bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of p90RSK Ameliorates PDGF-BB-Mediated Phenotypic Change of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell and Subsequent Hyperplasia of Neointima
Authors: Hwang Ae-Rang , Lee Hee-Jung , Kim Suji , Park Seong-Hee , Woo Chang-Hoon
Published: May 2023

Platelet-derived growth factor type BB (PDGF-BB) regulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation, which play critical roles in the development of vascular conditions. p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) can regulate various cellular processes through many different target substrates in several cell types, but the regulatory function of p90RSK on PDGF-BB-mediated cell migration and proliferation and subsequent vascular neointima formation has not yet been extensively examined. In this study, we investigated whether p90RSK inhibition protects VSMCs against PDGF-BB-induced cellular phenotypic changes and the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of p90RSK inhibition on neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. Pretreatment of cultured primary rat VSMCs with FMK or BI-D1870, which are specific inhibitors of p90RSK, suppressed PDGF-BB-induced phenotypic changes, including migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix accumulation, in VSMCs. Additionally, FMK and BI-D1870 repressed the PDGF-BB-induced upregulation of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase-4 expression. Furthermore, p90RSK inhibition hindered the inhibitory effect of PDGF-BB on Cdk inhibitor p27 expression, indicating that p90RSK may induce VSMC proliferation by regulating the G0/G1 phase. Notably, treatment with FMK resulted in attenuation of neointima development in ligated carotid arteries in mice. The findings imply that p90RSK inhibition mitigates the phenotypic switch and neointimal hyperplasia induced by PDGF-BB.
Sarcoidosis-Related Uveitis: A Review
Authors: Giorgiutti Stéphane , Jacquot Robin , El Jammal Thomas , Bert Arthur , Jamilloux Yvan , Kodjikian Laurent , Sève Pascal
Published: May 2023

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that involves the eyes in 10–55% of cases, sometimes without systemic involvement. All eye structures can be affected, but uveitis is the most common ocular manifestation and causes vision loss. The typical ophthalmological appearance of these uveitis is granulomatous (in cases with anterior involvement), which are usually bilateral and with synechiae. Posterior involvement includes vitritis, vasculitis and choroidal lesions. Tuberculosis is a classic differential diagnosis to be wary of, especially in people who have spent time in endemic areas. The diagnosis is based on histology with the presence of non-caseating epithelioid granulomas. However, due to the technical difficulty and yield of biopsies, the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis is often based on clinico-radiological features. The international criteria for the diagnosis of ocular sarcoidosis have recently been revised. Corticosteroids remain the first-line treatment for sarcoidosis, but up to 30% of patients require high doses, justifying the use of corticosteroid-sparing treatments. In these cases, immunosuppressive treatments such as methotrexate may be introduced. More recent biotherapies such as anti-TNF are also very effective (as they are in other non-infectious uveitis etiologies).
Targeted Therapy for SLE—What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Next
Authors: Venturelli Veronica , Isenberg David Alan
Published: May 2023

For many years, the failure of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has prevented patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from benefiting from biological drugs that have proved to be effective in other rheumatological diseases. Only two biologics are approved for SLE, however they can only be administered to a restricted proportion of patients. Recently, several phase II RCTs have evaluated the efficacy and safety of new biologics in extra-renal SLE and lupus nephritis. Six drug trials have reported encouraging results, with an improvement in multiple clinical and serological outcome measures. The possibility of combining B-cell depletion and anti-BLyS treatment has also been successfully explored.
Development of a Predictive Model of Cardiovascular Risk in a Male Population from the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Alcaide-Leyva Jose M. , Romero-Saldaña Manuel , García-Rodríguez María , Molina-Luque Rafael , Jiménez-Mérida Rocío , Molina-Recio Guillermo
Published: May 2023

Background: The coexistence of malnutrition due to over- and under-nutrition in the Peruvian Amazon increases chronic diseases and cardiovascular risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a male population where anthropometric, clinical, and demographic variables were obtained to create a binary logistic regression predictive model of cardiovascular risk. Results: We compared two methods with good predictive results, finally choosing Model 4 (r2 = 0.57, sensitivity 73.68%, specificity 95.35%, Youden index 0.69, and validity index 94.21), with non-invasive variables such as blood pressure (p < 0.001), hip circumference (p < 0.001), and FINDRISC test result (p < 0.05); Conclusions: We developed a cheap, fast, and non-invasive tool to determine cardiovascular risk in the population of this endemic area.
Oral Health Factors Related to Rapid Oral Health Deterioration among Older Adults: A Narrative Review
Authors: Desai Jhanvi P. , Nair Rohit U.
Published: May 2023

