bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Megaprosthesis in Non-Oncologic Settings—A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Sambri Andrea , Parisi Stefania Claudia , Zunarelli Renato , Di Prinzio Lorenzo , Morante Lorenzo , Lonardo Gianluca , Bortoli Marta , Montanari Andrea , De Cristofaro Roberto , Fiore Michele , De Paolis Massimiliano
Published: June 2023

Modular megaprostheses (MPs) are commonly used after bone-tumor resection, but they can offer a limb salvage solution in massive bone defects. The aim of this systematic review of the Literature is to provide a comprehensive data collection concerning the use of MPs in non-oncologic cases, and to provide an overview of this topic, especially from an epidemiologic point of view. Three different databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for relevant articles, and further references were obtained by cross-referencing. Sixty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on cases of MP in non-oncologic cases. A total of 2598 MPs were retrieved. Among these, 1353 (52.1%) were distal femur MPs, 941 (36.2%) were proximal femur MPs, 29 (1.4%) were proximal tibia MPs and 259 (10.0%) were total femur MPs. Megaprostheses were most commonly used to treat periprosthetic fractures (1158 cases, 44.6%), in particular in the distal femur (859, 74.2%). Overall, complications were observed in 513 cases (19.7%). Type I (soft tissue failures) and type IV (infection) according to the Henderson classification were the most frequent (158 and 213, respectively). In conclusion, patients with severe post-traumatic deformities and/or significant bone loss who have had previous septic complications should be considered as oncologic patients, not because of the disease, but because of the limited therapeutic options available. The benefits of this treatment include relatively short operative times and immediate weight-bearing, thus making MP particularly attractive in the lower limb.
Impact on Spine Surgery during the First Two Years of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Study in South Korea
Authors: Ha Chang-Min , Nam Yunjin , Lee Sungjoon , Park Se-Jun , Lee Sun-Ho , Kim Eun-Sang
Published: June 2023

Since December 2019, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has infected people worldwide. Owing to its rapid spread, elective surgeries, including spine surgery, have been re-scheduled. We analyzed nationwide data to investigate changes in the volume of spine surgery during the first two years of the pandemic. Nationwide data from January 2016 to December 2021 were obtained. We compared the total number of patients who underwent spine surgery and related medical expenses before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In February and September, the number of patients was significantly smaller compared to January and August, respectively. Despite the pandemic, the proportion of patients undergoing spine surgery for degenerative diseases in 2021 was the highest. In contrast, the proportions of patients undergoing spine surgery for tumors showed a continuous decrease from 2019 to 2021. Although the number of spine surgeries performed at tertiary hospitals was lowest in 2020, it was not significantly smaller than that in 2019.The number of patients who underwent spine surgery in March 2020, during the first outbreak, decreased compared to the previous month, which differed from the trend observed in the pre-COVID-19 period. However, as the pandemic continues, the impact of COVID-19 on spine surgery has become less evident.
Identification of Perioperative Procedural and Hemodynamic Risk Factors for Developing Colonic Ischemia after Ruptured Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery: A Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Omran Safwan , Schawe Larissa , Konietschke Frank , Angermair Stefan , Weixler Benjamin , Treskatsch Sascha , Greiner Andreas , Berger Christian
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: This retrospective study evaluated perioperative and intensive care unit (ICU) variables to predict colonic ischemia (CI) after infrarenal ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) surgery. (2) Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of the patients treated for infrarenal RAAA from January 2011 to December 2020 in our hospital. (3) Results: A total of 135 (82% male) patients were admitted to ICU after treatment of infrarenal RAAA. The median age of all patients was 75 years (IQR 68–81 years). Of those, 24 (18%) patients developed CI, including 22 (92%) cases within the first three postoperative days. CI was found more often after open repair compared to endovascular treatment (22% vs. 5%, p = 0.021). Laboratory findings in the first seven PODs revealed statistically significant differences between CI and non-CI patients for serum lactate, minimum pH, serum bicarbonate, and platelet count. Norepinephrine (NE) was used in 92 (68%) patients during ICU stay. The highest daily dose of norepinephrine was administered to CI patients at POD1. Multivariable analysis revealed that NE > 64 µg/kg (RD 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25–0.55, p < 0.001), operating time ≥ 200 min (RD 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05–0.31, p = 0.042), and pH < 7.3 (RD 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07–0.35, p = 0.019), significantly predicted the development of CI. A total of 23 (17%) patients died during the hospital stay, including 8 (33%) patients from the CI group and 15 (7%) from the non-CI group (p = 0.032). (4) Conclusions: CI after RAAA is a sever complication occurring most frequently within the first 3 postoperative days. Our study identified many surrogate markers associated with colonic ischemia after aortic RAAA, including norepinephrine dose > 64 µg/kg, operating time ≥ 200 min, and PH < 7.3. Future studies are needed to support these results.
Pneumatic Compression Combined with Standard Treatment after Total Hip Arthroplasty and Its Effects on Edema of the Operated Limb and on Physical Outcomes: A Pilot Clinical Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Carnevale Pellino Vittoria , Gatti Alessandro , Vandoni Matteo , Patanè Pamela , Febbi Massimiliano , Ballarin Stefania , Cavallo Caterina , Marin Luca
Published: June 2023

