bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of Fibrinogen Concentrate in Non-Trauma and Non-Obstetric Adult Patients during Perioperative Care: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gomes Manuela , Ângelo-Dias Miguel , Duarte Gonçalo S. , Dias Sara Simões , Serra Sofia Silvério , Lima Jorge
Published: June 2024

Background: Low fibrinogen levels are associated with an increased risk of perioperative bleeding. However, there is an ongoing debate over the ideal treatment threshold, the benefits of prophylactic supplementation with fibrinogen concentrate, and the best source of fibrinogen. While fibrinogen concentrate supplementation is being widely used to treat bleeding related to acquired haemostatic deficiencies, there is a lack of evidence regarding its dosage, effectiveness, and safety. This systematic review provides an up-to-date summary of the relationship between fibrinogen concentrate supplementation and safety measures in the perioperative care of non-trauma, non-obstetric adult patients. Methods: A comprehensive online search was conducted on PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis encompasses ten studies involving 1391 patients. There was a decreased risk of total thromboembolic events in patients treated with fibrinogen compared to the control (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.98, I2 = 0%). In addition, when fibrinogen was used prophylactically, it resulted in shorter ICU stays (MD −1.50, 95% CI −2.64 to −0.36), when set against its therapeutic use. A sensitivity analysis on cardiovascular surgery studies did not reveal any statistically significant difference. Conclusions: The use of fibrinogen concentrate in the perioperative care of non-trauma and non-obstetric adult patients may lead to potential benefits.
Assessing Functional Capacity in Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Patient-Informed Questionnaire
Authors: Sommerfelt Kristian , Schei Trude , Seton Katharine A. , Carding Simon R.
Published: June 2024

Background: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is an acquired disease with significant morbidity that affects both children and adults. Post-exertional malaise is a cardinal symptom of ME/CFS and impacts a patient’s functional capacity (FC). The absence of effective tools to assess FC has significant consequences for timely diagnosis, clinical follow-up, assessments for patient disability benefits, and research studies. In interventional studies, the inability to assess FC can result in an incomplete assessment of the potential benefit of the intervention, leading to beneficial treatment outcomes being missed. Methods: Using extensive, repeated patient feedback, we have developed a new questionnaire, FUNCAP, to accurately assess FC in ME/CFS patients. The questionnaire consists of eight domains divided by activity types: A. personal hygiene/basic functions, B. walking/movement, C. being upright, D. activities in the home, E. communication, F. activities outside the home, G. reactions to light and sound, and H. concentration. Results: Through five rounds of anonymous web-based surveys and a further test–retest validation round, two versions of the questionnaire were developed: a longer version comprising 55 questions (FUNCAP55), developed for improved diagnostic and disability benefit/insurance FC assessments; and a shorter version (FUNCAP27) for clinical patient follow-up and potential use in research. Good reliability and validity and negligible floor and ceiling effects were found, with comparable findings in all aspects in both a large Norwegian (n = 1263) and a separate English-language international sample (n = 1387) demonstrating the validity and reliability of FUNCAP. Conclusions: Our findings support the utility of FUNCAP as an effective, reliable and valid tool for assessing FC in ME/CFS patients.
From Model to Practice: A Qualitative Study on Factors Influencing the Implementation of the Active Recovery Triad (ART) Model in Long-Term Mental Health Care
Authors: Zomer Lieke , van der Meer Lisette , van Weeghel Jaap , Widdershoven Guy , Voskes Yolande
Published: June 2024

Background: The Active Recovery Triad (ART) model provides a framework for recovery-oriented care in the long-term mental health setting. The aim of this study is to gain insight into factors influencing the implementation process of the ART model. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with fourteen multidisciplinary teams that were in the process of implementing the ART model. Data were thematically analyzed. Results: Three phases of implementation were identified. In the first phase, getting started, support from both the top of the organization and the care workers, sufficient information to care workers, service users, and significant others, and creating momentum were considered crucial factors. In the second phase, during implementation, a stable team with a good team spirit, leadership and ambassadors, prioritizing goals, sufficient tools and training, and overcoming structural limitations in large organizations were seen as important factors. In the third phase, striving for sustainability, dealing with setbacks, maintaining attention to the ART model, and exchange with other teams and organizations were mentioned as core factors. Conclusions: The findings may support teams in making the shift from traditional care approaches towards recovery-oriented care in long-term mental health care.
Sequence Alignment between TRIM33 Gene and Human Noncoding RNAs: A Potential Explanation for Paraneoplastic Dermatomyositis
Authors: Talotta Rossella
Published: June 2024

