bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into dry reforming of methane over nickel catalyst using a thermodynamic model
Authors: Rakhi  , Günther Vivien , Mauss Fabian
Published: June 2023

A thermodynamic model is developed using a one-dimensional model, LOGEcat to understand the dry reforming of methane over nickel-based catalysts. To do so, we have extended our previously developed mechanism (Rakhi and Shrestha in React Kinet, Mech Catal 135:3059–3083, 2022) which contains 21 reversible reactions by adding 5 more reversible reactions and updating the thermochemistry of one intermediate species. The adjusted mechanism contains 26 reversible reactions obtained with the help of thermodynamic analysis. This study focuses on using the thermodynamic model for dry reforming of methane and insights into the reaction pathways and sensitivity analysis for the kinetically consistent surface reaction mechanism. The applicability of the mechanism is examined for reactor conditions in terms of parameters such as temperature by comparing the results with the available reference data. The mechanism is able to accurately express the reforming conditions of methane over the nickel catalyst for complete range of temperature and also provide useful insights into the reaction pathways established with the thermodynamic model.
A Mathematical Study of Metal Biosorption on Algal–Bacterial Granular Biofilms
Authors: Russo Fabiana , Tenore Alberto , Mattei Maria Rosaria , Frunzo Luigi
Published: June 2023

A multiscale mathematical model describing the metals biosorption on algal–bacterial photogranules within a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) is presented. The model is based on systems of partial differential equations (PDEs) derived from mass conservation principles on a spherical free boundary domain with radial symmetry. Hyperbolic PDEs account for the dynamics of sessile species and their free sorption sites, where metals are adsorbed. Parabolic PDEs govern the diffusion, conversion and adsorption of nutrients and metals. The dual effect of metals on photogranule ecology is also modelled: metal stimulates the production of EPS by sessile species and negatively affects the metabolic activities of microbial species. Accordingly, a stimulation term for EPS production and an inhibition term for metal are included in all microbial kinetics. The formation and evolution of the granule domain are governed by an ordinary differential equation with a vanishing initial value, accounting for microbial growth, attachment and detachment phenomena. The model is completed with systems of impulsive differential equations describing the evolution of dissolved substrates, metals, and planktonic and detached biomasses within the granular-based SBR. The model is integrated numerically to examine the role of the microbial species and EPS in the adsorption process, and the effect of metal concentration and adsorption properties of biofilm components on the metal removal. Numerical results show an accurate description of the photogranules evolution and ecology and confirm the applicability of algal–bacterial photogranule technology for metal-rich wastewater treatment.
Seed Quality and Variety Preferences Amongst Potato Farmers in North-Western Kenya: Lessons for the Adoption of New Varieties
Authors: Kwambai Thomas K. , Griffin Denis , Struik Paul C. , Stack Laura , Rono Selly , Brophy Caroline , Nyongesa Moses , Gorman Monica
Published: June 2023

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important commercialised food crop in Kenya. Recently, Kenya has realised a huge increase in the number of formally released potato varieties. The performance of these varieties is not clear and their adoption across various growing environments is low. This study explored how availability, access, quality and systems of seed and storability and market demand of potatoes influence farmers’ decisions on choice of varieties they grow and how they select seed for planting in the different seasons. Focus group discussions (83 farmers) and a household survey (225 farmers) were conducted in three major potato growing areas (Lelan, Saboti and Kaptama) in north-western Kenya. Results showed that farmers mainly used farm-saved seed and only 4.9% had used certified seed, while 71% indicated that certified seed was not available locally. Almost all farmers ensured they used healthy seed by visually examining the seed tubers while most farmers also examined the health of the crop in the field before harvest. Farmers renewed their seed depending on the number of cycles used, infection, decline in yield and availability of clean seed. Seed was usually renewed for up to after 5 years of recycling, and generally involved the varieties Shangi, Kabale and Arka. Farmers ranked five variety traits: tuber yield, disease resistance, market demand, early maturity and storability as most important in the choice of a variety. Farmers understood the importance of dormancy and had methods for managing dormancy, but their knowledge was biased to the few varieties they had, particularly Shangi, the predominant variety in the market. Despite agronomic attributes, market demand featured as a primary determinant of variety choice amongst farmers. The findings from this paper can guide use of seed, adoption of new varieties and future breeding of potato varieties for Kenya.
The Equilibrium α (Al-Li Solid Solution) and Metastable δ′ (Al3Li) Phase Boundaries in Aluminum–Lithium Alloys
Authors: Ardell Alan J.
Published: June 2023

Data on the equilibrium solubilities of the α Al-Li solid solution phase and the ordered metastable δ′ Al3Li (L12 crystal structure) precipitate phase are critically reviewed, and a new binary alloy phase diagram is proposed. The δ′ solvus, describing the equilibrium solubility of Li in the α phase, Xαe, in atom fraction Li, is given by the equation $$X_{\alpha e} \, = \,0.{6}00{\text{86 exp}}\left\{ {{-}{8669}.{55}/{\text{R}}T} \right\},$$

