bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral Entropy Monitoring Accelerates the Emergence from Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Thoracic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Jui-Tai , Wu Yu-Ming , Tiong Tung-Yu , Cata Juan P. , Kuo Kuang-Tai , Li Chun-Cheng , Liu Hsin-Yi , Cherng Yih-Giun , Wu Hsiang-Ling , Tai Ying-Hsuan
Published: March 2022

The clinical efficacy of spectral entropy monitoring in improving postoperative recovery remains unclear. This trial aimed to investigate the impact of M-Entropy (GE Healthcare, Helsinki, Finland) guidance on emergence from anesthesia and postoperative delirium in thoracic surgery. Adult patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection at a medical center were randomly allocated into the M-Entropy guidance group (n = 39) and the control group (n = 37). In the M-Entropy guidance group, sevoflurane anesthesia was titrated to maintain response and state entropy values between 40 and 60 intraoperatively. In the control group, the dosing of sevoflurane was adjusted based on clinical judgment and vital signs. The primary outcome was time to spontaneous eye opening. M-Entropy guidance significantly reduced the time proportion of deep anesthesia (entropy value <40) during surgery, mean difference: −21.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): −32.7 to −10.3) for response entropy and −24.2% (−36.3 to −12.2) for state entropy. M-Entropy guidance significantly shortened time to spontaneous eye opening compared to clinical signs, mean difference: −154 s (95% CI: −259 to −49). In addition, patients of the M-Entropy group had a lower rate of emergence agitation (absolute risk reduction: 0.166, 95% CI: 0.005–0.328) and delirium (0.245, 0.093–0.396) at the postanesthesia care unit. M-Entropy-guided anesthesia hastened awakening and potentially prevented emergence agitation and delirium after thoracic surgery. These results may provide an implication for facilitating postoperative recovery and reducing the complications associated with delayed emergence and delirium.
Altered Circulating microRNAs in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy and Corneal Nerve Loss: A Pilot Study
Authors: Khan Adnan , Pasquier Jennifer , Ramachandran Vimal , Ponirakis Georgios , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Chidiac Omar , Thomas Binitha , Robay Amal , Jayyousi Amin , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Rafii Arash , Menzies Robert A. , Talal Talal K. , Najafi-Shoushtari Seyed Hani , Abi Khalil Charbel , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: March 2022

An alteration in circulating miRNAs may have important diagnostic and therapeutic relevance in diabetic neuropathy. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) underwent an assessment of neuropathic symptoms using Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4), the vibration perception threshold (VPT) using a Neurothesiometer, sudomotor function using the Sudoscan, corneal nerve morphology using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and circulating miRNAs using high-throughput miRNA expression profiling. Patients with T2DM, with (n = 9) and without (n = 7) significant corneal nerve loss were comparable in age, gender, diabetes duration, BMI, HbA1c, eGFR, blood pressure, and lipid profile. The VPT was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and electrochemical skin conductance (p < 0.05), corneal nerve fiber density (p = 0.001), corneal nerve branch density (p = 0.013), and corneal nerve fiber length (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in T2DM patients with corneal nerve loss compared to those without corneal nerve loss. Following a q-PCR-based analysis of total plasma microRNAs, we found that miR-92b-3p (p = 0.008) was significantly downregulated, while miR-22-3p (p = 0.0001) was significantly upregulated in T2DM patients with corneal nerve loss. A network analysis revealed that these miRNAs regulate axonal guidance and neuroinflammation genes. These data support the need for more extensive studies to better understand the role of dysregulated miRNAs’ in diabetic neuropathy.
Editorial for Special Issue: Performance Enhancement of Advanced Composites and Bio-Based Composites through a Hybrid Approach: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Dhakal Hom Nath
Published: March 2022

The hybridisation of two or more fibres is a technique in which the benefits of each reinforcing material can be combined to achieve a composite that demonstrates better and improved properties for various advanced engineering applications [...]
Engineering Nanopatterned Structures to Orchestrate Macrophage Phenotype by Cell Shape
Authors: Li Kai , Lv Lin , Shao Dandan , Xie Youtao , Cao Yunzhen , Zheng Xuebin
Published: March 2022

