bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Soil pH and Plastic-Shed Lead to Iron Deficiency and Chlorosis of Citrus in Coastal Saline–Alkali Lands: A Field Study in Xiangshan County
Authors: Zang Yili , Huang Yu , Chang Xiaoyan , Chen Jiuzhou , Jiang Tianchi , Wu Zhiying , Lu Lingli , Tian Shengke
Published: March 2023

Citrus are one of the most important fruit crops in the world, and the citrus hybrid cv. Beni-Madonna (BM) is widely cultivated in Xiangshan County in China because of its profitability. However, due to the lack of technical guidance and management, nutritional unbalances of trees occur frequently and are a major constraint for fruit quality and yield. In this study, the soil and fruit nutritional status of 62 citrus orchards in three diverse landforms (mountain, flat, and coastal saline–alkali land) located in Xiangshan County has been investigated. Higher pH, calcium, and magnesium content but lower soil organic matter, nitrogen, iron, and boron content were observed in orchards of the coastal saline–alkali land compared with the mountain and flat lands. Compared to Citrus x unshiu, another major hybrid citrus cultivar in Xiangshan county, the Fe deficiency in fruits of BM in coastal saline–alkali lands was more severe, leading to chlorosis symptoms. In addition, long-term cultivation under plastic housing increased soil salinization and affected the absorption of Fe and other nutrients by BM. In conclusion, organic fertilizers, acidic fertilizers, and micronutrient fertilizers should be applied in citrus orchards located in coastal saline–alkali lands. Especially, BM orchards should be supplemented with iron fertilizer and not rely excessively on protection with plastic films.
Study Conditions and University Students’ Mental Health during the Pandemic: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-Being Study (C19 GSWS)
Authors: Heumann Eileen , Trümmler Jannis , Stock Christiane , Helmer Stefanie M. , Busse Heide , Negash Sarah , Pischke Claudia R.
Published: March 2023

University students are generally vulnerable to mental health problems. This was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when students experienced decisive changes and restrictions in their academic lives. Our study aimed at (a) analysing associations between study conditions and symptoms of depression and anxiety and (b) determining the extent of use and motivation to use student counselling services. The C19 GSWS is a cross-sectional study conducted at five universities in Germany (N = 7203). Descriptive analyses and linear regression models were performed to estimate the associations between study conditions and mental health outcomes. A total of 42.4% of the students felt down, depressed, or hopeless on several days over the past 14 days. Between a third and 44.1% of the students felt burdened by their study conditions. Worse perceived study conditions were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety. Only 7.1% indicated that they had utilised student counselling services, and female gender, enrolment in a bachelor’s programme, and having more than 1 reason for utilisation were factors associated with use. The results of our research underline the need for universities to review their study conditions and to provide targeted intervention strategies and counselling services to promote students’ mental well-being.
Efficacy and Microbiota Modulation Induced by LimpiAL 2.5%, a New Medical Device for the Inverse Psoriasis Treatment
Authors: Pietrangelo Laura , Dattola Annunziata , Magnifico Irene , Petronio Petronio Giulio , Cutuli Marco Alfio , Venditti Noemi , Guarnieri Antonio , Wollenberg Andreas , Pellacani Giovanni , Di Marco Roberto
Published: March 2023

(1) Inverse psoriasis (IP), also known as intertriginous, typically affects the groin, armpits, navel, intergluteal fissure, and external genitalia. Skin lesions are erythematous plaques of inflammatory nature, smooth, well-delimited, non-scaly, and non-infiltrated. Lesions may be accompanied by itching, pain, or burning sensation. The aim of this study is both to investigate the modulation of the skin microbiota induced by IP and, on the other hand, to test the effectiveness of the new biotechnological product LimpiAL 2.5%. (2) Patients affected by IP were recruited in a private practice and treated for 4 weeks with LimpiAL 2.5% exclusively. The clinical effects on the lesion skin were evaluated, and the skin microbiotas before and after treatment were compared. (3) The clinical outcomes reveled a significant beneficial effect of the tested product. At the same time, LimpiAL increased the biological diversity of the skin microbiota and exerted a significant decrease of some Corynebacterium species, and the increase of some Staphylococcus species. (4) Together, the clinical outcomes and the microbiota analysis suggest that LimpiAL treatment improves the skin condition of affected patients, basically restoring the eubiosis conditions of the affected sites and modulating the bacterial composition of the resident microbiota.
Identification of Critical Parameters Affecting an E-Learning Recommendation Model Using Delphi Method Based on Expert Validation
Authors: Shibani Abubaker Salem Mohamed , Mohd Masnizah , Ghani Ahmad Tarmizi Abdul , Zakaria Mohamad Shanudin , Al-Ghuribi Sumaia Mohammed
Published: March 2023

