bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Treatment Efficacy of Endo−Perio Lesions Using a Standard Treatment Protocol and Extended by Using a Diode Laser (940 nm)
Authors: Dembowska Elżbieta , Jaroń Aleksandra , Homik-Rodzińska Aleksandra , Gabrysz-Trybek Ewa , Bladowska Joanna , Trybek Grzegorz
Published: February 2022

Marginal and periapical periodontal diseases cause massive destruction of tooth tissues and surrounding tissues, such as alveolar bone and maxillary sinus floor, visible on radiographs. Lesions involving the apical and marginal periodontium are endo−perio (EPL) lesions. This study aimed to compare the treatment efficacy of endo−perio lesions using a standard treatment protocol and a standard diode laser-assisted treatment protocol. The 12 patients were divided into the study (a) and control (b) group. Periodontal indices, tooth vitality and mobility, occlusal status, and radiographic diagnosis were evaluated. Standard EPL treatment was then performed—without (a) and with (b) the use of diode laser (940 nm). Again, after six months, the above-mentioned parameters were evaluated and compared. The treatment of endo−perio lesions is a significant challenge for modern dentistry. Diode lasers are increasingly used in addition to traditional treatment methods. The conventional use of a 940 nm diode laser with an average power of 0.8 W in pulsed mode allows for the depth of periodontal pockets to be reduced. In addition, the use of a diode laser has a significant effect on tooth mobility and reduces bone loss.
Chronic Status of Serum Albumin and Cognitive Function: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Min Jin-Young , Ha Sang-Won , Yang Soo-Hyun , Kang Min-Ju , Jeong Da-Eun , Min Kyoung-Bok , Kim Beom
Published: February 2022

Previous studies have found an association between serum albumin levels and cognitive function. However, the results of this association are inconsistent, and the effect of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) on the association is less clear. Using retrospective cohort data (2008–2020), we investigated whether chronic serum albumin was associated with cognitive performance in older adults. We further assessed how the APOE genotype modifies its relevance. A total of 2396 Korean veterans and their families who were aged 65 years or older in 2008 and who had both data of serum albumin and cognitive performance (assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE) were included for the current study. The serum albumin levels were divided into four groups by quartiles: Group 1 (<4.0 g/dL), Group 2 (4.0–4.19 g/dL), Group 3 (4.2–4.49 g/dL), and Group 4 (≥4.5 g/dL). APOE ε4 carriers were defined as the presence of at least one ε4 allele (ε2/4, ε3/4, ε4/4). After adjusting for age, sex, and medical conditions, serum albumin levels (assessed by the median serum albumin levels during the study period) were significantly associated with increases in the median MMSE scores (beta = 3.30, p < 0.0001). Compared with the lowest median albumin category (Group 1), the beta coefficients for the median MMSE score were significantly and gradually increased in Group 2 (beta = 2.80, p < 0.0001), Group 3 (beta = 3.71, p < 0.0001), and Group 4 (beta = 4.01, p < 0.0001), respectively. In the analysis of repeated albumin measures, similar patterns were observed in cognitive function. All regression coefficients were greater in ε4 carriers than in non-carriers. Our findings suggested that sustained lower serum albumin levels were associated with lower MMSE scores. This observation may be modified by APOE polymorphisms.
Causal Effect of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the Number of COVID-19 Cases under COVID-19 Pandemic: An Ecological Study Using the Synthetic Control Method
Authors: Yamamoto Norio , Mitsuhashi Toshiharu , Tsuchihashi Yuuki , Yorifuji Takashi
Published: February 2022

Previous studies have not assessed the causal effect of the Olympic Games on the spread of pandemics. Using the synthetic control method and the national public city data in Japan recorded from February to September 2021, we estimated the causal effects of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The difference between the number of COVID-19 cases in Tokyo and a counterfactual “synthetic Tokyo” (created using synthetic control method) after the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Games (23 July 2021) widened gradually and then considerably over time. It was predicted that the Tokyo 2020 Games increased the number of COVID-19 cases in Tokyo by approximately 469.4 per 100,000 population from the opening of the event to 30 September. However, sensitivity analysis of the ratio of the pre- and post-game root mean square prediction errors using regression weights did not suggest robustness. Our results showed that the Tokyo 2020 Games probably increased the number of COVID-19 cases even under preventive regulations; however, the extent of this increase was difficult to estimate clearly due to an overlap with the fifth wave associated with the Delta variant.
Analgesic Effect of Intrathecal Morphine Combined with Low-Dose Bupivacaine on Postoperative Analgesia after Liver Resection: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ban MinGi , Choi Yong Seon , Koo Bon-Nyeo
Published: February 2022