X

α
e

=

0.600

86 exp

-
8669.55
/
R
T

,

where R is the gas constant, and the temperature T is in K. The α solvus, i.e. the equilibrium solubility of Li in the δ′ phase, Xδ′e, is given by the equation $$X_{\delta \prime e} \, = \,0.{18}0{9}\, + \,{6}.{413}\, \times \,{1}0^{{{-}{4}}} {{T}}{-}{1}.{861}\, \times \,{1}0^{{{-}{6}}} T^{{2}} \, + \,{1}.{4684}\, \times \,{1}0^{{{-}{9}}} T^{{3}} ,$$

X

δ
′
e

=

0.1809

+

6.413

×

1

0

-
4

T
-
1.861

×

1

0

-
6

T
2

+

1.4684

×

1

0

-
9

T
3

,

which represents a compromise between previously published theoretical curves that predict retrograde behavior. It is emphasized that that all the data cited and re-analyzed exclusively involve binary Al-Li alloys. The new phase diagram eliminates data that were previously mis-attributed. Most importantly, it is informed by considerable re-analysis of previously published data, supplemented by the inclusion of data that were not previously considered, and eschews data on both Xαe and Xδ′e that are indubitably non-equilibrium in nature.
The Role of MicroRNA in the Myocarditis: a Small Actor for a Great Role
Authors: Chimenti Cristina , Magnocavallo Michele , Vetta Giampaolo , Alfarano Maria , Manguso Giulia , Ajmone Francesco , Ballatore Federico , Costantino Jacopo , Ciaramella Piera , Severino Paolo , Miraldi Fabio , Lavalle Carlo , Vizza Carmine Dario
Published: June 2023

Purpose of Review

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium secondary to a variety of agents such as infectious pathogens, toxins, drugs, and autoimmune disorders. In our review, we provide an overview of miRNA biogenesis and their role in the etiology and pathogenesis of myocarditis, evaluating future directions for myocarditis management.

Recent Findings

Advances in genetic manipulation techniques allowed to demonstrate the important role of RNA fragments, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), in cardiovascular pathogenesis. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate the post-transcriptional gene expression. Advances in molecular techniques allowed to identify miRNA’s role in pathogenesis of myocarditis.

miRNAs are related to viral infection, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, making them not only promising diagnostic markers but also prognostics and therapeutic targets in myocarditis. Of course, further real-world studies will be needed to assess the diagnostic accuracy and applicability of miRNA in the myocarditis diagnosis.
Iron-Related Genes and Proteins in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Detection and Therapy
Authors: Mehta Kosha J.
Published: June 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are located in various tissues of the body. These cells exhibit regenerative and reparative properties, which makes them highly valuable for cell-based therapy. Despite this, majority of MSC-related studies remain to be translated for regular clinical use. This is partly because there are methodical challenges in pre-administration MSC labelling, post-administration detection and tracking of cells, and in retention of maximal therapeutic potential in-vivo. This calls for exploration of alternative or adjunctive approaches that would enable better detection of transplanted MSCs via non-invasive methods and enhance MSC therapeutic potential in-vivo. Interestingly, these attributes have been demonstrated by some iron-related genes and proteins.

Accordingly, this unique forward-looking article integrates the apparently distinct fields of iron metabolism and MSC biology, and reviews the utility of iron-related genes and iron-related proteins in facilitating MSC detection and therapy, respectively. Effects of genetic overexpression of the iron-related proteins ferritin, transferrin receptor-1 and MagA in MSCs and their utilisation as reporter genes for improving MSC detection in-vivo are critically evaluated. In addition, the beneficial effects of the iron chelator deferoxamine and the iron-related proteins haem oxygenase-1, lipocalin-2, lactoferrin, bone morphogenetic protein-2 and hepcidin in enhancing MSC therapeutics are highlighted with the consequent intracellular alterations in MSCs. This review aims to inform both regenerative and translational medicine. It can aid in formulating better methodical approaches that will improve, complement, or provide alternatives to the current pre-transplantation MSC labelling procedures, and enhance MSC detection or augment the post-transplantation MSC therapeutic potential.

Graphical Abstract
Applicability of PROACTIVE recommendations on CBRNe risks and threats to passenger rail and metro sectors
Authors: Petersen Laura , Havârneanu Grigore M. , Arnold Andreas , Carbon Danielle , Görgen Thomas , Gavel Alan , Kroupa Tomáš , Kardel Daria
Published: June 2023

Passenger rail and metro sectors are no stranger to malicious or unintentional Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) incidents. Over the last years, the EU H2020 Project PROACTIVE has developed recommendations based on a multimethodological approach which involved questionnaires, interviews and workshops with CBRNe practitioners and security experts. However, these recommendations are geared towards specialised first responders. With a particular focus on rail and metro, this paper examines the answers collected from railway and metro security experts during these research activities to see at which level the PROACTIVE recommendations are fit for these sectors. The results show that some of the generic PROACTIVE recommendations for first responders are already being applied. For example, the recommendations regarding inter-agency collaboration appear to already be put in place. In contrast, other recommendations such as the ones on crisis communication and the inclusion of vulnerable groups in preparedness actions could be applicable since important gaps are present. We discuss the major gaps and how they could be filled in the future.
$$B_{n}$$-Generalized Pseudo-Kähler Structures
Authors: Cortés Vicente , David Liana
Published: June 2023