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures and is highly effective at improving function and quality of life. However, patients commonly experience edema immediately after hospitalization and also after discharge, which can lead to health consequences and a lower quality of life. For these reasons, the aim of this study (NCT05312060) was to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific intermittent leg pneumatic compression on lower limb edema and physical outcomes in patients after total hip arthroplasty, compared to standard conservative treatment. A total of 47 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups: the pneumatic compression group (PG = 24) and the control group (CG = 23). The CG performed the standard venous thromboembolism therapy, which included pharmacological prophylaxis, compressive stockings, and electrostimulation, while the PG combined pneumatic compression with standard VTE therapy. We evaluated thigh and calf circumferences, knee and ankle ranges of motion, pain, and walking autonomy. Our results showed a greater reduction in thigh and calf circumferences for PG (p < 0.001), while other outcomes were similar for the two groups (p > 0.05). The combination of standard therapy with pneumatic leg compression was more effective at reducing lower limb edema and thigh and calf circumferences than standard treatment. Our results suggest that pressotherapy treatment is a valuable and efficient option for managing lower limb edema after THA.
High Myopia and Thickness of Extraocular and Masticatory Muscles—7T MRI, Preliminary Study
Authors: Zieliński Grzegorz , Matysik-Woźniak Anna , Pankowska Anna , Pietura Radosław , Rejdak Robert , Jonak Kamil
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Myopia is one of the most common refractive errors in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the transverse dimensions of selected masticatory muscles (temporalis muscle and masseter muscle) versus the transverse dimensions of selected extraocular muscles (superior rectus, inferior rectus, medial rectus and lateral rectus) in emmetropic and high myopic subjects. (2) Methods: Twenty-seven individuals were included in the analysis, resulting in 24 eyeballs of patients with high myopia and 30 eyeballs of emmetropic subjects. A 7 Tesla resonance was used to analyze the described muscles. (3) Results: Statistical analysis showed differences in all analyzed extraocular muscles and all analyzed masticatory muscles between emmetropic subjects and high myopic subjects. In the high myopic subject group, statistical analysis showed four correlations. The three negative correlations were between the lateral rectus muscle and an axial length eyeball, refractive error and an axial length eyeball, and the inferior rectus muscle and visual acuity. The positive correlation was between the lateral rectus muscle and the medial rectus muscle. (4) Conclusions: The high myopic subjects are characterized by a larger cross-sectional area of extraocular muscles and masticatory muscles compared to the emmetropic subjects. Correlations were observed between the thickness of the extraocular muscles and the masticatory muscles. The lateral rectus muscle was related to the length of the eyeball. The phenomenon requires further study.
Total Globulin Fraction at Diagnosis Could Forecast All-Cause Mortality during the Disease Course in Patients with Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Ha Jang-Woo , Ahn Sung-Soo , Song Jason-Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won
Published: June 2023

Total globulin fraction (TGF) is calculated by subtracting serum albumin levels from serum total protein levels. The present study examined whether TGF at diagnosis could forecast all-cause mortality during the disease course in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). The present study included 283 patients with AAV. The variables at AAV diagnosis such as demographic data, AAV-specific data including the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS), five-factor score (FFS), and laboratory data including ANCA, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were collected. The number of deceased patients during the follow-up duration based on all-cause mortality was counted. The median age of the 283 AAV patients was 60 years, and 35.7% were men. ANCAs were detected in 228 patients, and the median TGF was 2.9. A total of 39 patients (13.8%) died within a median follow-up duration of 46.9 months. TGF at AAV diagnosis was significantly correlated with ESR and CRP rather than AAV activity. Patients with ANCA positivity exhibited a significantly higher median TGF at AAV diagnosis than those without. Patients with TGF ≥ 3.1 g/dL at AAV diagnosis exhibited a significantly lower cumulative survival rate than those without. Furthermore, in the multivariable Cox hazards model analysis, TGF ≥ 3.1 g/dL (hazard ratio 2.611) was independently associated with all-cause mortality, along with age, male sex, and body mass index. The present study is the first to demonstrate that TGF at AAV diagnosis can forecast all-cause mortality during the disease course in AAV patients.
Clinical Efficacy of Topical or Oral Soy Supplementation in Dermatology: A Systematic Review
Authors: Natarelli Nicole , Gahoonia Nimrit , Maloh Jessica , Sivamani Raja K.
Published: June 2023

