bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Processes Occurring in Dispersed Media with Carbon Nanomaterials under the Influence of Ultrasonification
Authors: Obukhova Svetlana , Korolev Evgenii
Published: February 2023

The up-to-date carbon nanoparticle application in materials science and composites is mostly represented by controlling of different methods of structure formation including incorporation of nanomaterials or nano-modifiers. The efficiency of such methods depends on disagglomeration and the distribution degree of the carbon nanoparticle within a dispersion medium, which are critical parameters to produce a composite with improved performance. At the same time, common approaches such as a surface activation or using surfactants do not guarantee a homogeneous dispersion of carbon nanoparticles. This research reports on a theoretical analysis of physical processes which take place during the ultrasonic treatment which is a widely used method for dispersion of nanomaterials. The experimental data demonstrate an efficiency of the proposed method and prove the theoretical assumptions. The theoretical analysis performed in this study can be applied to implement and scale-up the process using sonicators. It was established that ultrasonic treatment has a more intensive effect in an organic hydrocarbon medium. So, in industrial oil, the heating rate from ultrasonification is 20 °C/min, in residual selective purification extract, it is 33 °C/min. For aqueous systems, the heating rate from ultrasonification is significantly lower and amounts to 2 °C /min for suspensions with Sulfanol and 11 °C/min for suspensions with ViscoCrete 2100. It was established that in the studied dispersed systems (aqueous solutions with surfactants and organic medium), there is no directly proportional dependence of the amount of heating of suspensions on the duration of ultrasound dispersion (USD), which is caused by ultrasonic dispersion not under adiabatic conditions, as well as the dependence of absorption coefficient of ultrasonic energy for dispersed systems on parameters of system structure.
Lymph Node Involvement in Recurrent Serous Borderline Ovarian Tumors: Current Evidence, Controversies, and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Wetterwald Laureline , Sarivalasis Apostolos , Liapi Aikaterini , Mathevet Patrice , Achtari Chahin
Published: February 2023

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) account for 10–20% of epithelial ovarian neoplasms. They are characterized by their lack of destructive stromal invasion. In comparison to invasive ovarian cancers, BOTs occur in younger patients and have better outcome. Serous borderline ovarian tumor (SBOT) represents the most common subtype of BOT. Complete surgical staging is the current standard management but fertility-sparing surgery is an option for SBOT patients who are at reproductive age. While most cases of SBOTs have an indolent course with favorable prognosis, late recurrence and malignant transformation can occur, usually in the form of low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC). Thus, assessment of the recurrence risk is essential for the management of those patients. SBOTs can be associated with lymph node involvement (LNI) in up to 30% of patients who undergo lymph node dissection at diagnosis, and whether LNI affects prognosis is controversial. The present review suggests that recurrent SBOTs with LNI have poorer oncological outcomes and highlights the biases due to the scarcity of reports in the literature. Preventing SBOTs from recurring and becoming invasive overtime and a more profound understanding of the underlying mechanisms at play are necessary.
Phase-Transfer Catalyzed Microfluidic Glycosylation: A Small Change in Concentration Results in a Dramatic Increase in Stereoselectivity
Authors: Myachin Ilya V. , Kononov Leonid O.
Published: February 2023

Phase-transfer catalysis (PTC) is widely used in glycochemistry for the preparation of aryl glycosides by the glycosylation reaction. While investigating the possibility of synthesis of 4-(3-chloropropoxy)phenyl sialoside (Neu5Ac-OCPP) from N-acetylsialyl chloride with O-acetyl groups (1), we have recently discovered a strong dependence of the PTC glycosylation outcome on the mixing mode: under batch conditions, only α-anomer of Neu5Ac-OCPP was obtained, albeit in low yield (13%), while under microfluidic conditions the yield of Neu5Ac-OCPP increased to 36%, although stereoselectivity decreased (α/β ≤ 6.2). Here, we report that the outcome of this reaction, performed under microfluidic conditions using a Comet X-01 micromixer (at 2 μL/min flow rate), non-linearly depends on the concentration of N-acetylsialyl chloride 1 (5–200 mmol/L). The target Neu5Ac-OCPP was obtained in a noticeably higher yield (up to 66%) accompanied by enhanced stereoselectivity (α/β = 17:1–32:1) in the high concentration range (C > 50 mmol/L), whereas the yield (10–36%) and especially, stereoselectivity (α/β = 0.9:1–6.2:1) were lower in the low concentration range (C ≤ 50 mmol/L). This dramatic stepwise increase in stereoselectivity above critical concentration (50 mmol/L) is apparently related to the changes in the presentation of molecules on the surface of supramers of glycosyl donor, which exist in different concentration ranges.
Application of BiVO4/TiO2/CNT Composite Photocatalysts for Membrane Fouling Control and Photocatalytic Membrane Regeneration during Dairy Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Sisay Elias Jigar , Kertész Szabolcs , Fazekas Ákos , Jákói Zoltán , Kedves Endre Zsolt , Gyulavári Tamás , Ágoston Áron , Veréb Gábor , László Zsuzsanna
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to investigate the performance of composite photocatalytic membranes fabricated by incorporating multiple nanoparticles (TiO2, carbon nanotubes, BiVO4) into polyvinylidene fluoride membrane material for real dairy wastewater treatment. The composite photocatalytic membranes exhibited superior antifouling behavior, lower filtration resistance, better flux, and higher flux recovery ratio than the pristine membrane. Salinity, pH, and lactose concentration are determinant factors that affect filtration resistance and rejection performance during the ultrafiltration of dairy wastewater. Generally, higher irreversible and total resistances and slightly lower chemical oxygen demand (COD) rejections were found at higher salinity (expressed by electric conductivity values of >4 mS/cm) than lower salinity (<4 mS/cm) levels. The presence of lactose in dairy wastewater increased irreversible resistance and severely reduced COD rejection during ultrafiltration due to the ability of lactose to pass through the membranes. It was ascertained that membranes require further treatment after filtrating such wastewater. Lower resistances and slightly better COD rejections were observed at pH 7.5 and pH 9.5 compared to those observed at pH 4. Photocatalytic membranes fouled during the ultrafiltration of real dairy wastewater were regenerated by visible light irradiation. The membrane containing all constituents (i.e., TiO2, carbon nanotubes, and BiVO4) showed the best regeneration performance, exceeding that of the pristine membrane by 30%.
Hierarchical Zeolite Synthesis by Alkaline Treatment: Advantages and Applications
Authors: Oliveira Daniele S. , Lima Rafael B. , Pergher Sibele B. C. , Caldeira Vinícius P. S.
Published: February 2023

