bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Wood and Other Biomass Fuels and Risk of Low Birthweight in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey Data
Authors: Epuitai Joshua , Woolley Katherine E. , Bartington Suzanne E. , Thomas G. Neil
Published: April 2022

In utero exposure to household air pollution (HAP) from polluting cooking fuels has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes including low birthweight (LBW). No previous study in Uganda has attempted to investigate the association between the different types of biomass cooking fuels and LBW. This study was conducted to investigate the association between wood and other biomass cooking fuel use with increased risk of LBW, using the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey for 15,270 live births within five years prior to interview. LBW, defined as birthweight of <2500 g, was estimated from maternal recall and health cards. Association between household exposure to the different solid biomass cooking fuels and LBW was determined using multivariable logistic regression. Biomass cooking fuels were used in 99.6% of the households, with few (0.3%) using cleaner fuels and 0.1% with no cooking, while the prevalence of LBW was 9.6% of all live-births. Although the crude analysis suggested an association between wood fuel use and LBW compared to other biomass and kerosene fuel use (AOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.67–1.00), after adjusting for socio-demographic and obstetric factors, no association was observed (AOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.72–1.22). LBW was significantly more likely among female neonates (AOR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.13–1.55) and neonates born to mothers living in larger households (AOR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00–1.07). LBW was significantly less likely among neonates delivered at term (AOR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.31–0.49), born to women with secondary or tertiary level of education (AOR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.64–1.00), living in households with a higher wealth index (AOR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50–0.96), Eastern (AOR: 0.76; 95% CI:0.59–0.98) and Northern (AOR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57–0.99) regions. The study findings suggest inconclusive evidence regarding the association between the use of wood compared to other biomass and kerosene cooking fuels and risk of LBW. Given the close observed association between socioeconomic status and LBW, the Ugandan government should prioritize public health actions which support female education and broader sustainable development to improve household living standards in this setting.
Digitalization and Classification of Cesare Battisti’s Atlas of 1915
Authors: Zatelli Paolo , Gabellieri Nicola , Besana Angelo
Published: April 2022

The paper deals with an automated methodology for the digital acquisition of thematic information from historical maps in order to use them for spatial analysis in a GIS software. This methodology has been applied to an early XIX c. map in order to assess the historical changes in the forest coverage in Trentino. Specifically, a tailored Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and filtering procedure has been applied to digitize and georeference Cesare Battisti’s map of forest density published in his atlas “Il Trentino. Economic Statistical Illustration” from 1915. According to the historical ecology approach, forest history can be analyzed and evaluated with the use of historical documentary sources. Following this approach, historical cartography is a precious information tool, and in many respects unique, through which it is possible to reconstruct the evolution of the forest cover of a given territory. Trentino, in particular, has a rich heritage of historical maps from which to draw useful information for the construction of a qualitative and quantitative diachronic picture of the evolutionary dynamics of wooded areas. In these territories, forest management is a topic of great importance both for its socio-economic implications and for the more strictly environmental ones, connected to the increasingly urgent need to implement mitigation and adaptation policies towards climate change. Thus, the paper presents the historical maps and illustrates the methodology used for the digitisation. Data extracted by the historical sources have been compared with the current one in order to identify changes in forest density in the last century.
Emerging Roles for the Orphan GPCRs, GPR37 and GPR37 L1, in Stroke Pathophysiology
Authors: Mouhi Sabra , Martin Breona , Owino Sharon
Published: April 2022

Recent studies have shed light on the diverse and complex roles of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the pathophysiology of stroke. These receptors constitute a large family of seven transmembrane-spanning proteins that play an intricate role in cellular communication mechanisms which drive both tissue injury and repair following ischemic stroke. Orphan GPCRs represent a unique sub-class of GPCRs for which no natural ligands have been found. Interestingly, the majority of these receptors are expressed within the central nervous system where they represent a largely untapped resource for the treatment of neurological diseases. The focus of this review will thus be on the emerging roles of two brain-expressed orphan GPCRs, GPR37 and GPR37 L1, in regulating various cellular and molecular processes underlying ischemic stroke.
Business Process Re-Engineering: A Literature Review-Based Analysis of Implementation Measures
Authors: Fetais Aljazzi , Abdella Galal M. , Al-Khalifa Khalifa N. , Hamouda Abdel Magid
Published: April 2022

Business process re-engineering (BPR) is an approach to improving organizational performance. It evolved mostly within the private sector to maintain a successful business model despite increasing global competition. BPR presents a fundamental improvement in the essential organizational design. This paper investigates recent studies of BPR and identifies the success factors of BPR projects and their connection to the human–technology–organization (HTO) framework. By examining the relevant literature, we study various factors and their effects on the implementation of BPR and how these factors can affect process performance, successfully or otherwise. The aim is to study the literature to determine the success factors and challenges for BPR in the HTO framework. The article concludes by emphasizing the factors that will help to allow BPR to be implemented with a wider use in different sectors.
Physiological and Population Responses of Nilaparvata lugens after Feeding on Drought-Stressed Rice
Authors: Liang Xinyan , Chen Lin , Lan Xiaoying , Liao Guangrong , Feng Ling , Li Jitong , Fan Wenyan , Wang Shuang , Liu Jinglan
Published: April 2022

