bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors for Predicting Instant Neurological Recovery of Patients with Motor Complete Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Gao Xiangcheng , Gong Yining , Zhang Bo , Hao Dingjun , He Baorong , Yan Liang
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the instant recovery of neurological function in patients with motor complete traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) treated in hospital. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1053 patients with TSCI classified according to the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) as grades A and B at 59 tertiary hospitals from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 was performed. All patients were classified into motor complete injury (ASIA A or B) and motor incomplete injury (ASIA C or D) groups, according to the ASIA upon discharge. The injury level, fracture segment, fracture type, ASIA score at admission and discharge, treatment protocol, and complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between various factors and the recovery of neurological function. Results: The results of multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the ASIA score on admission (p < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 5.722, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.147–7.895), fracture or dislocation (p = 0.001, OR = 0.523, 95% CI: 0.357–0.767), treatment protocol (p < 0.001; OR = 2.664, 95% CI: 1.689–4.203), and inpatient rehabilitation (p < 0.001, OR = 2.089, 95% CI: 1.501–2.909) were independently associated with the recovery of neurological function. Conclusion: The recovery of neurological function is dependent on the ASIA score on admission, fracture or dislocation, treatment protocol, and inpatient rehabilitation.
A Three-Dimensional Printed Polycaprolactone–Biphasic-Calcium-Phosphate Scaffold Combined with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Cultured in Xenogeneic Serum-Free Media for the Treatment of Bone Defects
Authors: Supphaprasitt Woraporn , Charoenmuang Lalita , Thuaksuban Nuttawut , Sangsuwan Prawichaya , Leepong Narit , Supakanjanakanti Danaiya , Vongvatcharanon Surapong , Suwanrat Trin , Srimanok Woraluk
Published: July 2022

The efficacy of a three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone–biphasic-calcium-phosphate scaffold (PCL–BCP TDP scaffold) seeded with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), which were cultured in xenogeneic serum-free media (XSFM) to enhance bone formation, was assessed in vitro and in animal models. The ADSCs were isolated from the buccal fat tissue of six patients using enzymatic digestion and the plastic adherence method. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of the cells cultured in XSFM when seeded on the scaffolds were assessed and compared with those of cells cultured in a medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS). The cell–scaffold constructs were cultured in XSFM and were implanted into calvarial defects in thirty-six Wistar rats to assess new bone regeneration. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of the cells in the XSFM medium were notably better than that of the cells in the FBS medium. However, the efficacy of the constructs in enhancing new bone formation in the calvarial defects of rats was not statistically different to that achieved using the scaffolds alone. In conclusion, the PCL–BCP TDP scaffolds were biocompatible and suitable for use as an osteoconductive framework. The XSFM medium could support the proliferation and differentiation of ADSCs in vitro. However, the cell–scaffold constructs had no benefit in the enhancement of new bone formation in animal models.
Genomic Characteristics and Comparative Genomics Analysis of Parafenestella ontariensis sp. nov.
Authors: Ilyukhin Evgeny , Markovskaja Svetlana , Elgorban Abdallah M. , Al-Rejaie Salim S. , Maharachchikumbura Sajeewa S.N.
Published: July 2022

A new ascomycetous species of Parafenestella was isolated from Acer negundo during the survey of diseased trees in Southern Ontario, Canada. The species is morphologically similar to other taxa of Cucurbitariacea (Pleosporales). The new species is different from the extant species in the morphology of ascospores, culture characteristics and molecular data. The novel species is described as Parafenestella ontariensis sp. nov. based on morphological and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses using a combined set of ITS, LSU, tef1 and tub2 loci. Additionally, the genome of P. ontariensis was sequenced and analyzed. The phylogenomic analysis confirmed the close relationship of the species to the fenestelloid clades of Cucurbitariaceae. The comparative genomics analysis revealed that the species lifestyle appears to be multitrophic (necrotrophic or hemi-biotrophic) with a capability to turn pathogenic on a corresponding plant host.
Evaluation of Subclinical Vascular Disease in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Tool for Personalization of Management of a High-Risk Population
Authors: Kourtidou Christodoula , Rafailidis Vasileios , Varouktsi Garyfallia , Kanakis Efthimios , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Vyzantiadis Timoleon-Achilleas , Stangou Maria , Marinaki Smaragdi , Tziomalos Konstantinos
Published: July 2022

