Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a heterogeneous whole-joint disease that can cause pain and is a leading cause of disability and premature work loss. The predominant disease risk factors - obesity and joint injury - are well recognized and modifiable. A greater understanding of the complex mechanisms, including inflammatory, metabolic and post-traumatic processes, that can lead to disease and of the pathophysiology of pain is helping to delineate mechanistic targets.

Serum Cortisol and Cardiovascular Disease Risk-A Potential Biomarker.

Cardiovascular Disease [CVD], the leading cause of death globally, poses a significant burden on the healthcare sector. Its association with stress and Cushing's Syndrome has driven cortisol, the 'stress hormone,' to be a potential candidate in determining CVD risk. Cortisol synthesis and release through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal [HPA] axis are regulated by several hormones and receptors involved in the pathological cascade towards CVD.

A redescription and range extension of Trimeresurus caudornatus Chen, Ding, Vogel & Shi, 2020 (Serpentes: Viperidae).

The pitviper species Trimeresurus caudornatus was recently described based on only two specimens from Nabang Town, Yingjiang County, Yunnan Province, China. Here, we provide additional data on this species based on a re-examination of 19 preserved specimens, 16 specimens reported in earlier literature sources, and additional photo-documented records from northern Myanmar (Burma) and adjacent China. All new specimens were previously identified as Trimeresurus albolabris sensu lato or Trimeresurus septentrionalis sensu lato.

Persistence of Structural Lubricity on Contaminated Graphite: Rejuvenation, Aging, and Friction Switches.

Using atomic force microscopy experiments and molecular dynamics simulations of gold nanoislands on graphite, we investigate why ultralow friction commonly associated with structural lubricity can be observed even under ambient conditions. Measurements conducted within a few days after sample synthesis reveal previously undiscovered phenomena in structurally lubric systems: , a drop in kinetic friction of an order of magnitude shortly after the onset of sliding; , a significant increase in kinetic friction forces after a rest period of 30 min or more; and , spontaneous jumps between distinct friction branches. These three effects are drastically suppressed a few weeks later.