bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypergammaglobulinemia before Starting DAA Therapy Is A Strong Predictor of Disease Progression in Cirrhotic Patients Even after HCV Clearance
Authors: Franzè Maria , Filomia Roberto , Caccamo Gaia , Pitrone Concetta , Alibrandi Angela , Saitta Carlo , Caspanello Amalia , Asero Clelia , Arcadi Vittoria , Raimondo Giovanni , Cacciola Irene
Published: November 2022

The predictive factors of long-term clinical benefits in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)—related liver cirrhosis after Direct Antiviral Agents (DAA) treatment are still undefined. The aim of this study was to identify any predictors of liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and/or death in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis who achieved the sustained virological response (SVR). To this purpose, 324 consecutive cirrhotic patients who started DAA treatment from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up for a median time of 63 months (range 19–77) through clinical/biochemical/instrumental examinations performed at baseline and after stopping the DAA treatment. At the end of the evaluation, 230 (71%) individuals showed stable clinical liver disease over time, 43 (13.3%) developed HCC, and 24 (7.4%) developed hepatic decompensation without HCC. Overall, 49 (15,1%) patients died. Multivariate regression analysis showed that hepatic decompensation was significantly associated with at baseline older age, higher liver stiffness, higher spleen longitudinal size values and hypergammaglobulinemia (p = 0.003, p = 0.005, p = 0.001, p = 0.029, respectively). HCC development was significantly associated with hypergammaglobulinemia (p < 0.001). Death was associated with older age and hypergammaglobulinemia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). Finally, survival analysis confirmed that patients with gamma globulin levels ≥ 1.8 gr/dl had a significantly higher risk of death compared to those with gamma globulin levels < 1.8 gr/dl (p < 0.001). In conclusion, hypergammaglobulinemia before starting DAA therapy represents a strong predictor of hepatic decompensation, HCC and death in cirrhotic patients even after HCV clearance.
Speckle Contrast as Retinal Tissue Integrity Biomarker in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus with No Retinopathy
Authors: Orduna-Hospital Elvira , Arcas-Carbonell Maria , Sanchez-Cano Ana , Pinilla Isabel , Consejo Alejandra
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To study the retinal and choroidal layers in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) without diabetic retinopathy (DR), using speckle contrast of optical coherence tomography (OCT) images as a tissue biomarker in comparison with healthy subjects. Methods: OCT Spectralis images of 148 eyes, 84 from DM1 patients without DR signs, and 64 belonging to the control group, were collected. The speckle contrast and thickness of the inner retinal layer (IRL), the outer retinal layer (ORL), and the choroidal layer in the nasal parafoveal area (N3), were prospectively analyzed. Results: A statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) in the IRL thickness between groups was observed, being thicker in the DM1 group. There were no differences in the ORL and choroidal thicknesses between groups. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.02) in the IRL speckle contrast was obtained, being lower in the DM1 group. The maximum speckle contrast was reached in the ORL for both groups, although in the DM1 group, it occurs closer to the choroid, at 64 ± 8 μm (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were found in speckle contrast and thickness between the control and the DM1 group, suggesting an IRL alteration of DM1 patients, supporting the retinal neurodegeneration before DR signs are observed.
Air Pollution and Maximum Temperature Are Associated with Neurodevelopmental Regressive Events in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Frye Richard , Cakir Janet , McCarty Patrick , Rose Shannon , Delhey Leanna , Palmer Raymond , Austin Christine , Curtin Paul , Yitshak-sade Maayan , Arora Manish
Published: November 2022

Neurodevelopmental regression (NDR) is an enigmatic event associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during which a child loses previously acquired skills and develops ASD symptoms. In some, a trigger which precedes the NDR event, such as a fever, can be identified, but in many cases no trigger is obvious. We hypothesize that air pollution (PM2.5) may trigger NDR, especially in those children without an identified trigger. Average daily PM2.5, ozone, precipitation and maximum temperature (Tmax) were derived from Environmental Protection Agency models and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration monitors based on zip-code information from 83 ASD participants during the six-weeks following the onset month of an NDR event and a reference period defined as one year before and one year after the event. Seasonally adjusted logistic regression (LR) and linear mixed models (LMM) compared cases (with a history of NDR) and matched controls (without a history of NDR). LR models found that the risk of NDR was related to higher PM2.5 during 3 to 6 weeks of the NDR event period, particularly in those without a trigger. Overall, both models converged on NDR being related to a higher PM2.5 and lower Tmax both during the NDR event period as well as the reference period, particularly in those without a known trigger. This temporal pattern suggests that environmental triggers, particularly PM2.5, could be related to NDR, especially in those without an identifiable trigger. Further studies to determine the underlying biological mechanism of this observation could help better understand NDR and provide opportunities to prevent NDR.
Surgical Management of an Osteomyelitis Associated Subchondral Bone Defect in the Pediatric Knee Based on Arthroscopy, “Ossoscopy” and Bone Grafting—A Case Report
Authors: Weber Christian , Migliorini Filippo , Delbrück Heide , Hildebrand Frank
Published: November 2022

