This study addresses the link between social media use and pro-environmental civic participation considering the moderating effect of social media affordances (public realm) on one hand, and lifestyle behaviors and cl...This study addresses the link between social media use and pro-environmental civic participation considering the moderating effect of social media affordances (public realm) on one hand, and lifestyle behaviors and climate change experiences (personal realm) on the other. We combine communication theory and behavioral models and using a sample of USA individuals (N = 7225) based on the American Trends Panel to predict variations in pro-environmental behavior. We show that social networks rather than information are more effective in predicting pro-environmental behavior. Moreover, a pro-environmental lifestyle as well as climate change experiences at the community level increase the likelihood for pro-environmental participation. However, affordances related to socioeconomic variations generate variations to pro-environmental civic participation. We conclude that in order to capture the depth of pro-environmental civic participation, it is necessary to theoretically and empirically bridge between private and public expressions of pro-environmental awareness.展开更多
Introduction: Cardiovascular disease represents a major public health burden worldwide. Research and management of risk factors contribute to the prevention of these diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the p...Introduction: Cardiovascular disease represents a major public health burden worldwide. Research and management of risk factors contribute to the prevention of these diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in the biochemistry unit of the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital (CHUP-CDG) in Ouagadougou. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. Patients of all ages who performed a lipid panel in the CHUP-CDG biochemistry unit during the study period have been included. Results: A total of 2872 patients have been included. The mean age of the study population was 27.72 ± 19.51 years and the M/F sex ratio was 0.81. Among the patients, 22.84% had at least one dyslipidemia. The prevalences of hypercholesterolemia, hypo-HDL cholesterolemia and hyper-LDL cholesterolemia were 11.57%, 49.19% and 57.50% respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia were present in 9.04% and 2.08% of patients. Hypercholesterolemia was significantly more frequent in the female sex (p = 0.0077);hyper-LDL cholesterolemia (p = 0.0255) and mixed hyperlipidemia (p Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of dyslipidemia in the study indicates a worrying situation. It would therefore appear essential to extend the search for risk factors nationwide, particularly those that can be modified, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality linked to cardiovascular disease.展开更多
The effect of Capsicum annuum and Strophantus hispidus formulations was evaluated on Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. The formulations were obtained from the crude total extracts of C. annuum;S. hispidus and the adjuvant...The effect of Capsicum annuum and Strophantus hispidus formulations was evaluated on Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. The formulations were obtained from the crude total extracts of C. annuum;S. hispidus and the adjuvant previously developed. The formulations were prepared according to three concentrations of extracts of each plant species (low, medium and high). These concentrations were calculated on the basis of 1.5 mg/mL of each formulation causing 18% and 15% mortality respectively in Ceratitis cosyra within 72 h. The effect of the formulations on D. longicaudata was tested using a Fisher block design with 8 treatments (C. annuum (3.75;7.5;12.5 g/L);S. hispidus (4.5;9;15 g/L);Success bait 2.4 g/L;control) and 5 replicates. For each formulation, 1.5 mL was poured into a vial containing 0.25 g of cotton. Then 20 adults of the parasitoid were added and the whole was covered with muslin and held in place with rubber bands. The parasitoids were examined after 24 and 72 hours, and those that did not react to the touch of a fine brush were considered dead. The results showed a difference between the treatments. After 24 hours of exposure, the parasitoid showed high mortality at the S. hispidus concentrations (15 g/L;4.5 g/L) followed by the Success bait. These concentrations resulted in mortality rates of 22.50% for S. hispidus and 20.50% for Success bait. After 72 h, low parasitoid mortality (35.81%) was obtained with 3.75 g/L C. annuum, but high mortality was observed with S. hispidus (59.95%;64.20%;57.15%) and Success bait (54.80%). The use of C. annuum formulations at 3.75 g/L could be recommended for conserving D. longicaudata in the nature.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of pegylated interferon α-2b(peg-IFNα-2b) plus ribavirin(RBV) therapy in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C(CHC) genotype Ib and a high viral load.METHODS:One hundred and twenty ...AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of pegylated interferon α-2b(peg-IFNα-2b) plus ribavirin(RBV) therapy in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C(CHC) genotype Ib and a high viral load.METHODS:One hundred and twenty CHC patients(58.3% male) who received peg-IFNα-2b plus RBV therapy for 48 wk were enrolled.Sustained virological response(SVR) and clinical parameters were evaluated.RESULTS:One hundred(83.3%) of 120 patients completed 48 wk of treatment.53 patients(44.3%) achieved SVR.Early virological response(EVR) and end of treatment response(ETR) rates were 50% and 73.3%,respectively.The clinical parameters(SVR vs non-SVR) associated with SVR,ALT(108.4 IU/L vs 74.5 IU/L,P = 0.063),EVR(76.4% vs 16.4%,P < 0.0001),adherence to peg-IFN(≥ 80% of planned dose) at week 12(48.1% vs 13.6%,P = 0.00036),adherence to peg-IFN at week 48(54.7% vs 16.2%,P < 0.0001) and adherence to RBV at week 48(56.1% vs 32.1%,P = 0.0102) were determined using univariate analysis,and EVR and adherence to peg-IFN at week 48 were determined using multivariate analysis.In the older patient group(> 56 years),SVR in females was significantly lower than that in males(17% vs 50%,P = 0.0262).EVR and adherence to Peg-IFN were demonstrated to be the main factors associated with SVR.CONCLUSION:Peg-IFNα-2b plus RBV combination therapy demonstrated good tolerability in Japanese patients with CHC and resulted in a SVR rate of 44.3%.Treatment of elderly female patients is still challenging and maintenance of adherence to peg-IFNα-2b is important in improving the SVR rate.展开更多
