bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestational Diabetes and Preterm Birth: What Do We Know? Our Experience and Mini-Review of the Literature
Authors: Preda Agnesa , Iliescu Dominic-Gabriel , Comănescu Alexandru , Zorilă George-Lucian , Vladu Ionela Mihaela , Forțofoiu Mircea-Cătălin , Țenea-Cojan Tiberiu Stefaniță , Preda Silviu-Daniel , Diaconu Ileana-Diana , Moța Eugen , Gheorghe Ioan-Ovidiu , Moța Maria
Published: July 2023

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. The incidence of GDM has been on the rise in tandem with the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide. We focused on the study of what causes premature births and if there are methods to prevent these events that can result in long-term complications. Methods: This study was a prospective, non-interventional study that lasted for 4 years from December 2018 to December 2022. From the group of women enrolled in the study, we selected and analyzed the characteristics of women who gave birth prematurely. Additionally, we performed a systematic review examining the association between GDM and the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results: In total, 78% underwent an emergency caesarean and had polyhydramnios. The results indicate that women who had a preterm delivery had a significantly higher maternal age compared to those who had a term delivery (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was no significant difference in preconception BMI between the two groups (p = 0.12). Conclusions: In terms of the understanding of GDM and preterm birth, several gaps in our knowledge remain. The association between GDM and preterm birth is likely multifactorial, involving various maternal factors.
No Success without Effort: Follow-Up at Six Years after Implementing a Benchmarking and Feedback Concept for Postoperative Pain after Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Reinhard Jan , Pulido Loreto C. , Schindler Melanie , Schraag Amadeus , Greimel Felix , Grifka Joachim , Benditz Achim
Published: July 2023

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is still ranked among the operations with the highest postoperative pain scores. Uncontrolled postsurgical pain leads to prolongated hospital stays, causes more frequent adverse reactions and can induce chronical pain syndromes. In 2014, we implemented a standardized, multidisciplinary pain management concept with continuous benchmarking at our tertiary referral center by using the “Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management” (QUIPS) program with excellent results over a period of two years. The initial study ended in 2016 and we aimed to evaluate if it was possible to obtain the excellent short-term results over a period of six years without any extra effort within the daily clinical routine. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study design, we compared postoperative pain, side effects and functional outcome after primary THA for 2015 and 2021, using validated questionnaires from the QUIPS project. In contrast to the implementation of the pain management concept in 2014, the weekly meetings of the multidisciplinary health care team and special education for nurses were stopped in 2021. Data assessment was performed by an independent pain nurse who was not involved in pain management. Results: Altogether, 491 patients received primary THA in 2015 and 2021 at our tertiary referral center. Collected data revealed significantly worse maximum and activity-related pain (both p < 0.001) in combination with significantly higher opioid consumption in comparison to implementation in 2015. Though the patients reported to be less involved in pain management (p < 0.001), the worse pain scores were not reflected by patient satisfaction which remained high. While the participation rate in this benchmarking program dropped, we still fell behind in terms of maximum and activity-related pain in comparison to 24 clinics. Conclusion: Significantly worse pain scores in combination with higher opioid usage and a lower hospital participation rate resemble a reduced awareness in postoperative pain management. The significantly lower patient participation in pain management is in line with the worse pain scores and indirectly highlights the need for special education in pain management. The fact patient satisfaction appeared to remain high and did not differ significantly from 2015, as well as the fact we still achieved an acceptable ranking in comparison to other clinics, highlight the value of the implemented multidisciplinary pain management concept.
Efficacy of a New Hemostatic Dental Sponge in Controlling Bleeding, Pain, and Dry Socket Following Mandibular Posterior Teeth Extraction—A Split-Mouth Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Mahmoudi Armin , Ghavimi Mohammad Ali , Maleki Dizaj Solmaz , Sharifi Simin , Sajjadi Seyyede Shabnam , Jamei Khosroshahi Amir Reza
Published: July 2023

Aims: This study aimed to clinically evaluate of a novel gelatin-based biodegradable sponge after mandibular posterior teeth extraction to assess its abilities in controlling bleeding, pain, and dry socket compared a commercial sponge. Trial design: In this study, 26 patients who needed the extraction of two mandibular molar teeth were selected and, in each patient, after tooth extraction, the prepared gelatin sponge was used in the test group and the commercial sponge was used in the control group in the form of a randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial. The sterile gauzes were used on top of each sponge to absorb the extra blood (unabsorbed blood of sponges) to assess the blood absorption amount. Also, the amount of bleeding was recorded for 1 and 4 h after extraction for two groups. The amount of pain was measured for 12, 24, and 48 h after tooth extraction by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). All patients also returned for examination four days after extraction to assess the occurrence of dry socket. Results: The results showed that the average weight of absorbed blood by sterile gauze in the control group (6.32 ± 1.06 g) was higher than in test group (3.97 ± 1.1 g), e.g., the bleeding control was better for the test group (p < 0.05). Bleeding was observed to be significantly reduced in the test group within 1 h (p = 0.003), within 1–4 h (p = 0.002), and after 4 h (p = 0.042) post-operatively in comparison to the control group. The average pain decreased significantly over time in both groups and the reduction of the pain was significantly higher for the test group (p < 0.05). Just one dry socket case occurred in the control group. Conclusion: The prepared sponge is recommended for use in dental surgeries because of its abilities in bleeding, pain, and dry socket control.
Rhythm Control and Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular Outcomes in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Study of the CODE-AF Registry
Authors: Chung Ho-Gi , Park Junbeom , Park Jin-Kyu , Kang Ki-Woon , Shim Jaemin , Kim Jin-Bae , Kim Jun , Choi Eue-Keun , Park Hyung Wook , Lee Young Soo , Joung Boyoung
Published: July 2023