We define the notions of$$B_{n}$$Bn-generalized pseudo-Hermitian and$$B_{n}$$Bn-generalized pseudo-Kähler structure on an odd exact Courant algebroidE. WhenEis in the standard form (or of type$$B_{n}$$Bn) we express these notions in terms of classical tensor fields on the base ofE. This is analogous to the bi-Hermitian viewpoint on generalized Kähler structures on exact Courant algebroids. We describe left-invariant$$B_{n}$$Bn-generalized pseudo-Kähler structures on Courant algebroids of type$$B_{n}$$Bnover Lie groups of dimension two, three and four.
A Systematic Review of Familiarisation Methods Used in Human–Robot Interactions for Autistic Participants
Authors: Wallbridge Christopher D. , McGregor Carly , Drozdz Natalia , von dem Hagen Elisabeth , Jones Catherine R. G.
Published: June 2023

There is a growing need for standardised familiarisation techniques within the human–robot interaction (HRI) community. This is particularly the case when considering autistic participants, who may have difficulties with the novelty and sensory stimulation associated with meeting a robot. Familiarisation techniques should be considered critical to research, both from an ethical perspective and to achieve research best practice, and are also important in applied settings. In the absence of standardised familiarisation protocols, we conducted a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to better understand the range of familiarisation methods used in studies of HRIs with autistic participants. We searched for papers from four different databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct. We identified 387 articles that involved HRIs with autistic participants. The majority did not mention a familiarisation phase (n = 285). A further 52 mentioned including familiarisation but without any description. 50 studies described their familiarisation. Based on a synthesis of these papers, we identified six familiarisation techniques that are commonly used. Using co-production techniques with the autistic community and other participant groups, future studies should validate and critically evaluate the approaches identified in this review. In order to help facilitate improved reporting and critical evaluation of familiarisation approaches across studies we have setup a familiarisation repository.
Glasses and Glass–Ceramics from Li2O-KF-TiO2-SiO2 System Doped with SiC
Authors: Hamzawy E. M. A. , El Batal H. A. , Azooz M. A. , El-Bassyouni G. T. , El Batal F. H.
Published: June 2023

Unfamiliar invert host silicate glass from the system SiO2-TiO2-KF-Li2O was prepared together with SiC doped samples by traditional melt-quenching technique. Collective characterization of the prepared glasses through FTIR, optical, thermal and microhardness properties were measured to justify the effect of silicon carbide (SiC) on the resultant data. Silicon carbide is selected because its known high mechanical and thermal properties and extended applications of SiC- containing candidates in several domains. Structural FTIR characterization of the prepared glasses reveals familiar silicate network in spite of their invert percent together with the suggested sharing of Si-Ti or Ti-Ti or fluoride units. Optical spectra show only distinct UV absorption with additional small peaks at 380–420 nm in high percent of SiC. Such UV spectra are assumed to originate from unavoidable traces of ferric ions contaminated within the raw materials used for the preparation of glasses. The known high thermal and mechanical properties of silicon carbide are identified to be reflected on the measured thermal expansion and Vickers microhardness data. Samples from the parent glasses were thermally heated to produce their corresponding glass-ceramic derivatives. X-ray diffraction analysis indicate the formation of the peculiar orlovite crystalline phase as a major one due to the presence of all the constituents within the chemical composition of the invert glass. Also, some minor crystalline phases of lithium silicate or lithium titanium silicate are identified. It is assumed that the presence of self-nucleation Li2O and high negatively charged fluoride anions beside the conditional oxide of TiO2 facilitate the ease of nucleation and crystallization of the formed crystalline phase. SEM results confirm the x-ray data showing different crystalline features with the addition of SiC.
Combining monthly wind and inflow uncertainties in the stochastic dual dynamic programming
Authors: Maceira Maria Elvira P. , Melo Albert C. G. , Pessanha José Francisco M. , Cruz Cristiane B. , Almeida Victor A. , Justino Thatiana C.
Published: June 2023

