bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of Marava arachidis, a Newly Recorded Earwig Species in Egypt as a Biological Control Agent of Rhipicephalus annulatus Tick in Laboratory
Authors: Aboelhadid Shawky M. , Abdel-Baki Abdel-Azeem S. , Gadelhaq Sahar M. , Hassan Walid H. , Mansour Lamjed , Al-Quraishy Saleh , Kamimura Yoshitaka , Lee Chow-Yang , Kamel Asmaa A.
Published: October 2022

In Egypt, only five species of Dermaptera (earwigs) have been reported. Based on both the morphological and molecular data of the earwig samples collected from a bakery in Beni-Suef, Egypt, we identified the species as Marava arachidis (Spongiphoridae), a cosmopolitan species with no prior records in Egypt. The current study was designed to analyze its predation capability on newly emerged eggs and larvae of the Rhipicephalus annulatus tick. A laboratory functional response study was set up by applying a predation test with various predator-prey ratios as treatments. This experiment was applied using the undefined mix of collected earwigs and the laboratory-collected eggs and the larvae of R. annulatus. The laboratory results showed that the mean number of predated tick eggs was 18.64 ± 11.18 in 24 h under the highest predator-prey ratio (1:10) examined, accompanied by 12.04 ± 4.38 broken but unconsumed eggs. Moreover, M. arachidis predated an average of 12.32 ± 9.07 tick larvae per day. In contrast, the mean dead larvae increased to 38.4 ± 2.30 per day with the highest predator density (1:10). The number of eggs and larvae consumed increased with the predator density. A linear relationship was detected between earwig density and the consumption rates of tick eggs (R2 = 0.99; p = 0.0001) and larvae (R2 = 0.96; p = 0.003). In conclusion, M. arachidis was first recorded in Egypt. This earwig has predation capability on R. annulatus tick eggs and larvae.
White Ginger Nanocellulose as Effective Reinforcement and Antimicrobial Polyvinyl Alcohol/ZnO Hybrid Biocomposite Films Additive for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Rahmadiawan Dieter , Abral Hairul , Yesa Wahyu Hidayat , Handayani Dian , Sandrawati Neny , Sugiarti Eni , Muslimin Ahmad Novi , Sapuan S. M. , Ilyas R. A.
Published: October 2022

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been used in packaging applications due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, this non-toxic synthetic material belonging to a highly hydrophilic polymer has poor resistance to wet environments, no antibacterial activity, and low tensile and thermal properties. This study aims to prepare and characterize a PVA-based biocomposite film mixed with antimicrobial white ginger nanocellulose (GCNF) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The film was processed using GCNF (0.1 g) or/and ZnO nanoparticles (0.5 g). The results confirm that the GCNF/ZnO/PVA-based film presents the strongest antimicrobial activity and the highest thermal resistance. This film also had the best value in tensile strength (19.7 MPa) and modulus (253.1 MPa); 63.9% and 117.9%, respectively higher than purce PVA. Its elongation at break was 56.6%, not statistically significantly different from the pure PVA film. Thus, this PVA-based hybrid biocomposite film reinforced by GCNF and ZnO has excellent potential for fresh food packaging in industrial applications.
Hair Follicle Classification and Hair Loss Severity Estimation Using Mask R-CNN
Authors: Kim Jong-Hwan , Kwon Segi , Fu Jirui , Park Joon-Hyuk
Published: October 2022

Early and accurate detection of scalp hair loss is imperative to provide timely and effective treatment plans to halt further progression and save medical costs. Many techniques have been developed leveraging deep learning to automate the hair loss detection process. However, the accuracy and robustness of assessing hair loss severity still remain a challenge and barrier for transitioning such a technique into practice. The presented work proposes an efficient and accurate algorithm to classify hair follicles and estimate hair loss severity, which was implemented and validated using a multitask deep learning method via a Mask R-CNN framework. A microscopic image of the scalp was resized, augmented, then processed through pre-trained ResNet models for feature extraction. The key features considered in this study concerning hair loss severity include the number of hair follicles, the thickness of the hair, and the number of hairs in each hair follicle. Based on these key features, labeling of hair follicles (healthy, normal, and severe) were performed on the images collected from 10 men in varying stages of hair loss. More specifically, Mask R-CNN was applied for instance segmentation of the hair follicle region and to classify the hair follicle state into three categories, following the labeling convention (healthy, normal and severe). Based on the state of each hair follicle captured from a single image, an estimation of hair loss severity was determined for that particular region of the scalp, namely local hair loss severity index (P), and by combining P of multiple images taken and processed from different parts of the scalp, we constructed the hair loss severity estimation (Pavg) and visualized in a heatmap to illustrate the overall hair loss type and condition. The proposed hair follicle classification and hair loss severity estimation using Mask R-CNN demonstrated a more efficient and accurate algorithm compared to other methods previously used, enhancing the classification accuracy by 4 to 15%. This performance supports its potential for use in clinical settings to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of current hair loss diagnosis and prognosis techniques.
CorDeep and the Sacrobosco Dataset: Detection of Visual Elements in Historical Documents
Authors: Büttner Jochen , Martinetz Julius , El-Hajj Hassan , Valleriani Matteo
Published: October 2022

