bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of ceramic‐based coatings deposited on low‐alloyed steel T/P22 10H2M exposed at high temperature
Authors: Rząd Ewa , Polczyk Tomasz , Boroń Łukasz , Figiel Paweł , Solecka Monika , Dudziak Tomasz , Oziębło Artur , Chmielewska Danuta , Synowiec Barbara , Pichniarczyk Paweł
Published: December 2020

The study was carried out in order to evaluate oxidation resistance of the ceramic coatings based on SiO2‐B2O3‐TiO2‐Na2O composition deposited on the low‐alloyed steel T/P22 (10H2M) surface exposed for 1000 h at 540°C in oxidation atmosphere. Kinetic data were recorded periodically every 250 h; macro‐ and microanalyses as well as chemical composition were carried out using macrolenses, SEM, EDS, EDS X‐ray mappings. The results indicated a high degree of protection by ceramic coatings; much lower mass gain was observed for the coated materials than for the uncoated T/P22 (10H2M) steel. No detachment, delamination, chipping of a coating were found from the steel surface; some of the coatings showed perpendicular tiny cracks to the bulk metal surface.
Eggshells as agro‐industrial waste substitute for CaCO3 in glass foams: A study on obtaining lower thermal conductivity
Authors: Mariosi Fabrício Ravanello , Arcaro Sabrina , Venturini Janio , Camaratta Rubens , Machado Machado Fernando , Gómez‐Plata Leandro , Rodrigues Luiz Fernando
Published: December 2020

In this work, discarded glass bottles (GB) and eggshells (ES) were used to produce foam glass designed for thermal insulation. The literature on the thermal conductivity of foam glasses produced with eggshells is sparse. This material was used as pore‐forming agent at 3% and 5% weight fractions to obtain a foam glass with low thermal conductivity. Homogenized powders were uniaxially pressed, and the compacts were fired at three temperatures (800, 850, and 900°C). Raw materials were characterized by chemical analysis and particle size distribution. The foam glasses were characterized by their porosity, phases, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity. The best insulating properties were obtained for the composition containing 5 wt% ES fired at 800°C. This sample displayed a porosity of 91.4% while its thermal conductivity was of 0.037 W/m.K, with a compressive strength of 1.12 ± 0.38 MPa. Crystalline phases were observed in samples fired at 850 and 900°C as a result of the devitrification process. The final properties of the materials are comparable to those of commercial foam glasses obtained from non‐renewable, more expensive raw materials, a great indicator that the studied compositions could be used as an environmentally friendly substitute.
Amorphous silica nanoparticles derived from biowaste via microwave combustion for drug delivery
Authors: Araichimani P. , Suresh Kumar G. , Prabu K. M. , Karunakaran Gopalu , Van Minh N. , Kolesnikov Evgeny , Gorshenkov Mikhail V.
Published: December 2020

Amorphous silica nanoparticles are a promising platform for constructing drug delivery vehicles owing to their high biocompatibility and favorable surface chemistry. In the current study, we report the preparation of amorphous silica nanoparticles using rice husk biowaste via easy and rapid microwave‐assisted combustion. The obtained results from various characterizations indicate that the prepared sample is an amorphous form of silica nanoparticles having sizes 50–80 nm with high purity. Ciprofloxacin was used as the model drug and it was released from silica nanocarrier in a controlled and prolonged manner. The ciprofloxacin release kinetics was investigated using the Higuchi model and Ritger‐Peppas model which corroborate that different process like desorption, diffusion, and surface erosion may be involved in the release of ciprofloxacin from the prepared silica nanocarrier. The antibacterial susceptibility test revealed that the ciprofloxacin loaded silica nanocarrier exhibit a bacterial inhibition zone about 32 ± 4 and 44 ± 3 mm against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. This study can be useful to develop a versatile nanocarrier with controlled delivery of ciprofloxacin to treat different types of bacterial infections.
Highly transparent AlON fabricated via SPS synthesized by Al2O3/C core–shell starting powder and CRN method
Authors: Kamali Sima , Mohebi Mohammad Masoud , Taherian Mohamad Hassan , Sabaghi Vahid
Published: December 2020

Two types of starting powders were used to synthesis AlON powder via the carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CRN) route, the Al2O3 and C mixture, and the Al2O3/C core–shell. Al2O3/C core–shell resulted in lower carbon content and lower synthesis temperature for CRN method. AlON powder was synthesized using Al2O3 and C then was sintered via SPS at 1500, 1600, and 1700°C for 10‐30 min in a vacuum atmosphere. A sample with the highest transmittance was annealed at 1250°C for 2, 4, and 8 h in air. The characteristics of AlON powder and bulk samples were investigated by XRD, DLS, FT‐IR, elemental analysis of carbon and sulfur, SEM, EDS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy analyses. The annealing process for 2 h improved the transmittance from 31% to 58% at the wavelength of 600 nm. AlON powder synthesized using Al2O3/C core–shell, was SPSed at 1700°C for 15 min and annealed at 1250°C for 2 h was used to make a sample of 1.7 mm thickness whose transmittance was found to be 81%.
Blue‐light‐excited NaCe(MoO4)2 microcrystals for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Victor Barbosa Moura João , Amison Gomes de Souza Antonio , de Tarso Cavalcante Freire Paulo , da Luz Lima Cleanio , Mielle Brito Ferreira Oliveira Thiago
Published: December 2020

