Exact Point Research Articles

Investigating the Role of Quercetin in Increasing the Rate of Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis Via the NF-κB Pathway in MG-63 Cancer Cells.

Numerous studies suggest that the co-treatment of chemotherapeutic agents with flavonoids such as Quercetin (Que) may enhance tumor cells' susceptibility to these agents. Hence, in the current study, we investigated Que's role in combination with Cisplatin to promote cell apoptosis by focusing on the NF-κB signaling pathway in the osteosarcoma cell lines. The Que, Cisplatin, and their combination's general cytotoxicity effects were evaluated using an MTT assay for 72 hrs. The protein expression levels of NF-κB were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kit. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate cell apoptosis. Que considerably elevated the cytotoxicity of Cisplatin (P<0.05). Que also dramatically down-regulated the expression levels of NF-κB in MG-63 cells compared to mono-treatment (P<0.05). Besides, Que promotes cisplatin-induced apoptosis in MG-63 cells. Our study's findings provide an exact point in the field of adjuvant therapy in osteosarcoma. In other words, this study could provide new insights into a better understanding of the role of Que in elevating cisplatin-induced apoptosis with NF-κB down-regulation.

Nickel Increases Chromosomal Abnormalities by Interfering With the Initiation of DNA Repair Pathways

Background: Nickel is a carcinogenic, heavy metal released through industrial activities and via natural resources. It is able to cause DNA damages by reducing the efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms. However, the exact time point at which it is able to interfere with these mechanisms is not yet clearly understood. Methods: To find the most nickel-vulnerable time of repair mechanisms, human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were treated with three doses of nickel before and after X-irradiation. The induced frequency of chromosomal abnormality was studied using micronucleus assay in binucleated cells. The cytotoxicity of different treatments was established using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: The results revealed that nickel treatment had a synergistic effect on inducing Micronucleus frequency only when cells were treated 2 hours before X-irradiation. The X-ray treatment of the cells with 5 and 10 mM nickel had a cytotoxic effect mainly when given 6 hours after the irradiation. Conclusion: The results suggest that nickel can interfere with human DNA repair mechanisms only at the start of the process, while having no significant effect on the human DNA repair mechanisms when activated.

DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-COST SPECTROPHOTOMETER USING A DUAL-ARDUINO SYSTEM

Rationale: A spectrophotometer is an analytical instrument used to measure the transmission or reflection of visible light, UV light, or infrared light for quantifying solution concentrations. Despite the importance of the spectrophotometer as a precious analytical instrument, it has not been possible for many STEM science laboratories to access spectrophotometers due to their lack of funding. Creating a spectrophotometer with an Arduino microcontroller might demonstrate the possibility that low-cost assembling procedures can give insight into spectrophotometry and affordable accessibility for young scientists. &#x0D; Methods: An Arduino Uno was connected with an RGB LED and two light sensors that read the light intensity from two points, one from the front near to light input and the other from the back of the sample cuvette. A stepper motor could control the sample cartridge, which had 16 holders created with a 3D printer. The second Arduino Uno managed the stepper motor with an obstacle sensor to stop the cartridge at the exact sample reading point. The difference in the analog light intensity was recorded into variables for later calculating calibration curve with regression slope, intersection, and coefficient. &#x0D; Results: Using three colors of food dyes and serial dilution solutions, it was found that this automated spectrophotometer could accurately measure the sample concentrations within approximately 5.7% error from the actual concentration. The performance of the Arduino spectrophotometer was supported with the comparable regression coefficients being near 0.98 or so in measuring standard serially diluted dye solutions of the food dyes within the spectrum of the dye concentration.&#x0D; Conclusion: With 8 dye samples of blind test trials, no difference in the measured concentration was found for those from the samples with concentration created blindly. &#x0D;

Multitemporal Change Detection and Irregular Land Shape Area Measurement from Multispectral Sensor Images through BSO Algorithm