The journey to implement cancer genomic medicine(CGM)in oncology practice began in the 1980s,which is considered the dawn of genetic and genomic cancer research.At the time,a variety of activating oncogenic alteration...The journey to implement cancer genomic medicine(CGM)in oncology practice began in the 1980s,which is considered the dawn of genetic and genomic cancer research.At the time,a variety of activating oncogenic alterations and their functional significance were unveiled in cancer cells,which led to the development of molecular targeted therapies in the 2000s and beyond.Although CGM is still a relatively new discipline and it is difficult to predict to what extent CGM will benefit the diverse pool of cancer patients,the National Cancer Center(NCC)of Japan has already contributed considerably to CGM advancement for the conquest of cancer.Looking back at these past achievements of the NCC,we predict that the future of CGM will involve the following:1)A biobank of paired cancerous and non-cancerous tissues and cells from various cancer types and stages will be developed.The quantity and quality of these samples will be compatible with omics analyses.All biobank samples will be linked to longitudinal clinical information.2)New technologies,such as whole-genome sequencing and artificial intelligence,will be introduced and new bioresources for functional and pharmacologic analyses(e.g.,a patient-derived xenograft library)will be systematically deployed.3)Fast and bidirectional translational research(bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-bench)performed by basic researchers and clinical investigators,preferably working alongside each other at the same institution,will be implemented;4)Close collaborations between academia,industry,regulatory bodies,and funding agencies will be established.5)There will be an investment in the other branch of CGM,personalized preventive medicine,based on the individual's genetic predisposition to cancer.展开更多
Background: Examining the lives that mothers experience and build will allow us to deepen our understanding of children with ASD and their mothers and facilitate developing support methods. The study aimed to examine ...Background: Examining the lives that mothers experience and build will allow us to deepen our understanding of children with ASD and their mothers and facilitate developing support methods. The study aimed to examine the lives of mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and investigate their sources of support. Method: We conducted a qualitative inductive study using semi-structured interviews to identify characteristics of the lives that mothers have created. Results: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers having children with ASD. The analysis comprised three stages of coding and yielded eight categories. The lives of these mothers contained three themes: preoccupation with parenting children with ASD and their siblings;evolving mother;and using social resources. Mothers engaged in “assessing the characteristics, growth, and changes in the child with ASD”, had a “preoccupation with parenting children with ASD”, and were “thinking about the future of the child with ASD”, and “having goals and plans for parenting” while having “consideration toward the child’s siblings”. During this process, mothers experienced “changes in perspective or approach” and created lifestyles while “receiving help from people around them” and engaged in the “use of social resources”. Conclusions: To avoid becoming preoccupied with parenting and being burdened by their lifestyle, mothers require social support to monitor their perceptions. Furthermore, the utilization of social resources requires the supporting individuals to understand the characteristics of children with ASD, provide appropriate information, and assist in decision-making.展开更多
Cancer statistics in Japan Cancer is the most common cause of death in Japan based on Statistics 2021~1.Since statistics were first gathered,infectious diseases,such as tuberculosis,and cerebrovascular disease have be...Cancer statistics in Japan Cancer is the most common cause of death in Japan based on Statistics 2021~1.Since statistics were first gathered,infectious diseases,such as tuberculosis,and cerebrovascular disease have been the main causes of death in Japan.Cancer surpassed cerebrovascular disease as the main cause of death in 1981,and the number of cancer deaths has increased.Approximately 38,000 people died of cancer in 2021.The National Cancer Center(NCC)reported that the 5-year survival rate for patients with cancer was improving(62%for males and 66.9%for females)in a population-based cancer registry.展开更多
Bead-on-plate friction stir welds were made on P91 alloy with low and high rotational speeds(100 and 1000 RPM) to study their effects on weld microstructural changes and impression creep behavior. Temperatures experie...Bead-on-plate friction stir welds were made on P91 alloy with low and high rotational speeds(100 and 1000 RPM) to study their effects on weld microstructural changes and impression creep behavior. Temperatures experienced by the stir zone were recorded at the weld tool tip. Different zones of welds were characterized for their microstructural changes, hardness and creep behavior(by impression creep tests). The results were compared with submerged arc fusion weld. Studies revealed that the stir zone temperature with 100 RPM was well below A_(c1) temperature of P91 steel while it was above A_(c3) with 1000 RPM. The results suggest that the microstructural degradation in P91 welds can be controlled by low temperature friction stir welding technique.展开更多