Recent advances in object detection facilitated by deep learning have led to numerous solutions in a myriad of fields ranging from medical diagnosis to autonomous driving. However, historical research is yet to reap the benefits of such advances. This is generally due to the low number of large, coherent, and annotated datasets of historical documents, as well as the overwhelming focus on Optical Character Recognition to support the analysis of historical documents. In this paper, we highlight the importance of visual elements, in particular illustrations in historical documents, and offer a public multi-class historical visual element dataset based on the Sphaera corpus. Additionally, we train an image extraction model based on YOLO architecture and publish it through a publicly available web-service to detect and extract multi-class images from historical documents in an effort to bridge the gap between traditional and computational approaches in historical studies.
Role of Oxidative Stress in Liver Disorders
Authors: Conde de la Rosa Laura , Goicoechea Leire , Torres Sandra , Garcia-Ruiz Carmen , Fernandez-Checa José C.
Published: October 2022

Oxygen is vital for life as it is required for many different enzymatic reactions involved in intermediate metabolism and xenobiotic biotransformation. Moreover, oxygen consumption in the electron transport chain of mitochondria is used to drive the synthesis of ATP to meet the energetic demands of cells. However, toxic free radicals are generated as byproducts of molecular oxygen consumption. Oxidative stress ensues not only when the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the endogenous antioxidant defense mechanism of cells, but it can also occur as a consequence of an unbalance between antioxidant strategies. Given the important role of hepatocytes in the biotransformation and metabolism of xenobiotics, ROS production represents a critical event in liver physiology, and increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to the development of many liver diseases. The present review, which is part of the special issue “Oxidant stress in Liver Diseases”, aims to provide an overview of the sources and targets of ROS in different liver diseases and highlights the pivotal role of oxidative stress in cell death. In addition, current antioxidant therapies as treatment options for such disorders and their limitations for future trial design are discussed.
The Influence of Closed-Cell W-Shaped Liner Parameters on the Penetration Performance of Integral Annular Shaped Charge
Authors: Yang Zhilin , Fu Jianping , Liang Fudi , Yin Likui , Ren Kai , Yuan Hao , Li Hongxin , Zhao Taiyong , Chen Zhigang
Published: October 2022

To further enhance the hole-opening ability of the metal jet formed by the annular shaped charge on the armored steel target, a new annular shaped charge structure of a closed-cell W-shaped charge liner is designed based on a certain penetration depth. The impact of the length-diameter ratio of the charge, the inverted cone angle, and the cone angle of the liner on the opening diameter of the annular metal jet are studied through the orthogonal optimization of the annular shaped charge structures carried out by numerical simulation, which shows that the inverted cone angle and the cone angle of the liner are among the main factors that affect penetration depth and the opening diameter of the annular jet, respectively. According to this, an optimum annular charge structure considering both penetration depth and opening diameter is designed and tested by experiments. According to the results, the optimized annular jet records an opening diameter of 0.83 CD (Charge Diameter) when it penetrates the armored steel target with a thickness of 0.53 CD. The experimental results are consistent with the numerical simulation. The research results have certain practical engineering significance for guiding the design of the front-stage annular shaped charge structure of the multi-effect destructive warhead.
Physical-Chemical Characterization of Different Carbon-Based Sorbents for Environmental Applications
Authors: Marzeddu Simone , Décima María Alejandra , Camilli Luca , Bracciale Maria Paola , Genova Virgilio , Paglia Laura , Marra Francesco , Damizia Martina , Stoller Marco , Chiavola Agostina , Boni Maria Rosaria
Published: October 2022

Biochar has been used in various applications, e.g., as a soil conditioner and in remediation of contaminated water, wastewater, and gaseous emissions. In the latter application, biochar was shown to be a suitable alternative to activated carbon, providing high treatment efficiency. Since biochar is a by-product of waste pyrolysis, its use allows for compliance with circular economics. Thus, this research aims to obtain a detailed characterization of three carbonaceous materials: an activated carbon (CARBOSORB NC 1240®) and two biochars (RE-CHAR® and AMBIOTON®). In particular, the objective of this work is to compare the properties of three carbonaceous materials to evaluate whether the application of the two biochars is the same as that of activated carbon. The characterization included, among others, particle size distribution, elemental analysis, pH, scanning electron microscope, pore volume, specific surface area, and ionic exchange capacity. The results showed that CARBOSORB NC 1240® presented a higher specific surface (1126.64 m2/g) than AMBIOTON® (256.23 m2/g) and RE-CHAR® (280.25 m2/g). Both biochar and activated carbon belong to the category of mesoporous media, showing a pore size between 2 and 50 nm (20–500 Å). Moreover, the chemical composition analysis shows similar C, H, and N composition in the three carbonaceous materials while a higher O composition in RE-CHAR® (9.9%) than in CARBOSORB NC 1240 ® (2.67%) and AMBIOTON® (1.10%). Differences in physical and chemical properties are determined by the feedstock and pyrolysis or gasification temperature. The results obtained allowed to compare the selected materials among each other and with other carbonaceous adsorbents.
A Layer-Wise Surface Deformation Defect Detection by Convolutional Neural Networks in Laser Powder-Bed Fusion Images
Authors: Ansari Muhammad Ayub , Crampton Andrew , Parkinson Simon
Published: October 2022