Although intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine are increasingly implemented in effective postoperative pain control, there is a lack of consensus on the dosage as high doses of bupivacaine may inadvertently cause unwanted side effects. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of intrathecal morphine injection and low-dose bupivacaine with morphine injection. In total, 90 patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) sham injection for the control group; (2) morphine 400 mcg for the morphine group (M); and (3) morphine 400 mcg and bupivacaine 5 mg for the morphine and bupivacaine group (M + B). Our primary outcome was time to first rescue analgesic. The VAS (visual analogue scale) pain score was compared until POD (postoperative day)1. Total fentanyl dose was compared until POD2. Side effects were monitored until POD3. Although time to first rescue was significantly shorter in the control group compared to group M and group M + B (p < 0.001), both groups (M and M + B) were comparable to each other. There was a significant decrease in the VAS score and total fentanyl administration in group M and group M + B compared to the control group. Pruritus and tingling were more prevalent in the M + B group (p = 0.023; p = 0.010). The addition of 5 mg bupivacaine may be insufficient in providing further analgesic benefits; however, higher doses may aggravate side effects.
Association between General Anesthesia and Root Canal Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Mental Disability: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Guan-Yu , Wu Zhi-Fu , Lin Yi-Ting , Cheng Kuang-I , Huang Yu-Ting , Huang Shun-Te , Hargono Arief , Li Chung-Yi
Published: February 2022

In the population of individuals with a disability, mental illness patients can be uncooperative during dental treatment; thus, general anesthesia has been widely applied during dental procedures. This study aims to investigate the association between general anesthesia and the outcomes of root canal treatment in patients with disability. Teeth treatment records of patients with disability from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Research Database and electronic database from January 2005 to December 2018 were used in this retrospective cohort study. The authors conducted analysis comparing root canal treatment outcomes under general anesthesia and non-general anesthesia, indicated by endodontic re-treatment or post-treatment teeth extraction. Over the 9-year follow-up period, root canal treatment outcomes representing a cumulative survival rate of 87.68% and 74.51% in the general anesthesia group and non-general anesthesia group, respectively, were found. After adjustment for potential confounders, the teeth with general anesthesia showed a substantially and significantly reduced HR of root canal treatment failure at 0.24 (95% confidence interval, 0.12 to 0.49). Our study supported the notion that root canal treatment with general anesthesia may entail substantial reduction of treatment failure in patients with disability.
Endothelial Senescence and the Chronic Vascular Diseases: Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ramírez Rafael , Ceprian Noemi , Figuer Andrea , Valera Gemma , Bodega Guillermo , Alique Matilde , Carracedo Julia
Published: February 2022

Atherosclerosis is probably one of the paradigms of disease linked to aging. Underlying the physiopathology of atherosclerosis are cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These factors are increased in the elderly and from chronic disease patients. Elevated levels of oxidative stress affect cellular function and metabolism, inducing senescence. This senescence modifies the cell phenotype into a senescent secretory phenotype. This phenotype activates immune cells, leading to chronic systemic inflammation. Moreover, due to their secretory phenotype, senescence cells present an increased release of highlighted extracellular vesicles that will change nearby/neighborhood cells and paracrine signaling. For this reason, searching for specific senescent cell biomarkers and therapies against the development/killing of senescent cells has become relevant. Recently, senomorphic and senolityc drugs have become relevant in slowing down or eliminating senescence cells. However, even though they have shown promising results in experimental studies, their clinical use is still yet to be determined.
A Revised Stem Cell Theory for the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
Authors: Maruyama Tetsuo
Published: February 2022

During the past decade, a stem cell-based hypothesis has emerged (among many others) to explain the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The initial hypothesis proposed that endometriosis arose from a single or a few specific cells with stem cell properties, including self-renewal and multi-lineage cell differentiation. The origins of the endometriosis-initiating stem cells were thought to be the bone marrow, uterine endometrium, and other tissues. Based on the implantation or metastatic theory in combination with the initial stem cell theory, one or a few multipotent stem/progenitor cells present in the eutopic endometrium or bone marrow translocate to ectopic sites via fallopian tubes during menstruation, vasculolymphatic routes, or through direct migration and invasion. Subsequently, they give rise to endometriotic lesions followed by differentiation into various cell components of endometriosis, including glandular and stromal cells. Recent somatic mutation analyses of deep infiltrating endometriosis, endometrioma, and eutopic normal endometrium using next-generation sequencing techniques have redefined the stem cell theory. It is now proposed that stem/progenitor cells of at least two different origins—epithelium and stroma—sequentially, differentially, but coordinately contribute to the genesis of endometriosis. The dual stem cell theory on how two (or more) stem/progenitor cells differentially and coordinately participate in the establishment of endometriotic lesions remains to be elucidated. Furthermore, the stem/progenitor cells involved in this theory also remain to be identified. Given that the origin of endometriosis is eutopic endometrium, the candidate cells for endometriotic epithelium-initiating cells are likely to be endometrial epithelial cells positive for either N-cadherin or SSEA-1 or both. The candidate cells for endometriotic stroma-initiating cells may be endometrial mesenchymal stem cells positive for SUSD2. Endometrial side population cells are also a possible candidate because they contain unipotent or multipotent cells capable of behaving as endometrial epithelial and stromal stem/progenitor cells.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Farmland Rents and Its Drivers in Rural China: Evidence from Plot-Level Transactions
Authors: Yang Aoxi , Wang Yahui
Published: February 2022

