bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Resveratrol on Markers of Oxidative Stress and Sirtuin 1 in Elderly Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: García-Martínez Beatriz Isabel , Ruiz-Ramos Mirna , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Santiago-Osorio Edelmiro , Mendoza-Núñez Víctor Manuel
Published: April 2023

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects a large part of the adult population and impairs its quality of life. Because of this, natural compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic properties have been used as adjuvants. Among these compounds, resveratrol (RV) stands out, a polyphenol that has been studied in several clinical trials, the results of which are controversial. We conducted a randomized clinical trial on 97 older adults with T2D to evaluate the effect of RV on oxidative stress markers and sirtuin 1, using doses of 1000 mg/day (EG1000, n = 37) and 500 mg/day (EG500, n = 32) compared with a placebo (PG, n = 28). Biochemical markers, oxidative stress and sirtuin 1 levels were measured at baseline and after six months. We observed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant gap, the percentage of subjects without oxidant stress and sirtuin 1 levels in EG1000. In the PG, we observed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in lipoperoxides, isoprostanes and C-reactive protein levels. An increase in the oxidative stress score and in the percentage of subjects with mild and moderate oxidative stress was observed too. Our findings suggest that 1000 mg/day of RV exerts a more efficient antioxidant effect than 500 mg/day.
Recovery of W(VI) from Wolframite Ore Using New Synthetic Schiff Base Derivative
Authors: Elbshary Rawan E. , Gouda Ayman A. , El Sheikh Ragaa , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Hanfi Mohamed Y. , Atia Bahig M. , Sakr Ahmed K. , Gado Mohamed A.
Published: April 2023

A new synthetic material, namely, (3-(((4-((5-(((S)-hydroxyhydrophosphoryl)oxy)-2-nitrobenzylidene) amino) phenyl) imino) methyl)-4-nitrophenyl hydrogen (R)-phosphonate)), was subjected to a quaternary ammonium salt and named (HNAP/QA). Several characterizations, such as FTIR spectrometry, 1H-NMR analysis, 13C-NMR analysis, 31P-NMR Analysis, TGA analysis, and GC-MS analysis, were performed to ensure its felicitous preparation. HNAP/QA is capable of the selective adsorption of W(VI) ions from its solutions and from its rock leachate. The optimum factors controlling the adsorption of W(VI) ions on the new adsorbent were studied in detail. Furthermore, kinetics and thermodynamics were studied. The adsorption reaction fits the Langmuir model. The sorption process of the W(VI) ions is spontaneous due to the negative value of ∆G° calculated for all temperatures, while the positive value of ∆H° proves that the adsorption of the W(VI) ions adsorption on HNAP/QA is endothermic. The positive value of ∆S° suggests that the adsorption occurs randomly. Ultimately, the recovery of W(IV) from wolframite ore was conducted successfully.
Blood Proteomics Analysis Reveals Potential Biomarkers and Convergent Dysregulated Pathways in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mesleh Areej , Ehtewish Hanan , de la Fuente Alberto , Al-shamari Hawra , Ghazal Iman , Al-Faraj Fatema , Al-Shaban Fouad , Abdesselem Houari B. , Emara Mohamed , Alajez Nehad M. , Arredouani Abdelilah , Decock Julie , Albagha Omar , Stanton Lawrence W. , Abdulla Sara A. , El-Agnaf Omar M. A.
Published: April 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term that encompasses several disabling neurodevelopmental conditions. These conditions are characterized by impaired manifestation in social and communication skills with repetitive and restrictive behaviors or interests. Thus far, there are no approved biomarkers for ASD screening and diagnosis; also, the current diagnosis depends heavily on a physician’s assessment and family’s awareness of ASD symptoms. Identifying blood proteomic biomarkers and performing deep blood proteome profiling could highlight common underlying dysfunctions between cases of ASD, given its heterogeneous nature, thus laying the foundation for large-scale blood-based biomarker discovery studies. This study measured the expression of 1196 serum proteins using proximity extension assay (PEA) technology. The screened serum samples included ASD cases (n = 91) and healthy controls (n = 30) between 6 and 15 years of age. Our findings revealed 251 differentially expressed proteins between ASD and healthy controls, of which 237 proteins were significantly upregulated and 14 proteins were significantly downregulated. Machine learning analysis identified 15 proteins that could be biomarkers for ASD with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.876 using support vector machine (SVM). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of the top differentially expressed proteins (TopDE) and weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) revealed dysregulation of SNARE vesicular transport and ErbB pathways in ASD cases. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that proteins from those pathways correlate with ASD severity. Further validation and verification of the identified biomarkers and pathways are warranted.
One−Step Synthesis of Fe−Based Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Nanosheet Array as Efficient Cathode for Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Jicheng , Yang Liu , Li Ruizhi , Zhou Yingke
Published: April 2023