Surface deformation is a multi-factor, laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) defect that cannot be avoided entirely using current monitoring systems. Distortion and warping, if left unchecked, can compromise the mechanical and physical properties resulting in a build with an undesired geometry. Increasing dwell time, pre-heating the substrate, and selecting appropriate values for the printing parameters are common ways to combat surface deformation. However, the absence of real-time detection and correction of surface deformation is a crucial LPBF problem. In this work, we propose a novel approach to identifying surface deformation problems from powder-bed images in real time by employing a convolutional neural network-based solution. Identifying surface deformation from powder-bed images is a significant step toward real-time monitoring of LPBF. Thirteen bars, with overhangs, were printed to simulate surface deformation defects naturally. The carefully chosen geometric design overcomes problems relating to unlabelled data by providing both normal and defective examples for the model to train. To improve the quality and robustness of the model, we employed several deep learning techniques such as data augmentation and various model evaluation criteria. Our model is 99% accurate in identifying the surface distortion from powder-bed images.
Optimization of the Pentachlorophenol Adsorption by Organo-Clays Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: El Mahmoudi Soufiane , Elmchaouri Abdellah , El kaimech Assya , Gil Antonio
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to optimize the adsorption of pentachlorophenol (PCP) using an organo-clay under the response surface methodology. The adsorbent was selected from a montmorillonite exchanged by various cations, such as Fe3+, Al3+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Na+, and modified by bromide cetyltrimethylammonium (CTAB) as surfactant. The obtained organo-montmorillonite was characterized using several techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption, performed at −196 °C. The results showed an increase in basal space from 1.65 to 1.88 nm and a decrease in the specific surface and pore volume, with an increase in pore diameter, including the presence of characteristic bands of -CH2- and -CH3- groups at 2926 and 2854 cm−1 in the FTIR spectrum after the modification. The optimization of PCP removal by clay adsorbents is achieved using the response surface methodology (RSM) with a four-factor central composite model, including pH of solution, mass of adsorbent, contact time, and initial concentration. The results proved the validity of the regression model, wherein the adsorption capacity reaches its maximum value of 38 mg/g at a lower adsorbent mass of 20 mg, pH of 6, contact time (tc) of 5 h, and initial concentration of 8 mg/L.
Mechanochemically Assisted Coal Fly Ash Conversion into Zeolite
Authors: Grabias-Blicharz Ewelina , Panek Rafał , Franus Małgorzata , Franus Wojciech
Published: October 2022

Mechanically treated fly ash (FA) was utilised to provide Al and Si atoms for zeolite synthesis. A combination of mechanical fly ash activation and classical hydrothermal synthesis led to favourable dissolution of activated fly ash and improved crystallization of zeolites. The milling activation step induced structural changes in FA to promote its reactivity in alkaline solution. The conversion of milled FA into zeolite materials was finally completed in the second step, during hydrothermal synthesis. The effect of such factors as crystallization temperature, milling time, and solution conditioning were systematically studied. The physicochemical properties characterising the obtained zeolite materials were determined via particle size distribution (PSD), nitrogen adsorption–desorption, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). As a result, the best samples achieved a high degree of crystallinity and an extensive specific surface area of 292 m2/g, 87.4 m2/g, 41.9 m2/g for Na-X, Na-P1, and Na-A, respectively. The obtained results provide new and useful data for utilising fly ash resources and synthesising other practical zeolites through an innovative, mechanochemically assisted, and template-free approach.
An Orthogonal Experimental Study on the Preparation of Cr Coatings on Long-Size Zr Alloy Tubes by Arc Ion Plating
Authors: Chen Huan , Ma Zhaodandan , Wang Yu , Wei Tianguo , Yang Hongyan , Du Peinan , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Ruiqian
Published: October 2022

Cr-coated Zr alloys are widely considered the most promising accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding materials for engineering applications in the near term. In this work, Cr coatings were prepared on the surfaces of 1400 mm long N36 cladding tubes using an industrial multiple arc source system. Orthogonal analyses were conducted to demonstrate the significance level of various process parameters influencing the characteristics of coatings (surface roughness, defects, crystal orientation, grain structure, etc.). The results show that the arc current mainly affects the coating deposition rate and the droplet particles on the surface or inside the coatings; however, the crystal preferred orientation and grain structure are more significantly influenced by the gas pressure and negative bias voltage, respectively. Then, the underlying mechanisms are carefully discussed. At last, a set of systemic methods to control the quality and microstructures of Cr coatings are summarized.
Statistical Analysis and Optimization of the Brilliant Red HE-3B Dye Biosorption onto a Biosorbent Based on Residual Biomass
Authors: Suditu Gabriel Dan , Blaga Alexandra Cristina , Tataru-Farmus Ramona-Elena , Zaharia Carmen , Suteu Daniela
Published: October 2022