Drought stress greatly impacts insect development and population growth. Some studies have demonstrated increased reproductive capacity in drought-stressed insects; however, physiological changes in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), during periods of drought are unclear. In this study, BPH fed on drought- stressed rice had lower population numbers than BPH feeding on non-stressed rice. Water content, osmotic pressure of hemolymph and total amino acid content of BPH were significantly lower when BPH fed on drought-stressed rice compared to the non-stressed control; however, glucose content and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were significantly higher in BPH fed on drought-stressed rice. The expression of Vitellogenin and Exuperantia in BPH fed on drought-stressed rice was higher than that in BPH feeding on non-stressed control plants. The size of myofibrils and the abundance of mitochondria in BPH flight muscles were significantly lower in BPH fed on drought-stressed rice compared to non-stressed plants. These results indicate that water management impacts the physiology of BPH, which may be useful in understanding the relationship between drought stress and this damaging herbivore.
Machine Learning Algorithms: Prediction and Feature Selection for Clinical Refracture after Surgically Treated Fragility Fracture
Authors: Shimizu Hirokazu , Enda Ken , Shimizu Tomohiro , Ishida Yusuke , Ishizu Hotaka , Ise Koki , Tanaka Shinya , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: April 2022

Background: The number of patients with fragility fracture has been increasing. Although the increasing number of patients with fragility fracture increased the rate of fracture (refracture), the causes of refracture are multifactorial, and its predictors are still not clarified. In this issue, we collected a registry-based longitudinal dataset that contained more than 7000 patients with fragility fractures treated surgically to detect potential predictors for clinical refracture. Methods: Based on the fact that machine learning algorithms are often used for the analysis of a large-scale dataset, we developed automatic prediction models and clarified the relevant features for patients with clinical refracture. Formats of input data containing perioperative clinical information were table data. Clinical refracture was documented as the primary outcome if the diagnosis of fracture was made at postoperative outpatient care. A decision-tree-based model, LightGBM, had moderate accuracy for the prediction in the test and the independent dataset, whereas the other models had poor accuracy or worse. Results: From a clinical perspective, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were noted as the relevant features for patients with clinical refracture, both of which were associated with secondary osteoporosis. Conclusion: The decision-tree-based algorithm showed the precise prediction of clinical refracture, in which RA and CKD were detected as the potential predictors. Understanding these predictors may improve the management of patients with fragility fractures.
The Impact of Sleep-Disordered Breathing on Ghrelin, Obestatin, and Leptin Profiles in Patients with Obesity or Overweight
Authors: Pardak Piotr , Filip Rafał , Woliński Jarosław
Published: April 2022

Background: The impact of concomitant obesity and sleep disorders on neuropeptides related to energy balance is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the nocturnal profile of total ghrelin, obestatin, and leptin in patients with elevated BMI and to investigate the impact of breathing-related sleep disorders on these hormone levels. Methods: The study involved 58 patients with suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients underwent anthropometric and sleep examination and measurements of night ghrelin, leptin, and obestatin levels. Results: In patients with OSA (n = 46), recognized on the basis of sleep examination outcomes, the correlation of anthropometric measurements with parameters of sleep disorders and ghrelin levels was observed, contrary to the control group (n = 12). In the OSA group, levels of ghrelin were significantly lower than in the control group at 5:00 and 7:00. Levels of leptin in the OSA group were also lower than those in the control groups (not statistically significant). Profiles of obestatin in both groups were similar. Conclusions: Our results confirm the relationship between obesity and sleep-disordered breathing. Both these disorders affect ghrelin levels—parameters of obesity negatively correlate with hormone concentration, and OSA seems to lower ghrelin values in the second half of the night.
Symptomatic Parapelvic Cysts in Children: Anatomical and Histological Features, Diagnostic Pitfalls and Urological Management
Authors: Marret Jean-Baptiste , Blanc Thomas , Balaton Andre , La Vignera Sandro , Zanghì Guido , Lottmann Henri Bernard , Bagnara Vincenzo
Published: April 2022