Background: It is not clear whether the data regarding rhythm control during atrial fibrillation (AF) contained in AF registries is prognostically significant. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between rhythm control and cardiovascular outcomes in patients in contemporary AF registries. Methods: This study was conducted using data from 6670 patients with AF receiving oral anticoagulation in the CODE-AF registry. We used propensity overlap weighting to account for differences in baseline characteristics between the rhythm control and rate control groups. The primary outcome was a composite of the rate of death due to cardiovascular causes, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure. The secondary outcomes were individual components of the primary outcome. Results: In the CODE-AF registry, 5407 (81.1%) patients were enrolled three months after AF diagnosis. During a median follow-up period of 973 days (interquartile range: 755–1089 days), a primary outcome event occurred in 72 patients in the rhythm control group (1.4 events per 100 person-years) and in 211 patients in the rate control group (1.8 events per 100 person-years). However, after overlap weighting, the incidence rates were 1.4 and 1.5 events per 100 person-years, respectively. No significant difference was found in either the primary outcome (weighted HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.66–1.17; p = 0.363) or secondary outcomes between the rhythm control and rate control groups. Conclusion: In a prospective AF registry in which most of the population was enrolled at least three months after AF diagnosis, no difference in the risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular outcomes was found between the rhythm control and rate control groups, suggesting the early rhythm control should be considered to improve the outcome of patients.
In Vivo Evaluation of Collagen and Chitosan Scaffold, Associated or Not with Stem Cells, in Bone Repair
Authors: Da Cunha Marcelo Rodrigues , Maia Fernanda Latorre Melgaço , Iatecola Amilton , Massimino Lívia Contini , Plepis Ana Maria de Guzzi , Martins Virginia da Conceição Amaro , Da Rocha Daniel Navarro , Mariano Eric Domingos , Hirata Mariáh Cationi , Ferreira José Ricardo Muniz , Teixeira Marcelo Lucchesi , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , Buchaim Rogerio Leone , De Oliveira Bruna Eduarda Gandra , Pelegrine André Antonio
Published: July 2023

Natural polymers are increasingly being used in tissue engineering due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix and to act as a scaffold for cell growth, as well as their possible combination with other osteogenic factors, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from dental pulp, in an attempt to enhance bone regeneration during the healing of a bone defect. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the repair of mandibular defects filled with a new collagen/chitosan scaffold, seeded or not with MSCs derived from dental pulp. Twenty-eight rats were submitted to surgery for creation of a defect in the right mandibular ramus and divided into the following groups: G1 (control group; mandibular defect with clot); G2 (defect filled with dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells—DPSCs); G3 (defect filled with collagen/chitosan scaffold); and G4 (collagen/chitosan scaffold seeded with DPSCs). The analysis of the scaffold microstructure showed a homogenous material with an adequate percentage of porosity. Macroscopic and radiological examination of the defect area after 6 weeks post-surgery revealed the absence of complete repair, as well as absence of signs of infection, which could indicate rejection of the implants. Histomorphometric analysis of the mandibular defect area showed that bone formation occurred in a centripetal fashion, starting from the borders and progressing towards the center of the defect in all groups. Lower bone formation was observed in G1 when compared to the other groups and G2 exhibited greater osteoregenerative capacity, followed by G4 and G3. In conclusion, the scaffold used showed osteoconductivity, no foreign body reaction, malleability and ease of manipulation, but did not obtain promising results for association with DPSCs.
The Microemulsion with Solubilization of the Ethanolic Extract of the Leaves of Melão-de-São-Caetano (Momordica charantia) and Antibacterial Action
Authors: de Brito Aline M. Q. , da Silva Camboim Wilka , Rossi Cátia Guaraciara F. T. , de Souza Ivan A. , Silva Késia K. O. S.
Published: July 2023