E-learning is an innovative strategy for enhancing teaching and learning in digital environments with the goal of enhancing education. In the same context, recommendation models have been developed for predicting the user’s learning preferences. A task that has become urgently necessary is enhancing the learning process by designing recommendation models for e-learning software that then helps users choose the most pertinent learning materials (contents) from a wide number of sources. The general consensus is that designing a recommendation model for e-learning is influenced by parameters that are related to e-learning, and much effort has been exerted to determine those parameters. However, no agreement has been reached as to what constitutes such parameters. Keeping this issue in mind, this study aims to identify the parameters that should be considered when generating e-learning recommendations in developing countries. On the basis of the relevant literature, with the use of the Delphi method and with aid from e-learning experts, this paper identifies ten critical parameters related to e-learning. The results show that perceived ease of use is the most critical parameter out of the ten e-learning-related parameters, while user preference is the parameter that contributes least to e-learning.
Image-Based Corrosion Detection in Ancillary Structures
Authors: Das Amrita , Ichi Eberechi , Dorafshan Sattar
Published: March 2023

Ancillary structures are essential for highways’ safe operationality but are mainly prone to environmental corrosion. The traditional way of inspecting ancillary structures is manned inspection, which is laborious, time-consuming, and unsafe for inspectors. In this paper, a novel image processing technique was developed for autonomous corrosion detection of in-service ancillary structures. The authors successfully leveraged corrosion features in the YCbCr color space as an alternative to the conventional red–green–blue (RGB) color space. The proposed method included a preprocessing operation including contrast adjustment, histogram equalization, adaptive histogram equalization, and optimum value determination of brightness. The effect of preprocessing was evaluated against a semantically segmented ground truth as a set of pixel-level annotated images. The false detection rate was higher in Otsu than in the global threshold method; therefore, the preprocessed images were converted to binary using the global threshold value. Finally, an average accuracy and true positive rate of 90% and 70%, respectively, were achieved for corrosion prediction in the YCbCr color space.
Characterization of Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera, Reduviidae) from Residual Foci in the States of Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Using Geometric Morphology
Authors: Peixoto Solange , Belintani Tiago , Rocha Dayse , Fontes Felipe , Frota Natália , Galvão Cleber
Published: March 2023

Triatoma infestans is one of the main vectors of Chagas disease in Latin America. Although the species is under control in most Latin countries, it is still necessary to maintain epidemiological surveillance. The present study aims to characterize T. infestans populations from residual foci in Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, comparing them with natural populations in Argentina and Bolivia. For this, we adopt the geometric morphometry of the heads. It is possible to report the morphometric variety of the studied populations. In addition, we show that the size of the heads contributes to the differentiation between populations, while the shape has less power to discriminate groups. Furthermore, we show that some natural populations have morphometric proximity to residual populations, suggesting a relationship between these triatomines. Our data do not support the origin of residual populations but demonstrate the importance of new studies with other techniques to understand the dynamics of distribution and reintroduction of these vectors in Brazilian territory.
Effectiveness of Therapeutical Interventions on the Scapulothoracic Complex in the Management of Patients with Subacromial Impingement and Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferlito Rosario , Testa Gianluca , McCracken Kathryn Louise , Moscato Salvatore , Zerbito Giovanni Maria , Panvini Flora Maria Chiara , Blatti Chiara , Pavone Vito , Sapienza Marco
Published: March 2023

Shoulder pain is one the most common musculoskeletal complaints. The most common pathological causes of shoulder pain in the general population are subacromial impingement syndrome and adhesive capsulitis, commonly referred to as “frozen shoulder”. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the scapulo-thoracic complex, particularly in scapular kinematic functions, in rehabilitative interventions for shoulder pain in patients suffering from these two common conditions. This systematic review was performed using the scientific search engines PubMed, PEDro and Cochrane Library, considering only randomized controlled clinical trials. Selected articles were evaluated according to the level of evidence and methodological quality. Thirteen randomized clinical trials were selected. Interventions have been divided into three macro-categories: (1) manual therapy in patients with subacromial impingement, (2) therapeutic exercise programs including interventions on the scapulothoracic complex in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, and (3) therapeutic exercise programs including interventions on the scapulothoracic complex in patients with frozen shoulder. Following this, a qualitative analysis was performed according to outcomes such as pain, shoulder function, and scapular kinematics. Physiotherapy exercise programs that included scapular motor control training and scapular mobilizations, in particular, those of the scapulo-thoracic complex in scapular kinematic function, represent valid alternatives in the management of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.
Relationship between Exercise Test Parameters, Device-Delivered Electric Shock and Adverse Clinical Events in Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator for Primary Prevention
Authors: Théry Guillaume , Faroux Laurent , Boyer Fanny , Nazeyrollas Pierre , Chabert Jean-Pierre , Metz Damien , Lesaffre François
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Receiving the first internal electric shock is a turning point for patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention. However, no study has investigated whether patients who receive a first device-delivered electric shock have a poor prognosis even at the time of ICD implantation. (2) Methods: We retrospectively identified 55 patients with ischemic (n = 31) or dilated (n = 24) cardiomyopathy who underwent ICD implantation for primary prevention with exercise test at the time of implantation. We recorded baseline characteristics, exercise test parameters, and clinical events. (3) Results: After a median follow-up of 5 years, we observed an association between an appropriate device-delivered electric shock, the occurrence of death or heart transplant, and the occurrence of the composite endpoint. There was also a significant relation between a VE/VCO2 slope >35 and the occurrence of the composite endpoint. Conversely, there was no significant association between negative outcomes on the exercise test and the occurrence of a device-delivered electric shock. (4) Conclusions: The exercise test performed at the time of ICD implantation do not predict the occurrence of device-delivered electric shock. The exercise test and the first electric shock are two independent markers of poor prognosis.
Knowledge Breakthroughs through Time in Mind and Action—An Outline of a New-Old Knowledge History
Authors: Jarrick Arne
Published: March 2023

