bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Ampacity On-Chip Wires Implemented by Aligned Carbon Nanotube-Cu Composite
Authors: Luo Xiaojia , Liang Xiao , Wei Yang , Hou Ligan , Li Ru , Liu Dandan , Li Mo , Zhou Shuyu
Published: January 2023

With the size of electronic devices shrinking to the nanometer scale, it is of great importance to develope new wire materials with higher current carrying capacity than traditional materials such as gold (Au) and copper (Cu). This is urgently needed for more efficient, compact and functional integrated chips and microsystems. To meet the needs of an atom chip, here we report a new solution by introducing super-aligned carbon nanotubes (SACNTs) into Cu thin films. The microwires exhibit an ultra-high current carrying capacity beyond the limit of the traditional Cu wires, reaching (1.7~2.6) × 107 A·cm−2. The first-principles calculation is used to obtain the band structural characteristics of the CNT–Cu composite material, and the principle of its I–V characteristic curve is analyzed. Driven by the bias voltage, a large number of carriers are injected into the CNT layer from Cu by the strong tunneling effect. Moreover, a variety of microwires can be designed and fabricated on demand for high compatibility with conventional microelectronics technology. The composite structures have great potential in high-power electronic devices, high-performance on-chip interconnecting, as well as other applications that have long-term high-current demands, in addition to atom chips.
Fluid Flow in Continuous Casting Mold for Ultra-Wide Slab
Authors: Li Gang , Tu Lingfeng , Wang Qiangqiang , Zhang Xubin , He Shengping
Published: January 2023

Ultra-wide slabs have a good application market and prospect, but there is still a lack of research on the flow field. To explore the characteristics of its flow field, this study built a 0.5-scale physical model of mold using Perspex. The effect of casting speed on flow field and surface flow speed was investigated by using an ink tracer experiment and contact measurement. There were various flow patterns in the ultra-wide slab mold, and they continue to transform each other. The jet momentum from the nozzle ports was diffused by colliding with the wide face, which lowered its kinetic energy and affected its subsequent diffusion. Compared with the conventional mold, the upper flow intensity of the ultra-wide slab mold was weaker, which made its liquid surface inactive and caused it to produce a flux rim or slag strip. At different casting speeds, the average flow speed distribution of the ultra-wide slab was C-shaped. When it increased from 0.9 to 1.4 m/s, the corresponding maximum average flow speed increased from 0.08 to 0.2 m/s. At the same time, the proportion of the low-flow speed zone at the most active part of the surface also gradually decreased from more than 90% to about 49%.
Sequential Solidification of Metal Powder by a Scanning Microwave Applicator
Authors: Shoshani Yoav , Weinstein Tal , Barkay Zahava , Jerby Eli
Published: January 2023

This study examines the fundamental feasibility of sequential metal-powder solidification by localized microwave-heating (LMH) provided by a scanning, all-solid-state microwave applicator. This continuous process is considered for the additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing (3DP) applications of metal parts. In previous studies, we employed LMH for the incremental solidification of small batches of metal powder in a stepwise vertical manner. Here, we study a continuous lateral LMH process, layer by layer, in a fashion similar to laser scanning in powder beds, as performed in common laser-based AM systems. LMH solidification at scanning rates of ~1 mm3/s is obtained in bronze powder using ~0.25-kW microwave power. The effect is studied here by LMH scanning in one lateral dimension (~20-mm long) in layers, each of ~1–4 mm thickness and ~2–4 mm width (mechanically confined). Imperfect solid bars of ~20×4×5 mm3 are obtained with rough surfaces. Their joining in an L shape is also demonstrated. The experimental solidified products are tested, and their hardness and density properties are found to be comparable to laser-based AM products. The capabilities and limitations of the LMH scanning concept for metal-powder solidification are evaluated. The potential feasibility of a solid-state LMH–AM technology is discussed.
Scintillation Properties of Lanthanide Doped Pb4Lu3F17 Nanoparticles
Authors: Qiao Peng , Ping Yiheng , Ma Hongping , Lei Lei
Published: January 2023