Using various techniques, natural polymers can be successfully used as a matrix to immobilize a residual microbial biomass in a form that is easy to handle, namely biosorbents, and which is capable of retaining chemical species from polluted aqueous media. The biosorption process of reactive Brilliant Red HE-3B dye on a new type of biosorbent, based on a residual microbial biomass of Saccharomyces pastorianus immobilized in sodium alginate, was studied using mathematical modeling of experimental data obtained under certain conditions. Different methods, such as computer-assisted statistical analysis, were applied, considering all independent and dependent variables involved in the reactive dye biosorption process. The optimal values achieved were compared, and the experimental data supported the possibility of using the immobilized residual biomass as a biosorbent for the studied reference dye. The results were sufficient to perform dye removals higher than 70–85% in an aqueous solution containing around 45–50 mg/L of reactive dye, and working with more than 20–22 g/L of prepared immobilized microbial biosorbent for more than 9.5–10 h. Furthermore, the proposed models agreed with the experimental data and permitted the prediction of the dye biosorption behavior in the experimental variation field of each independent variable.
Spectroscopic and Physicochemical Investigations of Azomethines with Triphenylamine Core towards Optoelectronics
Authors: Amin Muhammad Faisal , Gnida Paweł , Kotowicz Sonia , Małecki Jan Grzegorz , Siwy Mariola , Nitschke Paweł , Schab-Balcerzak Ewa
Published: October 2022

Three new azomethines based on triphenylamine with two or three substituents were obtained. Chemical structure and purity were confirmed by 1H NMR, FTIR elemental analysis and mass spectroscopy. The investigations were focused on the relationship between chemical structure and properties important for optoelectronic materials. Thus, the studies of thermal, optical and electrochemical properties were carried out based on differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, electronic absorption, photoluminescence and cyclic voltammetry measurements. The ongoing consideration of experimental results was complemented by theoretical calculations using the density functional theory method. The donor activity of obtained compounds was tested in bulk-heterojuntion photovoltaic cells with structure ITO/PEDOT:PSS/imine:PCBM/Al and ITO/PEDOT:PSS/imine:P3HT:PCBM/Al). The effect of the presence of the amino-thiophene-3,4-dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester groups and various number of hexyloxyphenyl units on imines properties was demonstrated.
Mechanical Behavior and Constitutive Modeling of the Mg-Zn-Y Alloy in an Electrically Assisted Tensile Test
Authors: Xu Zhichao , Yang Wenju , Fan Jianfeng , Wu Tao , Gao Zeng
Published: October 2022

The Mg-Zn-Y alloy containing the LPSO phase has excellent mechanical properties and functional application prospects. In an effort to clarify the electrically assisted deformation behavior of the Mg-Zn-Y alloy, electrically assisted tensile tests of Mg98.5Zn0.5Y1 alloy sheets were carried out at different temperatures, current densities, duty ratios, and frequencies. The experimental results showed that, after the pulse current was applied (26.58 A·mm−2), the peak stress of the sample deformed at 200 °C decreased by 8 MPa. The peak stress of the material decreased with the increase in current density. It is noticeable that the changes in duty ratios and frequencies have a small effect on the peak stress and strain. When the current was applied, more recrystallized grains appeared in the alloy and the basal texture was weakened. According to the experimental results, the Arrhenius model was derived based on the Zener–Hollomon parameter. Owing to the appearance of the stacking fault structure (LPSO), the activation energy Q of the Mg98.5Zn0.5Y1 alloy was 389.41 KJ/mol, which is higher than conventional Mg alloys. Moreover, the constitutive equation of the electro plastic effect coupled with temperature and pulse current parameters was established by introducing electrically assisted characteristics. By comparing the experimental and predicted values, the established model can effectively predict the variation trend of flow stress under electrically assisted deformation. Moreover, the constitutive model was incorporated into the UHARD subroutine of ABAQUS software to study the deformation behavior of the Mg98.5Zn0.5Y1 alloy.
The Stabilization Mechanism of Nano-SiO2 Precursor Solution
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ji Yongsheng , Ma Zhanguo , Xu Zhishan , Zhang Zhongzhe , Xu Shengnan
Published: October 2022

The issues associated with the fabrication of nano-silica (NS) mineral powder, such as high cost and agglomeration, can be effectively mitigated by using a precursor solution of NS as the external mixture of cement-based materials. Based on the liquid-phase preparation of NS mineral powder, its preparation technology was thoroughly investigated herein. The precursor solution of NS was synthesized using acid media (HCL, HNO3, HBO3, HCOOH, CH3COOH)—the acetic acid concentration was 1~15%—and siliceous materials. (The concentration of sodium silicate was 20~38%). In addition, the pH value (pH4~pH8) of the precursor solution was measured using a pH detector. The indexes of NS, such as precipitation time, morphology, and distribution, were observed to formulate a preparation technique for the precursor solution of NS that possessed the best results for the precipitation of nanoparticles. From the acquired results, it was demonstrated that acetic acid solution (concentration ≤ 3%) and sodium silicate solution (concentration ≤ 25%) were mixed into a solution with pH = 6, which was the optimum mixing ratio for the precursor solution of NS. The prepared precursor solution of NS was also added to the Ca(OH)2 saturated solution, and the precursor solution became active from a stable state. Then, NS particles were precipitated in an alkaline solution and reacted with Ca(OH)2 to form calcium silicate gel, which made the solution increasingly turbid and generated many visible and uniformed flocculating substances. With time, gels were continuously produced, which then turn white. Similarly, NS particles can be precipitated when the precursor solution is added to cement paste, which reacts with the Ca(OH)2 to generate CSH gel and improve the compactness of the cement paste.
Correction: Jovičević-Klug et al. Effect of Deep Cryogenic Treatment on Wear and Galling Properties of High-Speed Steels. Materials 2021, 14, 7561
Authors: Jovičević-Klug Patricia , Sedlaček Marko , Jovičević-Klug Matic , Podgornik Bojan
Published: October 2022