Background: This computational analysis investigated sequence complementarities between the TRIM33 gene and human noncoding (nc)RNAs and characterized their interactions in the context of paraneoplastic dermatomyositis. Methods: TRIM33 FASTA sequence (NCBI Reference Sequence: NC_000001.11) was used for BLASTN analysis against Human GRCh38 in the Ensembl.org database. Retrieved ncRNAs showing hits to TRIM33 were searched in the GeneCards.org database and further analyzed through RNAInter, QmRLFS-finder, Spliceator, and NcPath enrichment analysis. Results: A total of 100 hits were found, involving the lncRNAs NNT-AS1, MKLN1-AS, LINC01206, and PAXBP1-AS1, whose dysregulation has been reported in either cancer or dermatomyositis. Additionally, the lncRNAs NNT-AS1 and PAXBP1-AS1 may interact with microRNA-142-3p, reducing its expression and increasing that of TRIM33. Sequence complementarity affected only TRIM33 intron 1, possibly resulting in alternatively spliced isoforms of TIF1γ with increased immunogenicity. The results also revealed nucleotide alignment between TRIM33 and the gene regulatory elements of 28 ncRNA genes involved in immune pathways. Conclusions: This pivotal study demonstrates sequence complementarity between TRIM33 and human ncRNAs dysregulated in cancer and dermatomyositis. This scenario may lead to the overproduction of more immunogenic TIF1γ variants in tumors and the stimulation of autoimmunity. Further experimental analyses using targeted methods such as Western blot or Chip-Seq are required to confirm these data.
The Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Precocious Puberty: Considering Effect Modification by Sex and Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities
Authors: Liu Yi-Chun , Liao Yin-To , Wen Mei-Hong , Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Chen Yi-Lung
Published: June 2024

Limited knowledge is available about the association between autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and precocious puberty. Our study examined the association between the two medical conditions and effect modification by sex and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in a nationwide population. To compare the risk of precocious puberty between ASD and non-ASD cases, we conducted a Cox regression analysis using ASD as the exposure and time to precocious puberty as the outcome. We adjusted for sex, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), tic disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. We performed a moderation analysis to examine the potential moderating effects of sex and comorbidities. Patients with ASD were prone to have precocious puberty, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.80 (95% CI: 1.61–2.01). For effect modification, sex, specifically females, moderated the association between ASD and precocious puberty, with a relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) of 7.35 (95% CI 4.90–9.80). No significant effect modification was found for any of the comorbidities within the scope of additive effect modification. We found that patients with ASD were prone to precocious puberty, regardless of sex or comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders. Girls with ASD are at a particularly higher risk of developing precocious puberty.
The Spatial-Temporal Patterns and Driving Mechanisms of the Ecological Barrier Transition Zone in the Western Jilin, China
Authors: Wen Shibo , Wang Yongzhi , Tang Tianqi , Su Congcong , Li Bowen , Bilal Muhammad Atif , Meng Yibo
Published: June 2024

Land use change monitoring is a common theme in achieving sustainable development, while research on ecological barrier transition zones is relatively scarce. This study quantitatively analyzes the characteristics and patterns of land use change in Western Jilin, located in the transitional zone between the northeast forest belt and the northern sand prevention belt, from 1990 to 2020. Land dynamic change index and transition matrix are used to quantify the rates and intensities, and conversions between different land use types over time, respectively. Geodetector is adopted to analyze the impact of 12 factors on 12 types of land use change, such as using the factor detector to quantify the influence of temperature on the conversion from cropland to unused land. The results indicate that from 1990 to 2020, there have been noticeable changes in the area of various land use types in western Jilin. However, the conversion types are relatively limited, mainly involving interchanges between cropland, grassland, unused land, and water bodies. The cropland has increased by 20% overall, but 16% of that increase occurred from 1990–2000. The woodland area has steadily increased at a growth rate of 5–8% from 2000–2020, aligning with sustainable development strategies. Water bodies and grasslands are undergoing continuous recovery, and a positive growth trend is predicted to emerge by 2030. The built-up land is steadily expanding. The influencing factors vary for different types of land-use change. In a short time, policy factors play a significant role in land use, such as the implementation of the “River-lake Connection Project”, which has helped to reduce water-body fragmentation and enabled the stable recovery of water resources. However, in the long term, multiple topographic, climatic, and anthropogenic factors exhibit interactive effects in the land use change process in the area. Governments can take corresponding measures and management policies based on the influence of these factors to allocate and plan land use rationally.
Novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae-Loaded Polyvinylpyrrolidone/SiO2 Nanofiber for Wound Dressing Prepared Using Electrospinning Method
Authors: Cho Yeon Seo , Yoon Hongjun , Jin Sung Giu
Published: June 2024

Electrospun nanofibers have been used as wound dressings to protect skin from infection and promote wound healing. In this study, we developed polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/silicon dioxide (SD) composite nanofibers for the delivery of probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), which potentially aids in wound healing. PVP/SD composite nanofibers were optimized through electrospinning, and bead-free nanofibers with an average diameter of 624.7 ± 99.6 nm were fabricated. Next, SC, a wound-healing material, was loaded onto the PVP/SD composite nanofibers. SC was encapsulated in nanofibers, and nanofibers were prepared using SC, PVP, SD, water, and ethanol in a ratio of 3:4:0.1:4.8:1.2. The formation of smooth nanofibers with protrusions around SC was confirmed using SEM. Nanofiber dressing properties were physicochemically and mechanically characterized by evaluating SEM, DSC, XRD, and FTIR images, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Additionally, a release test of active substances was performed. The absence of interactions between SC, PVP, and SD was confirmed through physicochemical evaluation, and SEM images showed that the nanofiber dressing contained SC and had a porous structure. It also showed a 100% release of SC within 30 min. Overall, our study showed that SC-loaded PVP/SD composite nanofibers prepared using the electrospinning method are promising wound dressings.
Aggregation–Growth and Densification Behavior of Titanium Particles in Molten Mg-MgCl2 System
Authors: Yang Xin , Li Kaihua , Li Jun , Sheng Zhuo , Liu Ying
Published: June 2024

