bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The MACROD2 rs6110695 A>G Polymorphism and the Metabolites Indoleacrylic Acid and Butyrylcarnitine Potentially Have Clinical Relevance to WBC Count Prediction
Authors: Han Youngmin , Kim Minjoo , Yoo Hye Jin
Published: August 2024

Our previous study suggested that the Mono-ADP ribosylhydrolase 2 (MACROD2) rs6110695 A>G polymorphism is significantly associated with white blood cell (WBC) count in the Korean population. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of the MACROD2 rs6110695 A>G polymorphism for predicting WBC count by utilizing plasma metabolites and a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Two groups were characterized by MACROD2 rs6110695 A>G SNP genotypes among 139 healthy subjects based on the genetic information provided in our previous work: rs6110695 AA genotype group (n = 129) and rs6110695 AG genotype group (n = 10). Plasma global metabolic profiling was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). To estimate the predictive abilities of WBC count models using the rs6110695 genotype and/or significant differential metabolites, multiple linear regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted. The AG genotype had greater WBC-to-apolipoprotein (apo) A-I ratios; counts of WBCs, lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes; monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR); and monocyte-to-platelet ratio (MPR) than the AA genotype. In terms of metabolic profile, indoleacetic acid, and butyrylcarnitine levels were considerably distinct between the two groups, and these metabolites were considered to be meaningful prognostic variables for the rs6110695 genotype. Finally, ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the model containing the rs6110695 genotype and the two main metabolites was reliable. The present study revealed that individuals carrying the rs6110695 AG genotype with high plasma indoleacrylic acid and butyrylcarnitine levels might have elevated WBC counts. The rs6110695 genotype and the concentrations of indoleacrylic acid and butyrylcarnitine could contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases in the future.
Effectiveness of Physiotherapy for Improving Functionality, Participation, and Quality of Life after a Stroke: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Soto-Vidal Concepción , Calvo-Fuente Victoria , Hidalgo-Galante Ezequiel , Cerezo-Téllez Ester , Pérez-Martín Yolanda , Pacheco-da-Costa Soraya
Published: August 2024

Background: Stroke survivors experience significant alterations in their daily functionality that has a negative impact on their functionality, participation, and quality of life. Person-centered approaches in Physical Therapy interventions that are focused on functional and meaningful goals help to minimize the impact of the alterations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a Physical Therapy intervention based on a goal-oriented approach with task-specific training for improving functionality, participation, and quality of life for people with Stroke. Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial will be developed. Adults over 50 years old diagnosed with Stroke over 6 months will be included in this study. Participants (n = 62) will be randomly allocated into two groups: The experimental group (n = 31) will receive 30 sessions, three per week during 10 weeks, of Physical Therapy sessions of goal-directed and task-specific training. The control group (n = 31) will follow the same intervention intensity of their usual Physical Therapy treatment. The primary outcome variables quality of life (NewsQol), participation (Ox-PAQ), and gait functionality (FAC) and the secondary outcome variables functional disability (BI), postural control (PASS), dynamic trunk balance (TIS), and functional goals (GAS) will be measured at baseline, after group interventions (10 weeks), and 6 months after the baseline. Statistical analyses will include repeated-measures ANOVA, Student’s t-test, or the Mann–Whitney U-test, with a 95% confidence interval and significance level of p < 0.05. Conclusion: Person-centered approaches in Physical Therapy interventions may yield better outcomes in functionality, participation, and quality of life for Stroke patients compared to standardized interventions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06165666 (December 2023).
Effectiveness of Nintendo Wii Fit© for Physical Therapy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Alba-Rueda Alvaro , De Miguel-Rubio Amaranta , Lucena-Anton David
Published: August 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease that mainly affects the central nervous system and currently has no cure. Exergaming is considered a non-immersive approach to improving functional and motor skills in the treatment of MS. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nintendo Wii Fit© (NWF) on physical outcomes compared with control regimes in patients with MS. The search was performed in seven databases including articles published up to June 2024. The PICOS model was used to establish the study eligibility criteria. The Cochrane Collaboration tool and the PEDro scale were used to assess the risk of bias and evaluate the methodological quality of the studies, respectively. A meta-analysis using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and confidence interval (95% CI) was developed using the Review Manager 5.4 software. Seven articles were included in the systematic review. The statistical analysis showed favorable overall results for the NWF on functional mobility (SMD = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.41) and fatigue (SMD = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.00, 0.82). In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that the NWF has shown favorable effects compared to control regimes on functional mobility and fatigue outcomes in patients with MS.
Brain Stem Glioma Recurrence: Exploring the Therapeutic Frontiers
Authors: Pasqualetti Francesco , Lombardi Giuseppe , Gadducci Giovanni , Giannini Noemi , Montemurro Nicola , Feletti Alberto , Zeppieri Marco , Somma Teresa , Caffo Maria , Bertolotti Chiara , Ius Tamara
Published: August 2024