Background: Symptomatic parapelvic cysts (PPC) are rare entities. Our objective is to highlight specific features of PPC to avoid a misdiagnosis of UPJ obstruction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of children managed between 2012–2017. Results: All four patients (18 months–8 years) presented with acute renal colic with a large intra-sinusal liquid mass (42–85 mm) on ultrasound, evoking a diagnosis of UPJ obstruction. On preoperative renal scintigraphy (n = 3) there was no dilatation of the renal pelvis and ipsilateral differential function was impaired in 2. Diagnosis of PPC was suspected preoperatively in three children (CT scan (n = 1); MRI (n = 2)) and made peri-operatively (n = 1). Preoperative retrograde pyelography (n = 3) and a further intraoperative retrograde pyelography with methylene blue (n = 1) did not identify communication with the cyst. No renal pelvis was identified in two patients. De-roofing of the cyst was curative in all cases at 5 years mean follow-up (no leakage, cyst recurrence or loss of function) and all 4 patients became asymptomatic after surgery. Histology demonstrated a single flat epithelial cell layer. Renal function normalized in one patient but remained impaired in the other. Conclusion: In case of symptoms of UPJ obstruction with a medial renal liquid mass on ultrasound, PPC should be considered when no dilatated pelvis on renal scan is identified. In such cases, a complementary imaging work-up is mandatory prior to surgery.
Association between Androgen Deprivation Therapy and the Risk of Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases in Men with Prostate Cancer: Nationwide Cohort Study in Lithuania
Authors: Drevinskaite Mingaile , Dadoniene Jolanta , Miltiniene Dalia , Patasius Ausvydas , Smailyte Giedre
Published: April 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the association between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the risk of inflammatory rheumatic diseases in men with prostate cancer. Methods: Patients with prostate cancer between 2012 and 2016 were identified from the Lithuanian Cancer Registry and the National Health Insurance Fund database, on the basis of rheumatic diseases diagnoses and information on prescriptions for androgen deprivation therapy. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) to compare the risks of rheumatic diseases caused by androgen deprivation therapy exposure in groups of prostate cancer patients. Results: A total of 12,505 prostate cancer patients were included in this study, out of whom 3070 were ADT users and 9390 were ADT non-users. We observed a higher risk of rheumatic diseases in the cohort of prostate cancer patients treated with ADT compared with ADT non-users (HR 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.28). Detailed risk by cumulative use of ADT was performed for rheumatoid arthritis, and a statistically significant higher risk was found in the group with longest cumulative ADT exposure (>105 weeks) (HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.39–7.29). Conclusions: Our study suggests that ADT usage could be associated with increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, adding to the many known side effects of ADT.
Thrombosis Risk History and D-dimer Levels in Asymptomatic Individuals with Prader–Willi Syndrome
Authors: Matesevac Lisa , Miller Jennifer L. , McCandless Shawn E. , Malloy Jaret L. , Bohonowych Jessica E. , Vrana-Diaz Caroline , Strong Theresa V.
Published: April 2022

Individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) may be at higher risk of developing blood clots as compared to the typical population, but this risk is poorly understood. It is also unclear if laboratory testing of D-dimer concentration might be useful to screen for thrombosis in PWS. Here, we surveyed the thrombosis history of 883 individuals with PWS and evaluated the D-dimer concentration in a subset of 214 asymptomatic individuals, ages 5–55. A history of at least one blood clot was reported by 3.6% of respondents. Thrombosis increased with age, but no significant difference was found on the basis of sex or family history. Genetic subtype was a significant factor when considering only those with a known subtype, and individuals with a history of edema had significantly more blood clots. In the D-dimer sub-study, ≈15% of participants had high D-dimer concentrations, and 3.7% had D-dimer values more than twice the normal upper limit. One participant with a high D-dimer result was found to have a blood clot. No significant differences in D-dimer results were found on the basis of age, sex, genetic subtype, family history of blood clots, edema history, or BMI. The D-dimer test does not appear to be a sensitive and specific screening tool for blood clots in asymptomatic individuals with PWS.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Ebneter Andreas , Westenskow Peter D.
Published: April 2022

More than 15 years ago, the results of the pivotal trials supporting the intravitreal use of ranibizumab were published [...]
What Drives Urban Village Redevelopment in China? A Survey of Literature Based on Web of Science Core Collection Database
Authors: Jiang Lin , Lai Yani , Chen Ke , Tang Xiao
Published: April 2022

The recent economic advances made by China have now obliged the country to address the need for sustainable urban redevelopment. Unlike other recently developed areas in China, urban villages are in dire need of improvement. Consequently, the redevelopment of urban villages has garnered considerable public and academic interest. However, a comprehensive understanding is lacking on the drivers of urban village redevelopment in China. This study aims to fill this gap through a comprehensive survey of existing literature on redevelopment of urban villages. A total of 167 papers have been retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. A bibliometric analysis and a critical content analysis are conducted on the bases of these papers. We found at least three main processes which have driven urban village redevelopment in China. First, the growth of urban population and their income level has created a strong emerging demand to improve urban living conditions, which has triggered the restructuring of urban villages with sub-standard built environment into high-quality urban spaces. Second, from the production side, the market-oriented land reforms and the developers’ pursuit of land-related investment returns from land rent gap is also a strong driving force for demolition and redevelopment of urban villages. Lastly, the states and local governments have played a critical role in promoting urban village redevelopment and integrating informal urban spaces into formal urban areas. This research concludes with an evaluation of current studies on urban village redevelopment and provides suggestions for further research in the future.
Study on the Evolutionary Features and Driving Factors of Land-Use System in Xilingol, China
Authors: Dong Zhenhua , Rong Ah , Zhang Jiquan , Tong Zhijun , Han Aru , Zhi Feng
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we selected Xilingol League in Inner Mongolia, China, as the research area, based on the land-use data of five Landsat remote sensing images taken between 1980 and 2015. Then, we calculated the complex network eigenvalues, such as the average shortest path, betweenness centrality, and degree, to identify the key land-use types, stability, and ecological environment change regularity from the perspective of the land-use system. Finally, we used the Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) method to explore the main driving forces behind changes in the land-use system, to provide scientific support for the study of changing trends in land-use, and regional grassland ecological management. The findings are shown below. First, in the last 35 years, grasslands have always been the major type of change in land-use transfer matrices. Grasslands play a controlling role in the whole land-use system. Second, grassland and cultivated land are the major “transfer out” type of land in the Xilingol area, while construction land and water area belong to the major “transfer in” type of land. Third, the average shortest path values of four transition matrix networks were all less than 1.5, indicating that the land-use system becomes less stable, but the average shortest path values of these four networks present an increasing trend, leading to a more stable development of the land-use system. However, on the whole, it shows an upward trend, and the land-use system is moving in a stable direction. Fourth, the average annual rainfall, population, topographic factors, GDP, and distance from settlements play a prominent role in determining the spatial distribution of change in land-use in Xilingol.
Mango “Ataulfo” Peel Extract Improves Metabolic Dysregulation in Prediabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: Preciado-Saldaña Alejandra M. , Domínguez-Avila Jesús Abraham , Ayala-Zavala Jesús Fernando , Astiazaran-Garcia Humberto F. , Montiel-Herrera Marcelino , Villegas-Ochoa Mónica A. , González-Aguilar Gustavo A. , Wall-Medrano Abraham
Published: April 2022