Soybean, a legume native to Southeast Asia, serves many nutritional and medical purposes due to its rich source of phytochemicals and its antioxidant activity. Many animal and in vitro studies have demonstrated its potential impact on dermatologic health. The objective of this review is to investigate the clinical response of soy-based oral supplementation or topical application on dermatologic outcomes. A systematic review of studies assessing soy supplementation or application was performed in January 2023. Databases included PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Natural Medicines, and studies assessing any formulation that included soybean or associated products were included. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria and are included in the review; 13 of these studies assessed oral supplementation and 17 assessed topical application. Topical and oral supplementation demonstrated efficacious results for a variety of dermatologic parameters, including chronological or photoaging parameters, skin barrier status, hydration, hyperpigmentation, dermal network composition, erythema, hair and nail parameters, acne lesion counts, and vulvar lichen sclerosis scores. Factors associated with aging, such as wrinkle area and depth, were most frequently assessed among the studies, and both topical and oral studies demonstrated efficacy. Effects are likely mediated by dermal compositional changes, such as increased collagen and/or elastic fiber numbers. Transepidermal water loss measurements, an indicator of skin barrier status, were frequently obtained among the studies, although improvement was more likely achieved with topical application compared to oral supplementation. The results of this review highlight the utility of soy-based products for a variety of dermatologic applications, although future studies are required to determine optimal formulations and application routes for intended outcomes.
The Relationship between Number of Supernumerary Blastocysts Cryopreserved and Probability of a Live Birth Outcome after Single Fresh Blastocyst Transfer: Analysis of over 10 Thousand Cycles
Authors: Beebeejaun Yusuf , Copeland Timothy , Polanski Lukasz , El Toukhy Tarek
Published: June 2023

The ability to predict the likelihood of a live birth after single fresh embryo transfer is an important part of fertility treatment. While past studies have examined the likelihood of live birth based on the number of oocytes retrieved and cleavage-stage embryos available, the odds of a live birth based on the number of supernumerary blastocysts cryopreserved following a fresh embryo transfer has not been rigorously studied. We performed a retrospective analysis, stratified by age, on patients undergoing their first fresh autologous single day 5 blastocyst transfer to assess relationship between the likelihood of a live birth and number of supernumerary blastocysts cryopreserved. In patients aged <35 years and 35–39 years old, the likelihood of a live birth increased linearly between 1 and 6 supplementary blastocysts and non-linearly if 10 or more blastocysts were cryopreserved. When aged 40 years and above, the likelihood of a live birth increased linearly up to 4 cryopreserved blastocysts and then non-linearly if 10 or more blastocysts were cryopreserved. The present study demonstrated a non-linear relationship between the number of supernumerary blastocysts cryopreserved and the likelihood of a live birth after single blastocyst transfer in the first autologous fresh IVF/ICSI cycle across different age groups.
Pancreatic Involvement in the Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children—A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Daniluk Urszula , Krawiec Paulina , Pac-Kożuchowska Elżbieta , Dembiński Łukasz , Bukowski Jan Stanisław , Banaszkiewicz Aleksandra , Woźniuk-Kaźmierczak Anna , Czkwianianc Elżbieta , Brylak Jan , Walkowiak Jarosław , Borys-Iwanicka Agnieszka , Kofla-Dłubacz Anna , Pytrus Tomasz , Zdanowicz Katarzyna , Lebensztejn Dariusz Marek
Published: June 2023

The coexistence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with pancreatic pathology is rare in children. A retrospective analysis of data from 1538 children diagnosed with IBD in 2014–2021 was conducted to determine the frequency and causes of pancreatitis and asymptomatic hyperlipasemia (HL) or hyperamylasemia (HA) in this group of patients. Among the 176 children (11.4%) with pancreatic involvement (PI), acute pancreatitis (AP) was diagnosed in 77 children (43.8%), and HA or HL was observed in 88 children (50.0%). Only a few patients were diagnosed with autoimmune or chronic pancreatitis (6.2%). PI was observed at the time of the IBD diagnosis in 26.1% of the cases. A total of 54.5% of the patients had moderate to severe IBD, and 96% had colonic involvement at the time of diagnosis of PI. Idiopathic PI was the most common (57%), followed by drug-induced PI (37%) and azathioprine (AZA). In patients with AZA-induced AP, the successful introduction of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) to therapy was noted in 62.5% of the children. Our results suggest that routine monitoring of pancreatic enzymes in patients with IBD should be performed, especially after the initiation of the AZA treatment. The presence of transient HA/HL in IBD does not necessarily indicate pancreatic pathology.
Experimental Investigation on Bio-Machining of Nickel, Titanium and Nitinol (Shape Memory Alloys) Using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans Microorganisms
Authors: Pradeep Mani , Rajesh Shangumavel , Uthayakumar Marimuthu , Mathalai Sundaram Chandrasekar , Korniejenko Kinga , Miernik Krzysztof , Majid Mohd Shukry Abdul
Published: June 2023