Reasonable rent is the key to promoting land transfer and realizing agricultural operations on a moderate scale in rural China. The purpose of this study was to reveal the spatiotemporal variations in farmland rents and their drivers by employing a multilevel model based on 3547 plot-level transactions in Sichuan Province of China. The results show that the rents of paddy field, irrigated land, dry land and other types of farmland have all maintained an upward trend since 2014, rising by 61%, 53%, 44% and 224%, respectively. The average rent per ha for these properties reached CNY 13,920, 12,285, 10,230 and 7980 in 2020 (1 USD = CNY 6.90 in 2020), respectively. Farmland rents have shown a significant spatial agglomeration phenomenon, and the regions with higher rent were mainly distributed in Chengdu and its surrounding areas, while the regions with lower rent were distributed in the east and northeast of Sichuan Province. The differences in farmland rent were influenced by multilevel factors such as plot level and regional level, and the former explained 73.4% of the farmland rent variation. The plots with a larger area, longer transfer period, clear ownership, better location and good-quality land had higher rents; otherwise, the rents were lower.
PD-L1 Expression Correlated with Clinicopathological Factors and Akt/Stat3 Pathway in Oral SCC
Authors: Geum Dong-Ho , Hwang Dae-Seok , Lee Chang-Hun , Cho Sung-Dae , Jang Min-A , Ryu Mi-Heon , Kim Uk-Kyu
Published: February 2022

Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint molecule that inhibits immune responses. The physiological and prognostic role of the PD-L1 signaling pathway in the oral maxillofacial region is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of PD-L1 in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Furthermore, clinicopathological factors related to PD-L1 expression were examined in patients with OSCC through immunohistochemistry (IHC) of tissue sections and through an in vitro study in OSCC cells. The medical records, radiographic findings, and mortality referrals of 81 patients obtained from the National Statistical Office were reviewed. IHC was performed on tissue specimens of these patients to determine the expression levels of PD-L1, which showed significant statistical differences based on age, tumor size, TNM stage, cervical lymph node metastasis, and locoregional recurrence. Patients with a high PD-L1 expression had significantly poorer survival rates. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional model confirmed the high relative risk ratio for high PD-L1 expression, TNM stage, and neck node metastasis, all of which were significantly associated with a poor prognosis in patients with OSCC. The in vitro study showed that SAS and YD38 cells transfected with PD-L1 siRNA had significantly increased apoptosis, reduced proliferative capacity, and tumorigenicity.
Development and Analysis of a Hydroxyapatite Supplemented Calcium Silicate Cement for Endodontic Treatment
Authors: Yong David , Choi Joanne Jung Eun , Cathro Peter , Cooper Paul R. , Dias George , Huang Jeffrey , Ratnayake Jithendra
Published: February 2022

Aim: To develop an endodontic cement using bovine bone-derived hydroxyapatite (BHA), Portland cement (PC), and a radiopacifier. Methods: BHA was manufactured from waste bovine bone and milled to form a powder. The cements were developed by the addition of BHA (10%/20%/30%/40% wt), 35% wt, zirconium oxide (radiopacifier) to Portland cement (PC). A 10% nanohydroxyapatite (NHA) cement containing PC and a radiopacifier, and a cement containing PC (PC65) and a radiopacifier were also manufactured as controls. The cements were characterised to evaluate their compressive strength, setting time, radiopacity, solubility, and pH. The biocompatibility was assessed using Saos-2 cells where ProRoot MTA acted as the control. Compressive strength, solubility and pH were evaluated over a 4-week curing period. Results: The compressive strength (CS) of all cements increased with the extended curing times, with a significant CS increase in all groups from day 1 to day 28. The BHA 10% exhibited significantly higher CS compared with the other cements at all time points investigated. The BHA 10% and 20% groups exhibited significantly longer setting times than BHA 30%, 40% and PC65. The addition of ZrO2 in concentrations above 20% wt and Ta2O5 at 30% wt resulted in a radiopacity equal to, or exceeding that of, ProRoot MTA. The experimental cements exhibited relatively low cytotoxicity, solubility and an alkaline pH. Conclusions: The addition of 10% and 20% BHA to an experimental PC-based cement containing 35% ZrO2 improved the material’s mechanical strength while enabling similar radiopacity and biocompatibility to ProRoot MTA. Although BHA is a cost-effective, biomimetic additive that can improve the properties of calcium silicate endodontic cements, further studies are now warranted to determine its clinical potential.
Fatigue Assessment of Twin Wire Arc Sprayed and Machine Hammer-Peened ZnAl4 Coatings on S355 JRC+C Substrate
Authors: Milz Michael P. , Wirtz Andreas , Abdulgader Mohamed , Biermann Dirk , Tillmann Wolfgang , Walther Frank
Published: February 2022

Structural elements for applications in maritime environments, especially offshore installations, are subjected to various stresses, such as mechanical loads caused by wind or waves and corrosive attacks, e.g., by seawater, mist and weather. Thermally sprayed ZnAl coatings are often used for maritime applications, mainly due to good corrosion protection properties. Machine hammer peening (MHP) has the potential to increase fatigue and corrosion fatigue resistance of ZnAl coatings by adjusting various material properties such as hardness, porosity and roughness. This study investigates the fatigue behavior of twin wire arc sprayed and MHP post-treated ZnAl4 coatings. Unalloyed steel (S355 JRC+C) was selected as substrate material and tested as a reference. MHP achieved the desired improvements in material properties with increased hardness, decreased roughness and uniform coating thickness. Multiple and constant amplitude tests have been carried out to evaluate the fatigue capability of coating systems. In the high cycle fatigue regime, the additional MHP post-treatment led to an improvement of the lifetime in comparison to pure sandblasted specimens. The surface was identified as a crack initiation point. ZnAl coating and MHP post-treatment are suitable to improve the fatigue behavior in the high cycle fatigue regime compared to uncoated specimens.
The Effect of High-Quality RDX on the Safety and Mechanical Properties of Pressed PBX
Authors: Chen Shixiong , Qian Hua , Liu Bingxin , Xu Feiyang , Rui Jiuhou , Liu Dabin
Published: February 2022