The hypoglycemic effect of functional phytochemicals has been evaluated in diabetic rodents but scarcely in its premorbid condition (prediabetes; PD). This study aimed to evaluate a mango (cv. Ataulfo) peel hydroethanolic (20:80) extract (MPE) for in vivo glycemic/lipidemic-normalizing effect and in vitro enzyme inhibitory (α-amylase/α-glucosidase) activity. The polyphenolic MPE (138 mg EAG.g−1, mainly gallic acid and mangiferin) with antioxidant capacity (DPPH• 34 mgTE.g−1) was fed to PD rats (induction: high-fat diet (60% energy) + single dose streptozotocin (35 mg·kg−1), 4 weeks). At the 8th week, fasting glycemia (FG), oral glucose tolerance test, and insulin sensitivity indexes (HOMA-IR, HOMA-β) > blood lipid-normalizing effect were documented as healthy controls > MPE > disease (PD) controls, which was possibly related to the extract’s concentration–response in vitro enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 ≈ 0.085 mg·mL−1). MPE is a rich source of glucose-lowering phytochemicals for the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Cellular Immune Response in Patients Immunized with Three Vaccine Doses of Different Vaccination Schemes Authorized by the Chilean Ministry of Health in January 2022
Authors: Tabilo Valenzuela Paz Beatriz , Flores Balter Gabriela , Saint-Pierre Contreras Gustavo , Conei Valencia Daniel , Moreno Calderón Catalina , Bohle Venegas Constanza , Guajardo Rivera Marcia , Silva Ojeda Francisco , Vial Covarrubias Maria Jesus
Published: April 2022

In December 2019, a case of atypical pneumonia was reported in Wuhan, China. It was named COVID-19 and caused by SARS-CoV-2. In a few months, scientific groups around the world developed vaccines to reduce the disease’s severity. The objective was to evaluate the humoral and cellular immune response post immunization with three different vaccination schedules administered in Chile until January 2022. Sixty volunteers were recruited with a three-dose schedule, who had no history of infection nor close contact with a positive patient. IgG against the spike antigenic domain was detected, and the neutralization capacity against two groups of variants, Original/Alpha and Beta/Gamma, was also measured. Finally, the cellular response with interferon release was measured through IGRA. Results showed that there were significant differences in the neutralizing antibodies for the original and alpha variant when comparing three Comirnaty doses with Coronavac and Vaxzevria. A high number of reactive subjects against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants, alpha, gamma, and delta, were observed, with no significant differences between any of the three schemes, confirming the existence of a cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, the three vaccine schemes generated a cellular immune response in these volunteers.
Muscle Damage in Dystrophic mdx Mice Is Influenced by the Activity of Ca2+-Activated KCa3.1 Channels
Authors: Morotti Marta , Garofalo Stefano , Cocozza Germana , Antonangeli Fabrizio , Bianconi Valeria , Mozzetta Chiara , De Stefano Maria Egle , Capitani Riccardo , Wulff Heike , Limatola Cristina , Catalano Myriam , Grassi Francesca
Published: April 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease, caused by a mutant dystrophin gene, leading to muscle membrane instability, followed by muscle inflammation, infiltration of pro-inflammatory macrophages and fibrosis. The calcium-activated potassium channel type 3.1 (KCa3.1) plays key roles in controlling both macrophage phenotype and fibroblast proliferation, two critical contributors to muscle damage. In this work, we demonstrate that pharmacological blockade of the channel in the mdx mouse model during the early degenerative phase favors the acquisition of an anti-inflammatory phenotype by tissue macrophages and reduces collagen deposition in muscles, with a concomitant reduction of muscle damage. As already observed with other treatments, no improvement in muscle performance was observed in vivo. In conclusion, this work supports the idea that KCa3.1 channels play a contributing role in controlling damage-causing cells in DMD. A more complete understanding of their function could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic approaches.
Effects of Ti Target Purity and Microstructure on Deposition Rate, Microstructure and Properties of Ti Films
Authors: Liu Liming , Li Wuhui , Sun Haoliang , Wang Guangxin
Published: April 2022