Subchondral bone defects around the knee joint are uncommon in skeletally immature patients. These lesions require comprehensive management, especially if related to periarticular bacterial infections. While pediatric osteomyelitis typically affects the metaphysis of long bones, the epiphysis is also a potential site for pyogenic osteomyelitis. Long-term sequelae may include growth plate injury and articular cartilage degradation. Primary epiphyseal subacute osteomyelitis is an extremely rare condition, mainly affecting neonates or young infants, as the cartilage of the growth plate generally acts as a barrier for pathogens. Radiographically, the lesions may appear radiolucent or lytic and often demonstrate a substantial perilesional bone marrow edema in MRI studies, but do not primarily contact the articular surface. However, if diagnosis and treatment of epiphyseal infections are delayed or missed, abscess formation may spread into the knee joint and progress to septic arthritis. Approaching a distal femoral epiphyseal lesion or subsequent bone defect surgically may be limited anatomically by both the subchondral plate and articular cartilage on the distal side and the growth plate proximally. Of the few reported cases of epiphyseal osteomyelitis, most underwent non-operative treatment including antibiotic coverage, or (staged) aggressive surgical care involving open curettage, irrigation and bone grafting. We report a novel combination of arthroscopic techniques, namely “ossoscopy”, bone grafting and antibiotics, to approach a large lateral femoral epiphyseal lesion with knee involvement. In this case report, we present a 5-year old male patient with subacute posttraumatic knee pain and a significant bone defect of the lateral femoral epiphysis related to pyogenic osteomyelitis. The knee joint and periarticular bone lesion were both debrided and irrigated based on arthroscopic and ossoscopic techniques.The osseous lesion was filled with bone graft. The single-stage procedure proved to be a viable treatment to restore both the large subchondral bone defect and full knee function. Over a course of two years, no recurrent symptoms, infection or growth disturbances were observed in the individual.
Crosstalk between Blood Vessels and Glia during the Central Nervous System Development
Authors: Tabata Hidenori
Published: November 2022

The formation of proper blood vessel patterns in the central nervous system (CNS) is crucial to deliver oxygen and nutrient to neurons efficiently. At the same time, neurons must be isolated from the outer blood circulation by a specialized structure, the blood–brain barrier (BBB), to maintain the microenvironment of brain parenchyma for the survival of neurons and proper synaptic transmission. To develop this highly organized structure, glial cells, a major component of the brain, have been reported to play essential roles. In this review, the crosstalk between the macroglia, including astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and endothelial cells during the development of CNS will be discussed. First, the known roles of astrocytes in neuro-vascular unit and its development, and then, the requirements of astrocytes for BBB development and maintenance are shown. Then, various genetic and cellular studies revealing the roles of astrocytes in the growth of blood vessels by providing a scaffold, including laminins and fibronectin, as well as by secreting trophic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) are introduced. Finally, the interactions between oligodendrocyte progenitors and blood vessels are overviewed. Although these studies revealed the necessity for proper communication between glia and endothelial cells for CNS development, our knowledge about the detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms for them is still limited. The questions to be clarified in the future are also discussed.
Nutraceutical Preventative and Therapeutic Potential in Neuroblastoma: From Pregnancy to Early Childhood
Authors: Sbaffone Maddalena , Ruggieri Marianna , Sebastiano Michela , Mackay Andrew Reay , Zelli Veronica , Farina Antonietta Rosella , Cappabianca Lucia Annamaria
Published: November 2022

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a highly malignant embryonic extracranial solid tumor that arises from sympathoadrenal neuroblasts of neural crest origin. In addition to genetic factors, NB has been linked to maternal exposure to a variety of substances during pregnancy. Recent interest in the potential of nutrients to prevent cancer and reduce malignancy has resulted in the identification of several nutraceuticals including resveratrol, curcumin, and molecular components of garlic, which together with certain vitamins may help to prevent NB development. As NBs arise during fetal development and progress during early childhood, specific NB inhibiting nutraceuticals and vitamins could enhance the preventative influence of maternal nutrition and breast feeding on the development and early progression of NB. In this article, we review NB inhibitory nutraceuticals and vitamins, their mechanisms of action and expound their potential as maternal nutritional supplements to reduce NB development and progression during fetal growth and early childhood, whilst at the same time enhancing maternal, fetal, and infant health.
Preliminary Free Energy Map of Prebiotic Compounds Formed from CO2, H2 and H2S
Authors: Kua Jeremy , Miller Nicole A.
Published: November 2022

What kinds of CHOS compounds might be formed in a prebiotic milieu by reducing CO2 in the presence of H2 and H2S? How might the presence of sulfur influence the chemical composition of the mixture? We explore these questions by using first-principles quantum chemistry to calculate the free energies of CHOS compounds in aqueous solution, by first generating a thermodynamic map of one- and two-carbon species. We find that while thiols are thermodynamically favored, thioesters, thioacids, and thiones are less favorable than their non-sulfur counterparts. We then focus on the key role played by mercaptoacetaldehyde in sulfur analogs of the autocatalytic formose reaction, whereby the thiol group introduces asymmetry and potential thermodynamic selectivity of some compounds over others.
Alkylation of Tetralin with Butene/Propylene Catalyzed by Ionic Liquid and Its Lubricating Properties
Authors: Fu Jiajia , Chen Chen , Tang Qiong , Xu Hong , Liu Lei , Dong Jinxiang
Published: November 2022