In order to investigate and compare the effects of RDX crystal quality on the safety and mechanical properties of pressed PBX, different RDX-based PBXs were prepared by a water suspension granulation method. The surface morphology, thermal decomposition properties, impact sensitivity, and mechanical properties of high-quality RDX (H-RDX) and PBX were characterized by SEM, optical microscope, DSC, impact sensitivity tester, and universal material testing machines. The results have shown that the H-RDX crystal has a smoother surface, regular shape, higher density, fewer defects, better thermal stability, and lower impact sensitivity than raw RDX. The activation energy of H-RDX-based PBX is 26.0% higher than that of raw RDX-based PBX, and H50 increased by 2.8 cm, indicating that the application of H-RDX to PBX can effectively improve its thermal stability and reduce the impact sensitivity in the safety performance. However, the compressive strength of pressed H-RDX-based PBX is 36% lower than that of pressed raw RDX-based PBX, showing that H-RDX results in the deterioration of the compressive strength of pressed PBX in mechanical performance. Fortunately, this study found a strategy on how to effectively improve mechanical performance, which is changing the type of binder and increasing the pressing pressure. Under the same pressing conditions, the order of compressive strength of PBX prepared by the three binders is FKM DS2603 > Viton A > PVAc. Moreover, the compressive strength of H-RDX-based PBX with FKM DS2603 can be increased by 33.7% compared with PVAc. When the pressing pressure is 200 MPa, the average compressive strength of H-RDX-based PBX with FKM DS2603 reaches 10.00 MPa, which can basically meet application requirements.
Rheological Properties of MWCNT-Doped Titanium-Oxo-Alkoxide Gel Materials for Fiber Drawing
Authors: Tätte Tanel , Hussainov Medhat , Amiri Mahsa , Vanetsev Alexander , Paalo Madis , Hussainova Irina
Published: February 2022

A strategy of doping by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to enhance mechanical strength and the electrical conductivity of ceramic fibers has nowadays attracted a great deal of attention for a wide variety of industrial applications. This study focuses on the effect of MWCNTs on rheological properties of metal alkoxide precursors used for the preparation of nanoceramic metal oxide fibers. The rheological behavior of MWCNT-loaded titanium alkoxide sol precursors has been evaluated via an extensional rheometry method. A substantial decrease in elongational viscosity and relaxation time has been observed upon an introduction of MWCNTs even of low concentrations (less than 0.1 wt.%). A high quality MWCNT/nanoceramic TiO2 composite fibers drawn from the specified precursors has been validated. The MWCNT percolation, which is mandatory for electrical conductivity (50 S/m), has been achieved at 1 wt.% MWCNT doping.
Modeling of Surface Topography after Milling with a Lens-Shaped End-Mill, Considering Runout
Authors: Żurawski Karol , Żurek Piotr , Kawalec Andrzej , Bazan Anna , Olko Adam
Published: February 2022

The paper presents a method of forecasting the product surface topography after five-axis machining with a lens-shaped end-mill. Surface roughness is one of the key parameters considered when assessing the effectiveness of the machining process, especially in the aviation, automotive, tooling and medical equipment industries. The developed method, the first published, presented in the paper is based on the analytical equations of the trajectory of the cutting edge motion, on the basis of which the cutter action surface is generated. The developed model takes into account: cutting depth, cutting width, feed, lead angle and radial runout. Experimental studies were conducted using three different materials: 40HM steel, Al7035 aluminum alloy and Ti Grade 5 titanium alloy. Various values of the cutting width parameters and different feeds were used in the tests. Based on the results of the experimental tests, an empirical model (response surface model) was determined and was then used to verify the simulation model. The simulation results and the results of experimental tests were compared and conclusions were drawn regarding the developed models. The developed models supported by numerical simulation can be used to approximately estimate the influence of the width of cut br and feed ft on selected height characteristics Sa and Sz^ of the geometric structure of the surface (GSS) after machining with a lens-shaped end-mill in terms of the process parameters adopted in the tests. It was found that the influence of the ft on the Sa and Sz^ is greater for small values of br. The effect of br is greater with lower ft values. The cutting width br has the greatest influence on Sa and Sz^, and ft and the interaction of these parameters has the least influence.
Impact of the Severity of Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome on the Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Nakamura Makiko , Imamura Teruhiko , Ueno Hiroshi , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives: Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) develops not only in patients with durable ventricular assist devices but also in patients receiving temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS). However, its prognostic implication remains unknown. Materials and Methods: Patients who received temporary MCS in our institute between August 2018 and September 2021 were included in this prospective study and the von Willebrand factor multimer analyses were performed following the initiation of temporary MCS supports. The von Willebrand factor large-multimer index was calculated as a normalized ratio of large-multimer proportion among total von Willebrand factor. Association between the large-multimer index and the 30-day survival was investigated. Results: A total of 31 patients (69 years old, 52% men) were included. Median large-multimer index was 63.0% (56.9%, 75.6%). The index was lowest in patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation than those receiving support from other devices. A lower index (<59.9%) was associated with lower 30-day survival (41.7% versus 94.7%, p = 0.001) with an odds ratio 0.044 (95% confidence interval 0.002–0.805, p = 0.035) adjusted for other potential confounders. Conclusions: An advanced AVWS was associated with lower short-term survival in patients with temporary MCS. The clinical implication of AVWS-guided temporary MCS management remains the next concern.
Effect of Ion Selectivity on Current Production in Sewage Microbial Fuel Cell Separators
Authors: Itoshiro Ryoya , Yoshida Naoko , Yagi Toshiyuki , Kakihana Yuriko , Higa Mitsuru
Published: February 2022

