bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Variants and Their Implication in Surgery and Neck Pathologies, Using the Anatomical Quality Assurance (AQUA) Checklist
Authors: Valenzuela-Fuenzalida Juan José , Baeza-Garrido Vicente , Navia-Ramírez María Fernanda , Cariseo-Ávila Carolina , Bruna-Mejías Alejandro , Becerra-Farfan Álvaro , Lopez Esteban , Orellana Donoso Mathias , Loyola-Sepulveda Walter
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is the structure responsible for sensory and motor innervation of the larynx, and it has been shown that its lesion due to a lack of surgical rigor led to alterations such as respiratory obstruction due to vocal cords paralysis and permanent phonation impairment. The objectives of this review were to know the variants of the RLN and its clinical relevance in the neck region. Methods: This review considered specific scientific articles that were written in Spanish or English and published between 1960 and 2022. A systematic search was carried out in the electronic databases MEDLINE, WOS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, SCIELO, and Latin American and Caribbean Center for Information on Health Sciences to compile the available literature on the subject to be treated and was enrolled in PROSPERO. The included articles were studies that had a sample of RLN dissections or imaging, intervention group to look for RLN variants, or the comparison of the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) variants, and finally, its clinical correlations. Review articles and letters to the editor were excluded. All included articles were evaluated through quality assessment and risk of bias analysis using the methodological quality assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). The extracted data in the meta-analysis were interpreted to calculate the prevalence of the RLN variants and their comparison and the relationship between the RLN and NRLN. The heterogeneity degree between included studies was assessed. Results: The included studies that showed variants of the RLN included in this review were 41, a total of 29,218. For the statistical analysis of the prevalence of the RLN variant, a forest plot was performed with 15 studies that met the condition of having a prevalence of less than 100%. As a result, the prevalence was shown to be 12% (95% CI, SD 0.11 to 0.14). Limitations that were present in this review were the publication bias of the included studies, the probability of not having carried out the most sensitive and specific search, and finally, the authors’ personal inclinations in selecting the articles. Discussion: This meta-analysis can be considered based on an update of the prevalence of RLN variants, in addition to considering that the results show some clinical correlations such as intra-surgical complications and with some pathologies and aspects function of the vocal cords, which could be a guideline in management prior to surgery or of interest for the diagnostic.
The Surface Temperature of Water in Polish and Belarusian Lakes during the Period of Climate Change
Authors: Skowron Rajmund , Sukhovilo Nina
Published: April 2023

The paper presented the results of surface water temperature measurements from 17 lakes located in northern Poland and Belarus over the period of 50 years (1971–2020). Using the Excel computer program, Corel Quattro Pro 8, and graphic Draw 9, annual and monthly averages, extreme values, and annual and monthly trends were calculated and presented. These were supplemented by the monthly average air temperatures for 13 weather stations. The research showed that the temperature in all lakes was characterized by a positive trend at the level of 0.044 °C year−1. The largest lake was characteristic for the Chervonoe Lake—0.066 °C year−1—and the smallest 0.029 °C year−1 for the deep Lake Hańcza. In the course of the average monthly surface water temperatures, a positive trend was also observed, ranging from 0.015 °C year−1 in January to 0.069 °C year−1 in May. These values correlated with the average air temperatures in the winter months (December–March) and with the winter NAO index (DJFM).
Correction: Capozzi, M.A.M.; Cardellicchio, C. (S,S)-2-(((Hydroxynaphth-1-yl)(4′-nitrophenyl)methyl)amino)-3-methylbutanoic Acid Methyl Ester. Molbank 2022, 2022, M1528
Authors: Capozzi Maria Annunziata M. , Cardellicchio Cosimo
Published: April 2023

In the original publication [...]
Prediction of Axial Compressive Load–Strain Curves of Circular Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Columns Using Long Short-Term Memory Network
Authors: Fan Xinyu , Lyu Fei , Fan Jinglin , Ding Faxing
Published: April 2023

No study has been reported to use machine learning methods to predict the full-range test curves of circular CFST columns. In this paper, the long short-term memory (LSTM) network was introduced to calculate the axially compressive load–strain curves of the circular CFST columns according to an experiment database of limited scale. To improve the feasibility of input data for the recurrent neural network algorithm, data preprocessing methods and data configurations were discussed. The prediction results indicate that the LSTM network provides more accurate estimations compared with the artificial neural networks, random forest and support vector regression. Meanwhile, this method can be used to calculate the mechanical properties including the elastic modulus, ultimate bearing capacity, and the ductility of the columns with acceptable accuracy for engineering practice (the prediction error within 20%). For future research, it is expected that the machine learning method will be applied to predict the structural response of different members under various loading conditions.
Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress and Small Cellular Particle Response in HUVEC Induced by Debris from Endoprosthesis Processing
Authors: Jan Zala , Hočevar Matej , Kononenko Veno , Michelini Sara , Repar Neža , Caf Maja , Kocjančič Boštjan , Dolinar Drago , Kralj Slavko , Makovec Darko , Iglič Aleš , Drobne Damjana , Jenko Monika , Kralj-Iglič Veronika
Published: April 2023

