bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Drugs in ACHD Cardiovascular Medicine
Authors: Ladouceur Magalie , Valdeolmillos Estibaliz , Karsenty Clément , Hascoet Sébastien , Moceri Pamela , Le Gloan Laurianne
Published: April 2023

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is a growing population that requires life-long care due to advances in pediatric care and surgical or catheter procedures. Despite this, drug therapy in ACHD remains largely empiric due to the lack of clinical data, and formalized guidelines on drug therapy are currently lacking. The aging ACHD population has led to an increase in late cardiovascular complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. Pharmacotherapy, with few exceptions, in ACHD is largely supportive, whereas significant structural abnormalities usually require interventional, surgical, or percutaneous treatment. Recent advances in ACHD have prolonged survival for these patients, but further research is needed to determine the most effective treatment options for these patients. A better understanding of the use of cardiac drugs in ACHD patients could lead to improved treatment outcomes and a better quality of life for these patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the current status of cardiac drugs in ACHD cardiovascular medicine, including the rationale, limited current evidence, and knowledge gaps in this growing area.
How Deep Can the Endophytic Mycobiome Go? A Case Study on Six Woody Species from the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: dos Reis Jefferson Brendon Almeida , Pappas Junior Georgios Joannis , Lorenzi Adriana Sturion , Pinho Danilo Batista , Costa Alexandra Martins , Bustamante Mercedes Maria da Cunha , Vale Helson Mario Martins do
Published: April 2023

Elucidating the complex relationship between plants and endophytic fungi is very important in order to understand the maintenance of biodiversity, equity, stability, and ecosystem functioning. However, knowledge about the diversity of endophytic fungi from species of the native Brazilian Cerrado biome is poorly documented and remains largely unknown. These gaps led us to characterize the diversity of Cerrado endophytic foliar fungi associated with six woody species (Caryocar brasiliense, Dalbergia miscolobium, Leptolobium dasycarpum, Qualea parviflora, Ouratea hexasperma, and Styrax ferrugineus). Additionally, we investigated the influence of host plant identities on the structure of fungal communities. Culture-dependent methods coupled with DNA metabarcoding were employed. Irrespective of the approach, the phylum Ascomycota and the classes Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes were dominant. Using the cultivation-dependent method, 114 isolates were recovered from all the host species and classified into more than 20 genera and 50 species. Over 50 of the isolates belonged to the genus Diaporthe, and were distributed into more than 20 species. Metabarcoding revealed the phyla Chytridiomycota, Glomeromycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota, and Zoopagomycota. These groups are reported for the first time as components of the endophytic mycobiome of Cerrado plant species. In total, 400 genera were found in all host species. A unique leaf endophytic mycobiome was identified in each host species, which differed not only by the distribution of fungal species, but also by the abundance of shared species. These findings highlight the importance of the Brazilian Cerrado as a reservoir of microbial species, and emphasize how endophytic fungal communities are diversified and adapted.
The Adoption and Openness of Livestreaming on the Retail Platform with Third-Party Sellers
Authors: Liu Shukun , Li Wenli , Wang Peng
Published: April 2023

Observing the fast development of livestreaming, this paper investigates its adoption on the retail platform and examines its impact on merchants. We develop a game-theoretic model in which a leading retailer and a third-party seller engage in price competition. Our model fully considers the initiative of live streamers in this asymmetric competition. We find that the streamer’s cost and the seller’s initial awareness are two key factors affecting the adoption of livestreaming. Specifically, when the streamer’s cost is low, or it is intermediate and the seller’s initial awareness is high, the retailer adopts and opens livestreaming and the seller also adopts it; when both factors are intermediate, the retailer adopts livestreaming but does not open it to the seller; when both factors are high, the retailer adopts and opens livestreaming but the seller does not adopt it; otherwise, the retailer does not adopt livestreaming. Our results also suggest that the presence of livestreaming benefits the retailer but may hurt the seller especially when the seller’s initial awareness is high. Our findings provide relevant and useful implications for both the platform retailer and third-party seller in their livestreaming decisions.
Improving Precipitation in Cryogenic Rolling 6016 Aluminum Alloys during Aging Treatment
Authors: Wang Xucheng , Liu Yu , Huang Yuanchun
Published: April 2023

This study systematically investigated the performance and microstructure characterization of cryogenic rolling (CR) and room-temperature rolling (RTR) Al–Mg–Si alloys. The result showed that the hardness of the CR alloys decreased at the early aging stage, but that the hardness of the RTR alloys increased at the early aging stage. Retrogression phenomena were apparent in the CR alloys at the early aging stage. Despite undergoing the same solid solution treatment, a few substructures were still observed in the CR alloys, and the degree of recrystallization in the CR alloys was significantly inferior to that in the RTR alloys. After aging for 50 h, the strength and precipitates’ density in the CR 75 alloy were higher than that in the other alloys; this indicated that the substructures were beneficial to precipitation and precipitate growth. A precipitation strength model was employed to illustrate the precipitation contribution at different aging stages. The results showed that the CR 75 alloy obtained the strongest precipitation strengthening.
3D Printed (Binder Jetting) Furan Molding and Core Sands—Thermal Deformation, Mechanical and Technological Properties
Authors: Bobrowski Artur , Kaczmarska Karolina , Drożyński Dariusz , Woźniak Faustyna , Dereń Michał , Grabowska Beata , Żymankowska-Kumon Sylwia , Szucki Michał
Published: April 2023