Inorganic scintillators are of great significance in the fields of medical CT, high-energy physics and industrial nondestructive testing. In this work, we confirm that the Pb4Lu3F17: Re (Re = Tb, Eu, Sm, Dy, Ho) crystals are promising candidates for a new kind of scintillator. Detailed crystal structure information is obtained by the Rietveld refinement analysis. Upon X-ray irradiation, all these scintillators exhibited characteristic 4f-4f transitions. The Ce and Gd ions were verified to be useful for enhancing the scintillation intensity via introducing energy transfer processes. The integrated scintillation intensity of the Pb4Lu3F17: Tb/Ce is about 16.8% of the commercial CsI (Tl) single crystal. Our results manifested that Pb4Lu3F17: Re has potential application in X-ray detection and imaging.
Lipoproteins as Drug Carriers for Cyclosporine A: Optimization of the Entrapment
Authors: Abdel-Mottaleb Mona M. A. , Boi Lorenza , Barra Marina , Colin Julie , Berni Luisa , Béduneau Arnaud , Moulari Brice , Pellequer Yann
Published: January 2023

Lipoproteins are natural nanostructures responsible for the transport of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood. They are characterized by having a lipophilic core surrounded by an amphiphilic shell composed of phospholipids, cholesterol and one or more apolipoproteins. Being endogenous carriers makes them suitable for drug delivery purposes. Here, we investigate the effect of lipoproteins’ intricate composition on the entrapment efficiency of a model drug “Cyclosporine A” into the different types of lipoproteins, namely, HDL, LDL and VLDL. It was observed that the protein content of the lipoproteins had the highest effect on the entrapment of the drug with a correlation coefficient of 0.80, 0.81 and 0.96 for HDL, LDL and VLDL respectively. This was even confirmed by the effect of plasma on the association rate of lipoproteins and the drug. The second effective factor is the cholesterol concentration, while triglycerides and phospholipids had a negligible effect.
Effects of Micro-Shot Peening on the Fatigue Strength of Anodized 7075-T6 Alloy
Authors: Su Chih-Hang , Chen Tai-Cheng , Ding Yi-Shiun , Lu Guan-Xun , Tsay Leu-Wen
Published: January 2023

Micro-shot peening under two Almen intensities was performed to increase the fatigue endurance limit of anodized AA 7075 alloy in T6 condition. Compressive residual stress (CRS) and a nano-grained structure were present in the outermost as-peened layer. Microcracks in the anodized layer obviously abbreviated the fatigue strength/life of the substrate. The endurance limit of the anodized AA 7075 was lowered to less than 200 MPa. By contrast, micro-shot peening increased the endurance limit of the anodized AA 7075 to above that of the substrate (about 300 MPa). Without anodization, the fatigue strength of the high peened (HP) specimen fluctuated; this was the result of high surface roughness of the specimen, as compared to that of the low peened (LP) one. Pickling before anodizing was found to erode the outermost peened layer, which caused a decrease in the positive effect of peening. After anodization, the HP sample had a greater fatigue strength/endurance limit than that of the LP one. The fracture appearance of an anodized fatigued sample showed an observable ring of brittle fracture. Fatigue cracks present in the brittle coating propagated directly into the substrate, significantly damaging the fatigue performance of the anodized sample. The CRS and the nano-grained structure beneath the anodized layer accounted for a noticeable increase in resistance to fatigue failure of the anodized micro-shot peened specimen.
Evaluation of Selected Properties of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Jet
Authors: Kwiatkowski Michał , Terebun Piotr , Kučerová Katarína , Tarabová Barbora , Kovalová Zuzana , Lavrikova Aleksandra , Machala Zdenko , Hensel Karol , Pawłat Joanna
Published: January 2023