Pixel-based classification and area measurement play a vital role in satellite image processing. The accuracy in classification and area measurement is required for remote monitoring various regions such as water area, cultivation regions, reservoir water spread, and disease spread in cultivation area. Traditionally, Google Earth Pro-based area measurement has error in area measurement due to curvature nature and irregular land surface. Moreover, exact point identification on land surface on Earth pro is difficult due to frequent changes on the land surface. The problem in the land area measurement is mostly affected due to the man-made changes in that particular land area. In this paper, we solve land area measurement error problem through the automated single and multithresholding pixels of different iterations on the land surface by the BSO algorithm. The land cover region pixel intensity changes on the curvature region of land surface with respect to spatial and temporal variations which are identified through BSO optimization-based image segmentation for exact area measurement. For the experimentation of accurate measurement, land area images such as urban, semiurban, hill, and coastal region from LANDSAT and SENTINEL images for period 2016 to 2019 are taken for the land area measurement study. BSO enhances and segments the land regions such as road, building, water body, vegetation, bare land, hill, and coastal region of about 32% more than particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Furthermore, the urban land area measurement accuracy increases to about 97% than the irregular land surface area.

Exact tricritical point from next-to-leading-order stability analysis

In the massive chiral Gross-Neveu model, a phase boundary separates a homogeneous from an inhomogeneous phase. It consists of two parts, a second order line and a first order line, joined at a tricritical point. Whereas the first order phase boundary requires a full, numerical Hartree-Fock calculation, the second order phase boundary can be determined exactly and with less effort by a perturbative stability analysis. We extend this stability analysis to higher order perturbation theory. This enables us to locate the tricritical point exactly, without need to perform a Hartree-Fock calculation. Divergencies due to the emergence of spectral gaps in a spatially periodic perturbation are handled using well established tools from many body theory.

Anatomical Study of the Innervation of the Tibialis Anterior Muscle and its Correlation with Miofascial Trigger Points: Preliminary Results

BackgroundMyofascial syndrome is a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain. It is associated with movement restriction and is characterized by myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Myofascial trigger points (MTPs) represent tender areas of the muscle where painful symptoms are elicited whenever stimulated. Although pathophysiology of MTPs is unclear, some authors report that they coincide with motor plates at the innervation zone (IZ). Trigger points of the tibialis anterior muscle are located at the anterior third of the muscle.ObjectiveOur study aimed to describe the innervation of the tibialis anterior muscle and relate it to clinically described MTPs.MethodsTibial anterior muscles from five cadavers were dissected from their origins to observe the exact point where the deep fibular nerve penetrates the muscle belly. The entry points were mapped using a Cartesian graph. Statistical analysis was performed with Poisson marginal distribution and identity linkage function followed by Bonferroni multiple comparisons. Significance was set in p &lt;0.05.ResultsAreas I and II had most of the deep fibular nerve branches, with a mean of 5 sites (42%) and 4 sites (33%) respectively. Area 3 and 4 had a mean of 2 (17%) and one (8%) respectively.ConclusionIn accordance with the clinical literature, the branches of the deep fibular nerve in the tibialis anterior muscle seem to correspond to the described areas of the MTPs. Anatomical correlations between MTPs may be a useful tool for a better understanding of the physiopathology of these disorders and may provide a rational basis for their treatment.

Anatomical Substract of the Temporal Muscle Myofascial Trigger Points in Fresh Cadavers