Following a global trend, intermittent sources, especially wind, have been experiencing accelerated growth in Brazil—in the last decade, wind power grew 13 times and became the second largest source in the electricity mix (12%), just behind hydropower (60%). Currently, although following regulatory guidelines, the representation of wind power in the long-term operation planning model is done in a simplified way, based on the monthly average of the last five years of aggregated generation, thus demanding improvements. The objective of this work is to describe an approach to be used by the Brazilian power industry to represent the uncertainties of monthly wind power production in the SDDP algorithm applied in the long-term operation planning model, keeping the large-scale stochastic problem still computationally viable, when applied to large interconnected systems, especially with hydroelectric predominance. The proposed methodology comprises statistical clustering of wind regimes and definition of equivalent wind farms; evaluation of monthly transfer functions between wind speed and power production; integrated generation of monthly multivariate synthetic scenarios of inflows and winds, considering associated cross-correlations; and representing monthly wind power in the SDDP algorithm. The application to real configurations of the Brazilian interconnected system, including case studies related to the monthly operation program and the calculation of the maximum amount of energy that can be traded in long-term power purchase agreements, points to its effectiveness and the relevance of modeling the wind uncertainties in the long-term operation planning of large hydro-dominated systems.
RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys Wild Type is Associated with De Novo Hemorrhage in Asymptomatic Hemispheres with Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Torazawa Seiei , Miyawaki Satoru , Imai Hideaki , Hongo Hiroki , Ishigami Daiichiro , Shimizu Masahiro , Ono Hideaki , Shinya Yuki , Sato Daisuke , Sakai Yu , Umekawa Motoyuki , Kiyofuji Satoshi , Shimada Daisuke , Koizumi Satoshi , Komura Daisuke , Katoh Hiroto , Ishikawa Shumpei , Nakatomi Hirofumi , Teraoka Akira , Saito Nobuhito
Published: June 2023

Clinical implications of RNF213 genetic variants, other than p.Arg4810Lys, in moyamoya disease (MMD), remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of RNF213 variants with clinical phenotypes in MMD. This retrospective cohort study collected data regarding the clinical characteristics of 139 patients with MMD and evaluated the angioarchitectures of 253 hemispheres using digital subtraction angiography at diagnosis. All RNF213 exons were sequenced, and the associations of clinical characteristics and angiographical findings with p.Arg4810Lys, p.Ala4399Thr, and other rare variants (RVs) were examined. Among 139 patients, 100 (71.9%) had p.Arg4810Lys heterozygote (GA) and 39 (28.1%) had the wild type (GG). Fourteen RVs were identified and detetcted in 15/139 (10.8%) patients, and p.Ala4399Thr was detected in 17/139 (12.2%) patients. Hemispheres with GG and p.Ala4399Thr presented with significantly less ischemic events and more hemorrhagic events at diagnosis (p = 0.001 and p = 0.028, respectively). In asymptomatic hemispheres, those with GG were more susceptible to de novo hemorrhage than those with GA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 5.36) with an increased risk when accompanied by p.Ala4399Thr or RVs (aHR 15.22 and 16.60, respectively). Within the choroidal anastomosis–positive hemispheres, GG exhibited a higher incidence of de novo hemorrhage than GA (p = 0.004). The GG of p. Arg4810Lys was a risk factor for de novo hemorrhage in asymptomatic MMD hemispheres. This risk increased with certain other variants and is observed in choroidal anastomosis–positive hemispheres. A comprehensive evaluation of RNF213 variants and angioarchitectures is essential for predicting the phenotype of asymptomatic hemispheres in MMD.
Permutation Tests Using Arbitrary Permutation Distributions
Authors: Ramdas Aaditya , Barber Rina Foygel , Candès Emmanuel J. , Tibshirani Ryan J.
Published: June 2023

Permutation tests date back nearly a century to Fisher’s randomized experiments, and remain an immensely popular statistical tool, used for testing hypotheses of independence between variables and other common inferential questions. Much of the existing literature has emphasized that, for the permutation p-value to be valid, one must first pick a subgroup G of permutations (which could equal the full group) and then recalculate the test statistic on permuted data using either an exhaustive enumeration of G, or a sample from G drawn uniformly at random. In this work, we demonstrate that the focus on subgroups and uniform sampling are both unnecessary for validity—in fact, a simple random modification of the permutation p-value remains valid even when using an arbitrary distribution (not necessarily uniform) over any subset of permutations (not necessarily a subgroup). We provide a unified theoretical treatment of such generalized permutation tests, recovering all known results from the literature as special cases. Thus, this work expands the flexibility of the permutation test toolkit available to the practitioner.
Smart guanyl thiosemicarbazide functionalized dialdehyde cellulose for removal of heavy metal ions from aquatic solutions: adsorption characteristics and mechanism study
Authors: Akl Magda A. , El-Zeny Abdelrahman S. , Ismail Mohamed , Abdalla Mohamed , Abdelgelil Dina , Mostafa Aya G.
Published: June 2023

In recent years, facing the problem of improving environmental quality, cellulose and cellulose-based (nano) composites have received great attention as adsorbents. In this work, we report the modification and functionalization of cellulose by nitrogen- and sulfur-containing moieties through a three-steps process; native cellulose is first oxidized by potassium periodate (KIO4) to form dialdehyde cellulose (DAC), which then condenses with aminoguanidine and react with phenyl isothiocyanate to form 4-phenyl guanyl thiosemicarbazide dialdehyde cellulose (DAC@GuTSC). The prepared DAC@GuTSC is characterized by a number of techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (EA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The prepared DAC@GuTSC adsorbent was used to remove Cu2+ Hg2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solution and environmental water samples. The influence of various factors on the adsorption efficiency including pH, initial metal concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and ions interfering with adsorption was investigated. Under optimal adsorption conditions, the adsorption capacity of Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ was 50, 94 and 55 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption process is well described by the Langmuir model, and it was found to follow the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The spontaneous and endothermic adsorption of Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ was confirmed by the calculated thermodynamic functions. The prepared DAC@GuTSC composite has been successfully applied to remove Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ from real water samples with recovery greater than 90% and relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 3%. The reasonable Cu2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+adsorption mechanism on the prepared DAC@GuTSC composite has been elucidated.
Life cycle assessment, a decision-making tool in wastewater treatment systems: a case study wastewater treatment plant of Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Tayyebi Fatemeh , Golabi Mona , Jaafarzadeh Neematollah
Published: June 2023