An outline of a research program on knowledge progress and strategies for knowledge breakthroughs through time, in two parts: A. An outline of five steps/stages in such processes and studies via a set of cases: 1. the inception of a new finding/discovery; 2. cognitive resistance to the new finding; 3. cognitive acceptance of the new finding but continuing resistance to its practical implementation or behavioural adjustment to it; 4. practical as well as cognitive acceptance; 5. openness (or not) to related further findings. B. Defense of my approach in view of criticism from representatives of new lines of research in what has been called knowledge history.
Bis((5-allyl-2-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)benzofuran-7-yl)oxy)methane: An Unusual Nor-Neolignan Dimer from Magnolia grandiflora L.
Authors: Cárdenas-Laverde Diego , Quiroga Diego , Coy-Barrera Ericsson
Published: March 2023

An unreported and unusual nor-neolignan dimer, namely bis((5-allyl-2-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)benzofuran-7-yl)oxy)methane (1), was isolated from the bark-derived chloroform extract of Magnolia grandiflora L. Compound 1 was structurally elucidated through the detailed analysis of the spectroscopic data (one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and high-resolution mass spectrometry). The effect of compound 1 on the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum was also determined, affording moderate antifungal activity.
Material Recycling for Manufacturing Aggregates Using Melting Slag of Automobile Shredder Residues
Authors: Cho Soo-Jin , Jang Ha-Na , Cho Sung-Jin , Yoon Young-Sam , Yoo Heung-Min
Published: March 2023

The quantity of waste from end-of-life vehicles is increasing with an increase in the number of scrapped internal combustion engine vehicles owing to international trends such as carbon neutrality and particulate matter reduction. The recycling rate must be ≥95%; however, the average recycling rate remains at approximately 89%. Therefore, the improvement of the recycling of automobile shredder residues (ASR) is gaining attention. In this study, four types of products (interlocking, clay, and lightweight swelled ceramic (LSC) bricks, and asphalt paving aggregate (APA)) were manufactured using ASR melting slag (ASRMS). Environmental performance, quality standards, and technology were evaluated to assess the recyclability of the manufactured bricks. The interlocking brick substituted melting slag for sand and stone powder as an aggregate. As melting slag content increased, absorption decreased and bending strength increased. Clay brick was manufactured by replacing kaolin and feldspar with melting slag that substituted for 20%. The quality of clay bricks mixed with over 15% melting slag was not better than standard. Asphalt paving aggregate was used to investigate the optimum condition of slag content in mixed asphalt; the mixture ratio showed that 61% broken stone of 13 mm, 6% screenings, 10% melting slag, 15% sand and 8% filler was most effective. A lightweight swelled ceramic brick was manufactured by using melting slag, front glass, and so on. Specific gravity and compressive strength ranged from 0.38 to 0.51 and from 339.7 to 373.6 N/cm2. ASRMS exhibited an environmental performance suitable for recycling and the manufactured bricks satisfied the quality standards. The recyclability of ASR was also assessed in terms of waste usage, conformance to quality standards, market size, and demand prediction. APA showed the best results followed by interlocking, clay, and LSC bricks.
The Effect of Waste Ballast Aggregates on Mechanical and Durability Properties of Standard Concrete
Authors: Yücel Hasan Erhan , Dutkiewicz Maciej , Yıldızhan Fatih
Published: March 2023

The acquisition and transportation of aggregate exacerbate the negative impact of concrete on the environment, and waste materials are considered an effective solution to this crucial problem. One of these waste materials is waste ballast (WB), which is needed for new infrastructure along with increasing rail track technology. In this study, the effect of WB aggregate (which is basalt-based) on the mechanical and durability properties of standard concrete was examined. Coarse aggregate was replaced with WB aggregate at the rates of 50%, 75% and 100%. The slump, compressive strength, flexural strength, capillary water absorption, rapid chloride permeability and water penetration tests on the mixtures were performed. According to the results of this study, the utilization of WB improved the compressive strength and flexural strength of the mixtures by about 15% and 7%, respectively. Moreover, the capillary water absorption, rapid chloride permeability and water penetration values of all the concrete mixtures with WB were lower than the control mixture. In addition, the correlation relations between the mechanical and durability properties indicated that they have a strong relationship with each other. All the results of this study demonstrated that the utilization of WB instead of coarse aggregate improved the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. WB can also provide a more sustainable material formation by minimizing the negative environmental effects of concrete production.
New Approach to Determine the Activity Concentration Index in Cements, Fly Ashes, and Slags on the Basis of Their Chemical Composition
Authors: Caño Andrés , Suárez-Navarro José Antonio , Puertas Francisca , Fernández-Jiménez Ana , Alonso María del Mar
Published: March 2023

