bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Neuro-Adaptive Electrostimulation Therapy versus Sham for Refractory Urge Urinary Incontinence Due to Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Single-Blinded Trial
Authors: Zapico Álvaro , Ercilla Julia , Angulo Javier C. , Pérez Vicente , Cuenca Juan Nicolás , Barreira-Hernández Diana , Udina-Cortés Carlos
Published: January 2023

This randomized clinical trial evaluates the success rate of neuro-adaptive therapy (NAT), applied with a specific neuro-adaptive regulator device, the Self-Controlled Electro Neuro-Adaptive Regulation (SCENAR), versus a sham for urge incontinence due to an overactive bladder (OAB). From February 2019 to May 2021, 66 patients were recruited. All subjects were randomized 1:1 at the first intervention visit to the NAT or sham procedure. Inclusion criteria were females between 18 and 80 years old with leakages due to an overactive bladder with unresponsiveness to medical therapy. Subjects were scheduled to receive up to eight weekly 20 min intervention sessions to obtain a complete (CR) or partial response (PR). Patients with no response after three sessions were considered as a failure. The primary end point of this trial was to assess the efficacy of NAT compared to an inactive sham intervention, evaluated 1 month after the last session. Analysis showed 23 (70%) patients responded (20 complete and 3 partial response) in the NAT group compared to 16 (48%) patients (all complete response) in the placebo arm (p = 0.014). Significant differences were maintained after the intervention, with persistent response at 3 months in 19 (58%) patients after active treatment and 14 (42%) after the placebo (p < 0.001), and at 6 months in 18 (55%) vs. 11 (33%) (p = 0.022), respectively. The number of sessions to achieve CR was similar in both arms, with 4.3 ± 1.9 in NAT and 3.9 ± 1.8 in the sham group (NS). Significant differences were observed between both groups for patients’ satisfaction (p = 0.01). The binary model selected age as a predictor of response at the last follow-up. The odds ratio indicates that each year of increase in age, the probability of a positive response to treatment at 6 months decreases 0.95 (95% CI 0.9–0.99) times (p = 0.03). In conclusion, this pilot randomized trial gives evidence that neuro-adaptive electrostimulation is effective to treat refractory urge urinary incontinence due to OAB. The security and long-term efficacy of this treatment merits further evaluation. Moreover, its favorable profile and the economic advantages of the device make the evaluation of this promising technique mandatory in a primary therapeutic scenario.
Validation of the Fast-Track Model: A Simple Tool to Assess the Severity of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Meloni Marco , Bouillet Benjamin , Ahluwalia Raju , Sanchez-Rios Juan Pedro , Iacopi Elisabetta , Izzo Valentina , Manu Chris , Julien Vouillarmet , Luedmann Claas , Garcia-Klepzig José Luis , Guillaumat Jérome , Lazaro-Martinez Jose Luis
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to validate the association between the grades of severity of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) identified by the fast-tack model and specific outcomes. Three hundred and sixty-seven patients with new DFUs who were referred to a tertiary level diabetic foot service serving Rome, Italy, were included. The fast-track model identifies three levels of DFUs’ severity: uncomplicated DFUs, including superficial wounds, not-infected wounds, and not-ischemic wounds; complicated DFUs, including ischemic wounds, infected wounds, and deep ulcers involving the muscles, tendons, or bones, and any kind of ulcers in patients on dialysis and/or with heart failure; and severely complicated DFUs, including abscesses, wet gangrene, necrotizing fasciitis, fever, or clinical signs of sepsis. Healing, minor and major amputation, hospitalization, and survival after 24 weeks of follow-up were considered. Among the included patients, 35 (9.6%) had uncomplicated DFUs, 210 (57.2%) had complicated DFUs, and 122 (33.2%) had severely complicated DFUs. The outcomes for patients with uncomplicated, complicated, and severely complicated DFUs were as follows, respectively: healing, 97.1%, 86.2%, and 69.8%; minor amputation, 2.9%, 20%, and 66.4%; major amputation, 0%, 2.9%, and 16.4%; hospitalization, 14.3%, 55.7%, and 89.3%; survival, 100%, 96.7%, and 89.3%. DFU severity was an independent predictor of healing, amputation, hospitalization, and survival. The current study shows an association between the grade of severity of DFUs identified by the fast-track model and the considered outcomes. The fast-track model may be a useful tool for assessing the severity and prognosis of DFUs.
Cognitive Deficits in the Acute Phase of COVID-19: A Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jacot de Alcântara Isabele , Nuber-Champier Anthony , Voruz Philippe , Cionca Alexandre , Assal Frederic , Péron Julie A.
Published: January 2023

This meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the risk of patients exhibiting cognitive deficits in the acute phase of COVID-19 at the time of the first variants (i.e., before the vaccine) and quantify the potential vulnerability of older patients and those who experienced more severe respiratory symptoms. To this end, we searched the LitCovid and EMBASE platforms for articles, including preprints, and included all studies (n = 48) that featured a measurement of cognition, which encompassed 2233 cases of COVID-19. Of these, 28 studies reported scores on global cognitive efficiency scales administered in the acute phase of COVID-19 (up to 3 months after infection). We were able to perform a meta-analysis of proportions on 24 articles (Npatients = 943), and a logistic regression on 18 articles (Npatients = 518). The meta-analysis for proportion indicated that 52.31% of patients with COVID-19 exhibited cognitive deficits in the acute phase. This high percentage, however, has to be interpreted taking in consideration the fact that the majority of patients were hospitalized, and some presented neurological complications, such as encephalopathy. A bootstrap procedure with random resampling revealed that an age of 59 was the threshold at which one would be more prone to present cognitive deficits. However, the severity of respiratory symptoms did not influence the scores on a global cognitive efficiency scale. Overall, our results indicated that neuropsychological deficits were a major consequence of the acute phase of the first forms of COVID-19.
Novel Injectable Fluorescent Polymeric Nanocarriers for Intervertebral Disc Application
Authors: Arul Michael R. , Zhang Changli , Alahmadi Ibtihal , Moss Isaac L. , Banasavadi-Siddegowda Yeshavanth Kumar , Abdulmalik Sama , Illien-Junger Svenja , Kumbar Sangamesh G.
Published: January 2023

Damage to intervertebral discs (IVD) can lead to chronic pain and disability, and no current treatments can fully restore their function. Some non-surgical treatments have shown promise; however, these approaches are generally limited by burst release and poor localization of diverse molecules. In this proof-of-concept study, we developed a nanoparticle (NP) delivery system to efficiently deliver high- and low-solubility drug molecules. Nanoparticles of cellulose acetate and polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol conjugated with 1-oxo-1H-pyrido [2,1-b][1,3]benzoxazole-3-carboxylic acid (PBC), a novel fluorescent dye, were prepared by the oil-in-water emulsion. Two drugs, a water insoluble indomethacin (IND) and a water soluble 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), were used to study their release patterns. Electron microscopy confirmed the spherical nature and rough surface of nanoparticles. The particle size analysis revealed a hydrodynamic radius ranging ~150–162 nm based on dynamic light scattering. Zeta potential increased with PBC conjugation implying their enhanced stability. IND encapsulation efficiency was almost 3-fold higher than 4-AP, with release lasting up to 4 days, signifying enhanced solubility, while the release of 4-AP continued for up to 7 days. Nanoparticles and their drug formulations did not show any apparent cytotoxicity and were taken up by human IVD nucleus pulposus cells. When injected into coccygeal mouse IVDs in vivo, the nanoparticles remained within the nucleus pulposus cells and the injection site of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus of the IVD. These fluorescent nano-formulations may serve as a platform technology to deliver therapeutic agents to IVDs and other tissues that require localized drug injections.
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Ledoux Marie-Pierre , Herbrecht Raoul
Published: January 2023

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is growing in incidence, as patients at risk are growing in diversity. Outside the classical context of neutropenia, new risk factors are emerging or newly identified, such as new anticancer drugs, viral pneumonias and hepatic dysfunctions. Clinical signs remain unspecific in these populations and the diagnostic work-up has considerably expanded. Computed tomography is key to assess the pulmonary lesions of aspergillosis, whose various features must be acknowledged. Positron-emission tomography can bring additional information for diagnosis and follow-up. The mycological argument for diagnosis is rarely fully conclusive, as biopsy from a sterile site is challenging in most clinical contexts. In patients with a risk and suggestive radiological findings, probable invasive aspergillosis is diagnosed through blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples by detecting galactomannan or DNA, or by direct microscopy and culture for the latter. Diagnosis is considered possible with mold infection in lack of mycological criterion. Nevertheless, the therapeutic decision should not be hindered by these research-oriented categories, that have been completed by better adapted ones in specific settings. Survival has been improved over the past decades with the development of relevant antifungals, including lipid formulations of amphotericin B and new azoles. New antifungals, including first-in-class molecules, are awaited.
Effective One-Class Classifier Model for Memory Dump Malware Detection
Authors: Al-Qudah Mahmoud , Ashi Zein , Alnabhan Mohammad , Abu Al-Haija Qasem
Published: January 2023

Malware complexity is rapidly increasing, causing catastrophic impacts on computer systems. Memory dump malware is gaining increased attention due to its ability to expose plaintext passwords or key encryption files. This paper presents an enhanced classification model based on One class SVM (OCSVM) classifier that can identify any deviation from the normal memory dump file patterns and detect it as malware. The proposed model integrates OCSVM and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for increased model sensitivity and efficiency. An up-to-date dataset known as “MALMEMANALYSIS-2022” was utilized during the evaluation phase of this study. The accuracy achieved by the traditional one-class classification (TOCC) model was 55%, compared to 99.4% in the one-class classification with the PCA (OCC-PCA) model. Such results have confirmed the improved performance achieved by the proposed model.
Response of Two Major Lakes in the Changtang National Nature Reserve, Tibetan Plateau to Climate and Anthropogenic Changes over the Past 50 Years
Authors: Zhao Zhilong , Hu Zengzeng , Zhou Jun , Kan Ruliang , Li Wangjun
Published: January 2023