We studied inflammatory and oxidative stress-related parameters and cytotoxic response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to a 24 h treatment with milled particles simulating debris involved in sandblasting of orthopedic implants (OI). We used different abrasives (corundum—(Al2O3), used corundum retrieved from removed OI (u. Al2O3), and zirconia/silica composite (ZrO2/SiO2)). Morphological changes were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Concentration of Interleukins IL-6 and IL-1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF)-α was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Activity of Cholinesterase (ChE) and Glutathione S-transferase (GST) was measured by spectrophotometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid droplets (LD) and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry (FCM). Detachment of the cells from glass and budding of the cell membrane did not differ in the treated and untreated control cells. Increased concentration of IL-1β and of IL-6 was found after treatment with all tested particle types, indicating inflammatory response of the treated cells. Increased ChE activity was found after treatment with u. Al2O3 and ZrO2/SiO2. Increased GST activity was found after treatment with ZrO2/SiO2. Increased LD quantity but not ROS quantity was found after treatment with u. Al2O3. No cytotoxicity was detected after treatment with u. Al2O3. The tested materials in concentrations added to in vitro cell lines were found non-toxic but bioactive and therefore prone to induce a response of the human body to OI.
Preparation of Titania–Silica Composite Aerogel at Atmospheric Pressure and Its Catalytic Performance in the Synthesis of Poly (Butylene Succinate)
Authors: Zou Wenqi , Bian Hongli , Guo Jinjing , Xu Jun , Guo Baohua
Published: April 2023

Titanates are widely used in the synthesis of polyesters, such as Poly (butylene succinate) (PBS), due to their excellent catalytic activity for polycondensation. However, the hydrolysis sensitivity of titanate and side reactions at high temperatures restrict the further improvement of the molecular weight of polyesters and lead to the high content of end carboxyl group content in the products. In this work, we prepared titania–silica composite aerogels with resistance to hydrolysis and large specific surface area, which were further explored as an efficient catalyst for polycondensation reactions. A series of titania–silica composite aerogel catalysts for PBS polycondensation were successfully prepared by the sol-gel method. The influence of a Ti/Si ratio on the surface morphology and structure of the aerogels was examined. Titania–silica composite aerogel exhibits the surface characteristics of high specific surface area and high Lewis acid content. The specific surface area of titania–silica composite aerogels can reach 524.59 m2/g, and the Lewis acid content on the surface can reach 370.29 μmol/g. Furthermore, the catalytic performance for the polycondensation reaction of PBS was investigated. The intrinsic viscosity of PBS synthesized by catalysis with the composite catalyst with a Ti/Si ratio of 9/1 reaches 1.74 dL/g, with the Mn of 7.72 × 104 g/mol. The hydrolysis resistance stability of the titania–silica composite aerogel is greatly improved compared with traditional tetrabutyl titanate (TBT), and the end carboxyl group content of PBS is effectively reduced to lower than 30 mol/ton.
Viscoelastic Numerical Simulation Study on the Co-Extrusion Process of Tri-Composite Tire Tread
Authors: Wang Guo-Lin , Zhou Hua-Jian , Zhou Hai-Chao , Liang Chen
Published: April 2023

The co-extrusion process is widely used to produce composite tire treads with better performance. This study investigated the rubber co-extrusion flow process and quality influencing factors of tri-composite tire tread through numerical simulation and experimental methods. Here, RPA 2000 rubber processing analyzer was used to carry out rheological tests on the three rubber materials, the PTT viscoelastic constitutive model was fitted, and the fitting curves were in good agreement with the test data. Then, a three-dimensional viscoelastic numerical simulation model of the tri-composite tread co-extrusion process was established using Ansys Polyflow software. The parameter evolution technique is adopted in the model establishment to improve the calculation convergence. In addition, a global remeshing function is used to avoid excessive mesh deformation. A co-extrusion experiment is conducted to verify the model’s accuracy using a tri-screw extruder. The extruded tread size error rate between the experiment and simulation is less than 6%. The variation of the velocity field, pressure field and shear rate field during extrusion is analyzed, and the formation mechanism of die swell is explained simultaneously. Finally, the influence of process parameters (inflow rate and traction speed) and die structure (convergence angle and thickness) on the extruded tire tread shape and quality was investigated, which can provide theoretical guidance for improving tread quality and production efficiency. Furthermore, the numerical simulation method can assist the design of the die plate in enhancing the efficiency of the die plate design.
Neural Network Aided Homogenization Approach for Predicting Effective Thermal Conductivity of Composite Construction Materials
Authors: Shi Zhu , Peng Wenyao , Xiang Chaoqun , Li Liang , Xie Qibin
Published: April 2023