Older adults who face systemic health issues and lack adequate social support are at risk for oral health deterioration. How rapidly such changes take place depends on the severity of their medical condition and their ability to access oral health services in a timely manner. The management of dental caries and periodontal disease in this cohort is made complex by the interaction of local and host factors such as the presence of dry mouth, involvement of root surfaces, and altered wound healing. in addition to enhanced maintenance needs to avoid recurrence or progression. Tooth replacement can be beneficial in restoring oral function, allowing patients to enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet but requires careful consideration to avoid further damage to remaining dental units. Establishing a dental home for the older adult can facilitate routine surveillance, disease prevention, and patient/caregiver education to achieve oral health goals commensurate with overall health. This narrative review details oral health factors that are related to rapid oral health deterioration among older adults.
Current Evidence and Future Perspectives to Implement Continuous and End-Ischemic Use of Normothermic and Oxygenated Hypothermic Machine Perfusion in Clinical Practice
Authors: Foguenne Maxime , MacMillan Serena , Kron Philipp , Nath Jay , Devresse Arnaud , De Meyer Martine , Michel Mourad , Hosgood Sarah , Darius Tom
Published: May 2023

The use of high-risk renal grafts for transplantation requires the optimization of pretransplant assessment and preservation reconditioning strategies to decrease the organ discard rate and to improve short- and long-term clinical outcomes. Active oxygenation is increasingly recognized to play a central role in dynamic preservation strategies, independent of preservation temperature, to recondition mitochondria and to restore the cellular energy profile. The oxygen-related decrease in mitochondrial succinate accumulation ameliorates the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury. The differences between normothermic and hypothermic machine perfusion with regard to organ assessment, preservation, and reconditioning, as well as the logistic and economic implications, are factors to take into consideration for implementation at a local level. Therefore, these different techniques should be considered complementary to the perfusion strategy selected depending on functional intention and resource availability. This review provides an overview of the current clinical evidence of normothermic and oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion, either as a continuous or end-ischemic preservation strategy, and future perspectives.
Myopia Control Efficacy and Long-Term Safety of a Novel Orthokeratology Lens (MESOK Study)—A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Combining Clinical and Tear Proteomics Data
Authors: Choi Kai Yip , Cheung Jimmy K. W. , Wong Gigi T. K. , Li Peter H. , Chan Sonia S. H. , Lam Thomas C. , Chan Henry H. L.
Published: May 2023

Myopia control efficacy and long-term safety of the Breath-O-Correct orthokeratology (OK) lens was evaluated in a 2-year randomized, single vision (SV) spectacle lens-controlled, single-blind clinical trial combining clinical and tear proteomics data. A total of 71 children (43 OK, 9.8 ± 1.3 years; 28 SV, 9.5 ± 1.4 years) completed the 2-year study. Axial length (AL), cycloplegic refraction, clinical safety parameters (best-corrected visual acuity, central cornea thickness, corneal endothelial health, ocular surface disease index), and quantitative tear proteomics were evaluated by masked examiners. Mean 2-year-normalized AL elongations in the OK and SV groups differed significantly (p = 0.03) and were 0.37 ± 0.37 mm and 0.60 ± 0.41 mm, respectively. OK-mediated myopia control efficacy was 37.1%. No significant difference was found in clinical safety parameters of both groups (p > 0.10), except for a thinner central corneal thickness in the OK group (p = 0.01). Proteomics revealed modest OK lens-mediated effects on immune response proteins, including an increased abundance of haptoglobin at 6 and 12 months and a decreased abundance of two proteins (neutrophil defensin 3 and histone 4) at 6 months. The changes were further validated using a high-resolution multiple-reaction monitoring (MRMHR) mass spectrometry. In summary, the Breath-O-Correct OK lens significantly reduced AL elongation in schoolchildren without adverse clinical effects or subclinical inflammatory responses.
Metabolic Support in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Umbrello Michele , Marini John J. , Formenti Paolo
Published: May 2023

Nutritional support for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients shares metabolic notions common to other critically ill conditions. Nevertheless, it generates specific concern regarding the primary limitation of oxygen supply and the complications of carbon dioxide elimination, as well as the significant metabolic alterations due to the body’s response to illness. In the present narrative review, after briefly summarizing the pathophysiology of critical illness stress response and patients’ metabolic requirements, we focus on describing the characteristics of metabolic and artificial nutrition in patients with acute respiratory failure. In patients with ARDS, several aspects of metabolism assume special importance. The physiological effects of substrate metabolism are described for this setting, particularly regarding energy consumption, diet-induced thermogenesis, and the price of their clearance, transformation, and storage. Moreover, we review the possible direct effects of macronutrients on lung tissue viability during ARDS. Finally, we summarize the noteworthy characteristics of metabolic control in critically ill patients with ARDS and offer a suggestion as to the ideal methods of metabolic support for this problem.
Influence of Crown-Implant Ratio and Implant Inclination on Marginal Bone Loss around Dental Implants Supporting Single Crowns in the Posterior Region: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Abdul Rahim Maha , Khan Kashmala , Chrcanovic Bruno Ramos
Published: May 2023