Zeolites are of great interest to the scientific and industrial communities due to their interesting catalytic properties, such as high specific area, shape selectivity, and thermal and hydrothermal stability. For this reason, zeolites have been intensively studied and applied in several reactions of great industrial interest. However, the size of zeolite micropores may hinder the diffusion of bulky molecules in the pore system, limiting the use of zeolites in some reactions/applications that use bulky molecules. One way to address this limitation is to generate secondary porosity (in the range of supermicropores, mesopores and/or macropores) in such a way that it connects with the existing micropores, creating a hierarchical pore system. There are different hierarchical approaches; however, most are not economically viable and are complicated/time-consuming. Alkaline treatment has been highlighted in recent years due to its excellent results, simplicity, speed and low cost. In this review, we highlight the importance of alkaline treatment in the generation of secondary porosity and the parameters that influence alkaline treatment in different zeolitic structures. The properties and catalytic performance of hierarchical zeolites prepared by alkaline treatment are extensively discussed. It is expected that this approach will be useful for understanding how alkaline treatment acts on different hierarchical structures and will thus open doors to achieve other hierarchical zeolites by this method.
Bio-Fabrication of Trimetallic Nanoparticles and Their Applications
Authors: Roy Arpita , Kunwar Srijal , Bhusal Utsav , Alghamdi Saad , Almehmadi Mazen , Alhuthali Hayaa M. , Allahyani Mamdouh , Hossain Md. Jamal , Hasan Md. Abir , Sarker Md. Moklesur Rahman , Azlina Mohd Fahami Nur
Published: February 2023

Nanoparticles are materials whose size is less than 100 nm. Because of their distinctive physical and chemical characteristics, nanoparticles have drawn considerable interest in a variety of fields. Biosynthesis of nanoparticles is a green and environmentally friendly technology, which requires fewer chemical reagents, precursors, and catalysts. There are various types of nanomaterials, out of which trimetallic nanoparticles are receiving considerable interest in recent years. Trimetallic nanoparticles possess unique catalytic, biomedical, antimicrobial, active food packaging, and sensing applications as compared to monometallic or bimetallic nanoparticles. Trimetallic nanoparticles are currently synthesized by various methods such as chemical reduction, microwave-assisted, thermal, precipitation, and so on. However, most of these chemical and physical methods are expensive and toxic to the environment. Biological synthesis is one of the promising methods, which includes the use of bacteria, plants, fungi, algae, waste biomass, etc., as reducing agents. Secondary metabolites present in the biological agents act as capping and reducing agents. Green trimetallic nanoparticles can be used for different applications such as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, catalytic activity, etc. This review provides an overview of the synthesis of trimetallic nanoparticles using biological agents, and their applications in different areas such as anticancer, antimicrobial activity, drug delivery, catalytic activity, etc. Finally, current challenges, future prospects, and conclusions are highlighted.
In Situ Electroplating of Ir@Carbon Cloth as High-Performance Selective Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst for Direct Electrolytic Recovery of Lead
Authors: Che Kai , Zhu Xiaoyang , Tang Guangshi , Zhao Man , Pan Junqing
Published: February 2023

The hydrometallurgical technology provides an efficient and sustainable green lead recovery process from lead acid batteries. Methanesulfonic acid has been widely considered as a green solvent for lead electrolytic recovery. However, the competitive precipitation of PbO2 at anode and higher overpotential for OER limit the lead recovery efficiency. In this work, an anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst with a low Ir mass fraction of 7.2% is obtained by electroplating iridium on carbon cloth (CC), exhibiting a lower overpotential of 256 mV, longer lifetime of 10 h, and better stability in the 0.5 M MSA solution. When CC-Ir is used as an anodic catalyst for lead recovery in the lead methanesulfonate electrolyte, only a lesser Pb precipitation product with Pb atom mass fraction of 1.42% is found after electrolysis of 10 h, demonstrating the suppression effect of CC-Ir for a PbO2 side reaction. This work proves that the anodic catalyst plays an important role in the lead electrolytic recovery process, which can inhibit the side reaction, reduce the energy consumption, and increase recovery efficiency.
A Comparison Study between Wood Flour and Its Derived Biochar for the Enhancement of the Peroxydisulfate Activation Capability of Fe3O4
Authors: Han Yu , Xu Lijie
Published: February 2023