Micromachining plays a vital role in the manufacturing industry in producing microcomponents with high sensitivity and fine dimensional tolerances for implant materials in medical applications. Micro-machining can be carried out through various machining processes like physical, chemical and biological processes, although the use of biological machining is limited. In biological machining, microorganisms are used as a source of energy to machine the components, and machining with microorganism brings a lot of advantages in the machining process like the production of components with lower energy resources, low cost, no heat-affected zone and fine dimensional tolerances, which makes it suitable for machining implant materials. In other machining process like conventional and unconventional machining processes, the heat-affected zone, dimensional tolerances and environmental-related problems are the major issues, as these processes generate more heat while machining. This damages the material, which will not be able to be used for certain applications, and this issue can be overcome by bio-machining. In this present work, nickel, titanium and nitinol are manufactured using the powder metallurgy technique. They are manufactured as a 10 mm diameter and 5 mm thick pellet. The fabricated nickel, titanium and nitinol shape memory alloys are machined with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans microorganisms to obtain a better material removal rate and surface roughness and to check the bio-machining performance by considering various parameters such as shaking speed, temperature, pH and percentage of ferric content for the future scope of biomedical applications. Considering these parameters, microorganisms play a vital role in the temperature, shaking speed and time of the bio-machining process, and it was observed that a better material removal rate and surface roughness are achieved at a temperature of 30 °C, shaking speed of 140 rpm and machining time of 72 h.
Emotional Intelligence as Evaluative Activity: Theory, Findings, and Future Directions
Authors: Robinson Michael D. , Asad Muhammad R. , Irvin Roberta L.
Published: June 2023

The question of whether ability-related emotional intelligence (ability EI) predicts important life outcomes has attracted considerably more attention than the question of what ability EI consists of. In the present paper, the authors draw from the attitude and emotion literatures to suggest that the evaluation dimension of meaning is likely key in understanding how ability EI operates. Measures of ability EI predict the extent to which individuals can accurately evaluate words and measures of the latter type act as emotional intelligence measures. Extending this analysis, the paper reviews recent sources of data linking ability EI to attitudinal processes, such as those involved in attitude–behavior relationships and affective bipolarity. Individuals with high EI appear to experience their affect in more bipolar terms and they display evidence of greater decisiveness in their evaluations. Pursuing links of the present type will allow researchers to generate new predictions concerning the ability EI construct.
A Geometry-Dependent Void Closure Model Considering Void Deformation and Orientation Changes during Hot Metal Formation
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Park Joonhee , Kim Yosep , Kwon Hyukjoon , Kim Naksoo
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a void closure model applicable to the general hot forming process has been proposed. Through the representative volume element (RVE) method, the influences of void shape, orientation, and stress state on void closure tendency were analysed. The void closure model was established so that it could consider these cross effects. The model calculates the changing void radius and orientation during deformation by considering the rate of change of the parameters affecting void deformation with respect to the effective strain. The model predicted the void closure tendency well on the RVE scale and predicted the void closure adequately in a multi-stage process with random voids. The results were compared with the stress-triaxiality-based (STB) model, which showed that the void closure model proposed in this study is applicable in general situations. A cogging process was analysed, and the degree of void closure at the end of each pass was compared with the calculated results of the void closure model. For the experimental verification of the proposed model, spherical and ellipsoid voids were placed in a rectangular specimen, and the radii of the voids after compression were measured. The measurement results were compared with the calculation results of the proposed model.
Four-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation and Sensitivity of Ocean Model State Variables to Observation Errors
Authors: Shutyaev Victor , Zalesny Vladimir , Agoshkov Valeriy , Parmuzin Eugene , Zakharova Natalia
Published: June 2023

The use of Four-Dimensional variational (4D-Var) data assimilation technology in the context of sea dynamics problems, with a sensitivity analysis of model results to observation errors, is presented. The technology is applied to a numerical model of ocean circulation developed at the Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics, Russian Academy of Sciences (INM RAS), with the use of the splitting method and complemented by 4D-Var data assimilation with covariance matrices of background and observation errors. The variational data assimilation involves iterative procedures to solve inverse problems so as to correct sea surface heat fluxes for the model under consideration. An algorithm is formulated to study the sensitivity of the model outputs, considered as output functions after assimilation, to the observation errors. The algorithm reveals the regions where the output function gradient is the largest for the average sea surface temperature (SST) in a selected area, obtained by assimilation. In the numerical experiments, a 4D variational problem of SST assimilation for the Baltic Sea area is solved.
Transcription Factor VM1G_06867: A Requirement for Growth, Pathogenicity, Development, and Maintenance of Cell Wall Integrity in Valsa mali
Authors: Diao Yufei , Jin Jiyang , Xiong Xiong , Yu Chengming , Tian Yehan , Li Duochuan , Liu Huixiang
Published: June 2023