We report the structural, morphological, and optical characterization, and the application of sodium‐cerium molybdate (NaCe(MoO4)2) as a promising photoelectroactive material for water splitting. Information on these several properties was obtained by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–Vis–NIR diffuse reflectance. For the photoelectrochemical tests, NaCe(MoO4)2 microcrystals were deposited on conductive indium‐tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate by drop coating, and the activity of the as‐prepared photoanode toward oxygen evolution reaction was investigated in the absence and presence of blue light‐emitting diode irradiation. Studies carried out by linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy attested to a significant photoelectroactivity of molybdate associated with the fast electron‐hole pairs generation. The steady‐state photocurrent density recorded under irradiation achieved a remarkable increase, varying from 1.5 µA cm−2 (light off) to 44.1 µA cm−2 (light on), in addition, it presents high stability after on–off cycles, what proves the proper performance of NaCe(MoO4)2/ITO as photoanode for water splitting.
ZnO semiconductors obtained by slip casting: Application and reuse in photocatalysis
Authors: Domingos Gustavo H. S. , Ruellas Thamara M. O. , Peçanha Luiz O. O. , Malafatti João O. D. , Paris Elaine C. , Maestrelli Sylma C. , Giraldi Tania R.
Published: December 2020

This work described the acquisition of immobilized ZnO semiconductors using the slip casting technique, for application as reusable photocatalysts in the degradation of Rhodamine B. The influence of the heat treatment temperature (800°C, 900°C, and 1000°C) on the physical, thermal, microstructural, and photocatalytic properties was investigated. All samples presented the wurtzite crystal structure, and the surface was completely absent of organic matter residues. The samples presented band gap values around 3.2 eV. The ones heat treated at 800°C showed lower density (3.40 g/cm3, corresponding to 60% of the ZnO theoretical density), smaller average grain size, in addition to higher apparent porosity (around 40%). These characteristics provide better photocatalytic activity to the sample heat treated at 800°C, since it promoted 92.2% dye degradation, while samples heat treated at 900°C and 1000°C promoted 81.8% and 54.2% dye degradation, respectively. The integrity of all samples was maintained after the photocatalytic tests. Thus, the reuse capability of the sample with the best photocatalytic performance, that is, the sample heat treated at 800°C, was evaluated in six cycles of photocatalysis. The sample proved to be reusable, promoting degradation of practically 100% of the dye after the third cycle of reuse.
Cold‐sintered Na2WO4‐Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.6Fe2O4 ceramics with matched permittivity and permeability for miniaturized antenna
Authors: Chen Naichao , Xiao Bin , Xu Xinwei , Sun Tao , Jin Fei , Chen Meiyu , Chen Xianqiang , Wang Hong
Published: December 2020

(1‐x)Na2WO4–xNi0.2Cu0.2Zn0.6Fe2O4 (NWO‐NCZO) ceramic composites (x = 0–0.6) were successfully prepared by the cold sintering method under a uniaxial pressure of 200 MPa at 150°C for 30 min. The microstructures and electromagnetic properties of (1‐x)NWO‐xNCZO ceramic composites with different NCZO contents have been systematically investigated. The obtained biphasic NWO‐NCZO ceramic composites possess dense microstructures. The 0.4NWO–0.6NCZO ceramic composite exhibits a matched relative permittivity and relative permeability of around 8 in the frequency range from 10 to 200 MHz, which is beneficial for impedance matching between antenna and free space. A prototype of microstrip antenna based on the developed NWO‐NCZO ceramic composite is designed and to demonstrate its application in miniaturized antennas. The simulation results revealed that the size of the radiation patch of the antenna can be reduced by 60% yet with bandwidth being enhanced 26.5 times when the 0.4NWO–0.6NCZO ceramic composite is selected as the substrate instead of pure NWO ceramic.
Bond characteristics and microwave dielectric properties of high‐Q materials in li‐doped Zn3B2O6 systems
Authors: Zhang Qin , Tang Xiaoli , Zhong Maofeng , Li Yuanxun , Jing Yulan , Su Hua
Published: December 2020

The bond characteristics, Raman spectroscopy, and microwave dielectric properties of Zn3‐xLi2x(BO3)2 ceramics prepared by solid‐state reaction method were investigated. According to the complex chemical bond theory, the bond ionicity and lattice energy of the B–O bond were proved to contributed more to the electric polarization and phase structure stability than that of A‐site bond. Thus, the B–O bond had a dominant effect on the dielectric constant and Q × f values. The optimization of the τf value can be attributed to the bond valence. Moreover, the shift and full width at half maximum of the Raman peak were closely related to the dielectric constant and Q × f values, respectively. On the whole, Li+ substitution contributed greatly to improve the temperature stability and reducing the dielectric loss of Zn3‐xLi2x(BO3)2 ceramics. Additionally, Zn2.99Li0.02(BO3)2 ceramics sintered at 850 °C exhibited satisfactory microwave dielectric properties of εr=6.59, Q × f=122,030 GHz, τf=−76.9 ppm/°C, and had good chemical compatibility with silver.
Growth Models and Core–Periphery Interactions in European Integration: The German–Greek Special Relationship in Historical Perspective
Authors: Tsakas Christos
Published: December 2020