Background: Patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular events but traditional risk factors do not fully explain this association. Evaluation of subclinical vascular disease might improve risk stratification and management of these patients. The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of markers of arterial stiffness, carotid atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease between patients with DKD and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and preserved kidney function. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with DKD and age- and gender-matched patients with T2DM but without DKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate < and ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). The presence of arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), AIx adjusted to a heart rate of 75 beats/min (AIx@75) and central systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean blood pressure. The presence of carotid atherosclerosis was evaluated by measuring carotid stenosis, carotid intima-media thickness and maximal plaque thickness. The presence of PAD was evaluated with the measurement of ankle-brachial index (ABI). Results: Forty patients with T2DM were included in the study (mean age 71.6 ± 8.9 years). The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was similar in patients with and without DKD. PWV was higher in the former (9.8 ± 5.5 and 6.6 ± 4.4 m/s, respectively; p < 0.05) and carotid stenosis of the left carotid artery was also greater in patients with DKD (36.5 ± 12.6 and 22.1 ± 17.2%, respectively; p < 0.05). Other markers of arterial stiffness and carotid atherosclerosis and ABI did not differ between patients with DKD and those without DKD. Conclusions: Patients with DKD appear to have more pronounced arterial stiffness and carotid atherosclerosis than patients with T2DM and preserved kidney function despite the similar prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in the two groups. Therefore, evaluating the presence of subclinical vascular disease in these patients could be a useful tool for the personalization of their management.
The Causal Pathway of Rural Human Settlement, Livelihood Capital, and Agricultural Land Transfer Decision-Making: Is It Regional Consistency?
Authors: Wang Weiwen , Gong Jian , Wang Ying , Shen Yang
Published: July 2022

Despite the increasing interest in understanding the mechanism of household livelihood decisions to increase household livelihood welfare, the combined role of livelihood capitals and human settlements in livelihood decisions is unclear. Therefore, in this paper we carried out extensive empirical research to explore the causal pathway between human settlements (including infrastructure, public services, and social governance) and livelihood capitals (including human, natural, physical, financial, and social capitals) on agricultural land transfer, taking employment choices as an intermediary factor. On this basis, this study analyzed the regional differences in the decision-making mechanisms of agricultural land transfer behaviors in eastern, central, and western regions of China through a multi-group structural equation model. The results demonstrated that capital accumulation can directly increase the possibility of agricultural land inflow (β = 0.130, p < 0.01), but can indirectly reduce the dependence on agricultural land by stimulating non-agricultural employment (β = −0.613, p < 0.01). The improvement in human settlement promotes the agricultural land inflow (outside the western region) and indirectly enhances the willingness to enter into agriculture. The employment choices play a significant mediating role by strengthening the livelihood capitals and weakening human settlements. To achieve the intense agricultural development and sustainable development of rural areas, the improvement of both rural human settlements and household livelihood capitals should be considered.
Identifying Peach Trees in Cultivated Land Using U-Net Algorithm
Authors: Li Qing , Zhang Xueyan
Published: July 2022

Non-grain production has emerged as a potential threat to grain production capacity and security in China. Agricultural products with higher economic returns are beginning to replace traditional grain crops, which have relatively low economic returns on a large scale. In this study, we proposed and verified an identification method utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle and a U-net algorithm to distinguish peach trees in cultivated land; the overall accuracy for verification and prediction were 0.90 and 0.92, respectively. Additionally, a non-grain production index was developed to assess the degree of non-grain production in target plots. The index was 76.90% and 91.38% in the projected plots, representing a high degree of non-grain production. This combination of an identification method and non-grain production index could provide efficient tools for agricultural management to inspect peach trees in cultivated land, thus replacing field measurements to achieve significant labor savings. Furthermore, this method can provide a reference for creating high-standard farmland, sustainable development of cultivated land, and policymaking.
Multidimensional Impact of Urbanization Process on Regional Net CO2 Emissions: Taking the Yangtze River Economic Belt as an Example
Authors: Shen Xiaomei , Zheng Hong , Jiang Mingdong , Yu Xinxin , Xu Heyichen , Zhong Guanyu
Published: July 2022

Urbanization is a powerful symbol and an inevitable human economic and social development trend. This process affects carbon dioxide emissions by changing the human output and lifestyle and encroaches over the carbon sink areas by adjusting the land use types impacting the regional carbon balance. We systematically analyzed the influence of urbanization on regional net CO2 emissions (NCE) and built a quantitative model for the impact of urbanization on NCE based on population, economy, and land use. Based on this, the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) in China has been selected as an example to measure the characteristics of the spatial and temporal evolution of NCE from 2005 to 2018 by empirically testing the contributions of population urbanization, economic urbanization, and land urbanization to the NCE changes in YREB. According to the study’s findings, the carbon-neutral pressure index of the YREB increased over the study period, with an increase in NCE from 1706.50 Mt to 3106.05 Mt. The contribution of urbanization in this process increased and subsequently decreased in an inverted U pattern with a drop in the cumulative net emission of 260.32 Mt. The inflection points of the cumulative impact of urbanization on NCE in the midstream and upstream regions occurred in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Due to the high degree of urbanization and economic growth in the downstream area, the urbanization impact demonstrated a constant reduction of NCE over the research period. In terms of sub-dimensions, the population and land urbanization effects were consistently positive, while the economic urbanization affected the NCE and displayed an inverted U pattern during the study period. If the variation in regional carbon sink space is ignored, the impact of urbanization on CO2 emission reduction will be overestimated. We investigated the realization path of differentiated synergistic emission reduction strategies in the great river economic belts based on the empirical study on YREB.
Land Inequality and Its Influencing Factors in Rural China in Modern Times: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Dexian , Hu Hao , Song Chengxiao , Lv Hang
Published: July 2022