Apple canker disease, caused by Valsa mali, is one of the most serious apple tree diseases in China. VmSom1 is an important transcription factor that acts on the cyclic adenosine signaling pathway (cAMP/PKA), regulating the growth, development, morphological differentiation, and pathogenic forces of the pathogen. We perform transcriptome analysis of the VmSom1 deletion mutant and the wild-type strain 11-175 and identify a significantly differentially expressed gene, VM1G_06867, a zinc finger motif transcription factor in V. mali. In this study, we obtain the VM1G_06867 gene using the single deletion mutant via homologous recombination. To determine the relationship between VmSom1 and VM1G_06867, we also obtain a double deletion mutant ΔVmSom1/06867. Compared to the wild-type strain 11-175, the single deletion mutant VM1G_06867 shows a drastic reduction in growth rate and forms more pycnidia on the PDA medium. Additionally, the growth of the mutant is inhibited by SDS, Congo red, and fluorescent brighteners. In comparison to the single deletion mutant VmSom1, the double deletion mutant ΔVmSom1/06867 shows no significant change in growth or conidiation and is unable to produce conidia. The growth rate is significantly increased in Congo red, NaCl, and Sorbitol mediums. These results demonstrate that VM1G_06867 plays important roles in growth, pathogenicity, asexual development, and maintenance of cell wall integrity. VM1G_06867 can recover osmotic stress and cell wall integrity defects caused by the deletion of VmSom1, as well as restore the loss of pathogenicity caused by the deletion of the VmSom1 gene, but not completely.
Mortality Risk Prediction in Abdominal Septic Shock Treated with Polymyxin-B Hemoperfusion: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Garcia-Ramos Sergio , Caamaño Estrela , Rodríguez Benítez Patrocinio , Benito Pilar , Calvo Alberto , Ramos Silvia , Power Mercedes , Garutti Ignacio , Piñeiro Patricia
Published: June 2023

Endotoxin, a component of the cell membrane of gram-negative bacteria, is a trigger for dysregulated inflammatory response in sepsis. Extracorporeal purification of endotoxin, through adsorption with polymyxin B, has been studied as a therapeutic option for sepsis. Previous studies suggest that it could be effective in patients with high endotoxin levels or patients with septic shock of moderate severity. Here, we perform a retrospective, single-centre cohort study of 93 patients suffering from abdominal septic shock treated with polymyxin-B hemoperfusion (PMX-HP) between 2015 and 2020. We compared deceased and surviving patients one month after the intervention using X2 and Mann-Whitney U tests. We assessed the data before and after PMX-HP with a Wilcoxon single-rank test and a multivariate logistic regression analysis. There was a significant reduction of SOFA score in the survivors. The expected mortality using APACHE-II was 59.62%, whereas in our sample, the rate was 40.9%. We found significant differences between expected mortality and real mortality only for the group of patients with an SOFA score between 8 and 13. In conclusion, in patients with abdominal septic shock, the addition of PMX-HP to the standard therapy resulted in lower mortality than expected in the subgroup of patients with intermediate severity of illness.
Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid Affects the Social Behavior of Adult Zebrafish by Damaging Telencephalon Neurons through Oxidation Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis
Authors: Chung Kou-Toung , Chen Li-Wen , Tseng Hung-Wei , Wu Chung-Hsin
Published: June 2023

The neonicotinoid imidacloprid is a widely used insecticide worldwide. We assessed the effects of acute and chronic imidacloprid exposure on the social behavior of adult zebrafish. We assembled simple apparatus to detect 2D locomotion: a single camera capture system and two specially designed water tanks. We then used the tracking and heat maps of the behavior trajectories of zebrafish subjected to sham and imidacloprid exposure and compared their social behavior. Furthermore, histomorphology and immunohistochemistry of their brain tissue sections were performed to clarify possible neurotoxicity due to imidacloprid exposure in our adult zebrafish. Our results showed that imidacloprid exposure significantly reduced the zebrafish’s swimming speed, distance traveled, acceleration, and deceleration. The longer the imidacloprid exposure, the more severe the locomotor behavior disability. Furthermore, imidacloprid exposure significantly reduced heterosexual attractive behavior between the different sexes, as well as defensive alert behavior among males. Our histomorphology and immunohistochemistry evidence showed imidacloprid exposure may lead to neuronal oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and damage in the telencephalon of adult zebrafish. Thus, we suggested that neonicotinoid imidacloprid exposure can damage the telencephalon neurons of adult zebrafish through oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and then affect the social behavior of adult zebrafish.
The Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on All Heart Chambers Remodeling and Function in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy—A Two- and Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Study
Authors: Iovănescu Maria L. , Hădăreanu Diana R. , Toader Despina M. , Florescu Cristina , Istrătoaie Octavian , Donoiu Ionuţ , Militaru Constantin
Published: June 2023

Atrial fibrillation is frequently seen in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and its presence impacts the function of the heart, with clinical and prognostic consequences. In this prospective single-center study, we aimed to assess the impact of atrial fibrillation on cardiac structure and function, using comprehensive two- and three-dimensional echocardiography. We included 41 patients with DCM and persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation (38 male, age 58.8 ± 11 years), as well as 47 patients with DCM and in sinus rhythm (35 male, age 58 ± 12.5 years). Cardiac chambers and mitral and tricuspid valves’ structure and function were assessed via standard two-dimensional, speckle-tracking, and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Patients with DCM and atrial fibrillation had a more impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain, higher 3DE left atrial volumes, and reduced function compared to patients in sinus rhythm in the presence of similar left ventricle volumes. Mitral annulus configuration was altered in atrial fibrillation DCM patients. Also, right heart volumes were larger, with more severe atrial and ventricular dysfunction, despite similar estimated pulmonary artery pressures and severity of tricuspid regurgitation. Using advanced echocardiography techniques, we demonstrated that atrial fibrillation induces significant remodeling in all heart chambers.
Performance Study of a Leaf-Vein-like Structured Vapor Chamber
Authors: Zhou Zhihao , Wang Xu , Zhou Yongmin
Published: June 2023