The evaluation of environmental implications associated with wastewater treatment plants and developing strategies for reusing wastewater with minimal harm to the environment and human communities is critical. This study investigates the environmental impacts of Ahvaz’s wastewater treatment plant using life cycle assessment, employing SimaPro®9.0.0 software for two scenarios. The first scenario represents the current state of the plant, while the second considers reusing treated effluent in farms. This examination can lead to modifications within existing systems or selection of the best alternative treatment option, ultimately reducing potential environmental impacts. The CML2001 method identified human toxicity and global warming (4.29 × 1013and 3.67 × 1013, respectively), while the EcoIndicator99 method indicated ecotoxicity and carcinogens (5.2 × 10−13and 2.82 × 10−13, respectively) as the highest contributors to negative environmental impact per 1 m3treated effluent. The results demonstrate that although using treated sludge and effluent in agriculture conserves a significant amount of water, phosphorus, and nitrogen, it caused significant adverse impacts due to heavy metals present in the effluent and sludge. Additionally, the methane produced by sludge treatment, digestion, and disposal processes had the most harmful impact on global warming (0.577 (65%) in the CML2001 method). Comparing the two scenarios demonstrates that reusing effluent in farm irrigation is a more environmentally friendly technique, particularly in terms of eutrophication.
A novel analytical technique for determining inflow control devices flow area in CO2-EOR and CCUS projects
Authors: Rezvani Hamed , Rafiei Yousef
Published: June 2023

CO2-EOR is one of the principal techniques for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The CO2 injection not only promotes oil recovery but also leads to greenhouse gas discharge reduction. Nonetheless, a key challenge in the CO2 flooding process is a premature CO2 breakthrough from highly permeable zones. In recent years, Inflow Control Devices, ICDs, have been used as a potential solution to mitigate an early gas breakthrough. The key and important parameter in ICDs installation is obtaining its opening flow area. The common ways to obtain the ICD flow area such as utilizing optimization algorithms are very complicated and time-consuming, and further these methods are not analytical. The aim of this work is to solve the mentioned challenges—postpone the breakthrough time in gas injection and present an easy, fast, and analytical technique for obtaining ICDs flow area. This paper presents a new analytical method for obtaining inflow control devices flow area for injection wells in an oil reservoir under CO2-EOR in order to balance the injected CO2 front movement in all layers. Then, in order to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the presented technique with other methods such as optimization algorithms, a case study has been done on a real reservoir model under CO2 injection. Later, the results of studied scenarios in the case studied are given and compared. The results show that by utilizing the proposed method recovery factor is raised by improving sweep efficiency, and the breakthrough time is more postponed compared to the other methods about 400 days. Further, the ICD flow area calculation takes 2 min by presented analytical techniques, but the optimization algorithm takes 4040 min to run the simulation model to find the ICD flow area. In the end, the findings of the presented analytical formula can help to set the ICD flow area very fast without the simulation and help researchers for a better quantitative understanding of parameters affecting the ICD flow area by the given formula such as reservoir permeability.
Effect of psoralen on the regulation of osteogenic differentiation induced by periodontal stem cell-derived exosomes
Authors: Yu Jie , Wu Xiaonan , Zhang Wenyi , Chu Fuhang , Zhang Qi , Gao Meihua , Xu Yingjie , Wu Yingtao
Published: June 2023

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is the main cause of tooth loss in adults, and the key to periodontitis treatment is the repair and regenerate of periodontal bone tissue. Psoralen is the main component of the Psoralea corylifolia Linn, which shows antibacterial, anti-inflammatoryand osteogenic activities. It promotes the differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells toward osteogenesis. Exosomes secreted by stem cells play important roles in information transmission during the osteogenic differentiation process. The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of psoralen in regulating osteogenic miRNA information in periodontal stem cells and in periodontal stem cells exosomes and the specific mechanism of its action. Experimental results show that exosomes of human periodontal ligament stem cell origin treated with psoralen (hPDLSCs + Pso-Exos) were not significantly different from untreated exosomes (hPDLSC-Exos) in terms of size and morphology. Thirty-five differentially expressed miRNAs were found to be upregulated and 58 differentially expressed miRNAs were found to be downregulated in the hPDLSCs + Pso-Exos compared to the hPDLSC-Exos (P < 0.05). hsa-miR-125b-5p was associated with osteogenic differentiation. Among them, hsa-miR-125b-5p was associated with osteogenic differentiation. After hsa-miR-125b-5p was inhibited, the osteogenesis level of hPDLSCs was enhanced. In summary, the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs was promoted by psoralen through the downregulation of hsa-miR-125b-5p gene expression in hPDLSCs, and the expression of the hsa-miR-125b-5p gene was also downregulated in exosomes. This finding provides a new therapeutic idea for using psoralen to promote periodontal tissue regeneration.
Synthesis and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral activity of some pyrazole-based heterocycles using a 2(3H)-furanone derivative
Authors: Youssef Youssef M. , Azab Mohammad E. , Elsayed Galal A. , El-Sayed Amira A. , Hassaballah Aya I. , El-Safty Mounir M. , Soliman Reem A. , El-Helw Eman A. E.
Published: June 2023

