bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactivation of Tuberculosis and COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Ünal Gökçen , Pekcan Sevgi , Metin Akcan Özge , Keleş Sevgi , Yılmaz Aslı İmran , Eldeniz Fadime Ceyda , Çağlar Hanife Tuğçe , Özdemir Mehmet , Poyraz Necdet , Kılınç Fahriye , Bulut Ayşe
Published: February 2023

Objective Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an immobile aerobic bacillus that causes tuberculosis (TB) disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), COVID-19-related drugs, TB reactivation, and TB incidence during the pandemic.

Methods Eight patients who were diagnosed as having TB in Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, at the beginning of the pandemic, were enrolled in this study. The presence of COVID-19 infection was confirmed using COVID-19 antibody tests and the patients' COVID-19 history. We evaluated the demographic data, laboratory findings, imaging tests, and pathology results of all patients.

Results We checked all our patients with TB using COVID-19 antibodies (immunoglobulin [Ig]G + IgM) or polymerase chain reaction. Seven of the eight patients were female (87.5%). The median age was 16 years. Family screening of all patients was negative, and they had bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine scars. Two patients had chronic diseases. One was diagnosed as having primary ciliary dyskinesia in our department (patient no. 8) and the second was under follow-up by the rheumatology department with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion There has been an increase in the incidence of TB in children, especially in adolescents, during the pandemic period. This may be due to the pathogenic structure of the COVID-19 virus with an unknown mechanism. In addition, lifestyle changes and changes in health care policies during the pandemic may have caused this. Further research should be performed on this topic.
Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons—A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Kim Sun Young , Yu Denny , Simons Micha C. , Breur Gert J.
Published: February 2023

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in veterinary surgeons using an online survey.

Study Design An online survey was distributed to 1,031 diplomates of American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Responses were collected with data regarding surgical activities, experience with various types of MSS in 10 different body sites and attempts to reduce MSS.

Results Two hundred and twelve respondents (21% response rate) completed the distributed survey in 2021. Ninety-three per cent of respondents had experienced MSS associated with surgery in at least one body part, with the neck, lower back and upper back frequently affected. Musculoskeletal discomfort and pain worsened with prolonged surgical hours. Forty-two per cent of them suffered from chronic pain persisting longer than 24 hours after surgeries. Musculoskeletal discomfort was common regardless of practice emphasis and procedure types. Forty-nine per cent of respondents with musculoskeletal pain had taken medication, 34% sought physical therapy for MSS and 38% ignored the symptoms. Over 85% of respondents showed more than some concern regarding career longevity due to musculoskeletal pain.

Clinical Significance Work-related MSS are common in veterinary surgeons, and the results of this study warrant longitudinal clinical studies to determine risk factors and attention to workplace ergonomics in veterinary surgery.
Portal Vein Interventions for Portal Hypertension: Complications and Management
Authors: Novelli Paula M. , Polder Jason , Kaufman Claire , Orons Philip D.
Published: February 2023

Percutaneous management of complications of portal hypertension entails reducing portal pressures, controlling varices, and redirecting collateral flow using embolization, obliterative, restorative, recanalization, and shunt creation techniques. Management is based on the clinical status and symptoms and the physiologic and anatomic abnormalities causing portal hypertension. This article briefly describes percutaneous management strategies, their results, and related iatrogenic and physiologic complications.
Outcomes of Elective Induction of Labor at 39 Weeks from a Statewide Collaborative Quality Initiative
Authors: Langen Elizabeth S. , Schiller Amy J. , Moore Kathryn , Jiang Charley , Bourdeau Althea , Morgan Daniel M. , Low Lisa Kane
Published: February 2023

Objective This article evaluates the impact of adopting a practice of elective induction of labor (eIOL) at 39 weeks among nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) pregnancies in a statewide collaborative.

Study Design We used data from a statewide maternity hospital collaborative quality initiative to analyze pregnancies that reached 39 weeks without a medical indication for delivery. We compared patients who underwent an eIOL versus those who experienced expectant management. The eIOL cohort was subsequently compared with a propensity score-matched cohort who were expectantly managed. The primary outcome was cesarean birth rate. Secondary outcomes included time to delivery and maternal and neonatal morbidities. Chi-square test, t-test, logistic regression, and propensity score matching methods were used for analysis.