Physical features on the biomaterial surface are known to affect macrophage cell shape and phenotype, providing opportunities for the design of novel “immune-instructive” topographies to modulate foreign body response. The work presented here employed nanopatterned polydimethylsiloxane substrates with well-characterized nanopillars and nanopits to assess RAW264.7 macrophage response to feature size. Macrophages responded to the small nanopillars (SNPLs) substrates (450 nm in diameter with average 300 nm edge-edge spacing), resulting in larger and well-spread cell morphology. Increasing interpillar distance to 800 nm in the large nanopillars (LNPLs) led to macrophages exhibiting morphologies similar to being cultured on the flat control. Macrophages responded to the nanopits (NPTs with 150 nm deep and average 800 nm edge-edge spacing) by a significant increase in cell elongation. Elongation and well-spread cell shape led to expression of anti-inflammatory/pro-healing (M2) phenotypic markers and downregulated expression of inflammatory cytokines. SNPLs and NPTs with high availability of integrin binding region of fibronectin facilitated integrin β1 expression and thus stored focal adhesion formation. Increased integrin β1 expression in macrophages on the SNPLs and NTPs was required for activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, which promoted macrophage cell spreading and negatively regulated NF-κB activation as evidenced by similar globular cell shape and higher level of NF-κB expression after PI3K blockade. These observations suggested that alterations in macrophage cell shape from surface nanotopographies may provide vital cues to orchestrate macrophage phenotype.
Dental Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Based Resin Containing a Nanoporous Silica Filler
Authors: Hata Kentaro , Ikeda Hiroshi , Nagamatsu Yuki , Masaki Chihiro , Hosokawa Ryuji , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based resins have been conventionally used in dental prostheses owing to their good biocompatibility. However, PMMA-based resins have relatively poor mechanical properties. In the present study, a novel nanoporous silica filler was developed and introduced into PMMA-based resins to improve their mechanical properties. The filler was prepared by sintering a green body composed of silica and an organic binder, followed by grinding to a fine powder and subsequent silanization. The filler was added to photocurable PMMA-based resin, which was prepared from MMA, PMMA, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and a photo-initiator. The filler was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis, nitrogen sorption porosimetry, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The PMMA-based resins were characterized by SEM and FT-IR, and the mechanical properties (Vickers hardness, flexural modulus, and flexural strength) and physicochemical properties (water sorption and solubility) were evaluated. The results suggested that the filler consisted of microparticles with nanopores. The filler at 23 wt % was well dispersed in the PMMA-based resin matrix. The mechanical and physicochemical properties of the PMMA-based resin improved significantly with the addition of the developed filler. Therefore, such filler-loaded PMMA-based resins are potential candidates for improving the strength and durability of polymer-based crown and denture base.
The Formulation, Development and Application of Oil Dispersants
Authors: Farahani Majid D. , Zheng Ying
Published: March 2022

Oil spills in open waters pose a significant threat to marine life. The application of dispersant as an oil-spill response is a promising approach to minimize the environmental burden caused by these accidental events. Dispersants have been accepted and applied by many countries around the world as a countermeasure in responding to oil spills due to their great success and advancements in recent years. This review covers different approaches for design and development of chemical formulas of oil dispersants with the aim to improve dispersing efficiencies, followed by formulating non-chemical dispersants, which are more environmentally friendly approaches. The encouraging properties motivate scientific communities to research and develop these non-chemical-based dispersants. In general, this review intends to offer a multi-perspective overall picture of progress made in recent years to develop and apply different dispersants suitable for combating oil spills.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Marine Nematode Litoditis marina in a Chemically Defined Food Environment with Stearic Acid Supplementation
Authors: Cao Xuwen , Sun Peiqi , Zhang Liusuo
Published: March 2022

Stearic acid represents one of the most abundant fatty acids in the Western diet and profoundly regulates health and diseases of animals and human beings. We previously showed that stearic acid supplementation promoted development of the terrestrial model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in chemically defined CeMM food environment. However, whether stearic acid regulates development of other nematodes remains unknown. Here, we found that dietary supplementation with stearic acid could promote the development of the marine nematode Litoditis marina, belonging to the same family as C. elegans, indicating the conserved roles of stearic acid in developmental regulation. We further employed transcriptome analysis to analyze genome-wide transcriptional signatures of L. marina with dietary stearic acid supplementation. We found that stearic acid might promote development of L. marina via upregulation of the expression of genes involved in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, translation initiation and elongation, ribosome biogenesis, and transmembrane transport. In addition, we observed that the expression of neuronal signaling-related genes was decreased. This study provided important insights into how a single fatty acid stearic acid regulates development of marine nematode, and further studies with CRISPR genome editing will facilitate demonstrating the molecular mechanisms underlying how a single metabolite regulates animal development and health.
The Crowdfunding of Altruism
Authors: Faust Luisa , Kolbe Maura , Mansouri Sasan , Momtaz Paul P.
Published: March 2022