Three titanium (Ti) targets with different purities were used to prepare Ti films on polyimide substrates by DC magnetron sputtering. The microstructures of Ti films were characterized by a metallographic microscope, X-ray diffractometer, field emission scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional surface topography instrument. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ti target purity and microstructure on film deposition rate, surface roughness, microstructure and resistivity. The results show that the deposition rate increased with increasing Ti target purity. Ti film deposited by the high-purity (99.999%) Ti target has fewer surface particles with smaller size, lower surface roughness and lower resistivity when compared to that prepared by the Ti target of low purity (99.7%). The surface roughness of Ti film prepared by the high-purity Ti target was Sa = 121 nm, the deposition rate was 16.3 nm/min and the resistivity was 6.9 × 10−6 Ω·m. For Ti targets of the same purity, the performance of Ti film prepared by a target with equiaxed α-phase grains is better than that of Ti film prepared by a target with twins and β-phase grains.
In Situ TEM Study of Structural Changes in Na-β″-Alumina Using Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Kim Sung-Dae , Kim Young-Woon
Published: April 2022

Real-time structural changes in Na-β″-alumina were observed in situ using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with electron beam irradiation. Na-β″-alumina has been widely investigated as a solid electrolyte material for sodium–sulfur secondary batteries owing to its high ionic conductivity. This high conductivity is known to be due to the Na+ ions on the loosely packed conduction planes of Na-β″-alumina. In the present study, we acquired real-time videos of the generation of spinel blocks caused by the conduction of Na+ ions. In addition, by observing Na extraction during electron beam irradiation, we experimentally confirmed that spinel block generation originates from the Na+ ion conduction, which has been a subject of recent debate.
The Influence of Sintering Temperature on the Pore Structure of an Alkali-Activated Kaolin-Based Geopolymer Ceramic
Authors: Ramli Mohd Izrul Izwan , Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Aziz Ikmal Hakem , Ying Tan Chi , Shahedan Noor Fifinatasha , Kockelmann Winfried , Fedrigo Anna , Sandu Andrei Victor , Vizureanu Petrica , Chaiprapa Jitrin , Burduhos Nergis Dumitru Doru
Published: April 2022

Geopolymer materials are used as construction materials due to their lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared with conventional cementitious materials. An example of a geopolymer material is alkali-activated kaolin, which is a viable alternative for producing high-strength ceramics. Producing high-performing kaolin ceramics using the conventional method requires a high processing temperature (over 1200 °C). However, properties such as pore size and distribution are affected at high sintering temperatures. Therefore, knowledge regarding the sintering process and related pore structures on alkali-activated kaolin geopolymer ceramic is crucial for optimizing the properties of the aforementioned materials. Pore size was analyzed using neutron tomography, while pore distribution was observed using synchrotron micro-XRF. This study elucidated the pore structure of alkali-activated kaolin at various sintering temperatures. The experiments showed the presence of open pores and closed pores in alkali-activated kaolin geopolymer ceramic samples. The distributions of the main elements within the geopolymer ceramic edifice were found with Si and Al maps, allowing for the identification of the kaolin geopolymer. The results also confirmed that increasing the sintering temperature to 1100 °C resulted in the alkali-activated kaolin geopolymer ceramic samples having large pores, with an average size of ~80 µm3 and a layered porosity distribution.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AlN/Al Joints Brazing by a Sputtering Al/Cu Bilayer Film Solder
Authors: Ran Zhun , Shang Hailong , Ma Bingyang , Li Rongbin , Shangguan Fujun , Yu Dayi
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a magnetron sputtering Al/Cu bilayer film solder to realize the brazing of AlN ceramic and Al metal. The effect of different temperatures on the structure and mechanical properties of brazed joints is studied. The results show that the sputtered Al particles have a sputtering wetting effect on AlN ceramic. The contact angle of molten Al on AlN ceramic with Al film deposited at 700 °C is as low as about 30°. While the contact angle of molten Al on AlN ceramic without Al film deposited at 1000 °C is about 89°. There is a large amount of Cu enrichment in brazed joints at 600 °C. The weld structure is a mixture of Al solid solution and AlCu compound. The shear strength of the brazed joint is only 70.6 MPa, and the joint fracture shows a large number of brittle fracture morphologies. With the increase of brazing temperature, the phenomenon of Cu enrichment in the joint gradually weakens, and the weld structure gradually transforms into a solid solution of Cu in Al. The shear strength of the brazed joint continues to increase, and the joint fracture morphology gradually changes from brittle fracture to furrow-like plastic fracture morphology. When the brazing temperature is increased to 660 °C, the distribution of Cu in the joint is evenly dispersed, and the shear strength of the brazed joint reaches the highest value of 107.8 MPa. The joint fracture is completely furrow-like plastic fracture morphological composition.
The Influences of Soluble Phosphorus on Hydration Process and Mechanical Properties of Hemihydrate Gypsum under Deep Retarding Condition
Authors: Fan Puyue , Zhang Mingtao , Zhao Min , Peng Jiahui , Gao Kai , Huang Jing , Yi Wei , Zhu Cong
Published: April 2022