Results In 2020, 27,313 NTSV pregnancies were entered into the collaborative's data registry. A total of 1,558 women underwent eIOL and 12,577 were expectantly managed. Women in the eIOL cohort were more likely to be ≥35 years old (12.1 vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001), identify as white non-Hispanic (73.9 vs. 66.8%, p < 0.001), and be privately insured (63.0 vs. 61.3%, p = 0.04). When compared with all expectantly managed women, eIOL was associated with a higher cesarean birth rate (30.1 vs. 23.6%, p < 0.001). When compared with a propensity score-matched cohort, eIOL was not associated with a difference in cesarean birth rate (30.1 vs. 30.7%, p = 0.697). Time from admission to delivery was longer for the eIOL cohort compared with the unmatched (24.7 ± 12.3 vs. 16.3 ± 11.3 hours, p < 0.001) and matched (24.7 ± 12.3 vs. 20.1 ± 12.0 hours, p < 0.001) cohorts. Expectantly managed women were less likely to have a postpartum hemorrhage (8.3 vs. 10.1%, p = 0.02) or operative delivery (9.3 vs. 11.4%, p = 0.029), whereas women who underwent an eIOL were less likely to have a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (5.5 vs. 9.2%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion eIOL at 39 weeks may not be associated with a reduced NTSV cesarean delivery rate.

Key Points
Assessment of Hemostatic Profile in Neonates with Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Karapati Eleni , Sokou Rozeta , Iliodromiti Zoi , Tsaousi Marina , Sulaj Alma , Tsantes Andreas G. , Petropoulou Chrysa , Pouliakis Abraham , Tsantes Argirios E. , Boutsikou Theodora , Iacovidou Nicoletta
Published: February 2023

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects nearly 10 to 15% of pregnancies and is responsible for many short- and long-term adverse consequences, including hemostatic derangement. Both thrombotic and hemorrhagic events are described in the perinatal period in these neonates. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the laboratory studies used to evaluate the hemostatic system of the IUGR small for gestational age neonate. We reviewed the current literature via PubMed and Scopus until September 2022. Following our inclusion/exclusion criteria, we finally included 60 studies in our review. Thrombocytopenia, characterized as hyporegenerative and a kinetic upshot of reduced platelet production due to in utero chronic hypoxia, was the main finding of most studies focusing on growth-restricted neonates, in most cases is mild and usually resolves spontaneously with the first 2 weeks of life. In regard to coagulation, growth-restricted newborns present with prolonged standard coagulation tests. Data regarding coagulation factors, fibrinolytic system, and anticoagulant proteins are scarce and conflicting, mainly due to confounding factors. As thromboelastography/rotational thromboelastometry (TEG/ROTEM) provides a more precise evaluation of the in vivo coagulation process compared with standard coagulation tests, its use in transfusion guidance is fundamental. Only one study regarding TEG/ROTEM was retrieved from this population, where no difference in ROTEM parameters compared with appropriate for gestational age neonates was found. Despite the laboratory aberrations, no correlation could be achieved with clinical manifestations of bleeding or thrombosis in the studies included. More studies are needed to assess hemostasis in IUGR neonates and guide targeted therapeutic interventions.
Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic-Assisted Volar Scapholunate Capsulodesis: A Case Series
Authors: Kakar Sanjeev , Lui Hayman
Published: February 2023

Purpose We have previously described arthroscopic-assisted volar scapholunate (SL) capsulodesis as an alternative technique for addressing volar SL interosseous ligament (SLIL) injuries. In this article, we report the outcomes of this procedure in a cohort of patients.

Methods Postoperative outcomes including range of motion, grip strength, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), and Mayo Wrist Score were assessed through a prospective review of six patients in a single center who underwent this procedure.

Results Six patients (four male and two female) with a mean age of 43 ± 14 years were evaluated in the study. The mean duration of follow-up was 41 ± 17 weeks. Postoperative outcomes noted a reduction in VAS pain score from 8 before surgery to 0.7 postoperatively (p = 0.00004) and improvement in Mayo Wrist Score (42 preoperatively to 80 postoperatively; p = 0.001), grip strength (86% of contralateral side; p = 0.20), and flexion arc (81% of contralateral side; p = 0.08). QuickDASH was 20 ± 8 and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score was 13 ± 2 at the last clinical follow-up. There was an improvement in SL gap (p = 0.03), SL angle (p = 0.11), and radiolunate angle (p = 0.15) measurements postoperatively.

Conclusions The described arthroscopic-assisted volar SL capsulodesis in this study presents an alternative method to address volar SLIL pathology with positive short-term clinical outcomes.

Clinical Relevance Arthroscopic-assisted volar SL capsulodesis may be considered in the treatment algorithm for volar SLIL injuries.
Best Practices for Writing Letters of Recommendation for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship: An Empty Scoping Review
Authors: Dotters-Katz Sarah K. , Kirsch Elayna , Cantrell Sarah , Shanks Anthony , Temming Lorene , Gray Beverly
Published: February 2023

Objectives Though letters of recommendation (LOR) for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellowship are a critical part of application process, little is known regarding best practices for writing them. This scoping review sought to identify published data outlining best practices in writing MFM fellowship LOR.

Study Design Scoping review conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and JBI guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and ERIC were searched, by professional medical librarian using database-specific controlled vocabulary and keywords representing MFM, fellowship, as well as personnel selection, academic performance, examinations, or clinical competence in 4/22. Prior to execution, the search was peer reviewed by another professional medical librarian using the Peer Review Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS) checklist. Citations imported to Covidence, dual screened by authors with disagreements resolved by discussion, and extraction performed by one author and checked by the second.