This paper introduces a machine learning approach to quantify altruism from the linguistic style of textual documents. We apply our method to a central question in (social) entrepreneurship: How does altruism impact entrepreneurial success? Specifically, we examine the effects of altruism on crowdfunding outcomes in Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). The main result suggests that altruism and ICO firm valuation are negatively related. We, then, explore several channels to shed some light on whether the negative altruism-valuation relation is causal. Our findings suggest that it is not altruism that causes lower firm valuation; rather, low-quality entrepreneurs select into altruistic projects, while the marginal effect of altruism on high-quality entrepreneurs is actually positive. Altruism increases the funding amount in ICOs in the presence of high-quality projects, low asymmetric information, and strong corporate governance.
Monetization of the Economies as a Priority of the New Monetary Policy in the Face of Economic Sanctions
Authors: Zenchenko Svetlana , Strielkowski Wadim , Smutka Luboš , Vacek Tomáš , Radyukova Yana , Sutyagin Vladislav
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comparative analysis of monetization as a priority of the new monetary growth of the economies using the example of the Russian economy, identifying new trends in global practices of monetary factor management, as well as the search for ways to stimulate economic growth using the best international experience. Our paper tackles the novel research question of whether changing the priorities of monetary policy from targeting (and curbing) inflation to stimulating economic growth might yield more favorable economic results and what best world practices should be appropriately introduced in Russia to improve the effectiveness of monetary policy. The key results of the paper are focused on a comparative analysis of the economies’ development under the influence of monetary factors in comparison with the most progressive economies, the study of the best practices for increasing the monetization of national economies, and the identification of recommendations for determining the most optimal way to increase economic growth through the monetization of the economy. Monetarist views on the decisive role of fiat money in the development of the real sector of the economy, capital markets, payment and settlement systems, the standard of living of the population, and other important aspects of macro- and microeconomics have become the mainstream of government regulation. It seemed that by finding the right indicators of the relationship between interest rates, GDP, and inflation, all problems of economic growth could be solved. By increasing the amount of money faster than the achieved economic growth, it was believed that it was possible to stimulate GDP growth through monetary investments and credit, i.e., more money was issued than the value produced represented by the goods and services. Accordingly, new money that had no value had to create new value. We argue that monetization can be seen as the main factor in providing such incentives. Our results can be useful for central bankers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the banking and financial sector. The conclusions and recommendations of the authors are based on studies conducted using such research methods as content analysis, logical analysis, and statistical analysis.
How Many Palabras? Codeswitching and Lexical Diversity in Spanish-English Picture Books
Authors: Benitez Viridiana L. , Castellana Marissa , Potter Christine E.
Published: March 2022

Bilingual picture books have been growing in popularity, with caregivers, teachers, and researchers increasingly interested in understanding how picture books might be able to support the learning of words in two languages. In this study, we present the first evaluation of the quantity and quality of text contained within bilingual picture books in English and Spanish targeted to children ages 0–9 and available to parents in the United States. We focus specifically on a sample of codeswitching books (N = 45) which present text in one language embedded in another language. All books were transcribed and evaluated for (1) the number of words and utterances presented in each language; (2) the quality and complexity of text presented in each language; and (3) how switching occurred between the two languages. Results showed that although picture books in our sample presented predominantly English text and more complex English sentences, relatively more unique words were presented in Spanish. Furthermore, picture books in our sample presented frequent switching between languages, particularly within utterances. We suggest that bilingual picture books provide children with potentially enriching yet asymmetrical opportunities for learning in each language.
Microvasculopathy-Related Hemorrhagic Tissue Deposition of Iron May Contribute to Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis: Hypothesis-Generating Insights from the Literature and Preliminary Findings
Authors: Sfikakis Petros P. , Vlachogiannis Nikolaos I. , Ntouros Panagiotis A. , Mavrogeni Sophie , Maris Thomas G. , Karantanas Apostolos H. , Souliotis Vassilis L.
Published: March 2022

Microvascular wall abnormalities demonstrated by nailfold capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may result in microhemorrhagic deposition of erythrocyte-derived iron. Such abnormalities precede fibrosis, which is orchestrated by myofibroblasts. Iron induces endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in vitro, which is reversed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers. The conversion of quiescent fibroblasts into profibrotic myofibroblasts has also been associated with ROS-mediated activation of TGF-β1. Given that iron overload predisposes to ROS formation, we hypothesized that the uptake of erythrocyte-derived iron by resident cells promotes fibrosis. Firstly, we show that iron induces oxidative stress in skin-derived and synovial fibroblasts in vitro, as well as in blood mononuclear cells ex vivo. The biological relevance of increased oxidative stress was confirmed by showing the concomitant induction of DNA damage in these cell types. Similar results were obtained in vivo, following intravenous iron administration. Secondly, using magnetic resonance imaging we show an increased iron deposition in the fingers of a patient with early SSc and nailfold microhemorrhages. While a systematic magnetic resonance study to examine tissue iron levels in SSc, including internal organs, is underway, herein we propose that iron may be a pathogenetic link between microvasculopathy and fibrosis and an additional mechanism responsible for increased oxidative stress in SSc.
Evaluation of Writing Performance for Different Types of Ballpoint Pen Ink by Acoustic Emission Sensing
Authors: Hase Alan
Published: March 2022

During contact, deformation, and fracture of surface asperities between the friction surfaces of materials, acoustic emission (AE) waves are generated as the strain energy is released. By detecting the AE waves during friction using an AE sensor, the state of friction, wear, and lubrication between the friction surfaces can be measured and evaluated with high sensitivity. In this study, in order to establish a method for evaluating the writing performance of ballpoint pens by AE sensing, the measurement method was examined, and AE signal waveforms were analyzed. It was found that AE sensing can detect phenomena that do not appear as a change in frictional force during writing. In addition, frequency analysis of the AE signal waveforms revealed that differences in writing performance depending on the ink type of the ballpoint pen can be evaluated and interpreted.
Effect of Preload on the Vibrations of EHL Angular Contact Ball Bearings: Theoretical and Experimental Results
Authors: Bal Hikmet , Ateş Kerem , Karaçay Tuncay , Aktürk Nizami
Published: March 2022

