bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic Surgery and Functional Esophageal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vertaldi Sara , D’Amore Anna , Manigrasso Michele , Anoldo Pietro , Chini Alessia , Maione Francesco , Pesce Marcella , Sarnelli Giovanni , De Palma Giovanni Domenico , Milone Marco
Published: January 2023

The functional disease of the esophago-gastric junction (EGJ) is one of the most common health problems. It often happens that patients suffering from GERD need surgical management. The laparoscopic fundoplication has been considered the gold standard surgical treatment for functional diseases of the EGJ. The aim of our meta-analysis is to investigate functional outcomes after robotic fundoplication compared with conventional laparoscopic fundoplication. A prospective search of online databases was performed by two independent reviewers using the search string “robotic and laparoscopic fundoplication”, including all the articles from 1996 to December 2021. The risk of bias within each study was assessed with the Cochrane ROBINS-I and RoB 2.0 tools. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4. In addition, sixteen studies were included in the final analysis, involving only four RCTs. The primary endpoints were functional outcomes after laparoscopic (LF) and robotic fundoplication (RF). No significant differences between the two groups were found in 30-day readmission rates (p = 0.73), persistence of symptomatology at follow-up (p = 0.60), recurrence (p = 0.36), and reoperation (p = 0.81). The laparoscopic fundoplication represents the gold standard treatment for the functional disease of the EGJ. According to our results, the robotic approach seems to be safe and feasible as well. Further randomized controlled studies are required to better evaluate the advantages of robotic fundoplication.
Use of Telemedicine Healthcare Systems in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Disease or in Transition Stages of Life: Consensus Document of the Italian Society of Telemedicine (SIT), of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics (SIPPS), of the Italian Society of Pediatric Primary Care (SICuPP), of the Italian Federation of Pediatric Doctors (FIMP) and of the Syndicate of Family Pediatrician Doctors (SIMPeF)
Authors: Esposito Susanna , Rosafio Cristiano , Antodaro Francesco , Argentiero Alberto , Bassi Marta , Becherucci Paolo , Bonsanto Fabio , Cagliero Andrea , Cannata Giulia , Capello Fabio , Cardinale Fabio , Chiriaco Tiziana , Consolaro Alessandro , Dessì Angelica , Di Mauro Giuseppe , Fainardi Valentina , Fanos Vassilios , Guarino Alfredo , Li Calzi Giada , Lodi Elisa , Maghnie Mohamad , Manfredini Luca , Malorgio Emanuela , Minuto Nicola , Modena Maria Grazia , Montori Rossano , Moscatelli Andrea , Patrone Elisa , Pescio Elena , Poeta Marco , Ravelli Angelo , Spelta Maddalena , Suppiej Agnese , Vai Sergio , Villa Luca , Zanini Rinaldo , Botti Renato , Gaddi Antonio Vittorino
Published: January 2023

Telemedicine is considered an excellent tool to support the daily and traditional practice of the health profession, especially when referring to the care and management of chronic patients. In a panorama in which chronic pathologies with childhood onset are constantly increasing and the improvement of treatments has allowed survival for them into adulthood, telemedicine and remote assistance are today considered effective and convenient solutions both for the chronic patient, who thus receives personalized and timely assistance, and for the doctors, who reduce the need for direct intervention, hospitalizations and consequent management costs. This Consensus document, written by the main Italian Scientific Societies involved in the use of telemedicine in pediatrics, has the objectives to propose an organizational model based on the relationships between the actors who participate in the provision of a telemedicine service aimed at minors with chronic pathologies, identifying specific project links between the areas of telemedicine in the developmental age from the first 1000 days of life to the age adult. The future scenario will have to be able to integrate digital innovation in order to offer the best care to patients and citizens. It will have to be able to provide the involvement of patients from the very beginning of the design of any care pathway, increasing where possible the proximity of the health service to citizens.
The Relationship among Anxiety, Worry, Perceived Stress, Defense Mechanisms, and High Levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms: A Discriminant Analytic Approach
Authors: Gori Alessio , Topino Eleonora , Musetti Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a pathological condition that may lead to a significant deterioration in the quality of life over time. Therefore, the study of the elements that can characterize the disorder could be considered of great clinical interest and relevance. The aim of the present research was to empirically discriminate the influence of perceived stress, state anxiety, worry, and defense mechanisms (mature, neurotic, and immature) at different levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms. A sample of 1250 participants (69.5% women, 30.5% men; Mage = 34.52, SD = 11.857) completed an online survey including the Impact of Event Scale—Revised, Ten-Item Perceived Stress Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, Forty Item Defense Style Questionnaire, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory—Form X3. Data were analysed by implementing MANOVA and discriminant analysis. Results showed significant differences in the levels of perceived stress, state anxiety, and worry, as well as neurotic and immature defenses based on the levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms: F(12,2484) = 85.682, p < 0.001; Wilk’s Λ = 0.430. Furthermore, these variables discriminate significant accuracy between participants who reported a mild psychological impact and those with a probable presence of PTSD, with perceived stress, which was found to be the best predictor. Classification results indicated that the original grouped cases were classified with 86.3% overall accuracy. Such findings may provide useful insight for clinical practice.
How SARS-CoV-2 Infection Impacts the Management of Patients with Vulvar Cancer: Experience in a Third-Level Hospital of Southern Italy
Authors: Della Corte Luigi , Cafasso Valeria , Boccia Dominga , Morra Ilaria , De Angelis Carmine , De Placido Sabino , Giampaolino Pierluigi , Di Carlo Costantino , Bifulco Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Background: Since February 2020, the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy has induced the government to call for lockdown of any activity apart from primary needs, and changing the lives of each of us. All that has dramatically impacted the management of patients affected by cancer. Patients with vulvar cancer (VC) represent a particularly frail population because they are elderly and affected by multiple comorbidities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on VC patients in terms of delay or impossibility of carrying out the scheduled treatment. Methods: The medical records of patients affected by vulvar tumors, referred to “DAI Materno-Infantile” of AOU Federico II of Naples between February 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in nasopharyngeal swab defined the positivity to SARS-CoV-2. Results: Twenty-four patients with VC were analyzed and scheduled for treatment. The median age was 70.7 years (range: 59–80). Seven (29.2%) patients were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection: In three (42.8%) patients, the treatment was delayed with no apparent consequences, in four (57.2%), the treatment was delayed or changed due to cancer progression and, of these four, one died due to respiratory complications of COVID-19, and one died due to oncologic disease progression. Conclusion: COVID-19 caused, in most cases, significant delays in oncologic treatments and high mortality in our series of patients affected by VC.
Both Motor and Non-Motor Fluctuations Matter in the Clinical Management of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Carpi Matteo , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Cofano Stefano , Fernandes Mariana , Cerroni Rocco , De Cillis Francesca , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Stefani Alessandro , Liguori Claudio
Published: January 2023