Gliomas of the brainstem represent a small percentage of central nervous system gliomas in adults. Due to the proximity of the tumor to critical structures, radical surgery is highly challenging and limited to selected cases. In addition, postoperative treatments, which become exclusive to non-operable patients, do not guarantee satisfactory disease control, making the progression of the disease inevitable. Currently, there is a lack of therapeutic options to control tumor growth after the diagnosis of recurrence. The rarity of these tumors, their distinct behavioral characteristics, and the limited availability of tumor tissue necessary for the development of prognostic and predictive biomarkers contribute to the absence of a standardized approach for treating recurrent brainstem gliomas. A salvage radiotherapy (RT) retreatment could represent a promising approach for recurrent brainstem gliomas. However, to date, it has been mainly evaluated in pediatric cases, with few experiences available to assess the most appropriate RT dose, safety, and clinical responses in adult patients. This comprehensive review aims to identify instances of adult patients with recurrent brainstem gliomas subjected to a secondary course of RT, with a specific focus on the analysis of treatment-related toxicity and outcomes. Through this investigation, we endeavor to contribute valuable insights into the viability and efficacy of salvage RT retreatment in managing recurrent brainstem gliomas in the adult population.
Rethinking Mitral Annular Calcification and Its Clinical Significance: From Passive Process to Active Pathology
Authors: Morariu Paula Cristina , Oancea Alexandru Florinel , Gosav Evelina Maria , Buliga-Finis Oana Nicoleta , Cuciureanu Magdalena , Scripcariu Dragos-Viorel , Sirbu Oana , Godun Maria Mihaela , Floria Diana-Elena , Chiriac Petronela Cristina , Baroi Livia Genoveva , Ouatu Anca , Tanase Daniela Maria , Rezus Ciprian , Floria Mariana
Published: August 2024

Background: Mitral annulus calcification is a chronic degenerative condition affecting the fibrous base of the mitral valve. Historically viewed as an age-related phenomenon, recent studies suggest it is driven by active mechanisms involving systemic inflammation, hemodynamic stress, abnormal calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and lipid accumulation. Despite often being asymptomatic and incidentally detected, its clinical relevance stems from its strong association with increased cardiovascular disease risk, higher cardiovascular mortality, and elevated overall mortality. Methods: This article investigates the complexities and controversies surrounding mitral annular calcification as a potential embolic source, focusing on its diagnosis, its relationship with systemic inflammation, and its links to metabolic and chronic disorders. Results: The findings highlight that mitral annular calcification is not merely a passive marker of aging but an active indicator of atherosclerotic burden with significant implications for cardiovascular health. Conclusion: Mitral annulus calcification should be recognized as an important factor in cardiovascular risk assessment, offering insight into systemic inflammatory processes and metabolic dysregulation.
Chronic Pain Management Approaches among Spanish Physiotherapists: Influences, Practices, Barriers, and Challenges
Authors: Díaz-Fernández Ángeles , Cortés-Pérez Irene , Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Ortega-Martínez Ana Raquel , Osuna-Pérez María Catalina , Zagalaz-Anula Noelia , Lomas-Vega Rafael
Published: August 2024

This study evaluated Spanish physiotherapists’ orientations toward biopsychosocial and biomedical approaches in chronic pain management through a cross-sectional survey of 447 registered professionals. Validated questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) identified influential factors and ordinal regression determined the frequency of biopsychosocial application. Content analysis of open-ended responses explored barriers to biopsychosocial implementation. Over 50% of physiotherapists favored the biopsychosocial model, influenced by interdisciplinary work settings, advanced pain knowledge, and specific training. Comprehensive pain knowledge significantly impacted both biomedical and biopsychosocial orientations inversely. The biomedical approach was more prevalent among those with lower education levels and less pain knowledge, particularly at the beginning or over 20 years into their careers. Despite the theoretical preference for biopsychosocial among Spanish physiotherapists, practical application was infrequent, with only 9.8% always using it and 40.7% frequently. Self-reported confidence and skills were crucial determinants of biopsychosocial implementation frequency. Significant barriers included inadequate psychological skills (63.6%), coordination challenges (47.6%), time constraints (43.6%), patient misconceptions (34.2%), and systemic issues. These findings align with international research, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Addressing these challenges through targeted training and systemic reforms is crucial for improving chronic pain management globally.
Evaluating Visitor Usage and Safety Perception Experiences in National Forest Parks
Authors: Zhao Jing , Abdul Aziz Faziawati , Song Menglin , Zhang Hui , Ujang Norsidah , Xiao Yi , Cheng Ziyi
Published: August 2024