With the flourishing development of the new energy automobile industry, developing novel electrode materials to balance the capacity between cathode and anode is a challenge for hybrid supercapacitors. In comparison to conventional inorganic materials, metal–organic frameworks materials offer higher porosity and greater surface area for use in supercapacitors. Herein, we proposed a facile one–pot solvothermal technique to synthesize an Fe(BPDC) nanosheet array on Ni foam, which we then applied as a binder–free cathode for a supercapacitor. The solvothermal time was adjusted to ensure a desirable morphology of the final product. Benefitting from the impressive nanosheet morphology, to a great extent, Fe(BPDC) has solved the problem of volume expansion of Fe–based electrode materials during cycling, and exhibits brilliant electrochemical performances, i.e., high specific capacitance (17.54 F/cm2 at 1 mV/s) and satisfactory cycle performance (129% retention after 10,000 cycles). Furthermore, Fe(BPDC) and activated carbon (AC) have been chosen to assemble a hybrid supercapacitor (namely Fe(BPDC)//AC), delivering an energy density of 45.64 Wh/kg at the power density of 4919.6 W/kg with 87.05% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. These brilliant results prove that Fe(BPDC) material has great potential as the cathode of supercapacitors.
Effect of Photobiomodulation Combined with Physiotherapy on Functional Performance in Children with Myelomeningo-Cele-Randomized, Blind, Clinical Trial
Authors: Silva Tamiris , Tobelem Daysi da Cruz , Malavazzi Tainá Caroline Dos Santos , Mendonça Juliana Fernandes Barreto de , Andreo Lucas , Chavantes Maria Cristina , Tempestini Horliana Anna Carolina Ratto , Turcio Karina Helga Leal , Gomes Andréa Oliver , Deana Alessandro Melo , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Motta Lara Jansiski , Mesquita-Ferrari Raquel Agnelli , Brugnera Aldo , Nammour Samir , Bussadori Sandra Kalil
Published: April 2023

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the electrical activity of the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during the sit-to-stand task and functional mobility after a neurofunctional physiotherapy protocol associated with PBM. Methods: Twenty-five children were randomly allocated to either Active PBM + physiotherapy (n = 13) or PBM sham + physiotherapy (n = 12). PBM was carried out with a LED device (850 nm, 25 J, 50 s per point and 200 mW) at four points over the area with absence of a spiny process. Both groups completed a twelve-week supervised program with two weekly 45–60 min sessions. Pre-training and post-training assessments involved the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Muscle activity was assessed using portable electromyography (BTS Engineering) and the electrodes were positioned on the lateral gastrocnemius, anterior tibialis, and rectus femoris muscles. The RMS data were recorded and analyzed. Results: After 24 sessions of the treatment protocol, improvements were found in the PEDI score. The participants presented greater independence in performing the tasks, requiring less assistance from their caregivers. More significant electrical activity was found in the three muscles evaluated between the rest period and execution of the sit-to-stand tasks, both in the more compromised or less compromised lower limbs. Conclusion: Neurofunctional physiotherapy with or without PBM improved functional mobility and electrical muscle activity in children with myelomeningocele.
Should Trazodone Be First-Line Therapy for Insomnia? A Clinical Suitability Appraisal
Authors: Pelayo Rafael , Bertisch Suzanne M. , Morin Charles M. , Winkelman John W. , Zee Phyllis C. , Krystal Andrew D.
Published: April 2023

Trazodone is one of the most commonly used prescription medications for insomnia; however, some recent clinical guidelines do not recommend its use for treating insomnia. This clinical appraisal critically reviews the scientific literature on trazodone as a first-line treatment for insomnia, with the focus statement “Trazodone should never be used as a first-line medication for insomnia.” In addition, field surveys were sent to practicing physicians, psychiatrists, and sleep specialists to assess general support for this statement. Subsequently, a meeting with a seven-member panel of key opinion leaders was held to discuss published evidence in support and against the statement. This paper reports on the evidence review, the panel discussion, and the panel’s and healthcare professionals’ ratings of the statement’s acceptability. While the majority of field survey responders disagreed with the statement, the majority of panel members agreed with the statement based on the limited published evidence supporting trazodone as a first-line agent as they understood the term “first-line agent”.
A Review on the Recycling Technologies of Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Materials Used in Industrial Fields
Authors: De Fazio Dario , Boccarusso Luca , Formisano Antonio , Viscusi Antonio , Durante Massimo
Published: April 2023

Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials are attracting growing interest because of their high specific mechanical properties. These characteristics, in addition to a high level of tailorability and design of freedom, make them attractive for marine, aerospace, automotive, sports and energy applications. However, the large use of this class of material dramatically increases the amount of waste that derives from end-of-life products and offcuts generated during the manufacturing processes. In this context, especially when thermosetting matrices are considered, the need to deeply study the recycling process of FRPs is an open topic both in academic and industrial research. This review aims to present the current state of the art of the most affirmed recycling technologies used for polymeric composites commonly used in industrial applications, such as carbon and glass FRPs. Each recycling method (i.e., chemical, thermal and mechanical) was analysed in terms of technological solutions and process parameters required for matrix dissolution and fibre recovery, showing their advantages, drawbacks, applications and properties of the recycled composites. Therefore, the aim of this review is to offer an extensive overview of the recycling process of polymeric composite materials, which is useful to academic and industrial researchers that work on this topic.
Urban Planning vs. Agricultural Production: A Study on the Po Valley
Authors: Zullo Francesco , Di Pietro Gianni , Cattani Chiara , Montaldi Cristina
Published: April 2023