In Sections 3 [...]
Effect of Shale Powder on the Performance of Lightweight Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Guo Kaizheng , Ding Qingjun
Published: October 2022

In this study, lightweight ultra-high-performance concrete (L-UHPC) was prepared by using SP to replace part of the cement. The main study investigated the effect of the amount of SP on the spread diameter, apparent density and mechanical properties of L-UHPC. The mechanism of the effect of SP on the hydration product of L-UHPC was studied and the pore structure of L-UHPC was also analyzed. The results show that the incorporation of SP can effectively improve the spread diameter and reduce the apparent density of L-UHPC to a certain extent. With the increase in SP content, the compressive strength of L-UHPC at 7 days of age did not change significantly. However, the compressive strengths at 3 and 28 days of age changed significantly. When the amount of SP was less than 12%, there was no significant decrease flexural and compressive strength at 28 days of age. However, the flexural and compressive strength of L-UHPC gradually decreased when the amount of SP was greater than 12%. The microstructure shows that SP can reduce the content of portlandite. This is mainly due to the fact that the addition of SP improved the stacking compactness of L-UHPC and promoted secondary hydration reactions. The content of portlandite and the hydration degree of cement were reduced. At the same time, the exothermic hydration of L-UHPC with SP was less, the hydration process was slow, and the exothermic rate of initial hydration was low. An appropriate amount of SP can effectively improve the pore structure of L-UHPC and significantly reduce the pore volume of harmful pores (50~200 nm). SP can make the L-UHPC structure more compact and has a positive effect on the development of L-UHPC strength.
Eco-Friendly Approach for Graphene Oxide Synthesis by Modified Hummers Method
Authors: Méndez-Lozano Néstor , Pérez-Reynoso Francisco , González-Gutiérrez Carlos
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to produce graphene oxide using a modified Hummers method without using sodium nitrate. This modification eliminates the production of toxic gases. Two drying temperatures, 60 °C and 90 °C, were used. Material was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. FTIR study shows various functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl. The XRD results show that the space between the layers of GO60 is slightly larger than that for GO90. SEM images show a homogeneous network of graphene oxide layers of ≈6 to ≈9 nm. The procedure described has an environmentally friendly approach.
Differential Expression of α-Enolase in Clinical Gastric Tissues and Cultured Normal/Cancer Cells in Response to Helicobacter pylori Infection and cagA Transfection
Authors: Yu Feiyan , He Mengya , Li Jian , Wang Haiyan , Chen Shuaiyin , Zhang Xiaojuan , Zhang Huijuan , Duan Guangcai , Zhang Rongguang
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: The role of α-enolase (ENO1) in Helicobacter pylori-related gastric lesions might be a critical factor in the pathogenesis, but remains undefined. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the differential expression of α-enolase in clinical gastric specimens and cultured normal/cancer cells in response to H. pylori (cagA+) infection and cagA transfection using qPCR, Western blots and histochemical methods. Results: A total of 172 gastric specimens were collected from 142 patients, the former comprising chronic superficial gastritis (CSG), precancerous diseases (PCDs, including atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia) and gastric cancer (GC) cases. Among the CSG and PCD cases, the H. pylori-infected group had significantly elevated ENO1 mRNA levels compared with the uninfected group. In the GC cases, differential ENO1 expressions were detected between the cancer tissues and the paracancerous tissues. Notably, significant difference was first detected between the GC cell (AGS) and the normal cell (GES-1) as a response of ENO1 to H. pylori infection and cagA transfection. Conclusions: This report reveals that ENO1 expression is associated with H. pylori infection, cagA transfection, co-culture duration, multiplicity of infection, gastric normal/cancerous cell lines and cellular differentiation. The findings may be crucial bases for further ascertaining H. pylori pathogenic mechanism and formulating novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
The Predictive Value of Eosinophil Indices for Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Decompensated HFrEF
Authors: Vural Aslı , Aydın Ertan
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: Heart failure is a chronic disease with a high risk of mortality and morbidity. In these patients, inflammatory markers have been shown to be associated with cardiovascular adverse outcomes and disease progression. To investigate the relationships between eosinophil indices and major cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with reduced ejection fraction. Materials and Methods: A total of 395 consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with ADHF and reduced ejection fraction between January 2017 and December 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. MACE was defined as the composite of death and re-hospitalization for ADHF within 6 months of index hospitalization. All-cause mortality and MACE were assessed with respect to relationships with eosinophil indices, including neutrophil-to-eosinophil ratio (NER), leukocyte-to-eosinophil ratio (LER), eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR), and eosinophil-to-monocyte ratio (EMR). Results: NER and LER were significantly higher in subjects with MACE. Absolute eosinophil, lymphocyte and basophil count, hemoglobin, serum Na+, albumin, and CRP, and EMR and ELR were significantly lower in subjects with MACE compared to those without. NT-proBNP (OR: 1.682, 95% CI: 1.106–2.312, p = 0.001), Na+ (OR: 0.932, 95% CI: 0.897–0.969, p < 0.001), NER (OR: 2.740, 95 % CI: 1.797–4.177, p < 0.001), LER (OR: 2.705, 95% CI: 1.752–4.176, p < 0.001), EMR (OR:1.654, 95% CI 1.123–2.436, p = 0.011), ELR (OR: 2.112, 95% CI 1.424–3.134, p < 0.001), and eosinophil count (OR: 1.833, 95% CI 1.276–2.635) were independent predictors for development of MACE. Conclusions: Patients with ADHF and reduced ejection fraction who developed MACE within the first six months of index hospitalization had lower levels of absolute eosinophil and lymphocyte counts, and EMR and ELR values, whereas NER and LER were higher compared to those without MACE. The eosinophil indices were independently associated with mortality and MACE development. The eosinophil indices may be used to estimate MACE likelihood with acceptable sensitivity and specificity.