In this study, both wood flour (WF) and wood flour-derived biochar (WFB) were used as supports for Fe3O4 to activate peroxydisulfate (PDS). The role of different carriers was investigated emphatically from the aspects of catalyst properties, the degradation kinetics of bisphenol A (BPA), the effects of important parameters, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results showed that both WF and WFB could serve as good support for Fe3O4, which could control the release of iron into solution and increase the specific surface areas (SSAs). The WFB/Fe3O4 had stronger PDS activation capability than WF/Fe3O4 mainly due to the larger SSA of WFB/Fe3O4 and the PDS activation ability of WFB. Both radical species (•OH and SO4•−) and non-radical pathways, including 1O2 and high-valent iron-oxo species, contributed to the degradation of BPA in the WFB/Fe3O4–PDS process. Moreover, the WFB/Fe3O4 catalyst also showed stronger ability to control the iron release, better reusability, and higher BPA mineralization efficiency than WF/Fe3O4.
The Pursuit of the “Inside” of the Amyloid Hypothesis—Is C99 a Promising Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Takasugi Nobumasa , Komai Masato , Kaneshiro Nanaka , Ikeda Atsuya , Kamikubo Yuji , Uehara Takashi
Published: February 2023

Aducanumab, co-developed by Eisai (Japan) and Biogen (U.S.), has received Food and Drug Administration approval for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, its successor antibody, lecanemab, has been approved. These antibodies target the aggregated form of the small peptide, amyloid-β (Aβ), which accumulates in the patient brain. The “amyloid hypothesis” based therapy that places the aggregation and toxicity of Aβ at the center of the etiology is about to be realized. However, the effects of immunotherapy are still limited, suggesting the need to reconsider this hypothesis. Aβ is produced from a type-I transmembrane protein, Aβ precursor protein (APP). One of the APP metabolites, the 99-amino acids C-terminal fragment (C99, also called βCTF), is a direct precursor of Aβ and accumulates in the AD patient’s brain to demonstrate toxicity independent of Aβ. Conventional drug discovery strategies have focused on Aβ toxicity on the “outside” of the neuron, but C99 accumulation might explain the toxicity on the “inside” of the neuron, which was overlooked in the hypothesis. Furthermore, the common region of C99 and Aβ is a promising target for multifunctional AD drugs. This review aimed to outline the nature, metabolism, and impact of C99 on AD pathogenesis and discuss whether it could be a therapeutic target complementing the amyloid hypothesis.
Role of tPA in Corticosterone-Induced Apoptosis of Mouse Mural Granulosa and Oviductal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Hua Qi , Cheng Hao , Yang Yong-Qing , An Jin-Song , Zhang Min , Gong Shuai , Luo Ming-Jiu , Tan Jing-He
Published: February 2023

Although studies indicate that female stress-increased secretion of glucocorticoids impairs oocyte competence and embryo development, by inducing apoptosis of ovarian and oviductal cells, respectively, the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids induce apoptosis of ovarian and oviductal cells are largely unclear. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been involved in apoptosis of different cell types. However, while some studies indicate that tPA is proapoptotic, others demonstrate its antiapoptotic effects. This study has explored the role and action mechanisms of tPA in corticosterone-induced apoptosis of mouse mural granulosa cells (MGCs) and oviductal epithelial cells (OECs). The results demonstrate that culture with corticosterone significantly increased apoptosis, while decreasing levels of tPA (Plat) mRNA and tPA protein in both MGCs and OECs. Culture with tPA ameliorated corticosterone-induced apoptosis of MGCs and OECs. Furthermore, while tPA protected MGCs from corticosterone-induced apoptosis by interacting with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), it protected OECs from the apoptosis by acting on Annexin 2 (ANXA2). In conclusion, tPA is antiapoptotic in both MGCs and OECs, and it protects MGCs and OECs from corticosterone-induced apoptosis by interacting with LRP1 and ANXA2, respectively, suggesting that tPA may use different receptors to inhibit apoptosis in different cell types.
IL18 Receptor Signaling Inhibits Intratumoral CD8+ T-Cell Migration in a Murine Pancreatic Cancer Model
Authors: Nasiri Elena , Student Malte , Roth Katrin , Siti Utami Nadya , Huber Magdalena , Buchholz Malte , Gress Thomas M. , Bauer Christian
Published: February 2023