Areal changes in alpine lakes on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are reliable indicators of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. This study used long-term Landsat images and meteorological records to monitor the temporal evolution patterns of lakes within the Changtang National Nature Reserve between 1972 and 2021 and examine the climatic and anthropogenic impacts on lake area changes. The results revealed that the area of Lake LongmuCo and Lake Jiezechaqia significantly expanded by 12.81% and 12.88% from 1972 to 2021, respectively. After 1999, Lake LongmuCo and Lake Jiezechaqia entered into a period of rapid expansion. During 1972–2021, the annual mean temperature significantly increased at a rate of 0.05 °C/a, while the change in annual precipitation was not significant. The temperature change was a major contributor to the observed changes of Lake LongmuCo and Lake Jiezechaqia between 1972 and 2021, while human intervention also played a vital role during 2013–2021. The glaciers around these two lakes decreased by 21.81%, and the increase in water supply from warming-triggered glacier melting was a reason of expansion of Lake LongmuCo and Lake Jiezechaqia. The areas of the two artificial salt lakes affiliated with Lake LongmuCo and Lake Jiezechaqia were 0.24 km2 and 2.67 km2 in 2013 and rose to 0.51 km2 and 9.80 km2 in 2021, respectively. In particular, the continuous exploitations of salt lakes to extract lithium resources have retarded the rate of expansion of Lake LongmuCo and Lake Jiezechaqia. The dams constructed by industrial enterprises have blocked the expansion of Lake LongmuCo to the south. This paper sheds new light on the influences of recent human intervention and climatic variation on alpine lakes within the TP. Due to the importance of alpine lakes in the TP, we need more comprehensive and in-depth efforts to protect the lake ecosystems within the national nature reserves.
Description of the Gap between Local Agricultural Practices and Agroecological Soil Management Tools in Zerhoun and in the Middle Atlas Areas of Morocco
Authors: Irhza Aziza , Nassiri Laila , El Jarroudi Moussa , Rachidi Fouad , Lahlali Rachid , Echchgadda Ghizlane
Published: January 2023

Agroecology is an agricultural, holistic, and innovative approach, which aims to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of agricultural systems. This approach is very rewarding for agriculture in developing countries, mainly in arid zones where water resources are in sharp decline. In this study, we examined farmers’ knowledge by studying existing agricultural production systems and agricultural practices in Moulay Driss Zerhoun (S1) and the Middle Atlas (S2) in central Morocco, to assess the gap between them and the principles and recommendations of agroecology. Data were collected through a survey of 64 farmers, and through field trips and observations. Collected data were analyzed with Chi-square tests and canonical correspondence analysis. Most farms (63.3% in S1 and 52.9% in S2) have an area between 0 and 5 ha. Both areas frequently opt for agroforestry. Olive trees and annual crops (85%), olive trees and fodder crops (10%), and olive trees and market garden crops (5%) are the most recorded associations. Olive trees were used frequently in association with other fruit trees, such as almond trees (15%), carob trees (13%), and fig trees (5%). Of farmers practicing agroforestry, 70% use only organic fertilizers. Thus, 53% of the farmers interviewed at the level of the S2 zone cultivate vegetable crops, against 17% at the level of S1, and only 40% of the farmers of S1 use irrigation, while 60% depend on rainfall. On the other hand, 83.3% of farmers in S1 adopted a two-year rotation—cereals and legumes—against 30% in S2. Tillage or plowing is considered by farmers a necessary procedure before sowing, and, only in S2, 71% of farmers opt for annual tillage of their land for agroforestry. Based on multivariate analysis, the choice of crops was significantly influenced by region and type of organization. However, it was not influenced by topography or farmland size, and the land and area played an important role in the selection of crop types. Raising awareness and introducing agroecological practices in the two study areas based on local knowledge seems essential, with the aim of strengthening the resilience of agroecosystems, respecting the environment, and guaranteeing the sustainability of small farmers through the diversification of their productions. The obtained results from this work are the first in this field of study and constitute a basis for comparative investigations.
Renaturalization of Ex-Arable Arenosols: Phytocenosis Development and the Dynamics of Sandy Soil Properties
Authors: Kazlauskaite-Jadzevice Asta , Tripolskaja Liudmila , Baksiene Eugenija
Published: January 2023

The abandonment of agricultural land has strong implications for the environment and societal wellbeing. Combining field monitoring data with a detailed analysis of the existing literature, we explored the potential factors impacting the variability of annual/biennial and perennial plant species. We identified plants covering sandy Arenosols under agricultural land use for at least 50 years as of 1995 in order to define a strategy for their restoration. The results of the study distinguished 81 different plant species and 23 botanical families spread over 27 years of land abandonment. The most dominant families were Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae. The productivity of the abandoned land’s phytocenosis increased as the duration increased (r = 0.70). A positive relationship was established between the phytocenosis biomass and the number of cereal grass species (r = 0.44). The abandonment of the land had positive effects on soil fertility: the SOC concentration in the Ah horizon increased from 9.9 ± 0.08 to 14.5 ± 1.17 g kg−1, the Ah thickness increased by 3 cm, and the SOC stocks increased by 24.51 Mg ha−1. These results will allow us to study the vegetation dynamics in abandoned land and will serve as a basis for the selection of appropriate species in eventual restoration projects.
Analysis of Interrelations Structure in Agro-Systems Using the Factor Analysis Technique (FA)
Authors: Krnáčová Zdena , Krnáč Štefan , Barančoková Mária
Published: January 2023