At a time when wars and pandemics have disrupted the world order and deeply damaged international agreements, more people are talking about the energy and food independence of the nation-states. It is clear that the achievement of these objectives will not be rapid, but it is also clear that land use must take account of these important aspects. The over-dimensioning of the settled areas presents illogically in almost all municipal urban planning plans regardless of their geographical location, demographic dynamics, and values of the administered territory; it certainly constitutes an obstacle to effective land use. The work presented here aims to analyze the effects on agricultural production of the transformations envisaged by the plans of the provinces of Modena and Reggio nell’Emilia, while also providing solutions that could promote the sustainability of the interventions planned in these areas of high agri-food value.
Bronchoscopic Management of COPD and Advances in Therapy
Authors: DeMarco Benjamin , MacRosty Christina R.
Published: April 2023

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent and morbid disease marked by irreversible structural changes in the lungs. Bronchoscopic therapies have significantly expanded the treatment armamentarium for patients with persistent symptoms by reducing the physiologic detriments of hyperinflation in a less invasive fashion than surgical lung volume reduction. The spectrum of bronchoscopic techniques to reduce hyperinflation includes endobronchial valves, coils, thermal ablation, and biologic sealants. Other therapies focus on reducing parasympathetic tone and mucus hypersecretion and include targeted lung denervation, bronchial rheoplasty, and cryospray techniques. In this article, we will review the variety of techniques for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction, both established and investigational, along with their respective benefits and complications and will briefly review other investigational therapies for COPD.
Bi-DCNet: Bilateral Network with Dilated Convolutions for Left Ventricle Segmentation
Authors: Ye Zi , Kumar Yogan Jaya , Song Fengyan , Li Guanxi , Zhang Suyu
Published: April 2023

Left ventricular segmentation is a vital and necessary procedure for assessing cardiac systolic and diastolic function, while echocardiography is an indispensable diagnostic technique that enables cardiac functionality assessment. However, manually labeling the left ventricular region on echocardiography images is time consuming and leads to observer bias. Recent research has demonstrated that deep learning has the capability to employ the segmentation process automatically. However, on the downside, it still ignores the contribution of all semantic information through the segmentation process. This study proposes a deep neural network architecture based on BiSeNet, named Bi-DCNet. This model comprises a spatial path and a context path, with the former responsible for spatial feature (low-level) acquisition and the latter responsible for contextual semantic feature (high-level) exploitation. Moreover, it incorporates feature extraction through the integration of dilated convolutions to achieve a larger receptive field to capture multi-scale information. The EchoNet-Dynamic dataset was utilized to assess the proposed model, and this is the first bilateral-structured network implemented on this large clinical video dataset for accomplishing the segmentation of the left ventricle. As demonstrated by the experimental outcomes, our method obtained 0.9228 and 0.8576 in DSC and IoU, respectively, proving the structure’s effectiveness.
Methyl 8- and 5-Bromo-1,4-Benzodioxane-2-carboxylate: Unambiguous Identification of the Two Regioisomers
Authors: Armano Edoardo , Giraudo Alessandro , Pallavicini Marco , Bolchi Cristiano
Published: April 2023

A variety of biological active compounds can be classified as 2-substituted 1,4-benzodioxanes bearing one or more substituents at the benzene. The synthesis of these important templates can be approached by different strategies. The most straightforward ones generally lead to mixtures of positional isomers, whose identification can be more problematic than separation. Here, we unambiguously elucidate, by HSQC and HMBC NMR analyses, the structure of methyl 8- and 5-bromo-1,4-benzodioxane-2-carboxylate, two versatile synthetic intermediates that are one-step-obtainable from commercial products and easily separable. As conceived, the identification procedure is, in principle, generalizable to any pair of 2-substituted 1,4-benzodioxanes bearing an X substituent at C(8) or C(5).
Multiscale Data Treatment in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Gogolewski Damian
Published: April 2023