Casting cores produced in additive manufacturing are more often used in industrial practice, in particular in the case of the production of unit castings and castings with very complex geometry. The growing interest in the technology of 3D printing of cores and molds also brings emerging doubts related to their mechanical and technological properties. This article presents a comparison of the properties of cores made of sand with acid-curing furfuryl resin, made with 3D printing technology; the cores were prepared in a conventional way (mixing and compaction). The main purpose of this research was to determine the possibility of using shell cores as a substitute for solid cores, aimed at reducing the amount of binder in the core. The influence of the type of the binder and the size of the grain matrix fraction on the obtained mechanical and technological properties of the cores, with particular emphasis on abrasion and thermal deformation, as well as on the kinetics of their hardening, was demonstrated.
Flexural Properties in Edgewise Bending of LVL Reinforced with Woven Carbon Fibers
Authors: Sokolović Neda M. , Gavrilović-Grmuša Ivana , Zdravković Vladislav , Ivanović-Šekularac Jelena , Pavićević Darko , Šekularac Nenad
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the results of experimental testing of the bending strength and modulus of elasticity in edgewise bending of unreinforced and reinforced seven-layer LVL (laminated veneer lumber) poplar veneer panels. The aim of the research is to determine the influence of woven carbon fibers on the improvement of the bending properties and modulus of elasticity of LVL bending in the plane of the plate, as well as the influence of adhesives on the bending properties of the composite product, in order to test the potential of using this newly obtained material as a structural element. Bending was performed on small-scale samples. The main research task is the examination of three types of reinforcement, which differ from each other in position, orientation, and number of layers of reinforcement, using two different types of adhesives: epoxy adhesive and Melamine Urea Formaldehyde Resins (MUF). The composite material was produced in four different combinations in relation to the orientation and position of the reinforcement in the layup. The applied reinforcement is defined through three different configurations (EK1, EK2, and EK3) and a fourth control sample (EK4). Each configuration was produced by applying the two previously mentioned types of adhesives. The research findings showed that in the case of samples produced by applying CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) using epoxy adhesive, it significantly affected the increase in bending strength and flexural modulus of elasticity. The average improvement in bending strength is 32.9%, 33.2%, and 38.7%, i.e., the flexural modulus of elasticity is 54.1%, 50.7%, and 54.7%, respectively, for configurations EK1, EK2, and EK3, compared to control sample EK4. During the testing, the test samples from reinforced panels EK1 and EK2 showed partly plastic behavior up to the fracture point, while the diagram for the test samples from reinforced panels EK3 shows elastic behavior to a considerable extent, with a significantly smaller plastic behavior zone. This research proved the impossibility of using melamine-urea formaldehyde adhesive to form a composite product based on veneer and carbon fabric. The greatest contribution of this work is the experimentally verified and confirmed result of the possibility of applying poplar veneer to design structural elements in LVL using epoxy adhesive.
Boron-Related Defects in N-Type 4H-SiC Schottky Barrier Diodes
Authors: Knezevic Tihomir , Jelavić Eva , Yamazaki Yuichi , Ohshima Takeshi , Makino Takahiro , Capan Ivana
Published: April 2023

We report on boron-related defects in the low-doped n-type (nitrogen-doped) 4H-SiC semitransparent Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) studied by minority carrier transient spectroscopy (MCTS). An unknown concentration of boron was introduced during chemical vapor deposition (CVD) crystal growth. Boron incorporation was found to lead to the appearance of at least two boron-related deep-level defects, namely, shallow (B) and deep boron (D-center), with concentrations as high as 1 × 1015 cm−3. Even though the boron concentration exceeded the nitrogen doping concentration by almost an order of magnitude, the steady-state electrical characteristics of the n-type 4H-SiC SBDs did not deteriorate.
Effects of Mud Content on the Setting Time and Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Mortar
Authors: Li Shuaijun , Chen Deyong , Jia Zhirong , Li Yilin , Li Peiqing , Yu Bin
Published: April 2023