In this work, the preparation of titanium sponge by magnesium thermal method is regarded as the liquid-phase sintering process of titanium, and powder-metallurgy sintering technology is utilized to simulate the aggregation–growth and densification behavior of titanium particles in a high-temperature liquid medium (the molten Mg-MgCl2 system). It was found that compared with MgCl2, Mg has better high-temperature wettability and reduction effect, which promotes titanium particles to form a sponge titanium skeleton at lower temperature. The aggregation degree of titanium particles and the densification degree of a sponge titanium skeleton can be improved by increasing the temperature and the relative content of Mg in the melting medium. The kinetics study shows that with the increase in temperature, the porosity of the titanium particle aggregates and the sponge titanium skeleton decreases, and their density growth rate increases. With the extension of time, the aggregation degree of titanium particles and the densification degree of sponge titanium gradually increase. This work provides a theoretical reference for controlling the density of titanium sponge in industry.
Study on Optimization Strategy for the Composition Transition Gradient in SS 316L/Inconel 625 Functionally Graded Materials
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Yu Xiaoyan , Yao Ping , Yue Youshu , Kang Guopo
Published: June 2024

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology enables the fabrication of functionally graded materials (FGMs) by adjusting the wire feed speed of different welding wires in a layer-by-layer manner. This study aimed to produce SS 316L/Inconel 625 FGMs with varying transition compositions using dual-wire arc additive manufacturing (D-WAAM). An optimization strategy for transition gradients was implemented to exclude component regions that are prone to defect formation (notably cracking), as well as to retain other component regions, thereby enhancing the overall mechanical properties of FGMs. The study revealed grain boundary cracking and demonstrated the lowest microhardness and tensile properties within a 20 wt.% Inconel 625 transition gradient zone, which negatively impacts the overall mechanical properties of FGMs. Then, as the content of Inconel 625 in the first transition region increased, cracks disappeared, microhardness increased and better tensile properties were obtained. The most optimal mechanical properties were enriched at 50 wt.% Inconel 625 content. In conclusion, the compositional gradient optimization strategy proves efficacious in eliminating component regions with poor mechanical properties and microdefects, ensuring excellent overall mechanical characteristics of FGMs.
Effect of Deposition Parameters and Deposition Height on the Microstructure and Properties of Laser–Cold Metal Transfer Composite Additively Manufactured 2319 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Chen Mingrui , Luo Shuncun , Chen Xiaming , Wang Xiaonan , Wu Zhikang , Nagaumi Hiromi , Hu Zengrong
Published: June 2024

The 2319-Al alloy is widely used in aviation industry. The crack-free 2319 alloy thin-walled sample was fabricated utilizing the laser-CMT composite additive manufacturing technique, achieving a material utilization rate of 96.43%. The impact of deposition parameters and deposition height on the microstructure and mechanical properties was studied. The microhardness of the additive manufacturing samples exhibited a gradual decrease from construction direction, with values reaching 90 HV, 78 HV, and 72 HV, respectively. The tensile property also exhibited a gradual decrease from the bottom to the top; the highest tensile strength was 296 MPa. The grain size along the construction direction of the deposited sample gradually increased, exhibiting respective sizes of 34.7 um, 36.6 um, and 45.7 um. With the increase in the height of the second phase, the segregation at the grain boundary is intensified, and as the size inside the grain increases, the corresponding density decreases. The good laser-CMT composite additively manufactured 2319 aluminum alloy samples could be obtained under the optimized deposition parameters.
Application of Mesoporous Silicas for Adsorption of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants from Rainwater
Authors: Marszałek Anna , Puszczało Ewa , Szymańska Katarzyna , Sroka Marek , Kudlek Edyta , Generowicz Agnieszka
Published: June 2024