This study compared the performance of two microbial fuel cells (MFCs) equipped with separators of anion or cation exchange membranes (AEMs or CEMs) for sewage wastewater treatment. Under chemostat feeding of sewage wastewater (hydraulic retention time of approximately 7 h and polarization via an external resistance of 1 Ω), the MFCs with AEM (MFCAEM) generated a maximum current that was 4–5 times greater than that generated by the MFC with CEM (MFCCEM). The high current in the MFCAEM was attributed to the approximately neutral pH of its cathode, in contrast to the extremely high pH of the MFCCEM cathode. Due to the elimination of the pH imbalance, the cathode resistance for the MFCAEM (13–19 Ω·m2) was lower than that for the MFCCEM (41–44 Ω·m2). The membrane resistance measured as the Cl− mobility of AEMs for the MFCAEM operated for 35, 583, and 768 days showed an increase with operation time and depth, and this increase contributed minimally to the cathode resistance of the MFCAEM. These results indicate the advantage of the AEM over the CEM for air-cathode MFCs. The membrane resistance may increase when the AEM is applied in large-scale MFCs on a meter scale for extended periods.
Scramblases as Regulators of Proteolytic ADAM Function
Authors: Reiss Karina , Leitzke Sinje , Seidel Jana , Sperrhacke Maria , Bhakdi Sucharit
Published: February 2022

Proteolytic ectodomain release is a key mechanism for regulating the function of many cell surface proteins. The sheddases ADAM10 and ADAM17 are the best-characterized members of the family of transmembrane disintegrin-like metalloproteinase. Constitutive proteolytic activities are low but can be abruptly upregulated via inside-out signaling triggered by diverse activating events. Emerging evidence indicates that the plasma membrane itself must be assigned a dominant role in upregulation of sheddase function. Data are discussed that tentatively identify phospholipid scramblases as central players during these events. We propose that scramblase-dependent externalization of the negatively charged phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) plays an important role in the final activation step of ADAM10 and ADAM17. In this manuscript, we summarize the current knowledge on the interplay of cell membrane changes, PS exposure, and proteolytic activity of transmembrane proteases as well as the potential consequences in the context of immune response, infection, and cancer. The novel concept that scramblases regulate the action of ADAM-proteases may be extendable to other functional proteins that act at the cell surface.
The State-of-the-Art Functionalized Nanomaterials for Carbon Dioxide Separation Membrane
Authors: Wong Kar Chun , Goh Pei Sean , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Kang Hooi Siang , Guo Qingjie , Jiang Xiaoxia , Ma Jingjing
Published: February 2022

Nanocomposite membrane (NCM) is deemed as a practical and green separation solution which has found application in various fields, due to its potential to delivery excellent separation performance economically. NCM is enabled by nanofiller, which comes in a wide range of geometries and chemical features. Despite numerous advantages offered by nanofiller incorporation, fabrication of NCM often met processing issues arising from incompatibility between inorganic nanofiller and polymeric membrane. Contemporary, functionalization of nanofiller which modify the surface properties of inorganic material using chemical agents is a viable approach and vigorously pursued to refine NCM processing and improve the odds of obtaining a defect-free high-performance membrane. This review highlights the recent progress on nanofiller functionalization employed in the fabrication of gas-separative NCMs. Apart from the different approaches used to obtain functionalized nanofiller (FN) with good dispersion in solvent and polymer matrix, this review discusses the implication of functionalization in altering the structure and chemical properties of nanofiller which favor interaction with specific gas species. These changes eventually led to the enhancement in the gas separation efficiency of NCMs. The most frequently used chemical agents are identified for each type of gas. Finally, the future perspective of gas-separative NCMs are highlighted.
Effects of Long-Term Service on Microstructure and Impact Toughness of the Weld Metal and Heat-Affected Zone in CrMoV Steel Joints
Authors: Sun Qixing , Li Xiaogang , Li Kejian , Cai Zhipeng , Han Chaoyu , Li Shanlin , Gao Dangxun , Pan Jiluan
Published: February 2022

