bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACTS OF STATIC ELECTRIC FIELD PRODUCED BY ULTRA-HIGH-VOLTAGE DIRECT-CURRENT TRANSMISSION LINES ON HIPPOCAMPAL PROTEIN EXPRESSION AND MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE IN MICE
Authors: YU JINGTONG , ZHAO CHUNXIA , GU XIAOYU , DI GUOQING , XU YAQIAN
Published: October 2021

Static electric field (SEF) from ultra-high-voltage direct-current (UHVDC) transmission lines has the potential to produce neurobiological effects. To explore these effects and elucidate their potential mechanisms, protein expression levels and morphological structure in the hippocampi of mice were investigated after SEF exposure. Mice from the Institute of Cancer Research were exposed to an environmental SEF induced by UHVDC transmission lines with the strength of 9.20–21.85[Formula: see text]kV/m for 35 days. Mouse body weight was measured weekly during the exposure. After the exposure, hippocampal Ca[Formula: see text]/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and calcineurin (CaN) expression levels were assayed by Western blot. Hippocampal pathologic morphology and ultrastructure were observed using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. No significant differences in body weight, CaMKII and CaN expression levels, and hippocampal pathologic morphology were observed between mice in the exposed and the control groups. However, cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hippocampal neurons was observed in the exposed group. Thus, hippocampal neuron ultrastructure damage may be a mechanism of SEF-exposure-induced memory decline in mice.
A note on continuous fractional wavelet transform in ℝn
Authors: Verma Amit K. , Gupta Bivek
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the continuous fractional wavelet transform (CFrWT) in [Formula: see text]-dimensional Euclidean space [Formula: see text] with scaling parameter [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. We obtain inner product relation and reconstruction formula for the CFrWT depending on two wavelets along with the reproducing kernel function, involving two wavelets, for the image space of CFrWT. We obtain Heisenberg’s uncertainty inequality and Local uncertainty inequality for the CFrWT. Finally, we prove the boundedness of CFrWT on the Morrey space [Formula: see text] and estimate [Formula: see text]-distance of the CFrWT of two argument functions with respect to different wavelets.
Cusp cobordism group of Morse functions
Authors: Wrazidlo Dominik J.
Published: October 2021

By a Morse function on a compact manifold with boundary we mean a real-valued function without critical points near the boundary such that its critical points as well as the critical points of its restriction to the boundary are all nondegenerate. For such Morse functions, Saeki and Yamamoto have previously defined a certain notion of cusp cobordism, and computed the unoriented cusp cobordism group of Morse functions on surfaces. In this paper, we compute unoriented and oriented cusp cobordism groups of Morse functions on manifolds of any dimension by employing Levine’s cusp elimination technique as well as the complementary process of creating pairs of cusps along fold lines. We show that both groups are cyclic of order two in even dimensions, and cyclic of infinite order in odd dimensions. For Morse functions on surfaces our result yields an explicit description of Saeki–Yamamoto’s cobordism invariant which they constructed by means of the cohomology of the universal complex of singular fibers.
Challenging China’s Maritime Expansion in the South China Sea from the Aquino to the Duterte Administrations
Authors: DE CASTRO Renato Cruz
Published: October 2021

Why do small and middle powers balance an emergent power despite the latter’s preponderant military capabilities? How do weaker powers sustain this balancing policy? This article examines the Philippine case beginning with President Aquino’s policy of challenging China’s expansive maritime claim in the South China Sea (SCS), which was unravelled by President Rodrigo Duterte who initially adopted a policy of appeasement. However, with time, President Duterte also found it necessary to re-adopt his predecessor’s SCS approach.
South Korea–Russia Rapprochement
Authors: WONG Ka-ho , LAW Kam-yee
Published: October 2021

The relations between South Korea and Russia have qualitatively improved with Moon Jae-In’s New Northern Policy. Although a Russia–South Korea– North Korea trilateral cooperation remains unclear, South Korea has institutionalised bilateral relationships with Russia. Both geopolitics and geo-economy play prominent roles in the ROK–Russia relations and increasing support for an economic agenda is a considerably achievable goal for both countries.
Synthesis of ZnO nanorods for piezoelectric resonators and sensors
Authors: Nikolaev A. L. , Kazmina M. A. , Lyanguzov N. V. , Abdulvakhidov K. G. , Kaidashev E. M.
Published: October 2021

Efficiency of the piezoelectric chemisensors may be considerably enhanced by use of zinc oxide nanorods as sensing elements. ZnO nanorod arrays being good piezoelectric materials possess large surface area, which provides extra benefits for chemisorption and photodetection. Highly oriented nanorod arrays are typically prepared onto highly crystalline substrates, whereas the nanorods growth onto metal contacts meets significant technological difficulties. In this paper, we report on carbothermal, electrochemical, and hydrothermal techniques of ZnO nanorod arrays synthesis on metal contacts. The optical and structural properties of the obtained nanorods were studied using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy. A reliable technique was developed for obtaining ohmic contact with the grown nanorods. I–U curves of prepared contact were studied. Carbothermal synthesis made it possible to obtain the most crystallinely perfect, homogeneous, and dense arrays of nanorods and control the concentration of point defects by changing the synthesis parameters over a wide range. The electrochemical synthesis demonstrated excellent results for synthesis of ZnO nanorods on the surface of resonator electrodes.
Cardiomyocyte Microtubules: Control of Mechanics, Transport, and Remodeling
Authors: Uchida Keita , Scarborough Emily A. , Prosser Benjamin L.
Published: October 2021

Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal elements found in all eukaryotic cells. The structure and composition of microtubules regulate their function, and the dynamic remodeling of the network by posttranslational modifications and microtubule-associated proteins generates diverse populations of microtubules adapted for various contexts. In the cardiomyocyte, the microtubules must accommodate the unique challenges faced by a highly contractile, rigidly structured, and long-lasting cell. Through their canonical trafficking role and positioning of mRNA, proteins, and organelles, microtubules regulate essential cardiomyocyte functions such as electrical activity, calcium handling, protein translation, and growth. In a more specialized role, posttranslationally modified microtubules form load-bearing structures that regulate myocyte mechanics and mechanotransduction. Modified microtubules proliferate in cardiovascular diseases, creating stabilized resistive elements that impede cardiomyocyte contractility and contribute to contractile dysfunction. In this review, we highlight the most exciting new concepts emerging from recent studies into canonical and noncanonical roles of cardiomyocyte microtubules.
Nafion Protective Membrane Enables Using Ruthenium Oxide Electrodes for pH Measurement in Milk
Authors: Lazouskaya Maryna , Scheler Ott , Mikli Valdek , Uppuluri Kiranmai , Zaraska Krzysztof , Tamm Martti
Published: October 2021

The application of conventional glass electrodes for pH measurement in food samples has a serious drawback: glass is fragile and should be handled with care in order to prevent breaking and thus contaminating the food with dangerous shattered fragments. The implementation of all-solid-state sensors allows for pH measurements without this contamination risk but their application in food samples is scarce due to their inability to be used in complex food matrices that contain fats, proteins, yeasts, etc. We can solve this problem by coating solid-state RuO2 electrodes with a semi-permeable protective NafionTM membrane layer. We show that covering screen printed potentiometric RuO2 electrodes with Nafion membrane using a drop-casting technique does not alter the performance of the electrodes in milk samples and provides similar results to the conventional glass electrode. Furthermore, we discovered that thermal treatment of Nafion-layers at 80 °C for 2 h after each layer deposition optimises the performance of the electrodes, makes them usable even in heated aqueous solutions, and increases their lifetime.
Behavior of motor units during submaximal isometric contractions in chronically strength-trained individuals
Authors: Casolo Andrea , Del Vecchio Alessandro , Balshaw Thomas G. , Maeo Sumiaki , Lanza Marcel Bahia , Felici Francesco , Folland Jonathan P. , Farina Dario
Published: October 2021

In this study, we observed that recruitment strategies and discharge characteristics of large populations of motor units identified from biceps brachii of strength-trained athletes were similar to those observed in untrained individuals during submaximal force tasks. We also found that for the same neural input, strength-trained athletes are able to produce greater absolute muscle forces (i.e., neural drive-to-muscle gain). This demonstrates that morphological factors are the predominant mechanism for the enhanced force generation during submaximal efforts.
The impact of elevated body core temperature on critical power as determined by a 3-min all-out test
Authors: Kaiser Brendan W. , Kruse Ka'eo K. , Gibson Brandon M. , Santisteban Kelsey J. , Larson Emily A. , Wilkins Brad W. , Jones Andrew M. , Halliwill John R. , Minson Christopher T.
Published: October 2021

The parameters of the power-duration relationship (critical power and W′) estimated by a 3-min all-out test were not altered by elevated body core temperature as compared with a thermoneutral condition.
Intervention Effect of Probiotics in Gastric Cancer Patients with Complications of Coronary Heart Disease and Heart Failure
Authors: Yu Hui , Dong Anqin , Zhao Luosha , Li Ping , Zhang Qiujun , Lu Juying , Li Ling
Published: October 2021

Objective. To investigate the characteristics of intestinal flora in patients with gastric cancer complicated by coronary heart disease and heart failure and the guiding value of probiotics intervention for clinical treatment. Methods. (1) One hundred and sixty-eight gastric cancer patients with complications of coronary heart disease and heart failure from August 2017 to December 2020 were selected as the observation group. A total of 125 patients with coronary heart disease treated at the same time were selected as control group 1, and 89 healthy subjects were selected as control group 2. Fecal samples were retained to extract the total RNA, and high-throughput sequencing was applied to complete the analysis of microbial diversity and structure differences, so as to obtain the biological species information of the specimens. (2) Patients in the observation group were randomly divided into two equal groups of 84 patients, namely, group A and group B. Group A was treated with conventional methods, and group B was combined with probiotics intervention on the basis of group A; then, the differences in the intestinal mucosal barrier between the two groups were compared. Results. The Chao, ACE, and Simpson index in the observation group were lower than those in control group 1 (