Precipitation is an important factor that influences the quality of surface water in many regions of the world. The pollution of stormwater runoff from roads and parking lots is an understudied area in water quality research. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical properties of rainwater flowing from parking lots was carried out, considering heavy metals and organic micropollutants. High concentrations of zinc were observed in rainwater, in addition to alkanes, e.g., tetradecane, hexadecane, octadecane, 2,6,10-trimethyldodecane, 2-methyldodecane; phenolic derivatives, such as 2,6-dimethoxyphenol and 2,4-di-tertbutylphenol; and compounds such as benzothiazole. To remove the contaminants present in rainwater, adsorption using silica carriers of the MCF (Mesostructured Cellular Foams) type was performed. Three groups of modified carriers were prepared, i.e., (1) SH (thiol), (2) NH2 (amino), and (3) NH2/SH (amine and thiol functional groups). The research problem, which is addressed in the presented article, is concerned with the silica carrier influence of the functional group on the adsorption efficiency of micropollutants. The study included an evaluation of the effects of adsorption dose and time on the efficiency of the contaminant removal process, as well as an analysis of adsorption isotherms and reaction kinetics. The colour adsorption from rainwater was 94–95% for MCF-NH2 and MCF-NH2/SH. Zinc adsorbance was at a level of 90% for MCF-NH2, and for MCF-NH2/SH, 52%. Studies have shown the high efficacy (100%) of MCF-NH2 in removing organic micropollutants, especially phenolic compounds and benzothiazole. On the other hand, octadecane was the least susceptible to adsorption in each case. It was found that the highest efficiency of removal of organic micropollutants and zinc ions was obtained through the use of functionalized silica NH2.
The Effects of Different Zn Forms on Sintering Basic Characteristics of Iron Ore
Authors: Ju Jiantao , Zu Jian , Xing Xiangdong , Yang Lei , Xiang Xinru
Published: June 2024

The micro-sintering method was used to determine the sintering basic characteristics of iron ore with Zn contents from 0 to 4%, the influence mechanism of Zn on sintering basic characteristics of iron ore was clarified by means of thermodynamic analysis and first-principles calculations. The results showed that (1) increasing the ZnO and ZnFe2O4 content increased the lowest assimilation temperature (LAT) but decreased the index of liquid phase fluidity (ILF) of iron ore. The addition of ZnS had no obvious effect on LAT but increased the LIF of iron ore. (2) ZnO and ZnFe2O4 reacted with Fe2O3 and CaO, respectively, during sintering, which inhibited the formation of silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum (SFCA). The addition of ZnS accelerated the decomposition of Fe2O3 in the N2 atmosphere; however, the high decomposition temperature limited the oxidation of ZnS, so the presence of ZnS had a slight inhibitory effect on the formation of SFCA. (3) The Zn concentrated in hematite or silicate and less distributed in SFCA and magnetite in the form of solid solution; meanwhile, the microhardness of the mineral phase decreased with the increase in Zn-containing solid solution content. As the adsorption of Zn on the SFCA crystal surface was more stable, the microhardness of SFCA decreased more. The decrease in microhardness and content of the SFCA bonding phase resulted in a decrease in the compressive strength of the sinter.
Binary and Ternary Blended Portland Cements Containing Different Types of Rice Husk Ash
Authors: Ordoñez Luis Miguel , Borrachero María Victoria , Monzó José , Soriano Lourdes , Payá Jordi
Published: June 2024

Rice husk ash (RHA) is agricultural waste with high silica content that has exhibited proven technical feasibility as a pozzolanic material since the 1970s. Notwithstanding, its use in mortars and concrete is limited by the standards currently utilized in some countries where RHA production is high and the aforementioned pozzolanic material is not standardized. This is the case in Spain, one of the main rice producers in Europe. Nowadays, the high pressure placed on the Portland cement production sector to reduce its energy use and CO2 emissions has given rise to a keen interest in mineral admixtures for cement manufacturing. In this research, we intended to establish the contributions of different RHA types to the final blended Portland cement properties (“H” is used to identify RHA in standardized cements). The experimental results demonstrated that RHA with good pozzolanic properties (large specific surface and high amorphous silica content) had to be limited to 10% cement replacement because of the severe reduction in workability at higher replacement percentages. RHA with lower reactivity, such as crystalline RHA, or fly ash (FA) can be used to prepare binary and ternary blended cements with reactive RHA. It is possible to design the following cements: CEM II/A-H and CEM II/A-(H-V). It would also be possible to design cement (CEM II/B-(H-V) with replacement values of up to 30% and the same 28-day mechanical performance as observed for the Portland cement without mineral addition.
Optimization of Cementitious Material with Thermal-Activated Lead–Zinc Tailings Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Lin Hang , Yin Ziyi , Li Su
Published: June 2024

The accumulation of lead–zinc tailings will cause a series of problems, including geological disasters and environmental pollution. Efficient secondary utilization of lead–zinc tailings is crucial. In this study, the activity of lead–zinc tailings was stimulated by thermal activation. The optimal thermal activation parameters are a thermal activation temperature of 900 °C and a holding time of 30 min. Based on the response surface methodology, the effect of raw materials content on cementitious material strength was analyzed, and the relational model between cementitious material strength and experimental variables was established. The results show that the sensitivity order of cementitious material strength at 28 days curing age is sand/cement ratio > water/cement ratio > fly ash content > tailing content. According to the relational model, the optimal materials ratio is as follows: tailing/fly ash/cement = 28.99%:14.58%:56.43%, and the sand/binder ratio and water/binder ratio are 1:1 and 0.47, respectively. The corresponding cost is CNY 290.965 per ton, which is the lowest. The strength of cementitious material with these parameters can reach 20 MPa, which meets the requirements of “Technical specification for application of solid waste cementitious material (T/CECS 689-2020)”.
Design and Mechanical Performance Evaluation of WE43 Magnesium Alloy Biodegradable Stents via Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Chen Jiaxuan , Dong Fang , Liu Sheng
Published: June 2024