Land inequality is a global and historic issue. There is a problem of unequal distribution of land ownership in modern China; research results on this topic are extensive, but the conclusions are quite different or even completely opposite. This study systematically reviewed the research results obtained for land inequality in modern China and performed an international comparison. The results show that the debate on the estimation of land inequality in modern China has existed for a long time. The overall estimation of land inequality has been repeatedly revised, and many subdivision estimates show great regional variability. The application of the Gini coefficient and other methods can address the drawbacks of traditional methods. A change trend toward equality was found to be more likely in the late modern period. The majority of studies support the notion that debt burden, power, and strength exacerbated land inequality in modern China, whereas the inheritance system with equal sharing, revolution, and reform reduced the land inequality. However, the impact of disasters and commercialization remains controversial. Compared with relevant international studies, the study on land inequality in modern China focused on estimations with unique interpretation perspectives, but there are limitations in terms of the research methods used.
An International Library for Land Cover Legends: The Land Cover Legend Registry
Authors: Mushtaq Fatima , Henry Matieu , O’Brien C. Douglas , Di Gregorio Antonio , Jalal Rashed , Latham John , Muchoney Douglas , Hill Chris T. , Mosca Nicola , Tefera Michael Golmame , Morteo Karl , Franceschini Gianluca , Ghosh Amit , Tchana Elisee , Chen Zhongxin
Published: July 2022

Information on land cover is vital to numerous United Nations (UN) missions, including achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Because land cover data are developed by a variety of organizations for a range of objectives, they are based on different classification schemes and have discrepancies. In addition, the sustainability for land cover is hampered by limited access to information and documentation. Accordingly, international standards for land cover are developed to improve interoperability between different land cover datasets. However, the use and development of land cover datasets are limited by various factors including availability of properly documented land cover legends in support of different applications including change assessment, comparison, and international reporting. The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of land cover in achieving several goals and to introduce the first international platform for land cover legend, named Land Cover Legend Registry (LCLR). This registry is a contribution to the international land cover community and the UN in effort to promote and support data harmonization processes and interoperability from local to global level, and vice versa. Users can not only use the registry for preparing consistent datasets, but also contribute to it by providing the latest data to ensure the long-term availability of both updated and existing datasets around the world. Moreover, building on the experience developing land cover legends with different nations, a brief explanation on the preparation of legends is also provided. Additionally, it is more important than ever to develop land cover registers to support the use, expansion, integration, and use uptake of land cover data, particularly for innovative remote sensing, machine learning, and information and communication technologies and techniques that build on existing and national contexts.
Advances in Lubricated Bearings
Authors: Schwarze Hubert , Hagemann Thomas
Published: July 2022

Advances in the design and development of lubricated bearings have been a goal of tribology engineers over decades, as the requirements on efficiency, power density, and robustness continuously increase in the history of rotating machinery [...]
Preparation and Properties of Iron Nanoparticle-Based Macroporous Scaffolds for Biodegradable Implants
Authors: Lozhkomoev Aleksandr S. , Buyakov Ales S. , Kazantsev Sergey O. , Senkina Elena I. , Krinitcyn Maksim G. , Ivanyuk Valeria A. , Sharipova Aliya F. , Lerner Marat I.
Published: July 2022

Fe-based scaffolds are of particular interest in the technology of biodegradable implants due to their high mechanical properties and biocompatibility. In the present work, using an electroexplosive Fe nanopowder and NaCl particles 100–200 µm in size as a porogen, scaffolds with a porosity of about 70 ± 0.8% were obtained. The effect of the sintering temperature on the structure, composition, and mechanical characteristics of the scaffolds was considered. The optimum parameters of the sintering process were determined, allowing us to obtain samples characterized by plastic deformation and a yield strength of up to 16.2 MPa. The degradation of the scaffolds sintered at 1000 and 1100 °C in 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution for 28 days resulted in a decrease in their strength by 23% and 17%, respectively.
Modelling of the Fine-Grained Materials Briquetting Process in a Roller Press with the Discrete Element Method
Authors: Bembenek Michał , Buczak Magdalena , Baiul Kostiantyn
Published: July 2022

