial model and contour map, are produced, and an orthophoto generation system is written independently, which can fully automatically generate high-precision orthophoto map and realize the digitalization of the burial sites. Taking the protection application of the burial site in Yaoheyuan, Ningxia, one of the top 10 archeological discoveries in China in 2017, with guaranteed data accuracy and integrity, the surveying and mapping data of the tomb site was obtained quickly. The global registration accuracy of the proposed algorithm is within 1 cm, and the registration efficiency was superior to the current mainstream open source algorithm, which verified the feasibility and efficiency of this method. It provides an effective scheme for the digital protection of burial cultural heritage, and is also suitable for the digital protection of other heritage sites in the World Heritage List such as Panlongcheng Site and Sanxingdui.
Aerial photography trajectory-tracking controller design for quadrotor UAV
Authors: Xiao Min , Liang Jing , Ji Li , Sun Zheng , Li ZeYu
Published: August 2022

Quad-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are prone to external interference during aerial photography of farmland environments. For example, they are affected by external airflow and load, resulting in route deviation and irregular image overlap, which seriously affects image quality. An aerial trajectory tracking controller is designed for this aerial photography process. To ensure that a drone can fly according to the established route during the aerial photography process and meet the requirements of large-scale topographic map stereo mapping for the flight control accuracy of the drone platform, the system was divided into a full-drive subsystem and an underactuated subsystem. The full-drive subsystem uses a fast terminal sliding mode controller to ensure that the variable ([Formula: see text]) reaches the desired value. The under-actuated subsystem adopts the second-order sliding mode control was used to achieve effective position and attitude tracking of variables ([Formula: see text]). The flight controllers are derived by using Lyapunov theory. Finally, with the aerial trajectory of a farmland taken as an example, the flight path control of the UAV is simulated. Simulation results show that the designed control system can be applied to the aerial photography process of the UAV and has strong anti-system parameter perturbation, robustness and good trajectory tracking.
Effect of aspect ratio, bulk density, and production date of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the electrical conductivity of polypropylene and polycarbonate/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Duc Bui N , Son Younggon
Published: August 2022

Effects of aspect ratio (AR), bulk density (BD), and fabrication date of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the dispersion quality, electrical properties, and rheological properties were investigated for the nanocomposites of polypropylene and polycarbonate matrix. Six different MWCNTs with various AR and BD were adopted. Among six MWCNTs, two pairs have the same grade names but were produced on different dates. They are two Nanocyl NC7000s and two Hanwha CM130s. The two Nanocyl NC7000s produced on different dates showed different dispersion states and electrical resistivity for both PC and PP based nanocomposites. Characterizations of MWCNTs reveal that the length and diameter of two Nanocyl NC7000s are almost the same regardless of the production date, but the BD values of the two MWCNTs are significantly different. The same is noted for the two Hanwha CM130s. Therefore, the different electrical resistivity of the two nanocomposites using two MWCNTs of the same grade name but different production dates was attributed to the different BD. When comparing two nanocomposites with two MWCNTs (one has slightly higher AR and BD than the other), the nanocomposites with MWCNTs of lower AR and lower BD showed better dispersion and higher electrical conductivity. By various investigations with six MWCNTs, we concluded that BD is a very crucial factor in determining the electrical properties of polymer/MWCNT nanocomposites.
Observation of the interaction between transverse cracking and fibre breaks in non-crimp fabric composites subjected to cyclic bending fatigue damage mechanism
Authors: Mortensen Ulrich A , Mikkelsen Lars P , Andersen Tom L
Published: August 2022

This work presents observations of fatigue damage in a quasi-unidirectional polymer reinforced composite made from basalt fibre non-crimp fabric and epoxy. Through observations over large areas, the study provides quantitative observations of the damage caused by the cyclic bending loads, with focus on the damage in the tension-tension loaded region of the specimens. The observations reveals that the fatigue damage mechanism that governs the stiffness degradation of the composite occurs only in regions subjected to tensile stresses. Damage incurred from tensile loads are governed by local interactions between transverse and longitudinal fibre bundles. It is determined that cracks in transverse bundles interact with longitudinal bundles to cause breakage of fibres. These fibre breaks are found to be the main driver for stiffness degradation of the material. Similar accounts exists in the literature based on qualitative observations. The current study provides evidence, in the form of quantifiable observations, to further strengthen the argument for considering the damage mechanism as the main cause of stiffness degradation in quasi-unidirectional non-crimp fabric composites.
Work-related and non-work-related fatal road accidents: Assessment of psychoactive substance use in commuting
Authors: Blandino Alberto , Tambuzzi Stefano , Cotroneo Rosy , Di Candia Domenico , Battistini Alessio , Giordano Gaia , Genovese Umberto , Zoja Riccardo
Published: August 2022