The aim of this present record-based retrospective study was to investigate the influence of the crown-implant ratio (CIR) and implant inclination in relation to the occlusal plane on the marginal bone loss (MBL) around dental implants supporting single crowns in the posterior region of the jaws. All the cases of implant-supported single crowns in the premolar and molar regions were initially considered for inclusion. Only implants not lost, with baseline radiographs taken within 12 months after implant placement and with a minimum of 36 months of radiological follow-up, were considered for the analysis of MBL. Univariate linear regression models were used to compare MBL over time between 12 clinical covariates, after which a linear mixed-effects model was built. After the exclusion of 49 cases, a total of 316 implant-supported single crowns in 234 patients were included. The results from the statistical models suggested that implant inclination and anatomical- and clinical CIR (the main related factors investigated in the study) were not statistically significantly related to MBL over time. Age (older people), tooth region (premolar), and bruxism (bruxers) had a statistically significant influence on MBL over time.
Preventing Lower Limb Graft Thrombosis after Infrainguinal Arterial Bypass Surgery with Antithrombotic Agents (PATENT Study): An International Expert Based Delphi Consensus
Authors: Meuli Lorenz , Stadlbauer Thomas , Stähli Barbara E. , Espinola-Klein Christine , Zimmermann Alexander ,   on behalf of the PATENT Study Collaborators
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: High-level evidence on antithrombotic therapy after infrainguinal arterial bypass surgery in specific clinical scenarios is lacking. (2) Methods: A modified Delphi procedure was used to develop consensus statements. Experts voted on antithrombotic treatment regimens for three types of infrainguinal arterial bypass procedures: above-the-knee popliteal artery; below-the-knee popliteal artery; and distal, using vein, prosthetic, or biological grafts. The treatment regimens for these nine procedures were then voted on in three clinical scenarios: isolated PAOD, atrial fibrillation, and recent coronary intervention. (3) Results: The survey was conducted with 28 experts from 15 European countries, resulting in consensus statements on 25/27 scenarios. Experts recommended single antiplatelet therapy after above-the-knee popliteal artery bypasses regardless of the graft material used. For below-the-knee popliteal artery bypasses, experts suggested combining single antiplatelet therapy with low-dose rivaroxaban if the graft material used was autologous or biological. They did not recommend switching to triple therapy for patients on oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation or dual antiplatelet therapy in any scenario. (4) Conclusions: Great inconsistency in the antithrombotic therapy administered was found in this study. This consensus offers guidance for scenarios that are not covered in the current ESVS guidelines but must be interpreted within its limitations.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Two Protocol Treatments in Patients with Symptomatic Disc Displacement without Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: de Almeida André Mariz , Botelho João , Machado Vanessa , Mendes José João , Manso Cristina , González-López Santiago
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of arthrocentesis followed by hyaluronic acid infiltration treatment (ASH) and mandibular exercise therapy (MET) in patients with symptomatic disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) by examining pain intensity (VAS), mandibular range of motion (MO), and quality of life (QoL). Fifty-two patients were randomly allocated into two groups, MET (N = 26) and ASH (N = 26), and therapy was applied at the baseline and one month after. Patients were followed up at 1 and 12 months after the baseline assessment. Clinical and patient-reported outcomes were compared at the baseline, 1-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. The study found no significant differences in VAS and MO between the ASH and MET groups at the baseline. However, while not significant, it was noted that the ASH group showed higher values for MO. Regarding OHIP-14 at 1 month of follow-up, the ASH group showed significant improvements in physical pain (p > 0.01), physical and psychological disability (p = 0.043 and p = 0.029), and handicap (p = 0.033). At the 12-month follow-up, the ASH group showed significant improvements in functional limitation, psychological discomfort, psychological disability, and handicap (p = 0.008, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.005, respectively). ASH treatment did not reduce pain or improve mandibular range of motion more than physical therapy in patients with symptomatic DDwoR. However, ASH could be preferable given its positive long-term effects on patients’ quality of life. The clinician’s main objective is to prioritize the treatment plan order with a focus on the patient’s quality of life. Accordingly, healthcare professionals should consider ASH as a treatment option for patients with symptomatic DDwoR who desire long-term improvement in their quality of life.
Pediatric Liver and Transplant Surgery: Results of an International Survey and Expert Consensus Recommendations
Authors: Lemoine Caroline P. , Madadi-Sanjani Omid , Petersen Claus , Chardot Christophe , de Ville de Goyet Jean , Superina Riccardo
Published: May 2023

Background: Pediatric liver surgery is a complex and challenging procedure and can be associated with major complications, including mortality. Best practices are not established. The aims of this study were to evaluate surgeons’ individual and institutional practices in pediatric liver surgery and make recommendations applicable to the management of children who require liver surgery. Methods: A web-based survey was developed, focusing on the surgical management of children with liver conditions. It was distributed to 34 pediatric surgery faculty members of the Biliary Atresia and Related Disorders (BARD) consortium and 28 centers of the European Reference Network—Rare Liver. Using the Delphi method, a series of questions was then created to develop ideas about potential future developments in pediatric liver surgery. Results: The overall survey response rate was 70.6% (24/34), while the response rate for the Delphi questionnaire was 26.5% (9/34). In centers performing pediatric liver surgery, most pediatric subspecialties were present, although pediatric oncology was the least present (79.2%). Nearly all participants surveyed agreed that basic and advanced imaging modalities (including ERCP) should be available in those centers. Most pediatric liver surgeries were performed by pediatric surgeons (69.6%). A majority of participants agreed that centers treating pediatric liver tumors should include a pediatric transplant program (86%) able to perform technical variant grafts and living donor liver transplantation. Fifty-six percent of responders believe pediatric liver transplantation should be performed by specialized pediatric surgeons. Conclusion: Pediatric liver surgery should be performed by specialized pediatric surgeons and should be centralized in regional centers of excellence where all pediatric subspecialists are present. Pediatric hepatobiliary and transplant training needs to be better promoted amongst pediatric surgery fellows to increase this subspecialized workforce.
High-Resolution Single-Shot Fast Spin-Echo MR Imaging with Deep Learning Reconstruction Algorithm Can Improve Repeatability and Reproducibility of Follicle Counting
Authors: Yang Renjie , Zou Yujie , Liu Weiyin (Vivian) , Liu Changsheng , Wen Zhi , Li Liang , Sun Chenyu , Hu Min , Zha Yunfei
Published: May 2023

