bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restaurants’ Solvency in Portugal during COVID-19
Authors: Gomes Conceição , Campos Filipa , Malheiros Cátia , Lima Santos Luís
Published: April 2023

The main purpose of this study is to understand how Portuguese restaurants’ solvency was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the factors that influence it. Financial information was collected for the years 2019 and 2020 in the SABI database to elaborate a quantitative methodology; a descriptive analysis was used and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, a Paired t-test, a one-way ANOVA test, and a multiple linear regression were used to test the formulated hypotheses. The findings confirm that solvency is affected by several determinants, such as financial autonomy, indebtedness, financial leverage, asset turnover, return on equity, and long-term bank debt. Solvency is influenced positively by financial autonomy and financial leverage. In contrast, solvency is negatively influenced by indebtedness, asset turnover, and long-term bank debt. Additionally, this paper represents the first study, in the restaurant sector in Portugal, which analyses the importance of solvency and its determinants, by facing a normal year with a crisis year. The paper is innovative in terms of knowledge about restaurant solvency behavior in periods of financial crisis and also because the COVID-19 pandemic has added an additional variable to restaurant solvency: short-term bank debt. In terms of theoretical implications, this study provides further insights about the factors influencing solvency in restaurant businesses during periods of a financial crisis. The main practical contributions are linked to improving the leadership skills of restaurant owners and managers to deal with periods of crisis in general, thus improving the solvency of their businesses and decreasing the risks associated with bankruptcy.
Gene Expression Profiling in Coeliac Disease Confirmed the Key Role of the Immune System and Revealed a Molecular Overlap with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Authors: Sallese Michele , Efthymakis Konstantinos , Marchioni Michele , Neri Benedetto , Dufrusine Beatrice , Dainese Enrico , Di Nicola Marta , Neri Matteo
Published: April 2023

Coeliac disease (CeD) is an immune-mediated disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten and an as yet unidentified environmental factor in genetically predisposed individuals. The disease involves a major autoimmune component that primarily damages the intestinal mucosa; although, it also has systemic involvement. The Th1 inflammatory response is one of the main events leading to mucosal damage; although, enterocytes and the innate immune response also participate in the pathological mechanism. In this study, we performed an analysis of the gene expression profile of the intestinal mucosa of patients with active disease and compared it with that of patients who do not suffer from gluten-related disorders but report dyspeptic symptoms. This analysis identified 1781 differentially expressed (DE) genes, of which 872 were downregulated and 909 upregulated. Gene Ontology and pathway analysis indicated that the innate and adaptive immune response, in particular the Th1 pathway, are important pathogenetic mechanisms of CeD, while the key cytokines are IL27, IL21, IL2, IL1b, TNF, CSF2 and IL7, as well as type I (IFNA1, IFNA2) and type II (IFNG) interferons. Finally, the comparison between the DE genes identified in this study and those identified in our previous study in the intestinal mucosa of patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) revealed a high degree of molecular overlap. About 30% of the genes dysregulated in NCGS, most of which are long non-coding RNAs, are also altered in CeD suggesting that these diseases may have a common root (dysregulated long non-coding RNAs) from which they develop towards an inflammatory phenotype of variable degree in the case of CeD and NCGS respectively.
LvCD14L Acts as a Novel Pattern Recognition Receptor and a Regulator of the Toll Signaling Pathway in Shrimp
Authors: Lv Xinjia , Li Shihao , Yu Yang , Jin Songjun , Zhang Xiaojun , Li Fuhua
Published: April 2023

Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) is a structural motif has important recognition function in immune receptors, such as Tolls and NOD-like receptors (NLRs). The immune-related LRR proteins can be divided into two categories, LRR-containing proteins and LRR-only proteins. The latter contain LRR motifs while they are without other functional domains. However, the functional mechanisms of the LRR-only proteins were still unclear in invertebrates. Here, we identified a gene encoding a secretory LRR-only protein, which possessed similarity with vertebrate CD14 and was designated as LvCD14L, from the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Its transcripts in shrimp hemocytes were apparently responsive to the infection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Knockdown of LvCD14L with dsRNA resulted in significant increase of the viable bacteria in the hepatopancreas of shrimp upon V. parahaemolyticus infection. Further functional studies revealed that LvCD14L could bind to microorganisms’ PAMPs, showed interaction with LvToll1 and LvToll2, and regulated the expression of LvDorsal and LvALF2 in hemocytes. These results suggest that LvCD14L functions as a pattern recognition receptor and activates the NF-κB pathway through interaction with LvTolls. The present study reveals a shrimp LvCD14L-Tolls-NF-κB signaling pathway like the CD14/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in mammalians, which enriches the functional mechanism of secretory LRR-only immune receptors during pathogens infection in invertebrates.
Effects of a High-Protein Diet on Kidney Injury under Conditions of Non-CKD or CKD in Mice
Authors: Tanaka Shohei , Wakui Hiromichi , Azushima Kengo , Tsukamoto Shunichiro , Yamaji Takahiro , Urate Shingo , Suzuki Toru , Abe Eriko , Taguchi Shinya , Yamada Takayuki , Kobayashi Ryu , Kanaoka Tomohiko , Kamimura Daisuke , Kinguchi Sho , Takiguchi Masahito , Funakoshi Kengo , Yamashita Akio , Ishigami Tomoaki , Tamura Kouichi
Published: April 2023