High mud content in the sand has a negative impact on cement mortar but there is little research on Alkali-activated slag (AAS) mortar. In order to explore the impacts of mud content in the sand on the performance of AAS mortar, this paper used sand that contains silt, clay, and a mixture of silt and clay; tested the setting time of AAS with different mud contents of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%; and measured the unconfined compressive strength and beam flexural strength of 3 d, 7 d, and 28 d AAS mortar specimens. The microstructure of AAS mortar with different kinds of mud was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), the elemental composition of the hydration product was tested by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and the AAS interaction mechanism with different kinds of mud was analyzed. The main conclusions are: the higher the mud content in the sand, the shorter the initial setting time and the longer the final setting time of AAS, mainly because the mud in the sand affects the hydration process; mud content above 4% causes a rapid decrease in the compressive and flexural strengths of AAS mortar, mainly because the mud affects the hydration process and hinders the bonding of the hydration product with the sand. When there is no mud in the sand, the main hydration product of AAS is dense calcium-alumina-silicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) gel. When the sand contains silt, the hydration product of AAS is loose C-A-S-H gel. When the sand contains clay, the hydration products of AAS contain C-A-S-H gel and a small amount of sodium-aluminum-silicate-hydrate (N-A-S-H), and needle-like crystals. Loose gel and crystals have a negative effect on the AAS mortar strength.
Inhibited and Retarded Behavior by Ca2+ and Ca2+/OD Loading Rate on Ureolytic Bacteria in MICP Process
Authors: Fukue Masaharu , Lechowicz Zbigniew , Fujimori Yuichi , Emori Kentaro , Mulligan Catherine N.
Published: April 2023

The estimation of optical density (OD) with viable cells is challenging for engineering purposes. In this study, the OD conversion based on previous study was used. The inhibited and retarded behavior of the microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) process was examined. The experimental results showed that high Ca2+ drastically influences the inhibited and retarded behavior on MICP processes. The analysis showed that the inhibition and retardation effects occurred when the Ca2+/OD loading rate exceeded 8.46 M. The critical value was equal to the proportional constant for obtaining carbonate precipitation rate (CPR) from OD. Due to this, the blending design of materials became possible, with no risk of inhibition. In conclusion, the inhibition and retardation of the MICP process are governed by the Ca2+ load and the linear standard line (LSL), which may be attributed to the capacity or tolerance of viable cells, i.e., CPR/OD = 8.46 M or Ca2+/OD = 8.46 M.
Rheology of Recycled PET
Authors: Cusano Ilaria , Campagnolo Laura , Aurilia Marco , Costanzo Salvatore , Grizzuti Nino
Published: April 2023

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic material that is widely used in many application fields, such as packaging, construction and household products. Due to the relevant contribution of PET to global yearly solid waste, the recycling of such material has become an important issue. Disposed PET does not maintain the mechanical properties of virgin material, as exposure to water and other substances can cause multiple chain scissions, with subsequent degradation of the viscoelastic properties. For this reason, chain extension is needed to improve the final properties of the recycled product. Chain extension is generally performed through reactive extrusion. As the latter involves structural modification and flow of PET molecules, rheology is a relevant asset for understanding the process and tailoring the mechanical properties of the final products. This paper briefly reviews relevant rheological studies associated with the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate through the reactive extrusion process.
Functionalization of OMVs for Biocatalytic Applications
Authors: Amalia Lita , Tsai Shen-Long
Published: April 2023

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are miniature versions of gram-negative bacteria that contain almost the same content as their parent cells, particularly in terms of membrane composition. Using OMVs as biocatalysts is a promising approach due to their potential benefits, including their ability to be handled similarly to bacteria while lacking potentially pathogenic organisms. To employ OMVs as biocatalysts, they must be functionalized with immobilized enzymes to the OMV platform. Various enzyme immobilization techniques are available, including surface display and encapsulation, each with advantages and disadvantages depending on the objectives. This review provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of these immobilization techniques and their applications in utilizing OMVs as biocatalysts. Specifically, we discuss the use of OMVs in catalyzing the conversion of chemical compounds, their role in polymer degradation, and their performance in bioremediation.
Human Archaeological Dentin as Source of Polar and Less Polar Metabolites for Untargeted Metabolomic Research: The Case of Yersinia pestis
Authors: Badillo-Sanchez Diego Armando , Jones Donald J. L. , Inskip Sarah A. , Scheib Christiana L.
Published: April 2023