The vibrations of a shaft in rotary mechanical systems supported by angular contact ball bearings are investigated theoretically and experimentally for various preloads in this paper. In the theoretical part of the study, a dynamic bearing model is presented, a rigid shaft supported by EHL angular contact bearing has been modelled as 5 DoF. Non-linear equations of motion are solved numerically by the Runge–Kutta method. In the second part of the study, an experimental setup that enables performing different operating cases has been designed to validate the theoretical results. Theoretical and experimental data are investigated and compared in both time and frequency domains and the results are compared. It is observed from both the theoretical and experimental studies that preload has a significant effect on the vibration behaviour. Results show that the increase in preload reduces the amplitude of the variable compliance frequencies of bearing, the natural frequency of system is shifted to a higher value, and using signal processing with an envelope spectrum gives better results in spectral analysis; small deviations occur between the theoretical and the experimental data due to modulation and noise from machine elements such as gear, motor, misalignment, waviness, etc. Therefore, the presented dynamic bearing model can be used with a reasonable accuracy to examine effect of preload on the vibration of shaft-bearing system.
Compaction Characteristics and Permeability of Expansive Shale Stabilized with Locally Produced Waste Materials
Authors: Hakro Muhammad , Kumar Aneel , Almani Zaheer , Ali Mujahid , Fediuk Roman , Klyuev Sergey , Klyuev Alexander , Sabitov Linar , Fathi Dina
Published: March 2022

Waste is available in an abundant form and goes to landfill without any use, creating threats to the environment. Recent and past studies have used different types of waste to stabilize soil and reduce environmental impacts. However, there is a lack of studies on the combined use of marble dust, rice-husk ash, and saw dust in expansive shale soil. The current study tries to overcome such a gap in the literature, studying the effect of marble dust, rice-husk ash, and saw dust on expansive shale’s compaction characteristics and permeability properties. According to unified soil classification and the AAHTO classification system, the geotechnical properties of natural soil are classified as clay of high plasticity (CH) and A-7-5. Several tests are performed in the laboratory to investigate the compaction characteristics and permeability properties of expansive shale. Moreover, permeability apparatus is used to investigate the permeability properties of soil. In addition, due to the accuracy of the apparatus, the conventional apparatus has been partly modified. The experimental results show that the addition of waste to the soil has significantly improved soil stabilization, increasing permeability and decreasing plasticity indexes. In addition, there is a gradual decrease in the dry density of soil and an increase in the permeability of stabilized soil. Based on the outcomes of the current study, it claims and concludes that these waste materials can be used as soil stabilizers or modifiers, instead of being dumped in landfill, which will provide a green, friendly, and sustainable environment. The current study recommends that future researchers use various wastes in the concrete and soil to improve their compaction and mechanical properties.
Capabilities of Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction in the Investigation of Amorphous Mixed Oxides with Variable Composition
Authors: Achilli Elisabetta , Annoni Filippo , Armani Nicola , Patrini Maddalena , Cornelli Marina , Celada Leonardo , Micali Melanie , Terrasi Antonio , Ghigna Paolo , Timò Gianluca
Published: March 2022

X-ray Diffraction has been fully exploited as a probe to investigate crystalline materials. However, very little research has been carried out to unveil its potentialities towards amorphous materials. In this work, we demonstrated the capabilities of Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD) as a simple and fast tool to obtain quantitative information about the composition of amorphous mixed oxides. In particular, we evidenced that low angle scattering features, associated with local structure parameters, show a significant trend as a function of the oxide composition. This evolution can be quantified by interpolating GIXRD data with a linear combination of basic analytical functions, making it possible to build up GIXRD peak-sample composition calibration curves. As a case study, the present method was demonstrated on Ta2O5–SiO2 amorphous films deposited by RF-magnetron sputtering. GIXRD results were validated by independent measurement of the oxide composition using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS). These materials are attracting interest in different industrial sectors and, in particular, in photovoltaics as anti-reflection coatings. Eventually, the optical properties measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry were correlated to the chemical composition of the film. The obtained results highlighted not only a correlation between diffraction features and the composition of amorphous films but also revealed a simple and fast strategy to characterize amorphous thin oxides of industrial interest.
Exploring the Journey of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) toward Biomedical Applications
Authors: Islam Fahadul , Shohag Sheikh , Uddin Md. Jalal , Islam Md. Rezaul , Nafady Mohamed H. , Akter Aklima , Mitra Saikat , Roy Arpita , Emran Talha Bin , Cavalu Simona
Published: March 2022