Considering the prevalence of obesity and global aging, the consumption of a high-protein diet (HPD) may be advantageous. However, an HPD aggravates kidney dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Moreover, the effects of an HPD on kidney function in healthy individuals are controversial. In this study, we employed a remnant kidney mouse model as a CKD model and aimed to evaluate the effects of an HPD on kidney injury under conditions of non-CKD and CKD. Mice were divided into four groups: a sham surgery (sham) + normal diet (ND) group, a sham + HPD group, a 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) + ND group and a 5/6 Nx + HPD group. Blood pressure, kidney function and kidney tissue injury were compared after 12 weeks of diet loading among the four groups. The 5/6 Nx groups displayed blood pressure elevation, kidney function decline, glomerular injury and tubular injury compared with the sham groups. Furthermore, an HPD exacerbated glomerular injury only in the 5/6 Nx group; however, an HPD did not cause kidney injury in the sham group. Clinical application of these results suggests that patients with CKD should follow a protein-restricted diet to prevent the exacerbation of kidney injury, while healthy individuals can maintain an HPD without worrying about the adverse effects.
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase TRIM21 Regulates Basal Levels of PDGFRβ
Authors: Sarri Niki , Papadopoulos Natalia , Lennartsson Johan , Heldin Carl-Henrik
Published: April 2023

Activation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors α and β (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ) at the cell surface by binding of PDGF isoforms leads to internalization of receptors, which affects the amplitude and kinetics of signaling. Ubiquitination of PDGF receptors in response to ligand stimulation is mediated by the Casitas b-lineage lymphoma (Cbl) family of ubiquitin ligases, promoting internalization and serving as a sorting signal for vesicular trafficking of receptors. We report here that another E3 ligase, i.e., tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21), contributes to the ubiquitination of PDGFRβ in human primary fibroblasts AG1523 and the osteosarcoma cell line U2OS and regulates basal levels of PDGFRβ. We found that siRNA-mediated depletion of TRIM21 led to decreased ubiquitination of PDGFRβ in response to PDGF-BB stimulation, while internalization from the cell surface and the rate of ligand-induced degradation of the receptor were not affected. Moreover, induction of TRIM21 decreased the levels of PDGFRβ in serum-starved cells, and even more in growing cells, in the absence of PDGF stimulation. Consistently, siRNA knockdown of TRIM21 caused accumulation of the total amount of PDGFRβ, both in the cytoplasm and on the cell surface, without affecting mRNA levels of the receptor. We conclude that TRIM21 acts post-translationally and maintains basal levels of PDGFRβ, thus suggesting that ubiquitination of PDGFRβ by TRIM21 may direct a portion of receptor for degradation in growing cells in a ligand-independent manner.
Systemic and Peripheral Mechanisms of Cortical Stimulation-Induced Analgesia and Refractoriness in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Assis Danielle V. , Campos Ana Carolina P. , Paschoa Amanda F. N. , Santos Talita F. , Fonoff Erich T. , Pagano Rosana L.
Published: April 2023

Epidural motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is an effective treatment for refractory neuropathic pain; however, some individuals are unresponsive. In this study, we correlated the effectiveness of MCS and refractoriness with the expression of cytokines, neurotrophins, and nociceptive mediators in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), sciatic nerve, and plasma of rats with sciatic neuropathy. MCS inhibited hyperalgesia and allodynia in two-thirds of the animals (responsive group), and one-third did not respond (refractory group). Chronic constriction injury (CCI) increased IL-1β in the nerve and DRG, inhibited IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17A in the nerve, decreased β-endorphin, and enhanced substance P in the plasma, compared to the control. Responsive animals showed decreased NGF and increased IL-6 in the nerve, accompanied by restoration of local IL-10 and IL-17A and systemic β-endorphin. Refractory animals showed increased TNF-α and decreased IFNγ in the nerve, along with decreased TNF-α and IL-17A in the DRG, maintaining low levels of systemic β-endorphin. Our findings suggest that the effectiveness of MCS depends on local control of inflammatory and neurotrophic changes, accompanied by recovery of the opioidergic system observed in neuropathic conditions. So, understanding the refractoriness to MCS may guide an improvement in the efficacy of the technique, thus benefiting patients with persistent neuropathic pain.
Enhancing Regulatory T Cells to Treat Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Fiyouzi Tara , Pelaez-Prestel Hector F. , Reyes-Manzanas Raquel , Lafuente Esther M. , Reche Pedro A.
Published: April 2023

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) control immune responses and are essential to maintain immune homeostasis and self-tolerance. Hence, it is no coincidence that autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders are associated with defects in Tregs. These diseases have currently no cure and are treated with palliative drugs such as immunosuppressant and immunomodulatory agents. Thereby, there is a great interest in developing medical interventions against these diseases based on enhancing Treg cell function and numbers. Here, we give an overview of Treg cell ontogeny and function, paying particular attention to mucosal Tregs. We review some notable approaches to enhance immunomodulation by Tregs with therapeutic purposes including adoptive Treg cell transfer therapy and discuss relevant clinical trials for inflammatory bowel disease. We next introduce ways to expand mucosal Tregs in vivo using microbiota and dietary products that have been the focus of clinical trials in various autoimmune and chronic-inflammatory diseases.
Recent Advances in Collagen Antimicrobial Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications: A Review
Authors: Ersanli Caglar , Tzora Athina , Skoufos Ioannis , Voidarou Chrysoula (Chrysa) , Zeugolis Dimitrios I.
Published: April 2023