Various physical and environmental factors affect the recreational experience in national forest parks. Understanding visitors’ preferences regarding these factors is significant for promoting the physical and mental health and well-being of urban residents. This study aims to quantify residents’ usage patterns and safety perceptions of national forest parks. It focuses particularly on Santai Mountain National Forest Park in Jiangsu, China, and conducted a semi-structured questionnaire survey with 688 participants. The statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics 24 was used for data analysis. A descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted on the respondents’ demographic information. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and an ordinal logistic regression model were employed to analyze the survey data. The survey results show that most visitors go to the forest park only once or twice a year, usually on weekends, holidays, and during leisure time rather than on workdays. Because the national forest park is located in the suburbs, the journey is long, and most visitors choose to drive there. Additionally, the majority of visitors go to the forest park with family and friends. Because the park is well managed and has complete safety facilities, most visitors feel safe in the national forest park.
Insights into Land-Use and Demographical Changes: Runoff and Erosion Modifications in the Highlands of Serbia
Authors: Petrović Ana M. , Manojlović Sanja , Srejić Tanja , Zlatanović Nikola
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the effects of land use/land cover (LULC) and demographical changes on runoff and erosion processes in the watersheds of border highlands in Serbia. It provides an interdisciplinary approach, linking demography (human geography) with physical geography (hydrology and geomorphology). (A) A predominant decrease in curve number (CN), a key hydrological indicator, is recorded in more than 20 watersheds in Eastern and Southeastern Serbia, largely due to continuous depopulation and abandonment of arable land over recent decades. In contrast, minor CN changes are dominant in over 10 watersheds in Western and Southwestern Serbia. (B) Through cluster analysis, four regions are spatially delineated by changes in four key indicators: runoff, soil erosion, agricultural land use, and rural population. Soil erosion change is correlated with the deagrarianisation and depopulation processes at a significance of p < 0.0001 with r = 0.580 and r = 0.629, respectively. The border watersheds are being studied for the first time using a complex approach that analyses the relationships between changes in demography, land use, surface runoff, and soil erosion. The study results contribute to a better understanding of sustainable land management and risk management in the hilly and mountainous border regions, which are particularly vulnerable to torrential flooding and soil erosion.
Standardization of Metadata of Analog Cadastral Documents Resulting from Systematic Cadaster Establishment
Authors: Roić Miodrag , Pivac Doris
Published: August 2024

The systematic approach to the establishment of a cadaster in most European countries has resulted in a variety of cadastral documents. Most official cadastral data are from the 19th and 20th centuries and are stored as hard copies or electronic data in a data warehouse, while the original documents are stored in analog format in separate locations, making the cadastral data difficult to access. The increasing interest in the use of archival cadastral documents has stimulated their digitalization in most countries, allowing users to access cadastral documents through metadata catalogs. Most catalogs use archival metadata standards to describe cadastral documents, with a lack of application of geoinformation metadata standards that represent fundamental spatial datasets. Archival metadata standards do not provide enough information about the origin and quality of cadastral data. The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of the ISO 19115-1 standard for describing cadastral documents. The methodology includes a comparison and an analysis of documents which are stored in different locations. The metadata of archived cadastral documents are recorded in archive inventories, and archives use different terminology for documents with the same content. The scientific contribution of this study is given by the classification of key documents and their associated properties that uniquely described each document. Four types of documents were classified by comparison, and we analyzed the content between documents. Property identification resulted in the semantic mapping to metadata elements of ISO 19115-1 and showed a considerable congruence of elements. It was possible to apply the ISO 19115-1 standard for describing documents of systematic cadaster establishment, with additional extensions for some elements. Proposed extensions to describe the cadastral documents include replacing free text with domains of appropriate values, adding stricter obligations, and restricting the use of domain values. The standardization of metadata for analog cadastral documents in archives has created a prerequisite for the development of a metadata catalog, which would increase the availability and accessibility of cadastral data for different user groups.
Land Rental Transactions in Ethiopian Peri-Urban Areas: Sex and Other Factors for Land Rent Transactions
Authors: Agegnehu Sayeh Kassaw , Mansberger Reinfried , Shita Moges Wubet , Nurie Derjew Fentie , Mengesha Ayelech Kidie
Published: August 2024