Results A total of 1,154 studies were identified, with 162 removed as duplicates. Of the 992 screened, 10 imported for full-text review. None of these met inclusion criteria; four were not about fellows and six did not report on best practices for writing LOR for MFM.

Conclusion No articles were identified that outlined best practices for writing LOR for MFM fellowship. The lack of guidance and published data guiding those writing LOR for MFM fellowship applicants is concerning given the importance of these as a tool used by fellowship directors in selecting applicants for interviews and ranking.

Key Points
The effect of collisions on the multi-fluid plasma Richtmyer–Meshkov instability
Authors: Tapinou K. C. , Wheatley V. , Bond D. , Jahn I.
Published: February 2023

The Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) results from the impulsive acceleration of a density interface where the RMI itself or the acceleration is perturbed. The RMI is ubiquitous in shock environments and may arise due to an interface of fluid species, isotopes, temperature, or more. The plasma RMI can be significantly influenced by electromagnetic effects and can be modeled more accurately by a multi-fluid plasma (MFP) model rather than conventional magnetohydrodynamics, though with increased computational expense. MFP modeling of the plasma RMI has revealed many phenomena but has only been completed within the ideal regime. Modeling the effects of elastic collisions is vital for understanding the behavior of the instability in a dense plasma. The Braginskii transport coefficients provide theoretically based relations modeling thermal equilibration, inter-species drag, viscous momentum- and energy-transfers, and thermal conductivity. Our numerical simulations of the MFP RMI with these relations show that the key changes from the ideal case are (1) reduction of relative motion between the ion and electron fluids (consequently affecting the self-generated electromagnetic fields), (2) introduction of anisotropy in momentum and energy via transport coefficients, and (3) damping of high frequency electromagnetic waves and plasma waves. Under the conditions studied, the net effect is a reduction in the MFP RMI amplitude width and the growth rate to levels approaching the neutral fluid instability, as well as a reduction in large scale perturbations along the ion fluid density interface, a positive for inertial confinement fusion efforts. There are, however, two important caveats: small-scale density interface perturbations remain, and the conditions simulated are a few relevant points in a large parameter space that requires further investigation.
Theory for constructing effective electronic models of bilayer graphene systems
Authors: Minh Lam H. , Nam Do V.
Published: February 2023

We present and discuss practical techniques for formulating effective models to describe the low-energy electronic properties of bilayer graphene systems. We show that such effective models are constructed from a collection of appropriate single-layer Bloch states of two graphene layers. In general, the obtained effective models allow the construction of a so-called moiré band structure. However, it is not the result of an irreducible representation of a translation symmetry group of the bilayer lattices except for the commensurate bilayer configurations. We also point out that the commensurate bilayer configurations are classified into three categories depending on the divisibility of the difference between two commensurate integer indices by 3. The electronic band structure of three lattice configurations, one for each category, is shown. Especially by combining with a real-space calculation, we validate the working ability of constructed effective models for generic bilayer graphene systems by showing that the effects of interlayer sliding are diminished by twisting. This result is consistent with the invariance of effective models under the interlayer sliding operation.
Marangoni plumes in miscible spreading
Authors: Pant Anurag , Puthenveettil Baburaj A. , Kalpathy Sreeram K.
Published: February 2023

We present a study of novel, surface tension driven plumes that form at the periphery of fast expanding, circular ethanol–water films that emanate from millimeter sized ethanol–water drops floating at the surface of a deep water layer. Visualizing these plumes that are azimuthally uniformly spaced, using floating particles, we measure their lengths (lp), radial velocities (Up), and mean azimuthal spacings (λp). We show through a model that a balance between the surface tension force across lp and the viscous resistance in an underlying boundary layer results in lp∼lσμδbl, where lσμ is a Marangoni length scale and δbl is the boundary layer thickness. The model also predicts that Up∼Uσ3/Uν, where Uσ is a velocity scale balancing inertia and surface tension and Uν=δbl/t is the velocity scale of momentum diffusion. These predictions are shown to be in agreement with our experimentally observed variations of lp and Up. The observed variation of λp, which we show not to match the predictions of any of the available instability theories, is shown to scale as λp∼rfOhd2/3/(ξ1/3χ3), where Ohd is the drop Ohnesorge number, rf is the film radius, and ξ and χ are the viscosity and the density ratios.
Resonance and bifurcation of fractional quintic Mathieu–Duffing system
Authors: Zhang Jiale , Xie Jiaquan , Shi Wei , Huo Yiting , Ren Zhongkai , He Dongping
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the main subharmonic resonance of the Mathieu–Duffing system with a quintic oscillator under simple harmonic excitation, the route to chaos, and the bifurcation of the system under the influence of different parameters is studied. The amplitude-frequency and phase-frequency response equations of the main resonance of the system are determined by the harmonic balance method. The amplitude-frequency and phase-frequency response equations of the steady solution to the system under the combined action of parametric excitation and forced excitation are obtained by using the average method, and the stability conditions of the steady solution are obtained based on Lyapunov's first method. The necessary conditions for heteroclinic orbit cross section intersection and chaos of the system are given by the Melnikov method. Based on the separation of fast and slow variables, the bifurcation phenomena of the system under different conditions are obtained. The amplitude-frequency characteristics of the total response of the system under different excitation frequencies are investigated by analytical and numerical methods, respectively, which shows that the two methods achieve consistency in the trend. The influence of fractional order and fractional derivative term coefficient on the amplitude-frequency response of the main resonance of the system is analyzed. The effects of nonlinear stiffness coefficient, parametric excitation term coefficient, and fractional order on the amplitude-frequency response of subharmonic resonance are discussed. Through analysis, it is found that the existence of parametric excitation will cause the subharmonic resonance of the Mathieu–Duffing oscillator to jump. Finally, the subcritical and supercritical fork bifurcations of the system caused by different parameter changes are studied. Through analysis, it is known that the parametric excitation coefficient causes subcritical fork bifurcations and fractional order causes supercritical fork bifurcations.
Microstructure and corrosion behaviour of WC-Co coating fabricated by plasma arc welding
Authors: Zhang H. F. , Zhang S. , Wu C. L. , Zhang C. H. , Bai X. L. , Sun X. Y. , Chen J.
Published: February 2023

