bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Composite Metamaterial: A Review
Authors: Qahtan Al-Shami , Huang Jiankun , Amran Mugahed , Qader Diyar N. , Fediuk Roman , Wael Al-Dhabir
Published: November 2022

The modern construction revolution throughout the past two decades has brought the need for ground vibration mitigation, and this has been one of the major study areas. These studies were mainly focused on the effect of forestation on vibration reduction as the available natural metamaterial. Physical methods such as the finite element method and the boundary conditions of 2D and 3D applications in ground vibration reduction have been developed. Many researchers, scientists, and organizations in this field have emphasized the importance of these methods theoretically and numerically. This paper presents the historical context of resonant metamaterials (MMs), the current progress of periodic 2D and 3D structures, and the possible future outcomes from the seismic metamaterials (SMs), and it relates them with their elastic counterparts to the natural metamaterial (NMs). The idea of bandgaps (FBGs) in the frequency range of interest is reviewed and discussed in some detail. Moreover, the attenuation associated with ground vibrations, noise, seismology, and the like is explained by managing the peculiar mechanisms of ground vibrations. However, a comprehensive computational review focuses on shielding MMs for ground vibration mitigation in urban areas. This phenomenon led to unique features for various techniques to control the bandgap width for various construction applications. Ecological solutions involve the creation of an economic, environmentally based seismic shield for both the Bragg scattering and the local resonance bandgaps. Reportedly, additive studies based on numerical simulation and experiments have improved the functionality of the 2D and 3D periodic structures. It was found that the mechanical properties differ (i.e., stiffness, Poisson’s ratio, and bulk density) and that the geometrical parameters (i.e., lattice, model dimensions, distance from vibration sources, and number of periodic structures) exhibited strong effects on the width and location of the derived FBGs. The geometrical properties of the used unit cell have a strong effect on the attenuation mechanism. Although deep analysis was created in much of the previous research, it was revealed, based on that research, that the attenuation mechanism is still unclear. However, this review article presents a detailed exposition of the recent research progress of the seismic metamaterials, including 2D, 3D, and the main mechanisms of the theoretical backgrounds of energy attenuation. It also summarizes the effects of the factors on the width and location of the bandgaps at a low frequency. In addition, the natural metamaterials and the study of the urban environment are surveyed. The major findings of this review involve the effectiveness of NMs for different functionalities in ground vibration attenuation, which leads to diverse purposes and applications and proposes a roadmap for developing natural materials for clean and quiet environments.
Virtual Sensor for Accuracy Monitoring in CNC Machines
Authors: Doerrer Felix , Otto Andreas , Kolouch Martin , Ihlenfeldt Steffen
Published: November 2022

Vibrations are limiting the productivity and the process quality of cutting machine tools. For the monitoring of these vibrations, often external sensors, such as acceleration sensors, are used. These external systems require additional cost and maintenance effort. This paper presents a virtual sensor, which is capable of detecting vibrations at the tool center point, based on internal machine data. External sensors are only necessary once for model identification. This reduces the overall cost of the system significantly. The virtual sensor uses the high-quality data of the linear position encoder near the ball screw nut and calculates the vibrations at the tool tip by using transmissibility functions. This paper explains the theory behind the used transmissibility functions and describes how they are measured, by comparing different experimental approaches to identify the modal parameters of cutting machine tools. After the identification of the sensor, a dynamical test cycle is used to prove the physical correctness.
Towards an Ideal Energy Absorber: Relating Failure Mechanisms and Energy Absorption Metrics in Additively Manufactured AlSi10Mg Cellular Structures under Quasistatic Compression
Authors: Shinde Mandar , Ramirez-Chavez Irving E. , Anderson Daniel , Fait Jason , Jarrett Mark , Bhate Dhruv
Published: November 2022

A designer of metallic energy absorption structures using additively manufactured cellular materials must address the question of which of a multitude of cell shapes to select from, the majority of which are classified as either honeycomb, beam-lattice, or Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures. Furthermore, there is more than one criterion that needs to be assessed to make this selection. In this work, six cellular structures (hexagonal honeycomb, auxetic and Voronoi lattice, and diamond, gyroid, and Schwarz-P TPMS) spanning all three types were studied under quasistatic compression and compared to each other in the context of the energy absorption metrics of most relevance to a designer. These shapes were also separately studied with tubes enclosing them. All of the structures were fabricated out of AlSi10Mg with the laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB. or LPBF) process. Experimental results were assessed in the context of four criteria: the relationship between the specific energy absorption (SEA) and maximum transmitted stress, the undulation of the stress plateau, the densification efficiency, and the design tunability of the shapes tested—the latter two are proposed here for the first time. Failure mechanisms were studied in depth to relate them to the observed mechanical response. The results reveal that auxetic and Voronoi lattice structures have low SEA relative to maximum transmitted stresses, and low densification efficiencies, but are highly tunable. TPMS structures on the other hand, in particular the diamond and gyroid shapes, had the best overall performance, with the honeycomb structures between the two groups. Enclosing cellular structures in tubes increased peak stress while also increasing plateau stress undulations.
FaSmi1 Is Essential for the Vegetative Development, Asexual Reproduction, DON Production and Virulence of Fusarium asiaticum
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chen Wenchan , Shao Wenyong , Tan Shishan , Shi Dongya , Ma Hongyu , Chen Changjun
Published: November 2022