By using the Altair® EDEM™ software, which implements the discrete element method, modelling and further study of the processes occurring in the roller press’s deformation area were carried out. It was shown that the discrete element method makes it possible to accurately describe the phenomena occurring in the area of roller press deformation compared with the finite element method. Models of material compaction in a roller press are developed using calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) and copper ore concentrate. The developed model makes it possible to determine the process’s energy parameters and the material’s compaction characteristics, taking into account the characteristics of its constituent particles. It was shown that discrete element modelling could be used effectively to create roller presses that provide rational characteristics of the briquetting process, taking into account the properties of the material being briquetted and the operating modes of the equipment. The results of the studies provided the basis for the applicability of the development of the discrete element method for describing the phenomena occurring in roller presses and accelerating the design of press equipment and briquetting technological processes.
Effect of an Inert Gas Positive-Pressure Environment on Beryllium Melting under a Pulsed Laser
Authors: Sang Yuxin , Xiao Muzheng , Zhang Zhijing , Su Jiangzhou
Published: July 2022

Beryllium is widely used in the manufacturing of precision instruments because of its high thermal and mechanical properties. However, because beryllium is expensive, and processing it generally uses subtractive manufacturing methods, the cost is high, the utilization rate of cutting the materials is low, and the processing is difficult. Additionally, it is extremely prone to cracking, brittle fracturing, and fracturing during the machining process. In this paper, a new method for manufacturing beryllium laser additives under a pressure atmosphere is proposed. Via the single-point and single-pass laser melting of beryllium materials in an inert gas (Ar) pressure atmosphere, the results of the experiments conducted in the pressure range of 1 to 30 bar indicated the following: (1) beryllium can absorb the laser and form a molten pool, and the contour area of the upper surface of the molten pool is approximately 80% of that of 304 stainless steel under the same energy input; (2) severe oxidation occurs on and near the molten pool surface under low pressure, and oxidation is eliminated when the pressure is increased; (3) as ambient pressure increases, the surface profile of the molten pool gradually exhibits an irregular shape, and the cracks on the surface of beryllium change from “divergent” to “shrinkage”, which can eliminate cracking. At higher pressures, the “small hole” phenomenon in the molten pool disappears, forming a wide and shallow molten pool shape that is more conducive to stable deposition. The experimental results indicate that the laser-additive manufacturing of beryllium in a pressure atmosphere is a meaningful developmental direction for beryllium processing in the future.
Selective Control of Eu3+ Radiative Emission by Hyperbolic Metamaterials
Authors: Genchi Domenico , Kalinic Boris , Balasa Ionut Gabriel , Cesca Tiziana , Mattei Giovanni
Published: July 2022

In recent years the quest for novel materials possessing peculiar abilities of manipulating light at the nanoscale has been significantly boosted due to the strict demands of advanced nanophotonics and quantum technologies. In this framework radiative decay engineering of quantum emitters is of paramount importance for developing efficient single-photon sources or nanolasers. Hyperbolic metamaterials stand out among the best cutting-edge candidates for photoluminescence control owing to their potentially unlimited photonic density of states and their ability to sustain high-k modes that allow us to strongly enhance the radiative decay rate of quantum light emitters. The aim of the present paper is to show how Au/Al2O3 hyperbolic multilayers can be used to selectively control the photoluminescence of coupled Eu3+ emitters. We point out an enhancement of the Eu3+ transitions when they are in the hyperbolic regime of the metamaterials and a significant alteration of the ED and MD branching ratios by changing the emitter–metamaterial distance.
The Influence of Diamond Burnishing Process Parameters on Surface Roughness of Low-Alloyed Aluminium Workpieces
Authors: Ferencsik Viktoria , Varga Gyula
Published: July 2022

This study describes the determination and optimization of burnishing process parameters and their effects on surface roughness of EN AW-2011 aluminium alloy workpieces. The process has a low environmental load and the chip-free burnishing process improves the integrity of the machined surface, but to achieve this, the different burnishing parameters, for example, burnishing force, feed rate, speed and number of passes, must be properly defined according to the material of the workpiece. In our research, a full factorial experimental design method is used to plan and carry out the experiments and to determine the most appropriate parameter range for this material quality.
Machining of Wood Plastic Composite Using AWJ Technology with Controlled Output Quality
Authors: Mitaľová Zuzana , Botko František , Vandžura Radoslav , Litecká Juliána , Mitaľ Dušan , Simkulet Vladimír
Published: July 2022

The paper deals with the application of abrasive water-jet cutting to composite material containing natural reinforcement—wood plastic composite. The specimens were cut through the application of four flows of different abrasive mass: 150, 200, 250, and 300 g·min−1, respectively, and under different traverse speeds required to achieve the (expected) quality level Q1–Q5 (according to the SN 214001: 2010 standard). The output quality of Q1–Q5 was set in the CNC cutting programs and the real traverse speed values were calculated by machine control system according to change in the flow of the abrasive mass. The quality of surface topography was assessed using a tester (contact roughness) and an Inspectis digital zoom microscope. The results of topography–surface roughness parameters Ra presented here are compared with the values normalized for individual samples sets. The applied technology, i.e., the AWJ, eliminated the problem of tool wear and adhesion of the thermoplastic matrix to tool surfaces (compared to standard machining).
Assessment of Surface Roughness in Milling of Beech Using a Response Surface Methodology and an Adaptive Network-Based Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Zhu Zhaolong , Jin Dong , Wu Zhanwen , Xu Wei , Yu Yingyue , Guo Xiaolei , Wang Xiaodong (Alice)
Published: July 2022