Biomaterial-based therapies have been receiving attention for treating microbial infections mainly to overcome the increasing number of drug-resistant bacterial strains and off-target impacts of therapeutic agents by conventional strategies. A fibrous, non-soluble protein, collagen, is one of the most studied biopolymers for the development of antimicrobial biomaterials owing to its superior physicochemical, biomechanical, and biological properties. In this study, we reviewed the different approaches used to develop collagen-based antimicrobial devices, such as non-pharmacological, antibiotic, metal oxide, antimicrobial peptide, herbal extract-based, and combination approaches, with a particular focus on preclinical studies that have been published in the last decade.
Molecular Mechanisms of Metal Toxicity and Plant Tolerance
Authors: Moustakas Michael
Published: April 2023

Increased industrial and agricultural human activities, such as mining and smelting, electroplating, wastewater irrigation, and chemical fertilizers, have resulted in high environmental concentrations of toxic metals [...]
The Potential of Liquid Biopsy in Detection of Endometrial Cancer Biomarkers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kodada Dominik , Hyblova Michaela , Krumpolec Patrik , Janostiakova Nikola , Barath Peter , Grendar Marian , Blandova Gabriela , Petrovic Oliver , Janega Pavol , Repiska Vanda , Minarik Gabriel
Published: April 2023

Endometrial cancer belongs to the most common gynecologic cancer types globally, with increasing incidence. There are numerous ways of classifying different cases. The most recent decade has brought advances in molecular classification, which show more accurate prognostic factors and the possibility of personalised adjuvant treatment. In addition, diagnostic approaches lag behind these advances, with methods causing patients discomfort while lacking the reproducibility of tissue sampling for biopsy. Minimally invasive liquid biopsies could therefore represent an alternative screening and diagnostic approach in patients with endometrial cancer. The method could potentially detect molecular changes in this cancer type and identify patients at early stages. In this pilot study, we tested such a detection method based on circulating tumour DNA isolated from the peripheral blood plasma of 21 Slovak endometrial cancer patients. We successfully detected oncomutations in the circulating DNA of every single patient, although the prognostic value of the detected mutations failed to offer certainty. Furthermore, we detected changes associated with clonal hematopoiesis, including DNMT3A mutations, which were present in the majority of circulating tumour DNA samples.
Epigenetic Alterations from Barrett’s Esophagus to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ergun Pelin , Kipcak Sezgi , Bor Serhat
Published: April 2023

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a disease entity that is a sequela of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease that may result in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) due to columnar epithelial dysplasia. The histological degree of dysplasia is the sole biomarker frequently utilized by clinicians. However, the cost of endoscopy and the fact that the degree of dysplasia does not progress in many patients with BE diminish the effectiveness of histological grading as a perfect biomarker. Multiple or more quantitative biomarkers are required by clinicians since early diagnosis is crucial in esophageal adenocancers, which have a high mortality rate. The presence of epigenetic factors in the early stages of this neoplastic transformation holds promise as a predictive biomarker. In this review, current studies on DNA methylations, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs (miRNAs) that have been discovered during the progression from BE dysplasia to EAC were collated.
Scleral Thickness as a Risk Factor for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy and Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy
Authors: Keidel Leonie F. , Schworm Benedikt , Langer Julian , Luft Nikolaus , Herold Tina , Hagenau Felix , Klaas Julian E. , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Siedlecki Jakob
Published: April 2023

In the pathophysiology of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), scleral changes inducing increased venous outflow resistance are hypothesized to be involved. This work aims to investigate anterior scleral thickness (AST) as a risk factor for pachychoroid disorders. A randomized prospective case-control study was performed at the Ludwig Maximilians University, Department of Ophthalmology. In patients with CSC or pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and in an age- and refraction-matched control group, swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to measure anterior scleral thickness (AST). Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was assessed using enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT). In total, 46 eyes of 46 patients were included in this study, with 23 eyes in the CSC/PNV and 23 eyes in the control group. A significantly higher AST was found in the CSC/PNV compared with the control group (403.5 ± 68.6 (278 to 619) vs. 362.5 ± 62.6 (218 to 498) µm; p = 0.028). Moreover, the CSC/PNV group showed a higher SFCT (392.8 ± 92.8 (191–523) vs. 330.95 ± 116.5 (167–609) µm, p = 0.004). Compared with the age- and refraction-matched controls, patients with CSC and PNV showed a significantly thicker anterior sclera. Scleral thickness might contribute to the venous overload hypothesized to induce pachychoroid phenotypes.
Porous Biocoatings Based on Diatomite with Incorporated ZrO2 Particles for Biodegradable Magnesium Implants
Authors: Sedelnikova Mariya B. , Kashin Alexander D. , Uvarkin Pavel V. , Tolmachev Alexey I. , Sharkeev Yurii P. , Ugodchikova Anna V. , Luginin Nikita A. , Bakina Olga V.
Published: April 2023