RNA interference is a promising therapeutical approach presently hindered by delivery concerns such as rapid RNA degradation and targeting of individual tissues.Injectable hydrogels are one potentially simple and dire...RNA interference is a promising therapeutical approach presently hindered by delivery concerns such as rapid RNA degradation and targeting of individual tissues.Injectable hydrogels are one potentially simple and direct route towards overcoming these barriers.Here we report on the utility of a combination of a mildly modified form of the clinically utilised fibrin hydrogel with Invivofectamine^(■)3.0,a lipid nonviral transfection vector,for local and sustained release.PEGylation of fibrin allowed for controlled release of small interfering RNA(siRNA)-lipopolyplexes for at least 10 days and greatly increased the stability of fibrin in vitro and in vivo.A 3D cell culture model and a release study showed transfection efficacy of siRNA-lipopolyplexes was retained for a minimum of 7 days.Injection in conjunction with PEGylated-fibrinogen significantly increased retention of siRNA-lipopolyplexes in mouse skeletal muscle and enhanced knockdown of myostatin mRNA that correlated with muscle growth.Thus,the increased efficacy observed here for the combination of a lipid nanoparticle,the only type of nonviral vector approved for the clinic,with fibrin,might allow for more rapid translation of injectable hydrogel-based RNA interference.展开更多
Climate researches predict that climate change will have an important impact on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, many fishermen do not have a lot of knowledge about climate change or how it might affect th...Climate researches predict that climate change will have an important impact on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, many fishermen do not have a lot of knowledge about climate change or how it might affect their fish catch yields and overall fishing operations in the future. The objective of this study was to assess local fishermen’s perception of global change on the ichthyofauna of the Volta Basin in Burkina Faso. Focus group interviews were conducted between March 2019 and July 2020 in 19 reservoirs of the Volta Basin. A total of 242 fishermen divided into 34 groups participated in the interviews. The results showed that fishermen are aware of climatic and anthropogenic threats to fish fauna. According to them, these global changes lead to important modifications in the structure of the ichthyofauna ranging from seasonal mortality of fish (Mormyridae) to the extinction of certain species such as those of the genera <em>Lates, Hydrocynus and Heterotis</em>. These changes also lead to a loss of fish habitat through silting and lower water levels in the reservoirs. Statistical analysis of the collected data showed that the main factors threatening the structure and dynamics of fish are mainly agriculture and market gardening around the dam lakes, the temperature increase and the trend of decreasing rainfall. Thus, the main pressures responsible for the mortality and/or extinction of fish are market gardening pollution (100%), bad fishing practices (63.15%) and high temperatures (47.5%). As for adaptation measures and management strategies, the most important were training and sensitization of stakeholders (78.94% of citations) followed by fish stocking (21.05%). This endogenous knowledge is important for the development of climate change adaptation programs.展开更多
Nowadays, the DC distribution system has been suggested, as a replacement for the AC power distribution system with electric propulsion. This idea signifies a fresh approach of issuing energy for low-voltage installat...Nowadays, the DC distribution system has been suggested, as a replacement for the AC power distribution system with electric propulsion. This idea signifies a fresh approach of issuing energy for low-voltage installations. It can be used for any electrical application up to 20 MW and works at a nominal voltage of 1000 V DC. The DC distribution system is just an extension of the multiple DC links that previously available in all propulsion and thruster drives, which typically comprise more than 80% of the electrical power consumption on electric propulsion vessels. A fault detection and islanding scheme for DC grid connected PV system is presented in this paper. Unlike traditional ac distribution systems, protection has been challenging for dc systems. The goals of this paper are to classify and detect the fault in the PV system as well as DC grid and to isolate the faulted section so that the system keeps operating without disabling the entire system. The results show the measured values of power at PV panel and DC grid side under different fault condition, which indicates the type of fault that occurs in the system.展开更多
We have experienced three inverted Meckel’s diverticula with ileus that are diagnosed before surgery and treated with laparoscopic surgery. The patients were 22, 26, and 29 years of age. The history of ileus for each...We have experienced three inverted Meckel’s diverticula with ileus that are diagnosed before surgery and treated with laparoscopic surgery. The patients were 22, 26, and 29 years of age. The history of ileus for each patient differed, being the first experience for one patient, the second for another, and the third experience for the remaining patient. None of these patients had a history of abdominal surgery. Conservative therapy eventually improved the existing symptoms, but the cause of past ileus remained unclear. Elective surgery was performed 12 days from the onset of symptoms on two of the patients after improving the ileus by inserting a long tube into the bowel. Emergency surgery was performed on the same day of admission on the remaining case that involved moderate expansion of intestine. In these patients, the first trocar was inserted into the umbilicus region. Laparoscopic surgery was then performed with three trocars. The patients were discharged upon favorable outcome after surgery. No recurrence of ileus was noted post-surgery. Laparoscopy was useful both to diagnose and treat ileus of a Meckel’s diverticulum.展开更多