This work focused on changes in surface roughness under different cutting conditions for improving the cutting quality of beech wood during milling. A response surface methodology and an adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system were adopted to model and establish the relationship between milling conditions and surface roughness. Moreover, the significant impact of each factor and two-factor interactions on surface roughness were explored by analysis of variance. The specific objective of this work was to find milling parameters for minimum surface roughness, and the optimal milling condition was determined to be a rake angle of 15°, a spindle speed of 3357 r/min and a depth of cut of 0.62 mm. These parameters are suggested to be used in actual machining of beech wood with respect of smoothness surface.
Industry 4.0 Wireless Networks and Cyber-Physical Smart Manufacturing Systems as Accelerators of Value-Added Growth in Slovak Exports
Authors: Valaskova Katarina , Nagy Marek , Zabojnik Stanislav , Lăzăroiu George
Published: July 2022

Industry 4.0 integrates smart and connected production systems that are pivotal in predicting and supporting production in real-time, leading to sustainable organizational performance. In manufacturing, it may increase productivity, sustainability, and energy efficiency, while optimizing competitiveness. The main purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of Industry 4.0 on the Slovak economy through a secondary data analysis in the automotive industry, which is the leading sector in the country. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the various opportunities that are available in the value-added growth of car exports in Slovakia. It also explores the case study of PSA Group Slovakia, which highlights the importance of the Industry 4.0 concept in boosting the country’s export growth. The paper proposes a series of recommendations and steps to improve Slovakia’s innovation environment.
A Discrete-Continuous PSO for the Optimal Integration of D-STATCOMs into Electrical Distribution Systems by Considering Annual Power Loss and Investment Costs
Authors: Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Montoya Oscar Danilo , Hernández Jesús C. , Ramos-Paja Carlos Andres , Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesus
Published: July 2022

Currently, with the quick increase in global population, the energetic crisis, the environmental problematic, and the development of the power electronic devices generated the need to include new technologies for supporting and potentiating electrical distributions systems; Distribution Static Compensators (D-STATCOMs) are highly used for this task due to the advantages that this technology presents: reduction in power loss, operation costs, and chargeability of branches, among others. The possibility to include this kind of technology within the electrical system has shown the need to develop efficient methodologies from the point of view of quality solution, repeatability and processing times by considering operation and investment costs as well as the technical conditions of the electrical grids under a scenario of variable power demand and then representing the real operation of the electrical grid. With the aim to propose a solution for this requirement, this paper presents a new Discrete-Continuous Particle Swarm Optimization (DCPSO) algorithm to solve the problem of the optimal integration of D-STATCOMs into Electrical Distribution Systems (EDSs). In this case, the objective function is the minimization of annual operating costs by using a weighted mono-objective function composed of the annual power loss and the investment cost and by including all constraints associated with the operation of an EDS in a distributed reactive compensation environmentinside the mathematical formulation. In order to evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed solution method, this study implemented two tests systems (i.e., 33- and 69-bus), as well as four comparison methods, and different considerations related to the inclusion of D-STATCOMs in the EDSs. Furthermore, for evaluating the repeatability of the solution obtained by each solution methods used, each algorithm was executed 100 times in Matlab software. The results obtained demonstrated that the proposed DCPSO/HSA methodology achieved the best trade-off between solution quality and processing time, with low standard deviation values for EDSs of any size.
Single-Machine Group Scheduling Model with Position-Dependent and Job-Dependent DeJong’s Learning Effect
Authors: Qian Jin , Zhan Yu
Published: July 2022

This paper considers the single-group scheduling models with Pegels’ and DeJong’s learning effect and the single-group scheduling models with Pegels’ and DeJong’s aging effect. In a classical scheduling model, Pegels’ and DeJong’s learning effect is a constant or position-dependent, while the learning effect and aging effect are job-dependent in this paper. Compared with the classical learning model and aging model for scheduling, the proposed models are more general and realistic. The objective functions are to minimize the total completion time and makespan. We propose polynomial time methods to solve all the studied problems.
On the Extremality of Harmonic Beltrami Coefficients
Authors: Krushkal Samuel L.
Published: July 2022