Metabolomic approaches, such as in clinical applications of living individuals, have shown potential use for solving questions regarding the past when applied to archaeological material. Here, we study for the first time the potential of this Omic approach as applied to metabolites extracted from archaeological human dentin. Dentin obtained from micro sampling the dental pulp of teeth of victims and non-victims of Yersinia pestis (plague) from a 6th century Cambridgeshire site are used to evaluate the potential use of such unique material for untargeted metabolomic studies on disease state through liquid chromatography hyphenated to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Results show that small molecules of both likely endogenous and exogenous sources are preserved for a range of polar and less polar/apolar metabolites in archaeological dentin; however, untargeted metabolomic profiles show no clear differentiation between healthy and infected individuals in the small sample analysed (n = 20). This study discusses the potential of dentin as a source of small molecules for metabolomic assays and highlights: (1) the need for follow up research to optimise sampling protocols, (2) the requirements of studies with larger sample numbers and (3) the necessity of more databases to amplify the positive results achievable with this Omic technique in the archaeological sciences.
A Fecal-Microbial-Extracellular-Vesicles-Based Metabolomics Machine Learning Framework and Biomarker Discovery for Predicting Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Yagin Fatma , Alkhateeb Abedalrhman , Colak Cemil , Azzeh Mohammad , Yagin Burak , Rueda Luis
Published: April 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and lethal diseases among all types of cancer, and metabolites play a significant role in the development of this complex disease. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers and targets in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC using high-throughput metabolomics. Metabolite data extracted from the feces of CRC patients and healthy volunteers were normalized with the median normalization and Pareto scale for multivariate analysis. Univariate ROC analysis, the t-test, and analysis of fold changes (FCs) were applied to identify biomarker candidate metabolites in CRC patients. Only metabolites that overlapped the two different statistical approaches (false-discovery-rate-corrected p-value < 0.05 and AUC > 0.70) were considered in the further analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed with biomarker candidate metabolites based on linear support vector machines (SVM), partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA), and random forests (RF). The model identified five biomarker candidate metabolites that were significantly and differently expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05) in CRC patients compared to healthy controls. The metabolites were succinic acid, aminoisobutyric acid, butyric acid, isoleucine, and leucine. Aminoisobutyric acid was the metabolite with the highest discriminatory potential in CRC, with an AUC equal to 0.806 (95% CI = 0.700–0.897), and was down-regulated in CRC patients. The SVM model showed the most substantial discrimination capacity for the five metabolites selected in the CRC screening, with an AUC of 0.985 (95% CI: 0.94–1).
Modeling of MEMS Transducers with Perforated Moving Electrodes
Authors: Šimonová Karina , Honzík Petr
Published: April 2023

Microfabricated electroacoustic transducers with perforated moving plates used as microphones or acoustic sources have appeared in the literature in recent years. However, optimization of the parameters of such transducers for use in the audio frequency range requires high-precision theoretical modeling. The main objective of the paper is to provide such an analytical model of a miniature transducer with a moving electrode in the form of a perforated plate (rigid elastically supported or elastic clamped at all boundaries) loaded by an air gap surrounded by a small cavity. The formulation for the acoustic pressure field inside the air gap enables expression of the coupling of this field to the displacement field of the moving plate and to the incident acoustic pressure through the holes in the plate. The damping effects of the thermal and viscous boundary layers originating inside the air gap, the cavity, and the holes in the moving plate are also taken into account. The analytical results, namely, the acoustic pressure sensitivity of the transducer used as a microphone, are presented and compared to the numerical (FEM) results.
Realizing the High Q-Factor of a CSIW Microwave Resonator Based on an MDGS for Semisolid Material Characterization
Authors: Al-Gburi Ahmed Jamal Abdullah , Rahman Norhanani Abd , Zakaria Zahriladha , Akbar Muhammad Firdaus
Published: April 2023

In this work, the high-quality factor (Q-factor) and high sensitivity of a circular substrate-integrated waveguide (CSIW) are proposed for the characterization of semisolid materials. The modeled sensor was designed based on the CSIW structure with a mill-shaped defective ground structure (MDGS) to improve measurement sensitivity. The designed sensor oscillates at a single frequency of 2.45 GHz, which was simulated using an Ansys HFSS simulator. Electromagnetic simulation explains the basis of the mode resonance of all two-port resonators. Six variations of the materials under test (SUTs) were simulated and measured, including air (without an SUT), Javanese turmeric, mango ginger, black turmeric, turmeric, and distilled water (DI). A detailed sensitivity calculation was performed for the resonance band at 2.45 GHz. The SUT test mechanism was performed using a polypropylene tube (PP). The samples of dielectric material were filled into the channels of the PP tube and loaded into the center hole of the MDGS. The E-fields around the sensor affect the relationship with the SUTs, resulting in a high Q-factor value. The final sensor had a Q-factor of 700 and a sensitivity of 2.864 at 2.45 GHz. Due to the high sensitivity of the presented sensor for characterization of various semisolid penetrations, the sensor is also of interest for accurate estimation of solute concentration in liquid media. Finally, the relationship between the loss tangent, permittivity, and Q-factor at the resonant frequency were derived and investigated. These results make the presented resonator ideal for the characterization of semisolid materials.
SiCNFe Ceramics as Soft Magnetic Material for MEMS Magnetic Devices: A Mössbauer Study
Authors: Stiharu Ion , Andronenko Sergey , Zinnatullin Almaz , Vagizov Farit
Published: April 2023