Commuting road traffic collisions (RTCs) are one of the main causes of occupational death worldwide, including Italy. Among the prominent yet relatively understudied personal risk factors in the subpopulation of workers, there is the use of psychoactive substances. Since the phenomenon of driving under alcohol and drugs effects in the commuter sub-population has so far been poorly studied, we carried out a study by comparing results obtained from the analysis of commuters and non-commuters. The percentage of commuting RTCs victims was 10.4% out of all the RTCs. Commuter victims were mostly men, 51–60 years-old, motorcyclists (32.1%) or car drivers (28.6%), employees, deceased during Fridays and Saturdays, in the afternoon (35.7%) and in the evening (32.1%). It was possible to perform toxicological analyses in 60.7% of commuter cases: approximately 40% tested positive, always and only for ethanol (median Blood Alcohol Concentration, BAC, of about 1.03 g/L). Values above the legal limit were observed in 23.5% of the toxicological samples analyzed from commuter accidents. Our findings contribute to bridging the gap in knowledge in the area of RTCs and commuting and emphasize the importance of carrying out toxicological investigations, with possible repercussions on both insurance issues and public health strategies, which are relevant for analyzing the phenomenon structurally.
Body Shape Questionnaire-34 (BSQ) and Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) - pertinent body image screening tools: Creation and validation of Polish language versions
Authors: Yurtsever Ida , Matusiak Łukasz , Szepietowska Marta , Evans Chris , Szepietowski Jacek C
Published: August 2022

Objective:

Body image is defined as the perception of one's own body. While positive body image has a positive impact on quality of life, self-dissatisfaction may lead to depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Body image might be quantified and evaluated: relevant instruments include the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS). This study was designed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish versions of these instruments.

Methods:

Translation (both forward and backward) from the original English versions of the questionnaires met international standards. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability are reported from 89 participants for the BSQ and 103 for the FAS. The participants also completed the Polish versions of the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI) and the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) to explore convergent validity.

Results:

Both, Polish versions of the BSQ and the FAS demonstrated good internal consistency and reproducibility. Convergent validity revealed a moderate relationship between the BSQ and the BIQLI scores, and a strong one between the FAS and the BAS-2 scores.

Conclusion:

Polish versions of both BSQ and FAS questionnaires showed sufficiently strong psychometric properties to support their use in clinical and research work with Polish speaking patients.
Numerical exploration of freeway tunnel effects with a two-lane traffic model
Authors: Li Zhengming , Smirnova M N , Zhang Yongliang , Smirnov N N , Zhu Zuojin
Published: August 2022

To explore freeway tunnel effects on ring road traffic flow, a two-lane traffic model is put forward. The model adopts lane-changing time to describe the net lane-changing rate, assuming that the time is approximately equal to the relaxation time of traffic flow, but infinite when the absolute value of difference of traffic density between the two lanes is lower than 1 veh/km, as it is hard for car drivers to perceive such a small difference. Based on the two-lane traffic model, a simulation platform is built to predict traffic flow on a two-lane freeway ring with a tunnel of 0.3 km length having a speed limit of 80 km/h, and free flow speeds on lane I and II equal to 120 and 100 km/h, respectively. The platform uses a third-order Runge–Kutta scheme to handle the time derivative term, and a fifth-order weighted essentially non-oscillatory scheme to calculate numerical flux. Simulation results show that the freeway tunnel can trigger traffic shock originating at the entrance when the coming flow density is beyond a traffic density threshold that is dependent on the off-ramp flow just upstream the tunnel. The occurrence of traffic shock leads to the mean travel time through the tunnel is almost a constant when the initial density normalized by jam density is less than 0.5. When initial density is above the density threshold, generally vehicles need more fuel consumption to run through the ring road in comparison with the case without tunnel. But the situation is just the opposite for larger normalized initial density such as 0.5.