In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) is an important factor in determining prognosis. The migration pattern and interaction behavior of intratumoral CTLs are pivotal to tumor rejection. NLRP3-dependent proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 play a prominent role for CTL induction and differentiation. Here, we investigate the effects of T-cellular IL-1R and IL-18R signaling for intratumoral T-cell motility. Murine adenocarcinoma cell line Panc02 was stably transfected with ovalbumin (OVA) and fluorophore H2B-Cerulean to generate PancOVA H2B-Cerulean tumor cells. Dorsal skinfold chambers (DSFC) were installed on wild-type mice, and PancOVA H2B-Cerulean tumor cells were implanted into the chambers. PancOVA spheroids were formed using the Corning® Matrigel®-based 3D cell culture technique. CTLs were generated from OT-1 mice, Il1r−/− OT-1 mice, or Il18r−/− OT-1 mice and were marked with fluorophores. This was followed by the adoptive transfer of CTLs into tumor-bearing mice or the application into tumor spheroids. After visualization with multiphoton microscopy (MPM), Imaris software was used to perform T-cell tracking. Imaris analysis indicates a significantly higher accumulation of Il18r−/− CTLs in PancOVA tumors and a significant reduction in tumor volume compared to wild-type CTLs. Il18r−/− CTLs covered a longer distance (track displacement length) in comparison to wild-type (WT) CTLs, and had a higher average speed (mean track speed). The analysis of instantaneous velocity suggests a higher percentage of arrested tracks (arrests: <4 μm/min) for Il18r−/− CTLs. Our data indicate the contribution of IL-18R signaling to T-cell effector strength, warranting further investigation on phenomena such as intratumoral T-cell exhaustion.
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy Produce Higher Levels of IL-17A, IL-10 and IL-6 and Lower Levels of IFN-γ—A Pilot Study
Authors: Obasanmi Gideon , Lois Noemi , Armstrong David , Hombrebueno Jose M. Romero , Lynch Aisling , Chen Mei , Xu Heping
Published: February 2023

Inflammation is key to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This prospective study investigated alterations in inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in 41 people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), sub-grouped into mild non-proliferative DR (mNPDR; n = 13) and active and inactive (each n = 14) PDR. Age/gender-matched healthy controls (n = 13) were included. PBMCs were isolated from blood samples. Intracellular cytokine expression by PBMCs after 16-h stimulation (either E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus ionomycin, D-glucose or D-mannitol) were assessed by flow cytometry. Cytokine production in plasma, non-stimulated and LPS-stimulated PBMC supernatant was also assessed. Increased BMC IL-10 secretion and reduced expression of IL-6 and IFN-γ in CD3+ cells were observed in mNPDR. Reduced IL-6 and IL-10 secretion, and higher levels of intracellular IL-6 expression, especially in CD11b+ PBMCs, was detected in aPDR; levels were positively correlated with DR duration. Patients with T1D demonstrated increased intracellular expression of IL-17A in myeloid cells and reduced IFN-γ expression in CD3+ cells. Plasma levels of IL-1R1 were increased in mNPDR compared with controls. Results suggest that elevated PBMC-released IL-10, IL-6, in particular myeloid-produced IL-17A, may be involved in early stages of DR. IL-6-producing myeloid cells may play a role in PDR development.
Promotion of Lymphangiogenesis by Targeted Delivery of VEGF-C Improves Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Brunner Lorenz M. , He Yuliang , Cousin Nikola , Scholl Jeannette , Albin Livia K. , Schmucki Bianca , Supersaxo Sandrin , Restivo Gaetana , Hafner Jürg , Neri Dario , Werner Sabine , Detmar Michael
Published: February 2023

Chronic wounds represent a major therapeutic challenge. Lymphatic vessel function is impaired in chronic ulcers but the role of lymphangiogenesis in wound healing has remained unclear. We found that lymphatic vessels are largely absent from chronic human wounds as evaluated in patient biopsies. Excisional wound healing studies were conducted using transgenic mice with or without an increased number of cutaneous lymphatic vessels, as well as antibody-mediated inhibition of lymphangiogenesis. We found that a lack of lymphatic vessels mediated a proinflammatory wound microenvironment and delayed wound closure, and that the VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling axis is required for wound lymphangiogenesis. Treatment of diabetic mice (db/db mice) with the F8–VEGF-C fusion protein that targets the alternatively spliced extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin, expressed in remodeling tissue, promoted wound healing, and potently induced wound lymphangiogenesis. The treatment also reduced tissue inflammation and exerted beneficial effects on the wound microenvironment, including myofibroblast density and collagen deposition. These findings indicate that activating the lymphatic vasculature might represent a new therapeutic strategy for treating chronic non-healing wounds.
Combining Pultrusion with Carbonization: Process Analysis and Material Properties of CFRP and C/C
Authors: Stiller Jonas H. M. , Roder Kristina , Löpitz David , Knobloch Marcus , Nestler Daisy , Drossel Welf-Guntram , Kroll Lothar
Published: February 2023

Composites made of carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon (C/C or CFC) are high-performance materials with a wide range of properties, making them especially suitable for the design of thermally and mechanically highly stressed components. As the production process of these high-performance materials is currently still very expensive, new concepts for an economical manufacturing process are required. This paper focusses on an innovative approach that uses the polymer-based pultrusion process for shaping with a subsequent carbonization step to C/C. In this process, carbon fibers (CF) and a phenolic resin were used to manufacture a semi-finished product made of unidirectional (UD) carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with a fiber volume content of 66%. The C/C composite shows dimensional stability and has a flexural strength of approx. 240 MPa and a flexural modulus of approx. of 135 GPa with an elongation of 1.8%.
Iron Determination in Natural Waters Using a Synthesised 3-Hydroxy-4-Pyridione Ligand in a Newly Developed Microfluidic Paper-Based Device
Authors: Aguiar Juliana I. S. , Ribeiro Susana O. , Leite Andreia , Rangel Maria , Rangel António O. S. S. , Mesquita Raquel B. R.
Published: February 2023