The emergence of biodegradable stents addresses the limitations of the long-term presence of permanent bare metal stents in the human body. Following implantation, these stents can significantly reduce the occurrence of chronic complications such as inflammation and thrombosis, thus becoming a mainstream approach in the treatment of interventional cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the materials used for biodegradable stents are typically polymers. However, the inherent properties of the materials dictate that polymer stents exhibit lower mechanical performance and biocompatibility. Magnesium alloy materials, on the basis of their biodegradability, exhibit superior mechanical performance when compared to polymers, possessing the potential to address this issue. However, the presence of stress concentration in the stent structure necessitates further designs and mechanical performance analyses of magnesium alloy stents. In this work, a biodegradable stent based on WE43 alloy is designed. The stent incorporates the micro-protrusion structure to enhance the mechanical performance. Furthermore, to evaluate the clinical applicability of the stent, the mechanical performance of the biodegradable magnesium alloy stent is conducted through finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that the maximum equivalent stress in all four aspects is below the ultimate tensile strength of 370 MPa for the WE43 magnesium alloy, demonstrating excellent mechanical performance. Additionally, after crimping and expansion, the radial support strength and radial support force reached 780 mN/mm and 1.56 N, respectively. Compared to the advanced reported stent structures, the radial support strength and radial support force are enhanced by 13% and 47%, respectively. Additionally, flexibility analysis indicated that the flexibility of the stent design in this study is improved by a factor of 9.76, ensuring the stent’s capability to navigate through complex vasculature during implantation.
Formation of Stainless Steel Welded Joints Produced with the Application of Laser and Plasma Energy Sources
Authors: Shevchenko Vitalii , Korzhyk Volodymyr , Gao Shiyi , Khaskin Vladyslav , Cai Detao , Luo Ziyi , Illiashenko Yevhenii , Kvasnytskyi Viktor , Perepichay Andrii
Published: June 2024

The objective of this study is to investigate the formation of the structure and stress–strain state in the joints of AISI 304 stainless steel with a thickness of 2 mm and produced by welding with laser and plasma energy sources. It is established that the microhardness and parameters of the grain and subgrain structures of the welded joint material differ with respect to the dimensions of crystallites, grains, and subgrains according to the welding process. It is shown that, in terms of structure formation, including substructural features, the most favorable structures of 2 mm AISI 304 welded joints are formed by laser–plasma welding. It is predicted that the residual stressed state is less localized with the application of laser–plasma welding than laser welding, and it is characterized by a lower level of residual stresses compared to plasma welding. In all the cases, the maximal stress values are concentrated in the HAZ, and the value obtained using laser–plasma welding is in an intermediate position (431.7 MPa) between those of the laser (443 MPa) and plasma (413.7 MPa) processes. With laser–plasma and laser welding, displacements (deformations) are minimal and close to 0.2 mm. The method of electron speckle interferometry was used, and the results reveal that the error between the calculated and experimental values of equivalent stresses is no more than 6%, which is acceptable. The results of mechanical testing show that, under uniaxial tension, the strength of the welded joints made of AISI 304 steel using laser–plasma and laser welding is the highest and equal to 97% of that of the base metal.
The Initial Assessment of the Possibility of Simulation Fire Standard Curve in the Electric Furnace with the Assessment of Chemical Composition Changes in Steel after Cooling Phase
Authors: Kubicka Katarzyna , Szczecina Michał , Suckert Mariusz , Suckert Tomasz
Published: June 2024

The article focuses on analyzing changes in the chemical composition of steel samples after the cooling phase. A few distinct types of samples made of St3S steel were heated in an electric resistance furnace for 1 h. The temperature in the following minutes of the furnace work was programmed to reflect the standard fire curve defined in the Eurocode in the best possible way. The box-type electric furnace was used. There were three series of samples, and each of them was cooled down in diverse ways: (a) in the water, (b) in the polymer cooling medium AQUA-QUENCH® 320, and (c) in the furnace. After that, the chemical composition of diverse types of samples with various kinds of cooling was checked. This task was realized using a laser elementary analysis microscope with the EA-300 head. The investigation allowed the authors to draw the following conclusions: the electric furnace may be used to simulate an increase in temperature with fire duration according to standard fire curve only in the phase of fully developed fire situation; the EA-300 head for laser elementary analysis allows checking of the chemical composition of investigated elements very quickly (in a few seconds).
The Formation of Calcium–Magnesium Carbonate Minerals Induced by Curvibacter sp. HJ-1 under Different Mg/Ca Molar Ratios
Authors: Zhang Chonghong , Li Fuchun , Yang Kai , Zhou Jianrong
Published: June 2024