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic performance of high-resolution single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE) imaging with deep learning (DL) reconstruction algorithm on follicle counting and compare it with original SSFSE images and conventional fast spin-echo (FSE) images. Methods: This study included 20 participants (40 ovaries) with clinically confirmed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who underwent high-resolution ovary MRI, including three-plane T2-weighted FSE sequences and slice-matched T2-weighted SSFSE sequences. A DL reconstruction algorithm was applied to the SSFSE sequences to generate SSFSE-DL images, and the original SSFSE images were also saved. Subjective evaluations such as the blurring artifacts, subjective noise, and clarity of the follicles on the SSFSE-DL, SSFSE, and conventional FSE images were independently conducted by two observers. Intra-class correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots were used to present the repeatability and reproducibility of the follicle number per ovary (FNPO) based on the three types of images. Results: SSFSE-DL images showed less blurring artifact, subjective noise, and better clarity of the follicles than SSFSE and FSE (p < 0.05). For the repeatability of the FNPO, SSFSE-DL showed the highest intra-observer (ICC = 0.930; 95% CI: 0.878–0.962) and inter-observer (ICC = 0.914; 95% CI: 0.843–0.953) agreements. The inter-observer 95% limits of agreement (LOA) for SSFSE-DL, SSFSE, and FSE ranged from −3.7 to 4.5, −4.4 to 7.0, and −7.1 to 7.6, respectively. The intra-observer 95% LOA for SSFSE-DL, SSFSE, and FSE ranged from −3.5 to 4.0, −5.1 to 6.1, and −5.7 to 4.2, respectively. The absolute values of intra-observer and inter-observer differences for SSFSE-DL were significantly lower than those for SSFSE and FSE (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the original SSFSE images and the conventional FSE images, high-resolution SSFSE images with DL reconstruction algorithm can better display follicles, thus improving FNPO assessment.
Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Prescribe a Time to Exercise for Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chang Courtney R. , Russell Brooke M. , Cyriac Tannia , Francois Monique E.
Published: May 2023

This study examines the potential utility of using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to prescribe an exercise time to target peak hyperglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The main aim is to test the feasibility of prescribing an individualised daily exercise time, based on the time of CGM-derived peak glucose, for people with T2D. Thirty-five individuals with T2D (HbA1c: 7.2 ± 0.8%; age: 64 ± 7 y; BMI: 29.2 ± 5.2 kg/m2) were recruited and randomised to one of two 14 d exercise interventions: i) ExPeak (daily exercise starting 30 min before peak hyperglycaemia) or placebo active control NonPeak (daily exercise starting 90 min after peak hyperglycaemia). The time of peak hyperglycaemia was determined via a two-week baseline CGM. A CGM, accelerometer, and heart rate monitor were worn during the free-living interventions to objectively measure glycaemic control outcomes, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and exercise adherence for future translation in a clinical trial. Participation in MVPA increased 26% when an exercise time was prescribed compared to habitual baseline (p < 0.01), with no difference between intervention groups (p > 0.26). The total MVPA increased by 10 min/day during the intervention compared to the baseline (baseline: 23 ± 14 min/d vs. intervention: 33 ± 16 min/d, main effect of time p = 0.03, no interaction). The change in peak blood glucose (mmol/L) was similar between the ExPeak (−0.44 ± 1.6 mmol/L, d = 0.21) and the NonPeak (−0.39 ± 1.5 mmol/L, d = 0.16) intervention groups (p = 0.92). Prescribing an exercise time based on CGM may increase daily participation in physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes; however, further studies are needed to test the long-term impact of this approach.
Evaluation of Adjuvant Antibiotic Loaded Injectable Bio-Composite Material in Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis and Charcot Foot Reconstruction
Authors: Kavarthapu Venu , Giddie Jasdeep , Kommalapati Varun , Casey Joanne , Bates Maureen , Vas Prashanth
Published: May 2023