Extracts obtained from plants have significantly contributed to the creation of new drugs due to their medicinal properties, which are provided by the presence of bioactive components. This has led to a growing interest from the pharmaceutical industry in using this type of extract for the creation of increasingly advanced medications. The main components sought are antibacterial agents from sustainable and renewable sources, whether of animal or vegetable origin or derived from other natural components. Tissues become a source of microbial proliferation, especially when in contact with the human body, which can cause serious diseases. In line with this, the goal of this research was to create an antibacterial Melon-de-São-Caetano (Momordica charantia) leaf microemulsion for application on material surfaces. This microemulsified system is an effective alternative for solubilizing functional agents, and being thermodynamically stable, it is efficient for long-term use. For this study, an extract of Momordica charantia leaves (EMC) was obtained, and microemulsions with different EMC concentrations (P1, P2, and P3) were produced. The extract and microemulsions were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, particle size, zeta potential, thermal stress, pH, electrical conductivity, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and antibacterial analysis (Staphylococcus aureus). In summary, the proposed objective was met, and EMC, SME, and the P2 and P3 microemulsions showed positive results against S. aureus, with the P3 microemulsified system being the most effective with a 12.5 mm inhibition halo. Therefore, the product developed in this research has the potential for application on surfaces, providing antibacterial action.
Workflow for the Validation of Geomechanical Simulations through Seabed Monitoring for Offshore Underground Activities
Authors: Benetatos Christoforos , Catania Felice , Giglio Giorgio , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Raeli Alice , Scaltrito Luciano , Serazio Cristina , Verga Francesca
Published: July 2023

Underground fluid storage is gaining increasing attention as a means to balance energy production and consumption, ensure energy supply security, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction in the atmosphere by CO2 geological sequestration. However, underground fluid storage generates pressure changes, which in turn induce stress variations and rock deformations. Numerical geomechanical models are typically used to predict the response of a given storage to fluid injection and withdrawal, but validation is required for such a model to be considered reliable. This paper focuses on the technology and methodology that we developed to monitor seabed movements and verify the predictions of the impact caused by offshore underground fluid storage. To this end, we put together a measurement system, integrated into an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, to periodically monitor the seabed bathymetry. Measurements repeated during and after storage activities can be compared with the outcome of numerical simulations and indirectly confirm the existence of safety conditions. To simulate the storage system response to fluid storage, we applied the Virtual Element Method. To illustrate and discuss our methodology, we present a possible application to a depleted gas reservoir in the Adriatic Sea, Italy, where several underground geological formations could be potentially converted into storage in the future.
Pilot Study: Personalized Medicine in Endoscopy, Can Pharmacogenomics Predict Response to Conscious Sedation?
Authors: Zaver Himesh B. , Ghoz Hassan , Malviya Balkishan , Bali Aman , Antwi Samuel , Moyer Ann M. , Bi Yan
Published: July 2023

Background: Adequate response to moderate (conscious) sedation varies significantly between individuals. Polymorphisms in genes encoding drug metabolizing enzymes can lead to inter-individual variability in drug efficacy, potentially influencing sedation requirements during endoscopic procedures. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of inter-individual variation in inherited polymorphisms of drug-metabolizing enzymes, cytochrome P450 (CYP450), specifically CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, in sedation requirements for outpatient endoscopic procedures. Methods: A retrospective analysis of sedation requirements and pharmacogenomics data in 106 unique patients who received outpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, or both between December 2011 and February 2019 was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups based on their sedation requirements during endoscopy (high vs. normal sedation). Results: Patients with reduced a CYP2C19 metabolism (poor + intermediate metabolizers) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–0.91, p = 0.03), poor CYP3A5 metabolism (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.095–0.65, p = 0.0046), and poor UGT1A1 (OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.07–7.13, p = 0.08) had higher odds of requiring normal sedation compared to those with CYP2C19 increased metabolism, CYP3A5 intermediate metabolism, and UGT1A1 intermediate metabolism. Conclusion: Information about inter-individual variation in (CYP450) genes may be useful for determining the sedation requirements for outpatient endoscopic procedures. We found that patients with reduced CYP2C19 metabolism, poor CYP3A5 metabolism, and poor UGT1A1 metabolism were more likely to require normal sedation requirements during outpatient endoscopic procedures.
Prognostic Impact of Non-Cardiac Comorbidities on Long-Term Prognosis in Patients with Reduced and Preserved Ejection Fraction following Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Savic Lidija , Mrdovic Igor , Asanin Milika , Stankovic Sanja , Lasica Ratko , Matic Dragan , Simic Damjan , Krljanac Gordana
Published: July 2023

Background: We aimed to analyze the prevalence and long-term prognostic impact of non-cardiac comorbidities in patients with reduced and preserved left-ventricular ejection fraction (EF) following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Method: A total of 3033 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were divided in two groups: reduced EF < 50% and preserved EF ≥ 50%. The follow-up period was 8 years. Results: Preserved EF was present in 1726 (55.4%) patients and reduced EF was present in 1389 (44.5%) patients. Non-cardiac comorbidities were more frequent in patients with reduced EF compared with patients with preserved EF (38.9% vs. 27.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). Lethal outcome was registered in 240 (17.2%) patients with reduced EF and in 40 (2.3%) patients with preserved EF, p < 0.001. Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were independent predictors for 8-year mortality in patients with preserved EF. In patients with reduced EF, CKD was independently associated with 8-year mortality. Conclusion: In patients who had reduced EF, the prevalence of non-cardiac comorbidities was higher than in patients who had preserved EF after STEMI. Only diabetes mellitus and CKD were independently associated with 8-year mortality in analyzed patients.
Sensorless Estimation of Human Joint Torque for Robust Tracking Control of Lower-Limb Exoskeleton Assistive Gait Rehabilitation
Authors: Abdullahi Auwalu Muhammad , Chaichaowarat Ronnapee
Published: July 2023