A model is not an exact copy of its original, but only its idealised reproduction that is simpler, more understandable, more accessible and easier, safer and more effective to work with. In the presented study, we used the technique of factor analysis (FA). We used 44 parameters to describe an agroecosystem, which proportionally describe the main components of the study agroecosystem. Based on Malinowsky error analysis, we extracted a 6-factor solution. We found out that Factor 1 [Climate factor] had primary factor loads in [average temperatures TIII-TIX (0.99) and [average atmospheric precipitation ZIII-ZIV (0.99)] variables. Factor 2 [Chemical parameters of geological foundation] was mainly saturated by [SiO2-G (0.92), Al2O3-(0.82), (CaO-G (0.83)] variables and secondary loads were observed in soil [SiO2-P (0.61], [CaO-P (0.64], [Al2O3-P (0.32)], [soil skeleton SKEL (0.47)] and [granularity GRN (0.39)] variables. Factor 3 [Phytomass production potential factor] had primary factor loads in [depth of soil profile DSP (0.76)], [quality of organic substances Q4/6 (0.63)], [slopeness SL (0.67)] and [potential phytomass production PROD (0.65)] variables. In factor 4 [Physical-chemical soil properties factor] variables [Al2O3, (0.81)], [granularity GRN (0.69)] and [SiO2 (0.61)] have significant loads. Factor 5 [Erosion by water potential factor] has the highest primary loads in [large-scale arable land ALL (0.70)] and [soil loss as a result of erosion EROS (0.67)] variables, and secondary loads in the [continuous length of plot of land slope LS (0.53)] variable. Factor 6 [Biochemical properties factor] has the highest factor load values in the content of organic substances in soil [content of organic substances in soil H (0.69)]. Secondary loads can be seen in the properties of soil [GRN (0.35)], [SiO2 (0.32)], [Al2O3-P (0.38)] and [depth of groundwater surface GWS (0.39)]. We determined the weight coefficients for the individual factors with the aim of quantifying ecological criteria with the obtained factor structure. The factor score F0 determines the projections of the extracted factors for the individual elements of the selection (it is the value soil-ecological units—VSEU). Row vectors in this matrix represent the distribution of the individual factors for the specific realisation of the selection (spatial distribution). We re-scaled the obtained values of the factor score into seven categories and projected them into VSEU units. We could propose a sustainable agroecosystem management based on quantifying the ecological criteria for each VSEU unit.
The Separate Opinions of a Justice of a Constitutional Court: A Case of Lithuania
Authors: Pūraitė-Andrikienė Dovilė
Published: January 2023

Although allowing justices of constitutional courts to publish their separate opinions has become a clear trend in Europe, until an amendment to the Law on the Constitutional Court in 2008, the justices of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania did not have this possibility. However, after the introduction of this institution in Lithuania, criticism was voiced by the public regarding its legal regulation. Therefore, this article examines the legal regulation governing the institution of a separate opinion of a justice of the Constitutional Court, as well as the use of this institution in Lithuania. The article seeks to reveal the shortcomings of this regulation, as well as to provide proposals for its improvement. The issues in question are examined in the context of the legal framework governing the institution of a separate opinion in other European Union countries (with a particular focus on Eastern and Central European countries). In order to provide a basis for this research, the article also examines the institution of a separate opinion in the context of the principle of the secrecy of the deliberation room and the secrecy of voting results in the decision-making process of constitutional justice institutions.
A Bimodal Extension of the Epsilon-Skew-Normal Model
Authors: Duarte Juan , Martínez-Flórez Guillermo , Gallardo Diego Ignacio , Venegas Osvaldo , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: January 2023

This article introduces a bimodal model based on the epsilon-skew-normal distribution. This extension generates bimodal distributions similar to those produced by the mixture of normal distributions. We study the basic properties of this new family. We apply maximum likelihood estimators, calculate the information matrix and present a simulation study to assess parameter recovery. Finally, we illustrate the results to three real data sets, suggesting this new distribution as a plausible alternative for modelling bimodal data.
Knowledge Transfer Based on Particle Filters for Multi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Wang Xilu , Jin Yaochu
Published: January 2023

