Search

In this paper, we propose a locomotion control method for a compliant legged robot from slow walking to fast running. We also examine the energy efficiency of the compliant legged robot controlled by the proposed locomotion control method. Experimentally, we obtain the robot running speed of about 4.3m/s with the initial compliant leg length of 0.1m. In addition, we obtain very good energy efficiency. In the best case, the mechanical cost of transport(Cmt), known as an energy efficiency measure, is obtained at about 0.2. Comparing with the other energy efficient robots, our robot exhibits very good energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Because apoptotic death plays a critical role in cardiomyocyte loss during ischaemic heart injury, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved is likely to have a substantial impact on the optimization and development of treatment strategies. The goal of this study was to assess gene profiling during ischaemia/hypoxia and to evaluate the functions of ischaemia/hypoxia-responsive genes in in vivo and in vitro ischaemia/hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis models. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although there is growing awareness of the beneficial potential of onion intake to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, there is little information about the effect of onion on ischemic heart injury, one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. This study investigates the effect of the methanol-soluble extract of onion on ischemic injury in heart-derived H9c2 cells in vitro and in rat hearts in vivo. The underlying mechanism is also investigated. To evaluate the effect of onion on ischemia-induced cell death, LDH release and TUNEL-positivity were assessed in H9c2 cells, and the infarct size was measured in a myocardial infarct model. To investigate the mechanism of the cardioprotection by onion, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were measured using an imaging technique; the caspase-3 activity was assayed, and Western blotting was performed to examine cytochrome c release in H9c2 cells. The methanolic extract of onion had a preventive effect on ischemia/hypoxia-induced apoptotic death in H9c2 cells in vitro and in rat heart in vivo. The onion extract (0.05 g/ml) inhibited the elevation of the ROS, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation during hypoxia in H9c2 cells. In the in vivo rat myocardial infarction model, onion extract (10 g/kg) significantly reduced the infarct size, the apoptotic cell death of the heart and the plasma MDA level. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the methanolic extract of onion attenuates ischemia/hypoxia-induced apoptosis in heart-derived H9c2 cells in vitro and in rat hearts in vivo, through, at least in part, an antioxidant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the effects of the perovskite system substitution in a ceramic system on structure formation, crystallographic aspects and dielectric properties. Developed phases in the B-site precursor and perovskite systems studied by X-ray diffraction; Changing rates of the lattice parameter; Diffuse phase transition behavior.

Abstract Excessive clotting or abnormal platelet accumulation can lead to serious cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, stroke, and thrombosis. Therefore, it is imperative to identify compounds capable of controlling or impeding platelet aggregation to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Arteanoflavone, a compound extracted from Artemisia iwayomogi, has not garnered scientific recognition for its potential health benefits, recent studies have substantiated its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties. However, the precise mechanisms by which arteanoflavone influences platelet aggregation and blood clot formation have not been conclusively established. This research investigates arteanoflavone’s role in these processes, particularly in platelets induced by collagen. The study reveals a significant increase in the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) correlating with the administered dosage of arteanoflavone. Concurrently, a noticeable escalation is observed in substrates of cAMP-dependent kinase and cGMP-dependent kinase, specifically VASP and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). Arteanoflavone demonstrates its ability to limit Ca2+ movement in the dense tubular system through IP3R phosphorylation. Moreover, phosphorylated VASP inhibits the binding of fibrinogen to αIIb/β3, thus suppressing platelet activity. Arteanoflavone also stimulates the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt, a protein linked to platelet granule release, and MAPK (ERK, JNK, and p38) protein, associated with both platelet granule release and TXA2 production. Lastly, arteanoflavone impedes collagen-induced platelet aggregation and blood clot formation by inhibiting fibrin production in thrombin-induced platelets. Hence, it is suggested that arteanoflavone could be valuable as an agent that effectively deters platelet inhibition and blood clot formation through antiplatelet mechanisms.