In the present work, the surface of a biodegradable Mg alloy was modified to create porous diatomite biocoatings using the method of micro-arc oxidation. The coatings were applied at process voltages in the range of 350–500 V. We have studied the influence of the addition of ZrO2 microparticles on the structure and properties of diatomite-based protective coatings for Mg implants. The structure and properties of the resulting coatings were examined using a number of research methods. It was found that the coatings have a porous structure and contain ZrO2 particles. The coatings were mostly characterized by pores less than 1 μm in size. However, as the voltage of the MAO process increases, the number of larger pores (5–10 μm in size) also increases. However, the porosity of the coatings varied insignificantly and amounted to 5 ± 1%. It has been revealed that the incorporation of ZrO2 particles substantially affects the properties of diatomite-based coatings. The adhesive strength of the coatings has increased by approximately 30%, and the corrosion resistance has increased by two orders of magnitude compared to the coatings without zirconia particles.
Geometrical Influence on Material Properties for Ti6Al4V Parts in Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Nahr Florian , Rasch Michael , Burkhardt Christian , Renner Jakob , Baumgärtner Benjamin , Hausotte Tino , Körner Carolin , Steinmann Paul , Mergheim Julia , Schmidt Michael , Markl Matthias
Published: April 2023

One major advantage of additive manufacturing is the high freedom of design, which supports the fabrication of complex structures. However, geometrical features such as combined massive volumes and cellular structures in such parts can lead to an uneven heat distribution during processing, resulting in different material properties throughout the part. In this study, we demonstrate these effects, using a complex structure consisting of three conic shapes with narrow cylinders in between hindering heat flux. We manufacture the parts via powder bed fusion of Ti6Al4V by applying a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) as well as an electron beam (PBF-EB). We investigate the impact of the different thermal regimes on the part density, microstructure and mechanical properties aided by finite element simulations as well as by thermography and X-ray computed tomography measurements. Both simulations and thermography show an increase in inter-layer temperature with increasing part radius, subsequently leading to heat accumulation along the build direction. While the geometry and thermal history have a minor influence on the relative density of the parts, the microstructure is greatly affected by the thermal history in PBF-LB/M. The acicular martensitic structure in the narrow parts is decomposed into a mix of tempered lath-like martensite and an ultrafine α + β microstructure with increasing part radius. The EBM part exhibits a lamellar α + β microstructure for both the cylindric and conic structures. The different microstructures directly influence the hardness of the parts. For the PBF-LB part, the hardness ranges between 400 HV0.5 in the narrow sections and a maximum hardness of 450 HV0.5 in the broader sections, while the PBF-EB part exhibits hardness values between 280 and 380 HV0.5.
Responses of Fungal Assembly and Co-Occurrence Network of Rhizosphere Soil to Amaranthus palmeri Invasion in Northern China
Authors: Zhang Mei , Wang Kefan , Shi Cong , Li Xueying , Qiu Zhenlu , Shi Fuchen
Published: April 2023

The interaction between invasive plants and soil microbial communities is critical for plant establishment. However, little is known about the assembly and co-occurrence patterns of fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil of Amaranthus palmeri. The soil fungal communities and co-occurrence networks were investigated in 22 invaded patches and 22 native patches using high-throughput Illumina sequencing. Despite having little effect on alpha diversity, plant invasion significantly altered the composition of the soil fungal community (ANOSIM, p < 0.05). Fungal taxa associated with plant invasion were identified using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). In the rhizosphere soil of A. palmeri, Basidiomycota was significantly enriched, while Ascomycota and Glomeromycota were significantly reduced when compared to native plants. At the genus level, the invasion of A. palmeri dramatically increased the abundance of beneficial fungi and potential antagonists such as Dioszegia, Tilletiopsis, Colacogloea, and Chaetomium, while it significantly decreased the abundance of pathogenic fungi such as Alternaria and Phaeosphaeria. Plant invasion reduced the average degree and average path length, and increased the modularity value, resulting in a less complex but more effective and stable network. Our findings improved the knowledge of the soil fungal communities, network co-occurrence patterns, and keystone taxa in A. palmeri-invaded ecosystems.
Development and Validation of Artificial-Intelligence-Based Radiomics Model Using Computed Tomography Features for Preoperative Risk Stratification of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Rengo Marco , Onori Alessandro , Caruso Damiano , Bellini Davide , Carbonetti Francesco , De Santis Domenico , Vicini Simone , Zerunian Marta , Iannicelli Elsa , Carbone Iacopo , Laghi Andrea
Published: April 2023