Forensic Diagnosis of Freshwater or Saltwater Drowning Using the Marker Aquaporin 5: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Frisoni Paolo , Diani Luca , De Simone Stefania , Bosco Maria Antonella , Cipolloni Luigi , Neri Margherita
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: Aquaporins are a family of water channel proteins. In this study, the renal and intrapulmonary expression of aquaporin-5 (AQP5) was examined in forensic autopsy cases to evaluate it as a drowning marker and to differentiate between freshwater drowning and saltwater drowning. Materials and Methods: Cases were classified into three groups: freshwater drowning (FWD), saltwater drowning (SWD), and controls (CTR). Samples were obtained from forensic autopsies at less than 72 h postmortem (15 FWD cases, 15 SWD cases, and 17 other cases) and were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical investigations. Results: In FWD group, intrapulmonary AQP5 expression was significantly suppressed compared with SWD and CTR; there was no significant difference in AQP5 expression among the other two groups. The same differences in expression were also observed in the kidney. Conclusions: These observations suggest that AQP5 expression in alveolar cells was suppressed by hypotonic water to prevent hemodilution. Moreover, it is possible to hypothesize that in the kidney, with the appearance of hypo-osmotic plasma, AQP5 is hypo-expressed, as a vital reaction, to regulate the renal reabsorption of water. In conclusion, the analysis of renal and intrapulmonary AQP5 expression would be forensically useful for differentiation between FWD and SWD, or between FWD and death due to other causes.
Could an Increased Percentage of Immature Granulocytes Accompanying Dyspepsia Predict COVID-19?
Authors: Gisi Kadir , Gungor Sukru , Ispiroglu Murat , Kantarceken Bulent
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim: Although vaccination practices continue at a fast pace around the world, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) still threatens people’s lives. In this study, we aimed to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients who do not have the typical symptoms of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but only present with dyspepsia, and to investigate the role of immature granulocytes in the early diagnosis of these patients. Material and Methods: Adult and pediatric patients suffering from dyspepsia were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, ‘‘positive’’ and ‘‘negative’’, based on their SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test results. Immature granulocyte count (IG), immature granulocyte percentage (IG%), C-reactive protein (CRP), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were recorded. Results: A total of 238 patients, including 25 (10.5%) pediatric and 213 (89.5%) adult patients, were included in the study. A total of 2 (8%) pediatric patients and 17 (7.9%) adult patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The IG, IG%, and CRP parameters were significantly higher in the SARS-CoV-2-positive patients compared to the SARS-CoV-2-negative patients. The optimal cut-off value predictive of COVID-19 infection was determined to be ≥0.650 (sensitivity: 52.6% and specificity: 95.5%, p = 0.001) for IG%. Conclusions: It should be noted that dyspepsia may also be a COVID-19 symptom. IG% values, which can be determined with a hemogram test, a cheap and easily accessible test, may be a warning in the early detection of patients who do not have the typical symptoms of COVID-19.
Use of Ultra-Widefield Fluorescein Angiography to Guide the Treatment to Idiopathic Retinal Vasculitis, Aneurysms, and Neuroretinitis—Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Meng Ping-Ping , Lin Chun-Ju , Hsia Ning-Yi , Lai Chun-Ting , Bair Henry , Lin Jane-Ming , Chen Wen-Lu , Tsai Yi-Yu
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To review the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic retinal vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN) and to report a case with the use of ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) for confirming the precise staging of IRVAN and aid in early treatment. The patient improved after being treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection. Results: A 26-year-old female complained of progressive blurred vision OD for one week. Her BCVA was 0.6 OD and 1.0 OS. Fundus examination showed vitritis, retinal hemorrhage, and vasculitis over bilateral eyes. Fluorescein angiography (FA) with a 55 degree of view revealed aneurysmal dilations of the peripapillary arteriole, peripapillary focal leakage, venous leakage, and capillary nonperfusion area. Stage 2 IRVAN was impressed OU. Oral prednisolone was administered. After four months, she experienced decreased visual acuity OS. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed subretinal and intraretinal fluid with hyperreflective material. One posterior subtenon triamcinolone and one intravitreal aflibercept injection were performed OS, and macular edema subsided. A 105-degree ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) showed multiple peripheral background hypofluorescence areas corresponding to capillary nonperfusion. Retinal neovascularization (NV) was found OS, which had not been revealed by the previous 55-degree FA. Stage 3 IRVAN was made OS and panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) was performed. Oral prednisone and cyclosporine were prescribed. Her vision improved to 1.0 OU. Conclusion: UWFA provides visualization of peripheral retinal pathology and for precise staging. It also had direct implications in the follow-up and treatment strategy.
Work Ability Mediates the Relationships between Personal Resources and Work Engagement
Authors: Friedrich Jack C. , Koziel Ryszard J. , Zacher Hannes , Rudolph Cort W.
Published: October 2022