Introduction: This study hypothesized that changes in the elasticity of the quadriceps and patellar tendons before and after the diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy would correlate with the range of motion (ROM) following conservative treatment. We aimed to prospectively assess post-treatment ROM using multinomial logistic regression, incorporating elasticity measurements obtained via shear wave elastography (SWE). Materials and Methods: From March 2023 to April 2024, 95 patients (86 men; aged 20–45 years, mean 25.62 ± 5.49 years) underwent SWE preoperatively and two days post-diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy. Elasticity measurements of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, patellar tendon, and biceps tendon were obtained during full flexion and extension. Based on ROM 56 days post-treatment, patients were categorized into two groups: Group A (ROM > 120 degrees) and Group B (ROM < 120 degrees). A multinomial logistic regression algorithm was employed to classify the groups using patient information and tendon elasticity measurements both at diagnosis and 1-week post-diagnosis. Results: The predictive accuracy using only patient information was 62%, while using only elasticity measurements yielded 68% accuracy. When combining patient information with elasticity measurements taken at diagnosis and two days post-diagnosis, the algorithm achieved an accuracy of 79%, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 56%. Conclusions: The combination of patient information and tendon elasticity measurements obtained via SWE at pre-conservative treatment and early post-conservative treatment periods effectively predicts post-treatment ROM. This algorithm can guide rehabilitation strategies for soldiers with patellar tendinopathy.

Conventional power-integrated wireless neural recording devices suffer from bulky, rigid batteries in head-mounted configurations, hindering the precise interpretation of the subject's natural behaviors. These power sources also pose risks of material leakage and overheating. We present the direct printing of a power-integrated wireless neural recording system that seamlessly conforms to the cranium. A quasi-solid-state Zn-ion microbattery was 3D-printed as a built-in power source geometrically synchronized to the shape of a mouse skull. Soft deep-brain neural probes, interconnections, and auxiliary electronics were also printed using liquid metals on the cranium with high resolutions. In vivo studies using mice demonstrated the reliability and biocompatibility of this wireless neural recording system, enabling the monitoring of neural activities across extensive brain regions without notable heat generation. This all-printed neural interface system revolutionizes brain research, providing bio-conformable, customizable configurations for improved data quality and naturalistic experimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The ability to inhibit aggregation has been demonstrated with synthetically derived ginsenoside compounds G-Rp (1, 3, and 4) and ginsenosides naturally found in Panax ginseng 20(S)-Rg3, Rg6, F4, and Ro. Among these compounds, Rk3 (G-Rk3) from Panax ginseng needs to be further explored in order to reveal the mechanisms of action during inhibition. Methodology: Our study focused to investigate the action of G-Rk3 on agonist-stimulated human platelet aggregation, inhibition of platelet signaling molecules such as fibrinogen binding with integrin αIIbβ3 using flow cytometry, intracellular calcium mobilization, dense granule secretion, and thromboxane B2 secretion. In addition, we checked the regulation of phosphorylation on PI3K/MAPK pathway, and thrombin-induced clot retraction was also observed in platelets rich plasma. Key Results: G-Rk3 significantly increased amounts of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and led to significant phosphorylation of cAMP-dependent kinase substrates vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). In the presence of G-Rk3, dense tubular system Ca2+ was inhibited, and platelet activity was lowered by inactivating the integrin αIIb/β3 and reducing the binding of fibrinogen. Furthermore, the effect of G-Rk3 extended to the inhibition of MAPK and PI3K/Akt phosphorylation resulting in the reduced secretion of intracellular granules and reduced production of TXA2. Lastly, G-Rk3 inhibited platelet aggregation and thrombus formation via fibrin clot. Conclusions and implications: These results suggest that when dealing with cardiovascular diseases brought upon by faulty aggregation among platelets or through the formation of a thrombus, the G-Rk3 compound can play a role as an effective prophylactic or therapeutic agent.

Objects adrift can cause considerable damage to coastal infrastructure and property during tsunami and storm surge events. Despite the potential for harm, the drifting behavior of these objects remains poorly understood, thereby hindering effective prediction and mitigation of collision damage. To address this gap, this study employed a motion analysis program to track a drifting container's location using images from an existing laboratory experiment. The container's trajectory and velocity were calculated based on the positions of five markers strategically placed at its four corners and center. Our findings indicate that the container's maximum drift velocity and distance are directly influenced by the scale of the solitary wave and inversely related to the container's weight. Specifically, heavier containers are less likely to be displaced by solitary waves, while larger waves can damage coastal structures more. This study offers new insights into container drift behavior induced by solitary waves, with implications for enhancing coastal infrastructure design and devising mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of collision damage.