Background: preoperative risk assessment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTS) is required for optimal and personalized treatment planning. Radiomics features are promising tools to predict risk assessment. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate an artificial intelligence classification algorithm, based on CT features, to define GIST’s prognosis as determined by the Miettinen classification. Methods: patients with histological diagnosis of GIST and CT studies were retrospectively enrolled. Eight morphologic and 30 texture CT features were extracted from each tumor and combined to obtain three models (morphologic, texture and combined). Data were analyzed using a machine learning classification (WEKA). For each classification process, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the curve were evaluated. Inter- and intra-reader agreement were also calculated. Results: 52 patients were evaluated. In the validation population, highest performances were obtained by the combined model (SE 85.7%, SP 90.9%, ACC 88.8%, and AUC 0.954) followed by the morphologic (SE 66.6%, SP 81.8%, ACC 76.4%, and AUC 0.742) and texture (SE 50%, SP 72.7%, ACC 64.7%, and AUC 0.613) models. Reproducibility was high of all manual evaluations. Conclusions: the AI-based radiomics model using a CT feature demonstrates good predictive performance for preoperative risk stratification of GISTs.
Baseline Variability Affects N-of-1 Intervention Effect: Simulation and Field Studies
Authors: Suzuki Makoto , Tanaka Satoshi , Saito Kazuo , Cho Kilchoon , Iso Naoki , Okabe Takuhiro , Suzuki Takako , Yamamoto Junichi
Published: April 2023

The simulation study investigated the relationship between the local linear trend model’s data-comparison accuracy, baseline-data variability, and changes in level and slope after introducing the N-of-1 intervention. Contour maps were constructed, which included baseline-data variability, change in level or slope, and percentage of non-overlapping data between the state and forecast values by the local linear trend model. Simulation results showed that baseline-data variability and changes in level and slope after intervention affect the data-comparison accuracy based on the local linear trend model. The field study investigated the intervention effects for actual field data using the local linear trend model, which confirmed 100% effectiveness of previous N-of-1 studies. These results imply that baseline-data variability affects the data-comparison accuracy using a local linear trend model, which could accurately predict the intervention effects. The local linear trend model may help assess the intervention effects of effective personalized interventions in precision rehabilitation.
Empowering Patients and Transforming Healthcare in the Post-COVID-19 Era: The Role of Digital and Wearable Technologies
Authors: Syed-Abdul Shabbir , Li Yu-Chuan
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the global healthcare system, revealing critical gaps in our capacity to provide efficient and effective care to patients, particularly those with chronic diseases [...]
Zn Fertilizer and Mycorrhizal Inoculation Effect on Bread Wheat Cultivar Grown under Water Deficit
Authors: Abdi Neila , Van Biljon Angeline , Steyn Chrisna , Labuschagne Maryke
Published: April 2023

During drought stress, many enzymes are inactivated in plants due to Zn deficiency. Zn application and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF)–wheat symbiosis reportedly improve the tolerance of plants to drought stress. This study was done to investigate the effect of Zn and AMF on plant growth, yield attributes, relative water content (RWC), harvest index (HI), photosynthetic activity, solute accumulation, glycine betaine (GB) accumulation, antioxidant activities [(catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], and ionic attributes in a bread wheat cultivar (SST806) under drought-stress in plants grown under greenhouse conditions. Zn application and AMF inoculation, separately and combined, enhanced all plant growth parameters and yield. Root dry weight (RDW) was increased by 25, 30, and 46% for these three treatments, respectively, under drought conditions compared to the control treatment. Overall, Zn application, AMF inoculation, and their combination increased protein content, RWC, and harvest index (HI) under drought stress. However, AMF inoculation improved proline content more than Zn application under the same conditions. Regarding GB accumulation, AMF, Zn, and the combination of Zn and AMF increased GB under drought compared to well-watered conditions by 31.71, 10.36, and 70.70%, respectively. For the antioxidant defense, AMF inoculation and Zn application improved SOD and CAT activity by 58 and 56%, respectively. This study showed that Zn and/or AMF increased antioxidant levels and ionic attributes under abiotic stress.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of HfC-SiC Ceramics Influenced by WC Addition
Authors: Cheng Yue , Tang Huaguo , Fang Guangkai , Yu Yuan , Wang Lujie , Zhang Yanfei , Qiao Zhuhui
Published: April 2023

The development of HfC-SiC has been challenging due to difficulties in achieving sintering and satisfactory mechanical properties. However, this study aims to overcome these limitations by incorporating WC as an additive. SPS was employed to process HfC-SiC and HfC-SiC doped with 5 vol.% WC. The resulting samples were then evaluated for their oxygen content, relative density, Vickers hardness, bending strength, indentation fracture toughness, and microstructure. The Vickers hardness (20.50 ± 0.20 GPa), flexural strength (600.19 ± 84.00 MPa), and indentation fracture toughness (5.76 ± 0.54 MPa·m1/2) of HfC-30 vol.% SiC-5 vol.% WC ceramics are higher than HfC-30 vol.% SiC ceramics. Doping 5 vol.% WC in HfC-30 vol.% SiC not only reduces the oxygen content of samples but also produces the (Hf,W)C solid solution and refines the microstructures, which are the main reasons for the higher mechanical properties of HfC-30 vol.% SiC-5 vol.% WC ceramics. In summary, this study successfully addresses the challenges associated with HfC-SiC by incorporating WC as an additive, leading to improved mechanical properties and microstructures.
Flexural Behavior of Damaged Hollow RC Box Girders Repaired with Prestressed CFRP
Authors: Guo Xinyan , Zeng Lingkai , Zheng Xiaohong , Li Baojun , Deng Zhiheng
Published: April 2023