BackgroundMyofascial syndrome is a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTPs). MTPs are clinically identified by palpation of a muscle or fascial taut band. Although pathophysiology of MTPs remains unclear, coincidence between them and muscle motor plate at the innervation zone (IZ) have been reported. The temporal muscle is related to headache and temporomandibular disorders and pain radiates from hyperalgesic points to distant areas symptomatic patients. Clinical reports usually describe four trigger points located in the temporal muscle and we aimed to identify anatomical correlation with muscle innervation.MethodsWe dissected the temporal muscles from five fresh cadavers to observe the exact point where nerve fibers penetrated the muscle belly. As muscle size varies among individuals, we calculated the relative entry point of the nerve into the muscle by defining six different areas in the muscle belly: three superior (I, II and III) and three inferior (IV, V and VI), beginning at the posterior margin of the muscle. Statistical analysis of anatomical data was obtained by Poisson distribution and logarithm link function followed by Bonferroni multiple comparisons. The comparison of points between the sides was made by Student’s t‐test. IBM‐SPSS for Windows version 20.0 software was used to perform the analysis, and Microsoft Excel 2003 software was used to tabulate the data. Data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation, and the level of significance was adjusted to 5% (p &lt;0.05) for all tests.ResultsThe number of temporal nerve branches did not differ between sides. Areas II and V had the largest number of temporal nerve entry sites, with a mean of 3 (22%) and 5 (36%) points, respectively. Areas III and VI had a mean of 2 sites both (14%) and areas I and IV, one (7%).ConclusionIn accordance with the clinical literature, the branches of the temporal nerve in the temporal muscle corresponded to the described areas of the myofascial trigger points (MTPs). Anatomical correlations between MTPs may be a useful tool for a better understanding of the physiopathology of these disorders and may provide a rational basis for their treatment.

Anatomical Study of the Innervation of the Fibularis Longus (FL) Muscle and its Correlation with Miofascial Trigger Points: Preliminary Results

BackgroundMyofascial syndrome is a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and results in dysfunction of the affected muscles. It is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTPs) which are clinically identified by palpation of a muscle or fascial taut band. Previous publications have found MTPs to coincide with neuromuscular junctions at the innervation zone (IZ). The fibularis longus syndrome is one of the most frequent myofascial syndrome of the lower limbs and occurs due to a wide variety of etiologies, most commonly, overuse and ankle sprain. Referred pain and tenderness caused by the trigger points of the FL muscle are located above, behind and below the lateral malleolus and may extend along the lateral aspect of the foot and leg.ObjectiveOur study aimed to correlate the innervation of the FL muscle to clinically described MTPs.MethodsFL muscles from five cadavers were dissected to observe the exact point where nerve fibers penetrated the muscle belly. As muscle size varies among individuals, we describe the relative entry point of the nerve into the muscle by defining four different areas in the muscle belly: two superior (I, II) and two inferior (III and IV). Statistical analysis of anatomical data was obtained by Poisson distribution and logarithm link function followed by Bonferroni multiple comparisons.ResultsWe found a mean of 12 branches of the superficial fibular nerve to the FL muscle. All of them were located into the areas I (67%) and II (33%). No branches were observed in areas III and IV. Our findings corresponded to previously described MTPs.ConclusionAnatomical correlation between MTPs may be a useful tool for a better understanding of the physiopathology of these disorders and may provide a rational basis for their treatment.

On the minimax spherical designs

AbstractDistributing points on a (possibly high‐dimensional) sphere with minimal energy is a long‐standing problem in and outside the field of mathematics. This paper considers a novel energy function that arises naturally from statistics and combinatorial optimization, and studies its theoretical properties. Our result solves both the exact optimal spherical point configurations in certain cases and the minimal energy asymptotics under general assumptions. Connections between our results and the L1‐principal component analysis and quasi‐Monte Carlo methods are also discussed.

Evaluation of the posterior reference point of ala tragus line in relation to occlusal plane and Frankfort horizontal plane through cephalometry in Sangareddy (Telangana) population

The Occlusal plane (OP) inclination is determined by paralleling the ala- tragus line to the occlusal plane. The location of the ala-tragus line is unclear because the exact location of the posterior reference tragal point is controversial. Additionally, morphological variations are observed between different ethnic groups. Therefore, evaluation of the exact reference point on the tragus is important. The study aimed to determine the most reliable posterior reference point on the ala‑tragus line that forms the most parallel line with the natural OP among the dentate Sangareddy volunteers from Telangana. Prosthodontically related craniofacial reference lines and angles of lateral cephalometric radiographs were analyzed for 25 dentate volunteers. Stainless steel balls were attached to the ala of the nose (A) and three points corresponding to the inferior (I), middle (M), and superior (S) points on the tragus. The angle formed by each line (IA, MA, and SA planes) with the OP and Frankfort horizontal (FH) plane were measured on cephalometric tracings.