In the technological processes requiring mild treatment, such as soft materials processing or medical applications, an important role is played by non-equilibrium plasma reactors with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), that when generated in noble gases allows for the effective treatment of biological material at a low temperature. The aim of this study is to determine the operating parameters of an atmospheric pressure, radio-frequency DBD plasma jet reactor for the precise treatment of biological materials. The tested parameters were the shape of the discharge (its length and volume), current and voltage signals, as well as the power consumed by the reactor for various composition and flow rates of the working gas. To determine the applicability in medicine, the temperature, pH, concentrations of H2O2, NO2− and NO3− and Escherichia coli log reduction in the plasma treated liquids were determined. The obtained results show that for certain operating parameters, a narrow shape of plasma stream can generate significant amounts of H2O2, allowing for the mild decontamination of bacteria at a relatively low power of the system, safe for the treatment of biological materials.
Advances in High-Performance Non-Ferrous Materials
Authors: Yu Hailiang , Liu Zhilin , Cui Xiaohui
Published: January 2023

Non-ferrous metallic materials are considered to be fundamental materials for manufacturing in-dustries, i [...]
Isolation and Characterization of NpCI, a New Metallocarboxypeptidase Inhibitor from the Marine Snail Nerita peloronta with Anti-Plasmodium falciparum Activity
Authors: Cabrera-Muñoz Aymara , Sierra-Gómez Yusvel , Covaleda-Cortés Giovanni , Reytor Mey L. , González-González Yamile , Bautista José M. , Avilés Francesc Xavier , Alonso-del-Rivero Maday
Published: January 2023

Metallocarboxypeptidases are zinc-dependent peptide-hydrolysing enzymes involved in several important physiological and pathological processes. They have been a target of growing interest in the search for natural or synthetic compound binders with biomedical and drug discovery purposes, i.e., with potential as antimicrobials or antiparasitics. Given that marine resources are an extraordinary source of bioactive molecules, we screened marine invertebrates for new inhibitory compounds with such capabilities. In this work, we report the isolation and molecular and functional characterization of NpCI, a novel strong metallocarboxypeptidase inhibitor from the marine snail Nerita peloronta. NpCI was purified until homogeneity using a combination of affinity chromatography and RP-HPLC. It appeared as a 5921.557 Da protein with 53 residues and six disulphide-linked cysteines, displaying a high sequence similarity with NvCI, a carboxypeptidase inhibitor isolated from Nerita versicolor, a mollusc of the same genus. The purified inhibitor was determined to be a slow- and tight-binding inhibitor of bovine CPA (Ki = 1.1·× 10−8 mol/L) and porcine CPB (Ki = 8.15·× 10−8 mol/L) and was not able to inhibit proteases from other mechanistic classes. Importantly, this inhibitor showed antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum in an in vitro culture (IC50 = 5.5 μmol/L), reducing parasitaemia mainly by inhibiting the later stages of the parasite’s intraerythrocytic cycle whilst having no cytotoxic effects on human fibroblasts. Interestingly, initial attempts with other related proteinaceous carboxypeptidase inhibitors also displayed similar antiplasmodial effects. Coincidentally, in recent years, a metallocarboxypeptidase named PfNna1, which is expressed in the schizont phase during the late intraerythrocytic stage of the parasite’s life cycle, has been described. Given that NpCI showed a specific parasiticidal effect on P. falciparum, eliciting pyknotic/dead parasites, our results suggest that this and related inhibitors could be promising starting agents or lead compounds for antimalarial drug discovery strategies.
Structure and Composition of the Cuticle of the Goose Barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes: A Flexible Composite Biomaterial
Authors: Almeida Mariana , Fernandes Emanuel M. , Marques Catarina F. , Lobo Flávia C. M. , Sousa Rita O. , Reis Rui L. , Silva Tiago H.
Published: January 2023