Thermal conductivity is a fundamental material parameter involved in various infrastructure design guides around the world. This paper developed an innovative neural network (NN) aided homogenization approach for predicting the effective thermal conductivity of various composite construction materials. The 2-D meso-structures of dense graded asphalt mixture, porous asphalt mixture, and cement concrete were generated and divided into 2n × 2n square elements with specific thermal conductivity values. A two-layer feed-forward neural network with sigmoid hidden neurons and linear output neurons was built to predict the effective thermal conductivity of the 2 × 2 block. The Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation algorithm was used to train the network. By repeatedly using the neural network, the effective thermal conductivities of 2-D meso-structures were calculated. The accuracy of the above NN aided homogenization approach was validated with experiment, and various factors affecting the effective thermal conductivity were analyzed. The analysis results show that the accuracy of the NN aided approach is acceptable with relative errors of 1.92~4.34% for the dense graded asphalt mixture, 1.10~6.85% for the porous asphalt mixture, and 1.13~3.14% for the cement concrete. The relative errors for all the materials are lower than 5% when the heterogeneous structures are divided into 512 × 512 elements. Ignoring the actual material meso-structures may lead to significant errors (134.01%) in predicting the effective thermal conductivity of materials with high heterogeneity such as porous asphalt mixture. While proper simplification is acceptable for dense construction composite materials. The effective thermal conductivity of composite cement-asphalt mixtures increases with higher saturation of grouted material. However, the improvement effect of the high-conductive cement paste on the composite cement-asphalt mixtures could be significantly reduced when the cement paste concentrates at the bottom of the mixture. Cracked aggregates and segregation of material components tend to decrease the effective thermal conductivity of construction materials. The NN aided homogenization approach presented in this paper is useful for selecting the effective thermal conductivity of construction materials.
Extractability of Rice Husk Waste Using Green Gamma Radiation for Dye Elimination in Laboratory-Scale Sorption System: Equilibrium Isotherm and Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Alhashem Zakia , Farha Ashraf H. , Mansour Shehab A. , Tony Maha A.
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, the use of natural materials and especially “waste” valorization has evolved and attracted the wide attention of scientists and academia. In this regard, the use of rice husk (RH) powder as a naturally abundant and cheap byproduct material is gaining superior attention. However, improving the physicochemical properties of such RH is still under research. In the current investigation, the modification of rice husk (RH) via γ-irradiation has shown to be a promising green tool to meet such a need. Clean, prepared, powdered RH samples were subjected to various γ-radiation doses, namely 5, 10, 15 and 25 kGy, and the corresponding samples were named as RH-0, RH-5, RH-10, RH-15, RH-15 and RH-25. Then, the samples were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After irradiation, the samples showed an increase in their surface roughness upon increasing the γ-radiation up to 15 kGy. Furthermore, the sorption capacity of the irradiated RH samples was investigated for eliminating Urolene Blue (UB) dye as a model pharmaceutical effluent stream. The highest dye uptake was recorded as 14.7 mg/g, which corresponded to the RH-15. The adsorption operating parameters were also investigated for all of the studied systems and all adsorbents showed the same trend, of a superior adsorption capacity at pH 6.6 and high temperatures. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were also applied for UB adsorption and an adequate fitted isotherm model was linked with Langmuir fitting. Moreover, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best fit for the adsorption data. Experimental assays confirmed that the UB dye could be successfully eradicated feasibly from the aqueous stream via a sustainable green methodology.
Effect of Al Incorporation on the Structural and Optical Properties of Sol–Gel AZO Thin Films
Authors: Stroescu Hermine , Nicolescu Madalina , Mitrea Daiana , Tenea Ecaterina , Atkinson Irina , Anastasescu Mihai , Calderon-Moreno Jose Maria , Gartner Mariuca
Published: April 2023

ZnO and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films were prepared using the sol–gel method and deposited on a Silicon (Si(100)) substrate using the dipping technique. The structure, morphology, thickness, optical constants in the spectral range 300–1700 nm, bandgap (Eg) and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the films were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), Raman analysis and PL spectroscopy. The results of the structure and morphology analyses showed that the thin films are polycrystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite structure, as well as continuous and homogeneous. The PL background and broader peaks observable in the Raman spectra of the AZO film and the slight increase in the optical band gap of the AZO thin film, compared to undoped ZnO, highlight the effect of defects introduced into the ZnO lattice and an increase in the charge carrier density in the AZO film. The PL emission spectra of the AZO thin film showed a strong UV line corresponding to near-band-edge ZnO emission along with weak green and red emission bands due to deep-level defects, attributed to the oxygen-occupied zinc vacancies (OZn lattice defects).
An Efficient Structural Optimization Method for the Hinge Beam of a Cubic Press
Authors: Shang Jin , Sun Xuan , Liu Ting , Jia Jiguang
Published: April 2023