Non-motor symptoms (NMS) characterize the Parkinson’s disease (PD) clinical picture, and as well as motor fluctuations, PD patients can also experience NMS fluctuations (NMF). The aim of this observational study was to investigate the presence of NMS and NMF in patients with PD using the recently validated Non-Motor Fluctuation Assessment questionnaire (NoMoFa) and to evaluate their associations with disease characteristics and motor impairment. Patients with PD were consecutively recruited, and NMS, NMF, motor impairment, motor fluctuations, levodopa-equivalent daily dose, and motor performance were evaluated. One-third of the 25 patients included in the study (10 females, 15 males, mean age: 69.9 ± 10.3) showed NMF, and patients with NMF presented a higher number of NMS (p < 0.01). Static NMS and NoMoFa total score were positively associated with motor performance assessed with the Global Mobility Task (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), and the latter was also correlated with motor impairment (p < 0.05) but not with motor fluctuations. Overall, this study shows evidence that NMF are frequently reported by mild-to-moderate PD patients and associated with an increased number of NMS. The relationship between NoMoFa total score and motor functioning highlights the importance of understanding the clinical role of NMS and NMF in the management of PD patients.
Nomograms for Predicting Disease-Free Survival Based on Core Needle Biopsy and Surgical Specimens in Female Breast Cancer Patients with Non-Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Lan Ailin , Li Han , Chen Junru , Shen Meiying , Jin Yudi , Dai Yuran , Jiang Linshan , Dai Xin , Peng Yang , Liu Shengchun
Published: January 2023

Purpose: While a pathologic complete response (pCR) is regarded as a surrogate endpoint for pos-itive outcomes in breast cancer (BC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), fore-casting the prognosis of non-pCR patients is still an open issue. This study aimed to create and evaluate nomogram models for estimating the likelihood of disease-free survival (DFS) for non-pCR patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 607 non-pCR BC patients was conducted (2012–2018). After converting continuous variables to categorical variables, variables entering the model were progressively identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and then pre-NAC and post-NAC nomogram models were developed. Regarding their discrimination, ac-curacy, and clinical value, the performance of the models was evaluated by internal and external validation. Two risk assessments were performed for each patient based on two models; patients were separated into different risk groups based on the calculated cut-off values for each model, including low-risk (assessed by the pre-NAC model) to low-risk (assessed by the post-NAC model), high-risk to low-risk, low-risk to high-risk, and high-risk to high-risk groups. The DFS of different groups was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Both pre-NAC and post-NAC nomogram models were built with clinical nodal (cN) status and estrogen receptor (ER), Ki67, and p53 status (all p < 0.05), showing good discrimination and calibration in both internal and external validation. We also assessed the performance of the two models in four subtypes, with the tri-ple-negative subtype showing the best prediction. Patients in the high-risk to high-risk subgroup have significantly poorer survival rates (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Two robust and effective nomo-grams were developed to personalize the prediction of DFS in non-pCR BC patients treated with NAC.
Explore the Feeling of Presence and Purchase Intention in Livestream Shopping: A Flow-Based Model
Authors: Yin Jielin , Huang Yinghua , Ma Zhenzhong
Published: January 2023