In recent years, numerous studies have explored the benefits of utilizing prestressed carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) for strengthening concrete structures. However, research on the reinforcement of prestressed CFRP on full-scale hollow RC box girders, particularly damaged bridges, remains limited. In this study, both experiments and finite element analysis (FEA) were performed to investigate the flexural behavior of full-scale hollow RC box girders with varying degrees of damage, which were strengthened using CFRP with different levels of prestress. The adhesive behavior of the CFRP–concrete interface was considered in the FEA. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the flexural behaviors of the girders, including failure modes, yield and ultimate loads, and deflections. The results revealed that the application of prestressed CFRP efficiently increased the yield and ultimate loads of the box girders. Specifically, when the degree of damage of the hollow box girder was less than 23%, the flexural bearing capacity of the repaired girder could be recovered after being strengthened with two prestressed CFRP strips measuring 50 mm in width and 3 mm in thickness. However, the risk of premature debonding at the CFRP–concrete interface increased when the prestressing level of CFRP and degree of damage of hollow RC box girders exceeded 35% and 40%, respectively. These findings suggest that the use of prestressed CFRP may be a promising method for repairing damaged hollow RC box girders, but careful consideration of the degree of damage and prestressing level would be necessary to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the repair.
Synthesis Methods and Optical Sensing Applications of Plasmonic Metal Nanoparticles Made from Rhodium, Platinum, Gold, or Silver
Authors: Demishkevich Elizaveta , Zyubin Andrey , Seteikin Alexey , Samusev Ilia , Park Inkyu , Hwangbo Chang Kwon , Choi Eun Ha , Lee Geon Joon
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth review of plasmonic metal nanoparticles made from rhodium, platinum, gold, or silver. We describe fundamental concepts, synthesis methods, and optical sensing applications of these nanoparticles. Plasmonic metal nanoparticles have received a lot of interest due to various applications, such as optical sensors, single-molecule detection, single-cell detection, pathogen detection, environmental contaminant monitoring, cancer diagnostics, biomedicine, and food and health safety monitoring. They provide a promising platform for highly sensitive detection of various analytes. Due to strongly localized optical fields in the hot-spot region near metal nanoparticles, they have the potential for plasmon-enhanced optical sensing applications, including metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and biomedical imaging. We explain the plasmonic enhancement through electromagnetic theory and confirm it with finite-difference time-domain numerical simulations. Moreover, we examine how the localized surface plasmon resonance effects of gold and silver nanoparticles have been utilized for the detection and biosensing of various analytes. Specifically, we discuss the syntheses and applications of rhodium and platinum nanoparticles for the UV plasmonics such as UV-MEF and UV-SERS. Finally, we provide an overview of chemical, physical, and green methods for synthesizing these nanoparticles. We hope that this paper will promote further interest in the optical sensing applications of plasmonic metal nanoparticles in the UV and visible ranges.
Effects of Cr Content on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Co-Free FeCryNiAl0.8 High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Cui Puchang , Wang Wei , Nong Zhisheng , Lai Zhonghong , Liu Yong , Zhu Jingchuan
Published: April 2023

High-entropy alloys have gained widespread concern in response to the increased requirements for future high-temperature structural superalloys. By combining phase-diagram calculations with microhardness, compression behavior measurements at room temperature, and elevated temperature conditions, the very important role of the Cr element on the microstructure and properties is deeply revealed, which provides candidates materials for future high-temperature alloy applications. The increment of Cr favors the regulation of the two-phase fraction and distribution. The thermodynamic calculations illustrate that the density and melting point of the HEAs showed an increasing trend with the increase of the Cr content. The typical worm-like microstructure of the Cr0.6 alloy with a dual BCC structure was detected. Meanwhile, on the one hand, the increment of the Cr elements results in a considerable optimization of the mechanical properties of the alloy in terms of strength and ductility at room temperature. The corresponding compressive strength and plasticity of Cr0.6 alloy at room temperature are 3524 MPa and 43.3%. On the other hand, the high-temperature mechanical properties of the alloy are greatly enhanced. At 1000 °C, the yield strength of the Cr0.6 alloy is about 25 MPa higher than that of the Cr0.4 alloy. The superior mechanical properties are attributed to the pronounced work-hardening response, and the work-hardening behavior of Cr-containing HEAs was systematically analyzed by employing the modified Ludwik model. The higher content of Cr helps the resistance of the local deformation response, improving the nonuniform strain and promoting the balance of strength and ductility of the alloys.
Antioxidant Protection of Paper Heritage Objects with 4-Amino-2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine
Authors: Vizárová Katarína , Malečková Soňa , Tiňo Radko , Reháková Milena , Kačík František
Published: April 2023