Smi1 is a protein required for cell cycle progression, morphogenesis, stress response and life span of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FaSmi1 was identified as a Smi1 homolog in a wheat scab pathogenic fungus Fusarium asiaticum strain 2021. The deletion of FaSmi1 leads to defects in mycelial growth, asexual reproduction, and virulence. The FaSmi1 deletion mutant also exhibited increased sensitivity to osmotic stresses generated by NaCl and KCl, but increased tolerance to oxidative stresses and cell wall integrity inhibitors. All of these defects were restored by genetic complementation of the mutant with the whole parental FaSmi1 gene. Interestingly, the antioxidant system-associated genes exhibit a lower expression level and the mycotoxins’ DON content was decreased in the FaSmi1 deletion mutant compared with the parental strain 2021. These results indicate that FaSmi1 plays a critical role in the vegetative development, asexual reproduction, DON production and virulence of F. asiaticum.
Phaeosphaeridiols A–C: Three New Compounds from Undescribed Phaeosphaeriaceae sp. SGSF723
Authors: Si Lu , Liu Yao , Du Tingting , Meng Wei , Xu Lijian
Published: November 2022

Fungi in forest litter are diverse as decomposers but natural products from these fungi are rarely investigated, especially for their antimicrobial activities against crop diseases. In this study, fungal isolate SGSF723 with antimicrobial activities was cultured. A multi-gene phylogenetic analysis showed SGSF723 was an undescribed species in the family Phaeosphaeriaceae. By bio-guided assay, three new compounds (Phaeosphaeridiols A–C) and two known compounds were purified from the ethyl acetate extract. The structures of Phaeosphaeridiols A–C were elucidated as 2-(2′-butenyl)-5 (3″-pentene)-1,3-benzenediol (1), 2-(2′-butenyl)-5-(3″S,4″S-pentane diol)-1,3-benzenediol (2), and 3-(4′-(2″-butenyl)-3′,5′-benzenediol phenol)-2-acrylic acid (3) by 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and Mosher’s method. Phaeosphaeridiols A–C exhibited moderate or weak antimicrobial activities against plant pathogens by 96-well plate and spore germination assays.
Seasonal Diversity and Occurrence of Filamentous Fungi in Smallholder Dairy Cattle Feeds and Feedstuffs in South Africa
Authors: Adelusi Oluwasola Abayomi , Gbashi Sefater , Adebiyi Janet Adeyinka , Makhuvele Rhulani , Aasa Adeola Oluwakemi , Oladeji Oluwaseun Mary , Khoza Minenhle , Okoth Sheila , Njobeh Patrick Berka
Published: November 2022

This study investigated 65 (35 in summer and 30 in winter) smallholder dairy cattle feeds from Free State and Limpopo provinces in South Africa from 2018 to 2019 for fungal contamination and assessed the impacts of seasonal variation on fungal contamination levels, isolation frequency, and diversity. Samples were examined for fungal contamination using macro- and microscopic approaches, and their identities were confirmed by molecular means. A total of 217 fungal isolates from 14 genera, including Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, were recovered from feeds from both seasons. The most prevalent fungal species recovered were A. fumigatus and P. crustosum. Mycological analyses showed that 97% of samples were contaminated with one or more fungal isolates, with the summer fungal mean level (6.1 × 103 to 3.0 × 106 CFU/g) higher than that of feeds sampled during winter (mean level: 1.1 × 103 to 4.1 × 105 CFU/g). Independent sample t-test revealed that the isolation frequencies of the genera Aspergillus and Fusarium were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in summer than winter, while Penicillium prevalence in both seasons was not statistically (p > 0.05) different. Furthermore, the Shannon–Weiner diversity index (H′) revealed a higher fungal diversity in summer (H′ = 2.8) than in winter (H′ = 2.1). This study on fungal contamination could be used for future fungal control and mycotoxin risk management in South Africa.
Metagenomics Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS): An Exciting Tool for Early and Accurate Diagnostic of Fungal Pathogens in Plants
Authors: Gökdemir Fatma Şeyma , İşeri Özlem Darcansoy , Sharma Abhishek , Achar Premila N. , Eyidoğan Füsun
Published: November 2022

Crop output is directly impacted by infections, with fungi as the major plant pathogens, making accurate diagnosis of these threats crucial. Developing technology and multidisciplinary approaches are turning to genomic analyses in addition to traditional culture methods in diagnostics of fungal plant pathogens. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) method is preferred for genotyping identification of organisms, identification at the species level, illumination of metabolic pathways, and determination of microbiota. Moreover, the data obtained so far show that this new approach is promising as an emerging new trend in fungal disease detection. Another approach covered by mNGS technologies, known as metabarcoding, enables use of specific markers specific to a genetic region and allows for genotypic identification by facilitating the sequencing of certain regions. Although the core concept of mNGS remains constant across applications, the specific sequencing methods and bioinformatics tools used to analyze the data differ. In this review, we focus on how mNGS technology, including metabarcoding, is applied for detecting fungal pathogens and its promising developments for the future.
Surgical Treatment Options for Epiglottic Collapse in Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vallianou Kyriaki , Chaidas Konstantinos
Published: November 2022