The WC-Co composite coating was prepared on SS 316L by plasma arc welding technology. The microstructure, phase composition, and microhardness of the WC-Co composite coating were thoroughly studied. The corrosion behaviour including electrochemical corrosion, cavitation erosion, and erosion corrosion was tested. The results showed that the WC-Co coating exhibited a good metallurgical bond with the substrate. The average microhardness of the WC-Co coating reached 1785 HV, which was 9.4 times that of the SS 316L. The corrosion current density of the WC-Co composite coating was one order of magnitude lower than that of the substrate. Meanwhile, the cumulative mass loss of cavitation erosion and erosion corrosion of the WC-Co composite coating was much lower than that of the SS 316L.
Enhancing thermal conductivity of TiC nanopowder with cryogenic treatment
Authors: Senthilkumar D.
Published: February 2023

This paper deals with determining the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of TiC nano powder before and after deep cryogenic treatment. Deep cryogenic treatment is done at −196 °C for 24 h on Tic nanopowder material. The thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were found out by using laser flash apparatus. It is found that the thermal conductivity of TiC nanopowder is improved by 21% due to deep cryogenic treatment.
Bottom-up building of two-dimensional magnetic materials with self-assembly of superatom TM@Sn12 (TM = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe) clusters
Authors: Chen Lixuan , Guo Ping , Zheng Jiming , Zhao Puju , Jiang Zhenyi , Shen Lei
Published: February 2023

The miniaturization of electronic devices is increasingly requiring some low-dimensional magnetic materials with excellent properties, so ultra-thin two-dimensional magnetic materials have attracted extensive attention. However, most two-dimensional materials exfoliated from bulk either lack intrinsic magnetism or have low magnetic transition temperatures, which greatly limits their practical applications. Here, using magnetic superatom TM@Sn12 (TM = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe) clusters as building blocks, a series of two-dimensional materials are designed and the underlying mechanism for magnetic order and stability are explained by direct exchange of outer superatom orbitals (1G, 2P and 2D). The honeycomb lattice of TM@Sn12 (TM = V, Cr, Fe) and the square lattice of Ti@Sn12 are ferromagnetic. The Cr@Sn12 honeycomb lattice has a large out-of-plane magnetic anisotropic energy of 2.21 meV and its Curie temperature reaches 162 K, while the Fe@Sn12 honeycomb lattice has a large in-plane magnetic anisotropic energy of 3.58 meV. This research provides a new avenue for developing novel magnetic materials with excellent properties.
Ionization wave propagation of a surface dielectric barrier discharge with a flexible-structure plasma sheet
Authors: Sun Yuhao , Zhang Bo , Zhao Hang , Han Wenhu , Li Wendong , Zhang Guanjun
Published: February 2023