Alkyltetralins similar to naphthenic base oil were successfully synthesized by Friedel–Crafts alkylation of tetralin with short-chain α-olefins (C3/C4), where the applied chemical feedstock could be obtained from coal chemical industry with ease. The Et3NHCl-AlCl3 ionic liquid (IL) as catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance for alkylation of tetralin with n-butene or propylene. The reaction conditions were investigated in detail to achieve the high selectivity toward multi-alkyltetralins, and the selectivity for multi-alkyltetralins could reach as high as 90% with the complete conversion of tetralin. For comparison, three alkyltetralins with various side-chain alkyl groups and number of side-chains on tetralin were isolated, which behaved as lubricating base oils for investigation. The synthetic oils exhibited an excellent low temperature fluidity, and good potential for compatibility with additives. Di-propyltetralins (DPT) and di-butyltetralins (DBT) displayed the lower friction and wear values than mono-butyltetralins (MBT), which had comparable tribological properties to the commercial naphthenic base oil 4006 (N4006).
Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Coatings Based on Cu-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles into Microcellulose Matrix
Authors: Bușilă Mariana , Mușat Viorica , Dinică Rodica , Tutunaru Dana , Pantazi Aida , Dorobantu Dorel , Culiță Daniela C. , Enăchescu Marius
Published: November 2022

The paper presents a successful, simple method for the preparation and deposition of new hybrid Cu-doped ZnO/microcellulose coatings on textile fibers, directly from cellulose aqueous solution. The morphological, compositional, and structural properties of the obtained materials were investigated using different characterization methods, such as SEM-EDX, XRD, Raman and FTIR, as well as BET surface area measurements. The successful doping of ZnO NPs with Cu was confirmed by the EDX and Raman analysis. As a result of Cu doping, the hybrid NPs experienced a phase change from ZnO to (Zn0.9Cu0.1)O, as shown by the XRD results. All the hybrid NPs exhibited a high degree of crystallinity, as revealed by the very sharp reflections in XRD patterns and suggested also by the Raman results. The evaluation of the very low copper-doping (0.1–1 at.%) effect has shown different behavior trends of the hybrid coatings compared with the starting oxide NPs, for MB and MO photodegradation. Continuous increases up to 92% and 60% for MB and MO degradation, respectively, were obtained at maximum 1 at.%-Cu doping coatings. Strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli were observed.
Mixed Ionic and Electronic Conduction in TeO2-ZnO-V2O5 Glasses towards Good Dielectric Features
Authors: Mechrgui Imen , Ben Gouider Trabelsi Amira , Alkallas Fatemah. H. , Nasri Saber , Elhouichet Habib
Published: November 2022

The melt-quenching technique was used to synthesize tellurite glasses of the chemical composition 80TeO2-(20-x) ZnO-xV2O5. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate the amorphous nature of the prepared glasses. Raman and FTIR measurements demonstrate a progressive substitution of the Te-O-Te linkages by the Te-O-V bridges and the formation of VO4 and VO5 units by a change of the vanadium coordination due to the higher number of oxygens incorporated by further addition of V2O5. The AC conductivity was investigated in the frequency range of 40 Hz to 107 Hz between 473 K to 573 K. A good coherence of the AC conductivity was found using a model correlating the barrier hopping (CPH) and the dominant conduction process changes from ionic to polaronic with the addition of V2O5. The dielectric constant exhibits high values in the range of lower and medium frequencies. Both variations of the electric modulus and the dielectric loss parameters with frequency and temperature showed a relaxation character mainly assigned to the vanadate phases. The electric modulus displays a non-Debye dielectric dispersion and a relaxation process. The present results open the door to future zinc-tellurite glasses-doped vanadium exploitation as a potential electrolyte-based material for solid-state batteries.
The Influence of Graphene Oxide Composition on Properties of Surface-Modified Metal Electrodes
Authors: Festinger Natalia , Kisielewska Aneta , Burnat Barbara , Ranoszek-Soliwoda Katarzyna , Grobelny Jarosław , Koszelska Kamila , Guziejewski Dariusz , Smarzewska Sylwia
Published: November 2022

The present paper describes the effect of the concentration of two graphene oxides (with different oxygen content) in the modifier layer on the electrochemical and structural properties of noble metal disk electrodes used as working electrodes in voltammetry. The chemistry of graphene oxides was tested using EDS, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and combustion analysis. The structural properties of the obtained modifier layers were examined by means of scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was employed for comparative electrochemical studies.
Modeling of Hydrogen Diffusion in Inhomogeneous Steel Welded Joints
Authors: Rudskoi Andrei I. , Karkhin Victor A. , Starobinskii Egor B. , Parshin Sergey G.
Published: November 2022