This study proposes a novel approach to optimize the structure of the hinge beam in cubic presses, aiming to enhance the safety and reduce costs. The finite element method is used to analyze the stress distribution of the hinge beam under operating conditions, revealing a significant stress concentration at the oil inlet edge. To optimize the structure, the Taguchi method, the NSGA-II multi-objective optimization algorithm, and the entropy-TOPSIS method are combined to consider both the maximum stress and total weight. The results demonstrate a reduction of 199.121 kg and 11.97 MPa in the total weight and maximum stress of the hinge beam, respectively, representing a decrease of 4.12% and 1.72%. Furthermore, the simulation results of the optimal structure demonstrate a high degree of accuracy, with only 0.27% difference between the algorithm-optimized and simulation values. The proposed optimization method not only improves the efficiency of the optimization, but also avoids the mutual exclusion between the maximum stress and total weight. It significantly improves the reliability of the hinge beam and reduces its manufacturing costs, thereby shortening the development cycle of the new hinge beam.
Vibration Modeling and Analysis of a Flexible 3-PRR Planar Parallel Manipulator Based on Transfer Matrix Method for Multibody System
Authors: Si Guoning , Li Wenkai , Lu Hanjing , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Xuping
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the vibration model of a 3-prismatic–revolute–revolute (PRR) planar parallel manipulator (PPM) with three flexible intermedia links, utilizing the linear transfer matrix method for multibody systems (MSTMM). The dynamic characteristics of the PRR PPM are also investigated. The dynamic model of the 3-PRR PPM is derived, and the transfer matrix and transfer equation of each component in the system, as well as the overall transfer equation and transfer matrix of the system are obtained. The vibration characteristics of the whole system are determined using the MSTMM and verified through ANSYS simulation. Furthermore, the relationship between the natural frequencies and the flexible PPM configurations is analyzed under a specific circular trajectory. The results demonstrate that the natural frequency of the system changes constantly with the configurations, and the trends of the first six orders are similar. This novel modeling approach does not require global dynamic equations and is both efficient and accurate. Moreover, it can be easily extended to other parallel manipulators with flexible components.
Characterization of Microscopic Damage Evolution of Functional Groove in Cageless Bearings
Authors: Zhou Enwen , Zhang Yuan , Zhao Yanling , Wang Xiaolong
Published: April 2023

Bearings with partial function grooves as cageless bearings related to magnetic floating bearing protection have characteristics, such as fast offsetting of the impact force caused by rotor fall, and they gradually become important parts of ultra clean and cryogenic transportation systems. However, the functional failure mechanism of the bearing, which is caused by functional groove wear, is not clear. Therefore, this paper establishes a force–motion intrinsic model of particles inside the functional groove, which is based on the discrete element method, which it itself combined with the functional groove damage evolution trend analysis. Then, a hyper-quadratic surface model of inter-particle contact is established to simulate the time-varying friction coefficient of the functional groove by combining particles of different sizes to form particle clusters. Additionally, as the boundary condition, EDEM is used to solve the contact motion state of rolling element rolling through the functional groove for one week to obtain the overlap between particles and contact force change law. The results show that the wide side of the functional groove wears more seriously than the narrow side, and the rolling element leaves the functional groove with more impact than when it enters the functional groove, and the functional groove wears more seriously. In this paper, through the study of local functional groove wear of cageless ball bearing, we propose to characterize the damage extension of functional groove by using the number of particle fracture and motion trend in discrete element method, and this study provides theoretical guidance for the design of cageless bearings.
The Gravity Force Generated by a Non-Rotating Level Ellipsoid of Revolution with Low Eccentricity as a Series of Spherical Harmonics
Authors: Manoussakis Gerassimos
Published: April 2023

The gravity force of a gravity field generated by a non-rotating level ellipsoid of revolution enclosing mass M is given as a solution of a partial differential equation along with a boundary condition of Dirichlet type. The partial differential equation is formulated herein on the basis of the behavior of spherical gravity fields. A classical solution to this equation is represented on the basis of spherical harmonics. The series representation of the solution is exploited in order to conduct a rigorous asymptotic analysis with respect to eccentricity. Finally, the Dirichlet boundary problem is solved for the case of an ellipsoid of revolution (spheroid) with low eccentricity. This has been accomplished on the basis of asymptotic analysis, which resulted in the determination of the coefficients participating in the spherical harmonics expansion. The limiting case of this series expresses the gravity force of a non-rotating sphere.
Relation-Theoretic Weak Contractions and Applications
Authors: Hossain Asik , Alam Aftab , Sessa Salvatore , Khan Qamrul Haque
Published: April 2023