In protecting cultural heritage, deacidification is used to stabilize acidic papers, ensuring the neutralization of acids present in the paper. But in the process of aging, several mechanisms of degradation occur simultaneously. Therefore, substances used to stabilize the paper should contain an antioxidant component in addition to the deacidifying component. The effect of the antioxidant (hindered amine light stabilizers—HALS type) on the stabilization of lignin-containing acid papers during accelerated aging was studied in this work. The effective deacidification component was magnesium; the solvent was hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). The 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine series of hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) was selected as appropriate for creating a modifying system based on HMDSO. The modification system was tested on samples of a model test acid lignin-containing paper (NOVO) and naturally aged acidic paper from the real book. The addition of substances to the proposed deacidification system has a favorable effect on stabilizing the pH during aging and provides the inhibition of the oxidative degradation products and stabilization of the cellulose degree of polymerization. It was confirmed that the application of the system containing deacidification and an antioxidant component may increase the effectiveness of the protection of acid groundwood paper heritage objects. Adding a tested antioxidant to the proposed deacidification system has a favorable effect on stabilizing the pH value for a long time in accelerated aging.
Assessment of Awareness, Perceptions, and Opinions towards Artificial Intelligence among Healthcare Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Syed Wajid , Basil A. Al-Rawi Mahmood
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective: The role of the pharmacist in healthcare society is unique, since they are providers of health information and medication counseling to patients. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate Awareness, Perceptions, and Opinions towards Artificial intelligence (AI) among pharmacy undergraduate students at King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 using online questionnaires. The data collection was carried out using convenience sampling methods among senior pharmacy students at the College of Pharmacy, King Saud University. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 was used to analyze the data (SPSS). Results: A total of one hundred and fifty-seven pharmacy students completed the questionnaires. Of these, most of them (n = 118; 75.2%) were males. About 42%, (n = 65) were in their fourth year of study. Most of the students (n = 116; 73.9%) knew about AI. In addition, 69.4% (n = 109) of the students thought that AI is a tool that helps healthcare professionals (HCP). However, more than half 57.3% (n = 90) of the students were aware that AI would assist healthcare professionals in becoming better with the widespread use of AI. Furthermore, 75.1% of the students agreed that AI reduces errors in medical practice. The mean positive perception score was 29.8 (SD = 9.63; range-0–38). The mean score was significantly associated with age (p = 0.030), year of study (p = 0.040), and nationality (p = 0.013). The gender of the participants was found to have no significant association with the mean positive perception score (p = 0.916). Conclusions: Overall, pharmacy students showed good awareness of AI in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the majority of the students had positive perceptions about the concepts, benefits, and implementation of AI. Moreover, most students indicated that there is a need for more education and training in the field of AI. Consequently, early exposure to content related to AI in the curriculum of pharmacy is an important step to help in the wide use of these technologies in the graduates’ future careers.
Clostridium difficile Infections in an Emergency Surgical Unit from North-East Romania
Authors: Ciuntu Bogdan Mihnea , Balan Gheorghe G. , Buna-Arvinte Mihaela , Abdulan Irina Mihaela , Papancea Adelina , Toma Ștefan Lucian , Veliceasa Bogdan , Bădulescu Oana Viola , Ghiga Gabriela , Fătu Ana Maria , Vascu Mihai Bogdan , Moldovanu Antonia , Vintilă Dan , Vasilescu Alin Mihai
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: Colitis with Clostridium difficile is an important health problem that occurs with an intensity that varies between mild and severe. Surgical interventions are required only in fulminant forms. There is little evidence regarding the best surgical intervention in these cases. Materials and Methods: Patients with C. difficile infection were identified from the two surgery clinics from the ‘Saint Spiridon’ Emergency Hospital Iași, Romania. Data regarding the presentation, indication for surgery, antibiotic therapy, type of toxins, and post-operative outcomes were collected over a 3-year period. Results: From a total of 12,432 patients admitted for emergency or elective surgery, 140 (1.12%) were diagnosed with C. difficile infection. The mortality rate was 14% (20 cases). Non-survivors had higher rates of lower-limb amputations, bowel resections, hepatectomy, and splenectomy. Additional surgery was necessary in 2.8% of cases because of the complications of C. difficile colitis. In three cases, terminal colostomy was performed and as well as one case with subtotal colectomy with ileostomy. All patients who required the second surgery died within the 30-day mortality period. Conclusions: In our prospective study, the incidence was increased both in cases of patients with interventions on the colon and in those requiring limb amputations. Surgical interventions are rarely required in patients with C. difficile colitis.
Effect of Warm Crossing Rolling on the Microstructure, Texture and Annealing Behavior of High-Purity Tantalum
Authors: Ding Yuping , Wang Song , Zhang Min , Zhou Shiyuan , Liu Shifeng , Yuan Xiaoli
Published: April 2023

With advanced integrated circuit semiconductor chips, the uniformity of microstructure and texture is increasingly required for tantalum (Ta) targets. A combination of warm rolling and 135° cross rolling (CR) at the temperature of 500 °C and 800 °C, i.e., warm cross rolling (WCR), was carried out in tantalum (Ta) plates to investigate the evolution of deformed microstructure and texture. Subsequently, these rolled samples were annealed to analyze the recrystallized microstructure. Results exhibited that WCR samples formed a relatively uniform and weak texture distribution along the thickness direction. The reduction in the proportion of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) was associated with the lower Peierls stresses to be overcome for dislocation motion due to thermal activation in the WCR sample. High grain boundary energy was observed in WCR samples, and WCR can promote dynamic recovery of samples to produce sub-crystals (thermodynamically unstable and serving as nuclei for subsequent recrystallization). Fine average grain size and high content of recrystallized grains with random orientation were obtained after annealing in the WCR sample. This study will provide a theoretical reference for the precise optimization of tantalum process parameters and the improvement in the target material’s performance.
Improvement of the High Temperature Wear Resistance of Laser Cladding Nickel-Based Coating: A Review
Authors: Liu Yingpeng , Wang Kaiming , Fu Hanguang
Published: April 2023