Abstract Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists improve vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy, but they are currently unlicensed as adjuvants in influenza vaccines. This study aimed to investigate whether a combination of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL, a TLR4 agonist) and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C, a TLR3 agonist) can enhance the protective efficacy of an inactivated A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (A/PR8) H1N1 influenza vaccine against homologous influenza infection and minimize illness outcomes. Results showed that combination MPL and poly I:C adjuvanted influenza vaccination increased the production of antigen-specific antibodies, decreased the levels of cytokines and cellular infiltrates at the infection sites, and induced significant memory T and B cell responses in mice. The results of this study suggest that the combination of MPL and poly I:C can be developed into a possible adjuvant for enhancing the efficacy of influenza vaccines.

Abstract Background Allergic asthma, one of the most common types of asthma, is thought to be highly susceptible to respiratory viral infections; however, its pathological mechanism needs to be elucidated. Recent studies have found impaired T-cell function in asthmatic mice. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the way by which asthma induction affects T-cell exhaustion in the lungs and assess the relationship between T-cell exhaustion and influenza viral infection. Methods Chronic allergic asthma mice were induced by intranasal injection of ovalbumin for 6 weeks and asthmatic features and T cell populations in lung or airway were assessed. To determine the influenza virus susceptibility, control and asthma mice were challenged with the human influenza virus strain A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 H1N1 and evaluated the survival rate, lung damage, and virus titer. Results Six weeks of OVA sensitization and challenge successfully induced chronic allergic asthma in a mouse model showing significant increase of sera IgE level and broncho-pathological features. A significant decrease in interferon-γ-producing T-cell populations and an increase in exhausted T-cell populations in the lungs of OVA-induced asthmatic mice were observed. Asthmatic mice were more susceptible to influenza virus infection than control mice showing lower survival rate and higher virus titer in lung, and a positive correlation existed between T-cell exhaustion in the lung and virus titer. Conclusions Asthma induction in mice results in the exhaustion of T-cell immunity, which may contribute to the defective capacity of viral protection. This study demonstrates a correlation between asthma conditions and viral susceptibility by investigating the functional characteristics of T-cells in asthma. Our results provide insights into the development of strategies to overcome the dangers of respiratory viral disease in patients with asthma.

This study aimed to investigate variations in the phytochemical compound contents and antioxidant potential of the ethanol rhizome extracts of Smilax china L., belonging to the Liliaceae family, from different parts of Korea, namely Uiwang (Mt. Gamnamugol), Gyeonggi Province (SC1); Geochang, Gyeongnam Province (SC2); Yeongwol, Gangwon Province (SC3); and Chungju, Chungbuk Province (SC4). The phenolic and flavonoid contents, radical scavenging activity, and proximate composition of the ethanol extracts from the rhizome samples were determined. The total polyphenol content (TPC) of the extracts ranged between 13.6 and 67.5 mg tannic acid equivalent/g. TPC analysis showed that TPC was higher in SC2 than in SC3, SC4, or SC1. Among the rhizome samples, the SC3 rhizomes had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) (5.2 mg quercetin equivalents/g). Additionally, SC2 showed the highest radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS+ radicals. Chemical characterization using UPLC/UV revealed that the extracts contained compounds such as apiin, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and chlorogenic acid. Specifically, in SC2, chlorogenic acid was the dominant compound, which supported the levels observed in the UPLC/UV and HPLC/ELSD investigations. Dioscin, another phytochemical, was detected in SC2, SC3, and SC4, indicating the diversity of compounds among the rhizome extracts. Variations in the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity were observed in the extracts from the different regions, underlining the role of geographical variation in the functional characteristics of S. china. The observed differences could have important implications for the medicinal use of S. china extracts in applications such as anti-inflammatory treatments, diabetes management, and potential anticancer therapies. This study underscores the critical need to consider geographical origin when sourcing and utilizing S. china for therapeutic purposes, as it may significantly impact its bioactive profile and efficacy.

Abstract Background Bone mineral content (BMC) values in certain bones and changes in BMC over time are key features for diagnosing osteoporosis. This study examined those features using morphometric texture analysis in chest computational tomography (CT) by comparing a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-based BMC. An accessible approach for screening osteoporosis was suggested by accessing BMC using only Hounsfield units (HU). Methodology The study included a total of 510 cases (255 patients) acquired between May 6, 2012, and June 30, 2020, at a single institution. Two cases were associated with two chest CT scans from one patient with a scan interval of over two years, and each scan was followed soon after by a DXA scan. Axial cuts of the first lumbar vertebra in CT and DXA-based L1 BMC values were corrected for each case. The maximum trabecular area was selected from the L1 spine body, and 45 texture features were extracted from the region using gray-level co-occurrence matrices. A regression model was employed to estimate the absolute BMC value in each case using 45 features. Also, an additional regression model was used to estimate the change in BMC between two scans for each patient using 90 features from the corresponding cases. Results The correlation coefficient (CC) and mean absolute error (MAE) between estimates and DXA references were obtained for the evaluation of regressors. In the case of the BMC estimation, CC and MAE were 0.754 and 1.641 (g). In the case of the estimation of change in BMC, CC and MAE were 0.680 and 0.528 (g). Conclusion The modality using morphometric texture analysis with CT HUs can indirectly help screening osteoporosis because it provides estimates of BMC and BMC change that show moderate positive correlations with DXA measures.