P
<
0.05

), and the Shannon index was higher than that in control group 1 (

P
<
0.05

). The Chao, ACE, and Shannon index in control group 1 were lower than those in control group 2 (

P
<
0.05

), whereas the Simpson index was higher than in control group 2 (

P
<
0.05

). The abundance of Bacteroidetes in the observation group was lower than that in control group 1 and control group 2 (

P
<
0.05

). The abundance of Firmicutes was higher than that of control group 1 and control group 2 (

P
<
0.05

). Four weeks after treatment, the levels of ET, D-lactic acid, and PCT in the group B were (0.10 ± 0.01), (3.99 ± 0.32), and (0.41 ± 0.10), respectively, which were lower than those in group A (0.19 ± 0.03), (4.51 ± 0.46), and (0.81 0.13). Conclusion. Gastric cancer patients with complications of coronary heart disease and heart failure are associated with intestinal flora disorder, which may be involved in the occurrence and development of the disease. Probiotics intervention is helpful to repair the intestinal mucosal barrier in patients, which is worthy of popularization and application.
Evaluation of Antimalarial Potential of Extracts from Alstonia boonei and Carica papaya in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice
Authors: Atanu Francis O. , Idih Favour M. , Nwonuma Charles O. , Hetta Helal F. , Alamery Salman , El-Saber Batiha Gaber
Published: October 2021

Extracts of Alstonia boonei and Carica papaya are used in herbal medicine for the treatment of malaria. This work investigated the phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimalarial effects of hydromethanolic extracts of Alstonia boonei and Carica papaya. A four-day chemosuppressive test was conducted to assess the ability of the extracts to prevent establishment of infection. Three doses of the extracts were administered—100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw—prior to Plasmodium berghei challenge. Change in body weight, parasitemia, packed cell volume (PCV), and mean survival time was determined. A three-day curative test was also carried out on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice to determine the effects of the plant extracts (200 mg/kg bw) on parasitemia and biochemical indices of liver and kidney functions, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. The study revealed that the extracts possessed phenolic compounds (34.13 ± 1.90 mg GAE/g for Alstonia boonei and 27.99 ± 1.46 mg GAE/g for Carica papaya) and flavonoids (19.47 ± 1.89 mg QE/g for Alstonia boonei and 18.24 ± 1.36 mg QE/g for Carica papaya). In vitro antioxidant activity measured as total antioxidant power, total reducing power, and DPPH radical scavenging activity showed that the extracts possessed higher antioxidant activity than the reference compounds. The outcome of the chemosuppressive test revealed that whereas Plasmodium berghei-infected mice had high parasitemia, decreased mean survival time, exhibited loss of weight, and had low PCV, treatment with the extracts reversed the effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, the curative test revealed that the extracts significantly suppressed parasitemia compared with the malaria negative control group. This was mirrored by reversal of indices of hepatic toxicity (AST, ALT, and ALP levels), nephropathy (urea and creatinine levels), oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, and lipid peroxides), and dyslipidemia (TC, HDL, and TG levels and HMG-CoA reductase activity) in infected but treated mice compared with negative control. Put together, the results of this study demonstrate that the extracts of Alstonia boonei and Carica papaya possess antimalarial properties and are able to ameliorate metabolic dysregulations that characterize Plasmodium berghei infection. The phytoconstituents in these extracts are believed to be responsible for the pharmacological activity reported in this study.
Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Action of Different Parts of Myrtus communis Growing in Saudi Arabia against Candida Spp.
Authors: Alyousef Abdullah A.
Published: October 2021

Discovering new antifungal drugs from natural products is a key target for the treatment of infections, such as candidiasis and other Candida-related infections. As current therapeutic drugs for the treatment of infections, such as candidiasis and other Candida-related infections, have adverse effects on human health, discovering new antifungal drugs from natural products is urgently needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of the methanolic and sodium phosphate buffer extracts derived from various parts of Myrtus communis, a plant that is traditionally used in Saudi Arabia, against Candida albicans (ATCC 10213), Candida glabrata (ATCC 2001), Candida kefyr (ATCC 66028), Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 22019), and Candida tropicalis (ATCC 750). A well diffusion assay was performed to assess the antifungal activity through the measurement of the zone of inhibition. Of the extracts, those extracted with methanol from the roots and leaves displayed strong inhibitory activity against Candida glabrata (