Nickel-based coatings obtained by laser melting are broadly applied for surface modification owing to their high bond strength and exceptional wear resistance. Nickel-based laser cladding coatings are also extensively employed in high temperature wear environments. In this paper, the research progress on improving the high temperature wear resistance of laser cladding nickel-based composite coatings was reviewed by introducing a hard ceramic phase, adding solid lubricants and rare earth elements. On this basis, the material system to enhance the high temperature wear resistance of coating was summarized from the perspectives of the type, addition amount, morphology and distribution law of the hard ceramic phase, etc. The synergistic effect of various lubricants on improving the high temperature wear resistance of coating was discussed, and the action mechanism of solid lubricants in the high temperature extreme environment was analyzed. Finally, this paper summarizes the main difficulties involved in increasing the high temperature wear resistance of nickel-based coatings and some problems worthy of attention in the future development.
Human Metabolome Reference Database in a Biracial Cohort across the Adult Lifespan
Authors: Tian Qu , Adam M. Gordian , Ozcariz Enrique , Fantoni Giovanna , Shehadeh Nader M. , Turek Lisa M. , Collingham Victoria L. , Kaileh Mary , Moaddel Ruin , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: April 2023

As one of the OMICS in systems biology, metabolomics defines the metabolome and simultaneously quantifies numerous metabolites that are final or intermediate products and effectors of upstream biological processes. Metabolomics provides accurate information that helps determine the physiological steady state and biochemical changes during the aging process. To date, reference values of metabolites across the adult lifespan, especially among ethnicity groups, are lacking. The “normal” reference values according to age, sex, and race allow the characterization of whether an individual or a group deviates metabolically from normal aging, encompass a fundamental element in any study aimed at understanding mechanisms at the interface between aging and diseases. In this study, we established a metabolomics reference database from 20–100 years of age from a biracial sample of community-dwelling healthy men and women and examined metabolite associations with age, sex, and race. Reference values from well-selected healthy individuals can contribute to clinical decision-making processes of metabolic or related diseases.
Application of Self-Assembled Polyarylether Substrate in Flexible Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wen Hsin-Yi , Lu Yu-Shien , Guo Cheng-Yan , Chang Mei-Ying , Huang Wen-Yao , Hsieh Tung-Li
Published: April 2023

The structure used in this study is as follows: substrate/PMMA/ZnS/Ag/MoO3/NPB/Alq3/LiF/Al. Here, PMMA serves as the surface flattening layer, ZnS/Ag/MoO3 as the anode, NPB as the hole injection layer, Alq3 as the emitting layer, LiF as the electron injection layer, and aluminum as the cathode. The properties of the devices with different substrates were investigated using P4 and glass, developed in the laboratory, as well as commercially available PET. After film formation, P4 creates holes on the surface. The light field distribution of the device was calculated at wavelengths of 480 nm, 550 nm, and 620 nm using optical simulation. It was found that this microstructure contributes to light extraction. The maximum brightness, external quantum efficiency, and current efficiency of the device at a P4 thickness of 2.6 μm were 72,500 cd/m2, 1.69%, and 5.68 cd/A, respectively. However, the maximum brightness of the same structure with PET (130 μm) was 9500 cd/m2. The microstructure of the P4 substrate was found to contribute to the excellent device performance through analysis of the AFM surface morphology, film resistance, and optical simulation results. The holes formed by the P4 substrate were created solely by spin-coating the material and then placing it on a heating plate to dry, without any special processing. To confirm the reproducibility of the naturally formed holes, devices were fabricated again with three different emitting layer thicknesses. The maximum brightness, external quantum efficiency, and current efficiency of the device at an Alq3 thickness of 55 nm were 93,400 cd/m2, 1.7%, and 5.6 cd/A, respectively.
Application of MEMS Accelerometers in Dynamic Vibration Monitoring of a Vehicle
Authors: Ahmed Hasnet Eftakher , Sahandabadi Sahereh , Bhawya  , Ahamed Mohammed Jalal
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the viability of MEMS accelerometers is investigated to measure vibration parameters related to different locations of a vehicle with respect to the automotive dynamic functions. The data is collected to compare the accelerometer performances in different locations on the vehicle, including on the hood above the engine, on the hood above the radiator fan, over the exhaust pipe, and on the dashboard. The power spectral density (PSD), together with the time and frequency domain results, confirm the strength and frequencies of the sources of vehicle dynamics. The frequencies obtained from the vibrations of the hood above the engine and radiator fan are approximately 44.18 Hz and 38 Hz, respectively. In terms of the vibration amplitude, the measured amplitudes are between 0.5 g and 2.5 g in both cases. Furthermore, the time domain data collected on the dashboard during driving mode reflects the road condition. Overall, the knowledge obtained from the various tests conducted in this paper can be advantageous for further control and development of vehicle diagnostics, safety, and comfort.