This article investigates the history of the German–Greek relationship in the context of European integration and demonstrates that West Germany and German–Greek business networks played a crucial role in the shaping of Greece's post‐war growth model. The article challenges the assumption that the relationship between the two countries is overshadowed by the past. In contrast, it shows that post‐war German–Greek relations were forged around European integration with an eye to the future and that it was the two countries' early rapprochement and the mutual accommodation of their respective aims that laid the foundations of their asymmetrical interdependence. In doing so, the article argues that it was the success of Greece's European strategy, rather than its failure, that lies at the heart of its recurring balance‐of‐payments problems: a lingering trade deficit with Germany, the country's major trading partner, proved to be, as I will show, the price for growth and modernization.
Willingness of Long‐Term Care Staff to Receive a COVID‐19 Vaccine: A Single State Survey
Authors: Unroe Kathleen T. , Evans Russell , Weaver Lindsay , Rusyniak Dan , Blackburn Justin
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To plan for coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine distribution, the Indiana Department of Health surveyed nursing home and assisted living facility staff.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of an anonymous survey sent via text message link to personal cell phones and emails.

Setting and Participants

Nursing home and assisted living facility staff in Indiana.

Measures

Staff characteristics including age, gender, race, ethnicity, role in the facility, experience in long‐term care, and geographic location of facility were self‐reported along with prior infection and willingness to receive an approved vaccine as soon as it is available. Responses were weighted to represent staff statewide. Weighted frequencies and logit regression estimated characteristics associated with vaccine willingness.

Results

There were 8,243 responses to the survey. For nursing home staff (survey delivered via 23,232 working phone numbers), there was a 33% response rate). There were 2,372 (29%) in nurse aide or similar roles and 1,602 nurses providing direct clinical care (19%). Overall, 45% of respondents indicated they would receive an approved COVID‐19 vaccine as soon as available. Of those unwilling to take the vaccine when first available, 44% would consider in the future. Concerns about side effects was the primary reason for vaccine hesitancy (70%). Characteristics associated with increased willingness were age over 60, male, and white race (P < .0001). No statistically significant differences were observed among staff self‐reporting prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Conclusions and Implications

The willingness to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine immediately or in the future may be as high as 69%, but varies among subgroups of nursing home staff which has implications for distribution. Educating staff on the vaccine may be critical for increasing uptake. Widespread vaccination holds the promise of protection against serious illness and death and a return of visitors and activities that support improved quality of life. This promise will not be realized without strong uptake of the vaccines.
Impact of childbirth on women's sexuality in the first year after the delivery
Authors: Zgliczynska Magdalena , Zasztowt‐Sternicka Monika , Kosinska‐Kaczynska Katarzyna , Szymusik Iwona , Pazdzior Dominika , Durmaj Aneta , Szlachta Magdalena , Bartnik Paweł , Wielgos Miroslaw
Published: December 2020

Aim

The aim was to compare the quality of sexual life before pregnancy and after delivery and to find out whether and how selected factors affect women's sexuality during this period.

Methods

The study group consisted of 433 women who completed the survey containing basic demographic questions and two Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires: a retrospective one, regarding time before pregnancy and the current period. The inclusion criteria: time between 10 weeks and 1 year after delivery, vaginal intercourses before pregnancy and the resumption of vaginal intercourses after delivery.

Results

We observed the negative impact of labor on the total FSFI score, regardless of the time that had passed since birth and the delivery mode. The decrease by at least 10% of the initial FSFI score was noticed in 44.3% of the participants. FSD (Female Sexual Dysfunction) occurred statistically more commonly after delivery than before pregnancy (45.3% vs 17.1%; P < 0.001). The following factors had an impact on the risk of post‐partum FSD: pre‐pregnancy FSD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.17 [95% confidence interval [CI] 2.38–7.31]) and nulliparity (aOR = 1.67 [95% CI 1.09–2.53]).

Conclusion

Childbirth has an undeniable impact on women's sexuality. The prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunctions is very important, especially in this crucial period of life.
A comparative clinical trial of vaginal misoprostol versus intracervical normal saline infiltration as a cervical ripening agent at time of hysteroscopy
Authors: Hameed Ban H. , Farhan Fatin S.
Published: December 2020

Cervical status has a great impact on the duration and success of its dilatation especially during hysteroscopy, so cervical ripening employed before the procedure can increase the success rate and minimize the complications.

Aim

To compare the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol and intracervical normal saline infiltration as cervical ripening agents.

Methods

A randomized comparative clinical trial had been conducted in AL Yarmouk Teaching Hospital involving two methods for cervical ripening before the hysteroscopic procedure. One Hundred women were enrolled in the study, fifty of them were those who used preoperative vaginal misoprostol and the other fifty patients were those who had been submitted to intracervical normal saline infiltration during surgery. Basal cervical dilatation, time to achieve 8 mm cervical dilatation, difficulties, and complications encountered during the procedure were evaluated and compared for both groups.