The article assesses the impact of data treatment on the possibility of assessing the morphological features of additively manufactured spherical surfaces. Tests were carried out on specimens manufactured by PBF-LB/M additive technology, using titanium-powder-based material (Ti6Al4V). The surface topography was assessed using one of the multiscale methods—wavelet transformation. The tests carried out on a wide spectrum of mother wavelet forms emphasized the occurrence of characteristic morphological features on the surface of the tested specimens. Moreover, the significance of the impact of specific metrology operations, measurement data processing and its parameters on the filtration result were noted. Comprehensive assessment of additively manufactured spherical surfaces with simultaneous analysis of the impact of measurement data processing is a novelty and fills a research gap relating to comprehensive surface diagnostics. The research contributes to the development of modern diagnostic systems allowing for a fast and comprehensive assessment of surface topography, taking into account the various stages of data analysis.
Multi-Objective Optimization Design and Performance Comparison of Magnetorheological Torsional Vibration Absorbers of Different Configurations
Authors: Liu Guisheng , Hu Hongsheng , Ouyang Qing , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to provide a convenient optimization design method for magnetorheological torsional vibration absorbers (MR-TVA) suitable for automotive engines, which is a damper matching design method that takes into account the needs of the engine operating conditions. In this study, three kinds of MR-TVA with certain characteristics and applicability are proposed: axial single-coil configuration, axial multi-coil configuration and circumferential configuration. The magnetic circuit model, damping torque model and response time model of MR-TVA are established. Then, under the constraints of weight, size and inertia ratio, according to different torsional vibration conditions, the MR-TVA mass, damping torque and response time are multi-objective optimized in two directions. The optimal configurations of the three configurations are obtained from the intersection of the two optimal solutions, and the performance of the optimized MR-TVA is compared and analyzed. The results show that the axial multi-coil structure has large damping torque and the shortest response time (140 ms), which is suitable for complex working conditions. The damping torque of the axial single coil structure is generally large (207.05 N.m), which is suitable for heavy load conditions. The circumferential structure has a minimum mass (11.03 kg) and is suitable for light load conditions.
Repairing Annulus Fibrosus Fissures Using Methacrylated Gellan Gum Combined with Novel Silk
Authors: Croft Andreas S. , Ćorluka Slavko , Fuhrer Janine , Wöltje Michael , Silva-Correia Joana , Oliveira Joaquim M. , Erbach Georg F. , Reis Rui L. , Gantenbein Benjamin
Published: April 2023

Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation often causes severe pain and is frequently associated with the degeneration of the IVD. As the IVD degenerates, more fissures with increasing size appear within the outer region of the IVD, the annulus fibrosus (AF), favoring the initiation and progression of IVD herniation. For this reason, we propose an AF repair approach based on methacrylated gellan gum (GG-MA) and silk fibroin. Therefore, coccygeal bovine IVDs were injured using a biopsy puncher (⌀ 2 mm) and then repaired with 2% GG-MA as a filler material and sealed with an embroidered silk yarn fabric. Then, the IVDs were cultured for 14 days either without any load, static loading, or complex dynamic loading. After 14 days of culture, no significant differences were found between the damaged and repaired IVDs, except for a significant decrease in the IVDs’ relative height under dynamic loading. Based on our findings combined with the current literature that focuses on ex vivo AF repair approaches, we conclude that it is likely that the repair approach did not fail but rather insufficient harm was done to the IVD.
Rheological Properties and Setting Kinetics of Bioceramic Hydraulic Cements: ProRoot MTA versus RS+
Authors: Jevnikar Arne Peter , Malgaj Tine , Radan Kristian , Özden Ipeknaz , Kušter Monika , Kocjan Andraž
Published: April 2023

Hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements (HCSCs) have become a superior bioceramic alternative to epoxy-based root canal sealers in endodontics. A new generation of purified HCSCs formulations has emerged to address the several drawbacks of original Portland-based mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). This study was designed to assess the physio-chemical properties of a ProRoot MTA and compare it with newly formulated RS+, a synthetic HCSC, by advanced characterisation techniques that allow for in situ analyses. Visco-elastic behaviour was monitored with rheometry, while phase transformation kinetics were followed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), and Raman spectroscopies. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, and laser-diffraction analyses was performed to evaluate the compositional and morphological characteristics of both cements. While the kinetics of surface hydration of both powders, when mixed with water, were comparable, an order of magnitude finer particle size distribution of RS+ coupled with the modified biocompatible formulation proved pivotal in its ability to exert predictable viscous flow during working time, and it was more than two times faster in viscoelastic-to-elastic transition, reflecting improved handling and setting behaviour. Finally, RS+ could be completely transformed into hydration products, i.e., calcium silicate hydrate and calcium hydroxide, within 48 h, while hydration products were not yet detected by XRD in ProRoot MTA and were obviously bound to particulate surface in a thin film. Because of the favourable rheological and faster setting kinetics, synthetic, finer-grained HCSCs, such as RS+, represent a viable option as an alternative to conventional MTA-based HCSCs for endodontic treatments.
The Formability of Perforated TA1 Sheet in Single Point Incremental Forming
Authors: Li Ruxiong , Wang Tao , Li Feng
Published: April 2023

In light of the analysis on the single point incremental forming (SPIF) principle of perforated titanium sheet and the corresponding peculiarities during the forming process, it is found that the wall angle constitutes the pivotal parameter influencing the SPIF quality of the perforated titanium sheet, and this is also the key evaluation index to test the application of SPIF technology on a complex surface. This method for integrating the experiment and the finite element modelling was utilized in this paper to study the wall angle range and fracture mechanism of Grade 1 commercially-pure α titanium (TA1) perforated plate, plus the effect of different wall angles on the quality of perforated titanium sheet components. The forming limiting angle, fracture, and deformation mechanism of the perforated TA1 sheet in the incremental forming were obtained. In accordance with the results, the forming limit is related to the forming wall angle. When the limiting angle of the perforated TA1 sheet in the incremental forming is around 60 degrees, the fracture mode is the ductile fracture. Parts with a changing wall angle have a larger wall angle than parts with a constant angle. The thickness of the perforated plate formed part does not fully satisfy the sine law, and the thickness of the thinnest point of the perforated titanium mesh with different wall angles is lower than that predicted by the sine law; therefore, the actual forming limit angle of the perforated titanium sheet should be less than that predicted by a theoretical calculation. With the increase in the forming wall angle, the effective strain, the thinning rate, and the forming force of the perforated TA1 titanium sheet all increase, while the geometric error decreases. When the wall angle of the perforated TA1 titanium sheet is 45 degrees, the parts with a uniform thickness distribution and good geometric accuracy can be obtained.
Prediction of Extrusion Machine Stem Fatigue Life Using Structural and Fatigue Analysis
Authors: Kim Dong-Yul , Kim Ji-Wook , Ha Jin-Su , Jo A-Ra , Lee Sung-Yun , Jeong Myeong-Sik , Ko Dae-Cheol , Jang Jin-Seok
Published: April 2023