Polymer-derived SiCNFe ceramics is a prospective material that can be used as soft magnets in MEMS magnetic applications. The optimal synthesis process and low-cost appropriate microfabrication should be developed for best result. Homogeneous and uniform magnetic material is required for developing such MEMS devices. Therefore, the knowledge of exact composition of SiCNFe ceramics is very important for the microfabrication of magnetic MEMS devices. The Mössbauer spectrum of SiCN ceramics, doped with Fe (III) ions, and annealed at 1100 °C, was investigated at room temperature to accurately establish the phase composition of Fe-containing magnetic nanoparticles, which were formed in this material at pyrolysis and which determine their magnetic properties. The analysis of Mössbauer data shows the formation of several Fe-containing magnetic nanoparticles in SiCN/Fe ceramics, such as α-Fe, FexSiyCz, traces of Fe-N and paramagnetic Fe3+ with octahedral oxygen environment. The presence of iron nitride and paramagnetic Fe3+ ions shows that the pyrolysis process was not completed in SiCNFe ceramics annealed at 1100 °C. These new observations confirm the formation of different Fe-containing nanoparticles with complex composition in SiCNFe ceramic composite.
Alkaline Ni-Zn Microbattery Based on 3D Hierarchical Porous Ni Microcathode with High-Rate Performance
Authors: You Gongchuan , Zhu Zhe , Duan Yixue , Lv Linfeng , Liao Xiaoqiao , He Xin , Yang Kai , Song Ruiqi , Yang Yi , He Liang
Published: April 2023

Miniaturized energy storage devices with superior performance and compatibility with facile fabrication are highly desired in smart microelectronics. Typical fabrication techniques are generally based on powder printing or active material deposition, which restrict the reaction rate due to the limited optimization of electron transport. Herein, we proposed a new strategy for the construction of high-rate Ni-Zn microbatteries based on a 3D hierarchical porous nickel (Ni) microcathode. With sufficient reaction sites from the hierarchical porous structure as well as excellent electrical conductivity from the superficial Ni-based activated layer, this Ni-based microcathode is featured with fast-reaction capability. By virtue of facile electrochemical treatment, the fabricated microcathode realized an excellent rate performance (over 90% capacity retention when the current density increased from 1 to 20 mA cm−2). Furthermore, the assembled Ni-Zn microbattery achieved a rate current of up to 40 mA cm−2 with a capacity retention of 76.9%. Additionally, the high reactivity of the Ni-Zn microbattery is also durable in 2000 cycles. This 3D hierarchical porous Ni microcathode, as well as the activation strategy, provides a facile route for the construction of microcathodes and enriches high-performance output units for integrated microelectronics.
Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles from Green Algae and Their Assessment in Various Biological Applications
Authors: Hameed Hajra , Waheed Abdul , Sharif Muhammad Shakeeb , Saleem Muhammad , Afreen Afshan , Tariq Muhammad , Kamal Asif , Al-onazi Wedad A. , Al Farraj Dunia A. , Ahmad Shabir , Mahmoud Rania M.
Published: April 2023

The biosynthesis of algal-based zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles has shown several advantages over traditional physico-chemical methods, such as lower cost, less toxicity, and greater sustainability. In the current study, bioactive molecules present in Spirogyra hyalina extract were exploited for the biofabrication and capping of ZnO NPs, using zinc acetate dihydrate and zinc nitrate hexahydrate as precursors. The newly biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized for structural and optical changes through UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). A color change in the reaction mixture from light yellow to white indicated the successful biofabrication of ZnO NPs. The UV-Vis absorption spectrum peaks at 358 nm (from zinc acetate) and 363 nm (from zinc nitrate) of ZnO NPs confirmed that optical changes were caused by a blue shift near the band edges. The extremely crystalline and hexagonal Wurtzite structure of ZnO NPs was confirmed by XRD. The involvement of bioactive metabolites from algae in the bioreduction and capping of NPs was demonstrated by FTIR investigation. The SEM results revealed spherical-shaped ZnO NPs. In addition to this, the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the ZnO NPs was investigated. ZnO NPs showed remarkable antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The DPPH test revealed the strong antioxidant activity of ZnO NPs.
Multi-Omics Endotypes in ICU Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression
Authors: Garduno Alexis , Cusack Rachael , Leone Marc , Einav Sharon , Martin-Loeches Ignacio
Published: April 2023

It is evident that the admission of some patients with sepsis and septic shock to hospitals is occurring late in their illness, which has contributed to the increase in poor outcomes and high fatalities worldwide across age groups. The current diagnostic and monitoring procedure relies on an inaccurate and often delayed identification by the clinician, who then decides the treatment upon interaction with the patient. Initiation of sepsis is accompanied by immune system paralysis following “cytokine storm”. The unique immunological response of each patient is important to define in terms of subtyping for therapy. The immune system becomes activated in sepsis to produce interleukins, and endothelial cells express higher levels of adhesion molecules. The proportions of circulating immune cells change, reducing regulatory cells and increasing memory cells and killer cells, having long-term effects on the phenotype of CD8 T cells, HLA-DR, and dysregulation of microRNA. The current narrative review seeks to highlight the potential application of multi-omics data integration and immunological profiling at the single-cell level to define endotypes in sepsis and septic shock. The review will consider the parallels and immunoregulatory axis between cancer and immunosuppression, sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, and endothelial damage. Second, the added value of transcriptomic-driven endotypes will be assessed through inferring regulatory interactions in recent clinical trials and studies reporting gene modular features that inform continuous metrics measuring clinical response in ICU, which can support the use of immunomodulating agents.
Study of Bearing Characteristics and Damage Law of Grouting-Reinforced Bodies
Authors: Zang Chuanwei , Yang Liu , Chen Miao , Chen Yang
Published: April 2023