In this article, we discuss the relation-theoretic aspects of weakly contractive mappings to prove fixed point results in the setting of metric spaces endowed with a certain binary relation. We also provide an example and an application to validate of our results. The results proved herewith unify, generalize, improve, extend, sharpen, subsume and enrich some well-known fixed point theorems of the existing literature.
Estimating the Gerber–Shiu Function in the Two-Sided Jumps Risk Model by Laguerre Series Expansion
Authors: Hu Kang , Huang Ya , Deng Yingchun
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we consider an insurance risk model with two-sided jumps, where downward and upward jumps typically represent claim amounts and random gains, respectively. We use the Laguerre series to expand the Gerber–Shiu function and estimate it based on observed information. Moreover, we show that the estimator is easily computed and has a fast convergence rate. Numerical examples are also provided to show the efficiency of our method when the sample size is finite.
Lipschitz Stability in Terms of Two Measures for Kurzweil Equations and Applications
Authors: Wang Yingying , Xia Zhinan
Published: April 2023

For generalized ordinary differential equations, sufficient criteria are given for the Lipschitz stability in terms of two measures of the trivial solutions. As an application, we apply our main results by studying the Lipschitz stability for measure differential equations and impulsive differential equations. Compared to the classical ones, the conditions here regarding the functions are more general.
A Dam Deformation Residual Correction Method for High Arch Dams Using Phase Space Reconstruction and an Optimized Long Short-Term Memory Network
Authors: Zhu Yantao , Xie Mingxia , Zhang Kang , Li Zhipeng
Published: April 2023

Dam safety is an important basic part of national water network security. Building a dam deformation prediction model based on monitoring data is crucial to ensure dam safety. However, traditional statistical regression methods have shortcomings, such as a weak nonlinear fitting ability when constructing dam deformation monitoring and prediction models. The residual part of the statistical regression results usually contains parts that cannot be effectively explained by the linear regression method, that is usually highly variable and noisy. In this study, the phase space reconstruction method is used to smooth the residual term of the statistical regression model to eliminate noise interference. On this basis, an improved long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network is used to learn the nonlinearity contained in the residual term of the linear regression. Considering the impact of parameter selection on model performance, the gray wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm is used to determine the optimal parameters of the model for better performance. A high arch dam is used as a case study, with multiple measuring points used as research objects. The experimental results show that the phase space reconstruction can effectively smooth the high-frequency components in the residual term and remove noise interference. In addition, the GWO algorithm can effectively determine the hyperparameters of the LSTM network, thereby constructing a residual prediction model with high prediction accuracy. The combination of statistical models and deep learning prediction methods can effectively improve the model prediction performance while preserving the model interpretability and transparency.
Isolation and Biochemical Properties of Type II Collagen from Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) Cartilage
Authors: Pan Zhilin , Ge Baolin , Wei Mingjun , Elango Jeevithan , Wu Wenhui
Published: April 2023