This work describes the development of an iron sensor based on a microfluidic paper-based technique, to attain iron quantification in natural waters. A new water-soluble naphthalene-3-hydroxy-4-pyridione ligand was used as a colour reagent, as it formed an orange complex with iron. As a newly described ligand, several chemical and physical parameters, namely, the sample and reagent volumes and reagent concentrations, were studied related to the formation of the coloured complex. The microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) assembly, namely, the use of different types of filter paper and different numbers of layers, was developed to obtain the best performance. Under the optimal conditions, a linear correlation was obtained in the range of 0.25–2.00 mg/L of iron, with a minimum detectable value of 0.07 mg/L. The proposed μPAD method was validated by an analysis of the certified samples and by a comparison of the tested water samples with the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) results (RE < 10%). Then, the μPAD device was successfully applied to the determination of iron in tap water, well water, river water, and seawater, with no need for any prior sample pre-treatment; recovery studies were also performed (average = 100.3% with RSD = 4.2%).
Role of the Gut Microbiota in Children with Kidney Disease
Authors: Tain You-Lin , Hsu Chien-Ning
Published: February 2023

Disruption of the composition and structure of the gut microbiota, namely dysbiosis, dictates the pathophysiology of kidney diseases. The bidirectional kidney–gut axis is of interest in chronic kidney disease (CKD); the uremic milieu leads to intestinal dysbiosis and gut microbial metabolites and toxins implicated in the loss of kidney function and increased comorbidity burden. Considering that kidney diseases can originate in childhood or even earlier in fetal life, identification of the pathogenetic connection between gut microbiota dysbiosis and the development of pediatric renal diseases deserves more attention. This review concentrates on the pathogenic link between dysbiotic gut microbiota and pediatric renal diseases, covering CKD, kidney transplantation, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Gut microbiota-targeted therapies including dietary intervention, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and fecal microbial transplantation are discussed for their potential for the treatment of pediatric renal diseases. A deeper understanding of gut microbiota in pediatric renal diseases will aid in developing innovative gut microbiota-targeted interventions for preventing or attenuating the global burden of kidney diseases.
Vitamin D Deficit as Inducer of Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea—A Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: De Luca Pietro , Di Stadio Arianna , Marra Pasquale , Atturo Francesca , Scarpa Alfonso , Cassandro Claudia , La Mantia Ignazio , Della Volpe Antonio , de Campora Luca , Tassone Domenico , Camaioni Angelo , Cassandro Ettore
Published: February 2023

(1) Objective: This prospective case-control study aimed to assess the level of serum vitamin D comparing pediatric non-allergic patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and healthy controls. (2) Methods: The period of the enrollment was from November 2021 to February 2022. Children with uncomplicated OSA caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) were recruited. Allergy was excluded by skin prick test (SPT), and the determination of serum IgE level using ELISA test. Plasma concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) was quantitatively determined; then, the vitamin D concentration in patients was compared with healthy controls matched for sex, age, ethnicity, and characteristics. (3) Results: Plasma 25-OHD levels were significantly lower in patients than in healthy subjects (mean 17 ng/mL, 6.27 DS, range 6–30.7 ng/mL, vs. mean 22 ng/mL, 9.45 DS, range 7–41.2 ng/ ml; p < 0.0005). The prevalence of children with vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in the ATH group than controls. The plasma 25-OHD level did not change following the ATH clinical presentation (III or IV grade according to the Brodsky scale), while the different categories of 25-OHD status (insufficiency, deficiency, and adequacy) in the ATH group were statistically significantly different (p < 0.001) from healthy controls. (4) Conclusions: This study identified statistically significant differences between the ATH group and control regarding the plasma concentration of vitamin D; this data, despite not being directly linkable to the lymphoid tissue hypertrophy (p-value not significant), might suggest a negative effect of vitamin D deficit on the immune system.
Levels and Determinants of Antenatal Breastfeeding Attitudes among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Li , Xiao Gui , Zhang Tingting , Zhou Mengjia , Li Xingxing , Zhang Yu , Owusua Theresah , Chen Yang , Qin Chunxiang
Published: February 2023