Livestream shopping has attracted great attention in an increasingly digitalized society. This study is to explore the mechanism through which social presence and physical presence affect consumer purchase intentions in livestream shopping as an emerging e-commerce model. Based on the flow theory, this study proposes an integrated model to explain the mechanism through which the feeling of presence affects consumers’ purchase intentions in livestream shopping. Empirical data on livestream shopping were collected in China to test the proposed model for an exploratory study. The results show that the feeling of physical presence influences consumers’ purchase intentions through concentration and perceived control, and the feeling of social presence influences consumers’ purchase intentions through concentration and enjoyment, and, thus, both social presence and physical presence are important elements in livestream shopping. This study provides a better understanding on the mechanism of how the feeling of presence helps improve purchase intentions in livestream shopping. This study shows both physical presence and social presence are positively related to consumers’ purchase intention, but with different paths, and, thus, sheds new lights on the feeling of presence and its impact on consumer behaviors in e-commerce.
Effect of Light Heterogeneity Caused by Photovoltaic Panels on the Plant–Soil–Microbial System in Solar Park
Authors: Li Cui , Liu Jinxian , Bao Jiabing , Wu Tiehang , Chai Baofeng
Published: January 2023

The large-scale construction of photovoltaic (PV) panels causes heterogeneity in environmental factors, such as light, precipitation, and wind speed, which may lead to microhabitat climate changes that may affect ecosystems. In this study, plant–soil–microbial systems in shady and non-shady gaps of PV panels in a solar park in Northern China were investigated. The shading caused by the PV panels significantly affected the alpha diversity of plant and fungal communities (p < 0.05). The compositions of plant and soil microbial (bacteria, fungi, and protists) communities were significantly different between shady and non-shady areas (p < 0.05), and the beta diversity of the plant community was significantly correlated with that of the soil microbial community (p < 0.05). Shading enhanced the complexity of microbial communities by strengthening the associations among soil microbes. Photosynthetically active radiation was the main driving factor in the assembly of aboveground and belowground communities on a small scale, and it indirectly shaped the microbial community through its effects on the plant community. This study highlights the important effects of light on microbial community formation and on the relationships among communities in plant–soil–microbial systems. Thus, the effects of solar park establishment on degraded ecosystems should be considered.
(Extreme) Polymorphism in Occitan Verb Morphology
Authors: Floricic Franck
Published: January 2023

Polymorphism has long been recognized as a crucial dimension of the nature of language. One of the merits of dialectology and dialectologists is emphasis on the inherently variable and polymorphic nature of linguistic systems, which are always in a state of relative equilibrium and stability. The most striking features of the Occitan data that will be discussed lies in the possibility of finding various forms in a given cell in certain paradigms; more strikingly, it will be shown that two or three (even four) paradigms for one and the same (tense) verb may coexist in the same variety. It will be argued that if polymorphism is the natural state of linguistic systems, it is also anti-economic from a cognitive and processing point of view. It follows that the diachronic evolution of languages tends to develop adaptive solutions to circumvent the potential drawbacks of extreme polymorphism: “natural selection” leads to the reduction or elimination of morphological proliferation. Of course, before reduction or elimination take place, a more or less extended period of time may elapse during which a preference for some paradigmatic options may arise.
Association of the Mannose-Binding Lectin 2 BB Genotype with COVID-19-Related Mortality
Authors: Kashiwagi Yasuyo , Suzuki Shinji , Takahashi Ryo , Yamanaka Gaku , Hirai Yuji , Kawashima Hisashi
Published: January 2023

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is crucial in first-line immune defenses. There are still many unknown factors regarding the mechanisms causing variability in the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In Japan, there have been few reports to date regarding the association between MBL and COVID-19. It has been demonstrated that the MBL2 gene B variant at codon 54 (rs1800450) is associated with variabilities in the clinical course of COVID-19. We aimed to investigate how the level of serum MBL and the codon 54 variant of MBL (rs1800450) affect the disease severity of COVID-19. A total of 59 patients from the fourth wave and 49 patients from the fifth wave in Japan were analyzed based on serum MBL levels using ELISA and the genotype of MBL2 codon 54 using PCR reaction. There was no significant association between serum MBL levels and age. MBL2 genotype was independent of age, there was no significant difference in different COVID-19 severities, MBL genotypes, and serum MBL levels. Binary logistic regression analysis to identify predisposing factors for severe COVID-19 symptoms demonstrated that patients with the BB genotype had a higher risk of death from COVID-19. Our results quantitatively demonstrated that the BB genotype might be a factor associated with death from COVID-19.
Application of Proton Irradiation in the Study of Accelerated Radiation Ageing in a GaAs Semiconductor
Authors: Neuhold Igor , Noga Pavol , Sojak Stanislav , Petriska Martin , Degmova Jarmila , Slugen Vladimir , Krsjak Vladimir
Published: January 2023