The field of nanotechnology is concerned with the creation and application of materials having a nanoscale spatial dimensioning. Having a considerable surface area to volume ratio, nanoparticles have particularly unique properties. Several chemical and physical strategies have been used to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). Still, biological methods using green or natural routes in various underlying substances (e.g., plant extracts, enzymes, and microorganisms) can be more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than chemical and/or physical methods in the long run. ZnO-NPs are now being studied as antibacterial agents in nanoscale and microscale formulations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the prevalent traditional method of generating ZnO-NPs, as well as its harmful side effects, and how it might be addressed utilizing an eco-friendly green approach. The study’s primary focus is on the potential biomedical applications of green synthesized ZnO-NPs. Biocompatibility and biomedical qualities have been improved in green-synthesized ZnO-NPs over their traditionally produced counterparts, making them excellent antibacterial and cancer-fighting drugs. Additionally, these ZnO-NPs are beneficial when combined with the healing processes of wounds and biosensing components to trace small portions of biomarkers linked with various disorders. It has also been discovered that ZnO-NPs can distribute and sense drugs. Green-synthesized ZnO-NPs are compared to traditionally synthesized ones in this review, which shows that they have outstanding potential as a potent biological agent, as well as related hazardous properties.
Effects of Air Entrainment on Bacterial Viability in Cement Paste
Authors: Kim Hayeon , Son H. M.
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the effect of air entrainment (AE) on bacterial viability in cementitious materials. Specimens were fabricated with Portland cement, urea, calcium lactate, and ureolytic bacteria, and with varying amounts of an AE agent. Specimens with different amounts of the AE agent were fabricated, and then a compressive strength test, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry were used to investigate the mechanical properties, viability of bacteria, and hydrates of the specimens. The highest compressive strength was achieved by the specimen with 0.3% AE agent, while the compressive strength of the specimens decreased considerably when the incorporated AE agent was over 0.6%, due to increased porosity. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction result showed that the cell number of the viable bacteria was increased by incorporation of the AE agent, which also corresponded with an increase in CaCO3 due to microbial mineral formation. The obtained result confirmed the positive effect of AE agent incorporation in cementitious materials containing bacterial admixtures, as the viability of bacteria, which play a vital role in self-healing efficiency of concrete, was increased by the space provided by the AE agent in the cement matrix. In addition, the quantity of CaCO3 and the compressive strength were highest when 0.3% AE agent was incorporated.
Generalizing the Orbifold Model for Voice Leading
Authors: Hughes James R.
Published: March 2022

We generalize orbifold models for chords and voice leading to incorporate loudness, allowing for the modeling of resting voices, which are used frequently by composers and arrangers across genres. In our generalized setting (strictly speaking, that of orbispaces rather than an orbifolds), passages with resting voices, passages with two or more voices in unison, and fully harmonized passages occupy distinct subspaces that interact in mathematically precise and musically interesting ways. In particular, our setting includes previous orbifold models by way of constant-loudness subspaces, and provides a way to model voice leading between chords of different cardinalities. We model voice leading in this general setting by morphisms in the orbispace path groupoid, a category for which we give a formal definition. We demonstrate how to visualize such morphisms as singular braids, and explore how our approach relates to (and is consistent with) selected previous work.
Association between Hematological Indicesand Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Janus Kinase Inhibitors for 24 Weeks
Authors: Choe Jung-Yoon , Kim Seong-Kyu
Published: March 2022

Background and Objective: Hematological indices have been considered reliable markers for assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study assessed whether hematological indices reflect changes in disease activity in patients with RA treated with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Materials and Methods: This study recruited 123 patients with RA who completed a regimen of JAK inhibitors, including baricitinib or tofacitinib, for 24 weeks, and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Hematological indices were systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-hemoglobin and lymphocyte (NHL) score, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Disease Activity Score 28 joints using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) was evaluated as a measure of RA disease activity. Results: At baseline, patients with RA had a significantly higher SII, NHL score, NLR, and PLR than controls (p < 0.001 for all). SII, NHL score, NLR, and PLR at baseline were associated with DAS28-ESR (p < 0.05 for all). Changes in SII, NHL score, NLR, and PLR were associated with those in DAS28-ESR during treatment with JAK inhibitors. Such treatment markedly decreased SII, NHL score, and NLR values compared to those at baseline (p < 0.001 for all) but did not decrease PLR (p = 0.056). There were no differences in changes in SII, NHL score, NLR, and PLR between baricitinib and tofacitinib treatments. No hematological index showed predictive potential with respect to non-response to JAK inhibitor treatment. Conclusions: This study showed that hematological indices might be useful in monitoring changes in disease activity in patients with RA treated with JAK inhibitors.
Platelet-Rich Plasma-Releasate (PRPr) for the Treatment of Discogenic Low Back Pain Patients: Long-Term Follow-Up Survey
Authors: Akeda Koji , Takegami Norihiko , Yamada Junichi , Fujiwara Tatsuhiko , Ohishi Kohshi , Tamaru Satoshi , Sudo Akihiro
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: Clinical studies of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) have been reported; however, less is known about its long-term efficiency. Materials and Methods: This study was a long-term follow-up of a previous prospective clinical feasibility study for the use of PRP releasate (PRPr) to treat discogenic LBP patients. Among 14 patients, 11 patients were evaluated for a long-term survey. The efficacy was assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) for LBP intensity and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) for LBP-related disability. Radiographic disc height was evaluated for seven patients. Results: Improvements in VAS and RDQ were sustained at an average of 5.9 years after the intradiscal injection of PRPr (p < 0.01 vs. baseline, respectively). Clinically meaningful improvements (more than 30% decrease from baseline) in VAS and RDQ were identified in 91% of patients at final survey. The radiographic measurement of disc height of PRPr-injected discs showed a mild decrease (13.8% decrease compared to baseline) during the average 5.9 years. Conclusions: The results of this study with a small number of patients suggest that the intradiscal injection of PRPr has a safe and efficacious effect on LBP improvement for more than 5 years after treatment. Further large-scale studies would be needed to confirm the clinical evidence for the use of PRPr for the treatment of patients with discogenic LBP.
Parathyroid Allotransplantation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Jaimie L. H. , Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha M. , Schepers Abbey
Published: March 2022