Particle filters, also known as sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods, constitute a class of importance sampling and resampling techniques designed to use simulations to perform on-line filtering. Recently, particle filters have been extended for optimization by utilizing the ability to track a sequence of distributions. In this work, we incorporate transfer learning capabilities into the optimizer by using particle filters. To achieve this, we propose a novel particle-filter-based multi-objective optimization algorithm (PF-MOA) by transferring knowledge acquired from the search experience. The key insight adopted here is that, if we can construct a sequence of target distributions that can balance the multiple objectives and make the degree of the balance controllable, we can approximate the Pareto optimal solutions by simulating each target distribution via particle filters. As the importance weight updating step takes the previous target distribution as the proposal distribution and takes the current target distribution as the target distribution, the knowledge acquired from the previous run can be utilized in the current run by carefully designing the set of target distributions. The experimental results on the DTLZ and WFG test suites show that the proposed PF-MOA achieves competitive performance compared with state-of-the-art multi-objective evolutionary algorithms on most test instances.
LINC00941 Promotes Cell Malignant Behavior and Is One of Five Costimulatory Molecule-Related lncRNAs That Predict Prognosis in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pan Huafeng , Wei Wei , Fu Guanghou , Pan Jiaren , Jin Baiye
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: A significant role was played by costimulatory molecules in renal cancer. However, the lncRNAs regulating costimulatory molecules have not been fully investigated. Materials and Methods: Data from the next-sequence file and clinical data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. All analyses were conducted using the R and GraphPad Prism software. Results: A total of 1736 costimulatory molecule-related lncRNAs were determined under the threshold of |Cor| > 0.5 and p-value < 0.001. Furthermore, a prognosis prediction signature consisting of five lncRNAs: LINC00941, AC016773.1, AL162171.1, HOTAIRM1, and AL109741.1 was established with great prediction ability. By combining risk score and clinical parameters, a nomogram plot was constructed for better clinical practice. A biological enrichment analysis indicated that E2F targets, coagulation, IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling, G2/M checkpoint, and allograft rejection pathways were activated in high-risk patients. Furthermore, a higher infiltration level of resting CD4+ T cell, M2 macrophage, and resting mast cells, while a lower CD8+ T cell infiltration was observed in high-risk patients. It is worthy of note that, low-risk patients might respond better to PD-1 checkpoint therapy. A correlation analysis of LINC00941 revealed that it was positively correlated with Th2 cells, Th1 cells, macrophages, and Treg cells, but negatively correlated with Th17 cells. A pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the pathways of the inflammatory response, G2M checkpoint, and IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling were significantly activated in patients with high LINC00941 expression. In vitro experiments indicated that LINC00941 can enhance the malignant biological behaviors of renal cancer cells. Conclusions: Our study established a costimulatory molecule-related lncRNAs-based prognosis model with a great prediction prognosis. In addition, LINC00941 could enhance the malignant biological behaviors of renal cancer cells.
The Role of Interventional Radiology and Management of an Angiography Suite in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients: Single-Center, 2-Year Experience
Authors: Shim Jongjoon , Lee Jae Myeong
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Hospital angiography suites with negative-pressure ventilation facilities are challenging to equip. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we aimed to introduce interventional radiology procedures performed on COVID-19 patients and understand management of the angiography suite without a negative-pressure ventilation facility before and after the procedures to prevent the spread of infection. Materials and Methods: Between December 2020 and November 2022, 52 COVID-19 patients underwent interventional radiology procedures in an angiography suite, where no negative-pressure ventilation facility was installed. During the procedure, all staff members wore full personal protection equipment, and after the procedure for the COVID-19-positive patient was completed, the angiography suite was disinfected and entry to the angiography suite was prohibited for 1–3 h. In this angiography suite, procedures for COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients were performed. Results: A total of 61 interventional radiology procedures were performed in 52 patients with COVID-19. Of 52 patients, 21 underwent procedures under intubation and mechanical ventilation. All procedures were performed according to the guidelines set by the Infection Control Committee of our hospital. No major or minor complications were associated with the procedures. There were no cases of infection among staff members or other non-COVID-19 patients related to procedures on COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Interventional radiology can play an important role in solving the complications of COVID-19 and the problems caused by patients’ underlying diseases. In addition, if accurate guidelines are followed, both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients can undergo procedures in an angiography room without negative-pressure ventilation while preventing infection.
Does Iodine Influence the Metabolism of Glucose?
Authors: Ilias Ioannis , Milionis Charalampos , Zabuliene Lina , Rizzo Manfredi
Published: January 2023

Thyroid function and glucose status are linked; experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies have shown this. Iodine is a vital trace element that is inextricably linked to thyroid hormone synthesis. The latter is also associated with glucose metabolism and diabetes. Recently, some—but not all—studies have shown that iodine is linked to glucose metabolism, glucose intolerance, impaired fasting glucose, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, or gestational diabetes. In this concise review, we review these studies, focusing on iodine and glucose metabolism and prediabetic conditions or type 2 diabetes mellitus. The potential beneficial effect of iodine on glucose metabolism may be attributed to its antioxidant properties.
Methylene Blue Inhibits Cromakalim-Activated K+ Currents in Follicle-Enclosed Oocytes
Authors: Isaev Dmytro , Yang Keun-Hang Susan , Petroianu Georg , Lorke Dietrich Ernst , Oz Murat
Published: January 2023