Arthropods, the largest animal phylum, including insects, spiders and crustaceans, are characterized by their bodies being covered primarily in chitin. Besides being a source of this biopolymer, crustaceans have also attracted attention from biotechnology given their cuticles’ remarkable and diverse mechanical properties. The goose barnacle, Pollicipes pollicipes, is a sessile crustacean characterized by their body parts covered with calcified plates and a peduncle attached to a substrate covered with a cuticle. In this work, the composition and structure of these plates and cuticle were characterized. The morphology of the tergum plate revealed a compact homogeneous structure of calcium carbonate, a typical composition among marine invertebrate hard structures. The cuticle consisted of an outer zone covered with scales and an inner homogenous zone, predominantly organic, composed of successive layers parallel to the surface. The scales are similar to the tergum plate and are arranged in parallel and oriented semi-vertically. Structural and biochemical characterization confirmed a bulk composition of ɑ-chitin and suggested the presence of elastin-based proteins and collagen. The mechanical properties of the cuticle showed that the stiffness values are within the range of values described in elastomers and soft crustacean cuticles resulting from molting. The removal of calcified components exposed round holes, detailed the structure of the lamina, and changed the protein properties, increasing the rigidity of the material. This flexible cuticle, predominantly inorganic, can provide bioinspiration for developing biocompatible and mechanically suitable biomaterials for diverse applications, including in tissue engineering approaches.
Computational Approaches to Enzyme Inhibition by Marine Natural Products in the Search for New Drugs
Authors: Gago Federico
Published: January 2023