To explore solutions for reinforcement problems of broken rock masses in deep roadways, it is necessary to study the performance of cement-based grout and its reinforcement effect. In this study, grouting-reinforced specimens with different particle sizes of broken coal were made, which revealed the reinforcement effect of grouting on the bearing capacity of broken coal and the mechanism for secondary bearing damage and the instability of the reinforced specimens. First, it was determined that the appropriate water–cement ratio (W/C) to meet the field grouting conditions is 0.45. Second, the uniaxial compression of the grouting-reinforced specimens with 0.45 W/C was carried out, and acoustic emission equipment was used to detect it. Finally, through indoor experiments, this study investigated the differences in failure modes, stress–strain curves, and acoustic emission signal characteristics among intact coal samples, grouting-reinforced bodies with different particle sizes, and grouting-reinforced bodies after anchoring. The deformation and failure patterns of grouting-reinforced bodies were revealed, and the failure mechanisms of grouting-reinforced bodies with different particle sizes were elucidated.
Petrogenesis of Eagle Lake Granite and Its Associated Cu–Mo–Au Mineralization, Southwestern New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Yousefi Fazilat , Lentz David R. , Thorne Kathleen G. , McFarlane Christopher R. M. , Cousens Brian
Published: April 2023

The NE-trending multiphase Late Devonian Eagle Lake granite (ELG) in southwestern New Brunswick is mineralized, consisting of hypabyssal porphyritic stocks and dikes that intruded Silurian metabasic volcanic rocks; however, its various phases, ages, and associations with notable stockwork Cu–Mo–Au mineralization and alteration have yet to have been studied. The ELG suite is predominantly composed of phenocrysts and a microcrystalline groundmass of quartz, K-feldspar, and plagioclase, with minor biotite and accessory minerals. In situ LA ICP-MS U–Pb zircon dating of this pluton yielded 360 ± 5 Ma (Late Devonian), so this pluton is considered part of the Late Devonian granitic series in southwestern New Brunswick. The isotopic analysis of two granitic samples yielded an initial 143Nd/144Nd of 0.512164 and 0.512184, initial 87Sr/86Sr of 0.70168 and 0. 70675, and initial 176Hf/177Hf of 0.282619 and 0.282631. The εNd (360 Ma) is −0.37 to +0.03, whereas the εHf (360 Ma) values are +2.1 and +2.5. Pb isotopic analysis yielded a 206Pb/204Pb of 18.49 and 18.72, 207Pb/204Pb of 15.62 and 15.63, and 208Pb/204Pb of 38.26 and 38.37, indicative of a relatively radiogenic source contaminating a primitive mantle melt. Potassic alteration and pyrite-quartz stockwork Cu–Mo–Au veining is evident in some parts of these porphyries. Petrographic and geochemical evidence indicates that this composite pluton is a low-T, I-type granite with zircon saturation temperatures between 720° and 825 °C, with emplacement depths of 10.3 to 4.4 km. ELG was emplaced along a major structural trend manifested by contemporaneous faults and shear zones, i.e., the Belleisle Fault Zone in southern New Brunswick.
The Evaluation of Activity of Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria for Bioconversion of Milk and Whey from Goat Milk to Release Biomolecules with Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Biadała Agata , Szablewski Tomasz , Cegielska-Radziejewska Renata , Lasik-Kurdyś Małgorzata , Adzahan Noranizan Mohd
Published: April 2023

The aim of the study was to assess the antibacterial features of functional macromolecules released during the fermentation of goat milk and whey from goat milk by selected lactic acid bacteria strains that are components of kefir grain microflora. Two milk sources were used: goat milk and whey from goat milk. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and indicator microorganisms used were Lactobacillus plantarum PCM 1386, Lactobacillus fermentum PCM 491, Lactobacillus rhamnosus PCM 2677, Lactobacillus acidophilus PCM 2499, Escherichia coli PCM 2793, Salmonella enteritidis PCM 2548, Micrococcus luteus PCM 525, and Proteus mirabilis PCM 1361. The metabolic activity of LAB was described by the Gompertz model, and the parameters proposed for this experiment were the maximum rate of change of electrical impedance and potential biodegradability. Antibacterial activity was examined using the culture method in a liquid medium, determination of the reduction in indicator microorganisms, and optical density changes. Results show that the selective LAB produced certain active biomolecules with antibacterial activity from whey, a by-product that is sometimes troublesome for goat milk processors to manage. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a microorganism that is characterized by the highest metabolic activity in goat milk and whey from goat milk. It has the possibility to produce macromolecules with antibacterial activity.
Facile Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Assessment of a Silver/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite as an Effective Antiseptic against Foodborne Pathogens for Promising Food Protection
Authors: El-Sherbiny Mohsen M. , Devassy Reny P. , El-Hefnawy Mohamed E. , Al-Goul Soha T. , Orif Mohammed I. , El-Newehy Mohamed H.
Published: April 2023