Plasma sources based on flexible substrates are receiving attention due to their unique adaptability to irregular surfaces and large range of plasma coverage, which endows them with irreplaceable advantages in the fields of material processing and biomedical treatment. Numerous studies have been carried out focusing on the application effects of these flexible plasma sources, while their surface discharge characteristics and mechanisms still lack revelation. In this work, a flexible plasma sheet with a surface dielectric barrier discharge structure is realized via a printed circuit board, and its multiple surface ionization wave (SIW) propagation on curved gas–solid interfaces is studied via experiments and 2D fluid simulation models. Qualitative agreement is achieved between the experiments and simulations. It is found that a positive and a negative discharge are generated at the rising and falling edges of the excitation pulse, respectively. In the positive discharge, SIWs originate at the grounded mesh edge and then propagate to the center in a petal-like pattern, which is shaped by the space electric field. Controlled by electron collision reactions, the development of the excited states of N2 and O2 molecules is similar to that of electrons. In the negative discharge, electrons dissipate and no SIW is generated. The evolution of heavy particles shows differences in this period, which is attributed to the disparate rate coefficients of their consumption reactions. Further study shows that when the plasma sheet changes from convex to concave, the electron density and electron temperature above its surface increase, but the petal patterns of the SIW propagation have no variation. The electron density, electron temperature, and electron impact ionization source will rise as a result of the increasing pulse amplitude or the decreasing duration of the pulse rising edge.
Computational screening of chemically active metal center in coordinated dipyridyl tetrazine network
Authors: Din Naseem Ud , Le Duy , Rahman Talat S
Published: February 2023

Creation, stabilization, characterization, and control of single transition metal (TM) atoms may lead to significant advancement of the next-generation catalyst. Metal organic network (MON) in which single TM atoms are coordinated and separated by organic ligands is a promising class of material that may serve as a single atom catalyst. Our density functional theory-based calculations of MONs in which dipyridyl tetrazine (DPTZ) ligands coordinate with a TM atom to form linear chains leads to two types of geometries of the chains. Those with V, Cr, Mo, Fe, Co, Pt, or Pd atoms at the coordination center are planar while those with Au, Ag, Cu, or Ni are non-planar. The formation energies of the chains are high (∼2.0–7.9 eV), suggesting that these MON can be stabilized. Moreover, the calculated adsorption energies of CO and O2 on the metal atom at center of the chains with the planar configuration lie in the range 1.0–3.0 eV for V, Cr, Mo, Fe, and Co at the coordination center, paving the way for future studies of CO oxidation on TM-DPTZ chains with the above five atoms at the coordination center.
Transport and thermoelectric properties of crystalline Cu2-xAgxSe alloys prepared by facile method
Authors: Adam Alaa
Published: February 2023

Crystalline alloys of Cu2-Se containing a transition metal, earth-abundant and eco-friendly element, are studied in this article as promising eco-friendly thermoelectric materials. Thermoelectric and transport properties of Cu2-xAgxSe (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07) bulk alloys were studied in the temperature range 273-473 K. Crystal structure and surface morphology were tested by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscope analyses. Electrical conductivity measurements showed metallic conduction behaviour besides a tremendous decrease in its values with increasing Ag content (x). In contrast, doping increased the Seebeck coefficient to a large extent. Calculations of the electronic thermal conductivity showed that phonon scattering is increased due to the Ag-doping. The incorporation of Ag-atoms resulted in existence of point defects, introduced secondary phases which significantly reduced the thermal conductivity. Such effects resulted in enhanced ZT by the excess Ag-content. The largest ZT value of 0.25 was achieved for x = 0.07 at 473 K, which is about two times of that of the pristine Cu2Se sample. Increasing of the Ag content helps to maintain good TE properties of cubic Cu2-xAgxSe at higher temperatures.
Strontium hydroxyapatite/magnesium oxychloride cement with high strength and high osteogenic activity for bone defect repair
Authors: Li Hang , Liao Jianguo , Zhang Yanru , Yang Yue , Wen Jing , Ma Tingting , Guan Yijia
Published: February 2023

Strontium is a kind of element which can promote the increase of bone density and benefit the growth of bone tissue. This study combined Strontium hydroxyapatite (Sr-HAp) with magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) to prepare a bioactive material with good osteogenic activity and degradability. The results revealed that the incorporation of 10 wt.% Sr-HAp densified the structure of MOC, slowed down the degradation rate of hydration product phase 5 in water, and enhanced the water resistance of MOC. After soaking for 28 d, the compressive strength of Sr-HAp/MOC decreased by 53%, which was lower than that of MOC (93%) and HAp/MOC (61%) without adding Sr-HAp. During the degradation process in vitro, Sr-HAp/MOC continuously released Sr2+ and the cumulative concentration of Sr2+ released in vitro after 7 d of immersion was 1.27±0.15 ppm. When Sr-HAp/MOC was soaking in simulated body fluid, Sr-HAp induced the growth and deposition of bone-like component hydroxyapatite crystals on MOC’s surface, improving MOC’s bioactivity. After implantation of femur defect in rats, the new bone tissue grew from outside to inside around Sr-HAp/MOC, which showed Sr-HAp/MOC had better osteogenic activity. MOC was containing 10 wt.% Sr-HAp can not only provide strong support for bone defects but also have the potential to promote bone regeneration.
The anti-cariogenic effect of fluoride iontophoresis on sound enamel under different working conditions: an in vitro study
Authors: Dong Jingjie , Zhu Yinglan , Feng Hao
Published: February 2023