Research on job resources suggests strong links with work engagement, but less is known about its association with personal resources and possible mechanisms linking personal resources to work engagement. Based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model and lifespan development theories, we develop and test a model of the indirect relationships between personal resources (i.e., adaptive coping in the form of selection, optimization, and compensation and personal health in the form of subjective health complaints) and work engagement through work ability. To test this model, a sample of employees (n = 520) was recruited from a panel of employed older (i.e., aged 40+) workers. Results suggest that work ability mediates the relationships between selection, optimization, and compensation and subjective health complaints and work engagement.
A Study on the Applicability of Agitated Cyanide Leaching and Thiosulphate Leaching for Gold Extraction in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining
Authors: Manzila Archippe Ngwey , Moyo Thandazile , Petersen Jochen
Published: October 2022

Mercury amalgamation is the method of choice to recover gold in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). However, despite the low cost and simplicity of this method, the use of mercury presents serious health and environmental risks, as well as low efficiency in gold extraction. This study investigates the application of cyanide and thiosulphate leaching as alternatives to mercury amalgamation. This investigation was undertaken by conducting leach experiments using cyanide at 1 g/L, 3 g/L, and 5 g/L, and ammonium thiosulphate at 0.1 M and 0.5 M, on three ore samples originating from an artisanal mining area in Zimbabwe. The operating conditions (T = 26 °C, solids loading: 30%, particle size: −300 + 150 µm) were selected to mimic as closely as possible the conditions of artisanal mining processes. It was found that cyanide leaching was the better performing technology compared to thiosulphate leaching, as it achieved gold extractions of 71.6%, 69.7%, and 67.8% for the three ore samples (Sample 1, Sample 2, and Sample 3, respectively), whereas thiosulphate leaching achieved gold extractions of 54.1%, 35.6%, and 38.0% for the three ores, respectively. Both methods outperformed mercury amalgamation, which typically achieves gold recoveries of 30%–50%. Studying the minerology of the ores, using XRF, XRD, QEMSCAN, SEM-EDS, and a diagnostic leach, revealed the presence of sulphide minerals hosting refractory gold which contributed to the low gold extractions observed. Besides achieving higher gold extraction, cyanide leaching proved to be a system that is easier to control compared to thiosulphate leaching, making it much more attractive to artisanal miners.
The Role of Heterogeneity on Deformation and Flow in Fractured Coal Slopes
Authors: Hu Roger , Walsh Stuart D. C.
Published: October 2022

The fractures in brown coal influence fluid flow and deformation in these materials. These fractures display highly heterogeneous characteristics in the distributions of their apertures, separations and orientations. While discrete fracture models have previously been used to analyse the effects of fractures, such models are not feasible for the scales encountered in many brown-coal mines. Instead, here a continuum permeability model is used to capture the effects of the fracture heterogeneity on fractured coal. This paper presents an analysis of the fracture heterogeneity of brown coal at the AGL Loy Yang coal mine in Latrobe Valley and its influence on the fluid flow, dispersion and rock stability. A stress dependent fracture permeability is considered and captures the effects of heterogeneity in the fracture aperture and orientation. Numerical simulations conducted with multiple plasticity models present different flow paths and potential failure modes depending on the the implemented boundary conditions.
Discrete-Event Simulation in Healthcare Settings: A Review
Authors: Forbus John J. , Berleant Daniel
Published: October 2022