Hydrogen is a main factor in cold cracking or hydrogen-induced cracking. The most crack susceptible region of a steel welded joint is the heat affected zone (HAZ). The formulation and functional-analytical solution of the one-dimensional problem of hydrogen diffusion in an inhomogeneous butt-welded joint considering weld and joint dimensions and initial hydrogen distribution as well as hydrogen diffusion coefficients and solubilities are presented. It is shown that the peak hydrogen concentration in the HAZ of inhomogeneous joints varies in direct proportion to the initial hydrogen concentration in the weld metal. It is inversely proportional to the ratio of hydrogen solubilities in the weld metal and the HAZ metal and is nonlinear in the diffusion coefficient ratio of these metals. The peak hydrogen concentration in the HAZ can exceed 170% of the average initial concentration in the joint if martensitic steel is welded using low-carbon low-alloy welding consumables. The utilization of austenitic consumables leads to a dramatic reduction in the hydrogen concentration in the HAZ in comparison with the non-austenitic consumables. No direct relationship was found between the hydrogen concentration in the HAZ and the hydrogen evolution from the joint surface.
Dual-Square-Split-Ring-Enclosed Microstrip-Based Sensor for Noninvasive Label-Free Detection
Authors: Siddiky Air Mohammad , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Abdullah Sabirin , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Al-Mugren K. S.
Published: November 2022

In this article, we present the use of a metamaterial-incorporated microwave-based sensor with a single port network for material characterization. The proposed sensor consists of a microstrip patch layer enclosed with a dual-square-shaped metamaterial split-ring. This structure has the dimensions of 20 × 20 × 1.524 mm3 and a copper metallic layer is placed on a Rogers RT 6002 with a partial back layer as a ground. Two resonant frequencies are exhibited for applied electromagnetic interaction using a transmission line. The dual split rings increase the compactness and accumulation of the electromagnetic field on the surface of the conducting layer to improve the sensitivity of the sensor. The numerical studies are carried out using a CST high-frequency microwave simulator. The validation of the proposed sensor is performed with an equivalent circuit model in ADS and numerical high-frequency simulator HFSS. The material under test placed on the proposed sensor shows good agreement with the frequency deviation for different permittivity variations. Different substrates are analyzed as a host medium of the sensor for parametric analysis.
Existence and Uniqueness of a Curve with Both Minimal Length and Minimal Area
Authors: Fuxman Ariel , Gul Shai
Published: November 2022

Consider the family of generalized parabolas {y=−axr+c|a,r,c,x>0,risafixedconstant} that pass through a given point in the first quadrant (and hence, depend on one parameter only). Find the parameter values for which the piece of the corresponding parabola in the first quadrant either encloses a minimum area, or has a minimum length. We find a sufficient condition under which given the fixed point, the area minimizing curve and the length minimizing curve coincide. The problem led us to a certain implicit function and we explored its asymptotic behavior and convexity.
Marine Macrolides to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mamada Sukamto S. , Nainu Firzan , Masyita Ayu , Frediansyah Andri , Utami Rifka Nurul , Salampe Mirnawati , Emran Talha Bin , Lima Clara Mariana Gonçalves , Chopra Hitesh , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: November 2022