The salt concentration of seawater is a significantly sensitive factor in the seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant that applies different pressures in freshwater production, depending on the salinity of the seawater. For the efficient operation of the plant, it needs to be grounded on investigations and analyses of seawater salt concentration and water temperature distribution and change. The conventional research methods, however, have temporal and spatial limitations. This research uses the latest satellite data to analyze the flows and the seasonal temperature distributions of ocean currents that affect mostly the changes in the seawater salt concentration in the neighboring waters of the seawater desalination plant that is being built in Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea. The results of this research showed that the ocean current in the neighboring waters of Gijang-gun, Busan had a relatively slow velocity (average: 0.05 m/s) but formed very comprehensive flow shapes as the warm and cold currents met and that the degree of the salinity change was significant because the temperatures of the sea surface differed considerably in summer unlike in the other seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction As the radiomics technique using texture features in CT is adopted for accessing DXA-equivalent bone mineral density (BMD), this study aims to compare BMD by DXA and predicted BMD to investigate the impact of obesity and central obesity in general patients. Materials and methods A total of 710 cases (621 patients) obtained from May 6, 2012, to June 30, 2021, were used in the study. We focused both their abdomen & pelvis CT’s first lumbar vertebrae axial cuts to predict estimated BMD and bone mineral content (BMC). In each patient’s CT, we extracted the largest trabecular region of the L1 vertebral body as a region of interest (ROI) using the gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM) technique, and linear regression was applied to predict the indices. Cases were divided by central obesity/overall obesity and normal group by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or index of central obesity (ICO) standard. Results The coefficients were all above 0.73, respectively. P-values from ICO were over 0.05 when the measures were Hip BMD and Hip BMC. In contrast, those from ICO were 0.0131 and 0.0351 when the measures were L1 BMD and L1 BMC, respectively, which show a difference between the two groups. Conclusions The CT HU texture analysis method was an effective and economical method for measuring estimated BMD and BMC and evaluating the impact of obesity. We found that central obesity especially exerted an effect on the disturbance of the clinical BMD measurements since groups were significantly different under the ICO standard.

Despite vaccination, equine influenza virus (EIV) and equine herpesvirus (EHV) infections still cause highly contagious respiratory diseases in horses. Recently, concurrent vaccination with EIV and EHV was suggested as a new approach; however, there have been no reports of concurrent vaccination with recombinant canarypox EIV and inactivated EHV vaccines. In this study, we aimed to compare the EIV-specific immune responses induced by concurrent administrations of a recombinant canarypox EIV vaccine and an inactivated bivalent EHV vaccine with those induced by a single recombinant canarypox EIV vaccine in experimental horse and mouse models. Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from immunized animals after vaccination. EIV-specific serum antibody levels, serum hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) titers, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, HI assay, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Concurrent EIV and EHV vaccine administration significantly increased IFN-γ production, without compromising humoral responses. Our data demonstrate that concurrent vaccination with EIV and EHV vaccines can enhance EIV-specific cellular responses in horses.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) not only targets the respiratory system but also triggers a cytokine storm and a series of complications, such as gastrointestinal problems, acute kidney injury, and myocardial ischemia. The use of natural products has been utilized to ease the symptoms of COVID-19, and in some cases, to strengthen the immune system against COVID-19. Natural products are readily available and have been regularly consumed for various health benefits. COVID-19 has been reported to be associated with the risk of thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis. These thrombotic complications often affects mortality and morbidity. Panax ginseng, which has been widely consumed for its various health benefits has also been reported for its therapeutic effects against cardiovascular disease, thrombosis and platelet aggregation. In this review, we propose that P. ginseng can be consumed as a supplementation against the various associated complications of COVID-19, especially against thrombosis. We utilized the network pharmacology approach to validate the potential therapeutic properties of P. ginseng against COVID-19 mediated thrombosis, the coagulation pathway and platelet aggregation. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the roles of P. ginseng against COVID-19 with the involvement of platelet-leukocyte aggregates in relation to immunity-related responses in COVID-19.