Monitoring decongestion in acute heart failure

Persistent congestion following an episode of acute heart failure is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Monitoring diuretic therapy is essential to guide effective decongestion before patient discharge. Unfortunately, there are no markers which can predict on their own, the exact point in which euvolemia is achieved. Cardiothoracic and extra thoracic ultrasound are other tools to consider when evaluating hemodynamic and interstitial components of congestion. However, the question of which and how many parameters must be used for this purpose, is still unanswered.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Associated Risk Factors in College Students Undertaking Online Learning

Aim: To determine the factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms among college students pursuing online classes. Method: A correlational research design was adopted in this investigation. The study employed purposive sampling. The survey had a total of 194 respondents. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to assess musculoskeletal symptoms, while a demographic questionnaire was used to collect information. Instruments were distributed via Google Forms. The data were examined using Fisher Exact Test and Point Biserial Correlation (p value = 0.05) Results: A total of 194 college students volunteered and consented to participate. The statistical analysis demonstrated that the online class and sitting hours (p value = 0.006), gender (p value = 0.000), and location (0.044) all played a significant role with musculoskeletal symptoms among the respondents. Conclusion and Implications: Gender, sitting hours and student resident were factors correlated with the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Proper body mechanics, energy conservation, and relaxation techniques should be integrated to online classes to alleviate musculoskeletal symptoms. Furthermore, to avoid health-related difficulties as a result of online classes, effective and efficient implementation of online classrooms should be explored.

A microcontroller based self-locking laser system.

We present a self-locking laser system that does not require operator interventions. The system automatically finds a desired atomic transition and subsequently locks to it. Moreover, it has the ability to automatically detect if the laser is out of lock and activate the re-locking process. The design was implemented on two different diode lasers, a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) diode laser and a Fabry Perot (FP) diode laser, used as a repump laser for a magneto-optical trap in a laser cooling experiment and a Raman laser for a four-level Raman transition experiment, respectively. The design relies on frequency modulation transfer spectroscopy to obtain a sub-Doppler atomic spectrum of rubidium-85. This spectrum is then demodulated to obtain zero-crossing linear slopes at the exact points of each atomic and crossover transition. The frequency modulation, the signal analysis, and the automatic locking and re-locking of the lasers are all implemented using an Arduino Due microcontroller. The lock loop has a bandwidth of 7 kHz. The lasers used for the design are characterized, and the robustness of the lock is analyzed. The achieved linewidths of DBR and FP lasers are 1.4 and 5.5 MHz, respectively. The frequency drifts of both lasers are a few 100 kHz over a course of days. The capture range of the locking system is up to 4.9 GHz for the DBR laser and 725 MHz for the FP laser. Both lasers performed well under actual experimental conditions.

Electrophysiological evidence of global structure-from-motion processing of biological motion in 6-month-old infants

Understanding the actions of others is a fundamental and important skill for navigating our social world. A striking example of how our visual system is sensitive to others’ actions is the phenomenon of biological motion (BM), in which the visual system encodes socially relevant information regarding action from as few as a dozen point-lights of motion. Previous studies have demonstrated that infants can discriminate between BM and other types of actions. However, there is a lack of electrophysiological evidence outlining the exact point of time within the first year of life when global structure-from-motion processing of BM emerges. We herein show a clear event-related potential (ERP) response related to the global structure-from-motion processing of a coherent human point-light walker in 6-month-old infants. We introduced a novel experimental paradigm composed of two stimuli phases to extract a single ERP component related to the global structure-from-motion processing of a coherent human point-light walker. Furthermore, we demonstrated that an enhanced single ERP component observed at approximately 482–586 ms following the onset of the stimulus of a coherent human point-light walker was larger than that of a spatially scrambled point-light walker in 6-month-old infants. These findings suggest that 6-month-old infants can process the global structure-from-motion information of a coherent human point-light walker, which may involve the posterior part of the superior temporal sulcus region. The current findings further refine the recently outlined developmental theory of BM processing.