The management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is extremely challenging with high amputation rates reported alongside a five-year mortality risk of more than fifty percent. We describe our experience in using adjuvant antibiotic-loaded bio-composite material (Cerament) in the surgical management of DFO and infected Charcot foot reconstruction. We undertook a retrospective evaluation of 53 consecutive patients (54 feet) who underwent Gentamicin or Vancomycin-loaded Cerament application during surgery. The feet were categorised into two groups: Group 1, with infected ulcer and DFO, managed with radical debridement only (n = 17), and Group 2, requiring reconstruction surgery for infected and deformed Charcot foot. Group 2 was further subdivided into 2a, with feet previously cleared of infection and undergoing a single-stage reconstruction (n = 19), and 2b, with feet having an active infection managed with a two-stage reconstruction (n = 18). The mean age was 56 years (27–83) and 59% (31/53) were males. The mean BMI was 30.2 kg/m2 (20.8–45.5). Foot ulcers were present in 69% (37/54) feet. At a mean follow-up of 30 months (12–98), there were two patients lost to follow up and the mortality rate was 11% (n = 5). The mean duration of post-operative systemic antibiotic administration was 20 days (4–42). Thirteen out of fifteen feet (87%) in group 1 achieved complete eradication of infection. There was a 100% primary ulcer resolution, 100% limb salvage and 76% bony union rate within Group 2. However, five patients, all in group 2, required reoperations due to problems with bone union. The use of antibiotic-loaded Cerament resulted in a high proportion of patients achieving infection clearance, functional limb salvage and decrease in the duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy. Larger, preferably randomised, studies are required to further validate these observations.
Morphological and Optical Coherence Tomography Aspects of Non-Carious Cervical Lesions
Authors: Stănuşi Andreea , Iacov-Crăițoiu Monica Mihaela , Scrieciu Monica , Mitruț Ioana , Firulescu Bogdan Costin , Boțilă Mihaela Roxana , Vlăduțu Diana Elena , Stănuşi Adrian Ştefan , Mercuț Veronica , Osiac Eugen
Published: May 2023

Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are considered the irreversible losses of dental hard tissues at the cemento–enamel junction, in the absence of acute trauma and dental caries. The aim of this study was to highlight the presence of NCCLs in cervical areas based on specific macroscopic aspects in order to establish their clinical form, size and location and to confirm the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination in the early diagnosis of these lesions. For this study, 52 extracted teeth were used, which did not have endodontic treatments, fillings or carious lesions in the cervical area. All teeth were examined macroscopically and OCT was used to evaluate the degree of occlusal wear, the presence and clinical form of NCCLs. Most NCCLs were identified on the buccal surfaces of the premolars. The most frequently encountered clinical form was the wedge-shaped form, with a radicular location. NCCLs present most frequently in the wedge-shaped form. Teeth that presented several NCCLs were identified. The OCT examination is an adjunct method to evaluate the clinical forms of NCCL.
Neurosurgical Management of Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Lessons Learnt from a Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Authors: Velicu Maria Alexandra , Lavrador Jose Pedro , Sibtain Naomi , Vergani Francesco , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Gullan Richard , Ashkan Keyoumars
Published: May 2023

Central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) represents one of the most aggressive forms of extranodal lymphoma. The gold standard for CNSL diagnosis remains the stereotactic biopsy, with a limited role for cytoreductive surgery that has not been supported by historical data. Our study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of neurosurgery’s role in the diagnosis of systemic relapsed and primary CNSL, with an emphasis on the impact on management and survival. This is a single center retrospective cohort study with data collected between August 2012 and August 2020, including patients referred with a potential diagnosis of CNSL to the local Neuro-oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The concordance between the MDT outcome and histopathological confirmation was assessed using diagnostic statistics. A Cox regression is used for overall survival (OS) risk factor analysis, and Kaplan–Meier statistics are performed for three prognostic models. The diagnosis of lymphoma is confirmed in all cases of relapsed CNSL, and in all but two patients who underwent neurosurgery. For the relapsed CNSL group, the highest positive predictive value (PPV) is found for an MDT outcome when lymphoma had been considered as single or topmost probable diagnosis. Neuro-oncology MDT has an important role in establishing the diagnosis in CNSL, not only to plan tissue diagnosis but also to stratify the surgical candidates. The MDT outcome based on history and imaging has good predictive value for cases where lymphoma is considered the most probable diagnosis, with the best prediction for cases of relapsed CNSL, questioning the need for invasive tissue diagnosis in the latter group.
Sympathetic Modulation in Cardiac Arrhythmias: Where We Stand and Where We Go
Authors: Chung Wei-Hsin , Lin Yen-Nien , Wu Mei-Yao , Chang Kuan-Cheng
Published: May 2023

The nuance of autonomic cardiac control has been studied for more than 400 years, yet little is understood. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding, clinical implications, and ongoing studies of cardiac sympathetic modulation and its anti-ventricular arrhythmias’ therapeutic potential. Molecular-level studies and clinical studies were reviewed to elucidate the gaps in knowledge and the possible future directions for these strategies to be translated into the clinical setting. Imbalanced sympathoexcitation and parasympathetic withdrawal destabilize cardiac electrophysiology and confer the development of ventricular arrhythmias. Therefore, the current strategy for rebalancing the autonomic system includes attenuating sympathoexcitation and increasing vagal tone. Multilevel targets of the cardiac neuraxis exist, and some have emerged as promising antiarrhythmic strategies. These interventions include pharmacological blockade, permanent cardiac sympathetic denervation, temporal cardiac sympathetic denervation, etc. The gold standard approach, however, has not been known. Although neuromodulatory strategies have been shown to be highly effective in several acute animal studies with very promising results, the individual and interspecies variation between human autonomic systems limits the progress in this young field. There is, however, still much room to refine the current neuromodulation therapy to meet the unmet need for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
Were Arenga Palms (Arecaceae) Present in the Eocene? A Review of the Genus Succinometrioxena Legalov, 2012
Authors: Legalov Andrei A.
Published: May 2023