Objective. This study investigated the anti-cariogenic effect of fluoride iontophoresis on sound human enamel under different working conditions. Methods. One hundred and five enamel blocks were prepared and randomly assigned to seven different groups: Fluoride iontophoresis under different working conditions, including: different electric current intensities (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mA) and durations of current application (3, 6, 9 min); No fluoride treatment (negative control); Fluoride immersion without iontophoresis (positive control). After 7 days of pH-cycling, morphology changes on enamel surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Vickers surface microhardness (VH) values of enamel blocks before and after treatments were assessed using a Vickers microhardness tester. KOH-soluble fluoride (KOH-F) uptakes were measured by a fluoride ion-selective electrode. Results. Distinctly roughened enamel surfaces were showed in all treatment groups, with the greatest extent damaged surface in negative control group and the least in all the fluoride intophoresis groups. All the fluoride iontophoresis groups (except for the group under 0.2 mA) showed smaller reduction of VH values (p < 0.05) and greater KOH-F (p < 0.05) when compared with the negative and positive control groups. There was an increasing trend in the loss of VH and in fluoride uptakes with an increasing current intensity. Meanwhile, the reduction of VH values and KOH-F in Group I3 ( 0.6 mA) were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those in Group I1 ( 0.2 mA). No significant differences of reduction of VH and KOH-F presented among the three groups applied with fluoride iontophoresis under different current durations. Conclusions. Fluoride iontophoresis resulted in a significantly increased KOH-F and a reduced loss of VH after the 7 days pH-cycling procedure, and its effectiveness was influenced by different electric current intensities but not influenced by different current durations.
Effect of annealing temperature on the evolution of copper-rich phases in antimicrobial stainless steels
Authors: Mo Jinqiang , Feng Guanghong , Xu Mei , Pang Qihang , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

The effects of different annealing temperatures on the microstructures and properties of 430 stainless steel containing 3.52 Cu (mass fraction %) and 304 stainless steel containing 1.47 Cu (mass fraction %) were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) instruments, and the evolution mechanism of Cu-rich phase was explored. The results show that the microstructure of 430Cu stainless steel consists of polygonal ferrite, while 304Cu stainless steel consists of irregular austenite, and the average grain size of both increases with increasing annealing temperature. The precipitation mechanism of Cu-rich phase in 430Cu is that the Cu atoms are biased → Cu precipitation→ aggregation and growth → spherical ε-Cu → ellipsoidal → long rod-like transformation. The precipitation mechanism of copper-rich phase in 304Cu is that the supersaturated solid solution → direct formation of FCC structure of copper-rich phase → slow growth and complete co-location with the matrix. In order to obtain a good match between strength and plasticity of the test steel, the optimal annealing temperature range for 430Cu and 304Cu stainless steel is 800 ℃~900 ℃.
Recent trends in nanostructured carbon-based electrochemical sensors for the detection and remediation of persistent toxic substances in real-time analysis
Authors: Thakur Abhinay , Kumar Ashish
Published: February 2023

There are rising issues regarding the presence and discharge of emerging pollutants (EPs) in the ecosystem, including pharmaceutical waste, organic contaminants, heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics and dyes. The human populace is typically exposed to a variety of EPs and toxins, such as those found in the soil, air, food supply, and drinkable water. Thus, creating new purification methods and effective pollution detection tools is a significant task. Several researchers globally have created unique analytical techniques including chromatography/mass and gaseous atomic absorption spectroscopy for the identification of contaminants to date. The aforementioned techniques have excellent sensitivity, but they are costly, time-consuming, costly, need sophisticated expertise to operate and are difficult to execute due to their enormous scale. Electrochemical sensors with resilience, specificity, sensibility, and real-time observations are thus been designed as a solution to the aforementioned shortcomings. The development of innovative systems to assures human and environmental protection has been aided by significant improvements in nanostructured carbon-based electrochemical sensor platforms. These platforms show enticing characteristics including excellent electrocatalytic operations, increased electrical conductance, and efficient surface region when compared to conventional methods. This paper intends to provide an analysis of low-cost nanostructured carbon-based electrochemical sensors from 2015 to 2022 that could detect and eradicate components of EPs from various origins. This review discusses the characteristics and uses of nanostructured carbon-based electrochemical sensors, which include carbon nanotubes, MXenes, carbon dots/graphene dots, graphene/graphene oxide, and other materials. These sensors are used to detect EPs such as heavy metal ions (Pb(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), etc), pharmaceutical waste, dyes and pesticides. Additionally, processing and characterization techniques, including differential-pulsed voltammograms, SW voltammograms, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are discussed in detail to examine the prospects of these carbon-based electrochemical sensors and associated detection mechanisms. It is intended that this analysis would stimulate the development of new detection methods for protecting public health and restoring the environment.
Characterization of patient dose distributions and probabilistic risk analysis in cardiovascular catheterization laboratories
Authors: Weir Victor J , Zhang Jie , Khan M Rehan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Patient radiation doses in cardiovascular and interventional radiology are highly variable for similar procedures. This random nature may be better described by a distribution function, compared to a linear regression. This study develops a distribution function to characterize patient dose distributions and estimate probabilistic risk. Methods: Reference air kerma from 8647 patients over six years were retrospectively collected from an EP lab and two Cath labs. Data was first sorted into low dose (<100mGy) and high dose cases (>100mGy), and histograms of the data created. Dagum and Inverse gamma distributions were chosen to initially fit to both low and high dose cases. Fits between model and the data was optimized, and a linear regression analysis performed to obtain R squared values and standard errors for the correlation between model and data. Risk probabilities were estimated according to the modeled distribution function. BMI and time distributions were analyzed to understand their influence on the inverse gamma distribution error found in the data. 75th percentiles from both descriptive statistics and model were calculated. Results: The inverse gamma distribution can be used to characterize radiation dose distributions. Model predicted cases for radiation dose 3000mGy< x <5000mGy and >5000mGy are approximately 42 and 0 for 3651 cases for lab#1, and 14 and 1 for 3197 cases for lab#2, respectively, while the actual cases are 10 and 0, and 16 and 2. Descriptive and model statistics generated different 75th percentile levels for sorted data compared to unsorted data. Time has a greater influence on inverse gamma distribution function than BMI. Conclusion: This study creates a framework to understand the random error present in radiology practices that cause wide variations in patient radiation doses. It also provides an approach to evaluate different IR areas in terms of effectiveness of dose reduction measures.
Crop production in Türkiye: trends and driving variables
Authors: Rezaei Ehsan Eyshi , Ghazaryan Gohar , Yamaç Sevim Seda
Published: February 2023