Results

The participants had been admitted for hysteroscopy for the following indications: Abnormal uterine bleeding, missed loop, infertility, polypectomy, endometrial resection, and myomectomy. Regarding operative findings, the basal cervical dilatation was not significantly different between them, the time required to achieve the required dilatation was significantly shorter for the normal saline infiltration group, 66.95 sec. ± 10.85 than for the misoprostol group which was 87.9 sec. ± 13.11. There was more difficulty in dilatation with more complications in the misoprostol group than in the normal saline infiltration group.

Conclusions

Normal saline infiltration is a simple, readily available at the time of surgery and with fewer complications and shorter time of dilatation in comparison to vaginal misoprostol for a comparable efficacy.
Role of vitamin D‐calcium supplementation on metabolic profile and oxidative stress in gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gunasegaran Preetha , Tahmina Sultana , Daniel Mary , Nanda Sunil K.
Published: December 2020

Aim

To assess role of vitamin D‐calcium supplementation on the metabolic profile and oxidative stress in women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) controlled on diet.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Seventy women diagnosed as GDM at 24–28 weeks of gestation, controlled on a diabetic diet, were randomized to receive either vitamin D 1000 IU and calcium 1000 mg (group A, n = 34) or vitamin D 250 IU and calcium 500 mg (group B, n = 36) daily for 6 weeks. Levels of serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, fasting lipid profile and total glutathione (GSH) were analyzed both prior to and after supplementation. Means, standard deviations and mean change were computed. Paired and independent t‐tests were used to determine statistical significance between the two groups.

Results

Women in group A showed a significant reduction in FPG level (P‐value = 0.007), fasting serum insulin level (P‐value = 0.000), LDL (P‐value = 0.000), total cholesterol levels (P‐value = 0.000) and increase in HDL levels (P‐value = 0.000). Group B had a significant fall only in FPG after 6 weeks supplementation. A significant change in total glutathione level (P‐value = 0.000) was observed in both groups.

Conclusion

Vitamin D and calcium supplementation at a dose of 1000 IU and 1000 mg, respectively, has a beneficial role in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in GDM.
Diffusion and Perfusion MRI Predicts Response Preceding and Shortly After Radiosurgery to Brain Metastases: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shah Akash Deelip , Shridhar Konar Amaresha , Paudyal Ramesh , Oh Jung Hun , LoCastro Eve , Nuñez David Aramburu , Swinburne Nathaniel , Vachha Behroze , Ulaner Gary A. , Young Robert J. , Holodny Andrei I. , Beal Kathryn , Shukla‐Dave Amita , Hatzoglou Vaios
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To determine the ability of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) to predict long‐term response of brain metastases prior to and within 72 hours of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

METHODS

In this prospective pilot study, multiple b‐value DWI and T1‐weighted DCE‐MRI were performed in patients with brain metastases before and within 72 hours following SRS. Diffusion‐weighted images were analyzed using the monoexponential and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) models. DCE‐MRI data were analyzed using the extended Tofts pharmacokinetic model. The parameters obtained with these methods were correlated with brain metastasis outcomes according to modified Response Assessment in Neuro‐Oncology Brain Metastases criteria.

RESULTS

We included 25 lesions from 16 patients; 16 patients underwent pre‐SRS MRI and 12 of 16 patients underwent both pre‐ and early (within 72 hours) post‐SRS MRI. The perfusion fraction (f) derived from IVIM early post‐SRS was higher in lesions demonstrating progressive disease than in lesions demonstrating stable disease, partial response, or complete response (q = .041). Pre‐SRS extracellular extravascular volume fraction, ve, and volume transfer coefficient, Ktrans, derived from DCE‐MRI were higher in nonresponders versus responders (q = .041).

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative DWI and DCE‐MRI are feasible imaging methods in the pre‐ and early (within 72 hours) post‐SRS evaluation of brain metastases. DWI‐ and DCE‐MRI‐derived parameters demonstrated physiologic changes (tumor cellularity and vascularity) and offer potentially useful biomarkers that can predict treatment response. This allows for initiation of alternate therapies within an effective time window that may help prevent disease progression.
Porphyromonas gingivalis facilitated the foam cell formation via lysosomal integral membrane protein 2 (LIMP2)
Authors: Yang Yanan , He Xiaoli , Xia Siying , Liu Feng , Luo Lijun
Published: December 2020

Objective

The involvement of lysosomal integral membrane protein 2 (LIMP2) in cholesterol transport and formation of foam cells under the infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is yet to be elucidated. The current study verified the role and explored the mechanism of LIMP2 in promoting foam cell formation by P. gingivalis.

Background

An association between periodontitis and atherosclerosis (AS) has been established. P. gingivalis is a key pathogen of periodontitis that promotes foam cell formation by regulating activities of CD36 scavenger receptors expressed on the macrophages. LIMP2, a member of CD36 superfamily, is involved in cholesterol efflux. However, whether LIMP2 is involved in the formation of foam cells promoted by P. gingivalis remains unclear.

Methods

The formation of foam cells was examined by Oil Red O staining. The knockdown of limp2 was identified by qRT‐PCR. The accumulation of cholesterol was monitored by Cholesterol Assay Kit. The location of P. gingivalis was visualized by confocal microscopy. Cathepsin L activity was monitored with Magic Red Cathepsin L Assay Kit. The key genes and pathways in P. gingivalis‐infected macrophages were explored by RNA sequencing. The protein level was investigated by Western blotting.