Patients suffering from motor disorders or weakness resulting from either serious spinal cord injury or stroke often require rehabilitation therapy to regain their mobility. In the lower limbs, exoskeletons have two motors aligned with the patients’ hip and knee to assist in rehabilitation exercises by supporting the patient’s body structure to increase the torques at the hip and knee joints. Assistive rehabilitation is, however, challenging, as the human torque is unknown and varies from patient to patient. This poses difficulties in determining the level of assistance required for a particular patient. In this paper, therefore, a modified extended state observer (ESO)-based integral sliding mode (ISM) controller (MESOISMC) for lower-limb exoskeleton assistive gait rehabilitation is proposed. The ESO is used to estimate the unknown human torque without application of a torque sensor while the ISMC is used to achieve robust tracking of preset hip and knee joint angles by considering the estimated human torque as a disturbance. The performance of the proposed MESOISMC was assessed using the mean absolute error (MAE). The obtained results show an 85.02% and 87.38% reduction in the MAE for the hip and joint angles, respectively, when the proposed MESOISMC is compared with ISMC with both controllers tuned via LMI optimization. The results also indicate that the proposed MESOISMC method is effective and efficient for user comfort and safety during gait rehabilitation training.
A Diversity of Migration and Land Couplings: An Introduction to the Special Issue “Migration and Land”
Authors: Schmook Birgit , Carte Lindsey , Radel Claudia , Aguilar-Støen Mariel
Published: July 2023

Human migration and land are inherently connected, as people move from, through, and to places with diverse land processes and systems [...]
Agricultural Land Quality Evaluation and Utilization Zoning Based on the Production–Ecology–Health Dimension: A Case Study of Huanghua City
Authors: Wang Fan , Zhang Pengtao , Zhang Guijun , Cui Jiahao
Published: July 2023

Clarifying the constituent elements of agricultural land quality, carrying out multi-dimensional quality evaluation of agricultural land, and implementing precise land consolidation and utilization zoning all have important guiding significance for achieving efficient utilization of agricultural land in China. This work analyzed the multi-dimensional evaluation framework of agricultural land based on its comprehensive quality elements and the production, ecological, and health functions. This paper constructed a multi-dimensional agricultural land “production–ecology–health” quality evaluation index system and evaluation criteria, and carried out a multi-dimensional quality evaluation of agricultural land in Huanghua City, Hebei Province, China. The spatial superposition of each dimension′s evaluation results, combined with the logical relationship between agricultural land use and each dimension′s quality, realized the renovation and utilization zoning of agricultural land. The results are as follows: (1) The production, ecological, and health qualities of agricultural land in Huanghua City were below the average and there is spatial variability, whose proportions of grade III and below were 63.12, 66.23, and 69.32%, respectively. In addition, low score areas are mainly located in the south and northwest of the study area. (2) The obstacle factors to quality in different dimensions were different: The obstacle factors to production quality were matter content, soil pH, irrigation guarantee rate, and alkaline hydrolysis nitrogen; groundwater salinity and depth, soil pH, and chemical fertilizers consumption for ecological quality; and groundwater salinity and depth and soil pH for health quality. (3) Agricultural land in Huanghua city is divided into five types of remediation, including 30,277.34 hm2 for high efficiency utilization area, 10,576.54 hm2 for production quality cultivation area, 34,387.86 hm2 for health quality cultivation area, and 56,311.22 hm2 for comprehensive consolidation and restoration area; special remediation measures are proposed for different types of zones. The work improves the multi-objective quality evaluation index system for agricultural land and implements differentiated land remediation strategies by identifying obstacle factors through zoning. It provides methodological ideas to improve the efficiency of land remediation and utilization.
Expanded Residential Lands and Reduced Populations in China, 2000–2020: Patch-Scale Observations of Rural Settlements
Authors: Yang Fangqin , Sun Jianwei , Yang Junchang , Liang Xiaojin
Published: July 2023