23.5
±
0.12

and

20.7
±
0.22

, respectively), at 50 mg/ml, with 5 mg/ml fluconazole administered as the standard control. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were 12.5 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml for the M. communis root extract and 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml for the M. communis leaf extract against Candida glabrata. The results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of the control and treated strains of Candida glabrata. Based on SEM, these extracts could alter the morphology and cause loss of cell integrity. The effect of M. communis root and leaf extracts on Candida cells was also determined by measuring the absorbance at 260 nm after treatment for 1 h at 37°C. Interestingly, the 260 nm absorbing material was higher in Candida glabrata than in the resistant strain, Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 22019). Based on our findings, the crude methanolic extract of M. communis roots and leaves exhibited good antifungal activity against the Candida glabrata strain. SEM results and estimation of the 260 nm absorbance material proved that the extract might act on the cell wall and cell membrane of Candida cells, further leading to cell death.
Salmonella from Farm to Table: Isolation, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella from Commercial Broiler Supply Chain and Its Environment
Authors: Sohail M. Nasim , Rathnamma D. , Priya S. Chandra , Isloor S. , Naryanaswamy H. D. , Ruban S. Wilfred , Veeregowda B. M.
Published: October 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in poultry production chain is one of the major food safety concerns due to indiscriminate usage of antibiotics and the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella which causes infections in various stages of production. In the present study, 182 samples were collected from commercial broiler supply chain, viz., three hatcheries (n = 29), three commercial broiler farms (CBF; n = 99), and three retail meat shops (RMS; n = 54), and used for isolation and identification of Salmonella using three different selective agar media and a selective enrichment medium followed by PCR confirmation targeting the hilA gene. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was 47/182 (25.82%), and a significantly higher (P < 0.05) prevalence was observed in retail meat shops (46.29%), CBF (19.19%), and hatcheries (10.34%). Comparison of three agar media for isolation of Salmonella revealed that all the media were equally selective. However, PCR amplification of hilA gene fragment was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in selective enrichment culture tetrathionate brilliant green bile broth (TTB) as compared to all solid (agar‐based) media. Susceptibility pattern against most frequently used antibiotics revealed that 100% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. High resistance was observed for doxycycline (94.34%), followed by cefpodoxime (84.91%), ciprofloxacin (72.64%), gentamicin (65.09%), enrofloxacin (61.32%), colistin sulphate (40.42%), amikacin (34.91%), ampicillin (33.96%), neomycin (33.02), cefotaxime (30.19%), ceftazidime (29.25%), trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (23.58%), amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (21.70%), and chloramphenicol (12.26%); 16.98% of the isolates were ex‐tended spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) producers, and 76.41% were multidrug resistant (MDR). MDR Salmonella were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in RMS (91.66%) followed by CBF (82.75%), whereas no MDR isolates were present in the isolates from hatcheries. The results indicated a higher prevalence of Salmonella and AMR for commonly used antibiotics in the complete broiler supply chain, especially RMS and CBF. Also, this study idicated that TTB enrichment followed by PCR and colony PCR was found to be rapid, specific and time‐saving method.
Determination of Mapping Relation between Wheel Polygonalisation and Wheel/Rail Contact Force for Railway Freight Wagon Using Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Mu Jian , Zeng Jing , Wang Qunsheng , Sang Hutang
Published: October 2021

The polygonal wear around the wheel circumference could pose highly adverse influences on the wheel/rail interactions and thereby the performance of the vehicle system. In this study, the effects of wheel polygonalisation on the dynamic responses of a freight wagon are investigated through development and simulations of a comprehensive coupled vehicle‐track dynamic model. The model integrates flexible ballasted track and wheelsets subsystem models so as to account for elastic deformations caused by impact loads induced by the wheel polygonalisation. Subsequently, the vehicles with low‐order polygonal wear, whether in empty or loaded conditions, are simulated at different speeds considering different amplitudes and harmonic orders of the wheel polygonalisation and thus the mapping relation between wheel/rail impact force and wheel polygonalisation is obtained. The results reveal that the low‐order wheel polygonalisation except 1st order and 3rd order can give rise to high‐frequency impact loads at the wheel/rail interface and excite 1st‐bend modes of the wheelset and “P2 resonance” leading to high‐magnitude wheel/rail contact force at the corresponding speed.
Predicting the Collisions of Heavy Vehicle Drivers in Iran by Investigating the Effective Human Factors
Authors: Naderi Hossein , Nassiri Habibollah , Zahedieh Farnaz
Published: October 2021