The exploration of biologically relevant chemical space for the discovery of small bioactive molecules present in marine organisms has led not only to important advances in certain therapeutic areas, but also to a better understanding of many life processes. The still largely untapped reservoir of countless metabolites that play biological roles in marine invertebrates and microorganisms opens new avenues and poses new challenges for research. Computational technologies provide the means to (i) organize chemical and biological information in easily searchable and hyperlinked databases and knowledgebases; (ii) carry out cheminformatic analyses on natural products; (iii) mine microbial genomes for known and cryptic biosynthetic pathways; (iv) explore global networks that connect active compounds to their targets (often including enzymes); (v) solve structures of ligands, targets, and their respective complexes using X-ray crystallography and NMR techniques, thus enabling virtual screening and structure-based drug design; and (vi) build molecular models to simulate ligand binding and understand mechanisms of action in atomic detail. Marine natural products are viewed today not only as potential drugs, but also as an invaluable source of chemical inspiration for the development of novel chemotypes to be used in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry research.
Prophylactic Central Neck Lymph Node Dissection Adds No Short-Term Benefit to Total Thyroidectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Dimov Rosen , Kostov Gancho , Doykov Mladen , Dimov Luboslav , Nonchev Boyan , Dimova Rositsa , Hristov Bozhidar
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: To answer the research question: “Is prophylactic central neck lymph node dissection (pCNLD) beneficial among differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients?” Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study enrolling DTC patients treated at the University Hospital Kaspela, Bulgaria, from 30 January 2019 to October 2021. The predictor variable was presence of pCNLD (total thyroidectomy with vs. without pCNLD). The main outcome variables were postoperative complications (i.e., vocal cord paralysis, hypoparathyroidism, postoperative bleeding, and adjacent organ injury) and recurrence parameters. Appropriate statistics were computed with the significant level at p ≤ 0.05. Results: During the study period, 300 DTC patients (59.7% with pCNLD; 79.3% females) with an average age of 52 ± 2.8 years were treated. The mean follow-up period of the entire cohort was 45.8 ± 19.1 months. On bivariate analyses, TT with pCNLD, when compared to TT alone, required longer surgical time (mean difference: 9.4 min), caused nearly similar complications (except transient hypothyroidism: p = 0.04; relative risk, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 1.73), and no significantly different recurrence events, time to recurrence, and recurrent sites. The benefit–risk analyses using the number needed to treat and to harm (NNT; NNH) also confirmed that TT plus pCNLD was not very beneficial in DTC management. Conclusion: The results of this study refute the benefit of pCNLD in DTC patient care with TT. Further well-designed studies in a larger cohort with a longer follow-up period are required to confirm this conclusion.
Respiratory Immune Responses during Infection and Pollution Inhalation
Authors: McCarthy Cormac , Geraghty Patrick
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of lung immune responses to pathogens and environmental factors [...]
Influence of the Operator`s Experience, Working Time, and Working Position on the Quality of the Margin Width: In Vitro Study
Authors: Jánosi Kinga Mária , Cerghizan Diana , Rétyi Zsigmond , Kovács Alpár , Szász Andrea , Mureșan Izabella , Albu Aurița Ioana , Hănțoiu Liana Georgiana
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Appropriate tooth preparation is mandatory to obtain a perfect marginal fit of fixed restorations. The heavy chamfer is the most commonly used finish line, especially for minimally invasive tooth preparation. The aim of the study was to compare the width of the finish line obtained during tooth preparation performed by experienced (university lecturers) and inexperienced persons (dental students) in different working times and positions. Materials and Methods: Forty left upper-second molars were prepared on the simulator by each participant, totalizing 160 prepared teeth. A new round-end tapered diamond was used to obtain the 0.5 mm width of the heavy chamfer. The prepared teeth were photographed using a Canon D5300 camera with a macro lens attached to a tripod. The measurements were made with the Image-Pro Insight software selecting the same eight reference points. From these points, perpendicular lines were drawn above the finish line to the axial walls and the distance between the chamfer’s outer edge and the axial wall’s inner edge was measured. GraphPad Instat and NCSS Dowson Edition software were used. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) were calculated. The used tests: one sample t-test, ANOVA test, and Tukey–Kramer Multiple Comparisons Test. Results: Statistically significant differences were obtained according to the experience of the participant, preparation time, patient’s position, and the chamfer width on the prepared tooth different surfaces. Conclusions: Daytime or weeklong tiredness and patient position do not affect the width of the heavy chamfer prepared by experienced and inexperienced persons. The experience and the operator’s working position influence the width of the prepared finish line.
Management of Polydrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Ortakoylu Mediha Gonenc , Kibar Akilli Isil , Kilic Lutfiye , Akbaba Bagci Belma , Akalin Esma Seda , Aksan Arzu Deniz , Toprak Sezer , Mirsaeidi Mehdi
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: There is a lack of information regarding the effective duration of treatment necessary to prevent the development of acquired resistance when fluoroquinolones (FQ), and/or pyrazinamide (Z) resistance has occurred in patients with polydrug-resistant tuberculosis and isoniazid resistance. The management of these kinds of patients should be carried out in experienced centers according to drug susceptibility test results, clinical status of the patient and the extensity of the disease. Materials and Methods: We evaluated treatment regimens, treatment outcomes, and drug adverse effects in seven patients with polydrug-resistant tuberculosis, including those with Z and/or FQ resistance in a retrospective analysis Results: Regarding the patients with polydrug-resistant tuberculosis in addition to isoniazid (H) resistance, three had Z, two had FQ, and the remaining two had both Z and FQ resistance. In the intensive phase of the treatment, the patients were given at least four drugs according to drug susceptibility tests, and at least three drugs in the continuation phase. The duration of treatment was 9–12 months. Two of the patients were foreign nationals, and could not be followed up with due to returning to their home countries. Regarding the remaining five patients, three of them were terminated as they completed treatment, and two as cured. No recurrence was observed in the first year of the treatment. The most common, and serious drug side effect was seen for amikacin. Conclusions: In patients with polydrug-resistant TB, if Z and/or FQ resistance is detected in addition to H resistance, the treatment of these patients should be conducted on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient’s resistance pattern, clinical condition, and disease prognosis. Close monitoring of the side effects will increase the success rate of the treatment.
The Possibilities of Personalized 3D Printed Implants—A Case Series Study
Authors: Safali Selim , Berk Till , Makelov Biser , Acar Mehmet Ali , Gueorguiev Boyko , Pape Hans-Christoph
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Following the most recent software and 3D printing developments, the use of personalized 3D printed orthopedic implants for treatment of complicated surgical cases has gained more popularity. Today, orthopedic problems that cannot be solved with standard implants may be effectively addressed using personalized prostheses. The aim of this study is to present the designing, modeling and production stages of four different personalized 3D printed prostheses and their application in clinical cases of patients who underwent treatment in various anatomical locations with a precisely specified indication for implantation. Materials and Methods: Based on computed tomography scanning, personalized 3D printed prostheses were designed, produced and used in four patients within a period of three to five days after injury or admission. Results: Early term follow-ups demonstrated good to excellent results. Conclusions: Personalized 3D printed prostheses offer an opportunity for a treatment of choice and provide good anatomical and functional results, shortened surgical time, less complications, and high satisfaction in patients with appropriate indications. The method should be considered primarily for patients with large bone defects, or such indicated for resection. Personalized 3D printed prostheses have the potential to become more common and beneficial in the future.
The Relationship of Cholesterol Responses to Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Lung Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Jundi Bakr , Ahmed Huma , Reece Joshua , Geraghty Patrick
Published: January 2023