Phospho-gypsum is an industrial solid waste discharged from the phosphate production process. The waste includes complex impurities such as phosphoric acid and its salts, fluoride, and organics. Usually, retarders are mixed in gypsum-based building materials to extend setting time. Although the effects of the impurities on hydration properties and the mechanical strength of calcined gypsum have been analyzed, the impact and mechanism of soluble phosphorus on the phospho-gypsum under retardation is yet to be defined. In this study, we employed thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the hydration kinetics, phase transformation, structure, and morphology of the calcined gypsum. The data showed that the retarder or soluble phosphorus prolonged the setting time. A single retarder considerably shortened the initial setting time from 95 min to 60 min, even at the lowest dosage of 0.1 wt.% soluble phosphorus. In addition, drying flexural and compressive strengths were markedly decreased. On the other hand, the induction period was advanced with extension of acceleration and deceleration stage. SEM results indicated that the crystal morphology of the gypsum changed from a long to short column or block. An EDS analysis showed that phosphates were concentrated on the surface of gypsum crystals.
Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Element Bearings Based on Adaptive Mode Extraction
Authors: Liu Chuliang , Tan Jianping , Huang Zhonghe
Published: April 2022

Generally speaking, vibration signals collected by sensors always contain complex frequency components, which will bring great trouble to bearing condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. A reliable fault signal component extraction method is significant to detect the fault-induced weak repetitive transients. Therefore, many signal decomposition or extraction methods have been developed and are widely employed in fault diagnosis. Based on the recently proposed variational mode extraction (VME) method, an adaptive optimal mode extraction method was designed with a new strategy to extract the mode center frequency and a novel indicator to optimize the balance parameter. The spectrum is first divided into several modes by enveloping curve fitting (ECF), and the center frequencies of each mode are extracted, respectively. All potential fault modes are then extracted sequentially utilizing the extracted center frequency and fixed balance parameter. For the extracted modes, the kurtosis index is applied to select the target mode. Finally, the relative amplitude ratio (RAR) index is used to adaptively adjust the balance parameter. The comparison results reveal that the adaptive mode extraction method can extract the weak fault feature under strong interference.
Eight Weeks of Supervised Pulmonary Rehabilitation Are Effective in Improving Resting Heart Rate and Heart Rate Recovery in Severe COVID-19 Patient Survivors of Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: del Valle María Fernanda , Valenzuela Jorge , Marzuca-Nassr Gabriel Nasri , Cabrera-Inostroza Consuelo , del Sol Mariano , Lizana Pablo A. , Escobar-Cabello Máximo , Muñoz-Cofre Rodrigo
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives: Patients who survive severe COVID-19 require significant pulmonary rehabilitation. Heart rate (HR) has been used as a safety variable in the evaluation of the results of interventions in patients undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. The aim of this research was to analyse HR during a pulmonary rehabilitation program in post-severe COVID-19 patients who survived mechanical ventilation (MV). The study includes the initial and final evaluations and aerobic training sessions. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (58 ± 13 years, 11 men) were trained for 8 weeks. A 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) was performed and, subsequently, a supervised and individualised training plan was created. Resting heart rate (RHR), heart rate recovery (HRR), heart rate at minute 6 (HR6 min) and the product of HR6 min and systolic blood pressure (HR6 minxSBP) were measured at 6 MWT. In addition, HR was measured at each training session. Results: After 8 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation, patients decreased their RHR from 81.95 ± 9.36 to 73.60 ± 9.82 beats/min (p < 0.001) and significantly increased their HRR from 12.45 ± 10.22 to 20.55 ± 7.33 beats/min (p = 0.005). HR6 min presented a significant relationship with walking speed and walked distance after the pulmonary rehabilitation period (r = 0.555, p = 0.011 and r = 0.613, p = 0.011, respectively). HR6 minxSBP presented a significant relationship with walking speed and walked distance after training (r = 0.538, p = 0.014 and r = 0.568, p = 0.008, respectively). In the pulmonary rehabilitation sessions, a significant decrease in HR was observed at minutes 1, 6 and 15 (p < 0.05) between sessions 1 and 6 and at minute 1 between sessions 1 and 12. Conclusions: Eight weeks of individualised and supervised pulmonary rehabilitation were effective in improving RHR and HRR in COVID-19 patients surviving MV. HR is an easily accessible indicator that could help to monitor the evaluation and development of a pulmonary rehabilitation program in COVID-19 patients who survived MV.
New Therapeutics Targeting Arterial Media Calcification: Friend or Foe for Bone Mineralization?
Authors: Van den Branden Astrid , Verhulst Anja , D’Haese Patrick C. , Opdebeeck Britt
Published: April 2022