The manufacture of Portland cement entails high energy and environmental costs, and various solutions have been implemented in recent years to mitigate this negative impact. These solutions include improvements in the manufacture of cement clinker or the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash (FA) or slag as a replacement for a portion of the clinker in cement. The incorporation of these SCMs in cement may increase its radiological content as they are naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). The Activity Concentration Index (ACI) is a screening tool established in the European EURATOM Directive 2013/59 to determine the radiation protection suitability of a final construction material. The ACI is determined by the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, usually determined by gamma spectrometry. The methodology of gamma spectrometry is accurate and appropriate, but this technique is not available in all laboratories. For this reason, and taking into account that there is a relationship between the chemical and radiological composition of these building materials, a new approach is proposed to determine the radiological content of these materials from a chemical analysis such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF). In this paper, principal component analysis (PCA) is used to establish the relationships between the chemical composition and radiological content of cements, FAs, and slags of different natures. Through PCA it was possible to group the cements based on two variables: CaO content and Fe2O3–Al2O3–TiO2 content. A lower correlation was observed for the FAs and slags, as the sample scores were centered around the origin of the coordinates and showed greater dispersion than the cements. The clusters obtained in the HJ–Biplots allowed the determination, using multiple regression, of models relating the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th (212Pb), and 40K to the oxide percentages obtained for the three matrices studied. The models were validated using five cements, one FA and one slag with relative percentage deviations (RSD(%)) equal to or less than 30% for 89% of the activity concentrations and 100% of the ACI determined.
The Mechanism of Dendrite Formation in a Solid-State Transformation of High Aluminum Fe-Al Alloys
Authors: Yang Haodong , Zhang Yifan , Zhang An , Stein Frank , Xu Zhengbing , Tang Zhichao , Ren Dangjing , Zeng Jianmin
Published: March 2023

The mechanism of solid-state dendrite formation in high-aluminum Fe-Al alloys is not clear. Applying an in-situ observation technique, the real-time formation and growth of FeAl solid-state dendrites during the eutectoid decomposition of the high-temperature phase Fe5Al8 is visualized. In-situ experiments by HT-CSLM reveal that proeutectoid FeAl usually does not preferentially nucleate at grain boundaries regardless of rapid or slow cooling conditions. The critical radii for generating morphological instability are 1.2 μm and 0.9 μm for slow and rapid cooling, respectively. The morphology after both slow and rapid cooling exhibits dendrites, while there are differences in the size and critical instability radius Rc, which are attributed to the different supersaturation S and the number of protrusions l. The combination of crystallographic and thermodynamic analysis indicates that solid-state dendrites only exist on the hypoeutectoid side in high-aluminum Fe-Al alloys. A large number of lattice defects in the parent phase provides an additional driving force for nucleation, leading to coherent nucleation from the interior of the parent phase grains based on the orientation relationship {3¯30}Fe5Al8//{1¯10}FeAl, <111¯>Fe5Al8//<111¯>FeAl. The maximum release of misfit strain energy leads to the preferential growth of the primary arm of the nucleus along <111¯> {1¯10}. During the rapid cooling process, a large supersaturation is induced in the matrix, driving the Al atoms to undergo unstable uphill diffusion and causing variations in the concentration gradient as well as generating constitutional undercooling, ultimately leading to morphological instability and the growth of secondary arms.
Optimization of the Process of Eliminating Microorganisms Harmful to Human Health and Threatening Objects Isolated from Historical Materials from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland (A-BSM) Collection with the Use of Ethanol in the Form of Mist
Authors: Wawrzyk Anna , Dymel Marzena , Guzińska Krystyna , Cywiński Piotr , Papis Aleksandra , Konka Adam , Wawrzyk-Bochenek Iga , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study was to assess the biocidal effectiveness and the effect of 80% and 90% ethanol applied in the form of mist on the surface of textile materials from historical A-BSM objects. The microorganisms used for the tests, namely, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum, were isolated from the surface of textile objects in the A-BSM. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were also used from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Fabric samples were inoculated with microorganisms at a concentration of 105–106 CFU/ml. Ethanol in the form of mist was applied in concentrations of 80% and 90%. Airbrushes VL 0819 and VE 0707 were used for this purpose, where the pressure was 0.2 MPa and the PA HEAD VLH-5 nozzle with a tip of 1.05 mm in diameter was used. In order to achieve more effective disinfection after applying the ethanol mist, samples were stored in PE foil in the conditions of 21 °C ± 1 °C for 22 ± 1 h. After applying the ethanol mist, changes in the properties of the materials were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The reduction in the number of microorganisms on modern cotton fabric after the use of ethanol in the form of mist at concentrations of 80% and 90% ranged from 93.27% to 99.91% for fungi and from 94.96% to 100% for bacteria, except for 74.24% for B. subtillis. On the historical fabric, after the time of application of 90% ethanol was shortened to 4 s, the microorganisms were reduced by over 99.93% and S. aureus was completely eliminated. After applying the tested disinfection technique, no changes in fiber morphology were observed on the surface of the model and historical cotton.
Ribosomal DNA Sequence-Based Taxonomy and Antimicrobial Activity of Prorocentrum spp. (Dinophyceae) from Mauritius Coastal Waters, South-West Indian Ocean
Authors: Mussai Prakash , Larsen Jacob , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Jeewon Rajesh
Published: March 2023