Climate change and a rapidly increasing population boost the pressure on Türkiye’s cropping systems to increase crop production in order to meet rising food demand. It is unknown whether and in which direction trends and variability in harvested area and yield separately affect crop production in Türkiye. The objective of this study was to (1) quantify the long-term (2004–2020) trends of planting/harvested areas, yield and crop production for the 16 vital annual crops in Türkiye, (2) quantify the separate contribution of harvested area and yield on crop-specific production variability and (3) the potential of water and temperature-based remote sensing variables on capturing the variability of harvested areas and yield. The harvested area of the most grown crops (10 out of 16) such as wheat and barley showed a declining trend. However, the yield trend was increased for all of the study crops, which in some cases overcompensated for the decline in the harvested area on crop production. The harvested area showed a more robust explanatory power for production variability than yield except for the crops with higher breeding investments and subsidized by authorities such as wheat and sugar beet. The water-related remote sensing variables and combination of water and temperature variables largely explained the variability of the harvested area in Türkiye. In order to stabilize crop production in Türkiye, better and more efficient water management plans are crucial.
Determinants of household waste disposal practices and implications for practical community interventions: lessons from Lilongwe
Authors: Kalonde Patrick Ken , Austin Alick Chisale , Mandevu Treaser , Banda Prince Justice , Banda Andsen , Stanton Michelle C , Zhou Mengshi
Published: February 2023

Open waste disposal has a negative effect on local ecology, economy, and public health. Understanding factors influencing waste disposal decisions is necessary for developing solutions to curb open waste disposal. This paper discusses the associations between household’s social demographic and spatial characteristics with preference for domestic waste disposal. The paper also utilizes this knowledge practical community action. This was achieved by gathering and examining a novel dataset of the waste disposal patterns of 200 randomly chosen households in Malawi. We observed that households were likely to dispose of their waste openly when the residential unit was closer to an existing open waste disposal site. A multinomial logistic regression model showed that the likelihood of choosing waste disposal methods, such as private garbage collection services, is higher when the household head is a woman, the housing unit is owned by the occupants, or in situations where a fence is present around the housing unit. We presented these findings to the neighborhood community development committee. A short-term community waste management plan was created using a participatory community planning approach. The plan included co-designing waste disposal solutions with landlords, setting up community waste bylaws, and intensifying civic education activities. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the factors that influence households’ disposal behavior. This unique case study highlights a potential approach for developing waste management policies using a bottom-up approach.
Solutions of 𝐵𝐶_{𝑛} Type of WDVV Equations
Authors: Alkadhem Maali , Antoniou Georgios , Feigin Misha
Published: February 2023

We give a family of solutions of Witten–Dijkgraaf–Verlinde– Verlinde equations in

n
n

-dimensional space. It is defined in terms of

B

C

n

BC_{n}

root system and

n
+
2

n+2

independent multiplicity parameters. We also apply these solutions to define some

N

=
4

{\mathcal N}=4

supersymmetric mechanical systems.
On the Liouville Integrable Reduction of the Associativity Equations in the Case of Three Primary Fields
Authors: Mokhov O.I. , Strizhova N.A.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a canonical Hamiltonian reduction of the associativity equations with the antidiagonal matrix