Microbial mineralization of calcium–magnesium carbonate has been a hot research topic in the fields of geomicrobiology and engineering geology in the past decades. However, the formation and phase transition mechanism of calcium–magnesium carbonate polymorphs at different Mg/Ca ratios still need to be explored. In this study, microbial induced carbonate mineralization experiments were carried out for 50 days in culture medium with Mg/Ca molar ratios of 0, 1.5, and 3 under the action of Curvibacter sp. HJ-1. The roles of bacteria and the Mg/Ca ratio on the mineral formation and phase transition were investigated. Experimental results show that (1) strain HJ-1 could induce vaterite, aragonite, and magnesium calcite formation in culture media with different Mg/Ca molar ratios. The increased stability of the metastable phase suggests that bacterial extracellular secretions and Mg2+ ions inhibit the carbonate phase-transition process. (2) The morphology of bacteriological carbonate minerals and the formation mechanism of spherical minerals were different in Mg-free and Mg-containing media. (3) The increased Mg/Ca ratio in the culture medium has an influence on the formation and transformation of calcium–magnesium carbonate by controlling the metabolism of Curvibacter sp. HJ-1 and the activity of bacterial secretion.
Propolis Reduces Inflammation and Dyslipidemia Caused by High-Cholesterol Diet in Mice by Lowering ADAM10/17 Activities
Authors: Yigit Ertugrul , Deger Orhan , Korkmaz Katip , Huner Yigit Merve , Uydu Huseyin Avni , Mercantepe Tolga , Demir Selim
Published: June 2024

Atherosclerosis is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular diseases. A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)10 and ADAM17 have been identified as important regulators of inflammation in recent years. Our study investigated the effect of inhibiting these enzymes with selective inhibitor and propolis on atherosclerosis. In our study, C57BL/6J mice (n = 16) were used in the control and sham groups. In contrast, ApoE-/- mice (n = 48) were used in the case, water extract of propolis (WEP), ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), GW280264X (GW-synthetic inhibitor), and solvent (DMSO and ethanol) groups. The control group was fed a control diet, and all other groups were fed a high-cholesterol diet for 16 weeks. WEP (400 mg/kg/day), EEP (200 mg/kg/day), and GW (100 µg/kg/day) were administered intraperitoneally for the last four weeks. Animals were sacrificed, and blood, liver, aortic arch, and aortic root tissues were collected. In serum, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and glucose (Glu) were measured by enzymatic colorimetric method, while interleukin-1β (IL-1β), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 (Lp-PLA2) were measured by ELISA. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels were measured in aortic arch by ELISA and ADAM10/17 activities were measured fluorometrically. In addition, aortic root and liver tissues were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically (ADAM10 and sortilin primary antibody). In the WEP, EEP, and GW groups compared to the case group, TC, TG, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, PLA2, MPO, ADAM10/17 activities, plaque burden, lipid accumulation, ADAM10, and sortilin levels decreased, while IL-10 and PON-1 levels increased (p < 0.003). Our study results show that propolis can effectively reduce atherosclerosis-related inflammation and dyslipidemia through ADAM10/17 inhibition.
Tolerance of Infants Fed a Hydrolyzed Rice Infant Formula with 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO)
Authors: Ramirez-Farias Carlett , Oliver Jeffery S. , Schlezinger Jane , Stutts John T.
Published: June 2024

Background: The purpose of this research was to assess the growth, tolerance, and compliance outcomes associated with the consumption of a hydrolyzed rice infant formula (HRF) enriched with 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) a Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO), and nucleotides in an intended population of infants. Methods: This was a non-randomized single-group, multicenter study. The study formula was a hypoallergenic HRF with 2′-FL, Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Arachidonic acid (ARA), and nucleotides. Infants 0–90 days of age who were formula fed and experiencing persistent feeding intolerance symptoms, symptoms of suspected food protein (milk and/or soy) allergy, or other conditions where an extensively hydrolyzed infant formula was deemed an appropriate feeding option were recruited by pediatricians from their local populations. The primary outcome was maintenance of weight-for-age z-score. Weight, length, head circumference, formula intake, tolerance measures, clinical symptoms and questionnaires were collected. Thirty-three infants were enrolled, and 27 completed the study, on study product. Results: Weight-for-age z-scores of infants showed a statistically significant improvement from Visit 1 to Visit 4 (p = 0.0331). There was an adequate daily volume intake of 762 ± 28 mL/day, average daily number of stools of 2.1 ± 0.3, and mean rank stool consistency of 2.38 ± 0.18. After 28 days of switching to a HRF, 86.8 ± 5.9% of the symptoms resolved or got better by Visit 4 as reported by parents. Conclusions: HRF with 2′-FL HMO was safe, well tolerated, and supported weight gain in infants with suspected cow’s milk allergy or persistent feeding intolerance.
Analysis of Alterations in Intestinal Flora in Chinese Elderly with Cardiovascular Disease and Its Association with Trimethylamine
Authors: He Yannan , Chen Song , Xue Yuling , Lu Han , Li Ziteng , Jia Xianxian , Ning Yibing , Yuan Qingbin , Wang Shijie
Published: June 2024