In this study, the characteristics of the SKD61 material used for the stem of an extruder were analyzed through structural analysis, tensile testing, and fatigue testing. The extruder works by pushing a cylindrical billet into a die with a stem to reduce its cross-sectional area and increase its length, and it is currently used to extrude complex and diverse shapes of products in the field of plastic deformation processes. Finite element analysis was used to determine the maximum stress on the stem, which was found to be 1152 MPa, lower than the yield strength of 1325 MPa obtained from tensile testing. Fatigue testing was conducted using the stress–life (S–N) method, considering the characteristics of the stem, and statistical fatigue testing was employed to create an S–N curve. The predicted minimum fatigue life of the stem at room temperature was 424,998 cycles at the location with the highest stress, and the fatigue life decreased with increasing temperature. Overall, this study provides useful information for predicting the fatigue life of extruder stems and improving their durability.
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Metric-like Spaces and Fixed-Point Results
Authors: Onbaşıoğlu Şuara , Pazar Varol Banu
Published: April 2023

The objective of this paper is to describe the concept of intuitionistic fuzzy metric-like spaces. This space is an extension of metric-like spaces and fuzzy metric spaces, and intuitionistic fuzzy metric spaces. We discuss convergence sequences, contractive mapping and some fixed-point theorems in intuitionistic fuzzy metric-like space. We also give explanations, examples and counterexamples to validate the superiority of these results. Our results provide a substantial extension of several important results from fuzzy metric-like spaces.
Approximation by the Extended Neural Network Operators of Kantorovich Type
Authors: Xiang Chenghao , Zhao Yi , Wang Xu , Ye Peixin
Published: April 2023

Based on the idea of integral averaging and function extension, an extended Kantorovich-type neural network operator is constructed, and its error estimate of approximating continuous functions is obtained by using the modulus of continuity. Furthermore, by introducing the normalization factor, the approximation property of the new version of the extended Kantorovich-type neural network (normalized extended Kantorovich-type neural network) operator is obtained in Lp[−1,1]. The numerical examples show that this newly proposed neural network operator has a better approximation performance than the classical one, especially at the endpoints of a compact interval.
Effect of Collaborative Innovation on High-Quality Economic Development in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration—An Empirical Analysis Based on the Spatial Durbin Model
Authors: Deng Jing , Chen Tiantian , Zhang Yun
Published: April 2023

High-quality economic development is an innovation-driven economy, and collaborative innovation is key to maximizing its effects. In terms of the influence of cooperative innovation of urban agglomerations on high-quality economic development, urban agglomerations are of considerable relevance to the coordinated development of China’s regional economy. This research established an evaluation system of high-quality economic development indicators for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration based on panel data of 13 cities from 2003 to 2020, and then estimated the level of high-quality development of each city’s economy. The spatial Durbin model was used in this article to examine the effects of collaborative innovation on the high-quality development of the economy. The findings indicated that, although high-quality economic development was increasing across the board in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration, it varied greatly between the individual cities. Beijing and Tianjin had much higher levels of high-quality economic development than the other cities in Hebei, and there was some variation within the Hebei cities as well. The high-quality economic development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration exhibited no spatial correlation characteristics under the weight of geographical distance. However, there was an aggregation effect on the differential relationship of economic development, which was also significant under the dual influence of economic geography. The collaborative innovation of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration could promote the high-quality economic development of both the inner and surrounding cities, and could also improve the high-quality economy development level of the overall urban agglomeration.
The Effect of Cu Addition on Corrosion Resistance of Al-Si-Mg-Cr Alloy
Authors: Wang Zhige , Dong Liang , Hu Bin , Chen Bin
Published: April 2023