η

i
j

\eta _{ij}

in the case of three primary fields is constructed explicitly, and its Liouville integrability is proved. Moreover, for the considered associativity equations a first integral of the second order is found explicitly and an infinite family of first integrals is investigated.
Quantum Toda Lattice: a Challenge for Representation Theory
Authors: Semenov-Tian-Shansky Michael
Published: February 2023

Quantum Toda lattice may solved by means of the Representation Theory of semisimple Lie groups, or alternatively by using the technique of the Quantum Inverse Scattering Method. A comparison of the two approaches, which is the purpose of the present review article, sheds a new light on Representation Theory and leads to a number of challenging questions.
Platonic Compounds of Cylinders
Authors: Ogievetsky Oleg , Shlosman Senya
Published: February 2023

In our previous papers we were studying various extremal configurations of congruent cylinders touching the unit sphere. Generalizing the octahedral configuration of six congruent cylinders touching the unit sphere, we exhibit configurations of congruent cylinders associated to pairs of dual Platonic bodies.
Development of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, using a high-throughput single-B-cell cloning method
Authors: Dou Yang , Xu Ke , Deng Yong-Qiang , Jia Zijing , Lan Jun , Xu Xiaoyu , Zhang Guorui , Cao Tianshu , Liu Pan , Wang Xiangxi , Wang Xinquan , Xu Lingjie , Du Pan , Qin Cheng-Feng , Liu Hong , Li Yafeng , Wu Guizhen , Wang Kang , Lu Bai
Published: February 2023

Background

Rapid and efficient strategies are needed to discover neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) from B cells derived from virus-infected patients.

Methods

Here, we report a high-throughput single-B-cell cloning method for high-throughput isolation of nAbs targeting diverse epitopes on the SARS-CoV-2-RBD (receptor binding domain) from convalescent COVID-19 patients. This method is simple, fast and highly efficient in generating SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies from COVID-19 patients’ B cells.

Results

Using this method, we have developed multiple nAbs against distinct SARS-CoV-2-RBD epitopes. CryoEM and crystallography revealed precisely how they bind RBD. In live virus assay, these nAbs are effective in blocking viral entry to the host cells.

Conclusion

This simple and efficient method may be useful in developing human therapeutic antibodies for other diseases and next pandemic.
Modulation of immune function and changes in intestinal flora by Brassica rapa L. (Nozawana)
Authors: Tanaka Sachi
Published: February 2023

Dietary foods have functions that can prevent disease and improve immune function, eg. increasing resistance to infection and preventing allergies. Brassica rapa L., known as Nozawana in Japan, is a cruciferous plant and a traditional vegetable of the Shinshu area. Nozawana leaves and stalks are processed mainly into pickled products called Nozawana-zuke. However, it is unclear whether Nozawana exerts beneficial effects on immune function. In this review, we discuss the evidence we have accumulated, which indicate Nozawana has effects on immunomodulation and gut microbiota. We have shown that Nozawana exerts an immunostimulatory effect by enhancing interferon-gamma production and natural killer activity. During the fermentation of Nozawana, the number of lactic acid bacteria increases and cytokine production by spleen cells is enhanced. Moreover, the consumption of Nozawana pickle was shown to modulate gut microbiota and improve the intestinal environment. Thus, Nozawana could be a promising food for improving human health.
Economic analysis of hydrogen production from China’s province-level power grid considering carbon emissions
Authors: Zhang Wenzuo , Li Xinying , Yang Jiezhi , Liu Jianguo , Xu Chuanbo
Published: February 2023

Hydrogen energy contributes to China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutralization by serving as an important energy carrier. However, the calculation of the cost of hydrogen production by the power grid ignores the current cost of carbon emissions. To measure the cost of hydrogen-production projects in various provinces more comprehensively and accurately, this study incorporates the carbon-emission cost into the traditional levelized cost of hydrogen model. An analysis of the energy structure of the power supply is conducted in each province of China to calculate carbon-emission costs, which are then subjected to a sensitivity test. Based on the results, the carbon-emission costs for hydrogen in each province are between 0.198 and 1.307 CNY/kg, and the levelized cost of hydrogen based on carbon-emission costs varies from 24.813 to 48.020 CNY/kg; in addition, carbon-emission costs range from 0.61% to 3.4% of the total costs. The results also show that the levelized cost of hydrogen considering carbon-emission costs in the Shanghai municipality specifically is most sensitive to the carbon-emission price, changing by 0.131 CNY/kg for every 10% fluctuation in the carbon-emission price.
Correspondence: Erythema annulare centrifugum trailing behind dermatophytosis: causation or association
Authors: Verma Shyam Bhanushankar , Gopinath Nandakumar , Vasani Resham , Muddebihal Aishwarya , Sardana Kabir
Published: February 2023

Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC), a gyrate erythema, is seen most commonly in adults who are young or middle aged, with a female preponderance. A strong association of dermatophytosis with EAC and diagnostic confusion between the two have both been documented in large studies in the past. We report two striking cases of patients where EAC developed towards the end of antifungal treatment.