Repeated Load Triaxial Testing of Recycled Excavation Materials Blended with Recycled Phyllite Materials

Recycled Excavation Materials (REM) are becoming viable alternative construction resources due to their economic benefits. However, REM may be composed of weak rocks, e.g., phyllites, limiting the use in a base layer. The present paper attempts to further the knowledge of the mechanical performance of REM by performing Repeated Load Triaxial Tests (RLTT). REM are mixed with Recycled Phyllite Materials (RPM) in systematic blends of 0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%. The batches’ resilient modulus (MR) and permanent deformation (PD) characteristics were assessed to establish the maximum RPM allowed into REM while maintaining the required performance. Hicks and Monismith’s and Uzan’s models were used to characterize the stiffness behavior. A wide variation in the stiffness between the two materials was observed. Batches comprised of 0% RPM–100% REM and 25% RPM–75% REM showed high stiffness performance. The Coulomb model assessed the PD behavior, and the results showed a similar response for all batches. Unlike the stiffness, blended mixtures did not show sensitivity to increased RPM content in the PD. This study may help end-users to understand the performance of REM given the documented threshold on the allowable quantity of RPM in REM.

Hyaline cartilage differentiation of fibroblasts in regeneration and regenerative medicine

Amputation injuries in mammals are typically non-regenerative, however joint regeneration is stimulated by BMP9 treatment (Yu et al., 2019) indicating the presence of latent articular chondrocyte progenitor cells. BMP9 induces a battery of chondrogenic genes in vivo, and a similar response is observed in cultures of amputation wound cells. Extended cultures of BMP9 treated cells results in differentiation of hyaline cartilage and single cell RNAseq analysis identified wound fibroblasts as BMP9 responsive. This culture model was used to identify a BMP9 responsive adult fibroblast cell line and a culture strategy was developed to engineer hyaline cartilage for engraftment into an acutely damaged joint. Transplanted hyaline cartilage survived engraftment and maintained a hyaline cartilage phenotype but did not form mature articular cartilage. In addition, individual hypertrophic chondrocytes were identified in some samples indicating that the acute joint injury site can promote osteogenic progression of engrafted hyaline cartilage. The findings identify fibroblasts as a cell source for engineering articular cartilage and establishes a novel experimental strategy that bridges the gap between regeneration biology and regenerative medicine.

Endurance running during late murine adolescence results in a stronger anterior cruciate ligament and flatter posterior tibial slopes compared to controls

Background Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates continue to rise among youth involved in recreational and competitive athletics, requiring a better understanding of how the knee structurally and mechanically responds to activity during musculoskeletal growth. Little is understood about how anatomical risk factors for ACL injury (e.g., small ACL size, narrow intercondylar notch, and steep posterior tibial slope) develop and respond to increased physical activity throughout growth. We hypothesized that the ACL-complex of mice engaged in moderate to strenuous physical activity (i.e., endurance running) throughout late adolescence and young adulthood would positively functionally adapt to repetitive load perturbations. Methods Female C57BL6/J mice (8 weeks of age) were either provided free access to a standard cage wheel with added resistance (n = 18) or normal cage activity (n = 18), for a duration of 4 weeks. Daily distance ran, weekly body and food weights, and pre- and post-study body composition measures were recorded. At study completion, muscle weights, three-dimensional knee morphology, ACL cross-sectional area, and ACL mechanical properties of runners and nonrunners were quantified. Statistical comparisons between runners and nonrunners were assessed using a two-way analysis of variance and a Tukey multiple comparisons test, with body weight included as a covariate. Results Runners had larger quadriceps (p = 0.02) and gastrocnemius (p = 0.05) muscles, but smaller hamstring (p = 0.05) muscles, compared to nonrunners. Though there was no significant difference in ACL size (p = 0.24), it was 13% stronger in runners (p = 0.03). Additionally, both the posterior medial and lateral tibial slopes were 1.2 to 2.2 degrees flatter than those of nonrunners (p < 0.01). Conclusions Positive functional adaptations of the knee joint to moderate to strenuous exercise in inbred mice offers hope that that some anatomical risk factors for ACL injury may be reduced through habitual physical activity. However, confirmation that a similar response to loading occurs in humans is needed.

Transmembrane 29 (Tmem29), a Newly Identified Molecule Showed Downregulation in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage

Transmembrane 29 (Tmem29) gene with unknown function is a gene located on the X chromosome of the mouse genome. The gene showed differential expression in the Vannucci neonatal hypoxic-ischemic mouse brain model. We found the gene expresses with different molecular forms, including a group of long non-coding RNA forming a family of transcripts. It was predominantly expressed in the testes, brain, and kidney of mouse. In vitro identification and functional characterization were carried out in Neuro2a cells. Using fluorescence microscopy, Tmem29 protein was found to be constitutively expressed in mouse cell lines of different origins. Oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) induced apoptotic cell death in Neuro2a cells and was confirmed by activations of caspase 3. Tmem29 protein was found to be associated with cell death especially at the time points of caspase 3 activations. A similar response was obtained in glucose deprivation (GD) cultures suggesting Tmem29 response to a common mechanism induced by OGD and GD. Downregulation of Tmem29 was induced by OGD and GD, further validating its response to hypoxia-ischemia (HI) insults. Our findings contributed to further understanding of molecular events after hypoxic-ischemic insults and opens new avenues for developing protective and therapeutic strategies for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or even pathological programmed cell death.

COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY OF ANTIBIOTIC-STEROID AND ICHTHAMMOL GLYCERINE WICK IN TREATMENT OF ACUTE OTITIS EXTERNA

Objective: To compare the efficacy of steroid antibiotic wick with Ichthammol Glycerol wick in the management of Acute Otitis Externa in terms of tenderness and clearance of discharge/debris. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: ENT Out Patient department of Combined Military Hospital Peshawar and Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, from May to Nov 2018. Methodology: A total of 250 patients were included and divided into two groups of 125 each. After necessary suction clearance topical Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone (Cipotec-D) wick was placed in auditory canal of group A patients and topical Glycerol/Ichthammol wick was placed in group B. Follow up visits were done on 3rd and 7th day of starting the treatment. Results: Group A patients responded better in terms of tenderness (88%) however both groups had similar response in terms of discharge reduction (7.2% vs 6.4%). In terms of efficacy neither of the treatment proved more efficacious compared to the other (p-value 0.058). Conclusion: While steroid antibiotic wick is significantly more efficient in terms reducing tenderness, in terms of overall efficacy and discharge reduction Ichthammol/glycerol is equally effective.

ADAPTATION OF THE PROCEDURE OF CO-IMMOBILIZATION OF ENZYMES WITH DIFFERENT MODIFICATIONS OF ZEOLITES ON THE SURFACE OF CONDUCTOMETRIC TRANSDUCERS

A comparative study of different parameters of conductometric biosensors based on urease and glucose oxidase, co-immobilized with different types of zeolites. Urease immobilized on silicalite-2 was shown to have better performance than immobilized urease without zeolites. Conductometric biosensor with glucose oxidase co-immobilized with zeolite NH4+-Beta 25 had similar response values compared to immobilized enzyme without zeolite. Immobilization of zeolites NH4+-BEA 30 and H+-BEA 30 together with urease leads to an increase in the response of the biosensor, while the reproducibility of the signal remains unchanged. Biosensors with zeolites with a higher Si/Al ratio were characterized by increased signals. The use of zeolites modified with methylviologen and silver did not give a positive effect.

Evaluation of the effect of inactivation by microwave and autoclave in homeopathic medicines

Background: The Brazilian Pharmacopoeia defines the sterilization process as a "method" intended to remove or destroy all forms of life, animal or plant, macroscopic or microscopic, saprophytic or not, present in the product concerned, without ensuring the complete inactivation of toxins or cellular enzymes. Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging between 300MHz (300x106 Hz) and 300 GHz (300x109 Hz) and wavelengths from 1 m to 1 mm[1]. They are waves that lie within the region between TV waves and the infrared region within the spectrum of electromagnetic waves. According to the Technical Standards Textbook for Homeopathic Pharmacy, glass tubes may be reused after washed with running and purified water and inactivated by autoclaving at 120oC for 30 minutes or by a dry air buffer at 180oC for 30 minutes or at 140oC for 1 hour [2]. Aims: Current experiment evaluates the influence of ultra-diluted Sulphur with and without inactivation by autoclaving and microwaving for certain variables in the germination and growth of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench - cv TX623B). Methodology: Ten milliliters of Sulphur in homeopathic dinamizations (proposed by Hering - DH) 9DH, 18DH and 30DH inactivated by microwave and by autoclave heat, and control with water, were added to petri dishes in which 20 sorghum seeds were distributed. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber (BOD) at 25oC and during a 16-h photoperiod. Double-blind methodology to avoid researcher’s possible interferences or trends, coupled to statistic treatment at the end of the experiment, was employed. Data underwent variance analysis and means were compared by Scott-Knott’s test at 5% probability. Results: Homeopathy Sulphur changed the evaluated parameters of 9DH, 18 DH and 30 DH dinamizations when compared to control (water). Differences existed with regard to effects of the different microwave-treated (M9DH, M18DH, M30DH) and autoclaving-treated (A9DH, A18DH, A30DH) dinamizations. Sulphur had no significant difference in the aerial length (CPA) when compared with that of control. In the case of the same homeopathic treatments previously undergoing autoclaving, the three dinamizations had a similar response to CPA. The same occurred with drugs submitted to microwaves. With regard to root’s growth (CSR), treatment with Sulphur inhibited growth in the dinamizations 18 DH and 30 DH when compared to control. This did not occur with 9 DH which had the same effect as that of water. In the case of groups treated with medicines 30 DH and 9DH undergoing microwaves, the same effect of water was reported. Consequently, microwaves inactivated the effect of homeopathic medicine. However, in 18DH under the effect of microwaves, the effect of drug 18DH was reported. Consequently, there was growth inhibition but no inactivation by microwaves. In the case of groups treated with autoclaved medicine, a greater root growth was reported. This fact shows that autoclaving altered the homeopathic medicine. In fact, it had an opposite effect when compared to control. On the other hand, when Fresh Root Weight was evaluated, differences in control were reported only for groups treated with autoclaved medicines. These results were similar to those of the group treated with medicine 18DH. An increase in the fresh root weight was reported agreeing with a greater root growth. Results related to the aerial part and to the root of the dry mass failed to show any significant difference among the groups. Conclusions: Results show that different physiological responses are produced posterior to the employment of homeopathic medicine, sometimes stimulating, sometimes inhibiting root growth . The aerial part was not influenced by any treatment. On the other hand, autoclaved medicines stimulated root growth[3] [4]. This fact shows changes in the homeopathic medicine under humid heat. Microwave treatments showed an inactivation for 9DH and 30DH, but not for 18DH. The latter had the same results as those treated with Sulphur 18DH. The above results suggest that microwaves may inactivate homeopathic medicines, albeit not entirely. Therefore, it may not be a reliable inactivation methodology.