Numerous studies have shown that type II collagen (CII) has a potential role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, most of the current studies have used terrestrial animal cartilage as a source of CII extraction, with fewer studies involving marine organisms. Based on this background, collagen (BSCII) was isolated from blue shark (Prionace glauca) cartilage by pepsin hydrolysis and its biochemical properties including protein pattern, total sugar content, microstructure, amino acid composition, spectral characteristics and thermal stability were further investigated in the present study. The SDS-PAGE results confirmed the typical characteristic of CII, comprising three identical α1 chains and its dimeric β chain. BSCII had the fibrous microstructure typical of collagen and an amino acid composition represented by high glycine content. BSCII had the typical UV and FTIR spectral characteristics of collagen. Further analysis revealed that BSCII had a high purity, while its secondary structure comprised 26.98% of β-sheet, 35.60% of β-turn, 37.41% of the random coil and no α-helix. CD spectra showed the triple helical structure of BSCII. The total sugar content, denaturation temperature and melting temperature of BSCII were (4.20 ± 0.03)%, 42 °C and 49 °C, respectively. SEM and AFM images confirmed a fibrillar and porous structure of collagen and denser fibrous bundles formed at higher concentrations. Overall, CII was successfully extracted from blue shark cartilage in the present study, and its molecular structure was intact. Therefore, blue shark cartilage could serve as a potential source for CII extraction with applications in biomedicine.
The Psychological Antecedents to COVID-19 Vaccination among Community Pharmacists in Khartoum State, Sudan
Authors: Satti Einass M. , Elhadi Yasir Ahmed Mohammed , Ahmed Kannan O. , Ibrahim Alnada , Alghamdi Ahlam , Alotaibi Eman , Yousif Bashir A.
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: Little is known regarding the 5C psychological antecedents to COVID-19 vaccination among pharmacists in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and its psychological antecedents among community pharmacists in Khartoum State, Sudan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about sociodemographic and health status characteristics, vaccine acceptance, and the 5C psychological antecedents to vaccination. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted, and results were presented using odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 382 community pharmacists participated in the current study, with a mean age of 30.4 ± 5.6 years. Nearly two-thirds of the participants (65.4%) were females, and the majority (74.9%) have received or intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine acceptance was significantly associated with the following psychological antecedents to vaccination: confidence, complacency, constraints, and calculation (p < 0.001). Results of the logistic regression showed that confidence in vaccines [OR = 6.82 (95% CI = 3.14–14.80)], conspiracy beliefs [OR = 0.44 (95% CI = 0.23–0.85)], and constraints to vaccination [OR = 0.18 (95% CI = 0.06–0.56)] were the significant determinants of vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The study revealed important predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance that can be used to guide policymakers in designing target-oriented interventions that can improve the vaccine acceptance rate among community pharmacists in Sudan. These findings suggest that interventions to promote vaccine acceptance among pharmacists should focus on building confidence in vaccines and providing accurate information about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, and reducing constraints to vaccination.
Effect of Regular Electrotherapy on Spinal Flexibility and Pain Sensitivity in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain and Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blinded Pilot Trial
Authors: Naka Asami , Kotz Clea , Gutmann Edith , Pramhas Sibylle , Schukro Regina Patricia Juliane , Ristl Robin , Schuhfried Othmar , Crevenna Richard , Sator Sabine
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: Chronic neck pain and low back pain are common conditions in high-income countries leading to social and medical problems such as invalidity and decreased quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of supra-threshold electrotherapy on pain level, subjective feeling of disability, and spinal mobility in patients with chronic pain in the spinal cord. Materials and Methods: 11 men and 24 women with a mean age of 49 years were randomly divided into three groups: group 1, “therapy”: supra-threshold electrotherapy was applied on the whole back after electrical calibration; group 2, “control”: electrical calibration without successive electrotherapy; group 3, “control of control”: no stimulation. Sessions were performed once a week and six times in total, each lasting 30 min. The numeric pain rating scale (NRS), cervical and lumbar range of motion (ROM), as well as disability in daily live were investigated before and after the sessions using questionnaires (Neck Disability Index, Roland Morris Questionnaire, Short-form Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ)). Results: Spinal mobility improved significantly in the lumbar anteflexion (baseline mean, 20.34 ± SD 1.46; post session mean, 21.43 ± SD 1.95; p = 0.003) and retroflexion (baseline mean, 13.68 ± SD 1.46; post session mean, 12.05 ± SD 1.37; p = 0.006) in the group receiving electrotherapy. Pain levels measured by the NRS and disability-questionnaire scores did not differ significantly before and after treatment in any of the groups. Conclusions: Our data indicate that regular supra-threshold electrotherapy for six times has a positive effect on lumbar flexibility in chronic neck pain and low back pain patients, whereas pain sensation or subjective feeling of disability remained unchanged.
Outcomes after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Extremely Calcified Left Main Lesions
Authors: Dumitrascu Silviu , Bartos Daniela , Ungureanu Claudiu
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: Available data with regard to the outcomes of patients with severely calcified left main (LM) lesions after revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when compared to non-calcified LM lesions is unclear. Materials and Methods: The present study sought to retrospectively investigate in hospital and 1 year post-intervention outcomes of patients with extremely calcified LM lesions after PCI facilitated by calcium-dedicated devices (CdD). Seventy consecutive patients with LM PCI were included. CdD requirement was based on suboptimal results after balloon angioplasty. Results: Twenty-two patients (31.4%) required at least one CdD, while nine patients (12.8%) required at least two. Intravascular lithotripsy and rotational atherectomy were the predominantly used methods(59.1% and 40.9% respectively, for in-group ratios), while ultra-high pressure and scoring balloons contributed the least to lesion preparation (9%). In 20 patients (28.5%), severe or moderate calcifications were angiographically identified, but non-compliant balloon predilation was adequate and CdD were not necessary. Total procedural time was significantly higher in CdD group (p-value 0.02). Procedural and clinical success were obtained in 100% of cases. There were no major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) recorded during hospitalization. MACCE at 1 year post-procedure were recorded in three patients (4.2% overall). All three events were documented in the control group (6.2%), and no events were recorded in CdD group (p-value 0.23). There was one cardiac death at 10 months and two target lesion revascularizations for side-branch restenosis. Conclusions: Patients with extremely calcified LM lesions treated by PCI present a favorable prognosis if angioplasty is facilitated by more aggressive lesion debulking using calcium-dedicated devices.
Pupillary Pain Index Predicts Postoperative Pain but Not the Effect of Peripheral Regional Anaesthesia in Patients Undergoing Total Hip or Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Observational Study
Authors: Kornilov Evgeniya , Gehlen Lena , Yacobi Dana , Soehle Martin , Kowark Ana , Thudium Marcus
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: The pupillary pain index (PPI) allows the evaluation of intraoperative nociception by measuring pupillary reaction after a localized electrical stimulus. It was the objective of this observational cohort study to investigate the pupillary pain index (PPI) as a method to evaluate the fascia iliaca block (FIB) or adductor canal block (ACB) sensory areas during general anaesthesia in orthopaedic patients with lower-extremity joint replacement surgery. Materials and Methods: Orthopaedic patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty were included. After anaesthesia induction, patients received an ultrasound-guided single-shot FIB or ACB with 30 mL and 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine, respectively. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane or propofol/remifentanil. The first PPI measurements were performed after anaesthesia induction and before block insertion, the second at the end of surgery. Pupillometry scores were evaluated in the area of the femoral or saphenous nerve (target) and C3 dermatome (control). Primary outcomes were differences between PPIs before and after peripheral block insertion as well as the relationship between PPIs and postoperative pain scores; secondary outcomes were the relationship between PPIs and opioid requirements after surgery. Results: PPI decreased significantly from the first to the second measurement (4.17 ± 2.7 vs. 1.6 ± 1.2, p < 0.001 for target; 4.46 ± 2.7 vs. 2.17 ± 2.1, p < 0.001 for control). Control and target measurements did not show significant differences. A linear regression analysis showed that early postoperative pain scores could be predicted with intraoperative piritramide with improved prediction after adding PPI scores, PCA opioids and surgery type. Forty-eight-hour pain scores at rest and in movement were correlated with intraoperative piritramide and control PPI after the PNB in movement and with second-postoperative-day opioids and target PPI scores before block insertion, respectively. Conclusions: While the effect of an FIB and ACB could not be shown with PPI postoperative pain scores due to a large effect of opioids, perioperative PPI was shown to be associated with postoperative pain. These results suggest that preoperative PPI may be used to predict postoperative pain.
Association between the Polymorphisms rs2070744, 4b/a and rs1799983 of the NOS3 Gene with Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain or Non-Traditional Etiology in Mexican Patients
Authors: Marín-Medina Alejandro , Gómez-Ramos José Juan , Mendoza-Morales Norberto , Figuera-Villanueva Luis Eduardo
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain or non-traditional etiology (CKDnT) is a form of chronic kidney disease of undetermined etiology (CKDu) and is not associated with traditional risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms rs2070744, 4b/a and rs1799983 of the NOS3 gene with CKDnT in Mexican patients. Materials and Methods: We included 105 patients with CKDnT and 90 controls. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP’s, genotypic and allelic frequencies were determined and compared between the two groups using χ2 analysis, and differences were expressed as odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, 80% of patients were male. The rs1799983 polymorphism in NOS3 was found to be associated with CKDnT in the Mexican population (p = 0.006) (OR = 0.397; 95% CI, 0.192–0.817) under a dominant model. The genotype frequency was significantly different between the CKDnT and control groups (χ2 = 8.298, p = 0.016). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that there is an association between the rs2070744 polymorphism and CKDnT in the Mexican population. This polymorphism can play an important role in the pathophysiology of CKDnT whenever there is previous endothelial dysfunction.
Effect of Wear on Vibration Amplitude and Chip Shape Characteristics during Machining of Eco-Friendly and Leaded Brass Alloys
Authors: Monka Peter Pavol , Monkova Katarina , Pantazopoulos George A. , Toulfatzis Anagnostis I.
Published: April 2023