Proton irradiation experiments have been used as a surrogate for studying radiation effects in numerous materials for decades. The abundance and accessibility of proton accelerators make this approach convenient for conducting accelerated radiation ageing studies. However, developing new materials with improved radiation stability requires numerous model materials, test samples, and very effective utilization of the accelerator beam time. Therefore, the question of optimal beam current, or particle flux, is critical and needs to be adequately understood. In this work, we used 5 MeV protons to introduce displacement damage in gallium arsenide samples using a wide range of flux values. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was used to quantitatively assess the concentration of radiation-induced survived vacancies. The results show that proton fluxes in range between 1011 and 1012 cm−2.s−1 lead to a similar concentration of monovacancies generated in the GaAs semiconductor material, while a further increase in the flux leads to a sharp drop in this concentration.
Raclopride-Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: A Promising Technology for Selective [11C]Raclopride Purification
Authors: Del Sole Roberta , Pascali Giancarlo , Mele Giuseppe , Perkins Gary , Mergola Lucia
Published: January 2023

In this work, we developed a novel approach to purify [11C]Raclopride ([11C]RAC), an important positron emission tomography radiotracer, based on tailored shape-recognition polymers, with the aim to substitute single-pass HPLC purification with an in-flow trap & release process. Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) applied to solid phase extraction (MISPE) was investigated to develop a setting able to selectively extract [11C]RAC in a mixture containing a high amount of its precursor, (S)-O-Des-Methyl-Raclopride (DM-RAC). Two imprinted polymers selective for unlabeled RAC and DM-RAC were synthesized through a radical polymerization at 65 °C using methacrylic acid and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate in the presence of template molecule (RAC or DM-RAC). The prepared polymer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and tested in MISPE experiments. The polymers were used in testing conditions, revealing a high retention capacity of RAC-MISPE to retain RAC either in the presence of similar concentrations of RAC and DM-RAC precursor (96.9%, RSD 6.6%) and in the presence of a large excess of precursor (90%, RSD 4.6%) in the loading solution. Starting from these promising results, preliminary studies for selective purification of [11C]Raclopride using this RAC-MISPE were performed and, while generally confirming the selectivity capacity of the polymer, revealed challenging applicability to the current synthetic process, mainly due to high backpressures and long elution times.
Mechanical Performance, Microstructure, and Porosity Evolution of Fly Ash Geopolymer after Ten Years of Curing Age
Authors: Aziz Ikmal Hakem A. , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Razak Rafiza Abd , Yahya Zarina , Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar Mohd , Chaiprapa Jitrin , Rojviriya Catleya , Vizureanu Petrica , Sandu Andrei Victor , Tahir Muhammad FaheemMohd , Abdullah Alida , Jamaludin Liyana
Published: January 2023

This paper elucidates the mechanical performance, microstructure, and porosity evolution of fly ash geopolymer after 10 years of curing age. Given their wide range of applications, understanding the microstructure of geopolymers is critical for their long-term use. The outcome of fly ash geopolymer on mechanical performance and microstructural characteristics was compared between 28 days of curing (FA28D) and after 10 years of curing age (FA10Y) at similar mixing designs. The results of this work reveal that the FA10Y has a beneficial effect on strength development and denser microstructure compared to FA28D. The total porosity of FA10Y was also lower than FA28D due to the anorthite formation resulting in the compacted matrix. After 10 years of curing age, the 3D pore distribution showed a considerable decrease in the range of 5–30 µm with the formation of isolated and intergranular holes.
A Finite/Spectral Element Hybrid Method for Modeling and Band-Gap Characterization of Metamaterial Sandwich Plates
Authors: E Linzhongyang , Wu Zhijing , Li Fengming , Zou Guangping
Published: January 2023

In this study, elastic metamaterial sandwich plates with axially deformed Timoshenko beam cores, considering both the out-of-plane and in-plane deformations of the face plates, are designed and the vibration band-gap properties are explored. The beam cores act as local resonators that can bear axial force, bending moment and shearing force. The finite element method (FEM) and the spectral element method (SEM) are combined to create the finite/spectral element hybrid method (FE-SEHM) for establishing the dynamic model and calculating the frequency response functions (FRFs) of the elastic metamaterial sandwich plate with axially deformed beam cores. It is observed that the metamaterial sandwich plate possesses both the axial and transverse vibration band-gaps of the beams, and the two kinds of band-gaps are independent. Compared with the metamaterial sandwich plates with rod cores, those with axially deformed beam cores have more extensive application ranges for vibration reduction.
Investigation on Performance of Hydraulically Expanded Joint of Titanium–Steel Clad Tubesheet
Authors: Li Jia , Li Juan , Zhang Yuyan , Zhou Changyu
Published: January 2023