Breastfeeding attitudes are strong predictors of breastfeeding behavior. Gaining a deeper understanding on the levels and determinants of antenatal breastfeeding attitudes is crucial. This cross-sectional study involved 124 pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in Hunan, China. A self-administered questionnaire, the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale, the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire were assessed during their first-trimester, second-trimester, and third-trimester hospital visit. Multiple linear regression was conducted to identify the determinants of breastfeeding attitudes. The participants reported neutral (56.39 ± 5.69) levels of breastfeeding attitudes. The determinants of antenatal breastfeeding attitudes were other family members’ support for exclusive breastfeeding: moderate (β = 0.278, p < 0.05), depressive symptoms (β = −0.191, p < 0.05), and breastfeeding knowledge (β = 0.434, p < 0.001). The variables explained 33.9% (adjusted R2) of the total variation in breastfeeding attitudes scores (F = 4.507, p < 0.001). Namely, other family members’ support for EBF was a negative influence on positive breastfeeding attitudes. The women whose other family members were moderate of EBF had more positive attitudes toward breastfeeding compared to those whose other family members were very supportive of EBF. The depressive symptoms were negatively associated with positive breastfeeding attitudes, and lower levels of depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of positive breastfeeding attitudes among pregnant women. Additionally, breastfeeding knowledge was positively associated with positive breastfeeding attitudes. The more knowledgeable about breastfeeding, the more positive the attitude towards breastfeeding. Health professionals should identify these modifiable factors that may contribute to poorer breastfeeding attitudes, which is useful in targeting promotions of breastfeeding.
Can Prior Sexual Abuse Explain Global Differences in Measured Self-Esteem in Male and Female Adolescents?
Authors: Sawyerr Alice , Adam-Bagley Chris
Published: February 2023

World research has shown that adolescent and young adult women and girls have significantly “poorer” self-esteem than men and boys, on a variety of previously validated self-esteem measures. There is no consensus on reasons for this, and a variety of factors have been proposed: some adolescent girls have a preoccupation with facial and body features, and this leads to a global negative evaluation of self-characteristics; the measures themselves are biased towards describing self-characteristics on which men and boys are likely to evaluate themselves more favourably; and in an often-sexist world, women and girls experience (or anticipate) many structural disadvantages, in education, career and promotion, which lead girls to “internalise” an image of themselves as less able or worthy than men and boys. A separate literature on the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and adolescents has found that (a) sexual exploitation and maltreatment often has a sequel in impaired self-concept and self-esteem and (b) sexual maltreatment is twice as likely to occur in women and girls. It is puzzling that differential levels of child sexual abuse have not been advanced in many studies as an explanation of gender differences in self-esteem in the large-scale studies we review, although this effect is confirmed by clinical and social work literature.
An Interface Platform for Robotic Neuromorphic Systems
Authors: Russo Nicola , Huang Haochun , Donati Eugenio , Madsen Thomas , Nikolic Konstantin
Published: February 2023

Neuromorphic computing is promising to become a future standard in low-power AI applications. The integration between new neuromorphic hardware and traditional microcontrollers is an open challenge. In this paper, we present an interface board and a communication protocol that allows communication between different devices, using a microcontroller unit (Arduino Due) in the middle. Our compact printed circuit board (PCB) links different devices as a whole system and provides a power supply for the entire system using batteries as the power supply. Concretely, we have connected a Dynamic Vision Sensor (DVS128), SpiNNaker board and a servo motor, creating a platform for a neuromorphic robotic system controlled by a Spiking Neural Network, which is demonstrated on the task of intercepting incoming objects. The data rate of the implemented interface board is 24.64 k symbols/s and the latency for generating commands is about 11ms. The complete system is run only by batteries, making it very suitable for robotic applications.
The Role of RASSF1C in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Amaar Yousef G. , Reeves Mark E.
Published: February 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a vital role in tumor invasion and metastasis and provides a rich environment for identifying novel therapeutic targets. The TME landscape consists of an extracellular matrix (ECM) and stromal cells. ECM is a major component of TME that mediates the interaction between cancer cells and stromal cells to promote invasion and metastasis. We have shown in published work that RASSF1C promotes cancer stem cell development, migration, and drug resistance, in part, by promoting EMT through a mechanism that involves up-regulation of the PIWIL1-piRNA axis. Consistent with this, in this study, we demonstrate that RASSF1C promotes lung cancer metastasis in vivo using an orthotopic mouse model. Interestingly, two target genes identified in a previously conducted microarray study to be up-regulated by RASSF1C in breast and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells are prolyl 4-hydroxylase alpha-2 (P4HA2) and procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2). In cancer, P4H2A and PLOD2 are vital for collagen posttranslational modification and folding leading to the formation of a stiff ECM and induction of EMT and cancer stem cell marker gene expression, resulting in metastatic dissemination. Here, we also show that overexpression of RASSF1C up-regulates Collagen I, P4HA2, and PLOD2 in vitro. Up-regulation of P4HA2 and PLOD2 by RASSF1C was also confirmed in lung and breast cancer cells in vivo using mouse models. Further, we found that treatment of wildtype lung cancer cells or lung cancer cells overexpressing RASSF1C or PIWIL1 with piR-35127 and 46545 (both down-regulated by RASSF1C) decreased lung cancer cell invasion/migration. Taken together, our findings suggest that RASSF1C may promote lung cancer cell ECM remodeling to induce lung cancer cell stemness, invasion, and metastasis, in part, by up-regulating a previously unknown PIWIL1-P4HA2-PLOD2 pathway. Furthermore, piR-35127 and piR-46545 could potentially be important anti-metastatic tools.
Influence of the Presence of Poly(butylene succinate) in the Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Recycling Process
Authors: Pavon Cristina , Aldas Miguel , Bertomeu David , de la Rosa-Ramírez Harrison , Samper María Dolores , López-Martínez Juan
Published: February 2023