As optoelectronic products continue to advance rapidly, the need for effective heat dissipation has become increasingly crucial due to the emphasis on miniaturization and high integration. The vapor chamber is widely used for cooling electronic systems as a passive liquid–gas two-phase high-efficiency heat exchange device. In this paper, we designed and manufactured a new kind of vapor chamber using cotton yarn as the wick material, combined with a fractal pattern layout of leaf veins. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to analyze the performance of the vapor chamber under natural convection circumstances. SEM showed that many tiny pores and capillaries were formed between the cotton yarn fibers, which are very suitable as the wick material of the vapor chamber. Additionally, experimental findings demonstrated the favorable flow and heat transfer characteristics of the cotton yarn wick within the vapor chamber, which makes the vapor chamber have significant heat dissipation capability, compared to the other two vapor chambers; this vapor chamber has a thermal resistance of only 0.43 °C/W at a thermal load of 8.7 W. In addition, the vapor chamber showed good antigravity capability, and its performance did not show significant changes between horizontal and vertical positions; the maximum difference in thermal resistance at four tilt angles is only 0.06 °C/W. This paper also studied the influence of vacuum degree and filling amount on the performance of the vapor chamber. These findings indicate that the proposed vapor chamber provides a promising thermal management solution for some mobile electronic devices and provides a new idea for selecting wick materials for vapor chambers.
Study on Quasi-Static Axial Compression Performance and Energy Absorption of Aluminum Foam-Filled Steel Tubes
Authors: Wang Zhanguang , Shao Jianhua
Published: June 2023

To study the axial compression performance of aluminum foam-filled steel tube and empty steel tube as objects, such tubes are studied in this paper, which explores the carrying capacity and deformation behavior of aluminum foam-filled steel tube with different lengths under a quasi-static axial load through experimental research. The carrying capacity, deformation behavior, stress distribution, and energy absorption characteristics of empty steel tubes and foam-filled steel tubes are compared through finite element numerical simulation. The results indicate that, compared with the empty steel tube, the aluminum foam-filled steel tube still presents a large residual carrying capacity after the axial force exceeds the ultimate load, and the whole compression process reflects steady-state compression. In addition, the axial and lateral deformation amplitudes of the foam-filled steel tube decrease significantly during the whole compression process. After filling the foam metal, the large stress area decreases and the energy absorption capacity improves.
Effect of Mechanical Stirring on High-Speed GMAW Hump Bead
Authors: Xiao Jun , Wang Xiaolei , Gai Shengnan , Chen Shujun , Huang Wenhao
Published: June 2023

High-speed GMAW tends to be accompanied by periodic humping defects, thereby reducing the weld bead quality. A new method was proposed to actively control the weld pool flow for eliminating humping defects. A high-melting point solid pin was designed and inserted into the weld pool to stir the liquid metal during the welding process. The characteristics of the backward molten metal flow were extracted and compared by a high-speed camera. Combined with particle tracing technology, the momentum of the backward metal flow was calculated and analyzed, and the mechanism of hump suppression in high speed GMAW was further revealed. The stirring pin interacted with the liquid molten pool, resulting in a vortex zone behind the stirring pin, which significantly reduced the momentum of the backward molten metal flow, and thus it inhibited the formation of humping beads.
Modified Natural Diatomite with Various Additives and Its Environmental Potential
Authors: Gondek Krzysztof , Micek Piotr , Baran Agnieszka , Bajda Tomasz , Kowal Jerzy , Lis Marcin , Wyrobisz-Papiewska Anna , Wojtysiak Dorota , Smoroń Krzysztof
Published: June 2023

Diatomite has recently been the subject of intensive scientific research aimed at its extensive use in industry, breeding and agriculture. The only active diatomite mine is in Jawornik Ruski, in the Podkarpacie region of Poland. Chemical pollution in the environment, including that from heavy metals, poses a threat to living organisms. Reducing the mobility of heavy metals in the environment through the use of diatomite (DT) has recently gained much interest. More effective immobilisation of heavy metals in the environment with DT, mainly through the modification of its physical and chemical properties by various methods, should be applied. The aim of this research was to develop a simple and inexpensive material showing more favourable chemical and physical properties compared with unenriched DT in terms of metal immobilisation. Diatomite (DT), after calcination, was used in the study, considering three grain fractions, i.e., 0–1 mm (DT1); 0–0.5 mm (DT2) and 5–100 µm (DT3). Biochar (BC), dolomite (DL) and bentonite (BN) were used as additives. The proportion of DTs in the mixtures amounted to 75%, and of the additive, 25%. The use of unenriched DTs after calcination poses the risk of releasing heavy metals into the environment. Enrichment of the DTs with BC and DL resulted in a reduction or absence of Cd, Zn, Pb and Ni in aqueous extracts. It was found that for the specific surface area values obtained, the additive used for the DTs was of crucial importance. The reduction in DT toxicity has been proven under the influence of various additives. The mixtures of the DTs with DL and BN had the least toxicity. The obtained results have economic importance, as the production of the best quality sorbents from locally available raw materials reduces transport costs and thus the environmental impact. In addition, the production of highly efficient sorbents reduces the consumption of critical raw materials. It is estimated that the savings from producing sorbents with the parameters described in the article can be significant in comparison with popular competitive materials of other origins.
Optimization of Outer Diameter Bernoulli Gripper with Cylindrical Nozzle
Authors: Mykhailyshyn Roman , Duchoň František , Virgala Ivan , Sinčák Peter Jan , Majewicz Fey Ann
Published: June 2023