Results

Porphyromonas gingivalis increases foam cells formation and upregulates the expression of LIMP2 in foam cells. The knockdown of limp2 decreases the number of foam cells and increases cholesterol export, which is related to lysosomal functions. In addition, the interaction between LIMP2 and caveolin‐1(CAV1) might contribute to this process, and NF‐κB and JNK activity is required for increased expression of P. gingivalis‐induced LIMP2.

Conclusions

This study suggested that LIMP2 is involved in the foam cells formation facilitated by P. gingivalis, which favors a close connection between periodontitis and atherosclerosis (AS).
Performance of an ambulatory electroencephalogram sleep monitor in patients with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Miyata Seiko , Iwamoto Kunihiro , Banno Masahiro , Eguchi Junichi , Kaneko Satoshi , Noda Akiko , Ozaki Norio
Published: December 2020

Key clinical symptoms observed among individuals with psychiatric disorders include difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, poor sleep quality and nightmares. Those suffering from sleep disorders often present with symptoms of discontent with regard to sleep quality, timing and quantity, and these symptoms have an adverse impact on function and quality of life. A minimally invasive technique would be preferable in patients with psychiatric disorders, who tend to be sensitive to environmental change. Accordingly, we evaluated the performance of Zmachine Insight Plus, an ambulatory electroencephalography sleep monitor, in patients with psychiatric disorders. One hundred and three patients undergoing polysomnography were enrolled in this study. Zmachine Insight Plus was performed simultaneously with polysomnography. Total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, light sleep (stages N1 and N2) and deep sleep (stage N3) were assessed. Total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, REM sleep duration and non‐REM sleep duration of Zmachine Insight Plus showed a significant correlation with those of polysomnography. Lower sleep efficiency and increased frequency of waking after sleep onset, the arousal index and the apnea–hypopnea index on polysomnography were significantly associated with the difference in sleep parameters between the two methods. Among patients with psychiatric disorders who are sensitive to environmental change, Zmachine Insight Plus would be a useful technique to objectively evaluate sleep quality.
Improvement in cognitive impairment following a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention in individuals with non‐cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C
Authors: O’Gorman Philip , Strahan Orla , Ferguson Damien , Monaghan Ann , Kennedy Megan , Forde Cuisle , Melo Ashanty M. , Doherty Derek G. , O’Brien Kelly K. , McKiernan Susan , Kenny Rose Anne , Coen Robert , Doherty Colin , Bergin Colm , Gormley John , Norris Suzanne
Published: December 2020

Cognitive impairment occurs in 30%–50% of patients with non‐cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Exercise is beneficial in preventing and treating cognitive impairment and cardiometabolic abnormalities in many chronic inflammatory diseases, but there are few studies investigating the impact of exercise in HCV infection. The study aimed to assess the effect of a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention on cognition and extrahepatic manifestations in individuals with HCV. In this nonrandomized controlled pilot study, individuals with HCV participated in a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention. Outcome measures included cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MOCA], Trail Making Test A & B [TMT‐A; TMT‐B], Digit Symbol Test [DST]), cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated ), physical activity (accelerometry), anthropometry, quality of life (depression; fatigue; sleep quality) and biochemical markers. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), intervention completion (T1) and 12 weeks after intervention completion (T2). Thirty‐one patients completed the study (exercise group n = 13, control group n = 18). In the exercise group, cognition improved at T1 in the TMT‐A (31% mean improvement, p = 0.019), TMT‐B (15% mean improvement, p = 0.012) time and MOCA (14% mean improvement, p ≤ 0.001). These improvements were not maintained at T2. Depression (p = 0.038), sleep quality (p = 0.002), fatigue (p = 0.037) and estimated (7.8 mL kg−1 min−1 [22%] mean increase, p = 0.004) also improved at T1. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the benefits of a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention in improving cognition, quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with HCV. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and strategies for continued exercise engagement in individuals with HCV are warranted for sustained benefits.
Long‐term clinical outcome of HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients who discontinued nucleos(t)ide analogues
Authors: Manolakopoulos Spilios , Kranidioti Hariklia , Kourikou Anastasia , Deutsch Melanie‐Maria , Triantos Christos , Tsolias Chrysostomos , Manesis Emanuel K. , Mathou Nicoletta , Alexopoulou Alexandra , Hadziyannis Emilia , Papatheodoridis George
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims

Discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) remains a debatable issue in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to address the outcome of HBeAg‐negative CHB patients who discontinued NA therapy.

Methods

This prospective study included 57 non‐cirrhotic HBeAg‐negative Caucasian CHB patients who discontinued NA therapy after median virological remission of 6 years. All patients had regular blood tests. Virological relapse was defined as HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL or >20 000 IU/mL and biochemical relapse as ALT > ULN (40 IU/mL) or >2xULN. All patients with retreatment predefined criteria restarted entecavir or tenofovir.

Results

Of the 57 patients, 29 remained without retreatment after median follow‐up of 65 months (range: 36‐87) following treatment discontinuation. At 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, cumulative rates of retreatment were 16%, 20%, 32%, 35%, 46% and 50%, while the proportion of patients with HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL and ALT < ULN were 73%, 60%, 52%, 52%, 47% and 37% respectively. All patients had virological and biochemical response after retreatment. No patient developed liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma or death. Cumulative rates of HBsAg loss were 2%, 4%, 7%, 10% and 20% at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. HBsAg levels < 100 IU/mL at the end of NA treatment could predict HBsAg loss (P = .001).