The demography of COVID-19 deaths database, a gateway to well-documented international data

National authorities publish COVID-19 death counts, which are extensively re-circulated and compared; but data are generally poorly sourced and documented. Academics and stakeholders need tools to assess data quality and to track data-related discrepancies for comparability over time or across countries. “The Demography of COVID-19 Deaths” database aims at bridging this gap. It provides COVID-19 death counts along with associated documentation, which includes the exact data sources and points out issues of quality and coverage of the data. The database — launched in April 2020 and continuously updated — contains daily cumulative death counts attributable to COVID-19 broken down by sex and age, place and date of occurrence of the death. Data and metadata undergo quality control checks prior to online release. As of mid-December 2021, it covers 21 countries in Europe and beyond. It is open access at a bilingual (English and French) website with content intended for expert users and non-specialists (https://dc-covid.site.ined.fr/en/; figshare: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5807027). Data and metadata are available for each country separately and pooled over all countries.

Accuracy of a CBCT-based virtual injection software for vessel detection during hepatic arterial embolization

PurposeTo assess the accuracy, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and interobserver agreement of a virtual injection (VI) software that simulates selective arterial injection from nonselective cone-beam CT (CBCT) arteriography. MethodsFrom March 2019 to May 2020, 20 consecutive patients in whom a nonselective injected CBCT and a selective CT angiography (CTA) were completed in the same procedure, were retrospectively included. The position of the microcatheter tip used for selective CTA injection was identified. The VI was simulated from the exact same point on the nonselective CBCT and the two volumes were merged. VI was compared to the real injection on the selective CTA. Three interventional radiologists evaluated the accuracy using a 6-point scale (Perfect; Good; Fair; Incorrect Origin; False Negative; Non existing). Sensitivity, PPV, and Fleiss’ kappa were calculated. Numerical variables were presented as means ± standard deviations. ResultsTwenty procedures and 195 vessel segments were analyzed. Most vessels were 4th order (57/195; 29%) and 5th order (96/195; 49%). VI was classified as perfect to good in 96.8% ± 1.4 of 1st–3rd order arteries and in 83.4% ± 0.4 of 4th–5th order arteries. Interobserver agreement was substantial (Fleiss’ kappa = 0.79; 95% confidence interval = 0.73–0.84, P < 0.01). False negatives were reported with a mean of 9.4% ± 0.3. Average sensitivity was 90.6% ± 0.3 and average PPV was 92.7% ± 0.02. Fourteen false positives were noted. ConclusionCBCT-based VI software accurately simulated distal injections in the liver with high sensitivity and a substantial interobserver agreement.

Prevalence of Phimosis, Benefit of Manual Foreskin Retraction, and Parent’s Perception about Phimosis in Thai Kindergarten and Primary School Aged Boys

Background: Primary phimosis can be resolved naturally by aging, however, it can cause a serious complication such as infection, emergency visit to hospital, and risk of developing penile cancer. Circumcision is a good option for treatment but there is no exact cut-off point of the age that the procedure should be performed. Conservative treatment such as manual foreskin retraction has benefit according to literature but timing and how to do it are still questionable. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of phimosis in kindergarten and primary school aged boys, the benefit of manual retraction by parents, and to explore the awareness of parents of the complications of phimosis. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study initiated between June 2020 and August 2020 at Thammasat kindergarten and primary school, Pathumthani, Thailand. Data from 264 boys were collected by online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of the grading of phimosis and parental awareness of the complications of the phimosis. Results: The prevalence of phimosis from the present study was 68% in 3- to 4-year-old boys, 54% in 5- to 6-year-old, 51% in 7- to 8-year-old, 44% in 9- to 10-year-old, and 39% in 11- to 12-year-old boys. For parental awareness, 61% of parents knew that phimosis can be a risk for urinary tract infection, 48% for acute event such as urinary retention or paraphimosis, and only 24% knew that phimosis can be a risk for developing penile cancer. The benefit of the manual retraction was not demonstrated in the present study. Conclusion: In the present study, the prevalence of phimosis was almost 50%, even in children older than 6-year-old. The authors encourage the education of parents about the complications of phimosis, especially penile cancer. Keywords: Phimosis; Manual retraction; Penile cancer; Parental awareness; Urinary tract infection; Penile cancer