The critical role of epiglottis in airway narrowing contributing to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) intolerance has recently been revealed. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate available surgical treatment options for epiglottic collapse in adult patients with OSA. The Pubmed and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles up to and including March 2022 and sixteen studies were selected. Overall, six different surgical techniques were described, including partial epiglottectomy, epiglottis stiffening operation, glossoepiglottopexy, supraglottoplasty, transoral robotic surgery, maxillomandibular advancement and hypoglossal nerve stimulation. All surgical methods were reported to be safe and effective in managing selected OSA patients with airway narrowing at the level of epiglottis. The surgical management of epiglottic collapse can improve OSA severity or even cure OSA, but can also improve CPAP compliance. The selection of the appropriate surgical technique should be part of an individualised, patient-specific therapeutic approach. However, there are not enough data to make definitive conclusions and additional high-quality studies are required.
Specificity of Individual Response Radial Increment of Scots Pine in the Voronezh Biosphere Reserve on the Differentiated Forest Conditions
Authors: Matveev Sergey , Litovchenko Daria , Gusev Alexander , Golovin Yuriy
Published: November 2022

The purpose of our study was to assess the individual variability of the response to climatic conditions of the radial increment of Pinus sylvestris L. trees aged 100–140 years. The studied pine stand grows in the conditions of a site with a heterogeneous microrelief in the Voronezh Reserve. The calculated coefficients of synchronicity and correlation of radial increment of a sample of individual Scots pine trees (wood cores). It has been established that in the radial increment of pine trees in the Voronezh Reserve, there is a significant diversity in the reflection of the climatic signal, which, as a rule, manifests itself in certain years that are not extreme in terms of climatic conditions. The reasons for the differentiated reaction of trees to climate are the differentiated conditions of the microrelief, and also, probably, the genetic diversity of forest stands. In natural stands there are individual trees showing very low values of synchronicity coefficients (GLK, %) or correlation coefficients (CC, %) with stand average values. Intrapopulation differences in the response of pine forest stands to fluctuations in climatic factors are one of the forms of protective mechanisms for the survival of a species that have developed as a result of evolutionary development. As our study showed, intrapopulation differences are large in stands of natural origin and not subject to anthropogenic impacts.
A Coding Basis and Three-in-One Integrated Data Visualization Method ‘Ana’ for the Rapid Analysis of Multidimensional Omics Dataset
Authors: Zhao Hefei , Wang Selina C.
Published: November 2022

With innovations and advancements in analytical instruments and computer technology, omics studies based on statistical analysis, such as phytochemical omics, oilomics/lipidomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and glycomics, are increasingly popular in the areas of food chemistry and nutrition science. However, a remaining hurdle is the labor-intensive data process because learning coding skills and software operations are usually time-consuming for researchers without coding backgrounds. A MATLAB® coding basis and three-in-one integrated method, ‘Ana’, was created for data visualizations and statistical analysis in this work. The program loaded and analyzed an omics dataset from an Excel® file with 7 samples * 22 compounds as an example, and output six figures for three types of data visualization, including a 3D heatmap, heatmap hierarchical clustering analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA), in 18 s on a personal computer (PC) with a Windows 10 system and in 20 s on a Mac with a MacOS Monterey system. The code is rapid and efficient to print out high-quality figures up to 150 or 300 dpi. The output figures provide enough contrast to differentiate the omics dataset by both color code and bar size adjustments per their higher or lower values, allowing the figures to be qualified for publication and presentation purposes. It provides a rapid analysis method that would liberate researchers from labor-intensive and time-consuming manual or coding basis data analysis. A coding example with proper code annotations and completed user guidance is provided for undergraduate and postgraduate students to learn coding basis statistical data analysis and to help them utilize such techniques for their future research.
Effect of Microgravity on the Gut Microbiota Bacterial Composition in a Hindlimb Unloading Model
Authors: Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Qaisar Rizwan , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Alharbi Ahmad M. , Alfahemi Hasan , Elmoselhi Adel
Published: November 2022