The performance of a hydraulically expanded joint between tubesheet and titanium tube was analyzed using a finite element numerical calculation. The connection strength of Q345R tubesheet and TA2-Q345R clad tubesheet was studied using a tight expansion method. The results proved that the residual contact pressure and pullout force of the tight expansion joint of TA2-Q345R clad tubesheet were greater than those of the Q345R tubesheet. However, the residual contact pressure of the expanded joint without a groove for the TA2-Q345R tubesheet and the pullout force failed to meet the requirement of connection strength. Hence, the groove was employed on the contact surface. The influences of groove position and groove width on the connection strength of the expanded joint with grooves in tubesheet hole were studied. The results show that the residual contact pressure of the clad tubesheet of grooving in the cladding layer was higher than that of grooving in the base layer. The effect of the position of groove in the cladding layer and base layer on the residual contact pressure could be neglected. A wider groove led to a higher residual contact pressure, which increased significantly when the groove width was 4 mm.
Tensile Performance Test Research of Hybrid Steel Fiber—Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Gong Chenjie , Kang Lei , Zhou Wenhan , Liu Linghui , Lei Mingfeng
Published: January 2023

Notched beam specimens were loaded by the three-point bending test device, and the effects of different volume contents and combinations of steel fibers on the tensile properties of hybrid steel fiber–reinforced self-compacting concrete (HSFRSCC) were studied. The failure law and strain field distribution of the specimens were studied by digital image correlation (DIC) technology. Moreover, the curves between the load and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) of 18 groups of hybrid steel fiber–reinforced concrete specimens were obtained, and the stress–strain curves of 18 groups of specimens were derived from the load–CMOD curves. The results show that both single and hybrid steel fibers can improve the crack deformation resistance and tensile properties of concrete, but hybrid steel fibers have a more significant improvement effect. Only when the content of steel fiber is more than 0.6% can it have a more obvious postpeak descending section, and hybrid steel fiber has higher postpeak deformation capacity and flexural toughness. The fundamental reason why concrete with hybrid steel fibers has better tensile properties is that micro and macro steel fibers cooperate with each other to resist cracks, improving the toughness of concrete after cracking. Finally, the mechanism of different size and volume content of steel fiber was analyzed from the micro level, which can be used as a reference for the engineering design of HSFRSCC in the future.
Arrhenius Crossover Temperature of Glass-Forming Liquids Predicted by an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Galimzyanov Bulat N. , Doronina Maria A. , Mokshin Anatolii V.
Published: January 2023

The Arrhenius crossover temperature, TA, corresponds to a thermodynamic state wherein the atomistic dynamics of a liquid becomes heterogeneous and cooperative; and the activation barrier of diffusion dynamics becomes temperature-dependent at temperatures below TA. The theoretical estimation of this temperature is difficult for some types of materials, especially silicates and borates. In these materials, self-diffusion as a function of the temperature T is reproduced by the Arrhenius law, where the activation barrier practically independent on the temperature T. The purpose of the present work was to establish the relationship between the Arrhenius crossover temperature TA and the physical properties of liquids directly related to their glass-forming ability. Using a machine learning model, the crossover temperature TA was calculated for silicates, borates, organic compounds and metal melts of various compositions. The empirical values of the glass transition temperature Tg, the melting temperature Tm, the ratio of these temperatures Tg/Tm and the fragility index m were applied as input parameters. It has been established that the temperatures Tg and Tm are significant parameters, whereas their ratio Tg/Tm and the fragility index m do not correlate much with the temperature TA. An important result of the present work is the analytical equation relating the temperatures Tg, Tm and TA, and that, from the algebraic point of view, is the equation for a second-order curved surface. It was shown that this equation allows one to correctly estimate the temperature TA for a large class of materials, regardless of their compositions and glass-forming abilities.
Study on the Wood Characteristics of the Chinese Ancient Ship Luoyang I
Authors: Liu Xinyou , Ma Wanrong , Tu Xinwei , Huang Houyi , Varodi Anca Maria
Published: January 2023

Luoyang No.1 is a Qing Dynasty (1644–1902) inland river ancient wooden shipwreck discovered in September 2013. It adds significantly to the study of Grand Canal transport history and Luoyang’s economic history. The wood characteristics of Luoyang No.1 were investigated in this study using chemical compositions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nano-indentation (NI), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the holocellulose content was only 32.84–37.69%, indicating that the cellulose and hemicellulose had been seriously degraded. Based on the XRD pattern, the degree of crystallinity of cellulose in wood ranged from 19.82 to 22.83%. The nano-indentation demonstrated that compared with the undegraded contemporary wood, the elastic modulus and hardness of the ancient ship wood decreased by 45.5% and 32.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the FTIR spectra revealed that the biological deterioration of ancient wood was indicated by a decrease in the peaks related to cellulose and hemicellulose, but the change in lignin was insignificant. The results could provide knowledge for appropriate dewatering, strengthening, restoration strategies and regulation of the museum environment.
The Effect of Few-Layer Graphene on the Complex of Hardness, Strength, and Thermo Physical Properties of Polymer Composite Materials Produced by Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D Printing
Authors: Kidalov Sergey , Voznyakovskii Alexander , Vozniakovskii Aleksei , Titova Sofia , Auchynnikau Yvgenii
Published: January 2023