To investigate the changes in the intestinal flora in the Chinese elderly with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its correlation with the metabolism of trimethylamine (TMA), the intestinal flora composition of elderly individuals with CVD and healthy elderly individuals was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, the TMA levels in the feces of elderly were detected using headspace–gas chromatography (HS-GC), and four kinds of characterized TMA-producing intestinal bacteria in the elderly were quantified using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results showed that Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia are the dominant microorganisms of the intestinal flora in the Chinese elderly. And there were significant differences in the intestinal bacteria composition between healthy elderly individuals and those with CVD, accompanied by a notable difference in the TMA content. The richness and diversity of the intestinal flora in the elderly with CVD were higher than those in the healthy elderly. Correlation analysis indicated that certain significantly different intestinal flora were associated with the TMA levels. Our findings showed a significant difference in TMA-producing intestinal flora between healthy elderly individuals and those with CVD. The TMA levels were found to be positively and significantly correlated with Klebsiella pneumoniae, suggesting that this bacterium is closely linked to the production of TMA in the elderly gut. This may have implications for the development and progression of CVD in the elderly population.
Sub-Optimal Paternal Diet at the Time of Mating Disrupts Maternal Adaptations to Pregnancy in the Late Gestation Mouse
Authors: Khoshkerdar Afsaneh , Eid Nader , Batra Vipul , Baker Nichola , Holmes Nadine , Henson Sonal , Sang Fei , Wright Victoria , McLaren Jane , Shakesheff Kevin , Woad Kathryn J. , Morgan Hannah L. , Watkins Adam J.
Published: June 2024

Pregnancy represents a stage during which maternal physiology and homeostatic regulation undergo dramatic change and adaptation. The fundamental purpose of these adaptations is to ensure the survival of her offspring through adequate nutrient provision and an environment that is tolerant to the semi-allogenic foetus. While poor maternal diet during pregnancy is associated with perturbed maternal adaptations during pregnancy, the influence of paternal diet on maternal well-being is less clearly defined. We fed C57BL/6 male mice either a control (CD), low protein diet (LPD), a high fat/sugar Western diet (WD) or the LPD or WD supplemented with methyl donors (MD-LPD and MD-WD, respectively) for a minimum of 8 weeks prior to mating with C57BL/6 females. Mated females were culled at day 17 of gestation for the analysis of maternal metabolic, gut, cardiac and bone health. Paternal diet had minimal influences on maternal serum and hepatic metabolite levels or gut microbiota diversity. However, analysis of the maternal hepatic transcriptome revealed distinct profiles of differential gene expression in response to the diet of the father. Paternal LPD and MD-LPD resulted in differential expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism, transcription, ubiquitin conjugation and immunity in dams, while paternal WD and MD-WD modified the expression of genes associated with ubiquitin conjugation and cardiac morphology. Finally, we observed changes in maternal femur length, volume of trabecular bone, trabecular connectivity, volume of the cortical medullar cavity and thickness of the cortical bone in response to the father’s diets. Our current study demonstrates that poor paternal diet at the time of mating can influence the patterns of maternal metabolism and gestation-associated adaptations to her physiology.
Maternal Body Mass Index Associates with Prenatal Characteristics and Fecal Microbial Communities
Authors: Nel Nikita H. , Haddad Eliot N. , Kerver Jean M. , Cassidy-Bushrow Andrea E. , Comstock Sarah S.
Published: June 2024

The maternal microbiome plays a vital role in shaping pregnancy outcomes, but there remains a substantial gap in understanding its precise relationships to maternal health, particularly in relation to potential effects of body mass index (BMI) on gut microbial diversity. The aim of this observational study was to assess maternal characteristics in association with pre-pregnancy BMI and to further assess microbial diversity in association with specific maternal characteristics. Eighty-four pregnant women were recruited during their third trimester of pregnancy from various prenatal clinics across the state of Michigan. The participants completed an enrollment questionnaire including self-reported pre-pregnancy BMI; stool samples were collected to assess the fecal microbial community composition. Pre-pregnancy obesity (BMI 30+) was associated (univariably) with antibiotic use before pregnancy, ever smoked, lower education level, and being unmarried. The gut microbiota alpha diversity was significantly different for pregnant women by pre-pregnancy BMI category (normal, overweight, obese). The beta diversity was unique for the gut microbiotas of pregnant women within each BMI category, by education level, and by marital status. Multivariable models revealed that pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal education, marital status, and maternal age were associated with the microbial diversity of the gut microbiota during pregnancy. These results give new insight into the relationship between a woman’s microbiome during pregnancy and their prenatal health, along with an understanding of the relationships between socioeconomic factors and microbial diversity.
Synergic Role of Dietary Bioactive Compounds in Breast Cancer Chemoprevention and Combination Therapies
Authors: Mecca Marisabel , Sichetti Marzia , Giuseffi Martina , Giglio Eugenia , Sabato Claudia , Sanseverino Francesca , Marino Graziella
Published: June 2024