NaPi-IIb is a multiple passage protein membrane which is primarily responsible for phosphate uptake in the kidney and in the small intestine. Beyond its physiological functions, their involvement with carcinogenesis w...NaPi-IIb is a multiple passage protein membrane which is primarily responsible for phosphate uptake in the kidney and in the small intestine. Beyond its physiological functions, their involvement with carcinogenesis was initially described in mid-2003, due to its distinct level of expression in normal and tumor cells of the ovary. Although less common than cervical cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer is considered the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, which is mainly due to diagnosis in the advanced stages as a result of the absence of symptoms during the onset of the disease and the lack of tools for early detection. Here, we produce antibodies that are anti-synthetic peptides that are derived from the regions of second extracellular loop of NaPi-IIb, which is a non-overlapping portion of MX35 epitope. These two 15 distinct amino acid residue peptides, designated as Let#1 and Let#2, are engineered in a very thorough way to detect specific sites only in this isoform, thus excluding cross-reactivity with other carriers of the same family. The lack of immunogenicity of small peptides is surpassed by the conjugation with carrier proteins. Using immunochemical methods, we demonstrate that polyclonal antibodies that are mono-specific for the Let#1 and Let#2 peptides recognize proteins that express similar amino acid sequences during blood circulation. Additionally, using flow cytometry, we identify NaPi-IIb in NIH:OVCAR-3 cells. The clear identification of two shorter peptides on the extracellular loop of NaPi-IIb, which are far from the monoclonal antibody MX35-recognizing epitopes, adds new promising tools for ovarian cancer follow-up and staging.展开更多
We fabricate photonic crystal slab microcavities embedded with GaAs quantum dots by electron beam lithography and droplet epitaxy. The Purcell effect of exciton emission of the quantum dots is confirmed by the micro p...We fabricate photonic crystal slab microcavities embedded with GaAs quantum dots by electron beam lithography and droplet epitaxy. The Purcell effect of exciton emission of the quantum dots is confirmed by the micro photoluminescence measurement. The resonance wavelengths, widths, and polarization are consistent with numerical simulation results.展开更多
BACKGROUND In patients with large stones in the common bile duct(CBD),advanced treatment modalities are generally needed.Here,we present an interesting case of a huge CBD stone treated with electrohydraulic lithotrips...BACKGROUND In patients with large stones in the common bile duct(CBD),advanced treatment modalities are generally needed.Here,we present an interesting case of a huge CBD stone treated with electrohydraulic lithotripsy(EHL)by the percutaneous approach and rendezvous endoscopic retrograde cholangiography(ERC)using a nasal endoscope.CASE SUMMARY A 91-year-old woman underwent ERC for a symptomatic large CBD stone with a diameter of 50 mm.She was referred to our institution after the failure of lithotomy by ERC,and after undergoing percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.We attempted to fragment the stone by transhepatic cholangioscopy using EHL.However,the stones were too large and partly soft clay-like for lithotripsy.Next,we attempted lithotomy with ERC and cholangioscopy by the rendezvous technique using a nasal endoscope and achieved complete lithotomy.No complication was observed at the end of this procedure.CONCLUSION Cholangioscopy by rendezvous technique using a nasal endoscope is a feasible and safe endoscopic method for removing huge CBD stones.展开更多
A microstructural simulation method is adopted to predict the location specific strain rates, temperatures, grain evolution, and accumulated strains in the Inconel 718 friction welds. Cellular automata based 2D micros...A microstructural simulation method is adopted to predict the location specific strain rates, temperatures, grain evolution, and accumulated strains in the Inconel 718 friction welds. Cellular automata based 2D microstructure model was developed for Inconel 718 alloy using theoretical aspects of dynamic recrystallization. Flow curves were simulated and compared with experimental results using hot deformation parameter obtained from literature work. Using validated model, simulations were performed for friction welds of Inconel 718 alloy generated at three rotational speed i.e., 1200, 1500, and1500 RPM. Results showed the increase in strain rates with increasing rotational speed. These simulated strain rates were found to match with the analytical results. Temperature difference of 150 K was noticed from center to edge of the weld. At all the rotational speeds, the temperature was identical implying steady state temperature(0.89 T_m) attainment.展开更多
Drug-drug interaction(DDI)is one of causes of adverse drug events and can result in lifethreatening consequences.Organic anion-transporting polypeptide(OATP)2B1 is a major uptake transporter in the intestine and contr...Drug-drug interaction(DDI)is one of causes of adverse drug events and can result in lifethreatening consequences.Organic anion-transporting polypeptide(OATP)2B1 is a major uptake transporter in the intestine and contributes to transport various clinically used therapeutic agents.The intestine has a high risk of DDI,because it has a special propensity to be exposed to a high concentration of drugs.Thus,understanding drug interaction mediated by OATP2B1 in the absorption process is important for the prevention of adverse drug events,including decrease in the therapeutic effect of co-administered drugs.Acute drug interaction occurs through the direct inhibitory effect on transporters,including OATP2B1.Moreover,some compounds such as clinically used drugs and food components have an acute stimulatory effect on transport of co-administered drugs by OATP2B1.This review summarizes the acute stimulatory effect on the transport mediated by OATP2B1 and discusses the mechanisms of the acute stimulatory effects of compounds.There are two types of acute stimulatory effects,substrate-independent and-dependent interactions on OATP2B1 function.The facilitating translocation of OATP2B1 to the plasma membrane is one of causes for the substrate-independent acute stimulatory effect.On the contrary,the substrate-dependent effect is based on the direct binding to the substrate-binding site or allosteric progesterone-binding site of OATP2B1.展开更多