Two kinds of alloys with and without the addition of Cu, Al-7%Si-0.3%Mg-0.3%Cr and Al-7%Si-0.3%Mg-0.3%Cr-1.5%Cu, are studied in this work. The addition of Cu can notably improve notably the strength of Al alloy but it reduces its corrosion resistance. In this study, the electrochemical workstation is used to measure the open circuit potential and polarization curve of alloys and immersion corrosion is carried out. SEM and TEM images are taken before and after immersion corrosion to observe the pitting and intergranular corrosion of the alloy. Results show that the addition of Cu accelerates the immersion corrosion rate of Al alloy by 26.8% to 269.2%. This affects the peak ageing and overageing samples the most. The influence is less evident for underaged samples. At the same time, the addition of Cu aggravates the aggregation of pitting corrosion in the primary step of corrosion of Al alloy and the intergranular corrosion around and within the pitting hole. β″-Mg5Si6 precipitates and θ″-Al3Cu precipitates are observed in Al-7%Si-0.3%Mg-0.3%Cr-1.5%Cu alloy. The Cu atoms occupy Si3/Al site of β″ and segregate at the edge of β″. It is believed that the deterioration of corrosion performance essentially is attributed to the Si-enriched particles, Al13Cr4Si4 phase and the Cu-enriched precipitates, β″-Mg5Si6 precipitates and θ″-Al3Cu precipitates.
Effects of Stress-Relieving Temperature on Residual Stresses, Microstructure and Mechanical Behaviour of Inconel 625 Processed by PBF-LB/M
Authors: Martucci Alessandra , Marchese Giulio , Bassini Emilio , Lombardi Mariangela
Published: April 2023

Inconel 625 (IN625) superalloys can be easily fabricated by the laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) process, allowing the production of components with a high level of design freedom. However, one of the main drawbacks of the PBF-LB/M process is the control over thermally induced stresses and their mitigation. A standard approach to prevent distortion caused by residual stress is performing a stress-relieving (SR) heat treatment before cutting the parts from the building platform. Differently from the cast or wrought alloy, in additively manufactured IN625, the standard SR at 870 °C provokes the early formation of the undesirable δ phase. Therefore, this unsuitable precipitation observed in the PBF-LB/M material drives the attention to develop a tailored SR treatment to minimise the presence of undesirable phases. This work investigates SR at lower temperatures by simultaneously considering their effects on residual stress mitigation, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties. A multiscale approach with cantilever and X-ray technologies was used to investigate how the residual stress level is affected by SR temperature. Moreover, microstructural analyses and phase identifications were performed by SEM, XRD, EBSD, and DSC analyses. Finally, mechanical investigations through microhardness and tensile tests were performed as well. The results revealed that for the additively manufactured IN625 parts, an alternative SR treatment able to mitigate the residual stresses without a massive formation of δ phase could be performed in a temperature range between 750 and 800 °C.
Antioxidants as Protection against Reactive Oxidative Stress in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Jarmakiewicz-Czaja Sara , Ferenc Katarzyna , Filip Rafał
Published: April 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) belongs to a group of chronic diseases characterised by periods of exacerbation and remission. Despite many studies and observations, its aetiopathogenesis is still not fully understood. The interactions of genetic, immunological, microbiological, and environmental factors can induce disease development and progression, but there is still a lack of information on these mechanisms. One of the components that can increase the risk of occurrence of IBD, as well as disease progression, is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. The endogenous and exogenous components that make up the body’s antioxidant defence can significantly affect IBD prophylaxis and reduce the risk of exacerbation by neutralising and removing ROS, as well as influencing the inflammatory state.
Does Quality of Life in Survivors of Surgery for Acute Left-Sided Infective Endocarditis Differ from Non-Endocarditis Patients?
Authors: Fernández-Cisneros Alejandro , Andreu Aida , Hernández-Meneses Marta , Llopis Jaume , Sandoval Elena , Pereda Daniel , Alcocer Jorge , Castellá Manuel , Miró Jose M. , Quintana Eduard
Published: April 2023

Surgery for left-sided infective endocarditis (IE) has been demonstrated to improve patients’ survival rates but information about quality of life (QoL) after surgery is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the postoperative outcomes and QoL after surgery for IE patients compared to patients undergoing cardiac surgery for non-IE indications. Adult patients with definite acute left-sided IE were matched 1:1 to patients who underwent cardiac surgery for non-endocarditic purposes from 2014 to 2019. QoL was assessed using the SF-36 survey at the last follow-up. A total of 105 patients were matched. The IE group had higher rates of preoperative stroke (21% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.005) and higher stages of NYHA class (p < 0.001), EuroSCORE II (12.3 vs. 3.0, p < 0.001) and blood cell count abnormalities (p < 0.001). The IE group had higher incidence of low cardiac output syndrome (13.3% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.029), dialysis (10.5% vs 1.0%, p = 0.007) and prolonged mechanical ventilation (16.2% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.002) after surgery. At the last follow-up, subcomponents of the SF-36 QoL survey were not different between the groups. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery for IE demonstrated a higher risk profile with a higher rate of postoperative complications. Once recovered from the acute phase of the disease, the reported QoL at follow-up was comparable to that of matched cardiac patients operated for non-IE purposes.
Insight into the Potential Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Scrolled Kaolinite Single Sheet (KNs) and Its Composite with ZnO Nanoparticles: Synergetic Studies
Authors: Rudayni Hassan Ahmed , Aladwani Malak , Alneghery Lina M. , Allam Ahmed A. , Abukhadra Mostafa R. , Bellucci Stefano
Published: April 2023