Background: To date, there is no satisfactory treatment for patients with calcium and vitamin D supplementation refractive hypoparathyroidism. Parathyroid allotransplantation by design is a one-time cure through its restoration of the parathyroid function and, therefore, could be the solution. A systematic literature review is conducted in the present paper, with the aim of outlining the possibilities of parathyroid allotransplantation and to calculate its efficacy. Additionally, various transplantation characteristics are linked to success. Methods: This review is carried out according to the PRISMA statement and checklist. Relevant articles were searched for in medical databases with the most recent literature search performed on 9 December 2021. Results: In total, 24 articles involving 22 unique patient cohorts were identified with 203 transplantations performed on 148 patients. Numerous types of (exploratory) interventions were carried out with virtually no protocols that were alike: there was the use of (non-) cryopreserved parathyroid tissue combined with direct transplantation or pretreatment using in vitro techniques, such as culturing cells and macro-/microencapsulation. The variability increased further when considering immunosuppression, graft histology, and donor–recipient compatibility, but this was found to be reported in its entirety by exception. As a result of the large heterogeneity among studies, we constructed our own criterium for transplantation success. With only the studies eligible for our assessment, the pooled success rate for parathyroid allotransplantation emerged to be 46% (13/28 transplantations) with a median follow-up duration of 12 months (Q1–Q3: 8–24 months). Conclusions: Manifold possibilities have been explored around parathyroid allotransplantation but are presented as a double-edged sword due to high clinical diverseness, low expertise in carrying out the procedure, and unsatisfactory study quality. Transplantations carried out with permanent immunosuppression seem to be the most promising, but, in its current state, little could be said about the treatment efficacy with a high quality of evidence. Of foremost importance in pursuing the answer whether parathyroid allotransplantation is a suitable treatment for hypoparathyroidism, a standardized definition of transplantation success must be established with a high-quality trial.
Efficacy of Two Stabilizers in Nanoemulsions with Whey Proteins and Thyme Essential Oil as Edible Coatings for Zucchini
Authors: Bleoanca Iulia , Lanciu Andreea , Patrașcu Livia , Ceoromila Alina , Borda Daniela
Published: March 2022

Edible coatings are important for horticulture crops preservation and reducing food waste. Application of edible coatings followed by low-temperature storage prolongs the storability, preserves quality, and decreases the overall postharvest losses. This study evaluated the efficacy of two nanoemulsions formulae containing thyme essential oil and whey proteins as coatings for zucchini, with the purpose of extending their shelf-life. The nanoemulsions were rheologically evaluated and the formula with guar and arabic gum mix stabilizer (S) showed a better capacity to restructure after strain compared to the formulae with Tween 20 (T). The S coating material had a better capacity to integrate nanoparticles compared to T. However, when applied on zucchini, T coating was more effective in reducing weight loss showing 16% weight loss compared to 21% in S, after 42 days. At the end of storage at 10 °C, the T-coated zucchini had better firmness (p < 0.05) compared with S and both coatings were superior to control (p < 0.05). POD (peroxidase) activity was high in peel at the end of storage when also CAT (catalase) showed a sudden increase. On the 42nd day of storage, the highest enzymes activity (CAT, POD, and APX (ascorbate peroxidase)) was present in the S-coated zucchini peel. The most abundant volatile in T coating was α-pinene and 4-carene in S. Sensory analysis showed that T coating delayed the appearance of senescence while S exhibited surface cracks.
Laccase-Catalyzed Derivatization of Aminoglycoside Antibiotics and Glucosamine
Authors: Mikolasch Annett , Lindequist Ulrike , Witt Sabine , Hahn Veronika
Published: March 2022