Some pyrazole-based heterocycles such as pyrrolone, pyridazinone, and imidazole derivatives were synthesized utilizing the pyrazolyl-2(3H)-furanone derivative 3, which was obtained in a good yield via Perkin condensation of 5-chloro-4-formyl-3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazole with 3-(4-methylbenzoyl)propionic acid in the presence of cyclo-dehydrating agent (sodium acetate and acetic anhydride). Also, the acid hydrazide obtained was reacted with some carbonyl reagents such as acetic anhydride, benzoyl chloride, 4-chlorobenzaldehyde, and 1,3-diphenyl-4-formylpyrazole, aiming to achieve new pyrrolone derivatives. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral activity screening of some synthesized compounds demonstrated that some of them offered strong potencies. An experimental trial was undertaken to explore the effect of different substances and applied against avian influenza HPAI-H5N1 (AIV) to evaluate the antiviral replication in specific pathogen-free chicken embryos. All the compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities, and most of tested compounds showed potent inhibition growth activity toward Haemophilus (Gram-negative bacteria), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria), and Candida albicans fungus. Upon antimicrobial screening, it was observed that the majority of the compounds were found to be active against Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus, and Candida albicans as compared to standard drugs. This experiment shows the potential usage of these compounds as antiviral agents and can be considered as a viable means to control the economically important avian influenza of poultry. These compounds can thus be recommended for their antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal property and can very well be used as immunostimulants.
Decohesion of graphene from a uniaxially-stretched substrate: Failure analysis of a frictional adhesive interface
Authors: Peng Bo , Xu Chaochen , Wang Qingao , Zhao Pei , Feng Xiqiao , Li Qunyang
Published: June 2023

Composite structures consisting of two-dimensional (2D) materials deposited on elastic substrates have a wide range of potential applications in flexible electronics. For such devices, robust 2D film/substrate interfacial adhesion is essential for their reliable performance when subjected to external thermal and mechanical loads. To better understand the strength and failure behavior of the 2D film/substrate interfaces, two types of graphene/polymer samples with distinct interfacial adhesion properties are fabricated and tested by uniaxially stretching the substrates. Depending on the interfacial adhesion, two drastically different debonding rates are observed, i.e., rapid snap-through debonding and more progressive crack propagation. Motivated by the experimental observation, we propose an improved shear-lag model with a trapezoidal-shaped cohesive zone to derive an analytical solution for the decohesion behavior. The theoretical model reveals that the decohesion behavior of the frictional adhesive interface is governed by three dimensionless parameters. Particularly, the dimensionless length of the film essentially determines the decohesion rate; while the other two parameters affect the critical substrate strain to initiate debonding. By fitting the experimental data with the theoretical model, the intrinsic adhesion properties of the two samples are obtained with physically meaningful values. This work offers an analytical solution to describing the decohesion behavior of general thin film/substrate systems with a frictional adhesive interface, which is beneficial for characterizing and optimizing the mechanical properties of various thin film/polymer devices.
Application of Nano-Delivery Systems in Lymph Nodes for Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Xia Yiming , Fu Shunli , Ma Qingping , Liu Yongjun , Zhang Na
Published: June 2023

Immunotherapy has become a promising research “hotspot” in cancer treatment. “Soldier” immune cells are not uniform throughout the body; they accumulate mostly in the immune organs such as the spleen and lymph nodes (LNs), etc. The unique structure of LNs provides the microenvironment suitable for the survival, activation, and proliferation of multiple types of immune cells. LNs play an important role in both the initiation of adaptive immunity and the generation of durable anti-tumor responses. Antigens taken up by antigen-presenting cells in peripheral tissues need to migrate with lymphatic fluid to LNs to activate the lymphocytes therein. Meanwhile, the accumulation and retaining of many immune functional compounds in LNs enhance their efficacy significantly. Therefore, LNs have become a key target for tumor immunotherapy. Unfortunately, the nonspecific distribution of the immune drugs in vivo greatly limits the activation and proliferation of immune cells, which leads to unsatisfactory anti-tumor effects. The efficient nano-delivery system to LNs is an effective strategy to maximize the efficacy of immune drugs. Nano-delivery systems have shown beneficial in improving biodistribution and enhancing accumulation in lymphoid tissues, exhibiting powerful and promising prospects for achieving effective delivery to LNs. Herein, the physiological structure and the delivery barriers of LNs were summarized and the factors affecting LNs accumulation were discussed thoroughly. Moreover, developments in nano-delivery systems were reviewed and the transformation prospects of LNs targeting nanocarriers were summarized and discussed.
Size effect on hydraulic properties of rough-walled fractures upscaled from meter-scale granite fractures
Authors: Zhong Zhen , Xu Congqiang , Zhang Fengshou , Wang Xiaoyu , Hu Yunjin
Published: June 2023