A three-dimensional model of GaAs/A1GaAs quantum double rings in the lateral static electric field is investigated theoretically. The eigenvalue problem with the effective-mass approximation is solved by means of the ...A three-dimensional model of GaAs/A1GaAs quantum double rings in the lateral static electric field is investigated theoretically. The eigenvalue problem with the effective-mass approximation is solved by means of the finite-element method. The energy levels and wave functions of quantum-confined electrons and heavy holes are obtained and show an agreement with our previous theoretical and experimental studies. It is shown in the approximation of neglecting the Coulomb attraction between the electron and heavy hole that a relatively large Stark shift of exciton emission of 4 meV is attainable with an applied electric field of 0.7 kV/cm.展开更多
Titania nanotubular arrays （TNA） synthesized via electrochemical anodization is a stable and versatile material, widely studied for photocatalytic and sensing applications, whereas nano-sized gold particles are a kn...Titania nanotubular arrays （TNA） synthesized via electrochemical anodization is a stable and versatile material, widely studied for photocatalytic and sensing applications, whereas nano-sized gold particles are a known plasmonic material. Semiconductor-metal nanocomposites in isolated, embedded, or encapsulated form, when irradiated with proper light frequency can exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance （LSPR） effect. This effect can result in improved light adsorption and electrical properties of a material. In this study, we report the enhanced visible light photo-response of LSPR induced volatile organic biomarker vapor sensing at room temperature using a Au-embedded TNA electrochemical sensor. Two mechanisms are proposed. One based on classical physics （band theory）, which explains operation under non-irradiated conditions. The second mechanism is based on the coupling of classical and quantum physics （molecular orbitals）, and explains sensor operation under irradiated conditions.展开更多
文摘This study addresses the link between social media use and pro-environmental civic participation considering the moderating effect of social media affordances (public realm) on one hand, and lifestyle behaviors and climate change experiences (personal realm) on the other. We combine communication theory and behavioral models and using a sample of USA individuals (N = 7225) based on the American Trends Panel to predict variations in pro-environmental behavior. We show that social networks rather than information are more effective in predicting pro-environmental behavior. Moreover, a pro-environmental lifestyle as well as climate change experiences at the community level increase the likelihood for pro-environmental participation. However, affordances related to socioeconomic variations generate variations to pro-environmental civic participation. We conclude that in order to capture the depth of pro-environmental civic participation, it is necessary to theoretically and empirically bridge between private and public expressions of pro-environmental awareness.
文摘Introduction: Cardiovascular disease represents a major public health burden worldwide. Research and management of risk factors contribute to the prevention of these diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in the biochemistry unit of the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital (CHUP-CDG) in Ouagadougou. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. Patients of all ages who performed a lipid panel in the CHUP-CDG biochemistry unit during the study period have been included. Results: A total of 2872 patients have been included. The mean age of the study population was 27.72 ± 19.51 years and the M/F sex ratio was 0.81. Among the patients, 22.84% had at least one dyslipidemia. The prevalences of hypercholesterolemia, hypo-HDL cholesterolemia and hyper-LDL cholesterolemia were 11.57%, 49.19% and 57.50% respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia were present in 9.04% and 2.08% of patients. Hypercholesterolemia was significantly more frequent in the female sex (p = 0.0077);hyper-LDL cholesterolemia (p = 0.0255) and mixed hyperlipidemia (p Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of dyslipidemia in the study indicates a worrying situation. It would therefore appear essential to extend the search for risk factors nationwide, particularly those that can be modified, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality linked to cardiovascular disease.
文摘The effect of Capsicum annuum and Strophantus hispidus formulations was evaluated on Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. The formulations were obtained from the crude total extracts of C. annuum;S. hispidus and the adjuvant previously developed. The formulations were prepared according to three concentrations of extracts of each plant species (low, medium and high). These concentrations were calculated on the basis of 1.5 mg/mL of each formulation causing 18% and 15% mortality respectively in Ceratitis cosyra within 72 h. The effect of the formulations on D. longicaudata was tested using a Fisher block design with 8 treatments (C. annuum (3.75;7.5;12.5 g/L);S. hispidus (4.5;9;15 g/L);Success bait 2.4 g/L;control) and 5 replicates. For each formulation, 1.5 mL was poured into a vial containing 0.25 g of cotton. Then 20 adults of the parasitoid were added and the whole was covered with muslin and held in place with rubber bands. The parasitoids were examined after 24 and 72 hours, and those that did not react to the touch of a fine brush were considered dead. The results showed a difference between the treatments. After 24 hours of exposure, the parasitoid showed high mortality at the S. hispidus concentrations (15 g/L;4.5 g/L) followed by the Success bait. These concentrations resulted in mortality rates of 22.50% for S. hispidus and 20.50% for Success bait. After 72 h, low parasitoid mortality (35.81%) was obtained with 3.75 g/L C. annuum, but high mortality was observed with S. hispidus (59.95%;64.20%;57.15%) and Success bait (54.80%). The use of C. annuum formulations at 3.75 g/L could be recommended for conserving D. longicaudata in the nature.