Foodborne pathogens can have devastating repercussions and significantly threaten public health. Therefore, it is indeed essential to guarantee the sustainability of our food production. Food preservation and storage using nanocomposites is a promising strategy. Accordingly, the present research’s objectives were to identify and isolate a few foodborne pathogens from food products, (ii) synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using wet chemical reduction into the lamellar space layer of montmorillonite (MMT), and (iii) investigate the antibacterial potential of the AgNPs/MMT nanocomposite versus isolated strains of bacteria. Six bacterial species, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus were isolated from some food products (meat, fish, cheese, and vegetables). The Ag/MMT nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, particle size analyzer, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with dispersive energy X-ray (EDX). The antibacterial effectiveness of the AgNPs/MMT nanocomposite further investigated distinct bacterial species using a zone of inhibition assay and microtiter-based methods. Nanoparticles with a narrow dimension range of 12 to 30 nm were identified using TEM analysis. The SEM was employed to view the sizeable flakes of the AgNPs/MMT. At 416 nm, the most excellent UV absorption was measured. Four silver metallic diffraction peaks were found in the XRD pattern during the study, and the EDX spectrum revealed a strong signal attributed to Ag nanocrystals. AgNPs/MMT figured out the powerful antibacterial action. The AgNPs/MMT nanocomposite confirmed outstanding minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against six isolates of foodborne pathogens, ranging from 15 to 75 µg/mL, respectively. The AgNPs/MMT’s antibacterial potential against gram-negative bacteria was noticeably better than gram-positive bacteria. Therefore, the AgNPs/MMT nanocomposite has the potential to be used as a reliable deactivator in food processing and preservation to protect against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. This suggests that the nanocomposite may be effective at inhibiting the growth and proliferation of harmful bacteria in food, which could help to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Nib-Assisted Coaxial Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing for Nanowires Deposition
Authors: Shi Shiwei , Abbas Zeshan , Zhao Xiangyu , Liang Junsheng , Wang Dazhi
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the concrete design of nanowires under the precise size and morphology that play a crucial role in the practical operation of the micro/nano devices. A straightforward and operative method termed as nib-assistance coaxial electrohydrodynamic (CEHD) printing technology was proposed. It extracts the essence of a nib-assistance electric field intensity to enhance and lessen the internal fluid reflux of the CEHD jet. The experiments were performed to add microparticles into the inner liquid to indicate the liquid flow consistency within the coaxial jet. The reflux in the coaxial jet was observed for the first time in experiments. The nanowires with a minimum size of 70 nm were printed under optimum experimental conditions. The nanopatterns contained aligned nanowires structures with diameters much smaller than the inner diameter of nozzle, relying on the coaxial nib-assisted technique. The printed results revealed that the nib-assisted CEHD printing technique offers a certain level high quality for application of NEMS system.
Nutrition in Post-Stroke Subjects during Rehabilitation
Authors: Siotto Mariacristina , Aprile Irene
Published: April 2023

Correct and appropriate nutrition after a stroke insult appears to exert an essential influence on, and play a key role in, the recovery of patients [...]
Association of Vitamin D Level and Maternal Gut Microbiome during Pregnancy: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Antenatal Vitamin D Supplementation
Authors: Aparicio Andrea , Gold Diane R. , Weiss Scott T. , Litonjua Augusto A. , Lee-Sarwar Kathleen , Liu Yang-Yu
Published: April 2023

Shifts in the maternal gut microbiome and vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy have been associated, separately, with health problems for both the mother and the child. Yet, they have rarely been studied simultaneously. Here, we analyzed the gut microbiome (from stool samples obtained in late pregnancy) and vitamin D level (from blood samples obtained both in early and late pregnancy) data of pregnant women in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), a randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, to investigate the association of vitamin D status on the pregnant women’s microbiome. To find associations, we ran linear regressions on alpha diversity measures, PERMANOVA tests on beta diversity distances, and used the ANCOM-BC and Maaslin2 algorithms to find differentially abundant taxa. Analyses were deemed significant using a cut-off p-value of 0.05. We found that gut microbiome composition is associated with the vitamin D level in early pregnancy (baseline), the maternal gut microbiome does not show a shift in response to vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, and that the genus Desulfovibrio is enriched in women without a substantial increase in vitamin D level between the first and the third trimesters of pregnancy. We conclude that increasing the vitamin D level during pregnancy could be protective against the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria such as Desulfovibrio, which has been associated with chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders. More in-depth investigations are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Classroom-Based Physical Activity as a Means to Improve Self-Efficacy and Academic Achievement among Normal-Weight and Overweight Youth
Authors: Latino Francesca , Tafuri Francesco , Saraiello Emma , Tafuri Domenico
Published: April 2023