Conclusions

Our study supports that NA therapy can be safely stopped in non‐cirrhotic patients with HBeAg‐negative CHB. Over a median follow‐up of more than 5 years, half of the patients remained without retreatment with a substantial proportion of them achieving functional cure.
Inhibitory effect of exogenous IL‐4 on orthodontic relapse in rats
Authors: Wu Minting , Liu Jing
Published: December 2020

Objective

Interleukin‐4 is proven to regulate bone metabolism. This study aimed to assess the effect of exogenous interleukin‐4 on orthodontic relapse.

Materials and methods

Bilateral maxillary first molars of 25 male Sprague Dawley rats were moved mesially for 3 weeks using orthodontic appliances an activating force of 50 g. After tooth movement, exogenous interleukin‐4 was injected into the buccal and palatine sides of the right maxillary first molars (experimental group), and phosphate‐buffered saline was injected at the same sites on the left side (negative control group). At the end of the study, the relapse distance between the mesial fissure of the first molar and the distal fissure of the second molar was measured. Three different histological stains were used to visualize the changes in the periodontium.

Results

After interleukin‐4 injection, the relapse distance significantly reduced. Time‐dependent effects played a more important role than the dose‐dependent effects, and there was no correlation between these factors. Tissue staining showed that interleukin‐4 reduced osteoclastogenesis and promoted osteoblastogenesis.

Conclusion

Exogenous interleukin‐4 reduced the relapse of orthodontically treated teeth by promoting osteoblastogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Our findings can potentially benefit specialists in the future by improving their patients' treatment outcomes.
Catheter ablation of arrhythmias in some European countries: Toy or tool?
Authors: Toniolo Mauro
Published: December 2020

In the last decades, catheter ablation of arrhythmias is rapidly evolving in Europe. Despite the high number of procedures performed, in some European countries, both the organization of the electrophysiology labs and the training of clinical electrophysiologists are still not completely effective and not in line with the standard recommendations of National Electrophysiology Societies. For these reasons, it is probably desirable for arrhythmia sections to become independent units in order to assure high quality and safety standards.
Immunosuppressive therapy in childhood‐onset arrhythmogenic inflammatory cardiomyopathy
Authors: Peretto Giovanni , Barzaghi Federica , Cicalese Maria Pia , Di Resta Chiara , Slavich Massimo , Benedetti Sara , Giangiobbe Sara , Rizzo Stefania , Palmisano Anna , Esposito Antonio , De Cobelli Francesco , Gulletta Simone , Basso Cristina , Casari Giorgio , Aiuti Alessandro , Della Bella Paolo , Sala Simone
Published: December 2020

We present, to our knowledge, the first case of immunosuppressive therapy (IST) application in a 12‐year‐old child with arrhythmogenic inflammatory cardiomyopathy resulting from the overlap between autoimmune myocarditis and primary arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Indication to off‐lable IST was compelling, because of recurrent drug‐refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). We show that IST was feasible, safe, and effective on multiple clinical endpoints, including symptoms, VA recurrences, and T‐troponin release. Remarkably, all diagnostic and therapeutic strategies were worked out by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, including specialized pediatric immunologists.
Effect of a restrictive pacemaker implantation strategy on mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Schoechlin Simon , Minners Jan , Jadidi Amir , Abduljalil Fares , Ruile Philip , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Arentz Thomas
Published: December 2020

Objectives

We sought to assess the safety of a restrictive permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) strategy after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as compared to a liberal strategy.

Background

Conduction disturbances resulting in PPI are common after TAVI. However, conduction disturbances may be transient and PPI may be superfluous in some patients.

Methods

Until August 2015, we performed PPI in all patients with new complete left bundle branch block (LBBB, QRS > 120 milliseconds) or higher degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks (liberal strategy). From September 2015 onwards, LBBB established an indication for PPI only in the presence of new‐onset AV block (PQ > 200 milliseconds) (restrictive strategy). We analyzed the impact of the restrictive strategy on pacemaker implantation rate, duration of hospital stay, and 1‐year mortality.

Results

Between January 2014 and December 2016, 383 consecutive, pacemaker‐naive patients underwent TAVI with the liberal PPI strategy and subsequently 384 with the restrictive strategy. The restrictive strategy significantly reduced the percentage of patients undergoing PPI before discharge (17.2% vs. 38.1%, p < .001) and length of hospital stay (intensive care unit 52 ± 55 vs. 60 ± 52 hours, p < .001; general ward 10.6 ± 5.7 vs. 11.5 ± 5.7 days, p = .001). One‐year all‐cause mortality was not significantly different between groups (14.1% vs. 11.7%, log‐rank p = .28). However, sudden death was more frequent in the restrictive group (3.4% vs. 1.3%, log‐rank p = .049).