The spatiotemporal transformations of rural residential lands and populations reflect changes in rural human–land relations. This study uses high-precision rural residential land patches and population distribution data to detect the area, population density, and spatial heterogeneity of newly added rural residential land (NARRL) in China from 2000 to 2020 through spatial local clustering and geographically weighted regression. The patch results were summarized into county-level units for regional comparison, spatial clustering identification, and policy recommendations. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The total rural residential area increased by 13.86% between 2000 and 2020. The average population density of NARRL (APDNARRL) at patch scale is 701.64 person/km2, significantly exceeding the 507.23 person/km2 of the remaining patches. (2) There are obvious spatial differences in the distribution of APDNARRL as per county-level statistics. There are significant differences in APDNARRL on both sides of the Hu Huanyong Line; the APDNARRL on the left is significantly lower than that on the right. (3) Spatial heterogeneity was found to be among the driving factors of APDNARRL. This study also detected the number and location of hollowing counties; it is significant for monitoring dynamic changes in rural residential lands, revealing their spatial distribution patterns and driving factors, thus improving the optimization of rural land resources.
Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in City Planning: Examining Scale, Focus, and Visibility as Drivers of Intervention Success in Liverpool, UK
Authors: Mell Ian , Clement Sarah , O’Sullivan Fearghus
Published: July 2023

Nature-based solutions (NBS) have been central to the European Union’s drive to address climate change, ecological degradation, and promote urban prosperity. Via an examination of the Horizon 2020-funded URBAN GreenUP project in Liverpool, this paper explores mainstreaming NBS in city planning. It uses evidence from pre- and post-intervention surveys with Liverpool residents and interviews with local business, environmental, government, and community sector experts to illustrate how a complex interplay of scale, location, focus, and visibility of NBS influences perceptions of the added value of NBS. This paper highlights the requirement that NBS interventions be bespoke and responsive to the overarching needs of residents and other stakeholders. Moreover, we underscore the importance of expert input into the design, location, and maintenance of NBS and call for these key drivers of successful delivery to be better integrated into work programs. This paper also notes that the type and size of NBS interventions impact perceptions of their value, with smaller projects being viewed as less socially and ecologically valuable compared to larger investments. We conclude that while small-scale NBS can support climatic, health, or ecological improvements in specific instances, strategic, larger-scale, and more visible investments are required to accrue substantive benefits and gain acceptance of NBS as a legitimate and effective planning tool.
Research on Local Ecosystem Cultural Services in the Jiangnan Water Network Rural Areas: A Case Study of the Ecological Green Integration Demonstration Zone in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Zuo You , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2023

Ecosystem cultural services (CESs) are crucial for rural revitalization and sustainable development. As research on monitoring and mapping CESs continues to increase, there is a relative lack of research perspectives that effectively combine spatial modeling techniques with the local context of CESs in rural areas. Rural areas in China face challenges such as the encroachment of ecological service spaces and the displacement and relocation of their own cultural characteristics during the urbanization process. It is crucial to enhance our understanding of the relationship between CES characterization and rural locality. This paper established a framework for the quantitative research and spatial optimization of local CESs in rural areas. We selected the Ecological Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone (EGIDZ) in the Yangtze River Delta as the research subject, considering its representativeness of the Jiangnan Water Network Area and the characteristics of integrated ecological development across regions. The Maxent model was utilized to integrate environmental variables with the locations of services, facilitating spatial mapping and quantitative evaluation of CESs, as well as determining the influence of each variable. Additionally, K-means clustering was employed to analyze CES combination patterns. The results indicated significant variations in mean values and spatial distribution within each CES category. The natural environment, spatial distance, and human activities factors all exhibited significant effects on shaping local CESs. Furthermore, the CES clusters were classified into three categories: CES-developed cluster, CES-developing cluster, and CES-potential cluster, accounting for 9.34%, 49.23%, and 41.44%, respectively. Based on these comprehensive findings, we provided insights into optimizing local CESs in the Jiangnan Water Network rural areas.
Immunomodulation, Bioavailability and Safety of Bacteriocins
Authors: Guryanova Svetlana V.
Published: July 2023

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the emergence of new pathogens have created a need for new strategies to fight against infectious diseases. One promising approach is the use of antimicrobial peptides produced by a certain species of bacteria, known as bacteriocins, which are active against other strains of the same or related species. Bacteriocins can help in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Moreover, bacteriocins can be obtained in prokaryotic organisms, and contribute s to their widespread use. While the use of bacteriocins is currently limited to the food industry (for example, nisin is used as a preservative, E234), a large number of studies on their microbicidal properties suggest that their use in medicine may increase in the foreseeable future. However, for the successful use of bacteriocins in medicine, it is necessary to understand their effect on the immune system, especially in cases where immunity is weakened due to infectious processes, oncological, allergic, or autoimmune diseases. Studies on the immuno-modulatory activity of bacteriocins in animal models and human cells have revealed their ability to induce both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors involved in the implementation of innate immunity. The influence of bacteriocins on acquired immunity is revealed by an increase in the number of T-lymphocytes with a simultaneous decrease in B-lymphocyte levels, which makes them attractive substances for reducing inflammation. The widespread use of bacteriocins in the food industry, their low toxicity, and their broad and narrow specificity are reasons for researchers to pay attention to their immunomodulatory properties and explore their medical applications. Inflammation regulation by bacteriocins can be used in the treatment of various pathologies. The aim of the review was to analyze scientific publications on the immunomodulatory activity, bioavailability, and safety of bacteriocins in order to use the data obtained to organize preclinical and clinical studies.
Struggling with COVID-19 in Adult Inborn Errors of Immunity Patients: A Case Series of Combination Therapy and Multiple Lines of Therapy for Selected Patients
Authors: Bez Patrick , D’ippolito Giancarlo , Deiana Carla Maria , Finco Gambier Renato , Pica Andrea , Costanzo Giulia , Garzi Giulia , Scarpa Riccardo , Landini Nicholas , Cinetto Francesco , Firinu Davide , Milito Cinzia
Published: July 2023