Gripping and manipulating objects using non-contact and low-contact technologies is becoming increasingly necessary in manufacturing. One of the promising contactless gripping technologies is Bernoulli gripping devices for industrial robots. They have many advantages, but when changing the nozzle geometry, it is difficult to find the optimal parameters of the outer diameter of the gripper and its operating parameters. Therefore, the article presents a model for numerical simulation of the dynamics of airflow in the nozzle of the Bernoulli gripping device and in the radial gap between its active surface and the surface of the object of manipulation. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations of viscous gas dynamics, SST-model of turbulence, and γ-model of laminar-turbulent transition were used for this purpose. The technical requirements for the design of the nozzle of Bernoulli jet gripping nozzles are determined and variants of their constructive improvement are offered. According to the results of numerical simulation in the Ansys-CFD software environment, the optimal diameter of the Bernoulli gripping device and the influence of the geometric parameters of the nozzle on the nature of the pressure distribution in the radial gap and its lifting force were determined. Determined the optimal parameters of the height of the gap between the object of manipulation and the Bernoulli gripping device using C—Factor, which will allow efficient operation of Bernoulli gripping devices during automated handling operations using industrial robots.
Continual Pre-Training of Language Models for Concept Prerequisite Learning with Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Tang Xin , Liu Kunjia , Xu Hao , Xiao Weidong , Tan Zhen
Published: June 2023

Prerequisite chains are crucial to acquiring new knowledge efficiently. Many studies have been devoted to automatically identifying the prerequisite relationships between concepts from educational data. Though effective to some extent, these methods have neglected two key factors: most works have failed to utilize domain-related knowledge to enhance pre-trained language models, thus making the textual representation of concepts less effective; they also ignore the fusion of semantic information and structural information formed by existing prerequisites. We propose a two-stage concept prerequisite learning model (TCPL), to integrate the above factors. In the first stage, we designed two continual pre-training tasks for domain-adaptive and task-specific enhancement, to obtain better textual representation. In the second stage, to leverage the complementary effects of the semantic and structural information, we optimized the encoder of the resource–concept graph and the pre-trained language model simultaneously, with hinge loss as an auxiliary training objective. Extensive experiments conducted on three public datasets demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Our proposed model improved by 7.9%, 6.7%, 5.6%, and 8.4% on ACC, F1, AP, and AUC on average, compared to the state-of-the-art methods.
A Finite-Time Sliding Mode Control Approach for Constrained Euler–Lagrange System
Authors: Sun Guhao , Zeng Qingshuang
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates a general control strategy to track the reference trajectory for the constrained Euler–Lagrange system with model uncertainties and unknown external disturbances. Unlike the disturbances assumed to be upper-bounded by a constant in other papers, we consider the disturbances to be bounded by a function of the system states, which are more realistic. First, the nominal controller was designed based on the nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control, and global fast finite-time convergence to the sliding surface was guaranteed. As the system is state-constrained in this paper, we introduce the control barrier function approach to formulate the constraints and ensure the system does not break the restrictions. The proposed control strategy was numerically assessed on a two-link robot manipulator system, and the simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
On a Certain Functional Equation and Its Application to the Schwarz Problem
Authors: Nikolaev Vladimir , Vasilyev Vladimir
Published: June 2023

The Schwarz problem for J-analytic functions in an ellipse is considered. In this case, the matrix J is assumed to be two-dimensional with different eigenvalues located above the real axis. The Schwarz problem is reduced to an equivalent boundary value problem for the scalar functional equation depending on the real parameter l. This parameter is determined by the Jordan basis of the matrix J. An analysis of the functional equation was performed. It is shown that for l∈[0,1], the solution of the Schwarz problem with matrix J exists uniquely in the Hölder classes in an arbitrary ellipse.
Analogs of 6-Bromohypaphorine with Increased Agonist Potency for α7 Nicotinic Receptor as Anti-Inflammatory Analgesic Agents
Authors: Ivanov Igor A. , Siniavin Andrei E. , Palikov Victor A. , Senko Dmitry A. , Shelukhina Irina V. , Epifanova Lyubov A. , Ojomoko Lucy O. , Belukhina Svetlana Y. , Prokopev Nikita A. , Landau Mariia A. , Palikova Yulia A. , Kazakov Vitaly A. , Borozdina Natalia A. , Bervinova Arina V. , Dyachenko Igor A. , Kasheverov Igor E. , Tsetlin Victor I. , Kudryavtsev Denis S.
Published: June 2023