The increasing demand for new and effective antibiotics requires intelligent strategies to obtain a wide range of potential candidates. Laccase-catalyzed reactions have been successfully applied to synthesize new β-lactam antibiotics and other antibiotics. In this work, laccases from three different origins were used to produce new aminoglycoside antibiotics. Kanamycin, tobramycin and gentamicin were coupled with the laccase substrate 2,5-dihydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-benzamide. The products were isolated, structurally characterized and tested in vitro for antibacterial activity against various strains of Staphylococci, including multidrug-resistant strains. The cytotoxicity of these products was tested using FL cells. The coupling products showed comparable and, in some cases, better antibacterial activity than the parent antibiotics in the agar diffusion assay, and they were not cytotoxic. The products protected mice against infection with Staphylococcus aureus, which was lethal to the control animals. The results underline the great potential of laccases in obtaining new biologically active compounds, in this case new antibiotic candidates from the class of aminoglycosides.
Correction: Fei et al. Aqueous Fe(II)-Induced Phase Transformation of Ferrihydrite Coupled Adsorption/Immobilization of Rare Earth Elements. Minerals 2018, 8, 357
Authors: Fei Yingheng , Hua Jian , Liu Chengshuai , Li Fangbai , Zhu Zhenke , Xiao Tangfu , Chen Manjia , Gao Ting , Wei Zhiqi , Hao Likai
Published: March 2022

In the original publication [...]
Effect of Co-Reduction Conditions of Nickel Laterite Ore and Red Mud on Ferronickel Particle Size Characteristics and Grindability of Carbothermic Reduction Products
Authors: Guo Xiaoshuang , Li Zhengyao , Wang Zijun , Sun Tichang
Published: March 2022

The carbothermic co-reduction of nickel laterite ore and red mud realized the simultaneous reduction of nickel, iron in laterite ore, and iron in red mud at high efficiency. Nickel and iron in nickel laterite ore and iron in red mud were recovered in the form of ferronickel. The size characteristics of ferronickel particles and grindability of carbothermic reduction products are essential for obtaining good technical indicators. The influence of co-reduction conditions on ferronickel particle size and relative grindability was investigated by a carbothermic reduction test, particle size analysis, and relative grindability determination. The mean size of ferronickel particles increased and the proportion of coarse particles grew with improving carbothermic reduction temperature, increasing appropriately anthracite dosage, and prolonging carbothermic reduction time. However, the relative grindability of carbothermic reduction products deteriorated when reduction temperature was improved and the reduction time was extended. The relative grindability was negatively correlated to the ferronickel particle size. The carbothermic reduction temperature had the most dominant effect on the ferronickel particle size and relative grindability, followed by the anthracite dosage and reduction time. More nickel-bearing and iron-bearing minerals were reduced to metallic state with raising reduction temperature and increasing appropriate anthracite dosage. The fine ferronickel particles agglomerated and merged into bulk ferronickel grains with a prolonged reduction time. The results will provide theoretical guidance for the recovery of nickel and iron by co-reduction of nickel laterite ore and red mud.
Simultaneous Sequestration of Co2+ and Mn2+ by Fungal Manganese Oxide through Asbolane Formation
Authors: Aoshima Miku , Tani Yukinori , Fujita Rina , Tanaka Kazuya , Miyata Naoyuki , Umezawa Kazuhiro
Published: March 2022

Biogenic manganese oxides (BMOs) have attractive environmental applications owing to their metal sequestration and oxidizing abilities. Although Co readily accumulates into Mn oxide phases in natural environments, the Co2+ sequestration process that accompanies the enzymatic Mn(II) oxidation of exogenous Mn2+ remains unknown. Therefore, we prepared newly formed BMOs in a liquid culture of Acremonium strictum KR21-2 and conducted repeated sequestration experiments in a Mn2+/Co2+ binary solution at pH 7.0. The sequestration of Co2+ by newly formed BMOs (~1 mM Mn) readily progressed in parallel with the oxidation of exogenous Mn2+, with higher efficiencies than that in single Co2+ solutions when the initial Co2+ concentrations (0.16–0.8 mM) were comparable to or lower than the exogenous Mn2+ concentration (~0.8 mM). This demonstrates a synergetic effect on Co sequestration. Powder X-ray diffraction showed a typical pattern for asbolane only when newly formed BMOs were treated in Mn2+/Co2+ binary systems, implying that the enzymatic Mn(II) oxidation by newly formed BMOs favored asbolane formation. Cobalt K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure measurements showed that both Co(II) and Co(III) participated in the formation of the asbolane phase in the binary solutions, whereas most of the primary Co2+ was sequestered as Co(III) in the single Co2+ solutions, which partly explains the synergetic effects on Co sequestration efficiency in the binary solutions. The results presented here provide new insights into the mechanism of Co interaction with Mn oxide phases through asbolane formation by enzymatic Mn(II) oxidation under circumneutral pH conditions.
An Integrated Capture of Red Mud and One-Step Heat-Treatment Process to Recover Platinum Group Metals and Prepare Glass-Ceramics from Spent Auto-Catalysts
Authors: Liu Chuan , Sun Shuchen , Tu Ganfeng , Xiao Faxin
Published: March 2022