Hyperlipidemia is frequently reported in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and is linked to the progression of the disease and its comorbidities. Hypercholesterolemia leads to cholesterol accumulation in many cell types, especially immune cells, and some recent studies suggest that cholesterol impacts lung epithelial cells’ inflammatory responses and mitochondrial responses. Several studies also indicate that targeting cholesterol responses with either statins or liver X receptor (LXR) agonists may be plausible means of improving pulmonary outcomes. Equally, cholesterol metabolism and signaling are linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation attributed to COPD progression. Here, we review the current literature focusing on the impact of cigarette smoke on cholesterol levels, cholesterol efflux, and the influence of cholesterol on immune and mitochondrial responses within the lungs.
Gender Differences in Atrial Fibrillation: From the Thromboembolic Risk to the Anticoagulant Treatment Response
Authors: Rago Anna , Pirozzi Ciro , D’Andrea Antonello , Di Micco Pierpaolo , Papa Andrea Antonio , D’Onofrio Antonio , Golino Paolo , Nigro Gerardo , Russo Vincenzo
Published: January 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increased thromboembolic risk. The impact of the female sex as an independent risk factor for thromboembolic events in AF is still debated. Background and Objectives: The aim of this review is to evaluate the gender-related differences in cardioembolic risk and response to anticoagulants among AF patients. Materials and Methods: The PubMed database is used to review the reports about gender differences and thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation. Results: Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) represent the gold standard for thromboembolic risk prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Despite a similar rate of stroke and systemic embolism (SE) among men and women in NOACs or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) treatment, the use of NOACs in AF women is associated with a lower risk of intracranial bleeding, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality than in men. Conclusions: The female sex can be defined as a stroke risk modifier rather than a stroke risk factor since it mainly increases the thromboembolic risk in the presence of other risk factors. Further studies about the efficacy and safety profile of NOACs according to sex are needed to support clinicians in performing the most appropriate and tailored anticoagulant therapy, either in male or female AF patients.
Correlation between the Altered Gut Microbiome and Lifestyle Interventions in Chronic Widespread Pain Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gonzalez-Alvarez María Elena , Sanchez-Romero Eleuterio A. , Turroni Silvia , Fernandez-Carnero Josué , Villafañe Jorge H.
Published: January 2023