To better bridge the gap between lab-scale data and larger-scale applications. In this study, an integrated method was developed to investigate the size dependence of fluid flow through rough-walled fractures. Granite fracture surfaces of up to 1 m in size were first scanned to acquire data on their morphology and corresponding surface distribution, the asperity height of which was found to follow a normal distribution. Digital fracture surfaces were then created on the basis of the scanned data and upscaled to 20 m by a statistical method, and individual rough-walled fractures were constructed by superimposing two statistically generated surfaces. Fluid flow through the fractures was subsequently simulated by solving the Reynolds’ equation. The simulated results showed evident links between the hydraulic properties and sample sizes. Specifically, both hydraulic aperture and transmissivity of the fracture varied as sample sizes increased until a threshold ranging from 2 to 5 m, beyond which an invariant transmissivity was attained. Thus, the sample size corresponding to invariant transmissivity could be defined as the representative size, the value of which was found to depend on the fracture aperture and roughness. In particular, whereas the augmentation of the fracture aperture appeared to suppress the size dependence on hydraulic properties, increased roughness tended to increase size dependence. The data and modelling presented herein provide insights into the scale dependence of fluid flow through a single fracture. It is concluded that even samples as large as 1 m may not be sufficient to characterize the hydraulic properties of fractures according to the representative sizes obtained, which usually exceeded 2 m under the conditions specified in the present study.
Theoretical analysis and experimental investigation of air-bubble-stream-induced water circulation
Authors: Zafeirakou A. , Pechlivanidis G. , Koutitas C.
Published: June 2023

Air-bubble curtain is an amount of air injected vertically into a water body. The generation of such a flow and the lack of a continuous interface cannot be described by a smooth mathematical function. Therefore, a two-phase flow model is introduced. A numerical model for the concurrent flow of buoyant bubbles continuously flowing into a 2D water field, and the water flow (generated by the bubbles), is formulated and solved. The two-phase flow model consists of the 2D Navier equations for the water phase (continuous phase) and of the active Lagrangian particles for the simulation of the air bubbles (discrete phase). The coupling of the two phases is done through the continuity and the momentum equilibriums. The numerical solution by explicit second-order Finite Differences (FD) scheme leads from a cold start to steady flow conditions, resolving for the water velocities vector field and the air bubbles’ concentration distribution. The flow configuration is repeated in laboratory conditions, and the velocity field is measured by the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. In this work, the numerical two-phase flow model and the hardware aspects of our measurement device are analyzed, followed by the comparison of the numerical and experimental results. This empowers the validity and credibility of the algorithm introduced. Finally, interesting conclusions are drawn regarding the operational use of the model.
Oral Sensory Issues with Feeding and Communication Skills in Autistic Children
Authors: Raj Nivedya Maria , Veena Kadiyali Damodar , Rajashekhar Bellur , Sreelakshmi Ashitha C. A.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Oral sensory, communication, and feeding issues are frequently observed to co-occur in autistic children. The study attempted to explore the association between oral sensory deficits, feeding, and communication deficits in autistic children.

Methods

Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS), Child Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2), and Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile Infant/Toddler Checklist (CSBS-DP) were administered to forty autistic children in the age range of 2.5-7 years. The correlation among the three domains was determined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

Results

A low negative correlation was found between SP-2 scores and CSBS-DP (r = −0.24, p = 0.13), indicating that the higher the oral sensory scores, the poorer the communication skills. SP-2 and BPFAS scores had a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.47, p = 0.002) i.e., higher scores in SP-2 were associated with higher scores in feeding, indicating that oral sensory issues were directly related to the feeding issues.

Conclusions

The overall findings indicated that the presence of oral sensory issues is associated with feeding and communication deficits in autistic children.