The kaolinite sheets were scrolled by sonication-induced chemical delamination processes into well-developed nanotubes (KNs) which were used as substrates for microwave-based ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO/KNs). The biological activities of synthetic ZnO/KNs structures, in terms of the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, were assessed in comparative studies with the separated phases of the synthetic ZnO and KNs as well as the commercially used ZnO. The KNs substrate resulted in a notable enhancement in the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of ZnO, which was assigned positive influence on the surface area, interactive interfaces, charge separation, and agglomeration properties of ZnO in addition to the detectable bioactive properties of the KNs structure. The ZnO/KNs structure achieved remarkable scavenging efficiencies for 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) (89.8 ± 1.57%), nitric oxide (90.6 ± 1.63%), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) (86.8 ± 1.28%), and superoxide (43.9 ± 1.72%) radicals. Additionally, it shows high inhibition effects on porcine α-amylase (84.3 ± 1.92%), crude α-amylase (70.6 ± 1.37%), pancreatic α-Glucosidase (94.7 ± 1.54%), crude α-Glucosidase (95.4 ± 1.64%), and amyloglucosidase (95.3 ± 1.32%) enzymes. This antidiabetic activity is significantly higher than the activity of miglitol and close to or slightly higher than acarbose, which leads us to recommend the use of ZnO/KNs when considering the cost and side effects of the commercially used drugs.
Metabolomic Profiling of Asparagine Deprivation in Asparagine Synthetase Deficiency Patient-Derived Cells
Authors: Chang Mario C. , Staklinski Stephen J. , Malut Vinay R. , Pierre Geraldine L. , Kilberg Michael S. , Merritt Matthew E.
Published: April 2023

The natural amino acid asparagine (Asn) is required by cells to sustain function and proliferation. Healthy cells can synthesize Asn through asparagine synthetase (ASNS) activity, whereas specific cancer and genetically diseased cells are forced to obtain asparagine from the extracellular environment. ASNS catalyzes the ATP-dependent synthesis of Asn from aspartate by consuming glutamine as a nitrogen source. Asparagine Synthetase Deficiency (ASNSD) is a disease that results from biallelic mutations in the ASNS gene and presents with congenital microcephaly, intractable seizures, and progressive brain atrophy. ASNSD often leads to premature death. Although clinical and cellular studies have reported that Asn deprivation contributes to the disease symptoms, the global metabolic effects of Asn deprivation on ASNSD-derived cells have not been studied. We analyzed two previously characterized cell culture models, lymphoblastoids and fibroblasts, each carrying unique ASNS mutations from families with ASNSD. Metabolomics analysis demonstrated that Asn deprivation in ASNS-deficient cells led to disruptions across a wide range of metabolites. Moreover, we observed significant decrements in TCA cycle intermediates and anaplerotic substrates in ASNS-deficient cells challenged with Asn deprivation. We have identified pantothenate, phenylalanine, and aspartate as possible biomarkers of Asn deprivation in normal and ASNSD-derived cells. This work implies the possibility of a novel ASNSD diagnostic via targeted biomarker analysis of a blood draw.
Nutrition in Acute Pancreatitis: From the Old Paradigm to the New Evidence
Authors: De Lucia Sara Sofia , Candelli Marcello , Polito Giorgia , Maresca Rossella , Mezza Teresa , Schepis Tommaso , Pellegrino Antonio , Zileri Dal Verme Lorenzo , Nicoletti Alberto , Franceschi Francesco , Gasbarrini Antonio , Nista Enrico Celestino
Published: April 2023

The nutritional management of acute pancreatitis (AP) patients has widely changed over time. The “pancreatic rest” was the cornerstone of the old paradigm, and nutritional support was not even included in AP management. Traditional management of AP was based on intestinal rest, with or without complete parenteral feeding. Recently, evidence-based data underlined the superiority of early oral or enteral feeding with significantly decreased multiple-organ failure, systemic infections, surgery need, and mortality rate. Despite the current recommendations, experts still debate the best route for enteral nutritional support and the best enteral formula. The aim of this work is to collect and analyze evidence over the nutritional aspects of AP management to investigate its impact. Moreover, the role of immunonutrition and probiotics in modulating inflammatory response and gut dysbiosis during AP was extensively studied. However, we have no significant data for their use in clinical practice. This is the first work to move beyond the mere opposition between the old and the new paradigm, including an analysis of several topics still under debate in order to provide a comprehensive overview of nutritional management of AP.
Diet-Related Disparities and Childcare Food Environments for Vulnerable Children in South Korea: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Park Jiyoung , Baek Seolhyang , Hwang Gahui , Park Chongwon , Hwang Sein
Published: April 2023

Diet-related disparities that have often been observed in vulnerable families may play a negative role in children’s health and health-related quality of life. In South Korea, an afterschool care policy, called Community Childcare Center (CCC), was established in the 1960s to protect and educate vulnerable children; this role has expanded to provide meal services in recent times. Therefore, the CCCs’ food environment has become a pivotal platform for observing children’s nutrition and health-related disparities. Using a mixed-methods approach including a survey with self-reported questionnaires, field observation, and participant interviews, the food environment of CCC was explored alongside children’s eating behaviors. Eating behaviors were not as healthy as expected. Although service providers and cooks reported in the survey responses that the centers’ food environment was healthy, participant observations and interviews revealed a significant gap. Establishing a standardized food environment and improving the nutrition literacy of workers as a significant human resource at a CCC can promote healthy eating for vulnerable children. The findings suggest that in the absence of steps to improve the food environment of CCC, diet-related disparities may affect children’s health in the future.
Snapshot of Phenotypic and Molecular Virulence and Resistance Profiles in Multidrug-Resistant Strains Isolated in a Tertiary Hospital in Romania
Authors: Truşcă Bianca Simona , Gheorghe-Barbu Irina , Manea Marina , Ianculescu Elvira , Barbu Ilda Czobor , Măruțescu Luminița Gabriela , Dițu Lia-Mara , Chifiriuc Mariana-Carmen , Lazăr Veronica
Published: April 2023