The results of studying the effect of particles of few-layer graphene (FLG) synthesized by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) on the complex of strength and thermo physical properties of polymer composite products obtained by digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing are presented. It was discovered to achieve an increase in thermophysical and strength parameters of polymers modified by FLG compared with samples made on the unmodified base resin. This result was achieved due to low defectiveness, namely the absence of Stone–Wales defects in the structure of FLG due to the homogeneous distribution of FLG over the volume of the polymer in the form of highly dispersed aggregates. It was possible to increase hardness by 120%, bending strength by 102%, Charpy impact strength by 205%, and thermal conductivity at 25 °C by 572% at concentrations of few-layer graphene of no more than 2 wt. %.
Experimental Study on Bond Behavior of Glass Textile Mesh in Earth-Based Matrix
Authors: Han Weinan , Wu Feng , Zhao Yugang , Wang Haitao , Chu Shenglin
Published: January 2023

The bond behavior between the textile and the earth-based matrix determined the reinforcement effectiveness of the composite systems. This paper presented a pull-out experimental study on the glass textile mesh reinforced earth-based matrix. The bond behavior was studied using different development length, mesh spacing size and matrix thickness, with a total of 32 experimental specimens. The test results showed that the peak pull-out force had increased by 31.7% and 40.5% with 200 mm and 300 mm versus 100 mm development length, respectively. The 16 mm compared to 10 mm matrix thickness specimens had a high strength improvement (9.73%) because the elevated thickness had increased the matrix strength. However, the 20 mm versus 10 mm mesh spacing size specimens had achieved a slight reduction (5.72%) due to the reduction in the number of textiles along the weft direction. The failure mode shifted from pulling out, compound modes (both pulling out and textile rupture) to textile rupture mainly accompanied by elevated development length. In addition, we discussed the applicability of the trilinear bond-slip model on the earth-based matrix and proposed a method based on the fracture energy concept for estimating the effective development length, which could provide a reference for future research.
Twinning Behavior, Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Property of Random-Orientated ZK60 Mg Alloy Compressed at Room Temperature
Authors: Zhang Chengyu , Wu Di , He Yanda , Pan Wenyu , Wang Jianqiu , Han Enhou
Published: January 2023

In this study, the uniaxial compression of random orientation ZK60 Mg alloy to different strains was performed at room temperature. The microstructure evolution was characterized mainly using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and the mechanical property was evaluated by the Vickers hardness test. During compression, extension twins nucleated, grew, and engulfed the grain. Twins form a texture with the c-axis parallel to the compression direction. With the massive nucleation and expansion of extension twins during compression, the twin boundary (TB) brought the grain refinement, and the twin boundary-dislocation interaction significantly increased the strain hardening rate of ZK60 Mg alloy, both leading to its significantly increasement of the hardness.
Spent Coffee as a Composite Filler for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Kruszelnicka Izabela , Michałkiewicz Michał , Ginter-Kramarczyk Dobrochna , Muszyński Przemysław , Materna Katarzyna , Wojcieszak Marta , Mizera Kamila , Ryszkowska Joanna
Published: January 2023

Currently composites play an important role in all aspects of engineering and technology, with constantly growing applications. Recently, more attention was focused on natural fillers due to their suitability as reinforcement materials in thermo-plastic matrices which improve the mechanical properties of these polymers. Biofillers are used due to their low cost, high strength rigidity, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and availability. Currently, spent coffee grounds (SCG) are attracting more attention as a natural filler since high amounts of SCG are generated every day (food waste of coffee processing). This study allowed us to determine the long-term effect of activated sludge microorganisms with known technical and technological parameters on the mechanical properties of composites with spent coffee grounds filler. The fittings consisted of high-density poly-ethylene (PE-HD), which was used as the matrix, and a filler based on spent coffee grounds (SCG), which was used as a modifier. It was established that the composition of the composite and its residence time in the bioreactor directly influenced the contact angle value. The shift of the contact angle value is associated with the formation of the biofilm on the tested materials. An increase in the contact angle was observed in the case of all samples tested in the bioreactor, with the lowest values equal to approx. 76.4° for sample A (PE-HD) and higher values of approx. 90° for the remaining composite samples with a coffee grounds filler. The research confirmed that the increased ratio of coffee grounds in the composite results in the increased diversity and abundance of microorganisms. The highest number and the greatest diversity of microorganisms were observed in the case of the composite with 40% coffee grounds after more than a year of exposure in the bioreactor, while the composite with 30% SCG was second. Ciliates (Ciliata), especially the sessile forms belonging to the Epistylis genus, were the most common and the most numerous group of microorganisms in the activated sludge and in the biofilm observed on the samples after immersion in the bioreactor. The conducted research confirms that the use of polymer composite mouldings with a filler in the form of spent coffee grounds as a carrier allows the efficient increase in the population of microorganisms in the bioreactor.
The Adsorption of CTC onto CFBs: A Study on Fabrication of Magnetic Cellulose/Fe3O4 Beads (CFBs) and Adsorption Kinetics
Authors: Wang Jing , Shan Ke , Tang Yanhua , Wu Na , Li Nan
Published: January 2023