Tuberculosis has become a major health problem globally. This is worsened by the emergence of resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis showing ability to evade the effectiveness of the current antimycobacterial therapies. Therefore, the efforts carried out to explore new entities from many sources, including marine, are critical. This review summarizes several marine-derived macrolides that show promising activity against M. tuberculosis. We also provide information regarding the biosynthetic processes of marine macrolides, including the challenges that are usually experienced in this process. As most of the studies reporting the antimycobacterial activities of the listed marine macrolides are based on in vitro studies, the future direction should consider expanding the trials to in vivo and clinical trials. In addition, in silico studies should also be explored for a quick screening on marine macrolides with potent activities against mycobacterial infection. To sum up, macrolides derived from marine organisms might become therapeutical options for tackling antimycobacterial resistance of M. tuberculosis.
Development and Survival of Human Ovarian Cells in Chitosan Hydrogel Micro-Bioreactor
Authors: Labrune Elsa , Fournier Cyrielle , Riche Benjamin , David Laurent , Montembault Alexandra , Collardeau-Frachon Sophie , Benchaib Mehdi , Lornage Jacqueline , Iwaz Jean , Salle Bruno
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: To test the long-term ability of human ovarian cortex cells to develop in unconventional culture conditions. Materials and Methods. Ovarian cortex cells from fetuses aged 23 to 39 weeks gestation were cultured for 90 days in hollow chitosan hydrogel micro-bioreactors and concurrently in traditional wells. Various cell-type counts were considered. Results: With intact follicles as a denominator, the percentage of growing intact follicles at Day 0 varied widely between ovaries (0 to 31.7%). This percentage tended to increase or stay relatively constant in bioreactor as in control cultures; it tended more toward an increase over time in bioreactor vs. control cultures. Modeled percentages showed differences (though not significant) in favor of bioreactor cultures (16.12% difference at D50 but only 0.12% difference at D90). With all follicles present as a denominator, the percentage of growing primary and secondary follicles at D0 varied widely between ovaries (0 to 29.3%). This percentage tended to increase over time in bioreactor cultures but to decrease in control cultures. Modeled percentages showed significant differences in favor of bioreactor cultures (8.9% difference at D50 and 11.1% difference at D90). At D50 and D90, there were only few and sparse apoptotic cells in bioreactor cultures vs. no apoptotic cells in control cultures. Conclusions: Over three months, bioreactor folliculogenesis outperformed slightly traditional culture. This is an interesting perspective for follicle preservation and long-term toxicological studies.
Osteoclast and Sclerostin Expression in Osteocytes in the Femoral Head with Risedronate Therapy in Patients with Hip Fractures: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Lee Hwan-Hee , Choi Eun-Yong , Jun Hyun-Sik , Kim Young-Yul
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: The majority of research on the effects of osteoporosis drugs has measured the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and femur through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and compared and analyzed the effects of the drugs through changes in the BMD values. This study aims to compare osteoclast and sclerostin expression in osteocytes after risedronate therapy by obtaining femoral heads from patients with hip fractures. Materials and Methods: We obtained the femoral heads of 10 female patients (age: ≥65 years) who received risedronate therapy for at least 1 year through hip arthroplasty during 2019–2021 (risedronate group). Meanwhile, 10 patients who had never received osteoporosis treatment were selected as controls using propensity scores with age, body mass index, and bone density as covariates (control group). While the osteoclast count was evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, the sclerostin expression in osteocytes was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Moreover, Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed for receptor activation of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), RANK, osteoprotegerin (OPG), sclerostin, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2). Results: TRAP staining revealed significantly more TRAP-positive cells in the control group (131.75 ± 27.16/mm2) than in the risedronate group (28.00 ± 8.12/mm2). Moreover, sclerostin-positive osteocytes were expressed more in the control group (364.12 ± 28.12/mm2) than in the risedronate group (106.93 ± 12.85/mm2). Western blotting revealed that the expressions of RANKL, RANK, sclerostin, and BMP2 were higher in the control group than in the risedronate group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, RANK, sclerostin, and OPG protein levels were higher in the control group than in the risedronate group. Conclusions: In this study, the risedronate group demonstrated lower osteoclast activity and sclerostin expression in osteocytes in the femoral head than the control group.
Comment on Zamfir et al. Hematologic Malignancies Diagnosed in the Context of the mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: A Report of Two Cases. Medicina 2022, 58, 874
Authors: Çınar Olgu Erkin , Erdoğdu Batuhan , Karadeniz Mine , Ünal Sercan , Malkan Ümit Yavuz , Göker Hakan , Haznedaroğlu İbrahim Celalettin
Published: November 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mRNA-based vaccines have prevented countless mortality and morbidity, and have an excellent risk/benefit ratio. However, various adverse events may rarely occur after the BNT162b2 vaccine, like any other medical intervention. The COVID-19 itself and the spike protein produced endogenously by mRNA vaccines may have immunological, microenvironmental, prothrombotic, and neoplastic effects. As a contribution to the published report, we would like to share our experience regarding four cases in which myeloid neoplasms emerged following the vaccination. Conclusions: There is no doubt that vaccination could continue along the lines of established universal recommendations. Meanwhile, all hematological adverse events must be closely monitored and reported. Further efforts should be focused on the probable pathobiological mechanisms and causalities of spike protein-related toxicity and clonal myeloid disorders.
Reply to Çınar et al. Comment on “Zamfir et al. Hematologic Malignancies Diagnosed in the Context of the mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: A Report of Two Cases. Medicina 2022, 58, 874”
Authors: Caruntu Ana , Caruntu Constantin , Scheau Cristian
Published: November 2022

We would like to thank Çınar et al. for their appreciation and insightful discussions presented in their comment [...]
Ionic Liquid-Mediated Interfacial Polymerization for Fabrication of Reverse Osmosis Membranes
Authors: Verma Nisha , Chen Lexin , Fu Qinyi , Wu Skyler , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: November 2022

This study revealed the effects of incorporating ionic liquid (IL) molecules: 1-ethyl, 1-butyl, and 1-octyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chlorides with different alkyl chain lengths, in interfacial polymerization (IP) on the structure and property (i.e., permeate-flux and salt rejection ratio) relationships of resulting RO membranes. The IL additive was added in the aqueous meta-phenylene diamine (MPD; 0.1% w/v) phase, which was subsequently reacted with trimesoyl chloride (TMC; 0.004% w/v) in the hexane phase to produce polyamide (PA) barrier layer. The structure of resulting free-standing PA thin films was characterized by grazing incidence wide-angle X-rays scattering (GIWAXS), which results were correlated with the performance of thin-film composite RO membranes having PA barrier layers prepared under the same IP conditions. Additionally, the membrane surface properties were characterized by zeta potential and water contact angle measurements. It was found that the membrane prepared by the longer chain IL molecule generally showed lower salt rejection ratio and higher permeation flux, possibly due to the inclusion of IL molecules in the PA scaffold. This hypothesis was supported by the GIWAXS results, where a self-assembled surfactant-like structure formed by IL with the longest aliphatic chain length was detected.
Effect of H2 on Blast Furnace Ironmaking: A Review
Authors: Lan Chenchen , Hao Yuejun , Shao Jiannan , Zhang Shuhui , Liu Ran , Lyu Qing
Published: November 2022