基金Supported by A grant-in-aid from the Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare of Japan (Study Group of the Standard Antiviral Therapy for Viral Hepatitis)
文摘AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of pegylated interferon α-2b(peg-IFNα-2b) plus ribavirin(RBV) therapy in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C(CHC) genotype Ib and a high viral load.METHODS:One hundred and twenty CHC patients(58.3% male) who received peg-IFNα-2b plus RBV therapy for 48 wk were enrolled.Sustained virological response(SVR) and clinical parameters were evaluated.RESULTS:One hundred(83.3%) of 120 patients completed 48 wk of treatment.53 patients(44.3%) achieved SVR.Early virological response(EVR) and end of treatment response(ETR) rates were 50% and 73.3%,respectively.The clinical parameters(SVR vs non-SVR) associated with SVR,ALT(108.4 IU/L vs 74.5 IU/L,P = 0.063),EVR(76.4% vs 16.4%,P < 0.0001),adherence to peg-IFN(≥ 80% of planned dose) at week 12(48.1% vs 13.6%,P = 0.00036),adherence to peg-IFN at week 48(54.7% vs 16.2%,P < 0.0001) and adherence to RBV at week 48(56.1% vs 32.1%,P = 0.0102) were determined using univariate analysis,and EVR and adherence to peg-IFN at week 48 were determined using multivariate analysis.In the older patient group(> 56 years),SVR in females was significantly lower than that in males(17% vs 50%,P = 0.0262).EVR and adherence to Peg-IFN were demonstrated to be the main factors associated with SVR.CONCLUSION:Peg-IFNα-2b plus RBV combination therapy demonstrated good tolerability in Japanese patients with CHC and resulted in a SVR rate of 44.3%.Treatment of elderly female patients is still challenging and maintenance of adherence to peg-IFNα-2b is important in improving the SVR rate.
文摘The journey to implement cancer genomic medicine(CGM)in oncology practice began in the 1980s,which is considered the dawn of genetic and genomic cancer research.At the time,a variety of activating oncogenic alterations and their functional significance were unveiled in cancer cells,which led to the development of molecular targeted therapies in the 2000s and beyond.Although CGM is still a relatively new discipline and it is difficult to predict to what extent CGM will benefit the diverse pool of cancer patients,the National Cancer Center(NCC)of Japan has already contributed considerably to CGM advancement for the conquest of cancer.Looking back at these past achievements of the NCC,we predict that the future of CGM will involve the following:1)A biobank of paired cancerous and non-cancerous tissues and cells from various cancer types and stages will be developed.The quantity and quality of these samples will be compatible with omics analyses.All biobank samples will be linked to longitudinal clinical information.2)New technologies,such as whole-genome sequencing and artificial intelligence,will be introduced and new bioresources for functional and pharmacologic analyses(e.g.,a patient-derived xenograft library)will be systematically deployed.3)Fast and bidirectional translational research(bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-bench)performed by basic researchers and clinical investigators,preferably working alongside each other at the same institution,will be implemented;4)Close collaborations between academia,industry,regulatory bodies,and funding agencies will be established.5)There will be an investment in the other branch of CGM,personalized preventive medicine,based on the individual's genetic predisposition to cancer.
文摘Background: Examining the lives that mothers experience and build will allow us to deepen our understanding of children with ASD and their mothers and facilitate developing support methods. The study aimed to examine the lives of mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and investigate their sources of support. Method: We conducted a qualitative inductive study using semi-structured interviews to identify characteristics of the lives that mothers have created. Results: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers having children with ASD. The analysis comprised three stages of coding and yielded eight categories. The lives of these mothers contained three themes: preoccupation with parenting children with ASD and their siblings;evolving mother;and using social resources. Mothers engaged in “assessing the characteristics, growth, and changes in the child with ASD”, had a “preoccupation with parenting children with ASD”, and were “thinking about the future of the child with ASD”, and “having goals and plans for parenting” while having “consideration toward the child’s siblings”. During this process, mothers experienced “changes in perspective or approach” and created lifestyles while “receiving help from people around them” and engaged in the “use of social resources”. Conclusions: To avoid becoming preoccupied with parenting and being burdened by their lifestyle, mothers require social support to monitor their perceptions. Furthermore, the utilization of social resources requires the supporting individuals to understand the characteristics of children with ASD, provide appropriate information, and assist in decision-making.
文摘Cancer statistics in Japan Cancer is the most common cause of death in Japan based on Statistics 2021~1.Since statistics were first gathered,infectious diseases,such as tuberculosis,and cerebrovascular disease have been the main causes of death in Japan.Cancer surpassed cerebrovascular disease as the main cause of death in 1981,and the number of cancer deaths has increased.Approximately 38,000 people died of cancer in 2021.The National Cancer Center(NCC)reported that the 5-year survival rate for patients with cancer was improving(62%for males and 66.9%for females)in a population-based cancer registry.
文摘Bead-on-plate friction stir welds were made on P91 alloy with low and high rotational speeds(100 and 1000 RPM) to study their effects on weld microstructural changes and impression creep behavior. Temperatures experienced by the stir zone were recorded at the weld tool tip. Different zones of welds were characterized for their microstructural changes, hardness and creep behavior(by impression creep tests). The results were compared with submerged arc fusion weld. Studies revealed that the stir zone temperature with 100 RPM was well below A_(c1) temperature of P91 steel while it was above A_(c3) with 1000 RPM. The results suggest that the microstructural degradation in P91 welds can be controlled by low temperature friction stir welding technique.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of South Africa(93550)International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology(CRP/ZAF14-01)the South African Medical Research Council(416007).