We utilised a ground-based microgravity hindlimb unloading (HU) mouse model to elucidate the gut microbiota bacterial changes in mice under a simulated microgravity environment. Four-month-old, male C57/Bl6 mice were randomly divided into ground-based controls and the HU groups and kept under controlled environmental conditions. For the microgravity environment, the mice were suspended in special cages individually for 20 days. At the end of the suspension, the mice were sacrificed; gut dissections were performed, followed by a metagenomic analysis of bacterial species, which was carried out by extracting DNA and 16S rRNA analysis. The results revealed that the gut bacterial communities of mice under gravity and microgravity were different. Notably, our findings revealed differences in the bacterial community structure. Around 449 bacterial OTUs were specific to mice kept under normal gravity versus 443 bacterial OTUs under microgravity conditions. In contrast, 694 bacterial OTUs were common to both groups. When the relative abundance of taxa was analyzed, Bacteroidetes dominated the gut (64.7%) of normal mice. Conversely, mice in the microgravity environment were dominated by Firmicutes (42.7%), and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.05). The distribution of Muribaculaceae between normal mice versus microgravity mice was significantly different, at 62% and 36.4%, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease in 11 bacteria was observed in mice under simulated microgravity, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, Bacteroides acidifaciens, Clostridium leptum, Methylorubrum extorquens, Comamonas testosterone, Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis, Bacteroides coprocola, Aerococcus urinaeequi, Helicobacter hepaticus, and Burkholderiales. Further studies are needed to elucidate gut bacterial metabolites of these identified bacterial species in microgravity conditions and normal environment. Notably, the influence of these metabolites on obesity, neuroprotection, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular dysfunction, longevity, inflammation, health, and disease in astronauts ought to be investigated and will be important in developing procedures against adverse effects in astronauts following space travel.
Post-Viral Olfactory Loss: What We Learned from the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Vaira Luigi Angelo , Deiana Giovanna , Maglitto Fabio , Salzano Giovanni
Published: November 2022

Viral infections have always been one of the most frequent causes of persistent olfactory dysfunctions accounting for 18% to 45% of all cases [...]
Utilizing the KSC Fixation Tube to Conduct Human-Tended Plant Biology Experiments on a Suborbital Spaceflight
Authors: Haveman Natasha J. , Zhou Mingqi , Callaham Jordan , Strickland Hunter F. , Houze Donald , Manning-Roach Susan , Newsham Gerard , Paul Anna-Lisa , Ferl Robert J.
Published: November 2022

Suborbital spaceflights now enable human-tended research investigating short-term gravitational effects in biological systems, eliminating the need for complex automation. Here, we discuss a method utilizing KSC Fixation Tubes (KFTs) to both carry biology to suborbital space as well as fix that biology at certain stages of flight. Plants on support media were inserted into the sample side of KFTs preloaded with RNAlater in the fixation chamber. The KFTs were activated at various stages of a simulated flight to fix the plants. RNA-seq analysis conducted on tissue samples housed in KFTs, showed that plants behaved consistently in KFTs when compared to petri-plates. Over the time course, roots adjusted to hypoxia and leaves adjusted to changes in photosynthesis. These responses were due in part to the environment imposed by the encased triple containment of the KFTs, which is a requirement for flight in human spacecraft. While plants exhibited expected reproducible transcriptomic alteration over time in the KFTs, responses to clinorotation during the simulated flight suggest that transcriptomic responses to suborbital spaceflight can be examined using this approach.
Impact of Initial Operative Urgency on Short-Term Outcomes in Patients Treated with ECMO Due to Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Ivanov Borko , Krasivskyi Ihor , Gerfer Stephen , Sabashnikov Anton , Doss Mirko , Holzhey David , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Rustenbach Christian , Kuhn Elmar , Rahmanian Parwis Baradaran , Mader Navid , Djordjevic Ilija , Wahlers Thorsten
Published: November 2022

The outcomes of patients with PCS and following ECMO therapy are associated with several preoperative risk factors. Our aim was to compare clinical presentation, ECMO-related data and in-hospital outcomes of patients treated with ECMO due to PCS after cardiac surgery, in regard to elective or emergent cardiac surgery procedures. Between April 2006 and October 2016, 164 consecutive patients that received VA-ECMO therapy due to PCS were identified and included in this retrospective cohort study. The patients were divided into groups based on the urgency of the initial procedures performed: elective group (ELG; n = 95) and an emergency group (EMG; n = 69). To compare the unequal patient groups, a propensity score-based matching (PSM) was applied (ELG, n = 56 vs. EMG, n = 56). The EMG primarily received ECMO intraoperatively (p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, the ELG were needed ECMO support more frequently postoperatively (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality accounted for 71% (n = 40) in the ELG and 76% (n = 43) in the EMG (p = 0.518). Outcome data showed no major differences in the (abdominal ischemia (p = 0.371); septic shock (p = 0.393): rhythm disturbances (p = 0.575); emergency re-thoracotomy (p = 0.418)) between the groups. The urgency of the initial procedures performed is secondary in patients suffering PCS and following ECMO. In this regard, PCS itself seems to trigger outcomes in cardiac surgery ECMO patients substantially.
Viral Hepatitis C New Microelimination Pathways Objective: Psychiatric Communities HCV Free
Authors: Fiore Vito , De Vito Andrea , Colpani Agnese , Manca Valentina , Maida Ivana , Madeddu Giordano , Babudieri Sergio
Published: November 2022