We prove a general theorem, which provides a broad collection of univalent functions with equal Grunsky and Teichmüller norms and thereby the Fredholm eigenvalues and the reflection coefficients of associated quasicircles. It concerns an important problem to establish the exact or approximate values of basic quasiinvariant functionals of Jordan curves, which is crucial in applications and in the numerical aspect of quasiconformal analysis.
Investigating the Dialysis Treatment Using Hollow Fiber Membrane: A New Approach by CFD
Authors: Magalhães Hortência L. F. , Gomez Ricardo S. , Leite Boniek E. , Nascimento Jéssica B. S. , Brito Mirenia K. T. , Araújo Morgana V. , Cavalcante Daniel C. M. , Lima Elisiane S. , Lima Antonio G. B. , Farias Neto Severino R.
Published: July 2022

Due to the increase in the number of people affected by chronic renal failure, the demand for hemodialysis treatment has increased considerably over the years. In this sense, theoretical and experimental studies to improve the equipment (hemodialyzer) are extremely important, due to their potential impact on the patient’s life quality undergoing treatment. To contribute to this research line, this work aims to study the fluid behavior inside a hollow fiber dialyzer using computational fluid dynamics. In that new approach, the blood is considered as multiphase fluid and the membrane as an extra flow resistance in the porous region (momentum sink). The numerical study of the hemodialysis process was based on the development of a mathematical model that allowed analyzing the performance of the system using Ansys® Fluent software. The predicted results were compared with results reported in the literature and a good concordance was obtained. The simulation results showed that the proposed model can predict the fluid behavior inside the hollow fiber membrane adequately. In addition, it was found that the clearance decreases with increasing radial viscous resistance, with greater permeations in the vicinity of the lumen inlet region, as well as the emergence of the retrofiltration phenomenon, characteristic of this type of process. Herein, velocity, pressure, and volumetric fraction fields are presented and analyzed.
Farnesoid X Receptor, Bile Acid Metabolism, and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Mori Hideki , Svegliati Baroni Gianluca , Marzioni Marco , Di Nicola Francesca , Santori Pierangelo , Maroni Luca , Abenavoli Ludovico , Scarpellini Emidio
Published: July 2022

Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are characterized by the concepts of lipo- and glucotoxicity. NAFLD is characterized by the accumulation of different lipidic species within the hepatocytes. Bile acids (BA), derived from cholesterol, and conjugated and stored in the gallbladder, help the absorption/processing of lipids, and modulate host inflammatory responses and gut microbiota (GM) composition. The latter is the new “actor” that links the GI tract and liver in NAFLD pathogenesis. In fact, the discovery and mechanistic characterization of hepatic and intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) shed new light on the gut–liver axis. We conducted a search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials, and case series using the following keywords, their acronyms, and their associations: farnesoid X receptor, bile acids metabolism, gut microbiota, dysbiosis, and liver steatosis. Findings on the synthesis, metabolism, and conjugation processes of BAs, and their action on FXR, change the understanding of NAFLD physiopathology. In detail, BAs act as ligands to several FXRs with GM modulation. On the other hand, the BAs pool is modulated by GM, thus, regulating FXRs functioning in the frame of liver fat deposition and fibrosis development. In conclusion, BAs passed from their role of simple lipid absorption and metabolism agents to messengers between the gut and liver, modulated by GM.
Higher Levels of Serum Uric Acid Have a Significant Association with Lower Incidence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Healthy Korean Men
Authors: Hwang Jiwon , Ryu Seungho , Ahn Joong Kyong
Published: July 2022

Gout has been correlated with the risk of incident benign prostatic hyperplasia. In line with increasing prevalence of hyperuricemia, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) level and the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among clinically healthy middle-aged men. We performed a cohort study in 101,091 Korean men without LUTS at baseline who completed health checkups between 2011 and 2016. LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score, where a score ≥ 8 was defined as significant LUTS. Men were divided into six groups according to their SUA levels in mg/dL (<5.5, 5.5–6.4, 6.5–7.4, 7.5–8.4, 8.5–9.4, and ≥9.5). Throughout the follow-up—encompassing a total of 358,982.6 person years—13,424 people had significant LUTS (37.3 per 1000 person years for incidence rate). The multivariable models demonstrated that the highest level of SUA (≥9.5 mg/dL) was related to the lowest risk of significant LUTS compared with the reference category (<5.5 mg/dL) (0.77 (95% CI 0.59–0.99) for adjusted HR). In this large cohort composed of middle-aged men, higher SUA levels were related to a reduced risk of LUTS. This result suggests another potential role of SUA in restraining LUTS. Additional studies are needed to explain the underlying biological mechanisms of this phenomenological relationship.
Self-Assembly of DNA-Grafted Colloids: A Review of Challenges
Authors: Dwivedi Manish , Singh Swarn Lata , Bharadwaj Atul S. , Kishore Vimal , Singh Ajay Vikram
Published: July 2022