The effects of methylene blue (MB) on cromakalim-induced K+ currents were investigated in follicle-enclosed Xenopus oocytes. In concentrations ranging from 3–300 μM, MB inhibited K+ currents (IC50: 22.4 μM) activated by cromakalim, which activates KATP channels. MB inhibited cromakalim-activated K+ currents in a noncompetitive and voltage-independent manner. The respective EC50 and slope values for cromakalim-activation of K+ currents were 194 ± 21 µM and 0.91 for controls, and 206 ± 24 µM and 0.87 in the presence of 30 μM MB. The inhibition of cromakalim-induced K+ currents by MB was not altered by pretreatment with the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA, which suggests that MB does not influence Ca2+-activated second messenger pathways. K+ currents mediated through a C-terminally deleted form of Kir6.2 (KirΔC26), which does not contain the sulfonylurea receptor, were still inhibited by MB, indicating direct interaction of MB with the channel-forming Kir6.2 subunit. The binding characteristics of the KATP ligand [3H]glibenclamide are not altered by MB in a concentration range between 1 μM-1 mM, as suggested by radioligand binding assay. The presence of a membrane permeable cGMP analogue (8-Br-cGMP, 100 µM) and a guanylate cyclase activator (BAY 58-2667, 3 µM) did not affect the inhibitory effects of MB, suggesting that MB does not inhibit cromakalim-activated K+ currents through guanylate cyclase. Collectively, these results suggest that MB directly inhibits cromakalim-activated K+ currents in follicular cells of Xenopus oocytes.
Neutron Imaging of Al6061 Prepared by Solid-State Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Nemati Saber , Butler Leslie G. , Ham Kyungmin , Knapp Gerald L. , Zeng Congyuan , Emanet Selami , Ghadimi Hamed , Guo Shengmin , Zhang Yuxuan , Bilheux Hassina
Published: January 2023

Solid-state Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing has recently gained attention as a result of its capacity to fabricate large-scale parts while preserving the mechanical properties of the feedstock material. However, the correlation between the quality of layer-by-layer bonding of the deposited metal and processing parameters has remained unknown. Neutron imaging techniques, with 90% total transmission per cm, are employed for Al6061 parts fabricated by MELD® Technology as a non-destructive evaluation approach for the first time to investigate the layer-by-layer structure of a stadium-shaped ingot in different sections. The post-processed results show the fabricated parts with an optimized set of processing parameters are void-free. However, the hydrocarbon-based feedstock lubricant segregates between the layers, which consequently may lead to non-uniform weaker mechanical properties along the build direction and stimulate crack initiation during mechanical loading. The tensile test results show 14% lower strain-to-failure values in alleged contaminated areas in transmission imaging results. Additionally, layer bonding is significantly impacted by hot-on-hot and hot-on-cold layer deposition schemes, especially for larger layer thicknesses.
Comparative Analysis of the Temporal Impacts of Corticosterone and Simulated Production Stressors on the Metabolome of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Brown Catherine L. J. , Zaytsoff Sarah J. M. , Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Metz Gerlinde A. S. , Montina Tony , Inglis G. Douglas
Published: January 2023

The impact of physiological stress on the metabolome of breast muscle, liver, kidney, and hippocampus was investigated in Ross 308 broiler chicks. Simulated on-farm stressors were compared to a corticosterone model of physiological stress. The three different stressors investigated were: (i) corticosterone at a dose of 15 mg/kg of feed; (ii) heat treatment of 36 °C and 40% RH for 8 h per day; and (iii) isolation for 1 h per day. Liver, kidney, breast muscle, and hippocampus samples were taken after 2, 4, 6, and 8 days of stress treatment, and subjected to untargeted 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolomic analysis to provide insights on how stress can modulate metabolite profiles and biomarker discovery. Many of the metabolites that were significantly altered in tissues were amino acids, with glycine and alanine showing promise as candidate biomarkers of stress. Corticosterone was shown to significantly alter alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism in the liver, breast, and hippocampus, while isolation altered the same pathways, but only in the kidneys and hippocampus. Isolation also significantly altered the glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism pathway in the liver and breast, while the same pathway was significantly altered by heat in the liver, kidneys, and hippocampus. The study’s findings support corticosterone as a model of stress. Moreover, a number of potential metabolite biomarkers were identified in chicken tissues, which may allow producers to effectively monitor stress and to objectively develop and evaluate on-farm mitigations, including practices that reduce stress and enhance bird health.
Measuring Ultrasonic and Electrical Properties of Early-Age Cemented Tailings Backfill
Authors: Wu Weilv , Xu Wenbin , Zhang Yalun
Published: January 2023