Magnetic cellulose/Fe3O4 beads (CFBs) were fabricated by dispersing Fe3O4 particles in a microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) matrix. The CFBs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption behaviors of CFBs were studied by chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTC) adsorption experiments. By means of adsorption kinetics and isotherms, the adsorption mechanisms were explored. The results show that quasi-spherical CFBs with a BET surface area as high as 119.63 m2/g were successfully tailored, with the high saturation magnetization (Ms > 40 emu/g) guaranteeing the magnetic separation of CFBs from wastewater. The process of adsorbing CTC onto CFBs involves monolayer chemical adsorption, and the maximum adsorption capacity for CTC estimated by the Langmuir model is 89.53 mg/g. The CFB product shows better adsorption performance in acidic solution than in basic solution.
Joining Strategies for Double-Sided Self-Pierce Riveting
Authors: Afonso Rafael M. , Alves Luís M.
Published: January 2023

Double-sided self-pierce riveting (DSSPR) has been presenting itself as a proper alternative to self-pierce riveting (SPR) with many advantages for joining geometries of different thicknesses and cross-sections. To ensure its successful future industrial application, this paper presents a detailed comparison between different strategies to produce mechanical joints by means of the DSSPR process and discusses its performance and feasibility. Results show that the use of flat-bottom holes in both sheets provide interesting results, since they allow for a precise positioning of the tubular rivet in specific pre-defined locations, thus avoiding an incorrect joining procedure. This strategy tightens the tolerances of the process, while keeping a suitable level of destructive performance as demonstrated by the lap shear tests. Pre-riveting of the sheet has also been shown to produce suitable results in combination with or without a flat-bottom hole in the opposite sheet. This strategy comes at a cost of a slightly lower performance than that obtained with flat-bottom holes in both sheets, although the requirements of force and energy to complete the joining process are smaller. The conclusions of this research work are essential for selecting the joining strategy with DSSPR according to the requirements of the intended application.
Investigation of Microstructure and Wear Properties of Precipitates-Strengthened Cu-Ni-Si-Fe Alloy
Authors: Peng Chun-Hao , Hou Po-Yu , Lin Woei-Shyang , Shen Pai-Keng , Huang Hao-Hsuan , Yeh Jien-Wei , Yen Hung-Wei , Huang Cheng-Yao , Tsai Che-Wei
Published: January 2023

Based on multi-component alloys using precipitation hardening, a Cu-Ni-Si-Fe copper alloy was prepared and studied for hardness, electrical conductivity, and wear resistance. Copper Nickel Silicon (Cu-Ni-Si) intermetallic compounds were observed as precipitates, leading to an increase in mechanical and physical properties. Further, the addition of Fe was discussed in intermetallic compound formation. Moreover, microstructures, age hardening, and dry sliding wear resistances of the present alloy were analyzed and compared with C17200 beryllium copper. The results showed that the present alloy performed extraordinarily, with 314 HV in hardness and 22.2 %IACS in conductivity, which is almost similar to C17200 alloy. Furthermore, the dry sliding wear resistance of the present alloy was 2199.3 (m/MPa·mm3) at an ambient temperature, leading to an improvement of 208% compared with the C17200 alloy.
Fast and Sustained Axonal Growth by BDNF Released from Chitosan Microspheres
Authors: Aranaz Inmaculada , Acosta Niuris , Revuelta Julia , Bastida Agatha , Gómez-Casado Víctor , Civera Concepción , Garrido Leoncio , García-Junceda Eduardo , Heras Ángeles , Alcántara Andrés R. , Fernández-Mayoralas Alfonso , Doncel-Pérez Ernesto
Published: January 2023

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates dendritic branching and dendritic spine morphology, as well as synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation. Consequently, BDNF deficiency has been associated with some neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases. In contrast, elevated BDNF levels correlate with recovery after traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injuries. The utility of BDNF as a therapeutic agent is limited by its short half-life in a pathological microenvironment and its low efficacy caused by unwanted consumption of non-neuronal cells or inappropriate dosing. Here, we tested the activity of chitosan microsphere-encapsulated BDNF to prevent clearance and prolong the efficacy of this neurotrophin. Neuritic growth activity of BDNF release from chitosan microspheres was observed in the PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cell line, which is dependent on neurotrophins to differentiate via the neurotrophin receptor (NTR). We obtained a rapid and sustained increase in neuritic out-growth of cells treated with BDNF-loaded chitosan microspheres over control cells (p < 0.001). The average of neuritic out-growth velocity was three times higher in the BDNF-loaded chitosan microspheres than in the free BDNF. We conclude that the slow release of BDNF from chitosan microspheres enhances signaling through NTR and promotes axonal growth in neurons, which could constitute an important therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative diseases and CNS lesions.
Bioprospecting of Targeted Phenolic Compounds of Dictyota dichotoma, Gongolaria barbata, Ericaria amentacea, Sargassum hornschuchii and Ellisolandia elongata from the Adriatic Sea Extracted by Two Green Methods
Authors: Castillo Aly , Celeiro Maria , Lores Marta , Grgić Kristina , Banožić Marija , Jerković Igor , Jokić Stela
Published: January 2023