The presence of arterial media calcification, a highly complex and multifactorial disease, puts patients at high risk for developing serious cardiovascular consequences and mortality. Despite the numerous insights into the mechanisms underlying this pathological mineralization process, there is still a lack of effective treatment therapies interfering with the calcification process in the vessel wall. Current anti-calcifying therapeutics may induce detrimental side effects at the level of the bone, as arterial media calcification is regulated in a molecular and cellular similar way as physiological bone mineralization. This especially is a complication in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes, who are the prime targets of this pathology, as they already suffer from a disturbed mineral and bone metabolism. This review outlines recent treatment strategies tackling arterial calcification, underlining their potential to influence the bone mineralization process, including targeting vascular cell transdifferentiation, calcification inhibitors and stimulators, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) death and oxidative stress: are they a friend or foe? Furthermore, this review highlights nutritional additives and a targeted, local approach as alternative strategies to combat arterial media calcification. Paving a way for the development of effective and more precise therapeutic approaches without inducing osseous side effects is crucial for this highly prevalent and mortal disease.
Establishment of Epidemiological Resistance Cut-Off Values of Aquatic Aeromonas to Eight Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Lin Yaoyao , Yang Jicheng , Wu Zhenbing , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Shuyi , Hao Jingwen , Ouyang Lijian , Li Aihua
Published: April 2022

The abuse of antibiotics in aquaculture has led to the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance of aquatic bacteria including Aeromonas, which is an increasing threat to environmental and human health. To date, no epidemiological cut-off values (COWT) for Aeromonas spp. have been established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute nor the European Commission on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. In this study, commercially prepared minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test 96-well plates (dry-form plates) were used to determine the MIC of eight antimicrobial agents against 556 Aeromonas strains. The obtained MIC distributions were simulated and analyzed by NRI and ECOFFinder to obtain tentative COWT values for Aeromonas spp. The COWT values of eight kinds of representative antimicrobial agents including trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin, doxycycline, neomycin, colistin, florfenicol, enrofloxacin, and ceftazidime for Aeromonas spp. were established and were 0.25, 64/32, 4/2, 8, 4, 1, 0.062/0.125, and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively. Results showed that Aeromonas spp. had a very high proportion of non-wild-type strains to enrofloxacin, florfenicol, and doxycycline, which are the most widely used antimicrobials in aquaculture. The COWT values for Aeromonas spp. obtained in this study can contribute to the final establishment of COWT for Aeromonas spp. internationally.
Biogeochemical Redox Processes Controlling the Element Cycling: Insights from Karst-Type Bauxite, Greece
Authors: Economou-Eliopoulos Maria , Kontou Marioka , Megremi Ifigeneia
Published: April 2022

The occurrence of very-high-grade bauxite ores of karst-type deposits resulting from Fe-leaching is of particular importance, because they are widespread in the Mediterranean metallogenetic province and result in the natural beneficiation of the ore quality. The present study focuses on mineral transformations and variations of major and trace elements, including platinum-group elements (PGE) and mineral chemistry along a bauxite profile from the Parnassos-Ghiona deposit, Greece underlying a fault. The most salient feature of the multicolor ores (grey–whitish, yellowish, deep red, deep grey to brown-red color, from top to bottom) is their association with fossilized and present-day microorganisms, which, by their reducing and/or oxidizing activity, catalyze redox reactions and provide nucleation sites for the precipitation of secondary minerals. Texture relationships between mineral and variations in the mineral chemistry, suggesting the sequence in their formation, indicate a multistage evolution. The recorded compositional variations show that the Al enrichment is accompanied by increase in the TOC, As, Pd and U, and chondrite-normalized REE patterns exhibit a similar trend and positive Ce anomalies. A lower (Pt + Pd) content and higher Pd/Pt ratio, ranging from 1.0 to 5.5 in the bauxite profile compared to those in Fe-Ni laterite deposits with the Pd/Pt ratio ranging from 0.1 to 0.68, reflect the higher solubility and mobility of Pd compared to that of Pt, and differences in their origin and genesis. A positive correlation between Pd and As and the elevated As content (up to 960 mg/kg) in multicolor ores compared to brown-red samples (average 10 mg/kg As) confirms their mobilization and redeposition.
Software Assisted Multi-Tiered Mass Spectrometry Identification of Compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Dalbergia odorifera as an Example
Authors: Wang Mengyuan , Yao Changliang , Li Jiayuan , Wei Xuemei , Xu Meng , Huang Yong , Mei Quanxi , Guo De-an
Published: April 2022

The complexity of metabolites in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hinders the comprehensive profiling and accurate identification of metabolites. In this study, an approach that integrates enhanced column separation, mass spectrometry post-processing and result verification was proposed and applied in the identification of flavonoids in Dalbergia odorifera. Firstly, column chromatography fractionation, followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used for systematic separation and detection. Secondly, a three-level data post-processing method was applied to the identification of flavonoids. Finally, fragmentation rules were used to verify the flavonoid compounds. As a result, a total of 197 flavonoids were characterized in D. odorifera, among which seven compounds were unambiguously identified in level 1, 80 compounds were tentatively identified by MS-DIAL and Compound Discoverer in level 2a, 95 compounds were annotated by Compound discoverer and Peogenesis QI in level 2b, and 15 compounds were exclusively annotated by using SIRIUS software in level 3. This study provides an approach for the rapid and efficient identification of the majority of components in herbal medicines.
Triacylglycerols and Other Lipids Profiling of Hemp By-Products
Authors: Banskota Arjun H. , Jones Alysson , Hui Joseph P. M. , Stefanova Roumiana
Published: April 2022