Microalgae are unicellular organisms and commonly present in the euphotic zone of marine ecosystems. From the western coast of Mauritius, three strains of Prorocentrum species were isolated from macrophytes and cultured under standard laboratory conditions. Morphologies were examined by light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy, and phylogenetic analyses were based on partial large subunit LSU rDNA (D1-D2) and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) regions. Three Prorocentrum species, including the P. fukuyoi complex, P. rhathymum, and P. lima complex, were identified. The antimicrobial activities were assayed against potential human pathogenic bacterial strains. The highest zone of inhibition was recorded for intracellular and extracellular protein extracts of Prorocentrum rhathymum against Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The polysaccharide extracts of the Prorocentrum fukuyoi complex had a higher zone of inhibition (24 ± 0.4 mm) against MRSA at a minimum concentration of 0.625 μg/mL. The extracts from the three Prorocentrum species had different levels of activity against the pathogens used, and this can be of scientific interest in the search for antibiotics from natural marine sources.
Synergistic Roles of Nb and Mo in the Formation of Oxides on Fe-20Cr-25Ni-Nb Stainless Steels in High-Temperature CO2
Authors: Ran Minrui , Wang Qihan , He Yinsheng , Zhou Hongyu , Huang Yunhao , Zheng Wenyue , Tang Rui
Published: March 2023

Fe-20Cr-25Ni-Nb steel is an important material for developing highly compact and efficient nuclear power systems by using the supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle. The in-core materials should possess excellent oxidation resistance in a high-temperature CO2 environment. In this work, a new 20Cr-25Ni-Nb steel with a minor Mo addition was developed, and its oxidation behavior was investigated in a pure CO2 environment at 650 °C under 3.5 MPa. The experimental results show that the oxidation kinetics of the steels followed the parabolic law with the test time, and the oxidation process was controlled by diffusion. The 20Cr-25Ni-Nb steel showed better oxidation resistance after Mo addition, which was attributed to the synergistic effects of Nb and Mo during the oxide scale formation process. In a high-temperature environment, the volatilization of Mo promoted the outward diffusion of Nb, resulting in the formation of an Nb-rich layer at the oxide/metal interface, which slowed the outward diffusion of Fe for the formation of the outermost Fe-oxide layer. Although the volatile nature of Mo at high temperatures promoted the outward diffusion of Nb, the addition of Mo had no significant influence on the overall structure of the oxide scales, which consisted of an outer Cr-rich oxide layer and an inner spinel oxide layer.
The Effect of 75 Grams of Glucose during OGTT on Plasma Markers of Lipid and Lipoprotein Peroxidation, Oxidized LDL and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances, in People with Increased Body Mass
Authors: Bielawska Lena , Wysocka Ewa , Baszczuk Aleksandra , Dżumak Anna , Ludziejewska Aleksandra , Cymerys Maciej , Płóciniczak Alicja
Published: March 2023

Obesity, currently defined as a disease, is associated with a number of metabolic disorders, and oxidative stress is discussed as the link between them. The aim of this study was to analyze the plasma markers reflecting oxidative modification of lipids and lipoproteins, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), under the influence of the 75 g of oral glucose during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in patients with increased body mass. One hundred twenty individuals of both genders (46 women and 74 men) aged 26 to 75 years with increased body mass (BMI > 25 kg/m2) were recruited for the study. OGTT was performed in each of the qualified persons, and glycemia, insulinemia, and concentrations of oxLDL and TBARS were measured fasting and at 120 min of OGTT. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to assess the degree of insulin resistance (IR). In order to assess the changes of the investigated parameters under the influence of 75 g glucose, the index ROGTT = [120’]/[0’] was calculated to obtain oxLDL-ROGTT and TBARS-ROGTT. The statistical analysis was performed in the entire study population and subsequent groups from H1 to H4, defined by HOMA-IR quartiles. In the entire study population and the subgroups, oxidative stress markers changed during OGTT. From H1 to H4 group, increasing oxLDL and TBARS were observed both in the fasting state and at 120 min of OGTT, and the oxLDL-ROGTT index decreased from the H2 to the H4 group. The intensification of IR in people with increased body mass may predispose them to enhanced oxidative modification of lipoproteins. Individual reduction in the concentration of oxLDL during OGTT, in reference to fasting value (decreased oxLDL-ROGTT), suggests increased uptake of modified lipoproteins by scavenger receptor-presenting cells or increased migration to the vascular wall.
Hole Depth Prediction in a Femtosecond Laser Drilling Process Using Deep Learning
Authors: Lim Dong-Wook , Kim Myeongjun , Choi Philgong , Yoon Sung-June , Lee Hyun-Taek , Kim Kyunghan
Published: March 2023