Traffic collisions are one of the most important challenges threatening the general health of the world. Iran’s crash statistics demonstrate that approximately 16,500 people lose their lives every year due to road collisions. According to the traffic police of Iran, heavy vehicles (including trailers, trucks, and panel trucks) contributed to 20.5% of the fatal road traffic collisions in the year 2013. This highlights the need for devoting special attention to heavy vehicle drivers to further explore their driving characteristics. In this research, the effect of heavy vehicle drivers’ behavior on at-fault collisions over three years has been investigated with an innovative approach of structural equation modeling (SEM) and Bayesian Network (BN). The database utilized in this research was collected using a questionnaire. For this purpose, 474 heavy vehicle drivers have been questioned in the Parviz Khan Border Market, located on the border of Iran and Iraq. The response rate of the survey was 80%. The participants answered the questions on Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) and a sleep assessing questionnaire named Global Dissatisfaction with Sleep (GSD). In this research, human factors affecting at-fault collisions of heavy vehicles were identified and their relationships with other variables were determined using the SEM approach. Then the descriptive model constructed by the SEM method was used as the basis of the BN, and the conditional probabilities of each node in the BN were calculated by the database collected by the field survey. SEM indicates that other attributes including GSD, mobile usage, daily fatigue, exposure, and education level have an indirect relation with heavy vehicle drivers’ at-fault collisions. According to the BN, if there is no information about the characteristics of a heavy vehicle driver, the driver will likely have at least one collision during the next three years with the probability of 0.17. Also, it was indicated that the minimum probability of the at-fault collision occurrence for a heavy vehicle is 0.08.
Depression Relapse during Long-Term Remission due to Media-Amplified Fear during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ayani Nobutaka , Matsuoka Teruyuki , Yamano Sumihiro , Narumoto Jin
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reoriented societies across the world and placed a significant burden on caring for mental health among its population. In this study, we reported two cases where patients experiencing severe depression with delusions of having COVID-19 required inpatient treatment after long-term remission owing to the negative impact of media reports related to the pandemic. Despite the aggravation of their anxiety, the patients were unable to distance themselves from negative information in attempts to remain informed through media to prevent their families and themselves from being infected. Self-protection through improved media literacy is imperative for people to protect themselves from the fearmongering of the media and infodemic in the present-day scenario.
Comparison of the Knowledge and Practices in Medicine Dispensing between Retail Medicine Shops and Model Pharmacies in Dhaka Metropolis
Authors: Begum Mst Marium , Rivu Sanzana Fareen , Iqbal Md. Ziauddin , Tabassum Nuzhat , Nurnahar  , Uddin Md. Sahab , Moni Md. Marufur Rahman , Hasan Md. Mahmud Al , Rahman Md. Sohanur
Published: October 2021

Model pharmacy has been adopted recently to upgrade the healthcare delivery system in Bangladesh. This study was aimed to analyze and compare the effectiveness of drug dispensing patterns, practices, and knowledge of both clients and dispensers of model pharmacies over traditional retail medicine shops. Two established methods, namely, client simulated method (CSM) and provider interview method (PIM), were employed to determine the practice differences in 90 retail medicine shops and 90 model pharmacies in and around Dhaka city. The results are represented primarily in comparison with corresponding percentages. The survey results did not fully support the findings obtained from the observations of the CSM as PIM contrasted these to some extent, and the differences are statistically significant (p<0.0001). According to CSM, the presence of A-grade pharmacists during working hours in retail medicine shops was 0%, and 63% in model pharmacies. As reported by PIM, in the retail medicine shops, 36% of clients were ignorant of visiting doctors before purchasing medicine. On the other hand, only 18% of clients could visit doctors. As per CSM, 40% of clients did not follow doctors' recommendations for completion of the full dose of antibiotics bought from retail medicine shops and 51% did not finish full antibiotic courses collected from model pharmacies. Additionally, CSM revealed that 28% of the clients administered leftover drugs following old and obsolete prescriptions of retail medicine shops and 21% of clients followed the same practices in terms of model pharmacies. The report of CSM revealed that 95% of dispensers of retail medicine shops sold medicine without prescription except over-the-counter (OTC), and in the model pharmacies, the percentage was 77%. The qualitative findings revealed substandard practices and dispensing pattern too. Model pharmacies were established to prevent aberrant medicine dispensing patterns and ensure proper medication dispensing practices and medicine intake. This research could not verify the situation that pharmacists or owners of model pharmacies were fully abiding by the guidelines set for them by the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA).
Effect of Cu2+ on Corrosion Behavior of A106B Carbon Steel and 304L Stainless Steels in Seawater
Authors: Fang Kewei , Li Chengtao , Dong Shuai , Zhang Dubao , Wu Xiangfeng , Hu Hongxiang
Published: October 2021

The corrosion behaviors of A106B carbon steel and 304L stainless steel (SS) in seawater with different Cu2+ concentrations were studied by the immersion test and the potentiodynamic polarization test. The results showed that with the increasing Cu2+ concentration, the mass lot rates of A106B and 304L SS all increased in the immersion test, and compared with A106B, the mass lot rates of 304L SS were all smaller. In the potentiodynamic polarization test, following the concentration of Cu2+ increased, the corrosion potential of A106B firstly shifted negatively; then, when Cu2+ increased to 100 ppm, the polarization curve moved to the upper right direction; namely, both the corrosion potential and corrosion electrical density increased. The corrosion potential of 304L SS increased with the increasing Cu2+, and the passive region was reduced; the pitting sensitivity improved.
Pure ICL Implantation: A Novel Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device-Free Method
Authors: Qin Qin , Bao Lianyun , He Zifang , Chen Feifei , Zhu Dandan , Zhang Si , Zhang Wenwen , Liu Yajun , Gao Ruiying , Xie Zhenggao
Published: October 2021

Purpose. To assess the clinical efficiency of a novel ophthalmic viscosurgical device-free (OVD-free) method for intraocular collamer lens (EVO-ICL) implantation in myopic eyes. Methods. In this study, 40 patients underwent ICL implantation for both eyes: one eye underwent traditional ICL implantation, and the other eye underwent OVD-free (pure) ICL implantation. Preoperative and postoperative UDVA, BCVA, equivalent spherical degree (SE), IOP, visual quality index, subjective visual quality scale, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), operation time, and complications were compared between and within the traditional and pure ICL implantation groups. Results. Increased IOP >22 mmHg 2 h after surgery was noted in 8 eyes (20%) in the traditional group, but not in the pure group (0%,