The continuous reduction in peri-urban agricultural land due to spatial urban expansion forces subsistence farmers to seek arable land through different land access strategies. Among these, land rental transactions are crucial for accessing arable land across different regions. This study aimed to examine factors affecting land rental transactions in the peri-urban areas of the East Gojjam Administrative Zone in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 353 household heads of peri-urban areas, who were affected by expropriation. A total of 350 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and an econometrics model. The results indicated that 58% of the respondents participated in both renting and renting out land, which underlines the importance of land rental transactions in the peri-urban areas. Specifically, 60% of female-headed households were engaged in land rental transactions, with 14% renting in and 46% renting out land. In contrast, 38% of the male-headed respondents rented land, while only 19% rented out land. The model result identified sex, landholding size, number of oxen, participation in off-farm activities, and extension service as significant determinant variables for renting land. Households made land rental agreements both orally and in written documents, with oral agreements being more prevalent. Transaction dues were conducted through sharecropping and fixed rents, with sharecropping being the most common method. Thus, land rental transactions play pivotal roles to support the livelihoods of peri-urban subsistence farmers.
Monitoring of Herbicide Residues in Agricultural Soils in Vojvodina Province (Northern Serbia)
Authors: Šunjka Dragana , Pucarević Mira , Lazić Sanja , Stojić Nataša , Milošević Ljiljana , El Bilali Hamid , Bošković Dragana , Vuković Slavica , Mitrić Siniša , Berjan Siniša , Šušnjar Aleksandra , Ećimović Jelena
Published: August 2024

Pesticides in soils raise concerns about the biodiversity, food safety, and contamination of watercourses, contributing to unsustainable land management practices. Monitoring the residue levels in agricultural soils is essential, as this offers valuable insights into the current extent of soil contamination and potential environmental risks attributed to their application. This study aimed to address the occurrence of the currently used herbicides in soil under intensive crop production, comparing the results of monitoring at two depths (0–30 and 30–60 cm) in 2013 and 2023. The research concerned the main agricultural area in Vojvodina Province (Serbia) and evaluated the presence of 41 herbicides in 128 localities. Pesticides were found in all samples, finding even more than six different herbicides per sample. The significant concentrations of s-metolachlor, etofumesate, clomazone, diflufenican, pendimethalin, and terbuthylazine found can be attributed to application practices, as they are typically applied pre-emergence, either through direct soil treatment with or without incorporation. Moreover, the correlation between different depths, herbicide residues, and soil properties was not significant. The decrease in the herbicide residues found in 2023 compared to the residues found in 2013 can be attributed to the implementation of good agricultural practices, which promote sustainable agricultural strategies through controlled pesticide application.
Twenty Years of Land Accounts in Europe
Authors: Ivits Eva , Orlitova Erika , Milego Roger , Maucha Gergely , Kosztra Barbara , Mancosu Emanuele , Fons Jaume , Gregor Mirko , Löhnertz Manuel , Hazeu Gerard
Published: August 2024

Land use and its change impact food security, carbon cycling, biodiversity, and, hence, the condition of ecosystems to mitigate and adapt to climate change, support economic prosperity, and human well-being. To support and guide policy actions between the economy and the environment, harmonized time series datasets, transparent methodologies, and easily interpretable statistics are needed. Therefore, monitoring of the function and condition of lands and their change, along with properly agreed methodologies and freely accessible data, are essential. The Copernicus Land Monitoring Service has produced over 20 years of Corine Land Cover datasets for 39 countries in Europe, which allows continental-wide harmonized and comparable monitoring and accounting of land cover and land use change at a high thematic resolution and in a long time series (2000–2018). With the upcoming 2024 update, the time series will reach a unique product worldwide in terms of time series length, spatial resolution, extent, and thematic detail, enabling policymakers and the scientific community to address the main anthropogenic drivers of land and ecosystem degradation. This paper describes a unified approach for producing continental-wide land accounts that aligns with internationally agreed-upon standards for measuring the environment and its relationship with the economy. Furthermore, the study provides a harmonized time series of geospatial data for deriving land accounts and provides statistics of land cover and land use status and changes for a twenty-year period. All geospatial data and statistics presented in this paper are freely accessible and downloadable to serve other studies.
Rediscovering Valley Hillslopes: Their Forms, Uses, and Considerations in Urban Planning Documents
Authors: Dallatorre Giacomo , Pepe Lauriano , Schmitz Serge
Published: August 2024