DNA-mediated self-assembly of colloids has emerged as a powerful tool to assemble the materials of prescribed structure and properties. The uniqueness of the approach lies in the sequence-specific, thermo-reversible hybridization of the DNA-strands based on Watson–Crick base pairing. Grafting particles with DNA strands, thus, results into building blocks that are fully programmable, and can, in principle, be assembled into any desired structure. There are, however, impediments that hinder the DNA-grafted particles from realizing their full potential, as building blocks, for programmable self-assembly. In this short review, we focus on these challenges and highlight the research around tackling these challenges.
Surface-Oxidized Polymer-Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles as a Covering Component of Suture Materials
Authors: Blinov Andrey Vladimirovich , Nagdalian Andrey Ashotovich , Povetkin Sergey Nikolaevich , Gvozdenko Alexey Alekseevich , Verevkina Marina Nikolaevna , Rzhepakovsky Igor Vladimirovich , Lopteva Mariya Sergeevna , Maglakelidze David Guramievich , Kataeva Tatyana Semenovna , Blinova Anastasiya Aleksandrovna , Golik Alexey Borisovich , Osipchuk Galina Vladimirovna , Shariati Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2022

In this work, we obtained silver nanoparticles stabilized with polyvinylpyrrolidone, ranging in size from 70 to 110 nm, which exhibits good crystallinity and anisotropic structure. For the first time, we studied the influence of the molar ratio of silver between silver and peroxide on the oxidation process of the nanoparticles and determined the regularities of this process by analyzing changes in absorption spectra. Our results showed that at molar ratios of Ag:H2O2 = 1:1 and 1:5, dependences of changes in the intensity, position and half-width of the absorption band of the plasmon resonance are rectilinear. In vivo studies of silver nanoparticles have shown that silver nanoparticles belong to the toxicity class III (moderately hazardous substance) and to the third group according to the degree of accumulation. We established that silver nanoparticles and oxidized silver nanoparticles form a uniform layer on the surface of the suture material. We found that the use of the suture material with silver nanoparticles and oxidized silver nanoparticles does not cause allergic reactions in the organisms of laboratory animals.
Ti6Al4V Alloy Remelting by Modulation Laser: Deep Penetration, High Compactness and Metallurgical Bonding with Matrix
Authors: Shen Longzhang , Chen Yong , Zhu Hongmei , Lei Yuantao , Qiu Chanjun
Published: July 2022

Titanium alloys are famous for their light weight, high strength, and heat- and corrosion-resistant properties. However, the excellent mechanical properties are closely related to its microstructure. Innovative machining operations are required for the welding, surface strengthening, and repairs to ensure the refining of the crystalline structure for improved strength requirements, enhanced mechanical properties, and integrating strength. By direct laser melting on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, the differences of molten pools under continuous and modulated laser mode were compared in the article. Under the same power, the heat influence zone of the laser pool could be reduced to 1/3 of that of the continuous laser. The deep molten pool could be obtained by a continuous laser by the action of high energy density. The tensile property changed a lot between different depths of melt penetration. A high-density, fine-grain molten pool could be obtained under the action of a high-frequency (20 kHz) modulation laser. The mechanical properties of the tensile sample between different depths of melt penetration, which contained the remelting zone, were close to the substrate. The research conclusions can provide technical support for the development of laser remelting processing technology.
Identification of Genetic Diversity, Pyrrocidine-Producing Strains and Transmission Modes of Endophytic Sarocladium zeae Fungi from Zea Crops
Authors: Liu Qianhe , Johnson Linda J. , Applegate Emma R. , Arfmann Karoline , Jauregui Ruy , Larking Anna , Mace Wade J. , Maclean Paul , Walker Thomas , Johnson Richard D.
Published: July 2022

Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was used to reveal the inherent genetic variation within the haploid fungi Sarocladium zeae isolated from diverse Zea germplasm, including modern Zea mays and its wild progenitors—the teosintes. In accordance with broad host relationship parameters, GBS analysis revealed significant host lineages of S. zeae genetic diversity, indicating that S. zeae genetic variation may associate with different evolutionary histories of host species or varieties. Based on a recently identified PKS-NRPS gene responsible for pyrrocidine biosynthesis in S. zeae fungi, a novel PCR assay was developed to discriminate pyrrocidine-producing S. zeae strains. This molecular method for screening bioactive strains of S. zeae is complementary to other approaches, such as chemical analyses. An eGFP-labelled S. zeae strain was also developed to investigate the endophytic transmission of S. zeae in Z. mays seedlings, which has further improved our understanding of the transmission modes of S. zeae endophytes in maize tissues.
Activity of Drug Combinations against Mycobacterium abscessus Grown in Aerobic and Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Lanni Alessio , Borroni Emanuele , Iacobino Angelo , Russo Cristina , Gentile Leonarda , Fattorini Lanfranco , Giannoni Federico
Published: July 2022

Infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab), an environmental non-tuberculous mycobacterium, are difficult to eradicate from patients with pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis even after years of antibiotic treatments. In these people, the low oxygen pressure in mucus and biofilm may restrict Mab growth from actively replicating aerobic (A) to non-replicating hypoxic (H) stages, which are known to be extremely drug-tolerant. After the exposure of Mab A and H cells to drugs, killing was monitored by measuring colony-forming units (CFU) and regrowth in liquid medium (MGIT 960) of 1-day-old A cells (A1) and 5-day-old H cells (H5). Mab killing was defined as a lack of regrowth of drug-exposed cells in MGIT tubes after >50 days of incubation. Out of 18 drugs tested, 14-day treatments with bedaquiline-amikacin (BDQ-AMK)-containing three-drug combinations were very active against A1 + H5 cells. However, drug-tolerant cells (persisters) were not killed, as shown by CFU curves with typical bimodal trends. Instead, 56-day treatments with the nitrocompounds containing combinations BDQ-AMK-rifabutin-clarithromycin-nimorazole and BDQ-AMK-rifabutin-clarithromycin-metronidazole-colistin killed all A1 + H5 Mab cells in 42 and 56 days, respectively, as shown by lack of regrowth in agar and MGIT medium. Overall, these data indicated that Mab persisters may be killed by appropriate drug combinations.
Endophytic Bacteria and Essential Oil from Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare Share Some VOCs with an Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Polito Giulia , Semenzato Giulia , Del Duca Sara , Castronovo Lara Mitia , Vassallo Alberto , Chioccioli Sofia , Borsetti Duccio , Calabretta Vittoria , Puglia Anna Maria , Fani Renato , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio
Published: July 2022

Medicinal aromatic plants’ essential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile compounds showing antimicrobial activity, which could be exploited to face the emerging problem of multi-drug resistance. Their chemical composition can depend on the interactions between the plant and its endophytic microbiota, which is known to synthesize volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, it is still not clear whether those volatile metabolites can contribute to the composition of the aroma profile of plants’ EOs. The aims of this study were to characterize medicinal plant O. vulgare ssp. vulgare bacterial endophyte VOCs, evaluating their ability to antagonize the growth of opportunistic human pathogens belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) and compare them with O. vulgare EO composition. Many of the tested endophytic strains showed (i) a bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic activity against most of Bcc strains and (ii) the production of VOCs with widely recognized antimicrobial properties, such as dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, and monoterpenes. Moreover, these monoterpenes were also detected in the EOs extracted from the same O. vulgare plants from which endophytes were isolated. Obtained results suggest that endophytes could also play a role in the antibacterial properties of O. vulgare ssp. vulgare and, potentially, in determining its aromatic composition.
Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains—New Strategies for an Old Pathogen
Authors: Zagaglia Carlo , Ammendolia Maria Grazia , Maurizi Linda , Nicoletti Mauro , Longhi Catia
Published: July 2022

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections worldwide. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPECs) are the main causative agent of UTIs. UPECs initially colonize the human host adhering to the bladder epithelium. Adhesion is followed by the bacterial invasion of urothelial epithelial cells where they can replicate to form compact aggregates of intracellular bacteria with biofilm-like properties. UPEC strains may persist within epithelial urothelial cells, thus acting as quiescent intracellular bacterial reservoirs (QIRs). It has been proposed that host cell invasion may facilitate both the establishment and persistence of UPECs within the human urinary tract. UPEC strains express a variety of virulence factors including fimbrial and afimbrial adhesins, invasins, iron-acquisition systems, and toxins, which cooperate to the establishment of long lasting infections. An increasing resistance rate relative to the antibiotics recommended by current guidelines for the treatment of UTIs and an increasing number of multidrug resistant UPEC isolates were observed. In order to ameliorate the cure rate and improve the outcomes of patients, appropriate therapy founded on new strategies, as alternative to antibiotics, needs to be explored. Here, we take a snapshot of the current knowledge of coordinated efforts to develop innovative anti-infective strategies to control the diffusion of UPECs.
Probiotics: Protecting Our Health from the Gut
Authors: Varela-Trinidad Gael Urait , Domínguez-Díaz Carolina , Solórzano-Castanedo Karla , Íñiguez-Gutiérrez Liliana , Hernández-Flores Teresita de Jesús , Fafutis-Morris Mary
Published: July 2022

The gut microbiota (GM) comprises billions of microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract. This microbial community exerts numerous physiological functions. Prominent among these functions is the effect on host immunity through the uptake of nutrients that strengthen intestinal cells and cells involved in the immune response. The physiological functions of the GM are not limited to the gut, but bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiota and various extraintestinal organs have been identified. These interactions have been termed interorganic axes by several authors, among which the gut–brain, gut–skin, gut–lung, gut–heart, and gut–metabolism axes stand out. It has been shown that an organism is healthy or in homeostasis when the GM is in balance. However, altered GM or dysbiosis represents a critical factor in the pathogenesis of many local and systemic diseases. Therefore, probiotics intervene in this context, which, according to various published studies, allows balance to be maintained in the GM, leading to an individual’s good health.