Background: People with psychiatric disorders have a high prevalence of HCV. For this reason, tailored interventions should be developed to reach this population. Methods: We performed a retrospective study on patients treated for HCV infection in psychiatric nursing homes, approached with a quick diagnosis, staging and treatment. Results: We included data on 586 people screened for HCV with quick tests. High HCV seroprevalence was found in this population (231; 39.4%). Among people who tested positive, there were high rates of active infection (220; 95.2%). Out of the 220 patients with active infection, 95.9% were male, 85.5% were Italian, median age was 43 (IQR = 35–52) years old. In the majority of cases (162; 73.6%), the risk factor was unknown. The most common genotype was 3a (98; 44.5%), and patients mostly had a low fibrosis, according with FIB-4 value (142; 64.5%). Of them, one (0.45%) categorically refused the treatment, and one (0.45%) had liver cirrhosis and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Overall, 218 patients underwent eligibility for DAAs. The most prescribed treatment was glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB (172; 78.2%)). The others practiced sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL). All patients reached the end of treatment. One (0.45%) was lost to follow up, and all the others reached the SVR12. Conclusions: The point-of-care testing and pangenotypic DAAs’ availability represent one of the most important steps for a fast diagnostic and therapeutical option. Tailored microelimination pathways for every difficult-to-reach/to-treat populations are needed. This would allow us to move more easily towards HCV elimination.
Impact of an Induced Magnetic Field on the Stagnation-Point Flow of a Water-Based Graphene Oxide Nanoparticle over a Movable Surface with Homogeneous–Heterogeneous and Chemical Reactions
Authors: Khan Umair , Zaib Aurang , Ishak Anuar , Alotaibi Abeer M. , Elattar Samia , Pop Ioan , Abed Ahmed M.
Published: November 2022

Water has attracted plenty of attention as a lubricant for manufacturing due to the fact that it is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and efficient. Because of their outstanding mechanical capabilities, water dispensability, and range of real applications, graphene oxide (GO) materials have the potential to augment the effectiveness of water lubrication. With this encouragement, we inspect the impact of induced magnetism on the fluid flow near a stagnation point dispended with water-based GO nanoparticles caused by a movable surface with a homogeneous–heterogeneous chemical reaction. The leading equations and their related boundary constraints are first transformed into a non-dimensional form through the utilization of the similarity technique. The consequent equations are then numerically solved by employing the bvp4c scheme. Those figures are used to exemplify the stimulation of the relevant constraints on the fluid flow, induced magnetic profiles, temperature profiles, concentration profiles, heat transfer, and friction factor. It is observed that the nanoparticle’s volume fraction enhances the heat transfer rate, as well as the friction factor. The heat transfer and friction factor escalate by almost 11.71% and 0.96% for the respective upper-branch solutions due to the larger impacts of nanoparticles’ volume fractions, while for the lower-branch solutions, they are augmented at about 21.8% and 0.66%, respectively. In addition, double solutions can be found in the limited values of a movable parameter.
Semantic Interactive Learning for Text Classification: A Constructive Approach for Contextual Interactions
Authors: Kiefer Sebastian , Hoffmann Mareike , Schmid Ute
Published: November 2022