Breast cancer is the most common tumor in women. Chemotherapy is the gold standard for cancer treatment; however, severe side effects and tumor resistance are the major obstacles to chemotherapy success. Numerous dietary components and phytochemicals have been found to inhibit the molecular and signaling pathways associated with different stages of breast cancer development. In particular, this review is focused on the antitumor effects of PUFAs, dietary enzymes, and glucosinolates against breast cancer. The major databases were consulted to search in vitro and preclinical studies; only those with solid scientific evidence and reporting protective effects on breast cancer treatment were included. A consistent number of studies highlighted that dietary components and phytochemicals can have remarkable therapeutic effects as single agents or in combination with other anticancer agents, administered at different concentrations and via different routes of administration. These provide a natural strategy for chemoprevention, reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, impair cell proliferation and viability, and induce apoptosis. Some of these bioactive compounds of dietary origin, however, show poor solubility and low bioavailability; hence, encapsulation in nanoformulations are promising tools able to increase clinical efficiency.
Benznidazole-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles for Oral Chemotherapeutic Treatment of Chagas Disease
Authors: Sousa Lucas Resende Dutra , Duarte Thays Helena Chaves , Xavier Viviane Flores , das Mercês Aline Coelho , Vieira Gabriel Maia , Martins Maximiliano Delany , Carneiro Cláudia Martins , dos Santos Viviane Martins Rebello , dos Santos Orlando David Henrique , Vieira Paula Melo de Abreu
Published: June 2024

Chagas disease (CD) is a worldwide public health problem. Benznidazole (BZ) is the drug used to treat it. However, in its commercial formulation, it has significant side effects and is less effective in the chronic phase of the infection. The development of particulate systems containing BZ is therefore being promoted. The objective of this investigation was to develop polymeric nanoparticles loaded with BZ and examine their trypanocidal impact in vitro. Two formulas (BNP1 and BNP2) were produced through double emulsification and freeze drying. Subsequent to physicochemical and morphological assessment, both formulations exhibited adequate yield, average particle diameter, and zeta potential for oral administration. Cell viability was assessed in H9C2 and RAW 264.7 cells in vitro, revealing no cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes or detrimental effects in macrophages at specific concentrations. BNP1 and BNP2 enhanced the effect of BZ within 48 h using a treatment of 3.90 μg/mL. The formulations notably improved NO reduction, particularly BNP2. The findings imply that the compositions are suitable for preclinical research, underscoring their potential as substitutes for treating CD. This study aids the quest for new BZ formulations, which are essential in light of the disregard for the treatment of CD and the unfavorable effects associated with its commercial product.
Application of Scaffold-Based Drug Delivery in Oral Cancer Treatment: A Novel Approach
Authors: Saberian Elham , Jenča Andrej , Petrášová Adriána , Zare-Zardini Hadi , Ebrahimifar Meysam
Published: June 2024

This comprehensive review consolidates insights from two sources to emphasize the transformative impact of scaffold-based drug delivery systems in revolutionizing oral cancer therapy. By focusing on their core abilities to facilitate targeted and localized drug administration, these systems enhance therapeutic outcomes significantly. Scaffolds, notably those coated with anti-cancer agents such as cisplatin and paclitaxel, have proven effective in inhibiting oral cancer cell proliferation, establishing a promising avenue for site-specific drug delivery. The application of synthetic scaffolds, including Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and natural materials, like collagen or silk, in 3D systems has been pivotal for controlled release of therapeutic agents, executing diverse anti-cancer strategies. A key advancement in this field is the advent of smart scaffolds designed for sequential cancer therapy, which strive to refine drug delivery systems, minimizing surgical interventions, accentuating the significance of 3D scaffolds in oral cancer management. These systems, encompassing local drug-coated scaffolds and other scaffold-based platforms, hold the potential to transform oral cancer treatment through precise interventions, yielding improved patient outcomes. Local drug delivery via scaffolds can mitigate systemic side effects typically associated with chemotherapy, such as nausea, alopecia, infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Post-drug release, scaffolds foster a conducive environment for non-cancerous cell growth, adhering and proliferation, demonstrating restorative potential. Strategies for controlled and targeted drug delivery in oral cancer therapy span injectable self-assembling peptide hydrogels, nanocarriers, and dual drug-loaded nanofibrous scaffolds. These systems ensure prolonged release, synergistic effects, and tunable targeting, enhancing drug delivery efficiency while reducing systemic exposure. Smart scaffolds, capable of sequential drug release, transitioning to cell-friendly surfaces, and enabling combinatorial therapy, hold the promise to revolutionize treatment by delivering precise interventions and optimized outcomes. In essence, scaffold-based drug delivery systems, through their varied forms and functionalities, are reshaping oral cancer therapy. They target drug delivery efficiency, diminish side effects, and present avenues for personalization. Challenges like fabrication intricacy, biocompatibility, and scalability call for additional research. Nonetheless, the perspective on scaffold-based systems in oral cancer treatment is optimistic, as ongoing advancements aim to surmount current limitations and fully leverage their potential in cancer therapy.