Co-treatment for two kinds of hazardous solid waste is an effective method to reduce cost and increase recycle efficiency of value resource. This work developed an integrated process based on capture of red mud (RM) and a one-step heat-treatment process to efficiently recover PGMs from spent auto-catalysts (SAC) and reuse RM simultaneously. Firstly, the iron oxide in RM was reduced to metallic iron to capture PGMs by the reduction process, without the addition of an extra reducing agent, since SAC contained abundant organic volatiles. Then, the mixed waste of SAC and RM was melted under high temperature with additives of CaO and H3BO3. More than 99% of PGMs can be extracted under the optimal conditions of 40–50 wt% of RM addition, 14 wt% of H3BO3 addition, 0.7–0.8 of basicity, 1500 °C of temperature, and 40 min of holding time. In addition, PGM content in obtained glassy slag was less than 1 g/t. The mechanism of iron trapping PGMs was also discussed in detailed, which mainly contained two stages: migration of PGMs and separation of PGM-bearing alloy and slag phases. Besides, the obtained glassy slag was further prepared into glass-ceramic by a one-step heat-treatment process. It was found that the prepared glass-ceramic has good thermostability and an excellent stabilizing effect on heavy metals. Overall, the results indicated that the developed integrated smelting–collection process is an efficient and promising method for the reutilization of SAC and RM.
Effects of Substrates on Nucleation, Growth and Electrical Property of Vertical Few-Layer Graphene
Authors: Hong Tianzeng , Guo Chan , Zhang Yu , Zhan Runze , Zhao Peng , Li Baohong , Deng Shaozhi
Published: March 2022

A key common problem for vertical few-layer graphene (VFLG) applications in electronic devices is the solution to grow on substrates. In this study, four kinds of substrates (silicon, stainless-steel, quartz and carbon-cloth) were examined to understand the mechanism of the nucleation and growth of VFLG by using the inductively-coupled plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (ICPCVD) method. The theoretical and experimental results show that the initial nucleation of VFLG was influenced by the properties of the substrates. Surface energy and catalysis of substrates had a significant effect on controlling nucleation density and nucleation rate of VFLG at the initial growth stage. The quality of the VFLG sheet rarely had a relationship with this kind of substrate and was prone to being influenced by growth conditions. The characterization of conductivity and field emissions for a single VFLG were examined in order to understand the influence of substrates on the electrical property. The results showed that there was little difference in the conductivity of the VFLG sheet grown on the four substrates, while the interfacial contact resistance of VFLG on the four substrates showed a tremendous difference due to the different properties of said substrates. Therefore, the field emission characterization of the VFLG sheet grown on stainless-steel substrate was the best, with the maximum emission current of 35 µA at a 160 V/μm electrostatic field. This finding highlights the controllable interface of between VFLG and substrates as an important issue for electrical application.
A Screen-Printed Metal Hybrid Composite for Wireless Wind Sensing
Authors: Qi Xue , Lim Sooman
Published: March 2022

Wind sensing has become a key component in various fields with the growing trend of assessing air conditions for energy conversion. In this study, we demonstrated a wireless screen-printable flexible strain sensor system based on Ag/MWCNT composite for wind sensing. To achieve high printability with the metal hybrid composite for the fabrication of a screen-printed flexible sensor, we systematically investigated the rheological properties, resulting in the high shear thinning and thixotropic behavior of the composite. After confirming the suitability for screen printing, we investigated the performance of the printed strain sensor, obtaining a gauge factor (G.F.) of 2.08 with 90% sensitivity and high durability after 6000 bending cycles. In addition, the sensor showed 98% temperature sensitivity during a wind sensing test due to the intrinsic properties of the metal hybrid composite. In an application based on an IoT system, we verified that the response of the wireless sensor corresponded with that of a wired sensor, indicating the expansion of low-cost, mass-produced screen-printed wind sensors.
Impact of Nutrition on Age-Related Epigenetic RNA Modifications in Rats
Authors: D’Aquila Patrizia , De Rango Francesco , Paparazzo Ersilia , Mandalà Maurizio , Bellizzi Dina , Passarino Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

Nutrition plastically modulates the epigenetic landscape in various tissues of an organism during life via epigenetic changes. In the present study, to clarify whether this modulation involves RNA methylation, we evaluated global RNA methylation profiles and the expression of writer, reader, and eraser genes, encoding for enzymes involved in the RNA methylation. The study was carried out in the heart, liver, and kidney samples from rats of different ages in response to a low-calorie diet. We found that, although each tissue showed peculiar RNA methylation levels, a general increase in these levels was observed throughout the lifespan as well as in response to the six-month diet. Similarly, a prominent remodeling of the expression of writer, reader, and eraser genes emerged. Our data provide a comprehensive overview of the role exerted by diet on the tissue-specific epigenetic plasticity of RNA according to aging in rats, providing the first evidence that methylation of RNA, similarly to DNA methylation, can represent an effective biomarker of aging. What is more, the fact that it is regulated by nutrition provides the basis for the development of targeted approaches capable of guaranteeing the maintenance of a state of good health.