Abstract Developing an effective and efficient recycling process for marine debris (MD) is one of the most urgent issues to maintain environmental sustainability on Earth. However, restricted storage capacities and secondary pollution (e.g., microbial adhesion, putrefaction) limit the proper MD recycling. Here, we proposed a complete eco-friendly low-temperature MD pulverizing system that utilizes excessive liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy (LCE) in an LNG propulsion ship to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of MD recycling. The prototype design of the low-temperature pulverization (LTP) system showed that consumable refrigerant (liquid nitrogen) up to 2831 kg per hour could be substituted. Furthermore, with a 20% ship output, 1250 kg of MD could be treated with 363 kg of additional refrigerant. In addition, LTP systems utilizing LCE could increase the storage capacity by more than 10 times compared to bulk MD while minimizing the required energy consumption. To determine the feasibility of LTP for MD recycling, four types of plastics obtained from actual MD from a coastal area in Busan, Korea were classified and tested.

Background: Recent research underscores the clinical relevance of muscle conditions such as sarcopenia and their links to bone mineral density (BMD), yet notable gaps persist in the understanding of their interconnections. Our study addresses this by introducing a novel approach to decipher the correlation between BMD and the texture of the multifidus muscle, utilizing spinal computed tomography (CT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to evaluate muscle texture, BMD, and bone mineral content (BMC) at the total lumbar vertebra and total hip. Methods: Our single-institution study examined 395 cases collected from 6 May 2012 to 30 November 2021. Each patient underwent a spinal CT scan and a DXA scan within a one-month interval. BMD and BMC at the total lumbar vertebra and total hip were measured. The texture features of the multifidus muscle from the axial cuts of T12 to S1 vertebrae were assessed via gray-level co-occurrence matrices. CT texture analysis values at angles of 45 + 45 and 90 degrees were calculated and correlated with BMD and BMC. A regression model was then constructed to predict BMD values, and the precision of these correlations was evaluated using mean square error (MSE) analysis. Results: Total lumbar BMC showed a correlation of 0.583–0.721 (MSE 1.568–1.842) and lumbar BMD of 0.632–0.756 (MSE 0.068–0.097). Total hip BMC had a correlation of 0.556–0.690 (MSE 0.448–0.495), while hip BMD ranged from 0.585 to 0.746 (MSE 0.072–0.092). Conclusions: The analysis of spinal CT texture alongside BMD and BMC measures provides a new approach to understanding the relationship between bone and muscle health. The strong correlations expected from our research affirm the importance of integrating bone and muscle measures in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of conditions such as sarcopenia and osteoporosis.

Abstract Cefquinome is administered in horses for the treatment of respiratory infection caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, and septicemia caused by Escherichia coli. However, there have been no attempts to use cefquinome against Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (S. equi), the causative agent of strangles. Hence the objective of this study was to calculate an optimal dosage of cefquinome against S. equi based on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics integration. Cefquinome (1.0 mg/kg) was administered by intravenous and intramuscular routes to six healthy thoroughbred foals. Serum cefquinome concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The in vitro and ex vivo antibacterial activity were determined from minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and bacterial killing curves. The optimal dosage was calculated from the integration of pharmacokinetic parameters and area under the curve (AUC24h/MIC) values. Total body clearance and volume of distribution of cefquinome after intravenous administration were 0.06 L/h/kg and 0.09 L/kg, respectively. Following intramuscular administration, a maximum concentration of 0.73 μg/mL at 1.52 h (T max) and a systemic bioavailability of 37.45% were observed. The MIC of cefquinome against S. equi was 0.016 μg/mL. The ex vivo AUC24h/MIC values representing bacteriostatic, and bactericidal activity were 113.11, and 143.14 h, respectively. Whereas the %T > MIC for bactericidal activity was 153.34%. In conclusion, based on AUC24h/MIC values and pharmacokinetic parameters, cefquinome when administered by intramuscularly at a dosage of 0.53 mg/kg every 24 h, would be effective against infection caused by S. equi in foals. Further studies may be necessary to confirm its therapeutic efficacy in a clinical environment.