The dynamic stability of the machining set and the entire cutting process, together with the appropriate form of chips generated during machining under the given conditions, are the basic prerequisites for autonomous machining in accordance with the Industry 4.0 trend. The research, based on a newly designed method, aims to study the frequency response of the machining system to different values of tool wear and cutting speed, which cause the worsening of the machined parts’ quality and the instability of the whole cutting process. The new idea is based on the inverse principle, in which the wear with various values of VB was artificially prepared in advance before machining. Consequently, the effect of artificial wear and cutting speed on vibration and chip shape characteristics were studied. Three types of brass alloys were used within the experiments as the machined materials. Measured data were statistically processed and the desired dependencies were plotted. Chips were collected for each combination of machining conditions, while the article presents a database of the obtained chip shapes at individual cutting speeds so that they can be compared and classified. The results showed that brass alloys CW510L and CW614N exhibit an average of three times lower vibration damping compared to the CW724R alloy, while relatively good chip formation was noted in the evaluated machining conditions even without the use of a chip breaker. The problematic chip shape occurred only in some cases at the machining of CW510L and CW724R, which cannot be generalized.
Investigation of the Mechanism of Powder Pool Coupled Activating TIG Welding
Authors: Huang Yong , Wang Boyang , Guo Jianhang , Fan Ding , Yu Shurong
Published: April 2023