Conclusions

As compared to a liberal indication for PPI, a restrictive indication reduced PPI rate and length of hospital stay without significantly affecting all‐cause mortality. The observed increase in the risk of sudden death with the restrictive PPI indication deserves further investigation.
Morphological reproductive characteristics of testes and fertilization capacity of cryopreserved sperm after the Fukushima accident in raccoon (Procyon lotor)
Authors: Komatsu Kazuki , Iwasaki Tsugumi , Murata Kosuke , Yamashiro Hideaki , Goh Valerie Swee Ting , Nakayama Ryo , Fujishima Yohei , Ono Takumi , Kino Yasushi , Simizu Yoshinaka , Takahashi Atsushi , Shinoda Hisashi , Ariyoshi Kentaro , Kasai Kosuke , Suzuki Masatoshi , Palmerini Maria Grazia , Belli Manuel , Macchiarelli Guido , Oka Toshitaka , Fukumoto Manabu , Yoshida Mitsuaki A. , Nakata Akifumi , Miura Tomisato
Published: December 2020

Since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, we have established an archive system of livestock and wild animals from the surrounding ex‐evacuation zone. Wildlife within the alert zone have been exposed to low‐dose‐rate (LDR) radiation for a long continuous time. In this study, we analysed the morphological characteristics of the testes and in vitro fertilization (IVF) capacity of cryopreserved sperm of racoons from the ex‐evacuation zone of the FDNPP accident. The radioactivity of caesium‐137 (137Cs) was measured by gamma‐ray spectrometry, and the measured radioactivity concentration was 300–6,630 Bq/kg in the Fukushima raccoons. Notably, normal spermatogenesis was observed in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, with the germinal epithelium composed of a spermatogenic cell lineage with no evident ultrastructural alterations; freeze‐thawing sperm penetration ability was confirmed using the interspecific zona pellucida‐free mouse oocytes IVF assays. This study revealed that the chronic and LDR radiation exposure associated with the FDNPP accident had no adverse effect on the reproductive characteristics and functions of male raccoons.
A design process for developing agricultural life science‐focused model eliciting activities
Authors: Bostic Jonathan D. , Clark Quintana M. , Vo Tina , Esters Levon T. , Knoblach Neil A.
Published: December 2020

Agricultural life science topics include but are not limited to (1) agriculture and the environment, (2) culture, society, and economy, and (3) energy. These topics have potential to come up during mathematics and science instruction and offer learning opportunities. One way for agricultural life science topics to be part of such instruction is through tasks that encourage problem solving. Model‐eliciting activities (MEAs) are tasks that promote problem solving, draw upon real‐life experiences, and have potential to engage in learning across multiple disciplines. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe a qualitative, exploratory multiple case study. It answers the research question: What are important design features when developing Agricultural Life Science MEAs? Results from this study provide a viable roadmap as an approach to develop MEAs that address Agricultural Life Science issues. This roadmap includes six stages: problem identification, assessing developmental readiness, identifying potential engagement in the MEA, considering pedagogical supports, practitioner reviews, and finally field testing.
Functional studies of CpSRP54 in diatoms show that the mechanism of thylakoid protein insertion differs from that in plants and green algae
Authors: Nymark Marianne , Grønbech Hafskjold Marthe Caroline , Volpe Charlotte , Fonseca Davi de Miranda , Sharma Animesh , Tsirvouli Eirini , Serif Manuel , Winge Per , Finazzi Giovanni , Bones Atle Magnar
Published: December 2020

The chloroplast signal recognition particle 54 kDa (CpSRP54) protein is a member of the CpSRP pathway known to target proteins to thylakoid membranes in plants and green algae. Loss of CpSRP54 in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum lowers the accumulation of a selection of chloroplast‐encoded subunits of photosynthetic complexes, indicating a role in the co‐translational part of the CpSRP pathway. In contrast to plants and green algae, absence of CpSRP54 does not have a negative effect on the content of light‐harvesting antenna complex proteins and pigments in P. tricornutum, indicating that the diatom CpSRP54 protein has not evolved to function in the post‐translational part of the CpSRP pathway. Cpsrp54 KO mutants display altered photophysiological responses, with a stronger induction of photoprotective mechanisms and lower growth rates compared to wild type when exposed to increased light intensities. Nonetheless, their phenotype is relatively mild, thanks to the activation of mechanisms alleviating the loss of CpSRP54, involving upregulation of chaperones. We conclude that plants, green algae, and diatoms have evolved differences in the pathways for co‐translational and post‐translational insertion of proteins into the thylakoid membranes.
Reducing margins for abdominopelvic tumours in dogs: Impact on dose‐coverage and normal tissue complication probability
Authors: Meier Valeria , Staudinger Chris , Radonic Stephan , Besserer Jürgen , Schneider Uwe , Walsh Linda , Rohrer Bley Carla
Published: December 2020