P
<
0.001

). Increased IOP relative to baseline was significantly higher at 2 h after surgery for the traditional group compared with the pure group (

P
<
0.001

). UDVA, BCVA, and SE were significantly improved in the pure group compared with those in the traditional group 1 day (

P
<
0.001

,

P
=
0.003

) after implantation, but not 1 week or 3 months after. Modulation transfer function cut-off frequency (MTF cut-off), Strehl ratio (SR), and OV20% were significantly better in the pure group than in the traditional group 1 day after implantation (

P
=
0.013

,

P
=
0.009

, and

P
=
0.004

). No significant difference in ECD changes within or between groups was observed (

P
>
0.05

). The operation time for the pure group (2.897 ± 0.346 min) was significantly shorter than that for the traditional group (4.444 ± 0.656 min;

P
<
0.001

). No complications were reported for either group during the observation period, except early IOP elevation in the traditional group. Conclusions. The pure ICL implantation method was associated with faster visual acuity recovery, shorter operation time, and more stable intraocular pressure. Pure ICL represents a safe and convenient method for ICL implantation compared with the traditional method, completely eliminating OVD-related complications without causing additional complications.
Recognition of Badminton Shot Action Based on the Improved Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Ma Chao , Yu Dayang , Feng Hao
Published: October 2021

In recent years, with the rapid development of sports, the number of people playing various sports is increasing day by day. Among them, badminton has become one of the most popular sports because of the advantages of fewer restrictions on the field and ease of learning. This paper develops a wearable sports activity classification system for accurately recognizing badminton actions. A single acceleration sensor fixed on the end of the badminton racket handle is used to collect the data of the badminton action. The sliding window segmentation technique is used to extract the hitting signal. An improved hidden Markov model (HMM) is developed to identify standard 10 badminton strokes. These include services, forehand chop, backhand chop the goal, the forehand and backhand, forehand drive, backhand push the ball, forehand to pick, pick the ball backhand, and forehand. The experimental results show that the model designed can recognize ten standard strokes in real time. Compared with the traditional HMM, the average recognition rate of the improved HMM is improved by 7.3%. The comprehensive recognition rate of the final strokes can reach up to 95%. Therefore, this model can be used to improve the competitive level of badminton players.
Primary Intraocular Lymphoma in a Patient with Bilateral Epstein-Barr Virus Panuveitis
Authors: Hosseini Seyedeh Maryam , Abrishami Mojtaba , Barashki Elham , Zamani Ghodsieh
Published: October 2021

Purpose. Herein, we report a case of primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) with the first presentation of bilateral Epstein-Barr virus- (EBV-) associated panuveitis. Case Presentation. A 69-year-old male was referred with a three-day history of blurred vision and pain and redness in his left eye following cataract surgery. Examination revealed panuveitis, vitritis, and necrotizing retinitis with retinal hemorrhage. A month later, the right eye was also involved. Polymerase chain reaction-based analysis of the vitreous sample was positive for EBV, and cytological evaluation was compatible with the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma. A significant improvement was observed following serial intravitreal rituximab and methotrexate injections. The central nervous system and lungs were involved after 6 months, and the patient expired despite systemic chemotherapy. Conclusion. There may be an association between EBV panuveitis and primary intraocular B-cell lymphoma.
Determinants of Unsafe Plastic Waste Disposal among Households in the Tamale Metropolitan Area, Ghana
Authors: Kombiok Emmanuel , Nyamekye Kingsley Atta , Adjei Rita , Danquah Leslie
Published: October 2021

Background. The global discourse on plastic waste generation and disposal has over the last two decades, gained traction with the aid of research-based evidence. Though observed globally, the situation is quickly deteriorating in developing countries such as Ghana. In Ghana and Africa as a whole, rapidly increasing population and rural to urban migration have been cited as factors that exacerbate the existing struggles with plastic pollution. This study aimed at identifying the determinants of unsafe plastic waste disposal among households. Methods. The study was carried out in three communities in Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana. Data were collected from 270 randomly selected households through household surveys, key informant interviews, and direct field observations. Results. The study revealed that the majority (63.3%) of the total respondents used and disposed of their plastic waste “unsafely.” The analysis showed that the education level and household wealth were significant determinants of unsafe plastic disposal. Conclusion. The study concludes that challenges of plastic waste management are not limited to economic, technical, and institutional factors, but social factors such as human behavior are key aspects of waste management that need attention. The study, therefore, recommends strict enforcement of sanitation by-laws, promotion of education, and provision of alternatives to plastics that will minimize the need for importing and manufacturing plastics, as potential steps towards addressing unsafe disposal of plastics in the domestic environment.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Deprivation and Mortality in Children with Central Nervous System Tumors
Authors: Adel Fahmideh Maral , Schraw Jeremy M. , Chintagumpala Murali , Lupo Philip J. , Oluyomi Abiodun Olufemi , Scheurer Michael E.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Although there is evidence of socioeconomic disparities in survival of children diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) tumors, the impact of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation on the survival of these malignancies has not been adequately studied. We investigated the association between area deprivation index (ADI), a measure of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, and pediatric CNS tumor survival.