Re-considering the interactions between society and natural resources is fundamental in pursuing sustainability and adaptation to climate change in cities. The representation in urban planning instruments reveals an inadequate consideration of valley hillslopes as interface systems or as ‘places’ with possible multiple roles and meanings for populations. Beyond landslide and flooding considerations, valley hillslopes are scarcely identified as distinct entities from the valley and the plateau, investigated as sites of diverse possible uses, and analysed in terms of which variables related to the relief’s forms influence their use. Confronting urban planning instruments that reduce slopes to building spaces, this contribution advocates for a specific representation of valley hillslopes, highlighting the environment’s variety within which the system interacts, the diversity of uses, and the interrelationships between form and land cover. By combining GIS mapping and statistical analysis, this research proposes a multi-scalar approach based on identifying valley hillslopes delineated through minimum units (geochore), integrated with land cover clustering and an analysis of the potential relations between land cover and six explanatory variables. The research points out the singularity and complexity of valley hillslopes, which should be incorporated into urban planning policy as potential cultural, ecological, or recreational resources for populations.
Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment in Informal Settlements of the Global South: A Critical Review
Authors: Hussainzad Emal Ahmad , Gou Zhonghua
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the climatic risks and vulnerabilities of informal settlements in the Global South, as well as the extent to which these risks impact the vulnerabilities. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 methodology and deductive content analysis, this study critically examined 69 documents, including 28 scholarly journal articles obtained from Scopus and ScienceDirect and 41 web-based releases identified through the Google search engine and snowballing technique. Document inclusion criteria focused on the relevance to climate risks and vulnerabilities, excluding non-peer-reviewed, non-English, and unreliable sources, as well as irrelevant studies. Seven major climate risks impacting informal settlements were identified: floods (44), temperature changes (41), storms (31), sea level rise (30), drought (28), rainfall (23), and landslides (14). The primary vulnerabilities highlighted were poor housing conditions (64), health risks (50), lack of basic services (49), inadequate sanitation (41), inadequate hygiene (39), and limited access to water (38). The combination of vulnerabilities and climate risks creates considerable direct, indirect, and low-level threats to informal settlements. Despite Asia, Africa, and Latin America’s vulnerability, most studies focused on formal and developed areas. The findings highlight the critical need for climate adaptation strategies in informal settlements of the Global South to ensure the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are met.
Analysis of Spatial Divergence in Bird Diversity Driven by Built Environment Characteristics of Ecological Corridors in High-Density Urban Areas
Authors: Wang Di , Zhang Lang , Zhong Qicheng , Zhang Guilian , Chen Xuanying , Zhang Qingping
Published: August 2024

Urban ecological corridors play an important role in facilitating bird migration and maintaining biodiversity in urban landscapes as key connections between habitat patches. However, the effects of built environment characteristics of urban ecological corridors on bird diversity have not been well understood. In this study, we used Minhang District, Shanghai, as an example to describe the built environment of urban ecological corridors through three dimensions (habitat characteristics, degree of surrounding urbanization, and degree of slow-traffic connectivity). We calculated species richness, abundance, Shannon–Wiener index, and Simpson Index to assess bird diversity based on the bird observation dataset from the Citizen Science Data Sharing Platform. The effects of built environment characteristics of urban ecological corridors on bird diversity were quantified by the Generalized Linear Model. The results showed that: (1) There were significant differences in the built environment characteristics of urban ecological corridors, which formed the spatial differentiation pattern of bird diversity. (2) Different built environment features of urban ecological corridors have different impacts on bird diversity. Habitat suitability of urban ecological corridors was positively correlated with bird diversity, with birds preferring to inhabit waters with an area of more than 1 ha. The degree of urbanization was negatively correlated with bird diversity, with distance to the center of the area proving to have the strongest positive effect. The degree of slow-traffic connectivity proved that low-intensity human activities in urban ecological corridors had a lower impact on bird diversity. The above findings can provide scientific reference for the construction of urban and regional ecological networks in the future.
Disseminate Cutaneous Vasculitis Associated with Durvalumab Treatment—Case Report, Mini-Review on Cutaneous Side Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapies with Machine Learning Perspectives
Authors: Fekete Gyula Laszlo , Iantovics Laszlo Barna , Fekete Júlia Edit , Fekete Laszlo
Published: August 2024

Durvalumab is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody that has efficacy in many advanced-stage cancers, especially in small-cell lung cancer. The efficacy of durvalumab can be enhanced by chemotherapy. Cutaneous side effects due to treatment with durvalumab are usually self-limiting and easily manageable. We present a clinical case of a female patient aged 61, with small-cell lung carcinoma in stage III B, cT3N2M, who developed a disseminated cutaneous vasculitis after seven months of durvalumab monotherapy, having previously been treated with polychemotherapy according to oncological protocols. To the best of our knowledge, based on a comprehensive search in leading databases, like Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and some others, ours is the first published case of disseminated cutaneous vasculitis as a result of Durvalumab treatment. Anticancer immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has transformed the treatment and evolution of patients with multiple varieties of hematologic cancers. In this context, the cutaneous side effects due to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies are very few in the scientific literature. Based on this need, we have performed a mini-review of cutaneous side effects due to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies that treat actual aspects in this sense. We also present some artificial intelligence challenges and future perspectives in the combination of human reasoning and reasoning based on Artificial Intelligence for study of the very rare Disseminate cutaneous vasculitis associated with Durvalumab treatment.
Treatment of Severe Asthma: Case Report of Fast Action of Mepolizumab in a Patient with Recent SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Indolfi Cristiana , Dinardo Giulio , Klain Angela , Decimo Fabio , Miraglia del Giudice Michele
Published: August 2024

Asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of childhood with a heterogeneous impact on health and quality of life. Mepolizumab is an antagonist of interleukin-5, indicated as an adjunct therapy for severe refractory eosinophilic asthma in adolescents and children aged >6 years old. We present the case of a 9 year-old boy with severe asthma who experienced several asthmatic exacerbations following a SARS-CoV-2 infection, necessitating therapy with short-acting bronchodilators, oral corticosteroids, and hospitalization. We follow the patient using validated questionnaires for the evaluation of asthma control: Children Asthma Control Test, Asthma Control Questionnaire, respiratory function tests, and evaluation of exhaled nitric oxide fraction. After 12 weeks from the start of therapy with mepolizumab, we found significant improvements in lung function, a reduction in the degree of bronchial inflammation, and improvements in quality of life. No asthmatic exacerbations have been reported since the initiation of treatment with mepolizumab. Respiratory infections, such as those related to SARS-CoV-2, represent a significant risk factor for exacerbations in patients with moderate to severe forms of asthma. In our experience, following new episodes of exacerbation, the initiation of treatment with mepolizumab has allowed us to improve asthma control and enhance the quality of life of patients from the first doses. Although mepolizumab showed promise in this child with severe asthma during SARS-CoV-2 infection, the results from this single case cannot be generalized. Further studies are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.
A Review of the Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance through Wastewater Treatment Plants: Current Situation in Sri Lanka and Future Perspectives
Authors: Gunawardana Wasana , Kalupahana Ruwani S. , Kottawatta Sanda A. , Gamage Ashoka , Merah Othmane
Published: August 2024

The emergence of antibiotic resistance (AR) poses a significant threat to both public health and aquatic ecosystems. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as potential hotspots for disseminating AR in the environment. However, only a limited number of studies have been conducted on AR dissemination through WWTPs in Sri Lanka. To address this knowledge gap in AR dissemination through WWTP operations in Sri Lanka, we critically examined the global situation of WWTPs as hotspots for transmitting antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) by evaluating more than a hundred peer-reviewed international publications and available national publications. Our findings discuss the current state of operating WWTPs in the country and highlight the research needed in controlling AR dissemination. The results revealed that the impact of different wastewater types, such as clinical, veterinary, domestic, and industrial, on the dissemination of AR has not been extensively studied in Sri Lanka; furthermore, the effectiveness of various wastewater treatment techniques in removing ARGs requires further investigation to improve the technologies. Furthermore, existing studies have not explored deeply enough the potential public health and ecological risks posed by AR dissemination through WWTPs.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations Guide the Gasification Process of Carbon-Supported Nickel Catalysts in Biomass Supercritical Water
Authors: Wu Yuhui , Wu Liang , Liu Fan , Qiu Yue , Dong Runqiu , Chen Jingwei , Liu Daoxiu , Wang Le , Yi Lei
Published: August 2024

In this study, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) Calculations for Molecules and Clusters—ADF module is employed to model carbon-supported nickel catalysts and lignin monomers, integrating the ReaxFF module to simulate molecular dynamics under supercritical water conditions, with a focus on lignin decomposition reactions. Molecular dynamics models for supercritical water gasification are established under various conditions such as catalyst presence, water molecule quantities, and reaction temperature. By comparing simulation systems under different conditions, the yields of and variations in combustible gases (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) are summarized. Introducing heteroatoms into the lattice of the carbon support can alter the electronic structure within graphene, thereby influencing its electrical and electrochemical properties, increasing the number of active sites, and significantly enhancing electrocatalytic activity. Simulation results indicate that carbon-supported nickel metal catalysts can promote the cleavage of C–C bonds in lignin monomers, thereby increasing the rate of water–gas shift reactions and boosting hydrogen production in the system by 105%. Increasing water molecule quantities favored water–gas shift reactions and hydrogen generation while lowering carbon monoxide formation. Moreover, elevating reaction temperatures led to increased hydrogen and carbon monoxide production rates, which were particularly pronounced between 2500 K and 3500 K. These findings offer crucial theoretical insights for advancing efficient hydrogen production through biomass supercritical water gasification.
Cutting-Edge Perovskite-Based Flexible Pressure Sensors Made Possible by Piezoelectric Innovation
Authors: Naz Adeela , Meng Yuan , Luo Jingjing , Khan Imtiaz Ahmad , Abbas Rimsha , Yu Suzhu , Wei Jun
Published: August 2024