The microstructure and impact toughness of weld metals (WMs) and heat-affected zones (HAZs) of a low-alloy CrMoV steel gas turbine rotor which had served for 14 years were investigated. The ex-service joints in the turbine part (serving at 500–540 °C) and the compressor part (serving below 300 °C) of the rotor were selected for comparative research. The microstructure of the WMs and HAZs between the turbine part and the compressor part was similar, indicating that there was no significant deterioration in microstructure of the turbine part during service. However, compared with the compressor part WM, the impact energy of the turbine part WM decreased significantly, and FATT50 increased greatly. The degraded toughness of turbine part WM was related to more serious intergranular cracking caused by higher segregation level of phosphorus (P) at prior austenite grain (PAG) boundaries. Welding and post-weld heat treatment led to obvious segregation of P at PAG boundaries in WMs, and the segregation of P in turbine part WM was further aggravated during serving at 500–540 °C. Additionally, the inhomogeneous microstructure of the WMs also aggravated the segregation of P. The toughness of the HAZs in both turbine part and compressor part was high, which was because of fine grains. Furthermore, due to there being more grain boundaries and low P content, the segregation of P in HAZs was slight and its adverse effect on the toughness could be ignored.
A Multiple Site Type Nucleation Model and Its Application to the Probabilistic Strength of Pd Nanowires
Authors: Nisany Stav , Mordehai Dan
Published: February 2022

Pristine specimens yield plastically under high loads by nucleating dislocations. Since dislocation nucleation is a thermally activated process, the so-called nucleation-controlled plasticity is probabilistic rather than deterministic, and the distribution of the yield strengths depends on the activation parameters to nucleate. In this work, we develop a model to predict the strength distribution in nucleation-controlled plasticity when there are multiple nucleation site types. We then apply the model to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of Pd nanowires under tension. We found that in Pd nanowires with a rhombic cross-section, nucleation starts from the edges, either with the acute or the obtuse cross-section angles, with a probability that is temperature-dependent. We show that the distribution of the nucleation strain is approximately normal for tensile loading at a constant strain rate. We apply the proposed model and extract the activation parameters for site types from both site types. With additional nudged elastic bands simulations, we propose that the activation entropy, in this case, has a negligible contribution. Additionally, the free-energy barriers obey a power-law with strain, with different exponents, which corresponds to the non-linear elastic deformation of the nanowires. This multiple site type nucleation model is not subjected only to two site types and can be extended to a more complex scenario like specimen with rough surfaces which has a distribution of nucleation sites with different conditions to nucleate dislocations.
Stereocalpin B, a New Cyclic Depsipeptide from the Antarctic Lichen Ramalina terebrata
Authors: Lee Seulah , Jeong Se Yun , Nguyen Dieu Linh , So Jae Eun , Kim Ki Hyun , Kim Ji Hee , Han Se Jong , Suh Sung-Suk , Lee Jun Hyuck , Youn Ui Joung
Published: February 2022

Stereocalpin B, a new cyclic depsipeptide (1), and a new dibenzofuran derivative (3), were isolated from the Antarctic lichen, Ramalina terebrata (Ramalinaceae), along with a known cyclic depsipeptide (2). The structures of new compounds were characterized by comprehensive spectrometric analyses; high-resolution fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (HR-FABMS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Stereocalpin B (1) existed in a rotameric equilibrium, which was confirmed using nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY)/exchange spectroscopy (EXSY) spectrum. Absolute configurations of the amino acid units in 1 were assigned using the advanced Marfey’s method and subsequent NOESY analysis of the 5-hydroxy-2,4-dimethyl-3-oxo-decanoic acid residue confirmed the complete stereochemistry of 1. Compounds 1-3 exhibited moderate antimicrobial activities against E. coli, with the IC50 values ranging from 18–30 μg/mL. Compound 2 exhibited cell growth inhibition against HCT116 cell lines, with the IC50 value of 20 ± 1.20 μM, and compounds 1 and 2 also showed potent anti-inflammatory activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with the IC50 values ranging from 5–7 μM.
Triglycerides/Glucose Index Is Associated with Sperm Parameters and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Primary Infertile Men: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Belladelli Federico , Boeri Luca , Pozzi Edoardo , Fallara Giuseppe , Corsini Christian , Candela Luigi , Cazzaniga Walter , Cignoli Daniele , Pagliardini Luca , D’Arma Alessia , Capogrosso Paolo , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: February 2022