Abstract Background The Rumex acetosa has been used in medicinal treatment, food technology and phytotherapeutics in Eastern Asia and many other countries. However, its effect on cardiovascular system and antiplatelet activity remained to be known. In this study, we examined the antiplatelet activity of R. acetosa in detailed manner to understand underlying mechanism. Methods To study this, whole blood was obtained from male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and aggregation of washed platelets measured using light transmission aggregometry. Intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+] i ) was measured using Fura-2/AM while ATP release evaluated by luminometer. Activation of integrin αIIbβ3 analyzed by flow cytometry and clot retraction. Furthermore, we studied the signaling pathways mediated by R. acetosa extract by western blot analysis. Results R. acetosa extract markedly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and ATP release in a dose-dependent manner. It also suppressed [Ca2+] i mobilization, integrin αIIbβ3 activation and clot retraction. The extract significantly attenuated phosphorylation of the MAPK pathway (i.e., ERK1/2, JNK), MKK4, PI3K/Akt, and Src family kinase. Conclusion Taken together, this data suggests that R. acetosa extract exhibits anti-platelet activity via modulating MAPK, PI3K/Akt pathways, and integrin αIIbβ3-mediated inside-out and outside-in signaling, and it may protect against the development of platelet-related cardiovascular diseases.

Plant-derived phytochemicals are emerging as novel agents for protection against chronic disorders. Dangguisu-san is a herbal prescription to invigorate the blood and relieve pain. Among the numerous active constituents of Dangguisu-san, those expected to be effective at inhibiting platelet aggregation were predicted using a network pharmacological method, and their efficacy was experimentally demonstrated. All four identified chemical components, namely chrysoeriol, apigenin, luteolin, and sappanchalcone, suppressed the aggregation of platelets to a certain extent. However, we report, for the first time, that chrysoeriol acts as a strong inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Although additional in vivo studies are needed, among the complex constituents of herbal medicines, the components that exert an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation were predicted using a network pharmacological method and experimentally confirmed with human platelets.

A critical issue that needs to be addressed for wider utilization of hydrogen as fuel is protection against hydrogen embrittlement during cryogenic storage as it weakens the microstructure bonding force of metals through hydrogen penetration. Austenitic stainless steel, which is usually used in cryogenic vessels and is well known for its high hydrogen resistance at room temperature, has also been reported to be vulnerable to hydrogen embrittlement under cryogenic temperatures. In addition, because large storage vessels are operated over a wide range of temperatures, material behavior at various temperature conditions should also be considered. Therefore, in the present study, hydrogen charging of austenitic stainless steel was performed under various temperature conditions for carrying out prestrain and tensile tests. A decrease in the tensile strength and elongation and an increase in the yield strength were observed in all cases. In particular, the case of 20% prestrain at cryogenic temperature followed by tensile test at room temperature after hydrogen charging showed fracture in the elastic region. The hydrogen index was evaluated from the perspective of elongation and reduction in area, which are factors that indicate the degree of ductility. The aforementioned case showed the most severe results, while non-prestraining followed by tensile tests at room temperature was the least effected by hydrogen. In addition, the effect of strain-induced martensite on hydrogen embrittlement was analyzed using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). It was observed that the higher is the prestrain at cryogenic temperatures, the greater is the volume fraction of α’ martensite, which leads to hydrogen embrittlement. The edges and center of the fracture surface were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrogen-charged specimens exhibited brittle fractures at the edges and ductile fractures at the center. The more severe the embrittlement, the more were the number of intergranular fractures and microdimples observed at the edges.