Interactive Machine Learning (IML) can enable intelligent systems to interactively learn from their end-users, and is quickly becoming more and more relevant to many application domains. Although it places the human in the loop, interactions are mostly performed via mutual explanations that miss contextual information. Furthermore, current model-agnostic IML strategies such as CAIPI are limited to ’destructive’ feedback, meaning that they solely allow an expert to prevent a learner from using irrelevant features. In this work, we propose a novel interaction framework called Semantic Interactive Learning for the domain of document classification, located at the intersection between Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML). We frame the problem of incorporating constructive and contextual feedback into the learner as a task involving finding an architecture that enables more semantic alignment between humans and machines while at the same time helping to maintain the statistical characteristics of the input domain when generating user-defined counterexamples based on meaningful corrections. Therefore, we introduce a technique called SemanticPush that is effective for translating conceptual corrections of humans to non-extrapolating training examples such that the learner’s reasoning is pushed towards the desired behavior. Through several experiments we show how our method compares to CAIPI, a state of the art IML strategy, in terms of Predictive Performance and Local Explanation Quality in downstream multi-class classification tasks. Especially in the early stages of interactions, our proposed method clearly outperforms CAIPI while allowing for contextual interpretation and intervention. Overall, SemanticPush stands out with regard to data efficiency, as it requires fewer queries from the pool dataset to achieve high accuracy.
The Impact of Antibiotic Use on Mortality in Patients Hospitalized in a COVID-19 Centre from Romania: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Iosub Maria-Ilinca , Balan Elena-Sabina , Pinte Larisa , Draghici Ana-Maria , Baicus Cristian , Badea Camelia
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Considering the significant number of patients worldwide that received empirical antibiotic therapy for COVID-19 infection due to their critical condition and the lack of therapeutical guidelines, we wanted to find out the consequences of antibiotic use in our study population. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including symptomatic patients older than 18 years, hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 between March and December 2020 in the Internal Medicine and Pneumology Departments of Colentina Clinical Hospital. The elected outcome was death, while independent variables were antibiotic therapy and literature-cited parameters associated with mortality in this disease. Results: Out of 198 included patients, 96 (48.48%) patients received antibiotic therapy during hospitalization. Female gender (OR = 2.61, p = 0.04), history of neoplasm (OR = 7.147, p = 0.01), heart failure (OR = 8.62, p = 0.002), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.05, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with death in multivariate analysis. Antibiotic treatment showed a higher probability of death both in bivariate (OR = 5.333, p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis adjusted for the aforementioned prognostic factors (OR = 3.55, p = 0.01). Conclusions: After adjusting for confounders, in-hospital antibiotic administration did not improve survival in COVID-19 patients.
A Heart Rate Step Function Response Method for the Evaluation of Pulse Wave Velocity as a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardio-Vascular Events
Authors: Marin Ioana , Popescu Florina Georgeta , Pauncu Elena-Ana , Apostol Adrian , Ivan Viviana Mihaela , Marin Catalin Nicolae , Fira-Mladinescu Ovidiu , Ursoniu Sorin
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) is considered a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events. The study intended to be helpful in finding methods for the preliminary assessment of PWV in primary care units. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 36 subjects (considered healthy by their own statement) from the medical field (medicine students and residents) aged between 20 and 30 years: 33.3% males and 66.7% females. Two types of measurements were carried out successively: (a) measurements with the arteriograph and (b) measurements on a treadmill effort testing system, where heart rate (HR) was measured over time as a response to step function physical effort (PE). Results: The study allowed for the highlighting of some limits which, if exceeded, can be associated with high PWV values: (i) if after a moderate PE and a resting time of at least 6 min, the HR is larger than 80 b/min; (ii) if the relaxation time in a PE test of moderate intensity is larger than 1 min; (iii) if the HR measured after the subject is raised from the supine to orthostatic position is larger than 100 b/min, and (iv) if the resting HR is larger than 80 b/min. Conclusions: Steady-state HR correlates with PWV and may be used for the preliminary assessment of PWV.
Impact of Anterior Malposition and Bone Cement Augmentation on the Fixation Strength of Cephalic Intramedullary Nail Head Elements
Authors: Pastor Torsten , Zderic Ivan , Schopper Clemens , Haefeli Pascal C. , Kastner Philipp , Souleiman Firas , Gueorguiev Boyko , Knobe Matthias
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Intramedullary nailing of trochanteric fractures can be challenging and sometimes the clinical situation does not allow perfect implant positioning. The aim of this study was (1) to compare in human cadaveric femoral heads the biomechanical competence of two recently launched cephalic implants inserted in either an ideal (centre–centre) or less-ideal anterior off-centre position, and (2) to investigate the effect of bone cement augmentation on their fixation strength in the less-ideal position. Materials and Methods: Fourty-two paired human cadaveric femoral heads were assigned for pairwise implantation using either a TFNA helical blade or a TFNA screw as head element, implanted in either centre–centre or 7 mm anterior off-centre position. Next, seven paired specimens implanted in the off-centre position were augmented with bone cement. As a result, six study groups were created as follows: group 1 with a centre–centre positioned helical blade, paired with group 2 featuring a centre–centre screw, group 3 with an off-centre positioned helical blade, paired with group 4 featuring an off-centre screw, and group 5 with an off-centre positioned augmented helical blade, paired with group 6 featuring an off-centre augmented screw. All specimens were tested until failure under progressively increasing cyclic loading. Results: Stiffness was not significantly different among the study groups (p = 0.388). Varus deformation was significantly higher in group 4 versus group 6 (p = 0.026). Femoral head rotation was significantly higher in group 4 versus group 3 (p = 0.034), significantly lower in group 2 versus group 4 (p = 0.005), and significantly higher in group 4 versus group 6 (p = 0.007). Cycles to clinically relevant failure were 14,919 ± 4763 in group 1, 10,824 ± 5396 in group 2, 10,900 ± 3285 in group 3, 1382 ± 2701 in group 4, 25,811 ± 19,107 in group 5 and 17,817 ± 11,924 in group 6. Significantly higher number of cycles to failure were indicated for group 1 versus group 2 (p = 0.021), group 3 versus group 4 (p = 0.007), and in group 6 versus group 4 (p = 0.010). Conclusions: From a biomechanical perspective, proper centre–centre implant positioning in the femoral head is of utmost importance. In cases when this is not achievable in a clinical setting, a helical blade is more forgiving in the less ideal (anterior) malposition when compared to a screw, the latter revealing unacceptable low resistance to femoral head rotation and early failure. Cement augmentation of both off-centre implanted helical blade and screw head elements increases their resistance against failure; however, this effect might be redundant for helical blades and is highly unpredictable for screws.
Factors Influencing the Sample Adequacy of Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration from Solid Thyroid Nodules for Liquid-Based Cytology: A Demographic, Sonographic, and Technical Perspective
Authors: Fu Ying , Sun Yan , Pei Qianqian , Han Xiaobo , Qin Wen , Mei Fang , Tan Shi , Cui Ligang
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: To identify factors that influence the sample adequacy of solid thyroid nodules based on ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with subsequent liquid-based cytology. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 855 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided FNA at our hospital between July 2019 and July 2020. The final analysis included 801 solid thyroid nodules in 801 patients. After reviewing the demographic data, ultrasonic features, and FNA technique-related factors, we defined 14 potential variables. For cytological results, the Bethesda categories II–VI were defined as adequate sample results. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors that influenced sample adequacy. Results: The adequate sample rate was 87.1%. The univariate analysis showed that four factors were related to adequate sampling in patients with thyroid FNA. These factors included age (p < 0.001), nodule orientation (p = 0.0232), calcification (p = 0.0034), and operator experience (p = 0.0286). After the multivariate analysis, five independent factors were identified to improve the diagnostic results of FNA for solid thyroid nodules: (1) the presence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (odds ratio (OR) = 1.810; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.076–3.045; p = 0.0254), (2) a taller-than-wide orientation (OR = 2.038; 95% CI: 1.260–3.296; p = 0.0037), (3) the presence of calcification (OR = 1.767; 95% CI: 1.115–2.799; p = 0.0153), (4) four needle passes to obtain material (OR = 1.750; 95% CI: 1.094–2.799; p = 0.0196), and (5) an experienced operator (OR = 0.561; 95% CI: 0.319–0.987; p = 0.0451). Conclusions: A taller-than-wide orientation, the presence of calcification, and the presence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were found to affect the sample adequacy of ultrasound-guided FNA with liquid-based cytology. The sample adequacy could be improved when FNA is performed with four needle passes by experienced doctors.
Synthesis of 2-Aminopyrimidine Derivatives and Their Evaluation as β-Glucuronidase Inhibitors: In Vitro and In Silico Studies
Authors: Iqbal Sarosh , Shaikh Nimra Naveed , Khan Khalid Mohammed , Kiran Shumaila , Naz Sehrish , Ul-Haq Zaheer , Perveen Shahnaz , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: November 2022