Study question: we aimed to investigate the relationship between the tyg index and both semen and hormonal characteristics in a cohort of primary infertile men. Summary answer: almost one in two primary infertile men presented with a triglycerides/glucose index (tyg) suggestive of insulin resistance (ir). overall, patients with tyg suggestive of ir showed worse clinical, hormonal, and semen parameters. What is already known: male factor infertility (MFI) is often associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, where insulin resistance (IR) plays a relevant pathological role. Recently, TyG has been suggested as a user-friendly IR marker. Study Design: serum hormones and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDF) were measured in every patient. The semen analysis was based on 2010 WHO reference criteria. Glucose and insulin levels were measured for every man after a 12-h overnight fast, and the homeostatic model assessment index (HOMA-IR) was then calculated and categorized using a 2.6 threshold. Similarly, fasting glucose and triglycerides levels were measured and the TyG index was calculated and categorized using an 8.1 threshold. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between the TyG and semen and hormonal characteristics. Participants: complete demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from 726 consecutive white European primary infertile men were considered for this analysis. Main results and the role of chance: the median (IQR) age was 39 (35–43) years. A TyG and HOMA suggestive for IR was found in 339 (46.6%) and 154 (21.2%) men, respectively. During the Spearman’s test, the TyG index was highly correlated with HOMA-IR (rho = 0.46, p < 0.001). Compared to men with a normal TyG, men with TyG > 8.1 were older, had greater BMI and CCI scores, and lower total testosterone and sperm concentration, but higher DFI, and presented a greater proportion of NOA (all p < 0.01). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that men with TyG > 8.1 were at higher risk of SDF > 30 (OR 1.92 (CI: 1.2–2.9)) and NOA (OR 1.78 (CI: 1.1–2.8)). Wider implications of the findings: the Tyng index may act as a reliable marker of IR in the clinical work-up of primary infertile men in real-life settings.
Integrative Analysis of Metabolome and Transcriptome Reveals the Mechanism of Color Formation in Liriope spicata Fruit
Authors: Gan Sichen , Zheng Gang , Zhu Shoukuo , Qian Jieyu , Liang Lijun
Published: February 2022

Liriope spicata is an important ornamental ground cover plant, with a fruit color that turns from green to black during the development and ripening stages. However, the material basis and regulatory mechanism of the color variation remains unclear. In this study, a total of 31 anthocyanins and 2 flavonols were identified from the skin of L. spicata fruit via integrative analysis on the metabolome and transcriptome of three developmental stages. The pigments of black/mature fruits are composed of five common anthocyanin compounds, of which Peonidin 3–O–rutinoside and Delphinidin 3–O–glucoside are the most differential metabolites for color conversion. Using dual-omics joint analysis, the mechanism of color formation was obtained as follows. The expression of structural genes including 4CL, F3H, F3′H, F3′5′H and UFGT were activated due to the upregulation of transcription factor genes MYB and bHLH. As a result, a large amount of precursor substances for the synthesis of flavonoids accumulated. After glycosylation, stable pigments were generated which promoted the accumulation of anthocyanins and the formation of black skin.
Fabrication of Metal-Insulator-Metal Nanostructures Composed of Au-MgF2-Au and Its Potential in Responding to Two Different Factors in Sample Solutions Using Individual Plasmon Modes
Authors: Yamada Hirotaka , Kawasaki Daiki , Sueyoshi Kenji , Hisamoto Hideaki , Endo Tatsuro
Published: February 2022

In this paper, metal–insulator–metal (MIM) nanostructures, which were designed to exhibit two absorption peaks within 500–1100 nm wavelength range, were fabricated using magnesium difluoride (MgF2) as the insulator layer. Since the MIM nanostructures have two plasmon modes corresponding to the absorption peaks, they independently responded to the changes in two phases: the surrounding medium and the inside insulator layer, the structure is expected to obtain multiple information from sample solution: refractive index (RI) and molecular interaction between solution components and the insulator layer. The fabricated MIM nanostructure had a diameter of 139.6 ± 2.8 nm and a slope of 70°, and exhibited absorption peaks derived from individual plasmon modes at the 719 and 907 nm wavelengths. The evaluation of the response to surrounding solution component of the MIM nanostructures revealed a linear response of one plasmon mode toward the RI of the surrounding medium and a large blue shift of the other plasmon mode under conditions where glycerol was present at high concentration. From optical simulation and the evaluation of the MgF2 fabricated by deposition, the blue shift was expected to be due to the swelling of MgF2 interacting with the hydroxyl groups abundantly included in the glycerol molecules. The results indicated the individual responses of two plasmon modes in MIM nanostructures toward medium components, and brought the prospect for the simultaneous measurement of multiple elements using two or more plasmon modes.
Paleoenvironmental Implications of Authigenic Magnesian Clay Formation Sequences in the Barra Velha Formation (Santos Basin, Brazil)
Authors: Netto Paulo R. A. , Pozo Manuel , da Silva Maurício Dias , Gomes Márcia Elisa Boscato , Mexias André , Ramnani Camila Wense , Parizek-Silva Yaro , Borghi Leonardo , Rios-Netto Aristóteles de Moraes
Published: February 2022

The characterization of Mg-clays in rock samples (well P1) from the Barra Velha Formation (Early Cretaceous) allowed the establishment of mineral assemblages on the basis of their kerolite and Mg-smectite (stevensite and saponite) content. Kerolite-rich assemblages (A and B) rarely contain saponite. Assemblage B is composed of kerolite-stevensite mixed layers, while assemblage A consists of more than 95% kerolite. Mg-smectite-rich assemblages (C and CB) are made up of both Mg-smectites. The predominance of stevensite in the lower interval of the stratigraphic succession suggests evaporative conditions, higher salinity and pH, which would favor its authigenesis by neoformation. In the upper portion, the occurrence of thick kerolite-rich intervals suggests regular water inputs, contributing with a decreasing in salinity and pH, favoring the neoformation of kerolite and later kerolite-stevensite mixed layering. The saponite would be the result of the transformation from Al-smectite into Mg-smectite in a Mg2+ rich medium. The results indicate that lake hydrochemical processes would have allowed the establishment of a basic depositional sequence, from base to top, as follows: (i) initial lake expansion stage marked by the occurrence of saponite, (ii) later kerolite neoformation, (iii) formation of kerolite-stevensite mixed layer with increasing salinity, and (iv) neoformation of stevensite, marking a final stage of maximum salinity (evaporation) and alkalinity of the lake.
Physicochemical Characteristics of Biofuel Briquettes Made from Pecan (Carya illinoensis) Pericarp Wastes of Different Particle Sizes
Authors: Ngangyo Heya Maginot , Romo Hernández Ana Leticia , Foroughbakhch Pournavab Rahim , Ibarra Pintor Luis Fernando , Díaz-Jiménez Lourdes , Heya Michel Stéphane , Salas Cruz Lidia Rosaura , Carrillo Parra Artemio
Published: February 2022