Under the background of “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutralization”, the green transformation of iron and steel enterprises is imminent. The hydrogen-rich smelting technology of blast furnaces is very important for reducing energy consumption and CO2 emission in ironmaking systems, and it is one of the important directions of green and low-carbon development of iron and steel enterprises. In this paper, the research status of the thermal state, reduction mechanism of iron-bearing burden, coke degradation behavior, and formation of the cohesive zone in various areas of blast furnace after hydrogen-rich smelting is summarized, which can make a more clear and comprehensive understanding for the effect of H2 on blast furnace ironmaking. Meanwhile, based on the current research situation, it is proposed that the following aspects should be further studied in the hydrogen-rich smelting of blast furnaces: (1) the utilization rate of hydrogen and degree of substitution for direct reduction, (2) combustion behavior of fuel in raceway, (3) control of gas flow distribution in the blast furnace, (4) operation optimization of the blast furnace.
Microstructure of Joints Processed by Ultrasonic Consolidation of Nickel Sheets
Authors: Shayakhmetova Elvina , Murzinova Mariya , Zadorozhniy Vasiliy , Nazarov Ayrat
Published: November 2022

Ultrasonic consolidation is an advanced process of sequential solid-state joining of metal foils or sheets by ultrasonic welding. This process was used for joining six sheets of nickel with a thickness of 0.2 mm. Ultrasonic consolidation was accompanied by the formation of wear particles between the sheets. The appearance of microbonds between the sheet surface and the wear particles led to the formation of parallel rows of voids and swirl-like patterns near the interfaces. It was shown that ultrasonic consolidation of nickel sheets led to the formation of fine recrystallized grains near contact surfaces and a subgrain structure in the bulk of the consolidated layers. The microstructural changes were accompanied by an increase in the microhardness of nickel from 1567 MPa in the initial sheet to 2065 and 2400 MPa, respectively, in the bulk and joint zones of the consolidated sample. However, significant differences in the microstructure and microhardness of the layers were not revealed, despite the fact that the accumulated plastic deformation and thermal effects were different from layer to layer. This unexpected result was explained by an inhomogeneity of the microstructure of the nickel samples obtained by ultrasonic consolidation and by a possible interplay between ultrasonic residual hardening and softening.
Metabolomic Signatures in Doxorubicin-Induced Metabolites Characterization, Metabolic Inhibition, and Signaling Pathway Mechanisms in Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells
Authors: Ganesan Raja , Prabhakaran Vasantha-Srinivasan , Valsala Gopalakrishnan Abilash
Published: November 2022

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent is used for various cancer cells. To characterize the chemical structural components and metabolic inhibition, we applied a DOX to HCT116 colon cancer cells using an independent metabolites profiling approach. Chemical metabolomics has been involved in the new drug delivery systems. Metabolomics profiling of DOX-applied HCT116 colon cancer cellular metabolisms is rare. We used 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in this study to clarify how DOX exposure affected HCT116 colon cancer cells. Metabolomics profiling in HCT116 cells detects 50 metabolites. Tracking metabolites can reveal pathway activities. HCT116 colon cancer cells were evenly treated with different concentrations of DOX for 24 h. The endogenous metabolites were identified by comparison with healthy cells. We found that acetate, glucose, glutamate, glutamine, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, valine, methionine, and isoleucine were increased. Metabolic expression of alanine, choline, fumarate, taurine, o-phosphocholine, inosine, lysine, and phenylalanine was decreased in HCT116 cancer cells. The metabolic phenotypic expression is markedly altered during a high dose of DOX. It is the first time that there is a metabolite pool and phenotypic expression in colon cancer cells. Targeting the DOX-metabolite axis may be a novel strategy for improving the curative effect of DOX-based therapy for colon cancer cells. These methods facilitate the routine metabolomic analysis of cancer cells.
Ag-Ion-Based Transparent Threshold Switching Selector with Filament-Size-Dependent Rectifying Behavior
Authors: Seo Jongseon , Han Geonhui , Kim Hyejin , Lee Daeseok
Published: November 2022

A metal–insulator–metal-structured Ag-filament-based transparent threshold switch is developed as a selector device for a crossbar array, which can lead to high-density integration of advanced memory devices. Both threshold switching and rectifying behavior were achieved based on sensitive control of the filament size. Conduction mechanism analyses demonstrated that the rectifying behavior resulted from the Schottky barrier at the interface. From the threshold switching, including the rectifying behavior, the available crossbar array size is 105-times larger.
A Review of Electrically Driven Soft Actuators for Soft Robotics
Authors: Ma Zhaoqi , Sameoto Dan
Published: November 2022