It has been suggested that palms of the genus Arenga (Arecales: Arecaceae) or forms close to it were distributed in the Eocene of North America and Europe. Records of Metrioxenini (Belidae), which are monophages on these palms, confirm this assumption. A new species, Succinometrioxena andrushchenkoi Legalov, sp. n. from Baltic amber is described. The new species differs from S. poinari Legalov, 2012 in the smaller body sizes, elytral punctation larger than the distances between them, and a rostrum weakly curved in females. It is distinguished from S. bachofeni Legalov, 2013 and S. attenuata Legalov et Poinar, 2020 by the forehead lacking horn-like tubercles on either side of the eyes. A description of male of S. poinari was herein compiled for the first time. A list and key to fossil Metrioxenini were given. The modern and fossil distribution of the tribe Metrioxenini and Arenga palms was shown.
Enhanced Thermally Conductive Silicone Grease by Modified Boron Nitride
Authors: Wang Yumeng , Shi Ning , Liu Min , Han Sheng , Yan Jincan
Published: May 2023

In this work, a chemical modification method was used to prepare silicone grease with high thermal conductivity. We report two preparation methods for thermal conductive fillers, which are hydroxylated boron nitride-grafted carboxylic silicone oil (h-BN-OH@CS) and amino boron nitride-grafted carboxylic silicone oil (h-BN-NH2@CS). When h-BN-OH@CS and h-BN-NH2@CS were filled with 30 wt% in the base grease, the thermal conductivity was 1.324 W m−1 K−1 and 0.982 W m−1 K−1, which is 6.04 and 4.48 times that of the base grease (0.219 W m−1 K−1), respectively. The interfacial thermal resistance is reduced from 11.699 °C W−1 to 1.889 °C W−1 and 2.514 °C W−1, respectively. Inorganic filler h-BN and organic filler carboxylic silicone oil were chemically grafted to improve the compatibility between h-BN and the base grease. The covalent bond between functionalized h-BN and carboxylic silicone oil is stronger than the van der Waals force, which can reduce the viscosity of the silicone grease.
Simple Laser-Induced Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanospheres for Enhanced Tribological Performance
Authors: Li Wei , Luo Ting , Zhu Changxu , Xu Dalong , Dong Yifan , Cao Bingqiang
Published: May 2023

Hexagonal boron nitride, as a layered material with a graphite-like structure, exhibits good mechanical, lubricating and oxidation resistance properties, and is thus expected to become one of the top choices for green lubricating oil additives. However, its poor dispersibility in oil and difficulties in preparing spherical particles when constructing hexagonal boron nitride limit its application. In this paper, spherical hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles are constructed via a simple laser irradiation method. Under laser irradiation, raw irregular hexagonal boron nitride particles were reshaped into nanospheres via a laser-induced photothermal process and rapid cooling in a liquid-phase environment. Under the optimal concentration, the coefficient of friction and wear spot diameter decreased by 26.1% and 23.2%, and the surface roughness and wear volume decreased by 29.2% and 23.8%, respectively. The enhanced tribological performance is mainly due to the ball bearing, depositional absorption and repair effect of the spherical particles. This simple laser irradiation method provides a new method by which to prepare spherical hexagonal boron nitride lubricating oil additives.
Understanding Chloride Diffusion Coefficient in Cementitious Materials
Authors: Xu Zhiyuan , Ye Guang
Published: May 2023

One of the key problems that affect the durability of reinforced concrete structures is the corrosion of rebar induced by chloride. Despite the complicated transport mechanism of chloride ions in cementitious materials, diffusion is still the key mechanism of chloride ingress. The determination of the chloride diffusion coefficient will help to predict the chloride profile inside the cementitious materials and estimate the service life with regard to chloride-induced corrosion. However, this paper shows that the chloride diffusion coefficient in the literature is sometimes misunderstood. Such a misunderstanding results in the overestimation of the chloride resistance of cementitious materials. To clarify the chloride diffusion coefficient, this paper first presents the steady- and non-steady-state diffusion equations in cementitious materials. The factors that influence the diffusive flux are identified. The effective and apparent diffusion coefficients are then clearly explained and properly defined. We also point out the obscure definitions of the effective diffusion coefficient in the literature. The varied definitions of the effective diffusion coefficient are the result of the consideration of different factors affecting the diffusion process. Subsequently, this paper discusses two natural diffusion test methods that are frequently employed in cementitious materials to measure the chloride diffusion coefficient. The influencing factors considered by the measured diffusion coefficients are analyzed in detail. Then, the diffusion coefficients determined in some of the studies are reviewed. It is shown that three typical errors could occur when numerically determining the diffusion coefficients.
Laboratory Experiments and Numerical Simulation on Dynamic Response of Island Reclamation Coral Sand under Aircraft Load
Authors: Wang Jianxiu , Cao Ansheng , Song Dongsheng , Feng Bo , Li Huboqiang , Long Yanxia , Ye Zhenhua
Published: May 2023