Study Registration

Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2020/07/02681
Disrupting Work and Leisure in Lockdown: the Case of the Soho Poly
Authors: Morrison Matthew , Osborn Guy
Published: June 2023

This article takes as its point of departure the impact of Covid 19 on leisure and work and uses the London arts venue the Soho Poly as a lens through which to explore the profound disruption the pandemic represented. Beginning with a survey of the Soho Poly’s origins in the early 1970s, the authors demonstrate how these laid the groundwork for the venue’s current artistic policy of ‘disrupting the everyday’ with arts and culture. The authors then examine the Soho Poly’s output during 2020 and 2021 and suggest that key philosophies of temporal and spatial disruption in some senses found their moment in the particular circumstances of lockdown. Drawing on this observation, the authors consider how some of the discoveries prompted by the pandemic might be used by arts providers to rethink the ways in which arts and culture can continue to deconstruct, and disrupt, outmoded divisions between work and leisure.
Exploration of Identification and Prognostic Analysis of a Novel Immune-Related lncRNA Pair Signature and Immune Landscape in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A New Method Based on “Continuous Learning” Model
Authors: Yu Yang , Li Zhen , Cheng Peng , Jia Gang , Lu Chuangxin
Published: June 2023

With the rapid development of information technology, many medical systems have emerged one after another with the support of continuous learning. A method of medical data privacy protection and resource utilization based on continuous learning is proposed to initialize the depth model of specific medical tasks. The depth model includes feature sampling model, data review model and task expression model, Finally, the depth model is trained according to the data from n institutions in turn. This method can overcome the obstacles of data sharing. The intelligent medical system of medical knowledge sharing will greatly improve the level of existing medical technology. An increasing body of evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in various physiological processes and pathological diseases. Esophageal adenocarcinoma develops rapidly with poor prognosis and high mortality in the near and long term. Immunotargeted therapy is a research hotspot. However, it is necessary to explore the immunomodulatory molecules of esophageal adenocarcinoma and analyze their relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. We aimed to construct a robust immune-related lncRNA signature associated with survival outcomes in esophageal adenocarcinoma. We identified an immune-related lncRNA pairs signature with prognostic value from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs (DEirlncRNAs) were identified and paired, followed by prognostic assessment using univariate Cox regression analysis. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized Cox analysis for constructing a risk score prognostic model and drew receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to predict overall survival. Then, we evaluated our signature in several settings: chemotherapy, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and immune-mediated gene expression. In total, 339 DEirlncRNA pairs were identified, 11 of which were involved in the risk score prognostic signature. The area under ROC curves representing the predictive effect for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 0.942, 0.987, and 0.977, respectively. The risk score model was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor and was significantly superior to clinicopathological characteristics. Correlation analyses showed disparities in drug sensitivity, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and immune-related gene expression. We identified a novel prognostic immune-related lncRNA pair signature for esophageal adenocarcinoma. The risk score-based groups displayed different immune statuses, drug sensitivity, and immune-mediated gene expression. These findings may offer insights into the prognostic evaluation of esophageal adenocarcinoma and may provide a basis for creating personalized treatment plans.
Muscle herniation following single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A case report
Authors: Kakamad Fahmi H. , Amin Bnar J. Hama , Tahir Soran H. , Omer Choman Sabah , Rashid Rezheen J. , Latif Alaa B. , Baba Hiwa O. , Mohammed Rebaz Omer , Abdalla Berun A. , Abdalla Sarhang Sedeeq
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Introduction and importance

Single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a less invasive approach for patients undergoing a bullectomy. This report demonstrates a case of post-single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of rhomboid muscle herniation into the thoracic cavity.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old lady presented with a 1-month history of dyspnea due to single large lung bullae of 13 cm × 10 cm. She underwent bullectomy using single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and recovered well thereafter. Four months later, the patient presented with pain at the site of the incision with a severe cough. During the workup, radiographic images showed herniation of the rhomboid major muscle into the thoracic cavity.

Clinical discussion

Intercostal herniation of thoracic soft tissues can be in the form of lung herniation or inverted intercostal herniation of other soft tissues. It is an extremely rare disorder and mainly occurs after an anterior thoracotomy.

Conclusion

Muscle herniation is a rare complication following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Proper closure of the wound including periosteal stitches might be necessary to prevent this complication.

Highlights
Assessment of preoperative preventive measures for pulmonary aspiration in surgical patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Admass Biruk Adie , Abebe Melkam Mulugeta , Arefayne Nurhusen Riskey , Temesgen Mamaru Mollalign
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is a rare but catastrophic cause of anesthesia related morbidity and mortality of surgical patients. The risk of pulmonary aspiration is high in surgical patient due to multiple factors. The aim of this study was to assess the practice of aspiration prevention and prophylaxis usage for patients prior to surgery.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 April 2022 to 20 April 2022. Data were collected by the direct observation and patient interview. The standards were directly changed in to questionnaire form with two integral components ‘yes’ and ‘no”. Data were entered and analyzed using statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Result

A total of 200 surgical patients were included with a response rate of 100%. Preoperative information provision to elective surgical patients on fasting requirements and the reason for them in advance of their procedures was implemented in 63% of the patients. The verification of fasting requirement was provided in 94% of elective patients. About 62.5% of elective surgical patients received gastrointestinal stimulants preoperatively. Metoclopromide was administered for 94% of emergency patients.

Conclusion and recommendation

The practice of preoperative fasting and administration of prophylactic agents for pulmonary aspiration is quite limited in our setup. Moreover, adherence to the recommendations of American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) and European Society of Anesthesiologist (ESA) was also suboptimal. We strongly recommend clinicians to use appropriate prophylactic agent to the right patient and adherence of the clinician to the local guideline on prevention of pulmonary aspiration.

Highlights