In high-aspect ratio laser drilling, many laser and optical parameters can be controlled, including the high-laser beam fluence and number of drilling process cycles. Measurement of the drilled hole depth is occasionally difficult or time consuming, especially during machining processes. This study aimed to estimate the drilled hole depth in high-aspect ratio laser drilling by using captured two-dimensional (2D) hole images. The measuring conditions included light brightness, light exposure time, and gamma value. In this study, a method for predicting the depth of a machined hole by using a deep learning methodology was devised. Adjusting the laser power and the number of processing cycles for blind hole generation and image analysis yielded optimal conditions. Furthermore, to forecast the form of the machined hole, we identified the best circumstances based on changes in the exposure duration and gamma value of the microscope, which is a 2D image measurement instrument. After extracting the data frame by detecting the contrast data of the hole by using an interferometer, the hole depth was predicted using a deep neural network with a precision of within 5 μm for a hole within 100 μm.
The Common Cold and Influenza in Children: To Treat or Not to Treat?
Authors: Geppe Natalia A. , Zaplatnikov Andrey L. , Kondyurina Elena G. , Chepurnaya Maria M. , Kolosova Natalia G.
Published: March 2023

The common cold, which is mostly caused by respiratory viruses and clinically represented by the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) with mainly upper respiratory tract involvement, is an important problem in pediatric practice. Due to the high prevalence, socio-economic burden, and lack of effective prevention measures (except for influenza and, partially, RSV infection), ARVI require strong medical attention. The purpose of this descriptive literature review was to analyze the current practical approaches to the treatment of ARVI to facilitate the choice of therapy in routine practice. This descriptive overview includes information on the causative agents of ARVI. Special attention is paid to the role of interferon gamma as a cytokine with antiviral and immunomodulatory effects on the pathogenesis of ARVI. Modern approaches to the treatment of ARVI, including antiviral, pathogenesis-directed and symptomatic therapy are presented. The emphasis is on the use of antibody-based drugs in the immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy of ARVI. The data presented in this review allow us to conclude that a modern, balanced and evidence-based approach to the choice of ARVI treatment in children should be used in clinical practice. The published results of clinical trials and systematic reviews with meta-analyses of ARVI in children allow us to conclude that it is possible and expedient to use broad-spectrum antiviral drugs in complex therapy. This approach can provide an adequate response of the child’s immune system to the virus without limiting the clinical possibilities of using only symptomatic therapy.
Copper(II) and Cobalt(II) Complexes Based on Abietate Ligands from Pinus Resin: Synthesis, Characterization and Their Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Correa Jamille de S. , Primo Julia de O. , Balaba Nayara , Pratsch Christoph , Werner Stephan , Toma Henrique E. , Anaissi Fauze J. , Wattiez Ruddy , Zanette Cristina M. , Onderwater Rob C. A. , Bittencourt Carla
Published: March 2023

Co-abietate and Cu-abietate complexes were obtained by a low-cost and eco-friendly route. The synthesis process used Pinus elliottii resin and an aqueous solution of CuSO4/CoSO4 at a mild temperature (80 °C) without organic solvents. The obtained complexes are functional pigments for commercial architectural paints with antipathogenic activity. The pigments were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectrometry (MS), thermogravimetry (TG), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and colorimetric analysis. In addition, the antibacterial efficiency was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and the antiviral tests followed an adaptation of the ISO 21702:2019 guideline. Finally, virus inactivation was measured using the RT-PCR protocol using 10% (w/w) of abietate complex in commercial white paint. The Co-abietate and Cu-abietate showed inactivation of >4 log against SARS-CoV-2 and a MIC value of 4.50 µg·mL−1 against both bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results suggest that the obtained Co-abietate and Cu-abietate complexes could be applied as pigments in architectural paints for healthcare centers, homes, and public places.
Introduction to Surgical Navigation in Oral Surgery: A Case-Series
Authors: Novelli Giorgio , Moretti Mattia , Meazzini Maria Costanza , Cassé Cristina Maria Angela , Mazzoleni Fabio , Sozzi Davide
Published: March 2023

The application of surgical navigation in oral and maxillo-facial surgery has been increasing over time. In fact, computer-assisted surgery provides real-time, precise, and accurate position and guidance during surgery. The purpose of our work is to introduce the evolution of surgical navigation in recent decades, describe some technical aspects of this technology, explore new possibilities of application of surgical navigation in oral surgery, and validate the accuracy of computer-assisted surgery. We included four patients in our sample who underwent virtual planning on the cone beam CT data set and surgical navigation using non-invasive fiducial markers. The first patient presented a dislocated orthodontic arch in the soft tissues of the cheek, while the other patients presented supernumerary and impacted dental elements. Among them, two patients were affected by craniofacial synostosis. We evaluated the accuracy of computer-assisted surgery, calculating the discrepancy between the real and virtual target. In all cases, the target registration error was less than or equal to 1 mm. We can affirm that surgical navigation is a valid tool to enhance oral surgery, guaranteeing an undoubted advantage in terms of the reliability and predictability of the results, especially in complex cases.
Cannabinoid-Based Ocular Therapies and Formulations
Authors: Saraiva Sofia M. , Martín-Banderas Lucía , Durán-Lobato Matilde
Published: March 2023