In the area of flexible electronics, pressure sensors are a widely utilized variety of flexible electronics that are both indispensable and prevalent. The importance of pressure sensors in various fields is currently increasing, leading to the exploration of materials with unique structural and piezoelectric properties. Perovskite-based materials are ideal for use as flexible pressure sensors (FPSs) due to their flexibility, chemical composition, strain tolerance, high piezoelectric and piezoresistive properties, and potential integration with other technologies. This article presents a comprehensive study of perovskite-based materials used in FPSs and discusses their components, performance, and applications in detecting human movement, electronic skin, and wireless monitoring. This work also discusses challenges like material instability, durability, and toxicity, the limited widespread application due to environmental factors and toxicity concerns, and complex fabrication and future directions for perovskite-based FPSs, providing valuable insights for researchers in structural health monitoring, physical health monitoring, and industrial applications.
Enhancing Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review of Sericin and Chelidonium majus L. as Potential Dressings
Authors: Borges Ana , Calvo María Luisa Martín , Vaz Josiana A. , Calhelha Ricardo C.
Published: August 2024

Wound healing, a complex physiological process orchestrating intricate cellular and molecular events, seeks to restore tissue integrity. The burgeoning interest in leveraging the therapeutic potential of natural substances for advanced wound dressings is a recent phenomenon. Notably, Sericin, a silk-derived protein, and Chelidonium majus L. (C. majus), a botanical agent, have emerged as compelling candidates, providing a unique combination of natural elements that may revolutionize conventional wound care approaches. Sericin, renowned for its diverse properties, displays unique properties that accelerate the wound healing process. Simultaneously, C. majus, with its diverse pharmacological compounds, shows promise in reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. As the demand for innovative wound care solutions increases, understanding the therapeutic potential of natural products becomes imperative. This review synthesizes current knowledge on Sericin and C. majus, envisioning their future roles in advancing wound management strategies. The exploration of these natural substances as constituents of wound dressings provides a promising avenue for developing sustainable, effective, and biocompatible materials that could significantly impact the field of wound healing.
Thermal Relaxation in Janus Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Bilayers
Authors: Sgouros Aristotelis P. , Michos Fotios I. , Sigalas Michail M. , Kalosakas George
Published: August 2024

In this work, we employ molecular dynamics simulations with semi-empirical interatomic potentials to explore heat dissipation in Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (JTMDs). The middle atomic layer is composed of either molybdenum (Mo) or tungsten (W) atoms, and the top and bottom atomic layers consist of sulfur (S) and selenium (Se) atoms, respectively. Various nanomaterials have been investigated, including both pristine JTMDs and nanostructures incorporating inner triangular regions with a composition distinct from the outer bulk material. At the beginning of our simulations, a temperature gradient across the system is imposed by heating the central region to a high temperature while the surrounding area remains at room temperature. Once a steady state is reached, characterized by a constant energy flux, the temperature control in the central region is switched off. The heat attenuation is investigated by monitoring the characteristic relaxation time (τav) of the local temperature at the central region toward thermal equilibrium. We find that SMoSe JTMDs exhibit thermal attenuation similar to conventional TMDs (τav~10–15 ps). On the contrary, SWSe JTMDs feature relaxation times up to two times as high (τav~14–28 ps). Forming triangular lateral heterostructures in their surfaces leads to a significant slowdown in heat attenuation by up to about an order of magnitude (τav~100 ps).
Mechanical and Drying Shrinkage Performance Study of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Prepared from Titanium Slag under Different Curing Conditions
Authors: Wang Jinxin , Li Jun , Gao Yan , Lu Zhongyuan , Hou Li
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the effects of various curing regimes, the incorporation of titanium slag, and the utilization of quartz sand on the strength properties and shrinkage behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). By using low-heat silicate cement to prepare UHPC, this study conducted standard curing and steam curing, and comprehensively analyzed the macro and micro performance of UHPC under different curing conditions. The findings indicate that the application of steam curing markedly enhances the mechanical attributes of UHPC while efficiently decreasing its drying shrinkage. In the comparative tests, we found that the compressive strength of concrete that had undergone 2 days of steam curing was 9.15% higher than that of concrete cured for 28 days under standard conditions. In addition, under the same curing conditions, titanium slag sand had higher mechanical properties than quartz sand. Under standard curing conditions, the 28-day compressive strength of UHPC using titaniferous slag aggregate was 12.64% higher than that of UHPC using standard sand. Through the data analysis of XRD, TG, and MIP, we found that the content of Ca(OH)2 in the hydration products after steam curing was reduced compared to the standard curing conditions, and the pore structure had been optimized. The UHPC prepared with titanium slag sand has greater advantages in mechanical properties and drying shrinkage, and has a smaller pore structure than the UHPC prepared with quartz sand. Moreover, the use of titanium slag sand offers ecological and economic benefits, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for high-performance construction applications.
Zirconia Dental Implant Designs and Surface Modifications: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ciszyński Michał , Chwaliszewski Bartosz , Simka Wojciech , Dominiak Marzena , Gedrange Tomasz , Hadzik Jakub
Published: August 2024