The construction of island airports on coral reefs inevitably encounters the impact load of aircraft takeoff and landing. However, previous studies have not presented a detailed description of the dynamic response of the coral sand beneath the runways of island reclamation airports under aircraft load. In the current study, the coral sand of Mischief Reef Airport in the Nansha Islands, China, was selected as the background. The pore water pressure and strain characteristics of reshaped coral sand under aircraft loads with different dynamic stress amplitudes and vibration frequencies were studied using dynamic triaxial tests. Particle discrete element software was employed to study the deformation characteristics of coral sand with different particle sizes and porosities under aircraft loads. Results show that when the dynamic stress amplitude and vibration frequency were small, the pore water pressure and strain of the coral sand samples gradually increased with the number of load cycles, and the growth rate became increasingly small. When the dynamic stress amplitude and vibration frequency were large, the axial strain of the coral sand samples increased with the vibration frequency, and the growth rate exhibited an increasing trend. The deformation of the coral sand samples increased with porosity under aircraft loading. The larger the variation range of the coral sand particle size was, the larger the coral sand deformation caused by aircraft takeoff and landing load was. These results can provide a reference for the treatment and repair of the airstrip foundation of island airports.
Synergistic Effects of Epoxidized Soybean Oil and Polyester Fiber on Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Pan Jie , Jin Jiao , Liu Shuai , Xiao Mengcheng , Qian Guoping , Wang Zhuo
Published: May 2023

The incorporation of crumb rubber (CR) into asphalt pavement materials can improve the performance of asphalt pavement and generate environmental benefits. However, the storage stability of the crumb rubber asphalt (CRA) remains an issue that needs to be resolved. This study explores the interaction laws among various modified materials based on the response surface methodology. Optimal preparation dosages of each material are determined, and performance predictions and validations are conducted. The storage stability of the CRA compounded with epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and polyester fiber (PF) is investigated by combining traditional compatibility testing methods with refined characterization methods. The results indicate that the modification of CRA exhibits better rheological properties when the percentages of CR, PF, and ESO are 22%, 0.34%, and 3.21%, respectively. The addition of ESO effectively complements the light components of CRA to improve asphalt compatibility, and the addition of PF alleviates the adverse effects of ESO’s softening effect on rheological properties through stabilization and three-dimensional strengthening. The scientifically compounded additions of ESO and PF can effectively enhance the storage stability and rheological properties of CRA, promoting the development of sustainable and durable roads.
Transverse Deflection for Extreme Ultraviolet Pellicles
Authors: Kim Sang-Kon
Published: May 2023

Defect control of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) masks using pellicles is challenging for mass production in EUV lithography because EUV pellicles require more critical fabrication than argon fluoride (ArF) pellicles. One of the fabrication requirements is less than 500 μm transverse deflections with more than 88% transmittance of full-size pellicles (112 mm × 145 mm) at pressure 2 Pa. For the nanometer thickness (thickness/width length (t/L) = 0.0000054) of EUV pellicles, this study reports the limitation of the student’s version and shear locking in a commercial tool-based finite element method (FEM) such as ANSYS and SIEMENS. A Python program-based analytical-numerical method with deep learning is described as an alternative. Deep learning extended the ANSYS limitation and overcame shear locking. For EUV pellicle materials, the ascending order of transverse deflection was Ru<MoSi2=SiC<SiNx<ZrSr2<p-Si<Sn in both ANSYS and a Python program, regardless of thickness and pressure. According to a neural network, such as the Taguchi method, the sensitivity order of EUV pellicle parameters was Poisson’s ratio<Elastic modulus<Pressure<Thickness<Length.
Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Leonurus cardiaca L. Extracts
Authors: Fierascu Ioana Catalina , Fierascu Irina , Baroi Anda Maria , Ungureanu Camelia , Spinu Simona , Avramescu Sorin Marius , Somoghi Raluca , Fierascu Radu Claudiu , Dinu-Parvu Cristina Elena
Published: May 2023

The present work describes, for the first time in the literature, the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Leonurus cardiaca L. extracts. The influence of the extraction method (classical temperature extraction and microwave extraction), as well as of the extract concentration on the characteristics of the nanoparticles, was studied using analytical methods, such as UV-Vis spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Experimental data suggest that use of lower extract concentration leads to smaller dimensions nanoparticles, the same effect using the extract obtained by microwave-assisted extraction. The smallest recorded crystallite sizes (by X-ray diffraction) were under 3 nm. The antioxidant properties (determined by the DPPH assay) and the antimicrobial potential (determined against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains) are enhanced by the phytosynthesis process (as demonstrated by the comparison of the nanoparticles’ properties with the parent extracts). The present work could also represent an important step in obtaining nanoparticles with enhanced properties and controlled morphologies, but also offers information on the phytosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using low extract concentrations.
Optimizing Thermomechanical Processing of Bimetallic Laminates
Authors: Kocich Radim
Published: May 2023