文摘RNA interference is a promising therapeutical approach presently hindered by delivery concerns such as rapid RNA degradation and targeting of individual tissues.Injectable hydrogels are one potentially simple and direct route towards overcoming these barriers.Here we report on the utility of a combination of a mildly modified form of the clinically utilised fibrin hydrogel with Invivofectamine^(■)3.0,a lipid nonviral transfection vector,for local and sustained release.PEGylation of fibrin allowed for controlled release of small interfering RNA(siRNA)-lipopolyplexes for at least 10 days and greatly increased the stability of fibrin in vitro and in vivo.A 3D cell culture model and a release study showed transfection efficacy of siRNA-lipopolyplexes was retained for a minimum of 7 days.Injection in conjunction with PEGylated-fibrinogen significantly increased retention of siRNA-lipopolyplexes in mouse skeletal muscle and enhanced knockdown of myostatin mRNA that correlated with muscle growth.Thus,the increased efficacy observed here for the combination of a lipid nanoparticle,the only type of nonviral vector approved for the clinic,with fibrin,might allow for more rapid translation of injectable hydrogel-based RNA interference.
文摘Climate researches predict that climate change will have an important impact on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, many fishermen do not have a lot of knowledge about climate change or how it might affect their fish catch yields and overall fishing operations in the future. The objective of this study was to assess local fishermen’s perception of global change on the ichthyofauna of the Volta Basin in Burkina Faso. Focus group interviews were conducted between March 2019 and July 2020 in 19 reservoirs of the Volta Basin. A total of 242 fishermen divided into 34 groups participated in the interviews. The results showed that fishermen are aware of climatic and anthropogenic threats to fish fauna. According to them, these global changes lead to important modifications in the structure of the ichthyofauna ranging from seasonal mortality of fish (Mormyridae) to the extinction of certain species such as those of the genera <em>Lates, Hydrocynus and Heterotis</em>. These changes also lead to a loss of fish habitat through silting and lower water levels in the reservoirs. Statistical analysis of the collected data showed that the main factors threatening the structure and dynamics of fish are mainly agriculture and market gardening around the dam lakes, the temperature increase and the trend of decreasing rainfall. Thus, the main pressures responsible for the mortality and/or extinction of fish are market gardening pollution (100%), bad fishing practices (63.15%) and high temperatures (47.5%). As for adaptation measures and management strategies, the most important were training and sensitization of stakeholders (78.94% of citations) followed by fish stocking (21.05%). This endogenous knowledge is important for the development of climate change adaptation programs.
文摘Nowadays, the DC distribution system has been suggested, as a replacement for the AC power distribution system with electric propulsion. This idea signifies a fresh approach of issuing energy for low-voltage installations. It can be used for any electrical application up to 20 MW and works at a nominal voltage of 1000 V DC. The DC distribution system is just an extension of the multiple DC links that previously available in all propulsion and thruster drives, which typically comprise more than 80% of the electrical power consumption on electric propulsion vessels. A fault detection and islanding scheme for DC grid connected PV system is presented in this paper. Unlike traditional ac distribution systems, protection has been challenging for dc systems. The goals of this paper are to classify and detect the fault in the PV system as well as DC grid and to isolate the faulted section so that the system keeps operating without disabling the entire system. The results show the measured values of power at PV panel and DC grid side under different fault condition, which indicates the type of fault that occurs in the system.
文摘We have experienced three inverted Meckel’s diverticula with ileus that are diagnosed before surgery and treated with laparoscopic surgery. The patients were 22, 26, and 29 years of age. The history of ileus for each patient differed, being the first experience for one patient, the second for another, and the third experience for the remaining patient. None of these patients had a history of abdominal surgery. Conservative therapy eventually improved the existing symptoms, but the cause of past ileus remained unclear. Elective surgery was performed 12 days from the onset of symptoms on two of the patients after improving the ileus by inserting a long tube into the bowel. Emergency surgery was performed on the same day of admission on the remaining case that involved moderate expansion of intestine. In these patients, the first trocar was inserted into the umbilicus region. Laparoscopic surgery was then performed with three trocars. The patients were discharged upon favorable outcome after surgery. No recurrence of ileus was noted post-surgery. Laparoscopy was useful both to diagnose and treat ileus of a Meckel’s diverticulum.
文摘NaPi-IIb is a multiple passage protein membrane which is primarily responsible for phosphate uptake in the kidney and in the small intestine. Beyond its physiological functions, their involvement with carcinogenesis was initially described in mid-2003, due to its distinct level of expression in normal and tumor cells of the ovary. Although less common than cervical cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer is considered the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, which is mainly due to diagnosis in the advanced stages as a result of the absence of symptoms during the onset of the disease and the lack of tools for early detection. Here, we produce antibodies that are anti-synthetic peptides that are derived from the regions of second extracellular loop of NaPi-IIb, which is a non-overlapping portion of MX35 epitope. These two 15 distinct amino acid residue peptides, designated as Let#1 and Let#2, are engineered in a very thorough way to detect specific sites only in this isoform, thus excluding cross-reactivity with other carriers of the same family. The lack of immunogenicity of small peptides is surpassed by the conjugation with carrier proteins. Using immunochemical methods, we demonstrate that polyclonal antibodies that are mono-specific for the Let#1 and Let#2 peptides recognize proteins that express similar amino acid sequences during blood circulation. Additionally, using flow cytometry, we identify NaPi-IIb in NIH:OVCAR-3 cells. The clear identification of two shorter peptides on the extracellular loop of NaPi-IIb, which are far from the monoclonal antibody MX35-recognizing epitopes, adds new promising tools for ovarian cancer follow-up and staging.