Background: Lifestyle interventions have a direct impact on the gut microbiome, changing its composition and functioning. This opens an innovative way for new therapeutic opportunities for chronic widespread patients. Purpose: The goal of the present study was to evaluate a correlation between lifestyle interventions and the gut microbiome in patients with chronic widespread pain (CWP). Methods: The systematic review was conducted until January 2023. Pain and microbiome were the two keywords selected for this revision. The search was conducted in PubMed, Chochrane, PEDro and ScienceDirect, where 3917 papers were obtained. Clinical trials with lifestyle intervention in CWP patients were selected. Furthermore, these papers had to be related with the gut microbiome, excluding articles related to other types of microbiomes. Results: Only six articles were selected under the eligibility criteria. Lifestyle interventions were exercise, electroacupuncture and ingesting a probiotic. Conclusions: Lifestyle intervention could be a suitable choice to improve the gut microbiome. This fact could be extrapolated into a better quality of life and lesser levels of pain.
The Problem of Antimalarial-Drug Abuse by the Inhabitants of Ghana
Authors: Zieliński Ewa , Kowalczyk Marek , Osowiecka Karolina , Klepacki Łukasz , Dyśko Łukasz , Wojtysiak Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Malaria is still a huge social and economic health problem in the world. It especially affects the developing countries of Africa. A particular problem is the misuse and abuse of over-the-counter antimalarials. This problem could lead to the emergence of drug-resistant strains and the subsequent elimination of more antimalarials from the list of effective antimalarials in Ghana. Methods: During the implementation of the study, an original questionnaire was used to collect data among Ghanaians on their knowledge of malaria, attitude towards antimalarials and their use of antimalarials. Results: The proportion in the analyzed subgroups was compared using the chi-square test. The analysis was conducted using TIBCO Software Inc., Krakow, Poland (2017) and Statistica (data analysis software system), version 13. In total, 86.29% of respondents knew the symptoms of malaria (p = 0.02) and 57.2% knew the cause of malaria (p < 0.001). Respondents with higher education were significantly more likely to know the symptoms of malaria (96%) p < 0.001. In the study group, only 74.59% of the respondents consulted medical personnel before taking the antimalarial drug (p = 0.51) and only 14.2% of the remaining respondents performed a rapid diagnostic test for malaria. Conclusions: The awareness of Accra and Yendi native inhabitants about the causes and symptoms of malaria and alternative ways of prevention is quite high. People’s education very significantly influences the way Accra residents deal with suspected malaria. Widespread public education and awareness and accessibility to places where antimalarial drugs are sold play a very important role in the proper use of antimalarial drugs.
Improvement of Surgical View and Working Space at the Lower Pole by Three-Dimensional Exoscope-Assisted Coblation Tonsillectomy: A Case Series
Authors: Murakami Daichi , Hijiya Masayoshi , Iyo Takuro , Sugita Gen , Hayata Sachiko , Kono Masamitsu , Hotomi Muneki
Published: January 2023

Advantages of hot devices for tonsillectomy, represented by coblation, have been highlighted in recent years. During hot technique tonsillectomy it is important to identify and coagulate the vessels of the tonsillar capsule, especially at the lower pole of the tonsil. Hot technique tonsillectomy under microscope or endoscope has therefore been recommended to achieve accurate identification of the microstructure of the surgical field. We have applied ORBEYE, a three-dimensional surgical exoscope system, to coblation tonsillectomy. Advantages of using ORBEYE include high definition and high magnification images, and flexibility of camera position and angle. This means there is an improved surgical view and working space, particularly at the lower pole during performance of coblation tonsillectomy. Here, we demonstrate that ORBEYE can be an effective surgical instrument in coblation tonsillectomy.
Comparison of Different Antiviral Regimens in the Treatment of Patients with Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Mahfouz Mohammad E. M. , Alharthi Afrah A. , Alsalmi Nada M. , Alnemari Ahad A. , Alwagdani Amjad A. , Alghamdi Reem K. , Almakki Razan A. , Al Yami Mubarak R. , Alghamdi Ahmed N. , Osman Afaf S. , Abdel-Moneim Ahmed S. , Kadry Dalia Y.
Published: January 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes respiratory disorders, with disease severity ranging from asymptomatic to critical manifestations. The current retrospective study compared the efficacies of different antiviral regimens used in patients suffering from severe COVID-19 disease from 19 January 2020 to December 2021 in a single center in Saudi Arabia. In total, 188 patients were enrolled in the current study, including 158 patients treated with different antiviral regimens, and 30 who did not receive any antiviral treatment. Different antiviral regimens, including favipiravir, remdesivir, oseltamivir, favipiravir/remdesivir, and favipiravir/oseltamivir were adopted. The effects of using different antivirals and antibiotics on the survival rate were evaluated, as well as the presence of comorbidities. Among all severely affected patients, 39/188 (20.7%) survived. Both age and comorbidities, including diabetes and hypertension, were significantly correlated with high case fatality following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Remdesivir alone and the combination of favipiravir and remdesivir increased the survival rate. Surprisingly, both imipenem and linezolid helped in the deterioration of disease outcome in the patients. A negative correlation was detected between increased mortality and the use of favipiravir and the use of either imipenem or linezolid. Among the compared antiviral regimens used in the treatment of severe COVID-19, remdesivir was found to be an effective antiviral that reduces COVID-19 case fatality. Antibiotic treatment using imipenem and/or linezolid should be carefully re-evaluated.
Correction: Takeuchi et al. Predictive Factors for Poor Outcome following Chemonucleolysis with Condoliase in Lumbar Disc Herniation. Medicina 2022, 58, 1868
Authors: Takeuchi Shu , Hanakita Junya , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Inoue Tomoo , Minami Manabu , Suda Izumi , Nakamura Sho , Kanematsu Ryo
Published: January 2023