Thermomechanical processing combining plastic deformation and heat treatment is a favorable way to enhance the performance and lifetime of bimetallic laminates, especially those consisting of metals, which tend to form intermetallic layers on the interfaces when produced using methods involving increased temperatures. The presented work focuses on optimizing the conditions of thermomechanical treatment for an Al + Cu bimetallic laminate of innovative design involving a shear-strain-based deformation procedure (rotary swaging) and post-process heat treatment in order to acquire microstructures providing advantageous characteristics during the transfer of direct and alternate electric currents. The specific electric resistivity, as well as microhardness, was particularly affected by the structural features, e.g., grain size, the types of grain boundaries, and grain orientations, which were closely related to the applied thermomechanical procedure. The microhardness increased considerably after swaging (up to 116 HV02 for the Cu components), but it decreased after the subsequent heat treatment at 350 °C. Nevertheless, the heat-treated laminates still featured increased mechanical properties. The measured electric characteristics for DC transfer were the most favorable for the heat-treated 15 mm bimetallic laminate featuring the lowest measured specific electric resistivity of 22.70 × 10−9 Ωm, while the 10 mm bimetallic laminates exhibited advantageous behavior during AC transfer due to a very low power loss coefficient of 1.001.
Mineral Phase Reconstruction and Separation Behavior of Zinc and Iron from Zinc-Containing Dust
Authors: Xie Zeqiang , Li Guang , Guo Yufeng , Wang Shuai , Chen Feng , Yang Lingzhi , Fu Ganghua , Jiang Tao
Published: May 2023

Zinc-containing dust can be found in ironmaking and steelmaking, and it is an important secondary resource of zinc. Zinc-containing dust from an electric furnace was used as a raw material to study the phase transformation behavior of the dust using a calcification roasting process and the zinc–iron separation behavior by using ammonia leaching. The zinc-bearing dust was mixed with CaO and roasted to transform the zinc ferrite into zinc oxide. The results showed that increasing the calcium oxide to dust ratio could promote the conversion of zinc ferrite to zinc oxide. When the calcium oxide ratio reached 60%, the peak of zinc ferrite in the calcined-roasted product in the zinc-containing dust basically disappeared. As the temperature increased, the zinc oxide grains increased but were still smaller than 10 µm. The calcined-roasted product was crushed and ground, and the zinc was leached by ammonia. A zinc–iron recovery rate of 86.12% was achieved by the ammonia leaching. The leachate could be used for zinc extraction by electrolysis. The leaching residue was mainly calcium ferrate, which could be used in sintering production. The proposed process may achieve on-site recovery of zinc-containing dust in steel-making plants.
Exploring the Influence of Material Properties of Epoxy Molding Compound on Wafer Warpage in Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging
Authors: Chuang Wan-Chun , Huang Yi , Chen Po-En
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the impact of material properties of epoxy molding compounds on wafer warpage in fan-out wafer-level packaging. As there is currently a lack of comprehensive discussion on the various material property parameters of EMC materials, it is essential to identify the critical influencing factors and quantify the effects of each parameter on wafer warpage. The material properties include Young’s modulus of the epoxy molding compound before and after the glass transition temperature (Tg) range of 25–35 °C (EL) and 235–260 °C (EH), coefficient of thermal expansion (α1, α2), and the temperature change (∆T) between EL and EH. Results show that, within the range of extreme values of material properties, EL and α1 are the critical factors that affect wafer warpage during the decarrier process in fan-out packaging. α1 has a more significant impact on wafer warpage compared with EL. EH, α2, Tg, and ∆T have little influence on wafer warpage. Additionally, the study identified the optimized material property of the epoxy molding compound that can reduce the maximum wafer warpage in the X and Y directions from initial values of 7.34 mm and 7.189 mm to 0.545 mm and 0.45 mm, respectively, resulting in a reduction of wafer warpage of 92.58% (X direction) and 93.74% (Y direction). Thus, this study proposes an approach for evaluating the impact of material properties of epoxy molding compounds on wafer warpage in fan-out wafer-level packaging. The approach aims to address the issue of excessive wafer warpage due to material variation and to provide criteria for selecting appropriate epoxy molding compounds to enhance process yield in packaging production lines.
Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Verification of the Bending Deformation of Fiber Metal Laminates
Authors: Chen Yizhe , Wang Zhuoqun , Lin Yi , Wang Hui , Hua Lin
Published: May 2023

Fiber metal laminates have been widely used as the primary materials in aircraft panels, and have excellent specific strength. Bending deformation is the most common loading mode of such components. An accurate theoretical predictive model for the bending process for the carbon reinforced aluminum laminates is of great significance for predicting the actual stress response. In this paper, based on the metal-plastic bending theory and the modified classical fiber laminate theory, a modified bending theory model of carbon-fiber-reinforced aluminum laminates was established. The plastic deformation of the thin metal layer in laminates and the interaction between fiber and metal interfaces were considered in this model. The bending strength was predicted analytically. The FMLs were made from 5052 aluminum sheets, with carbon fibers as the reinforcement, and were bonded and cured by locally manufacturers. The accuracy of the theory was verified by three-point bending experiments, and the prediction error was 8.4%. The results show that the fiber metal laminates consisting of three layers of aluminum and two layers of fiber had the best bending properties. The theoretical model could accurately predict the bending deformation behaviors of fiber metal laminates, and has significant value for the theoretical analysis and performance testing of laminates.