In recent years, the field of soft robotics has gained much attention by virtue of its aptness to work in certain environments unsuitable for traditional rigid robotics. Along with the uprising field of soft robotics is the increased attention to soft actuators which provide soft machines the ability to move, manipulate, and deform actively. This article provides a focused review of various high-performance and novel electrically driven soft actuators due to their fast response, controllability, softness, and compactness. Furthermore, this review aims to act as a reference guide for building electrically driven soft machines. The focus of this paper lies on the actuation principle of each type of actuator, comprehensive performance comparison across different actuators, and up-to-date applications of each actuator. The range of actuators includes electro-static soft actuators, electro-thermal soft actuators, and electrically driven soft pumps.
Up/Down-Scaling Photoluminescent Micromarks Written in Diamond by Ultrashort Laser Pulses: Optical Photoluminescent and Structural Raman Imaging
Authors: Danilov Pavel , Kuzmin Evgeny , Rimskaya Elena , Chen Jiajun , Khmelnitskii Roman , Kirichenko Alexey , Rodionov Nikolay , Kudryashov Sergey
Published: November 2022

Elongated photoluminescent micromarks were inscribed inside a IaAB-type natural diamond in laser filamentation regime by multiple 515 nm, 0.3 ps laser pulses tightly focused by a 0.25 NA micro-objective. The micromark length, diameter and photoluminescence contrast scaled as a function of laser pulse energy and exposure, coming to a saturation. Our Raman/photoluminescence confocal microscopy studies indicate no structural diamond damage in the micromarks, shown as the absent Raman intensity variation versus laser energy and exposition along the distance from the surface to the deep mark edge. In contrast, sTable 3NV (N3)-centers demonstrate the pronounced increase (up to 40%) in their 415 nm zero-phonon line photoluminescence yield within the micromarks, and an even higher—ten-fold—increase in NV0-center photoluminescence yield. Photogeneration of carbon Frenkel “interstitial–vacancy” (I–V) pairs and partial photolytic dissociation of the predominating 2N (A)-centers were suggested to explain the enhanced appearance of 3NV- and NV-centers, apparently via vacancy aggregation with the resulting N (C)-centers or, consequently, with 2N- and N-centers.
Design and Analysis of a Three-Dimensional Spindle-Shaped Receiving Coil for a Targeted Therapy Capsule Robot in the Intestine
Authors: Han Ding , Yan Guozheng , Zhao Kai , Wang Zhiwu , Jiang Pingping , Yan Lin
Published: November 2022

Capsule robots capable of taking wireless power-transfer systems for diagnosis in the intestine enable the ability to avoid invasive detection, which causes damage to tissue. A targeted therapy capsule robot based on a wireless power-transfer system could move actively in the intestine, implementing diseases detection and drug delivery. Compared with traditional telescope, the capsule robot explores without pain to patients. However, the insufficient power supply has become a big issue for a targeted therapy capsule robot. To address this problem, we proposed a new type of three-dimensional spindle-shaped receiving coil that can couple well with unidirectional magnetic fields and supply sufficient energy even when there is a misalignment in position and angle, owing to which the electromagnetic energy decays quickly. The proposed receiving coil could be embedded on the capsule robot, suitable for the capsule size Φ15 mm × 25 mm. To obtain the maximum energy in three-dimensional space, an optimization model was built. The parameters of the receiving coil were optimized and analyzed. Then, the designed receiving coil was verified with an energy-transfer stability analysis based on both attitude angle and position in a bench test. Furthermore, a curved pipe experiment was conducted using a capsule robot prototype with the proposed three-dimensional spindle-shaped receiving coil. The results demonstrated that stable and sufficient power could be supplied by the proposed receiving coil for the capsule robot at any position and any attitude angle between transmitting and receiving coils.
Reinforcement Learning Made Affordable for Hardware Verification Engineers
Authors: Dinu Alexandru , Ogrutan Petre Lucian
Published: November 2022

Constrained random stimulus generation is no longer sufficient to fully simulate the functionality of a digital design. The increasing complexity of today’s hardware devices must be supported by powerful development and simulation environments, powerful computational mechanisms, and appropriate software to exploit them. Reinforcement learning, a powerful technique belonging to the field of artificial intelligence, provides the means to efficiently exploit computational resources to find even the least obvious correlations between configuration parameters, stimuli applied to digital design inputs, and their functional states. This paper, in which a novel software system is used to simplify the analysis of simulation outputs and the generation of input stimuli through reinforcement learning methods, provides important details about the setup of the proposed method to automate the verification process. By understanding how to properly configure a reinforcement algorithm to fit the specifics of a digital design, verification engineers can more quickly adopt this automated and efficient stimulus generation method (compared with classical verification) to bring the digital design to a desired functional state. The results obtained are most promising, with even 52 times fewer steps needed to reach a target state using reinforcement learning than when constrained random stimulus generation was used.
Metallogenic Mechanism and Geodynamic Background of the Chang’an Chong Cu-Mo Deposit in Southern Ailaoshan Tectonic Belt: New Evidence from Garnet U-Pb Dating and In-Situ S Isotope
Authors: Sun Bin , Liu Yi , Yan Yongfeng , Ye Lei , Chen Gang
Published: November 2022