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 infection is now a part of the everyday lives of immunocompromised patients, but the choice of treatment and the time of viral clearance can often be complex, exposing patients to possible complications. The role of the available antiviral and monoclonal therapies is a matter of debate, as are their effectiveness and potential related adverse effects. To date, in the literature, the amount of data on the use of combination therapies and on the multiple lines of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapy available to the general population and especially to inborn error of immunity (IEI) patients is small. Methods: Here, we report a case series of five adult IEI patients managed as inpatients at three Italian IEI referral centers (Rome, Treviso, and Cagliari) treated with combination therapy or multiple therapeutic lines for SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antivirals, convalescent plasma (CP), mAbs plus antiviral, and CP combined with antiviral. Results: This study may support the use of combination therapy against SARS-CoV-2 in complicated IEI patients with predominant antibody deficiency and impaired vaccine response.
Discovering Deleterious Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Human AKT1 Oncogene: An In Silico Study
Authors: Zhang Ruojun , Akhtar Nahid , Wani Atif Khurshid , Raza Khalid , Kaushik Vikas
Published: July 2023

Background: AKT1 is a serine/threonine kinase necessary for the mediation of apoptosis, angiogenesis, metabolism, and cell proliferation in both normal and cancerous cells. The mutations in the AKT1 gene have been associated with different types of cancer. Further, the AKT1 gene mutations are also reported to be associated with other diseases such as Proteus syndrome and Cowden syndromes. Hence, this study aims to identify the deleterious AKT1 missense SNPs and predict their effect on the function and structure of the AKT1 protein using various computational tools. Methods: Extensive in silico approaches were applied to identify deleterious SNPs of the human AKT1 gene and assessment of their impact on the function and structure of the AKT1 protein. The association of these highly deleterious missense SNPs with different forms of cancers was also analyzed. The in silico approach can help in reducing the cost and time required to identify SNPs associated with diseases. Results: In this study, 12 highly deleterious SNPs were identified which could affect the structure and function of the AKT1 protein. Out of the 12, four SNPs—namely, G157R, G159V, G336D, and H265Y—were predicted to be located at highly conserved residues. G157R could affect the ligand binding to the AKT1 protein. Another highly deleterious SNP, R273Q, was predicted to be associated with liver cancer. Conclusions: This study can be useful for pharmacogenomics, molecular diagnosis of diseases, and developing inhibitors of the AKT1 oncogene.
Friction and Wear in Stages of Galling for Sheet Metal Forming Applications
Authors: Devenport Timothy M. , Griffin James M. , Rolfe Bernard F. , Pereira Michael P.
Published: July 2023

Aluminum is a very commonly used material at present, and roughly half of the produced aluminum products undergo forming during manufacturing. Galling is a severe form of wear that occurs during sheet metal forming operations and is a common failure mode of materials in sliding contact; however, the causes and mechanisms of galling are poorly understood. In this work, sliding wear experiments were conducted to produce galling wear between a tool steel ball bearing and aluminum alloy Al5083, to study the relationship between the coefficient of friction, the lump growth on the tool and the scratch morphology. Whilst the characteristic friction regimes were observed, the characteristic damage (grooves running parallel to the scratch direction) was not observed. Instead, when galling was developed on the indenter, the scratch surface morphology displayed a series of peaks and grooves perpendicular to the scratch direction. It is likely that the difference in scratch morphology observed once galling was initiated is due to the lower hardness and reduced work hardening behavior of the Al5083 alloy, compared to the high strength steels previously examined in sheet metal forming applications. The evolution of the scratch morphology has been characterized in a novel way by investigating the distribution of the longitudinal cross-section profile height along the scratch length in relation to the three-stage friction regime observed. This showed that, as the galling wear progressed, the longitudinal cross-section profile height distribution shifts towards negative values, with a corresponding shift in the distribution of material transferred to the tool shifting to the positive. This indicates that, as the amount of material adhered to the indenter increased, the depth of the grooves on the scratch surface perpendicular to the sliding direction also increased.
A Comparison of Capacitive Deionization and Membrane Capacitive Deionization Using Novel Fabricated Ion Exchange Membranes
Authors: Elewa Mahmoud M. , El Batouti Mervette , Al-Harby Nouf F.
Published: July 2023