The interest in the pharmacological applications of cannabinoids is largely increasing in a wide range of medical areas. Recently, research on its potential role in eye conditions, many of which are chronic and/or disabling and in need of new alternative treatments, has intensified. However, due to cannabinoids’ unfavorable physicochemical properties and adverse systemic effects, along with ocular biological barriers to local drug administration, drug delivery systems are needed. Hence, this review focused on the following: (i) identifying eye disease conditions potentially subject to treatment with cannabinoids and their pharmacological role, with emphasis on glaucoma, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, keratitis and the prevention of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections; (ii) reviewing the physicochemical properties of formulations that must be controlled and/or optimized for successful ocular administration; (iii) analyzing works evaluating cannabinoid-based formulations for ocular administration, with emphasis on results and limitations; and (iv) identifying alternative cannabinoid-based formulations that could potentially be useful for ocular administration strategies. Finally, an overview of the current advances and limitations in the field, the technological challenges to overcome and the prospective further developments, is provided.
Novel Oxygen- and Curcumin-Laden Ionic Liquid@Silica Nanocapsules for Enhanced Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Henriques Joana , Pina João , Braga Mara E. M. , Dias Ana M. A. , Coimbra Patrícia , de Sousa Hermínio C.
Published: March 2023

The efficiency of photodynamic therapy is often limited by the scarcity of oxygen at the target site. To address this problem, this work proposes the development of a new nanosystem for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy applications (aPDT) where the natural-origin photosensitizer curcumin (CUR) is immersed in an oxygen-rich environment. Inspired by the perfluorocarbon-based photosensitizer/O2 nanocarriers reported in the literature, we developed a new type of silica nanocapsule containing curcumin dissolved in three hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) with high oxygen dissolving capacities. The nanocapsules (CUR-IL@ncSi), prepared by an original oil-in-water microemulsion/sol-gel method, had a high IL content and exhibited clear capacities to dissolve and release significant amounts of oxygen, as demonstrated by deoxygenation/oxygenation studies. The ability of CUR-IL solutions and of CUR-IL@ncSi to generate singlet oxygen (1O2) upon irradiation was confirmed by the detection of 1O2 phosphorescence at 1275 nm. Furthermore, the enhanced capacities of oxygenated CUR-IL@ncSi suspensions to generate 1O2 upon irradiation with blue light were confirmed by an indirect spectrophotometric method. Finally, preliminary microbiological tests using CUR-IL@ncSi incorporated into gelatin films showed the occurrence of antimicrobial effects due to photodynamic inactivation, with their relative efficiencies depending on the specific IL in which curcumin was dissolved. Considering these results, CUR-IL@ncSi has the potential to be used in the future to develop biomedical products with enhanced oxygenation and aPDT capacities.
Chitosan Hydrogels Cross-Linked with Trimesic Acid for the Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Emani Sravani , Vangala Anil , Buonocore Federico , Yarandi Niousha , Calabrese Gianpiero
Published: March 2023

Chitosan exhibits unique properties making it a suitable material for drug delivery. Considering the rising popularity of hydrogels in this field, this work offers a comprehensive study of hydrogels constituted by chitosan and cross-linked with 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid (BTC; also known as trimesic acid). Hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking chitosan with BTC in different concentrations. The nature of the gels was studied through oscillatory amplitude strain and frequency sweep tests within the linear viscoelastic region (LVE) limit. The flow curves of the gels revealed shear thinning behavior. High G′ values imply strong cross-linking with improved stability. The rheological tests revealed that the strength of the hydrogel network increased with the cross-linking degree. Hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, compressibility, and elasticity of the gels were determined using a texture analyzer. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data of the cross-linked hydrogels showed distinctive pores with a pore size increasing according to increasing concentrations (pore size range between 3–18 µm). Computational analysis was performed by docking simulations between chitosan and BTC. Drug release studies employing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) yielded a more sustained release profile with 35 to 50% release among the formulations studied in a 3 h period. Overall, this work demonstrated that the presence of BTC as cross-linker leads to satisfactory mechanical properties of the chitosan hydrogel, suggesting potential applications in the sustained release of cancer therapeutics.
MCL-1 Inhibitor S63845 Distinctively Affects Intramedullary and Extramedullary Hematopoiesis
Authors: Zhang Hexiao , Li Fei , Yang Ming , Zhang Wenshan , He Mei , Xu Hui , Wang Chaoqun , Zhang Yiran , Wang Wei , Gao Yingdai , Du Xue , Li Yinghui
Published: March 2023