Silver Conductive Threads-Based Embroidered Electrodes on Textiles as Moisture Sensors for Fluid Detection in Biomedical Applications

Wearable sensors have become part of our daily life for health monitoring. The detection of moisture content is critical for many applications. In the present research, textile-based embroidered sensors were developed that can be integrated with a bandage for wound management purposes. The sensor comprised an interdigitated electrode embroidered on a cotton substrate with silver-tech 150 and HC 12 threads, respectively, that have silver coated continuous filaments and 100% polyamide with silver-plated yarn. The said sensor is a capacitive sensor with some leakage. The change in the dielectric constant of the substrate as a result of moisture affects the value of capacitance and, thus, the admittance of the sensor. The moisture sensor’s operation is verified by measuring its admittance at 1 MHz and the change in moisture level (1–50) µL. It is observed that the sensitivity of both sensors is comparable. The identically fabricated sensors show similar response and sensitivity while wash test shows the stability of sensor after washing. The developed sensor is also able to detect the moisture caused by both artificial sweat and blood serum, which will be of value in developing new sensors tomorrow for smart wound-dressing applications.

Opposing regulation of short-term memory by basal ganglia direct and indirect pathways that are coactive during behavior

The basal ganglia direct and indirect pathways are viewed to mediate opposing functions in movement. However, this classic model is challenged by recent findings that both pathways are coactive during behavior. We examined the roles of direct (dSPNs) and indirect (iSPNs) pathway spiny projection neurons in a decision-making task with a short-term memory (STM) component. Optogenetic stimulation of cortical-input-defined dSPNs and iSPNs during STM oppositely biased upcoming licking choice, without affecting licking execution. Optogenetically identified dSPNs and iSPNs showed similar response patterns, although with quantitative difference in spatiotemporal organization. To understand how coactive dSPNs and iSPNs play opposing roles, we recorded population activity in frontal cortex and the basal ganglia output nucleus SNr. Stimulation of dSPNs and iSPNs bidirectionally regulated cortical decision variable through the differential modulation of SNr ramping activity. These results reconcile different views by demonstrating that coactive dSPNs and iSPNs precisely shape cortical activity in a push-pull balance.

The Omission of Accent Marks Does Not Hinder Word Recognition: Evidence From Spanish

Recent research has found that the omission of accent marks in Spanish does not produce slower word identification times in go/no-go lexical decision and semantic categorization tasks [e.g., cárcel (prison) = carcel], thus suggesting that vowels like á and a are represented by the same orthographic units during word recognition and reading. However, there is a discrepant finding with the yes/no lexical decision task, where the words with the omitted accent mark produced longer response times than the words with the accent mark. In Experiment 1, we examined this discrepant finding by running a yes/no lexical decision experiment comparing the effects for words and non-words. Results showed slower response times for the words with omitted accent mark than for those with the accent mark present (e.g., cárcel &lt; carcel). Critically, we found the opposite pattern for non-words: response times were longer for the non-words with accent marks (e.g., cárdil &gt; cardil), thus suggesting a bias toward a “word” response for accented items in the yes/no lexical decision task. To test this interpretation, Experiment 2 used the same stimuli with a blocked design (i.e., accent mark present vs. omitted in all items) and a go/no-go lexical decision task (i.e., respond only to “words”). Results showed similar response times to words regardless of whether the accent mark was omitted (e.g., cárcel = carcel). This pattern strongly suggests that the longer response times to words with an omitted accent mark in yes/no lexical decision experiments are a task-dependent effect rather than a genuine reading cost.