Currently the discovery and development of potent β-glucuronidase inhibitors is an active area of research due to the observation that increased activity of this enzyme is associated with many pathological conditions, such as colon cancer, renal diseases, and infections of the urinary tract. In this study, twenty-seven 2-aminopyrimidine derivatives 1–27 were synthesized by fusion of 2-amino-4,6-dichloropyrimidine with a variety of amines in the presence of triethylamine without using any solvent and catalyst, in good to excellent yields. All synthesized compounds were characterized by EI-MS, HREI-MS and NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 1–27 were then evaluated for their β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity, and among them, compound 24 (IC50 = 2.8 ± 0.10 µM) showed an activity much superior to standard D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC50 = 45.75 ± 2.16 µM). To predict the binding mode of the substrate and β-glucuronidase, in silico study was performed. Conclusively, this study has identified a potent β-glucuronidase inhibitor that deserves to be further studied for the development of pharmaceutical products.
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) from Sphingomonas paucimobilis Increase the Efficacy of Liposome-Based Nanovaccine against Acinetobacter baumannii-Associated Pneumonia in Immunocompetent and Immunocompromised Mice
Authors: Khan Masood Alam , Allemailem Khaled S. , Maswadeh Hamzah , Younus Hina
Published: November 2022

Due to the high propensity of drug resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, the number of currently available therapeutic drugs has become very limited. Thus, it becomes incredibly important to prepare an effective vaccine formulation capable of eliciting an effective immune response against A. baumannii. In this study, we prepared a liposomal vaccine formulation bearing glycosphingolipids (GSLs) from Sphingomonas paucimobilis and loaded with the whole cell antigen (WCAgs-GSLs-liposomes) of A. baumannii. The immune-stimulating potential and prophylactic efficacy of WCAgs-GSLs-liposomes were compared with those of WCAgs-liposomes (without GSLs) or free WCAgs in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. The efficacy of vaccine formulations was determined by analyzing antibody titer, cytokine levels, and survival studies in the immunized mice. The findings revealed that vaccination with WCAgs-GSLs-liposomes stimulated a greater secretion of antibodies and cytokines, higher lymphocyte proliferation, and increased expression of the co-stimulatory molecules. Anti-sera from WCAgs-GSLs-liposomes-immunized mice remarkably reduced the biofilm formation by A. baumannii. Most importantly, WCAgs-GSLs-liposomes-vaccinated mice demonstrated a higher defiance against the pathogen, as compared to the immunizations with WCAgs-liposomes (without GSLs) or free WCAgs. Immunocompetent mice immunized with WCAgs-GSLs-liposomes showed a 100% survival rate, while those immunized with WCAgs-liposomes exhibited a 60% survival rate. The protective effect of WCAgs-GSLs-liposomes was also found to be higher in immunocompromised mice, as the immunized mice showed a 50% survival rate, which was greater than the 20% survival rate of those immunized with WCAgs-liposomes. The survival data was also supported by the findings of bacterial load and histological analysis that substantiated the greatest prophylactic potential of the WCAgs-GSLs-liposomes. These findings recommend that WCAgs-GSLs-liposomes may be reckoned as a prospective vaccine to protect the persons against A. baumannii infection.
Valorization of CO2 through the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates Catalyzed by ZIFs
Authors: Delgado-Marín José J. , Martín-García Iris , Villalgordo-Hernández David , Alonso Francisco , Ramos-Fernández Enrique V. , Narciso Javier
Published: November 2022