We review and define the current state of the art as relating to discrete event simulation in healthcare-related systems. A review of published literature over the past five years (2017–2021) was conducted, building upon previously published work. PubMed and EBSCOhost were searched for journal articles on discrete event simulation in healthcare resulting in identification of 933 unique articles. Of these about half were excluded at the title/abstract level and 154 at the full text level, leaving 311 papers to analyze. These were categorized, then analyzed by category and collectively to identify publication volume over time, disease focus, activity levels by country, software systems used, and sizes of healthcare unit under study. A total of 1196 articles were initially identified. This list was narrowed down to 311 for systematic review. Following the schema from prior systematic reviews, the articles fell into four broad categories: health care systems operations (HCSO), disease progression modeling (DPM), screening modeling (SM), and health behavior modeling (HBM). We found that discrete event simulation in healthcare has continued to increase year-over-year, as well as expand into diverse areas of the healthcare system. In addition, this study adds extra bibliometric dimensions to gain more insight into the details and nuances of how and where simulation is being used in healthcare.
Optimal Treatment with Cannabis Extracts Formulations Is Gained via Knowledge of Their Terpene Content and via Enrichment with Specifically Selected Monoterpenes and Monoterpenoids
Authors: Raz Noa , Eyal Aharon M. , Davidson Elyad M.
Published: October 2022

Differences between therapeutic effects of medical cannabis inflorescences and those of their extracts are generally attributed to the differences in administration form and in the resultant pharmacokinetics. We hypothesized that difference may further extend to the composition of the actually consumed drug. Cannabinoid and terpene contents were compared between commercial cannabis inflorescences (n = 19) and decarboxylated extracts (n = 12), and between inflorescences and decarboxylated extracts produced from them (n = 10). While cannabinoid content was preserved in the extracts, a significant loss of terpenes was evident, mainly in the more volatile monoterpenes and monoterpenoids (representing a loss of about 90%). This loss changes the total terpene content, the proportion of monoterpenes out of the total terpenes, and the monoterpene/cannabinoid ratio. Terpene deficiency might impair extracts’ pharmacological efficacy and might contribute to the patients’ preference to inflorescences-smoking. This argues against the validity of terms such as “whole plant” and “full spectrum” extracts and creates a misleading assumption that extracts represent the pharmacological profile of the sourced inflorescences. Furthermore, it reduces the diversity in extracts, such as loss of differences between sativa-type and indica-type. Enriching cannabis extracts with selected terpenes may provide a suitable solution, generating a safe, precise, and reproducible drug with tailored cannabinoid and terpene contents. Careful selection of terpenes to be added enables tailor-made extracts, adjusted for various medicinal aims and for different populations.
Moringa Oleifera Alleviates Aβ Burden and Improves Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Impairments in APP/PS1 Mice
Authors: Mahaman Yacoubou Abdoul Razak , Feng Jun , Huang Fang , Salissou Maibouge Tanko Mahamane , Wang Jianzhi , Liu Rong , Zhang Bin , Li Honglian , Zhu Feiqi , Wang Xiaochuan
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is a global public health problem and the most common form of dementia. Due to the failure of many single therapies targeting the two hallmarks, Aβ and Tau, and the multifactorial etiology of AD, there is now more and more interest in nutraceutical agents with multiple effects such as Moringa oleifera (MO) that have strong anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticholinesterase, and neuroprotective virtues. In this study, we treated APP/PS1 mice with a methanolic extract of MO for four months and evaluated its effect on AD-related pathology in these mice using a multitude of behavioral, biochemical, and histochemical tests. Our data revealed that MO improved behavioral deficits such as anxiety-like behavior and hyperactivity and cognitive, learning, and memory impairments. MO treatment abrogated the Aβ burden to wild-type control mice levels via decreasing BACE1 and AEP and upregulating IDE, NEP, and LRP1 protein levels. Moreover, MO improved synaptic plasticity by improving the decreased GluN2B phosphorylation, the synapse-related proteins PSD95 and synapsin1 levels, the quantity and quality of dendritic spines, and neurodegeneration in the treated mice. MO is a nutraceutical agent with promising therapeutic potential that can be used in the management of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Improving the Nutrient Quality of Foods and Beverages Using Product Specific Standards for Nutrients to Limit Will Substantially Reduce Mean Population Intakes of Energy, Sodium, Saturated Fat and Sugars towards WHO Guidelines
Authors: Dötsch-Klerk Mariska , Kovacs Eva M. R. , Hegde Ujwal , Eilander Ans , Willems Julie I.
Published: October 2022

Background: International strategies to reduce chronic diseases have called for a reduction in the amounts of saturated fat (SAFA), trans fat (TFA), salt and sugars in the global food supply. This paper describes the development approach and potential impact of a set of standards for these nutrients to drive food (re)formulation. Methods: To set the standards, WHO nutrient guidelines for daily intake were translated into product group specific standards. The impact of reformulation towards these standards on population nutrient intakes was modelled using the food consumption data of five countries: UK, France, US, Brazil and China. The impact of the TFA standards could not be modelled due to lack of data. Results: (Re)formulation of foods and beverages towards these standards would substantially decrease mean population intakes of energy, sodium, SAFA and sugars, with reductions up to 30%. Conclusions: These science-based standards for nutrients to limit could drive impactful reductions in energy, sodium, SAFA and sugars in food and beverage products, enabling mean population intakes to move closer to WHO nutrient guidelines.