Another technique for desalination, known as membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI), has been investigated as an alternative. This approach has the potential to lower the voltage that is required, in addition to improving the ability to renew the electrodes. In this study, the desalination effectiveness of capacitive deionization (CDI) was compared to that of MCDI, employing newly produced cellulose acetate ion exchange membranes (IEMs), which were utilized for the very first time in MCDI. As expected, the salt adsorption and charge efficiency of MCDI were shown to be higher than those of CDI. Despite this, the unique electrosorption behavior of the former reveals that ion transport via the IEMs is a crucial rate-controlling step in the desalination process. We monitored the concentration of salt in the CDI and MCDI effluent streams, but we also evaluated the pH of the effluent stream in each of these systems and investigated the factors that may have caused these shifts. The significant change in pH that takes place during one adsorption and desorption cycle in CDI (pH range: 2.3–11.6) may cause problems in feed water that already contains components that are prone to scaling. In the case of MCDI, the fall in pH was only slightly more noticeable. Based on these findings, it appears that CDI and MCDI are promising new desalination techniques that has the potential to be more ecologically friendly and efficient than conventional methods of desalination. MCDI has some advantages over CDI in its higher salt removal efficiency, faster regeneration, and longer lifetime, but it is also more expensive and complex. The best choice for a particular application will depend on the specific requirements.
Novel Amorphous-Wollastonitic Low-Calcium Hydraulic Binders: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Antunes Mónica , Santos Rodrigo L. , Horta Ricardo B. , Colaço Rogério
Published: July 2023

Because of the severe environmental impact of the CO2 emissions associated with the production of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and the increasing demand for this commodity material, the development of alternative products has become a global concern. One alternative to OPC, or alitic-based clinkers, are amorphous-wollastonitic low-calcium hydraulic binders (AWLCs). This new class of hydraulic binders, described in the literature for the first time in 2015, may significantly reduce the CO2 emissions associated with its production, resulting from its lower calcium content, but also from the fact that its production technology can be fully electrified. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review is presented, providing a comprehensive description of the latest research, summarizing both the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of this type of hydraulic binder, as well as possible routes for its production at an industrial scale.
Differential Energy Criterion for Brittle Fracture: Conceptualization and Application to the Analysis of Axial and Lateral Deformation in Uniaxial Compression of Rocks
Authors: Shekov Vitali , Kolesnikov Gennady
Published: July 2023

This paper discusses modeling the behavior and prediction of fracture of brittle materials. Numerous publications show that progress in this area is characterized by the emergence of a number of new models that meet the requirements of the mining industry, construction and other engineering practices. The authors focus only on one class of models, paying special attention to the compromise between simplicity of solution and versatility of the model. A new version of the model is proposed, taking into account the advantages of previous models. We present a differential energy criterion for brittle fracture substantiated, according to which, fracture occurs at a certain ratio of dissipated and stored (elastic) energy. Fracture is considered as the end of the deformation process with a virtual transformation of the initial material almost without cracks into a real material with cracks. The highest and lowest elastic moduli are analytically determined, respectively, on the ascending and descending branches of the stress–strain curve. A graphical version of the algorithm for determining the brittle fracture point on the post-peak branch of the stress–strain curve is proposed. The modeling results are consistent with the experimental data known from the literature.
Experimental Study on the Fracture Toughness of Bamboo Scrimber
Authors: Zhang Kairan , Hou Yubo , Lu Yubin , Wang Mingtao
Published: July 2023

In the past decade, bamboo scrimber has developed rapidly in the field of building materials due to its excellent mechanical properties, such as high toughness and high tensile strength. However, when the applied stress exceeds the ultimate strength limit of bamboo scrimber, cracks occur, which affects the performance of bamboo scrimber in structural applications. Due to the propensity of cracks to propagate, it reduces the load-bearing capacity of the bamboo scrimber material. Therefore, research on the fracture toughness of bamboo scrimber contributes to determining the material’s load-bearing capacity and failure mechanisms, enabling its widespread application in engineering failure analysis. The fracture toughness of bamboo scrimber was studied via the single-edge notched beam (SENB) experiment and compact compression (CC) method. Nine groups of longitudinal and transverse samples were selected for experimental investigation. The fracture toughness of longitudinal bamboo scrimber under tensile and compressive loadings was 3.59 MPa·m1/2 and 2.39 MPa·m1/2, respectively. In addition, the fracture toughness of transverse bamboo scrimber under tensile and compressive conditions was 0.38 MPa·m1/2 and 1.79 MPa·m1/2, respectively. The results show that, for this material, there was a significant distinction between longitudinal and transverse. Subsequently, three-point bending tests and simulations were studied. The results show that the failure mode and the force–displacement curve of the numerical simulation were highly consistent compared with the experimental results. It could verify the correctness of the test parameters. Finally, the flexural strength of bamboo scrimber was calculated to be as high as 143.16 MPa. This paper provides data accumulation for the numerical simulation of bamboo scrimber, which can further promote the development of bamboo scrimber parameters in all aspects of the application.
State of the Art in Development of Heat Exchanger Geometry Optimization and Different Storage Bed Designs of a Metal Hydride Reactor
Authors: Kudiiarov Viktor , Elman Roman , Pushilina Natalia , Kurdyumov Nikita
Published: July 2023