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is one of the contaminants in the Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) recycling process. It is known that high contents of PBS in PET significantly reduce PET properties, but the effect of low contents on PET has yet to be studied. This work studied the influence of low contents of PBS on recycled PET. Five formulations of PBS in PET were prepared, and the properties of relative affinity, mechanical, thermal, and disintegration under composting conditions were assessed. The solubility parameter indicated that PET and PBS are miscible. However, FESEM images show slight marks of immiscibility, and the mechanical characterization results showed that PBS, even in low contents, reduced the mechanical properties of recycled PET, which proves that the materials are not miscible in the studied contents. The DSC results indicated that PBS could not be quickly detected in PET. However, its presence can be inferred by the reduction in PET crystallization degree. Finally, the presence of PBS up to 15 wt.% does neither affect the disintegration under composting conditions nor the thermal stability of recycled PET. The drop in mechanical properties shows that PBS must be removed from the PET waste stream to preserve the quality of the material.
External Ventricular Drainage: A Practical Guide for Neuro-Anesthesiologists
Authors: Bertuccio Alessandro , Marasco Stefano , Longhitano Yaroslava , Romenskaya Tatsiana , Elia Angela , Mezzini Gianluca , Vitali Matteo , Zanza Christian , Barbanera Andrea
Published: February 2023

External ventricular drainage is often considered a life-saving treatment in acute hydrocephalus. Given the large number of discussion points, the ideal management of EVD has not been completely clarified. The objective of this study was to review the most relevant scientific evidence about the management of EVD in its main clinical scenarios. We reviewed the most recent and relevant articles about indications, timing, management, and complications of EVD in neurocritical care, with particular interest in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) using the following keywords alone or matching with one another: intracranial pressure, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, intraventricular hemorrhage, external ventricular drainage, cerebrospinal shunt, intracranial pressure monitoring, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt. In the management of EVD in SAH, the intermittent drainage strategy is burdened with an elevated risk of complications (e.g., clogged catheter, hemorrhage, and need for replacement). There seems to be more ventriculoperitoneal shunt dependency in rapid weaning approach-managed patients than in those treated with the gradual weaning approach. Although there is no evidence in favor of either strategy, it is conventionally accepted to adopt a continuous drainage approach in TBI patients. Less scientific evidence is available in the literature regarding the management of EVD in patients with severe TBI and intraparenchymal/intraventricular hemorrhage. EVD placement is a necessary treatment in several clinical scenarios. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify precisely how EVD should be managed in different clinical scenarios.
Improved Methodology of Cross-Sectional SEM Analysis of Thin-Film Multilayers Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Sikora Malwina , Wojcieszak Damian , Chudzyńska Aleksandra , Zięba Aneta
Published: February 2023

In this work, an improved methodology of cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of thin-film Ti/V/Ti multilayers was described. Multilayers with various thicknesses of the vanadium middle layer were prepared by magnetron sputtering. The differences in cross sections made by standard fracture, focused ion beam (FIB)/Ga, and plasma focused ion beam (PFIB)/Xe have been compared. For microscopic characterization, the Helios NanoLab 600i microscope and the Helios G4 CXe with the Quanta XFlash 630 energy dispersive spectroscopy detector from Bruker were used. The innovative multi-threaded approach to the SEM preparation itself, which allows us to retain information about the actual microstructure and ensure high material contrast even for elements with similar atomic numbers was proposed. The fracture technique was the most noninvasive for microstructure, whereas FIB/PFIB results in better material contrast (even than EDS). There were only subtle differences in cross sections made by FIB-Ga and PFIB-Xe, but the decrease in local amorphization or slightly better contrast was in favor of Xe plasma. It was found that reliable information about the properties of modern nanomaterials, especially multilayers, can be obtained by analyzing a two-part SEM image, where the first one is a fracture, while the second is a PFIB cross section.
Fluorine-Free Dual Superamphiphobic Cellulose Paper Coated with Mushroom-like Pillar Microstructure
Authors: Ke Xun , Wang Kaipeng , Zhao Lihong , Wang Zhiwei , Wu Min
Published: February 2023

In this work, we report a unique and facile approach to the manufacture of fluorine-free superamphiphobic paper. Based on the principle that Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) arranged along the direction of a magnetic field, the mixture of Fe3O4 NPs and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was coated on kraft paper through self-assembly and thermal-curing at a high temperature in a magnetic field, fabricating a mushroom-like microstructure on the paper. At an Fe3O4 NPs content of 75%, the radius of the mushroom-like pillar caps (RCAP) and center-to-center spacing between two pillars (S) obtained the optimal size of 37 ± 18 μm and 237 ± 38 μm, respectively. The oil-contact angle and water-contact angle of the fabricated paper were up to 156° and 160.4°, respectively. It also showed excellent oleophobic stability; the oil-contact angle was still maintained at 141.9° after 1 h. In addition, the contact angles of milk, ethylene glycol and castor oil were all above 150°, and the contact angle of diiodomethane was 134.2°. Moreover, the sample showed great oil resistance with a kit rating value of 12/12 and permeability of 1800+ s.
Structural, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of Hard Coatings
Authors: Gao Peihu , Guo Qiaoqin , Xing Yazhe , Guo Yongchun
Published: February 2023