Conventional chemotherapy for killing cancer cells using cytotoxic drugs suffers from low selectivity, significant toxicity, and a narrow therapeutic index. Hyper-specific targeted drugs achieve precise destruction of tumors by inhibiting molecular pathways that are critical to tumor growth. Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1), an important pro-survival protein in the BCL-2 family, is a promising antitumor target. In this study, we chose to investigate the effects of S63845, a small-molecule inhibitor that targets MCL-1, on the normal hematopoietic system. A mouse model of hematopoietic injury was constructed, and the effects of the inhibitor on the hematopoietic system of mice were evaluated via routine blood tests and flow cytometry. The results showed that S63845 affected the hematopoiesis of various lineages in the early stage of action, causing extramedullary compensatory hematopoiesis in the myeloid and megakaryocytic lineages. The maturation of the erythroid lineage in the intramedullary and extramedullary segments was blocked to varying degrees, and both the intramedullary and extramedullary lymphoid lineages were inhibited. This study provides a complete description of the effects of MCL-1 inhibitor on the intramedullary and extramedullary hematopoietic lineages, which is important for the selection of combinations of antitumor drugs and the prevention of adverse hematopoiesis-related effects.
Effect of Environment on Acetylated Cellulose Nanocrystal-Reinforced Biopolymers Films
Authors: Oberlintner Ana , Likozar Blaž , Novak Uroš
Published: March 2023

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were acetylated to the various parametrised degrees of substitution (DS), determined through attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) and incorporated into alginate (ALG) and chitosan (CH) film-forming solutions. An investigation of morphology with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed increased chemical compatibility with the CH matrix after acetylation, producing a smooth surface layer, while ALG mixed better with pristine CNCs. The ATR–FTIR analysis of films demonstrated inter-diffusional structural changes upon the integration of pristine/modified CNCs. Films were evaluated in terms of water contact angle (WCA), which decreased upon CNC addition in either of the biocomposite types. The H2O barrier assessed through applicative vapour transmission (WVT) rate increased with the CNC esterification in CH, but was not influenced in ALG. To evaluate the relationship between environmental humidity and mechanical properties, conditioning was applied for 48 h under controlled relative humidity (33%, 54% and 75%) prior to the evaluation of the mechanical properties and moisture content. It was observed that tensile strength was highest upon specimens being dry (25 ± 3 MPa for ALG, reinforced with neat CNCs, or 16 ± 2 MPa in the CH with CNCs, reacting to the highest DS), lowering with dewing, and the elongation at break exhibited the opposite. It is worth noting that the modification of CNCs improved the best base benchmark stress–strain performance. Lastly, (thermal) stability was assessed by means of the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique, suggesting a slight improvement.
Extraction and Recovery of Critical Metals from Electronic Waste Using ISASMELT™ Technology
Authors: Nicol Stuart , Hogg Benjamin , Mendoza Oscar , Nikolic Stanko
Published: March 2023

Electronic goods are a major consumer of many critical metals, including copper, nickel, tin, zinc, lead, and precious metals. The processing of end-of-life electronic equipment (E-Scrap) is becoming increasingly important to maintain the supply of the critical metals required globally, and to reduce environmental pollution. Currently, the dominant route for E-Scrap processing is pyrometallurgical processing, with the first stage of processing being reductive smelting to produce a black copper and a ‘clean’ discard slag. The management of the slag in this first step is central to the success of the E-Scrap recycling process. The E-Scrap ISASMELT™ furnace has a highly turbulent bath, providing conditions that generate high rates of zinc fuming and allow a wide range of operable slag conditions. This enables efficient E-Scrap smelting to occur, whilst overcoming the challenges associated with alternative technologies. Operable slag compositions and high zinc fuming are heavily influenced by kinetic processes, with piloting critical to understanding the performance of this process. ISASMELT™ pilot tests were performed, with a wide range of fluxing targets tested to confirm these benefits. The testing demonstrated that high levels of zinc fuming (>80%) are obtained in the E-Scrap ISASMELT™ furnace, decreasing the iron and silica flux additions required to manage the detrimental viscosity effects of zinc in the slag. In addition, it was demonstrated that slags containing high concentrations of alumina (>10 wt%) are operable in an ISASMELT™ furnace. The ISASMELT™ technology was demonstrated to be the only E-Scrap furnace technology able to produce a ‘clean’ discard slag with low concentrations of zinc and minimal fluxing requirements.
Love as Consolidation of the Self-in-the-World: Martin d’Arcy’s Speculation on Love as a Metaphysical Supplement to Phenomenology
Authors: Markov Smilen
Published: March 2023

In his seminal work The Mind and the Heart of Love. A Study in Eros and Agape, Martin d’Arcy shows that self-sacrificial love (agape) and desire (eros) express the mystery of selfhood. Using the method of phenomenology, he demonstrates that eros and agape encompass a range of affectations, emotions and existential modes. All these make sense when seen as stages in the process of self-giving. Thus, eros and agape do not pertain to two opposing aspects of the soul. Rather, they are modes of manifestation of the entire person. In answering to the agapeic love of God, human agapeic love comes to a state which reason cannot grasp. At this point the erotic impulse steps in in order for the human soul to take the path of unknowing. Through this interplay the true hierarchy of being is perceived and the human person enters into loving exchange with the world. This happens within a three-tier process of loving knowledge whose structure is similar to the model of self-knowledge developed in the early Byzantine theological compendium Corpus dionysiacum.