As a highly effective welding method, PPCA-TIG (Powder Pool Coupled Activating Flux–Tungsten Inert Gas) welding aims to achieve automated activation of TIG welding through the use of suitable activating fluxes. However, due to the unique transitional behavior of activating elements, the mechanism of PPCA-TIG is a little bit different from common activating TIG welding. In this research, a two-dimensional model is established to investigate the effect of four activating fluxes (TiO2, SiO2, MnO2, CaF2) on arc morphology and force. A series of welding experiments is performed to study the impact of the different activating elements on the molten pool. The results show that the increase in the penetration of TiO2 is related to the high arc temperature and great arc force and electromagnetic force in the molten pool. The problem of the softening of 3003 aluminum alloy welded joints is solved. Other activating fluxes are less effective than TiO2. The addition of calcium fluoride significantly affects penetration. The use of TiO2, SiO2 and MnO2 changes the molten pool viscosity and affects the molten pool oscillation, thus affecting the weld quality.
Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease—Current Background, Hopes, and Perspectives
Authors: Cazac Georgiana-Diana , Lăcătușu Cristina-Mihaela , Ștefănescu Gabriela , Mihai Cătălina , Grigorescu Elena-Daniela , Onofriescu Alina , Mihai Bogdan-Mircea
Published: April 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, reaching one of the highest prevalences in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). For now, no specific pharmacologic therapies are approved to prevent or treat NAFLD. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are currently evaluated as potential candidates for NAFLD treatment in patients with T2DM. Some representatives of this class of antihyperglycemic agents emerged as potentially beneficial in patients with NAFLD after several research studies suggested they reduce hepatic steatosis, ameliorate lesions of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), or delay the progression of fibrosis in this population. The aim of this review is to summarize the body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of GLP-1RA therapy in the management of T2DM complicated with NAFLD, describing the studies that evaluated the effects of these glucose-lowering agents in fatty liver disease and fibrosis, their possible mechanistic justification, current evidence-based recommendations, and the next steps to be developed in the field of pharmacological innovation.
Finite Element Approach for the Simulation of Modern MRAM Devices
Authors: Fiorentini Simone , Jørstad Nils Petter , Ender Johannes , de Orio Roberto Lacerda , Selberherr Siegfried , Bendra Mario , Goes Wolfgang , Sverdlov Viktor
Published: April 2023

Because of their nonvolatile nature and simple structure, the interest in MRAM devices has been steadily growing in recent years. Reliable simulation tools, capable of handling complex geometries composed of multiple materials, provide valuable help in improving the design of MRAM cells. In this work, we describe a solver based on the finite element implementation of the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation coupled to the spin and charge drift-diffusion formalism. The torque acting in all layers from different contributions is computed from a unified expression. In consequence of the versatility of the finite element implementation, the solver is applied to switching simulations of recently proposed structures based on spin-transfer torque, with a double reference layer or an elongated and composite free layer, and of a structure combining spin-transfer and spin-orbit torques.
A Highly Sensitive Dual-Signal Strategy via Inner Filter Effect between Tween 20-Gold Nanoparticles and CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots for Detecting Cu2+
Authors: Xie Yong , Bian Chao , Han Mingjie , Wang Ri , Li Yang , Xu Yuhao , Xia Shanhong
Published: April 2023

A highly sensitive and accurate dual-signal strategy is developed for trace Cu2+ detection based on the inner filter effect (IFE) between Tween 20-gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). Tween 20-AuNPs are utilized as colorimetric probes and excellent fluorescent absorbers. The fluorescence of CdSe/ZnS QDs can be quenched efficiently by Tween 20-AuNPs via IFE. In the presence of D-penicillamine, D-penicillamine induces the aggregation of Tween 20-AuNPs and the fluorescent recovery of CdSe/ZnS QDs at high ionic strength. Upon addition of Cu2+, D-penicillamine tends to selectively chelate with Cu2+ and then forms the mixed-valence complexes, which consequently inhibits the aggregation of Tween 20-AuNPs and the fluorescent recovery. The dual-signal method is used to quantitatively detect trace Cu2+, with low detection limits of 0.57 μg/L and 0.36 μg/L for colorimetry and fluorescence, respectively. In addition, the proposed method using a portable spectrometer is applied to the detection of Cu2+ in water. This sensitive, accurate and miniature sensing system has potential in environmental evaluations.
Fractal Analysis of Fuel Nozzle Surface Morphology Based on the 3D-Sandbox Method
Authors: Li Yeni , Hou Liang , Chen Yun
Published: April 2023

The dual oil circuit centrifugal fuel nozzle is made of martensitic stainless steel, which has complex morphological characteristics. The surface roughness characteristics of the fuel nozzle directly affect the degree of fuel atomization and the spray cone angle. The surface characterization of the fuel nozzle is investigated by the fractal analysis method. A sequence of images of an unheated treatment fuel nozzle and a heated treatment fuel nozzle are captured by the super-depth digital camera. The 3-D point cloud of the fuel nozzle is acquired by the shape from focus technique, and its three-dimensional (3-D) fractal dimensions are calculated and analyzed by the 3-D sandbox counting method. The proposed method can characterize the surface morphology well, including the standard metal processing surface and the fuel nozzle surface, and the experiments show that the 3-D surface fractal dimension is positively correlated with the surface roughness parameter. The 3-D surface fractal dimensions of the unheated treatment fuel nozzle were 2.6281, 2.8697, and 2.7620, compared with the heated treatment fuel nozzles dimensions of 2.3021, 2.5322, and 2.3327. Thus, the 3-D surface fractal dimension value of the unheated treatment is larger than that of the heated treatment and is sensitive to surface defects. This study indicates that the 3-D sandbox counting fractal dimension method is an effective method to evaluate the fuel nozzle surface and other metal processing surfaces.