Methods:

Demographic and clinical characteristics, geocoded addresses at diagnosis, and vital status of pediatric CNS tumor cases (n = 5,477) for the period 1995 to 2017 were obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. ADI scores were computed for census tracts in Texas using the U.S. Census Bureau 2010 geography. Tracts were classified into quartiles as least, third-most, second-most, and most disadvantaged. Children were mapped to quartiles based on residency at diagnosis. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results:

The results showed a significantly increased HR for death among children in the most (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.09–1.51), second-most (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01–1.38), and third-most disadvantaged census tracts (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02–1.37) compared with children in the least disadvantaged tracts.

Conclusions:

Children living in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods experienced a significantly higher risk of mortality, indicating the important role of socioeconomic disparities in the survival of pediatric CNS tumors.

Impact:

The demographic and socioeconomic disparities identified by this study should be considered when planning treatment strategies for these susceptible groups and thus, lead to a better outcome in socioeconomically disadvantaged children diagnosed with CNS tumors.
Anti–PD-1 Efficacy in Patients with Metastatic Urothelial Cancer Associates with Intratumoral Juxtaposition of T Helper-Type 1 and CD8+ T cells
Authors: Rijnders Maud , Balcioglu Hayri E. , Robbrecht Debbie G.J. , Oostvogels Astrid A.M. , Wijers Rebecca , Aarts Maureen J.B. , Hamberg Paul , van Leenders Geert J.L.H. , Nakauma-González J. Alberto , Voortman Jens , Westgeest Hans M. , Boormans Joost L. , de Wit Ronald , Lolkema Martijn P. , van der Veldt Astrid A.M. , Debets Reno
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

PD-1 inhibition results in durable antitumor responses in a proportion of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC). The majority of patients, however, do not experience clinical benefit. In this study, we aimed to identify early changes in T-cell subsets that underlie anti–PD-1 efficacy in patients with mUC.

Experimental Design:

Paired samples were collected from peripheral blood, plasma, and metastatic lesions of 56 patients with mUC at baseline and weeks 6 and 12 after initiating pembrolizumab treatment (200 mg intravenously, every 3 weeks). Samples were analyzed using multiplex flow cytometry, ELISA, and in situ stainings, including cellular network analysis. Treatment response was evaluated as best overall response according to RECIST v1.1, and patients were classified as responder (complete or partial response) or nonresponder (progressive disease).

Results:

In responders, baseline fractions of CD4+ T cells expressing cosignaling receptors were higher compared with nonresponders. The fraction of circulating PD-1+ CD4+ T cells decreased at weeks 6 and 12, whereas the fraction of 4-1BB+ CD28+ CD4+ T cells increased at week 12. In metastatic lesions of responders, the baseline density of T helper-type 1 (Th1) cells, defined as T-bet+ CD4+ T cells, was higher as compared to non-responders. Upon treatment, Th1 cells became localized in close proximity to CD8+ T cells, CD11b+ myeloid cells, and tumor cells.

Conclusions:

A decrease in the fraction of circulating PD-1+ CD4+ T cells, and juxtaposition of Th1, CD8+, and myeloid cells was associated with response to anti–PD-1 treatment in patients with mUC.
Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Complexes by Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Particles and Stimulation of Immune Cell Migration in vivo
Authors: Maruyama Kouji , Cheng Jin-Yan , Ishii Hidee , Takahashi Yu , Zangiacomi Vincent , Satoh Takatomo , Hosono Tetsuji , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: October 2021

Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) serves as a bone substitute in clinical practice because it is resorbable, biocompatible, osteointegrative, and osteoconductive. Particles of β-TCP are also inflammatory mediators although the mechanism of this function has not been fully elucidated. Regardless, the ability of β-TCP to stimulate the immune system might be useful for immunomodulation. The present study aimed to determine the effects of β-TCP particles on NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complexes. We found that β-TCP activates NLRP3 inflammasomes, and increases interleukin (IL)-1β production in primary cultured mouse dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, and human THP-1 cells in caspase-1 dependent manner. In THP-1 cells, β-TCP increased also IL-18 production, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation by β-TCP depended on phagocytosis, potassium efflux, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. We also investigated the effects of β-TCP in wild-type and NLRP3-deficient mice in vivo. Immune cell migration around subcutaneously injected β-TCP particles was reduced in NLRP3-deficient mice. These findings suggest that the effects of β-TCP particles in vivo are at least partly mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome complexes.
A Biomimetic Combination of Actives Enhances Skin Hydration and Barrier Function via Modulation of Gene Expression: Results of Two Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Studies
Authors: Altgilbers Silke , Rippke Frank , Filbry Alexander , Conzelmann Stefanie , Vietzke Jens-Peter , Burkhardt Thorsten , Segger Dörte , Roggenkamp Dennis , Grönniger Elke
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Xerosis cutis is characterized by a decreased stratum corneum (SC) hydration and an impaired skin barrier function. Urea, the most prevalent natural moisturizing factor (NMF), is currently considered the gold standard. Its efficacy can further be increased by combining urea with other NMF and skin barrier lipids (SBLs). Objective: We set out to evaluate physiological effects of a novel functional moisturizer containing 10% urea, additional NMF components, and a combination of SBLs on skin hydration and skin barrier integrity on a cellular and phenotypic level in female volunteers suffering from xerosis. Methods: Two double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical studies were conducted. In the first study, 44 female subjects having very dry body skin applied the moisturizer or its vehicle twice daily to their volar forearms. Twenty-four hours after a single product application as well as 24 h after 2 weeks of treatment, SC hydration was measured by corneometry. Skin barrier function was assessed by transepidermal water loss 24 h and 48 h after 2 weeks of regular use. Twenty-four hours after 2 weeks of application, skin tape stripping was performed, and urea content was determined in the 3rd strip by means of high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. In the second study, 22 women with self-reported very dry skin applied the moisturizer or vehicle twice daily to their volar forearms for 2 weeks. Then, suction blister samples were obtained for gene expression analysis using RT-PCR. Results: Application of the actives led to significantly improved skin hydration and barrier function at all points in time. Compared to the vehicle, application of the moisturizer for 2 weeks resulted in a significant increase in SC urea content. Relative gene expression data revealed significant upregulation of genes associated with skin barrier function, hydration, differentiation, and lipid metabolism compared to the vehicle-treated area. Conclusions: Overall, our data demonstrate that the functional moisturizer provides an adequate bioavailability of urea and a beneficial biophysical impact on xerotic skin. Topical treatment with a combination of urea and additional NMF as well as SBL can modify mRNA expression of important epidermal genes stimulating cellular processes and functions. The well-tolerated novel functional moisturizer stimulates molecular mechanisms involved in skin hydration and barrier function and is a profoundly effective treatment option for xerosis cutis.
Responsiveness of Subcutaneous Fat, Intermuscular Fat, and Muscle Anatomical Cross-Sectional Area of the Thigh to Longitudinal Body Weight Loss and Gain: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI)
Authors: Steidle-Kloc Eva , Dannhauer Torben , Wirth Wolfgang , Eckstein Felix
Published: October 2021

Thigh subcutaneous (SCF) and intermuscular (IMF) fat have been associated with joint health and function. Here, we explore the (sex-specific) responsiveness of SCF, IMF, and muscle during longitudinal weight loss and gain, as well as the change in questionnaire-based and physical performance-based knee function measures. This exploratory study included 103 Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) participants, who displayed a ≥10% weight loss or gain between baseline (BL) and 2-year (Y2) follow-up (and maintained half of that weight loss until year 4) and had axial 3T magnetic resonance images (MRI) for measuring SCF, IMF, and muscle cross sectional areas (CSAs). The standardized response mean (SRM = mean divided by the standard deviation of the change) was used as a measure of responsiveness. A total of 52 OAI participants (73% women) displayed ≥10% weight loss, and 51 (67% women) ≥10% weight gain. Both SCF and IMF CSAs showed a significant decrease (mean change) with weight loss (SCF: −22%, SRM = −1.2; IMF: −15%, SRM = −0.7) and a significant increase with weight gain (SCF: +27%, SRM = 1.1; IMF: +21%, SRM = 0.6). Muscle CSAs showed significant changes during weight loss (extensor: −8.3%, SRM = −1.1; flexor: −7.2%, SRM = −1.0), but not during weight gain. Knee function measures were not relevantly associated with bidirectional changes in body weight. SCF and IMF CSAs are highly responsive to bidirectional weight change, whereas muscle CSAs were only responsive to weight loss. These findings highlight that MRI represents a sensitive tool for monitoring changes in thigh adipose tissue composition that may be applied during specific diet and/or exercise interventions.
Inhibition of Vascular Growth by Modulation of the Anandamide/Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Axis
Authors: Rieck Sarah , Kilgus Sofia , Meyer Johanna H. , Huang Hao , Zhao Lan , Matthey Michaela , Wang Xin , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Fleischmann Bernd K. , Wenzel Daniela
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Pathological angiogenesis is a hallmark of various diseases characterized by local hypoxia and inflammation. These disorders can be treated with inhibitors of angiogenesis, but current compounds display a variety of side effects and lose efficacy over time. This makes the identification of novel signaling pathways and pharmacological targets involved in angiogenesis a top priority.

Approach and Results:

Here, we show that inactivation of FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase), the enzyme responsible for degradation of the endocannabinoid anandamide, strongly impairs angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Both, the pharmacological FAAH inhibitor URB597 and anandamide induce downregulation of gene sets for cell cycle progression and DNA replication in endothelial cells. This is underscored by cell biological experiments, in which both compounds inhibit proliferation and migration and evoke cell cycle exit of endothelial cells. This prominent antiangiogenic effect is also of pathophysiological relevance in vivo, as laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in the eye of

FAAH
−/−

mice is strongly reduced.

Conclusions:

Thus, elevation of endogenous anandamide levels by FAAH inhibition represents a novel antiangiogenic mechanism.