The setting behavior strongly affects the workability and loading capacity of a fresh cemented tailings backfill (CTB). The Vicat test is a conventional way to measure the setting time of a fresh cementitious mixture, using a standard needle to detect penetration resistance. However, this method is limited to laboratory testing, it is difficult to carry out in underground closed stopes. In this study, two nondestructive methods, the ultrasonic pulse and electrical conductivity tests, contrasting two traditional methods, hydration heat measurement and the Vicat test, are used to illustrate the setting process of early-age CTB. The effect of cement content (e.g., 2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) and tailings type (silica tailings and iron mine tailings) on the hydration heat of early-age CTB are recorded as well. The results show that, as the CTBs change from solid–liquid mixtures to solids, the ultrasonic pulse frequency converts from low to high and the electrical conductivity turns from growth to decline. As the degree of hydration increases, the solid connections continuously increase, which increases the ultrasonic amplitude rapidly and decreases electrical conductivity. The TG value can be effectively used to predict the initial set time of cemented silica tailings backfill. For cemented iron tailings backfill, although the solid phase ultrasonic path is formed, more hydration products are needed to reach the specific shear stiffness, meaning the initial set lags behind the change in ultrasonic frequency signal.
Integrated Interpretation of Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Evaporite Rock Exploration: A Case Study of the Messinian Gypsum in the Sorbas Basin (Almería, Spain)
Authors: Pérez-López Alberto , García-López Miguel , González-Gil Miguel
Published: January 2023

In this study, we conduct an investigation of the Sorbas Basin (Almería, Spain) on the Messinian gypsum unit using geophysical prospecting methods. Geophysical electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) methods were applied to study the subsurface of this gypsum unit, the exploitation of which could be of interest economically, with different commercial specifications for alabastrine and selenitic gypsums. For the interpretation of the different ERT images, the data for the surface geology, borehole cores, and seismic refraction conducted at a point within the ERT profiles were used. The results obtained from this investigation can be used as a reference for other similar studies in other regions. It was observed that selenitic gypsum is more resistive than alabastrine gypsum; therefore, the diagenetic processes of dehydration (anhydritization) and hydration (gypsification) increase the “percolation” phenomenon through possibly ensuring a greater connectivity of the shale matrix. Fracturing and moisture can be used to fully determine the resistivity of the purest and most resistive gypsum, to the point of considerably lowering the resistivity in an entire area affected by fracturing. The use of different tests with different lengths for the same profile can help one better understand the structure of the gypsum body in the subsurface, especially when there are shale intercalations or more- or less-pure levels of gypsum that do not reach a value of a few meters in thickness, because these thinner levels of a few meters are not defined in the ERT images when the test is performed at depths of up to 75 m.
Synthesis of Ye’elimite from Anthropogenic Waste
Authors: Kusiorowski Robert , Lipowska Barbara , Gerle Anna
Published: January 2023

Calcium sulphoaluminate cement (CSA) is characterized by a different chemical and mineralogical composition than common cements based mainly on Portland clinker. Its main component is ye’elimite—Ca4(AlO2)6SO4. This cement is characterized by a shorter setting time and a dynamic increase in strength in the early aging process. Currently, CSA cements are gaining more and more popularity due to their favorable ecological aspects, including a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and negative impacts on the environment. The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of obtaining ye’elimite from waste materials of anthropogenic origin, which in this case were by-products from the aluminum anodizing process and cement–asbestos waste. The results of this preliminary research indicated the possibility of obtaining ye’elimite from secondary raw materials of anthropogenic origin. In each material, the phase of ye’elimite was identified to be the main mineral component, and the obtained materials displayed binding properties after mixing with water.
A New Approach for Analyzing Circular Tunnels in Nonlinear Strain-Softening Rock Masses Considering Seepage Force
Authors: Fan Hao , Wang Lei , Li Shaobo
Published: January 2023

Accurate calculation of the stresses and deformations of tunnels is of great importance for practical engineering applications. In this study, a three-region model for tunnels considering seepage force was established. A new nonlinear strain-softening model is proposed. Then, a unified solution for the stresses and deformations of tunnels is deduced. Through a series of discussions, the effects of seepage force, softening modulus coefficient of cohesion, and initial support resistance on the stress distribution, radii of the post-peak zone, and surface displacement around the tunnel are discussed. Results show that the tangential stresses are always larger than the radial stresses. As the distance from the tunnel center increases, the radial stress continues to increase, while the tangential stress first increases and then decreases. With the increases in seepage force, the radii of the post-peak zone and surface displacement all increase. With the increases in softening modulus coefficient of cohesion, the radii of the post-peak zone increase while the surface displacement decreases. Tunnels with a higher initial support resistance experience lower radii of the post-peak zone and surface displacement.
Evaluation of Mask Performances in Filtration and Comfort in Fabric Combinations
Authors: Wang Ji , Zhao Renhai , Zhao Yintao , Ning Xin
Published: January 2023