The efficient operation of a metal hydride reactor depends on the hydrogen sorption and desorption reaction rate. In this regard, special attention is paid to heat management solutions when designing metal hydride hydrogen storage systems. One of the effective solutions for improving the heat and mass transfer effect in metal hydride beds is the use of heat exchangers. The design of modern cylindrical-shaped reactors makes it possible to optimize the number of heat exchange elements, design of fins and cooling tubes, filter arrangement and geometrical distribution of metal hydride bed elements. Thus, the development of a metal hydride reactor design with optimal weight and size characteristics, taking into account the efficiency of heat transfer and metal hydride bed design, is the relevant task. This paper discusses the influence of different configurations of heat exchangers and metal hydride bed for modern solid-state hydrogen storage systems. The main advantages and disadvantages of various configurations are considered in terms of heat transfer as well as weight and size characteristics. A comparative analysis of the heat exchangers, fins and other solutions efficiency has been performed, which makes it possible to summarize and facilitate the choice of the reactor configuration in the future.
Complex AC Magnetic Susceptibility as a Tool for Exploring Nonlinear Magnetic Phenomena and Pinning Properties in Superconductors
Authors: Buchkov Krastyo , Galluzzi Armando , Nazarova Elena , Polichetti Massimiliano
Published: July 2023

The versatile AC magnetic susceptibility technique offers a detailed insight into the complex electrodynamic phenomena in superconductors. In the present study, we outline the key effects related to the temperature, AC field amplitude and frequency variations of the fundamental and harmonic components for an investigation of the vortex dynamics in a flux-grown FeSe crystal. By means of higher harmonic (nonlinear) analysis, we have explored certain atypical, asymmetric features in the AC magnetic response. These effects were identified through the detection of an even (second) harmonic and an unusual temperature shift in the odd (third) harmonic, possibly due to the complex interactions related to the composite superconducting/magnetic morphology of the crystal. Using the high-frequency sensitivity of the third harmonic, the basic functional dependencies of the pinning activation energy, as the main mixed state parameter, were determined with the implementation of the Kim–Anderson Arrhenius relation in the framework of the collective creep theory.
Fabrication of Thermal Insulation Bricks Using Pleurotus florida Spent Mushroom
Authors: Ali Sally A. , Fahmy Marwa Kamal , Zouli Nasser , Abutaleb Ahmed , Maafa Ibrahim M. , Yousef Ayman , Ahmed M. M.
Published: July 2023

This study explores the potential for making lightweight bricks via the use of dry, pulverized spent mushroom materials (SMM) as a thermal insulator. There are five distinct replacement proportions of SMM that are used, and they range from 0% to 15% of the weight of the clay. The firing of the fabricated bricks at temperatures of 700, 800, and 900 °C led to the development of pores on the interior surface of the bricks as a consequence of the decomposition of SMM. The impact of SMM on the physicomechanical characteristics of fabricated bricks is assessed based on standard codes. Compressive strength, bulk density, and thermal conductivity decreased as the SMM content increased, reaching up to 8.7 MPa, 1420 kg/m3, and 0.29 W/mK at 900 °C and 15% substitution percentage. However, cold water absorption, boiling water absorption, linear drying shrinkage, linear firing shrinkage, and apparent porosity increased with the increase in SMM, reaching 23.6%, 25.3%, and 36.6% at 900 °C and 15% substitution percentage. In the study simulation model, there was a significant improvement in energy consumption, which reached an overall reduction of 29.23% and 21.49% in Cario and Jazan cities, respectively.
Study on the Constitutive Relationship between Ordinary Concrete and Nano-Titanium Dioxide-Modified Concrete at High Temperature
Authors: Wu Dongpeng , Wang Zhicheng , Pan Yungui , Huang Jian , Fernández-Steeger Tomás Manuel , Xu Chao , Tang Xinlong , Long Zhiyu , Tang Yufei
Published: July 2023

After high-temperature treatment, both nano-titanium dioxide-modified concrete and ordinary concrete exhibit typical splitting failure. High-temperature heating reduces the mechanical properties and brittleness of concrete and improves the ductility of concrete. The stress–strain relationship of the specimens was obtained through the uniaxial compression test of ordinary concrete and nano-titanium dioxide-modified concrete cube specimens under normal temperature and high-temperature conditions. In addition, the relationship between temperature and damage variables was established, and the unified constitutive model containing damage variables after room temperature and high-temperature treatment of ordinary concrete and nano-titanium dioxide-modified concrete were established. It provides a reference for future research on the mechanical properties of high-performance concrete structures after high temperatures (fire).