One way to exploit CO2 is to use it as a feedstock for the production of cyclic carbonates via its reaction with organic epoxides. As far as we know, there is still no heterogeneous catalyst that accelerates the reaction in a selective, efficient and industrially usable way. Cobalt and zinc-based zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) have been explored as heterogeneous catalysts for this reaction. In particular, we have prepared ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 catalysts, which have been modified by partial replacement of 2-methylimidazole by 1,2,4-triazole, in order to introduce uncoordinated nitrogen groups with the metal. The catalysts have shown very good catalytic performance, within the best of the heterogeneous catalysts tested in the cycloaddition of CO2 with epichlorohydrin. The catalytic activity is due ultimately to defects on the outer surface of the crystal, and varies in the order of ZIF-67-m > ZIF-67 > ZiF-8-m = ZIF-8. Notably, reactions take place under mild reaction conditions and without the use of co-catalysts.
Discovery of Levesquamide B through Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking
Authors: LeClair Mary M. , Maw Zacharie A. , Grunwald Alyssa L. , Kelly Joshua R. , Haltli Bradley A. , Kerr Russell G. , Cartmell Christopher
Published: November 2022

Levesquamide A is an isothiazolinone-containing anti-tubercular natural product isolated from Streptomyces sp. RKND-216. Through the use of Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS), additional members of the levesquamide family were identified (B-G). Levesquamide B is a glycosylated analogue, isolated and structurally elucidated via spectroscopical techniques along with the putative structures of levesquamide C and D. For masses relating to the additional three levesquamides (E-G), their complete structures remain ambiguous.
How Well Do We Handle the Sample Preparation, FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry Analysis, and Data Treatment of Atmospheric Waters?
Authors: Pailler Lucas , Renard Pascal , Nicol Edith , Deguillaume Laurent , Bianco Angelica
Published: November 2022

FT-ICR MS (Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry) analysis has shown great potential to aid in the understanding of the extremely high molecular diversity of cloud water samples. The main goal of this work was to determine the differences in terms of formula assignment for analytical (i.e., measurement replicates) and experimental replicates of a given cloud water sample. The experimental replicates, obtained by solid phase extraction, were also compared to the results obtained for freeze-dried samples to evaluate whether the presence of salts interferes with the analysis. Two S/N ratios, generally adopted for atmospheric samples, were evaluated, and three different algorithms were used for assignment: DataAnalysis 5.3 (Bruker), Composer (Sierra Analytics), and MFAssignR (Chemical Advanced Resolution Methods Lab). In contrast to other works, we wanted to treat this comparison from the point of view of users, who usually must deal with a simple list of m/z ratios and intensity with limited access to the mass spectrum characteristics. The aim of this study was to establish a methodology for the treatment of atmospheric aqueous samples in light of the comparison of three different software programs, to enhance the possibility of data comparison within samples.
Matrix-Specific Effects on Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid Complexation in a Novel Extract of Whole Coffea arabica Coffee Cherry by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Nemzer Boris , Edwards John , Kalita Diganta
Published: November 2022

Coffee cherry is a rich source of caffeine and chlorogenic acids. In this study we investigate the structural analysis of caffeine-enriched whole coffee cherry extracts, CEWCCE by using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The changes in 1H chemical shift data in NMR spectra of CEWCCE compared to pure caffeine indicated the formation of complexes between caffeine and chlorogenic acids in aqueous solution. The effect of complexation on the peak position of caffeoylquinic acid and caffeine resonance with increasing addition of caffeine was investigated. 2D NOESY experiments show the presence of cross-peaks that are due to the proximity of chlorogenic acid and caffeine molecules in stable complexes in protic solvents. The quantification data of caffeine by 1H qNMR was found to be in close agreement with the data obtained by HPLC analysis.
Efficient Preparation of Small-Sized Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheets by Polymer-Assisted Ball Milling
Authors: Zhang Qi , Xu Fengjiao , Lu Pei , Zhu Di , Yuwen Lihui , Wang Lianhui
Published: November 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets (TMDC NSs) have attracted growing interest due to their unique structure and properties. Although various methods have been developed to prepare TMDC NSs, there is still a great need for a novel strategy combining simplicity, generality, and high efficiency. In this study, we developed a novel polymer-assisted ball milling method for the efficient preparation of TMDC NSs with small sizes. The use of polymers can enhance the interaction of milling balls and TMDC materials, facilitate the exfoliation process, and prevent the exfoliated nanosheets from aggregating. The WSe2 NSs prepared by carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC)-assisted ball milling have small lateral sizes (8~40 nm) with a high yield (~60%). The influence of the experimental conditions (polymer, milling time, and rotation speed) on the size and yield of the nanosheets was studied. Moreover, the present approach is also effective in producing other TMDC NSs, such as MoS2, WS2, and MoSe2. This study demonstrates that polymer-assisted ball milling is a simple, general, and effective method for the preparation of small-sized TMDC NSs.