Hypaphorines, tryptophan derivatives, have anti-inflammatory activity, but their mechanism of action was largely unknown. Marine alkaloid L-6-bromohypaphorine with EC50 of 80 μM acts as an agonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) involved in anti-inflammatory regulation. We designed the 6-substituted hypaphorine analogs with increased potency using virtual screening of their binding to the α7 nAChR molecular model. Fourteen designed analogs were synthesized and tested in vitro by calcium fluorescence assay on the α7 nAChR expressed in neuro 2a cells, methoxy ester of D-6-iodohypaphorine (6ID) showing the highest potency (EC50 610 nM), being almost inactive toward α9α10 nAChR. The macrophages cytometry revealed an anti-inflammatory activity, decreasing the expression of TLR4 and increasing CD86, similarly to the action of PNU282987, a selective α7 nAChR agonist. 6ID administration in doses 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg decreased carrageenan-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia in rodents, in accord with its anti-inflammatory action. Methoxy ester of D-6-nitrohypaphorine demonstrated anti-oedemic and analgesic effects in arthritis rat model at i.p. doses 0.05–0.26 mg/kg. Tested compounds showed excellent tolerability with no acute in vivo toxicity in dosages up to 100 mg/kg i.p. Thus, combining molecular modelling and natural product-inspired drug design improved the desired activity of the chosen nAChR ligand.
Asymptomatic Idiopathic Renal Infarction Detected Incidentally on Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: A Case Report
Authors: Mizusugi Mariko , Kenzaka Tsuneaki
Published: June 2023

Background: Renal infarction is an extremely rare disease. Although more than 95% of cases are symptomatic, there have been no previously reported asymptomatic cases, without any abnormal blood and urine test findings. Furthermore, the efficacy of long-term treatment of idiopathic renal infarction remains unknown. Case Presentation: A 63-year-old Japanese male underwent laparoscopy; a very low anterior resection of the rectum for lower rectal cancer (stage II) four years and five months prior to diagnosis with renal infarction. During the follow-up imaging studies, asymptomatic idiopathic renal infarction was found incidentally. The blood and urine test findings were normal. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a linearly bordered area of poor contrast in the dorsal region of the right kidney; however, no renal artery lesions, thromboembolic disease, or coagulation abnormalities were observed. Initial treatment with rivaroxaban 15 mg/day resulted in the remission of the infarcted lesion. The anticoagulation therapy was terminated after about 18 months without any incidences of re-infarction or bleeding events. Conclusions: We reported a very rare case of asymptomatic idiopathic renal infarction where blood and urine tests revealed no abnormal findings, and it was diagnosed incidentally during a post-treatment follow-up examination for lower rectal cancer. Long-term anticoagulant therapy for idiopathic renal infarction should be terminated at an appropriate time, taking the risk of bleeding into account.
Immunolocalization of Enzymes/Membrane Transporters Related to Bone Mineralization in the Metaphyses of the Long Bones of Parathyroid-Hormone-Administered Mice
Authors: Mae Takahito , Hasegawa Tomoka , Hongo Hiromi , Yamamoto Tomomaya , Zhao Shen , Li Minqi , Yamazaki Yutaka , Amizuka Norio
Published: June 2023

The present study aimed to demonstrate the immunolocalization and/or gene expressions of the enzymes and membrane transporters involved in bone mineralization after the intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The study especially focused on TNALP, ENPP1, and PHOSPHO1, which are involved in matrix vesicle-mediated mineralization, as well as PHEX and the SIBLING family, which regulate mineralization deep inside bone. Six-week-old male mice were subcutaneously injected with 20 μg/kg/day of human PTH (1–34) two times per day (n = 6) or four times per day (n = 6) for two weeks. Additionally, control mice (n = 6) received a vehicle. Consistently with an increase in the volume of the femoral trabeculae, the mineral appositional rate increased after PTH administration. The areas positive for PHOSPHO1, TNALP, and ENPP1 in the femoral metaphyses expanded, and the gene expressions assessed by real-time PCR were elevated in PTH-administered specimens when compared with the findings in control specimens. The immunoreactivity and/or gene expressions of PHEX and the SIBLING family (MEPE, osteopontin, and DMP1) significantly increased after PTH administration. For example, MEPE immunoreactivity was evident in some osteocytes in PTH-administered specimens but was hardly observed in control specimens. In contrast, mRNA encoding cathepsin B was significantly reduced. Therefore, the bone matrix deep inside might be further mineralized by PHEX/SIBLING family after PTH administration. In summary, it is likely that PTH accelerates mineralization to maintain a balance with elevated matrix synthesis, presumably by mediating TNALP/ENPP1 cooperation and stimulating PHEX/SIBLING family expression.