Using response surface methodology to optimize rubber and LDPE contents in bitumen at low-temperature performance

Selecting the optimum amount of modifiers added to bitumen to modify its characteristics has always been one of the most important steps of such researches. In this study, the response surface method is used to design the experiments and to determine the optimal combination of different percentages of waste LDPE and crumb rubber. Waste LDPE in the amounts of 3%, 5%, and 7% and crumb rubber in the amounts of 1%, 3%, and 5% are used as the modifiers. In addition, the central composite design method is used to select the optimal combination of waste LDPE and crumb rubber. Polymer percentage is the most effective parameter in this research. The results show an optimum point of approximately 3% waste LDPE and 3% rubber powder. It can be the optimal point and has the best performance at low temperatures in this combination of modified bitumen percentages. However, the exact optimal point is obtained as 3% recycled plastic and 2.02% rubber powder after the optimization process.

Thermodynamic stability and P\u2013V criticality of nonsingular-AdS black holes endowed with clouds of strings

We investigate the extended phase space thermodynamics of nonsingular-AdS black holes minimally coupled to clouds of strings in which we consider the cosmological constant (Lambda ) as the pressure (P) of the black holes and its conjugate variable thermodynamical volume (V) of the black holes. Owing to the background clouds of strings parameter (a), we analyse the Hawking temperature, entropy and specific heat on horizon radius for fixed-parameter k. We find that the strings clouds background does not alter small/large black hole (SBH/LBH) phase transition but occurs at a larger horizon radius, and two second-order phase transitions occur at a smaller horizon radius. Indeed, the G–T plots exhibit a swallowtail below the critical pressure, implying that the first-order phase transition is analogous to the liquid–gas phase transition at a lower temperature and lower critical pressure. To further examine the analogy between nonsingular-AdS black holes and a liquid–gas system, we derive the exact critical points and probe the effects of a cloud of strings on P-V criticality to find that the isotherms undergo liquid–gas like phase transition for {tilde{T}},<,{tilde{T}}_c at lower {tilde{T}}_c. We have also calculated the critical exponents identical with Van der Walls fluid, i.e., same as those obtained before for arbitrary other AdS black holes, which implies that the background clouds of strings do not change the critical exponents.

Detecting the Differences between Speed Control Bumps and Humps In terms of Speed Reduction Performances

The study was evaluated speed control undulations (SCUs), as one of the crucial speed management tools in urban areas, performance in reducing passenger car speeds. The evaluations investigated two narrow-type SCU (Bump) and two wide-type SCU (Hump) with 5 cm and 10 cm height. The performance of SCUs in reducing vehicle speeds has been examined by reading speed values from video records. Vehicle speeds have been determined at a distance from the SCUs that does not affect the speed of the drivers (approx. 125-150 m) and also at a distance of -60 m, -40 m, -20 m, 0 m (passing over), +20 m, +40 m and +60 m according to the SCU. All speed measurements were made in two different traffic flow regimes, free flow (FF) and oversaturated flow (OSF). Between the measured vehicle speeds and speed reduction rates, statistical evaluations were made for each SCU at different measurement points and the exact measurement points between different SCUs. It has been determined that the 10 cm high hump would be the right choice for reducing vehicle speeds.