The content of bioactive compounds in four brown and one red algae from the Adriatic Sea (Dictyota dichotoma, Gongolaria barbata, Ericaria amentacea, Sargassum hornschuchii and Ellisolandia elongata) is explored. The efficiency of two different extraction methods viz. ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) to obtain the extracts rich in phenolic compounds was compared. The effect of the extraction solvent to modulate the phenolic profile was assessed. In general, the mixture ethanol/water in an isovolumetric proportion showed the best results. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA), as well as the individual polyphenolic profile, were evaluated for five target algae. TPC values ranged between 0.2 mg GAE/g (for E. elongata) and 38 mg GAE/g (for S. hornschuchii). Regarding the quantification of individual polyphenols by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, the presence of a high number of hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives (mainly of 3- and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids) in all species was noted. In G. barbata their concentrations reached up to 500 mg/kg. IC50 values (ABTS assay) ranged between 44 mg/L (for S. hornschuchii) and 11,040 mg/L (for E. elongata). This work contributes to the in-depth characterization of these little-explored algae, showing their potential as a natural source of phenolic compounds.
Pre- versus Post-Menopausal Onset of Overactive Bladder and the Response to Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Baruch Yoav , Torella Marco , De Bastiani Sarah , Meschia Michele , Candiani Massimo , Colacurci Nicola , Salvatore Stefano
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: This study examined the utility of local estrogen therapy for improving urinary symptoms in women diagnosed with Overactive Bladder allied to the time of onset of urinary symptoms whether pre- or post-menopausal. Materials and Methods: Subject to informed consent, menopausal women diagnosed with Overactive Bladder (OAB) and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) were enrolled at three urogynecological units. OAB symptoms were scored using the Global Pelvic Floor Symptoms Bother Questionnaire (GPFSBQ), with explicit attention to question number 3 that specifically addresses the presence or absence of urgency and the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS). The Vaginal Health Index (VHI) was used to assess the vaginal mucosa trophism. Exclusion criteria included: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ≥ stage II, urinary tract infection or disease, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, use of diuretics, alcohol or drug addictions, neurological and/or psychiatric disorders, and other precluding conditions. Women were treated with local estrogens for 3 months and re-evaluated. Results: Forty-three post-menopausal women were enrolled. Of these, ten women developed OAB symptoms before menopause (Group I) and 33 developed symptoms after menopause (Group II). Following local estrogen therapy, based on the Global Pelvic Floor Symptoms Bother Questionnaire, improvement of OAB symptoms was reported by 20% of patients in Group I (p = 0.414) and 64% of patients in Group II, (p = 0.002). Based on the PPIUS scale, diminution in urinary urgency was experienced by 20% of patients in Group I (p = 0.68) and 66% of patients in Group II (p = 0.036). Improved VHI scores were graded statisticaly significant in both groups (Group I in 100% of women, p = 0.005 vs. 76% in Group II, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our results indicate that local estrogen therapy is more effective in women who develop OAB after menopause.
Surgical Options for Peritoneal Surface Metastases from Digestive Malignancies—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Eftimie Mihai Adrian , Potlog Gheorghe , Alexandrescu Sorin Tiberiu
Published: January 2023

The peritoneum is a common site for the dissemination of digestive malignancies, particularly gastric, colorectal, appendix, or pancreatic cancer. Other tumors such as cholangiocarcinomas, digestive neuroendocrine tumors, or gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) may also associate with peritoneal surface metastases (PSM). Peritoneal dissemination is proven to worsen the prognosis of these patients. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS), along with systemic chemotherapy, have been shown to constitute a survival benefit in selected patients with PSM. Furthermore, the association of CRS with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) seems to significantly improve the prognosis of patients with certain types of digestive malignancies associated with PSM. However, the benefit of CRS with HIPEC is still controversial, especially due to the significant morbidity associated with this procedure. According to the results of the PRODIGE 7 trial, CRS for PSM from colorectal cancer (CRC) achieved overall survival (OS) rates higher than 40 months, but the addition of oxaliplatin-based HIPEC failed to improve the long-term outcomes. Furthermore, the PROPHYLOCHIP and COLOPEC trials failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of oxaliplatin-based HIPEC for preventing peritoneal metastases development in high-risk patients operated for CRC. In this review, we discuss the limitations of these studies and the reasons why these results are not sufficient to refute this technique, until future well-designed trials evaluate the impact of different HIPEC regimens. In contrast, in pseudomyxoma peritonei, CRS plus HIPEC represents the gold standard therapy, which is able to achieve 10-year OS rates ranging between 70 and 80%. For patients with PSM from gastric carcinoma, CRS plus HIPEC achieved median OS rates higher than 40 months after complete cytoreduction in patients with a peritoneal cancer index (PCI) ≤6. However, the data have not yet been validated in randomized clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the controversies regarding the most efficient drugs that should be used for HIPEC and the duration of the procedure. We also discuss the current evidence and controversies related to the benefit of CRS (and HIPEC) in patients with PSM from other digestive malignancies. Although it is a palliative treatment, pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC) significantly increases OS in patients with unresectable PSM from gastric cancer and represents a promising approach for patients with PSM from other digestive cancers.