A current major healthcare problem is represented by antibiotic resistance, mainly due to multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram negative bacilli (GNB), because of their extended spread both in hospital facilities and in the community’s environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the virulence traits of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MDR, XDR, and PDR strains isolated from various hospitalized patients. These GNB strains were investigated for the presence of soluble virulence factors (VF), such as hemolysins, lecithinase, amylase, lipase, caseinase, gelatinase, and esculin hydrolysis, as well as for the presence of virulence genes encoding for VF involved in adherence (TC, fimH, and fimA), biofilm formation (algD, ecpRAB, mrkA, mrkD, ompA, and epsA), tissue destruction (plcH and plcN), and in toxin production (cnfI, hlyA, hlyD, and exo complex). All P. aeruginosa strains produced hemolysins; 90% produced lecithinase; and 80% harbored algD, plcH, and plcN genes. The esculin hydrolysis was detected in 96.1% of the K. pneumoniae strains, whereas 86% of them were positive for the mrkA gene. All of the A. baumannii strains produced lecithinase and 80% presented the ompA gene. A significant association was found between the number of VF and the XDR strains, regardless of the isolation sources. This study opens new research perspectives related to bacterial fitness and pathogenicity, and it provides new insights regarding the connection between biofilm formation, other virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance.
Avian Influenza: Strategies to Manage an Outbreak
Authors: Simancas-Racines Alison , Cadena-Ullauri Santiago , Guevara-Ramírez Patricia , Zambrano Ana Karina , Simancas-Racines Daniel
Published: April 2023

Avian influenza (AI) is a contagious disease among the poultry population with high avian mortality, which generates significant economic losses and elevated costs for disease control and outbreak eradication. AI is caused by an RNA virus part of the Orthomyxoviridae family; however, only Influenzavirus A is capable of infecting birds. AI pathogenicity is based on the lethality, signs, and molecular characteristics of the virus. Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus has a low mortality rate and ability to infect, whereas the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus can cross respiratory and intestinal barriers, diffuse to the blood, damage all tissues of the bird, and has a high mortality rate. Nowadays, avian influenza is a global public health concern due to its zoonotic potential. Wild waterfowl is the natural reservoir of AI viruses, and the oral–fecal path is the main transmission route between birds. Similarly, transmission to other species generally occurs after virus circulation in densely populated infected avian species, indicating that AI viruses can adapt to promote the spread. Moreover, HPAI is a notifiable animal disease; therefore, all countries must report infections to the health authorities. Regarding laboratory diagnoses, the presence of influenza virus type A can be identified by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), immunofluorescence assays, and enzyme-linked immunoadsorption assay (ELISAs). Furthermore, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is used for viral RNA detection and is considered the gold standard for the management of suspect and confirmed cases of AI. If there is suspicion of a case, epidemiological surveillance protocols must be initiated until a definitive diagnosis is obtained. Moreover, if there is a confirmed case, containment actions should be prompt and strict precautions must be taken when handling infected poultry cases or infected materials. The containment measures for confirmed cases include the sanitary slaughter of infected poultry using methods such as environment saturation with CO2, carbon dioxide foam, and cervical dislocation. For disposal, burial, and incineration, protocols should be followed. Lastly, disinfection of affected poultry farms must be carried out. The present review aims to provide an overview of the avian influenza virus, strategies for its management, the challenges an outbreak can generate, and recommendations for informed decision making.
Repurposing Approved Drugs for Sarcopenia Based on Transcriptomics Data in Humans
Authors: Liang Shuang , Liu Danyang , Xiao Zhengwu , Greenbaum Jonathan , Shen Hui , Xiao Hongmei , Deng Hongwen
Published: April 2023

Sarcopenia, characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and decreased physical performance, is a growing public health challenge amid the rapidly ageing population. As there are no approved drugs that target sarcopenia, it has become increasingly urgent to identify promising pharmacological interventions. In this study, we conducted an integrative drug repurposing analysis utilizing three distinct approaches. Firstly, we analyzed skeletal muscle transcriptomic sequencing data in humans and mice using gene differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis. Subsequently, we employed gene expression profile similarity assessment, hub gene expression reversal, and disease-related pathway enrichment to identify and repurpose candidate drugs, followed by the integration of findings with rank aggregation algorithms. Vorinostat, the top-ranking drug, was also validated in an in vitro study, which demonstrated its efficacy in promoting muscle fiber formation. Although still requiring further validation in animal models and human clinical trials, these results suggest a promising drug repurposing prospect in the treatment and prevention of sarcopenia.