BackgroundThe prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is increasing at a high rate, and the available treatment options, sometimes, have complications which necessitates the need to develop safer and efficacious approaches. Ethnomedicinal applications reportedly reduce CVD risk. Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. (Ulmaceae) commonly known as Chinese Elm or Lacebark Elm, is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties, but its anti-platelet properties have not yet been elucidated.PurposeTo investigate the pharmacological anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic effects of U. parvifolia bark extract.Study Design and MethodsHuman and rat washed platelets were prepared; light transmission aggregometry and scanning electron microscopy was performed to assess platelet aggregation and the change in platelet shape, respectively. Intracellular calcium mobilization, ATP release, and thromboxane-B2 production were also measured. Integrin αIIbβ3 activation was analyzed in terms of fibrinogen binding, fibronectin adhesion, and clot retraction. The expression of MAPK, Src, and PI3K/Akt pathway proteins was examined. Cyclic nucleotide signaling pathway was evaluated via cAMP elevation and VASP phosphorylation. Anti-thrombotic activity of the extract was evaluated in vivo using an arteriovenous shunt rat model, whereas its effect on hemostasis in mice was assessed via bleeding time assay.ResultsU. parvifolia extract significantly inhibited human and rat platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner along with inhibition of calcium mobilization, dense granule secretion, and TxB2 production. Integrin αIIbβ3 mediated inside-out and outside-in signaling events, as evidenced by the inhibition of fibrinogen binding, fibronectin adhesion, and clot retraction. The extract significantly reduced phosphorylation of Src, MAPK (ERK, JNK, and p38MAPK), and PI3K/Akt pathway proteins. Cyclic-AMP levels were elevated in U. parvifolia-treated platelets, while PKAαβγ and VASPser157 phosphorylation was enhanced. U. parvifolia reduced thrombus weight in rats and moderately increased bleeding time in mice.ConclusionU. parvifolia modulates platelet responses and inhibit thrombus formation by regulating integrin αIIbβ3 mediated inside-out and outside-in signaling events and cAMP signaling pathway.

With the tightening of environmental regulations (i.e., IMO Tier III), natural gas (NG) has been spotlighted as an eco-friendly fuel with few air pollutants other than nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx). For reasons of economic efficiency, it is mainly stored and transported in a liquid state at -163 °C, which is a cryogenic temperature, using a liquefied gas storage tank. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce the boil-off gas (BOG) occurrence due to the heat flow according to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the storage tank. Therefore, in this study, a BOG measurement test on an independent-type storage tank made up of SUS304L was carried out. The test results showed the tendency for BOG occurrence according to the temperature under different filling ratios.

Purpose: To compare efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided single-injection nerve blocks (SINB) before bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) of the hip in patients with femoral neck fractures. Materials and Methods: Clinical outcomes of 89 patients who underwent BHA between September 2016 and February 2018 were retrospectively compared. Eight patients were excluded according to exclusion criteria and the remaining patients were divided into two groups: patients who received SINB before surgery (Group I; n=40), and patients who did not (Group II; n=41). The femoral, obturator, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were each blocked separately under US guidance. Pain scores determined using the visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively, and all use of analgesics were recorded separately for 72 hours after surgery. Duration of hospitalization, general complications, and local complications due to SINB were also compared among the groups. Results: Significant differences were observed between the two groups: I) VAS at 6 hours and at 12 hours after the operation, II) total amounts of analgesics used. VAS at 24 hours and at 48 hours were not significantly different between the two groups. General complications and duration of hospitalization were also not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: US-guided lower limb nerve blocks provide excellent immediate postoperative pain relief and can be used as a safe, and effective method of pain control after BHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because environmentally-friendly fuels such as natural gas and hydrogen are primarily stored in the form of cryogenic liquids to enable efficient transportation, the demand for cryogenic fuel (LNG, LH) ships has been increasing as the primary carriers of environmentally-friendly fuels. In such ships, insulation systems must be used to prevent heat inflow to the tank to suppress the generation of boil-off gas (BOG). The presence of BOG can lead to an increased internal pressure, and thus, its control and prediction are key aspects in the design of fuel tanks. In this regard, although the thermal analysis of the phase change through a finite element analysis requires less computational time than that implemented through computational fluid dynamics, the former is relatively more error-prone. Therefore, in this study, a cryogenic fuel tank to be incorporated in ships was established, and the boil-off rate (BOR), measured considering liquid nitrogen, was compared with that obtained using the finite element method. Insulation material with a cubic structure was applied to the cylindrical tank to increase the insulation performance and space efficiency. To predict the BOR through finite element analysis, the effective thermal conductivity was calculated through an empirical correlation and applied to the designed fuel tank. The calculation was predicted to within 1% of the minimum error, and the internal fluid behavior was evaluated by analyzing the vertical temperature profile according to the filling ratio.

This study provides an automatic shipping-route construction method using functional data analysis (FDA), which analyzes information about curves, such as multiple data points over time. The proposed approach includes two steps: outlier detection and shipping-route construction. This study uses automatic-identification system (AIS) data for the experiments. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through case studies, wherein our approach is compared with the Mahalanobis distance method for trajectory-outlier detection, and the performance of vessel trajectory reconstruction is compared with that of a density-based approach. The proposed method improves understanding of vessel-movement dynamics, thereby improving maritime monitoring and security.