Titanium currently has a well-established position as the gold standard for manufacturing dental implants; however, it is not free of flaws. Mentions of possible soft-tissue discoloration, corrosion, and possible allergic reactions have led to the development of zirconia dental implants. Various techniques for the surface modification of titanium have been applied to increase titanium implants’ ability to osseointegrate. Similarly, to achieve the best possible results, zirconia dental implants have also had their surface modified to promote proper healing and satisfactory long-term results. Despite zirconium oxide being a ceramic material, not simply a metal, there have been mentions of it being susceptible to corrosion too. In this article, we aim to review the literature available on zirconia implants, the available techniques for the surface modification of zirconia, and the effects of these techniques on zirconia’s biological properties. Zirconia’s biocompatibility and ability to osseointegrate appears unquestionably good. Despite some of its mechanical properties being, factually, inferior to those of titanium, the benefits seem to outweigh the drawbacks. Zirconia implants show very good success rates in clinical research. This is partially due to available methods of surface treatment, including nanotopography alterations, which allow for improved wettability, bone-to-implant contact, and osteointegration in general.
Small Punch Testing of a Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy and Simulations under Different Stress Triaxialities
Authors: Wang Kun , Zhao Xilong , Cao Zeyu
Published: August 2024

The mechanical properties of local materials subjected to various stress triaxialities were investigated via self-designed small punch tests and corresponding simulations, which were tailored to the geometry and notch forms of the samples. The finite element model was developed on the basis of the actual test method. After verifying the accuracy of the simulation, the stress, strain, and void volume fraction distributions of the Ti6Al4V titanium alloy under different stress states were compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the local material significantly differ during downward pressing depending on the geometric shape. A three-dimensional tensile stress state was observed in the center area, where the void volume fraction was greater than the fracture void volume fraction. The fracture morphology of the samples further confirmed the presence of different stress states. Specifically, the fracture morphology of the globular head samples (with or without U-shaped notches) predominantly featured dimples. Modifying the specimen’s geometry effectively increased stress triaxiality, facilitating the determination of the material’s constitutive relationship under varying stress states.
Research Progress and Emerging Directions in Stimulus Electro-Responsive Polymer Materials
Authors: Jin Zifeng , Wei Xiaoyan , He Xiaojun , Wang Zhenglin , Zhao Zhibo , He Huan , Yang Ya’nan , Chen Nan
Published: August 2024

Stimulus electro-responsive polymer materials can reversibly change their physical or chemical properties under various external stimuli such as temperature, light, force, humidity, pH, and magnetic fields. This review introduces typical conventional stimulus electro-responsive polymer materials and extensively explores novel directions in the field, including multi-stimuli electro-responsive polymer materials and humidity electro-responsive polymer materials pioneered by our research group. Despite significant advancements in stimulus electro-responsive polymer materials, ongoing research focuses on enhancing their efficiency, lifespan, and production costs. Interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced technologies promise to broaden the application scope of these materials, particularly in medical and environmental protection fields, ultimately benefiting society.
Investigating the Effect of Perforations on the Load-Bearing Capacity of Cardboard Packaging
Authors: Andrzejak Kacper , Mrówczyński Damian , Gajewski Tomasz , Garbowski Tomasz
Published: August 2024

The impact of perforation patterns on the compressive strength of cardboard packaging is a critical concern in the packaging industry, where optimizing material usage without compromising structural integrity is essential. This study aims to investigate how different perforation designs affect the load-bearing capacity of cardboard boxes. Utilizing finite element method (FEM) simulations, we assessed the compressive strength of packaging made of various types of corrugated cardboards, including E, B, C, EB, and BC flutes with different heights. Mechanical testing was conducted to obtain accurate material properties for the simulations. Packaging dimensions were varied to generalize the findings across different sizes. Results showed that perforation patterns significantly influenced the compressive strength, with reductions ranging from 14% to 43%, compared to non-perforated packaging. Notably, perforations on multiple walls resulted in the highest strength reductions. The study concludes that while perforations are necessary for functionality and aesthetics, their design must be carefully considered to minimize negative impacts on structural integrity. These findings provide valuable insights for designing more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions in the industry.