基金supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education,Science,Sports,and Culture of Japan under Grant No.20340080.
文摘We fabricate photonic crystal slab microcavities embedded with GaAs quantum dots by electron beam lithography and droplet epitaxy. The Purcell effect of exciton emission of the quantum dots is confirmed by the micro photoluminescence measurement. The resonance wavelengths, widths, and polarization are consistent with numerical simulation results.
文摘BACKGROUND In patients with large stones in the common bile duct(CBD),advanced treatment modalities are generally needed.Here,we present an interesting case of a huge CBD stone treated with electrohydraulic lithotripsy(EHL)by the percutaneous approach and rendezvous endoscopic retrograde cholangiography(ERC)using a nasal endoscope.CASE SUMMARY A 91-year-old woman underwent ERC for a symptomatic large CBD stone with a diameter of 50 mm.She was referred to our institution after the failure of lithotomy by ERC,and after undergoing percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.We attempted to fragment the stone by transhepatic cholangioscopy using EHL.However,the stones were too large and partly soft clay-like for lithotripsy.Next,we attempted lithotomy with ERC and cholangioscopy by the rendezvous technique using a nasal endoscope and achieved complete lithotomy.No complication was observed at the end of this procedure.CONCLUSION Cholangioscopy by rendezvous technique using a nasal endoscope is a feasible and safe endoscopic method for removing huge CBD stones.
文摘A microstructural simulation method is adopted to predict the location specific strain rates, temperatures, grain evolution, and accumulated strains in the Inconel 718 friction welds. Cellular automata based 2D microstructure model was developed for Inconel 718 alloy using theoretical aspects of dynamic recrystallization. Flow curves were simulated and compared with experimental results using hot deformation parameter obtained from literature work. Using validated model, simulations were performed for friction welds of Inconel 718 alloy generated at three rotational speed i.e., 1200, 1500, and1500 RPM. Results showed the increase in strain rates with increasing rotational speed. These simulated strain rates were found to match with the analytical results. Temperature difference of 150 K was noticed from center to edge of the weld. At all the rotational speeds, the temperature was identical implying steady state temperature(0.89 T_m) attainment.
基金This review was in part supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS)Kakenhi grant number 19K21219.
文摘Drug-drug interaction(DDI)is one of causes of adverse drug events and can result in lifethreatening consequences.Organic anion-transporting polypeptide(OATP)2B1 is a major uptake transporter in the intestine and contributes to transport various clinically used therapeutic agents.The intestine has a high risk of DDI,because it has a special propensity to be exposed to a high concentration of drugs.Thus,understanding drug interaction mediated by OATP2B1 in the absorption process is important for the prevention of adverse drug events,including decrease in the therapeutic effect of co-administered drugs.Acute drug interaction occurs through the direct inhibitory effect on transporters,including OATP2B1.Moreover,some compounds such as clinically used drugs and food components have an acute stimulatory effect on transport of co-administered drugs by OATP2B1.This review summarizes the acute stimulatory effect on the transport mediated by OATP2B1 and discusses the mechanisms of the acute stimulatory effects of compounds.There are two types of acute stimulatory effects,substrate-independent and-dependent interactions on OATP2B1 function.The facilitating translocation of OATP2B1 to the plasma membrane is one of causes for the substrate-independent acute stimulatory effect.On the contrary,the substrate-dependent effect is based on the direct binding to the substrate-binding site or allosteric progesterone-binding site of OATP2B1.
基金supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education,Science,Sports,and Culture of Japan (No.20340080).
文摘A three-dimensional model of GaAs/A1GaAs quantum double rings in the lateral static electric field is investigated theoretically. The eigenvalue problem with the effective-mass approximation is solved by means of the finite-element method. The energy levels and wave functions of quantum-confined electrons and heavy holes are obtained and show an agreement with our previous theoretical and experimental studies. It is shown in the approximation of neglecting the Coulomb attraction between the electron and heavy hole that a relatively large Stark shift of exciton emission of 4 meV is attainable with an applied electric field of 0.7 kV/cm.
基金supported in part by NSF-STTR Award#IIP-13211530 subcontracted from Nano Synth Materials and Sensors LLC and Utah Government of Economic Development fundsSupport and facilities provided by the Dawn and Roger Crus Renewable Energy Center
文摘Titania nanotubular arrays （TNA） synthesized via electrochemical anodization is a stable and versatile material, widely studied for photocatalytic and sensing applications, whereas nano-sized gold particles are a known plasmonic material. Semiconductor-metal nanocomposites in isolated, embedded, or encapsulated form, when irradiated with proper light frequency can exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance （LSPR） effect. This effect can result in improved light adsorption and electrical properties of a material. In this study, we report the enhanced visible light photo-response of LSPR induced volatile organic biomarker vapor sensing at room temperature using a Au-embedded TNA electrochemical sensor. Two mechanisms are proposed. One based on classical physics （band theory）, which explains operation under non-irradiated conditions. The second mechanism is based on the coupling of classical and quantum physics （molecular orbitals）, and explains sensor operation under irradiated conditions.