A systemic study on improving particulate pollutant filtration efficiency through the combination of conventional fabrics is presented with the objective of finding comfortable, yet effective airway mask materials and products. Fabrics, nonwovens, and their combinations made of cotton, silk, wool, and synthetic fibers are examined on their filtration efficiency for aerosol particles with diameters ranging from 0.225 μm to 3.750 μm under industry-standard testing conditions. It is found that composite fabrics can improve filtration efficiency more than just layers of the same fabric, and the filtration quality factor of some of the fabric combinations can exceed that of the standard melt-blown materials. In addition, fabric friction and charging between the combined layers also improve filtration efficiency substantially. With a broader understanding of the fabric characteristics, we may design mask products with reduced facial skin discomfort, better aesthetics, as well as the ability to alleviate the environmental impact of discarded protective masks in the extended period of controlling the transmission of pollutants and viruses, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Particle Size Distribution and Predicted Lipid Bioaccessibility of Almonds and the Effect of Almond Processing: A Randomised Mastication Study in Healthy Adults
Authors: Creedon Alice C. , Hung Estella S. , Dimidi Eirini , Grassby Terri , Berry Sarah E. , Whelan Kevin
Published: January 2023

Almonds are rich in unsaturated lipids, which play a role in some of the reported benefits of almond consumption for human health. Almond lipids are poorly bioaccessible due to almonds’ unique physicochemical properties that influence particle size distribution (PSD) following mastication, allowing much intracellular lipid to escape digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. To investigate the impact of commercial processing (grinding almonds into flour), on PSD and predicted lipid bioaccessibility following mastication, a randomised cross-over design mastication study was conducted in healthy adults. The PSDs of masticated whole and ground almonds was assessed using two laboratory methods (mechanical sieving and laser diffraction). PSD from mechanical sieving was used to calculate lipid bioaccessibility using a theoretical mathematical model. Thirty-one healthy adults (18–45 years) completed both mastication sessions. Following mastication, ground almonds had a PSD with significantly fewer larger particles and more smaller particles, compared with whole almonds. Predicted lipid bioaccessibility of masticated ground almonds (10.4%, SD 1.8) was marginally but significantly greater than the predicted lipid bioaccessibility of masticated whole almonds (9.3%, SD 2.0; p = 0.017). Commercial grinding of almonds significantly influences the PSD of almonds following mastication, which results in a modest but significant increase in predicted lipid bioaccessibility.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and Adolescents in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Al-Ajlan Buthaina Yusuf , Freije Afnan , Allehdan Sabika , Perna Simone
Published: January 2023

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has reached pandemic levels in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, even though sunshine is abundant all year round for the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D through the skin. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and risk factors associated with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) in children and adolescents aged from 10 to 19 years, as well as the possible associations of vitamin D with calcium, magnesium and phosphate levels. Methods: A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2019 at the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A total of 383 boys and girls were selected from five health centers from five different regions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Information about sex, age, education level, weight, height, degree of sunlight exposure, and physical activity levels was recorded. A blood sample was taken from each participant to test serum levels of 25(OH)D, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Results: The results revealed that 92.1% of the participants were deficient in vitamin D. A significantly higher percentage of boys (96.2%) were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL) than girls (88.3%) (p value = 0.004). Vitamin D deficiency were more prevalent among overweight (96.8%) and obese (96.2%) participants than normal body weight and wasted participants (p value < 0.001). Being male, overweight, or obese was significantly positively associated with a risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with low serum levels of magnesium. No significant associations were detected between vitamin D deficiency and calcium and phosphate serum levels. However, vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with low serum level of magnesium (p value = 0.017). Conclusions: Our study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent among overweight and obese adolescents and mostly boys rather than girls. Magnesium and phosphate were lower in adolescents and children with lower serum 25(OH)D, showing a clear association between these biomarkers and the 25(OH)D.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Particles in 2022
Authors:   Particles Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

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Synergistic Antitumor Potency of a Self-Assembling Cyclodextrin Nanoplex for the Co-Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil and Interleukin-2 in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Akkın Safiye , Varan Gamze , Işık Anıl , Gökşen Sibel , Karakoç Elif , Malanga Milo , Esendağlı Güneş , Korkusuz Petek , Bilensoy Erem
Published: January 2023

Chemotherapy is the most used method after surgery in the treatment of colon cancer. Cancer cells escape the recognition mechanism of immune system cells to survive and develop chemoresistance. Therefore, the use of immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy can increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Nanoparticles have been used clinically to increase the accumulation of therapeutics in target tissues and reduce toxicity. In this paper, nanoplexes were formed via cationic cyclodextrin polymer, 5-Fluorouracil, and Interleukin-2 based on the opposite charge interaction of macromolecules without undergoing any structural changes or losing the biological activity of Interleukin-2. Anticancer activities of nanoplexes were determined in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture setups. The dual drug-loaded cyclodextrin nanoplexes diffused deeper into the spheroids and accelerated apoptosis when compared with 5-FU solutions. In the colorectal tumor-bearing animal model, survival rate, antitumor activity, metastasis, and immune response parameters were assessed using a cyclodextrin derivative, which was found to be safe based on the ALT/AST levels in healthy mice. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the groups treated with the nanoplex formulation had significantly fewer initial tumors and lung foci when compared with the control. The dual drug-loaded nanoplex could be a promising drug delivery technique in the immunochemotherapy of colorectal cancer.