The Chang’an Chong Cu-Mo deposit is located in the Chang’an Cu-Mo-Au ore cluster in the southern Ailaoshan tectonic belt in southwestern China. There are six intrusive bodies in the mining area, among which the No.Ⅱ intrusive body is the largest and most closely related to Cu-Mo mineralization of skarn. The No. 1 main orebody is composed of the No. 1 copper orebody and No. 1 molybdenum orebody, which are distributed in parallel with similar shapes. In this paper, the age of skarn is determined by the LA-SF-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of garnet, and it is nearly consistent with the age of alkaline porphyry in this region (41–32 Ma). Compared with the U-Pb age of zircon from the ore-bearing porphyry and the Re-Os age of molybdenite, the U-Pb age of garnet was consistent with them within error, indicating that they were the same mineralization event, which further proves that the porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo-Au mineralization event along the Ailaoshan-Red River fault zone mainly occurred at 38~32 Ma. In-situ S isotope results show that the δ34S mean values of disseminated pyrite (PyI), pyrite of sulfide veins (PyⅡ) and chalcopyrite (Ccp) in the main mineralization period are 2.35‰, 3.60‰ and 0.55‰, respectively. These δ34S values are similar to those of magma and slightly enriched in δ34S, and the δ34S value of chalcopyrite is mainly concentrated near 0‰, so it can be considered that the S of the ore-forming fluid came from magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the regional metallogenic background, deposit chronology and isotope geochemistry, it is concluded that the Chang’an Chong Cu-Mo deposit was formed in an intra-plate post-collision strike-slip environment.
Artificial Thermal Quenching and Salt Crystallization Weathering Processes for the Assessment of Long-Term Degradation Characteristics of Some Sedimentary Rocks, Egypt
Authors: Abdelhamid Marzouk Mohamed Aly , Mousa B. G. , Waqas Hassan , Elkotb Mohamed Abdelghany , Eldin Sayed M. , Munir Iqra , Ali Rashid , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: November 2022

This research aims at investigating the deterioration of limestone rocks due to the influences of thermal quenching and salt crystallization weathering tests and predicting their long-term durability. Therefore, six types of limestones were quarried from different provinces of Egypt and subjected to 50 cycles of thermal quenching and 25 cycles of salt crystallization weathering processes. The porosity, Schmidt hammer rebound hardness, ultrasound pulse velocity, Brazilian tensile strength, and uniaxial compression strength were determined before and after weathering processes. In addition, the mathematical decay function model was developed to evaluate the degradation rate of samples against weathering processes. Results proved that the cyclic salt crystallization deteriorates the physico-mechanical characteristics of the studied limestone more strongly than the thermal quenching cycles do. The decay constant and half-life indexes obtained here indicate that the degradation rate differs for various limestone specimens under thermal and salt weathering processes. This model also showed that the deterioration rate of the studied rocks was higher during cyclic salt crystallization in comparison with thermal quenching. Therefore, the rock degradation rate and or long-term durability under cyclic thermal and salt processes can be estimated accurately. These results show that the studied limestones can be used as building stones in regions exposed to frequent cyclic thermal and salty weathering conditions for long periods without degradation. However, partial attention should be given to LSG limestone rocks characterized by increased porosity and water absorption characteristics.
Vertical Distribution of Cyanide and Heavy Metals in a Tailings Pond in Jilin, China
Authors: Li Zhehao , Zhao Qianfei , Yang Hongying , Liu Qiang , Zhang Yu , Wang Ying , Tong Linlin
Published: November 2022

After long-term accumulation, weathering and rainfall of metals and non-metals in tailings ponds, the chemical composition will change, and the surface heavy metals may gradually migrate to the bottom layer, thus showing a cumulative effect. At present, the distribution of cyanide and heavy metals in vertical space has not been reported. In this work, 12 sampling points were arranged for a cyanide tailings pond by the grid method in Jilin, China. The contents of cyanide and heavy metals were determined according to the standard method. The results show that the heavy metals in the tailings were mainly Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn (342.83 mg/kg, 571.09 mg/kg, 610.15 mg/kg and 796.63 mg/kg, respectively), and the concentration of heavy metals in the horizontal direction does not change significantly. It should be noted that the concentrations of zinc and manganese did not change much in the vertical direction. The concentration of copper and lead increased with the increase in depth. The concentration of cyanide at the sampling site far away from human activities was higher at 6.71 mg/kg, and the average concentration is 2.5 mg/kg. In addition, because the cyanide is unstable and affected by factors such as light and rainfall, the concentration change in the vertical direction fluctuates.