Hard coatings have important protective effects on the surface of engineering parts due to their high hardness and decent anti-wear properties [...]
The Effect of Opto-Electronic Transition Type on the Electric Resistivity of Cr-Doped Co3O4 Thin Films
Authors: Faramawy A. M. , Elsayed Hamada , Sabry Mohamed , El-Sayed H. M.
Published: February 2023

Cr-doped Co3O4 thin films were prepared by spray pyrolysis on soda-lima glass. The structure and morphology of the prepared samples were characterized by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM). The results indicated the formation of a single cubic spinel phase with a crystallite size of about 6 nm. Different electronic transitions and estimations of the band gap structure were determined from the optical absorption spectra. The dependence of electrical resistivity on Cr content was investigated. It was found that the resistivity increased by increasing the Cr content. In addition, the effect of photon excitation on the electrical properties showed that the electrical resistivity decreased under visible illumination (λvis. = 532 nm) and increased under infrared illumination (λIR = 780 nm). The relative change in resistivity (sensitivity) under both light illuminations was enhanced by increasing the Cr content. Therefore, this work introduces a new application for Co3O4 material as a light detector.
Non-Invasive On-Site pXRF Analysis of Coloring Agents of Under- and Over-Glazes: Variability and Representativity of Measurements on Porcelain
Authors: Burlot Jacques , Gallet Xavier , Simsek Franci Gulsu , Bellot-Gurlet Ludovic , Colomban Philippe
Published: February 2023

The study of rare objects requires the use of mobile non-invasive methods such as a portable X-ray fluorescence instrument (pXRF), but this involves an analysis from the outer surface, while the depth analyzed depends on the element measured and, in addition, the material can be very heterogeneous at different scales. The concept of elemental composition, therefore, has no “absolute” meaning for painted enamel decorations. This work evaluates this concept by comparing the pXRF measurements made with different configuration procedures, allowing to evaluate the consequences on the variability of the XRF signals, and discusses the contents of certain chemical elements. For this, two shards from the Qianlong period are analyzed, a shard of blue and white (underglazed) porcelain and a fragment of an ‘imperial’ bowl with painted enamel decoration (huafalang). The variability of measurements is compared for visually appearing homogeneous or heterogeneous areas.
Improving the Usage Properties of Steel Using Cold Spray Deposition: A Review
Authors: Lupu Fabian Cezar , Munteanu Corneliu , Sachelarie Adrian Constantin , Arsenoaia Vlad Nicolae , Istrate Bogdan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the improvement of the characteristics of different steels that are subjected to extreme operating conditions, including the steels used in the manufacture of various military components, the AISI 52100, the manufacture of bearings, and other types of parts that are also subjected to severe operating conditions were analyzed regarding cold spraying, which uses different types of powders to increase the performance of the materials. The cold, thermal spraying technology “Cold Spray” is a method of processing particles in a solid state. Thermal spraying, based on the dynamic increase in gas acceleration up to supersonic speeds, leads to the obtainment of high kinetic energies, and the accelerated particles are deposited at values that are below their melting point. Research conducted through cold spray technology has seen a significant improvement in material properties; when processing the particles in a solid state, they adhere to the surface instead of eroding it. Cold spraying has proven to be an effective technique for improving material properties, as confirmed by its integration into different fields and industries, becoming competitive by being the only method for depositing particles below their melting point.
Giant Premelting Effects for Solid–Liquid Discontinuous Transition in Nitrobenzene under Compression
Authors: Kalabiński Jakub , Drozd-Rzoska Aleksandra , Rzoska Sylwester J.
Published: February 2023

This report presents ‘giant’ and long-range premelting effects appearing in dielectric properties for the temperature and pressure paths of studies, with an explicit critical-like portrayal. The result was obtained for the ‘classic’ low molecular weight compound: nitrobenzene, tested in the solid and liquid phases. Dielectric studies enable the ‘extraction’ of the response from liquid layers between crystalline grains. Compressing increased the premelting effects, probably due to the ‘crushing’ of crystalline grains by isotropic squeezing and increasing the liquid layers between grains. This report indicates the significance of considering the melting/freezing phenomenon from the point of view of the ‘solid crystalline grains and critical-type liquid layers in synergic interactions’ concept.
Influence of Ambient Humidity on the Performance of Complex Spectral Dielectric Films on SiO2/K9 Substrates
Authors: Ai Yizhang , Wang Fang , Lv Qilin , Liu Hongjie , Chen Yuan , Zheng Tianran , Ma Zairu , Deng Xuewei
Published: February 2023

Ambient humidity is an important factor to consider when maintaining dielectric films’ component performance. Herein, humidity-influenced experiments were conducted on complex spectral dielectric films based on SiO2 and K9 substrates. Firstly, complex spectral dielectric films’ spectral and surface stresses in different humidity environments were measured. Subsequently, laser-induced damage threshold measurements were carried out on these components. The experimental results indicate that the environmental humidity will induce the evolution of the internal structure of the dielectric films on the mirror, resulting in the deformation of the coating surface and a slight shift of the reflection spectrum. At the same time, the environmental humidity also greatly influences the anti-laser damage performance of the dielectric film mirror. Dielectric films based on SiO2 have excellent damage resistance in high-humidity environments. Conversely, K9-based dielectric films have better damage resistance in low-humidity environments.