Pecan nut (Carya illinoensis) pericarp is usually considered as a waste, with no or low value applications. Its potential as a densified solid biofuel has been evaluated, searching for alternatives to generating quality renewable energy and reducing polluting emissions in the atmosphere, based on particle size, that is an important feedstock property. Therefore, agro-industrial residues from the pecan nut harvest were collected, milled and sieved to four different granulometry: 1.6 mm (N° 12), 0.84 mm (N° 20), 0.42 mm (N° 40), and 0.25 mm (N° 60), used as raw material for biofuel briquette production. The carbon and oxygen functional groups in the base material were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proximate analyses were performed following international standards, for determining the moisture content, volatile materials, fixed carbon, ash content, and calorific value. For the biofuel briquettes made from base material of different particle sizes, the physical characteristics (density, hardness, swelling, and impact resistance index) and energy potential (calorific value) were determined to define their quality as a biofuel. The physical transformation of the pecan pericarp wastes into briquettes improved its quality as a solid biofuel, with calorific values from around 17.00 MJ/kg for the base material to around 18.00 MJ/kg for briquettes, regardless of particle size. Briquettes from sieve number 40 had the highest density (1.25 g/cm3). Briquettes from sieve number 60 (finest particles) presented the greater hardness (99.85). The greatest susceptibility to swelling (0.31) was registered for briquettes with the largest particle size (sieve number 20). The IRI was 200 for all treatments.
The main criteria of dental morbidity in children under seven years of age living in regions with different fluoride content in drinking water
Authors: Kiselnikova L. P. , Toma E. I. , Kiriyak S. O.
Published: February 2022

Relevance. Early caries is one of the most prevalent childhood diseases worldwide. Up to 32% of three-year-olds have tooth decay, the prevalence of caries in 6-7-year-old children in different cities of Russia increases to 65%, while 55.7% of children have caries of permanent teeth. In order to improve the quality of dental care, it is necessary to receive information about the prevalence and intensity of dental diseases, taking into account medical geography. Purpose – to assess caries and fluorosis incidence rate in primary teeth, to determine the hygiene index and the level of dental care for children under seven years old living in regions with different fluoride concentrations in drinking water.Materials and methods. The study conducted dental examinations of 150 children living in the South-Eastern Administrative District of Moscow aged 1 to 6 years and of 200 children living in Krasnogorsk aged 1 to 6 years. The study included the patients based on the developed inclusion criteria and informed voluntary parent consent. We entered the data into the registration card, which noted the dental formula, the prevalence and intensity of caries, the hygiene index according to Fedorov-Volodkina, the level of dental care according to P.A. Leus (1987).Results. Children living in an area with a low fluoride concentration in drinking water show the first signs of caries by the first year of age, then there is a significant increase, observed in the group of 3and 6-year-olds. The prevalence of caries in 1-year-old children living in an endemic focus of fluorosis is almost two times lower than in children living in an area with a reduced content of fluorides in drinking water, in 3-4-year-old children – 1.5 times lower, and in 5-6-year-old children 2 times lower. Along with this, 16-year-old children living in the focus of endemic fluorosis, Krasnogorsk, Moscow region, revealed fluorosis of primary teeth with a prevalence of 27%.Conclusions. The results indicates the need to increase the frequency and quality of patient education and increase the level of dental care.
HUBUNGAN SANITASI RUMAH DENGAN KEJADIAN TUBERKULOSIS PARU DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS II DENPASAR BARAT
Authors: Tria Meriyanti Ni Komang Ayu , Sudiadnyana I Wayan
Published: February 2022

Abstract : Tuberculosis is an infectious disease of human caused by a species of mycrobacterium mainly infecting the lungs. Mycrobacterium germs are easy to breed in places with poor environmental conditions poor home conditions influenced by sanitation. The porpused of this study to find out the relation of house sanitation with the incidence of tuberculosis in the working area of Puskesmas II West Denpasar. This research is an observation research with case control. Variables in house sanitation namely the level of lighting, humidity, ventilation, temperature and density. The data obtained were tested by chi square test obtained result correlation lighting level (p value = 0,000), humidity (p value = 0,000), ventilation (p value = 0,000) temperature (p value = 0,066) and density (p value = 0,472) with incidence of tuberculosis in working area of Puskesmas II West Denpasar in 2018. It is recommended that homeowners open windows regularly to prevent TB transmission