Image‐guided, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IG‐IMRT) reduces dose to pelvic organs at risk without losing dose coverage to the planning target volume (PTV) and might permit margin reductions potentially resulting in lower toxicity. Appropriate PTV margins have not been established for IG‐IMRT in abdominopelvic tumours in dogs, and herein we explore if our usual PTV 5 mm margin can be reduced further. Datasets from dogs that underwent IG‐IMRT for non‐genitourinary abdominopelvic neoplasia with 5 mm‐PTV expansion were included in this retrospective virtual study. The clinical target volumes and organs at risk (OAR) colon, rectum, spinal cord were adapted to each co‐registered cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) used for positioning. New treatment plans were generated and smaller PTV margins of 3 mm and 4 mm evaluated with respect to adequate dose coverage and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) of OAR. Ten dogs with a total of 70 CBCTs were included. Doses to the OAR of each CBCT deviated mildly from the originally planned doses. In some plans, insufficient build‐up of the high dose‐area at the body surface was found due to inadequate or missing bolus placement. Overall, the margin reduction to 4 mm or 3 mm did not impair dose coverage and led to significantly lower NTCP in all OAR except for spinal cord delayed myelopathy. However, overall NTCP for spinal cord was very low (<4%). PTV‐margins depend on patient immobilization and treatment technique and accuracy. IG‐IMRT allows treatment with very small margins in the abdominopelvic region, ensuring appropriate target dose coverage, while minimizing NTCP.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: December 2020

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 1 Andrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelAyoub Taha Sidahmed, SIU, SudanDilshodjon Rakhmonov, Tashkent State University of Economics, UzbekistanDimitrios Koumparoulis, University of the People, USADjebali Nesrine, University of Jendouba, TunisiaDyah Wulan Sari, Airlangga University, IndonesiaFarhat Iqbal, University of Balochistan, PakistanHedieh Shadmani, Fairfield University, USAIan McFarlane, University of Reading, UKKembo Bwana, College of Business Education, TanzaniaMahmoud Mohammed Sabra, Al Azhar University-Gaza, PalestineMamdouh Abdelmoula M. Abdelsalam, Minufiya University, EgyptMarco Mele, University of Teramo, ItalyMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyMojeed Idowu John Odumeso-Jimoh, Noble Integrated Resources & Management, NigeriaNuno Crespo, ISCTE-IUL, PortugalOlena Sokolovska, St. Petersburg State University, RussiaRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, RomaniaRichard Nguyen, Alliant International University, USARomeo Victor Ionescu, Dunarea de Jos University, RomaniaShahram Fattahi, Razi University, IranSherry Jensen, Florida Institute of Technology, USASzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaY. Saidi, M’sila University, Algeria Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
The Dimensions of Nationalism: A Case Study of the U.S. in the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Sun Yixiao
Published: December 2020

This article seeks a new understanding of nationalism theory by comparing the historical evolution of American and Chinese nationalism, analyzing the cosmopolitan origins of the two nations in different historical contexts. Although modern American and Chinese nation were born in different time and space, their nationalism has a similarly ideological origin which can be traced back to universal ideal based on regionally cultural community. Different with American nationalism that cut off the cosmopolitan traditions of Atlantic Republic of Letters, using localism of evangelical ideology as a national binder, modern Chinese nationalism was born in the collapse of traditional Tian-xia state, under the  pressure from European nation-states theory based on national model from Atlantic world in the late of nineteenth century.
The presence of effusions between the volar plate of the proximal interphalangeal joint and the flexor digitorum tendon is a common phenomenon: a single-center, cross sectional study
Authors: Xue Leixi , Zhang Yi , Yan Dong , Fu Jinxiang , Liu Zhichun
Published: December 2020

Aim: In clinical practice, an anechoic signal was often exhibited between the volar plate (VP) of the proximal interphalan-geal joint (PIPJ) (PIPJVP) and the flexor digitorum tendon (FDT) on ultrasound, which suggests the presence of effusions (PIPJVP-FDT effusions). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PIPJVP-FDT effusions and to explore the possible mechanism preliminarily. Material and methods: A single-center, cross sectional study in hand osteoarthritis (HOA) patients, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy controls was conducted. Ultrasound examination was per-formed by the same real-time scanner with 18-MHz linear array transducer. Bilateral interphalangeal joints (IPJs) of the thumb, 2ed, 3rd, 4th and 5th PIPJs were examined. The PIPJVP-FDT effusions was defined as an anechoic signal between the PIPJVP and FDT in two perpendicular ultrasound planes. Results: In total, 200 patients with HOA, 78 patients with RA and 101 healthy controls were eligible for the study. 37.6% of healthy controls and 35.0% of HOA patients showed PIPJVP-FDT effusions, while only 11.5% of RA patients had PIPJVP-FDT effusions (p<0.001). The 2ed, 3rdand 4th PIPJs showed more PIPJVP-FDT effusions, while the IPJs of the thumbs and 5th PIPJs showed less PIPJVP-FDT effusions (p<0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence of PIPJVP-FDT effusions in different age groups were similar in HOA patients and healthy controls. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to demonstrate that the presence of PIPJVP-FDT effusions is a very common phenomenon in HOA patients and healthy individuals, and may be unrelated to inflammation, degeneration and age.
Sildenafil tablet analyzed by XPS
Authors: Rodriguez-Pereira Jhonatan , Rincón-Ortiz Sergio A. , Ospina Rogelio
Published: December 2020

Sildenafil tablet was analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Sample was fixed to a stainless-steel sample holder with a copper double-sided adhesive tape. Survey spectrum, C 1s, O 1s, N 1s, S 2p, Si 2p, Mg 1s, and Na 1s core levels spectra were acquired. Results showed the presence of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, elements that constitute sildenafil; however, carbon and oxygen are also found in other ingredients (excipients). Additionally, the presence of silicon, sodium, and magnesium is associated with excipients.