Although physical activity has positive physical and mental health outcomes, particularly among adolescents, a significant percentage of young people maintain a largely sedentary lifestyle. Considering that the youths spend the greater part of the day at school, this is considered an ideal setting to foster active and healthy living. Consequently, this study is intended to investigate the connection between physical activity, self-efficacy and academic achievement in normal-weight and overweight adolescents. In total, 100 students (aged 14–15) from a public high school placed in the south of Italy were enrolled. They participated either in a 12-week classroom-based physical activity break program performed during science classes (60′/2 days per week) in which a nutritional educational program was carried out or in regular science lessons (60′/2 days per week). At the beginning and end of the intervention programs, a set of standardized motor evaluation tests (standing long jump test, Harvard step test, push up, sit and reach test), the scholastic self-efficacy test and the Amos 8-15 were administered. As a result, a meaningful Time × Group interaction for the self-efficacy variable and Amos 8-15 was observed in the intervention group. Specifically, they reported significant improvement in study skills, motivational factors, concentration and self-efficacy, as well as a decrease in anxiety and BMI (p < 0.001). No significant change was observed in the control group. The conclusions of this research underpin the notion that classroom-based physical activity break is a successful approach for enhancing students’ psycho-physical well-being, as well as academic achievement.
Dietary Trace Elements and the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Kawahara Masahiro , Kato-Negishi Midori , Tanaka Ken-ichiro
Published: April 2023

Trace elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) are absorbed from food via the gastrointestinal tract, transported into the brain, and play central roles in normal brain functions. An excess of these trace elements often produces reactive oxygen species and damages the brain. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that the dyshomeostasis of these metals is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, prion diseases, and Lewy body diseases. The disease-related amyloidogenic proteins can regulate metal homeostasis at the synapses, and thus loss of the protective functions of these amyloidogenic proteins causes neurodegeneration. Meanwhile, metal-induced conformational changes of the amyloidogenic proteins contribute to enhancing their neurotoxicity. Moreover, excess Zn and Cu play central roles in the pathogenesis of vascular-type senile dementia. Here, we present an overview of the intake, absorption, and transport of four essential elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and one non-essential element (aluminum: Al) in food and their connections with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases based on metal–protein, and metal–metal cross-talk.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) Prepared by Microwave and Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis: Promising Green Strategies for the Nanoworld
Authors: López Karla L. , Ravasio Andrea , González-Aramundiz José Vicente , Zacconi Flavia C.
Published: April 2023

Many pharmaceutically active molecules are highly lipophilic, which renders their administration and adsorption in patients extremely challenging. Among the countless strategies to overcome this problem, synthetic nanocarriers have demonstrated superb efficiency as drug delivery systems, since encapsulation can effectively prevent a molecules’ degradation, thus ensuring increased biodistribution. However, metallic and polymeric nanoparticles have been frequently associated with possible cytotoxic side effects. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), which are prepared with physiologically inert lipids, therefore emerged as an ideal strategy to bypass toxicities issues and avoid the use of organic solvents in their formulations. Different approaches to preparation, using only moderate amounts of external energy to facilitate a homogeneous formation, have been proposed. Greener synthesis strategies have the potential to provide faster reactions, more efficient nucleation, better particle size distribution, lower polydispersities, and furnish products with higher solubility. Particularly microwave-assisted synthesis (MAS) and ultrasound-assisted synthesis (UAS) have been utilized in the manufacturing of nanocarrier systems. This narrative review addresses the chemical aspects of those synthesis strategies and their positive influence on the characteristics of SLNs and NLCs. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations and future challenges for the manufacturing processes of both types of nanoparticles.
Optimizing Vancomycin Therapy in Critically Ill Children: A Population Pharmacokinetics Study to Inform Vancomycin Area under the Curve Estimation Using Novel Biomarkers
Authors: Downes Kevin J. , Zuppa Athena F. , Sharova Anna , Neely Michael N.
Published: April 2023

Area under the curve (AUC)-directed vancomycin therapy is recommended, but Bayesian AUC estimation in critically ill children is difficult due to inadequate methods for estimating kidney function. We prospectively enrolled 50 critically ill children receiving IV vancomycin for suspected infection and divided them into model training (n = 30) and testing (n = 20) groups. We performed nonparametric population PK modeling in the training group using Pmetrics, evaluating novel urinary and plasma kidney biomarkers as covariates on vancomycin clearance. In this group, a two-compartment model best described the data. During covariate testing, cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL; full model) improved model likelihood when included as covariates on clearance. We then used multiple-model optimization to define the optimal sampling times to estimate AUC24 for each subject in the model testing group and compared the Bayesian posterior AUC24 to AUC24 calculated using noncompartmental analysis from all measured concentrations for each subject. Our full model provided accurate and precise estimates of vancomycin AUC (bias 2.3%, imprecision 6.2%). However, AUC prediction was similar when using reduced models with only cystatin C-based eGFR (bias 1.8%, imprecision 7.0%) or creatinine-based eGFR (bias −2.4%, imprecision 6.2%) as covariates on clearance. All three model(s) facilitated accurate and precise estimation of vancomycin AUC in critically ill children.