Hemp seed by-products, namely hemp cake (hemp meal) and hemp hulls were studied for their lipid content and composition. Total lipid content of hemp cake and hemp hulls was 13.1% and 17.5%, respectively. Oil extraction yields using hexane, on the other hand, were much lower in hemp cake (7.4%) and hemp hulls (12.1%). Oil derived from both hemp seeds and by-products were primarily composed of neutral lipids (>97.1%), mainly triacylglycerols (TAGs), determined by SPE and confirmed by NMR study. Linoleic acid was the major fatty acid present in oils derived from hemp by-products, covering almost 55%, followed by α-linolenic acid, covering around 18% of the total fatty acids. For the first time, 47 intact TAGs were identified in the hemp oils using UPLC-HRMS. Among them, TAGs with fatty acid acyl chain 18:3/18:2/18:2 and 18:3/18:2/18:1 were the major ones, followed by TAGs with fatty acid acyl chain of 18:3/18:3/18:2, 18:2/18:2/16:0, 18:2/18:2/18:1, 18:3/18:2.18:0, 18:2/18:2/18:0, 18:2/18:1/18:1 and 18:3/18:2:16:0. Besides TAGs, low levels of terpenes, carotenoids and cannabidiolic acid were also detected in the oils. Moreover, the oils extracted from hemp by-products possessed a dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging property and their potencies were in a similar range compared to other vegetable oils.
NMR Characterization of Lignans
Authors: Consonni Roberto , Ottolina Gianluca
Published: April 2022

Lignans are particularly interesting secondary metabolites belonging to the phenyl-propanoid biosynthetic pathway. From the structural point of view, these molecules could belong to the aryltetralin, arylnaphtalene, or dibenzylbutyrolactone molecular skeleton. Lignans are present in different tissues of plants but are mainly accumulated in seeds. Extracts from plant tissues could be characterized by using the NMR-based approach, which provides a profile of aromatic molecules and detailed structural information for their elucidation. In order to improve the production of these secondary metabolites, elicitors could effectively stimulate lignan production. Several plant species are considered in this review with a particular focus on Linum species, well recognized as the main producer of lignans.
Nutraceutical Role of Polyphenols and Triterpenes Present in the Extracts of Fruits and Leaves of Olea europaea as Antioxidants, Anti-Infectives and Anticancer Agents on Healthy Growth
Authors: Rufino-Palomares Eva E. , Pérez-Jiménez Amalia , García-Salguero Leticia , Mokhtari Khalida , Reyes-Zurita Fernando J. , Peragón-Sánchez Juan , Lupiáñez José A.
Published: April 2022

There is currently a worldwide consensus and recognition of the undoubted health benefits of the so-called Mediterranean diet, with its intake being associated with a lower risk of mortality. The most important characteristics of this type of diet are based on the consumption of significant amounts of fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, which provide, in addition to some active ingredients, fiber and a proportion of vegetable protein, together with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as the main sources of vegetable fat. Fish and meat from poultry and other small farm animals are the main sources of protein. One of the main components, as already mentioned, is EVOO, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and to a lesser extent in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The intake of this type of nutrient also provides an important set of phytochemicals whose health potential is widely spread and agreed upon. These phytochemicals include significant amounts of anthocyanins, stilbenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes of varying complexities. Therefore, the inclusion in the diet of this type of molecules, with a proven healthy effect, provides an unquestionable preventive and/or curative activity on an important group of pathologies related to cardiovascular, infectious, and cancerous diseases, as well as those related to the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this review is therefore to shed light on the nutraceutical role of two of the main phytochemicals present in Olea europaea fruit and leaf extracts, polyphenols, and triterpenes, on healthy animal growth. Their immunomodulatory, anti-infective, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-carcinogenic capabilities show them to be potential nutraceuticals, providing healthy growth.
The Use of H2 in Catalytic Bromate Reduction by Nanoscale Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Nurlan Nurbek , Akmanova Ainash , Lee Woojin
Published: April 2022

The formation of bromate (BrO3−)in groundwater treatment is still a severe environmental problem. Catalytic hydrogenation by nanoscale heterogeneous catalysts with gaseous H2 or solid-state H2 has emerged as a promising approach, which relies on reducing BrO3− to innocuous Br− via the process of direct electron transfer or reduction with atomic hydrogen. Several nanocatalysts have demonstrated high efficiency with a 100% effective BrO3− reduction with greater than 95% of Br− generation in the batch and continuous reactors. However, this technology has not been widely adopted in water treatment systems. Indeed, this research article summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies by highlighting the factors of nanomaterials reduction efficiency, long-term durability, and stability, as well as addressing the essential challenges limiting the implementation of the use of H2 for BrO3− reduction. In this work, we provide an economic evaluation of catalytic BrO3− removal, safe hydrogen supply, storage, and transportation.