In the original publication [...]
Treatment Trends and Combined Methods in Removing Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products from Wastewater—A Review
Authors: Loganathan Paripurnanda , Vigneswaran Saravanamuthu , Kandasamy Jaya , Cuprys Agnieszka Katarzyna , Maletskyi Zakhar , Ratnaweera Harsha
Published: January 2023

When discharged into wastewater, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) become microorganic contaminants and are among the largest groups of emerging pollutants. Human, animal, and aquatic organisms’ exposures to PPCPs have linked them to an array of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxicity risks. For this reason, various methods are being implemented to remove them from water bodies. This report critically reviews these methods and suggests improvements to removal strategies. Biological, physical, and chemical methods such as biological degradation, adsorption, membrane filtration, and advanced electrical and chemical oxidation are the common methods used. However, these processes were not integrated into most studies to take advantage of the different mechanisms specific to each process and are synergistic in the removal of the PPCPs that differ in their physical and chemical characteristics (charge, molecular weight, hydrophobicity, hydrogen bonding, structure). In the review articles published to date, very little information is available on the use of such integrated methods for removing PPCPs. This report attempts to fill this gap with our knowledge.
Influence of Molasses Residue on Treatment of Cow Manure in an Anaerobic Filter with Perforated Weed Membrane and a Conventional Reactor: Variations of Organic Loading and a Machine Learning Application
Authors: Jaman Khairina , Idrus Syazwani , Wahab Abdul Malek Abdul , Harun Razif , Daud Nik Norsyahariati Nik , Ahsan Amimul , Shams Shahriar , Uddin Md. Alhaz
Published: January 2023

This study highlighted the influence of molasses residue (MR) on the anaerobic treatment of cow manure (CM) at various organic loading and mixing ratios of these two substrates. Further investigation was conducted on a model-fitting comparison between a kinetic study and an artificial neural network (ANN) using biomethane potential (BMP) test data. A continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and an anaerobic filter with a perforated membrane (AF) were fed with similar substrate at the organic loading rates of (OLR) 1 to OLR 7 g/L/day. Following the inhibition signs at OLR 7 (50:50 mixing ratio), 30:70 and 70:30 ratios were applied. Both the CSTR and the AF with the co-digestion substrate (CM + MR) successfully enhanced the performance, where the CSTR resulted in higher biogas production (29 L/d), SMP (1.24 LCH4/gVSadded), and VS removal (>80%) at the optimum OLR 5 g/L/day. Likewise, the AF showed an increment of 69% for biogas production at OLR 4 g/L/day. The modified Gompertz (MG), logistic (LG), and first order (FO) were the applied kinetic models. Meanwhile, two sets of ANN models were developed, using feedforward back propagation. The FO model provided the best fit with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) (57.204) and correlation coefficient (R2) 0.94035. Moreover, implementing the ANN algorithms resulted in 0.164 and 0.97164 for RMSE and R2, respectively. This reveals that the ANN model exhibited higher predictive accuracy, and was proven as a more robust system to control the performance and to function as a precursor in commercial applications as compared to the kinetic models. The highest projection electrical energy produced from the on-farm scale (OFS) for the AF and the CSTR was 101 kWh and 425 kWh, respectively. This investigation indicates the high potential of MR as the most suitable co-substrate in CM treatment for the enhancement of energy production and the betterment of waste management in a large-scale application.
Proton-Conducting Polymeric Membranes Based on 1,2,4-Triazole
Authors: Prozorova Galina F. , Pozdnyakov Alexander S.
Published: January 2023

In this review, a comparative analysis of the literature and our own results obtained in the study of the physicochemical, dielectric, and proton-conducting properties of composite polymer materials based on 1H-1,2,4-triazole has been carried out. It has been established that 1H-1,2,4-triazole and homopolymers and copolymers of 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole are promising for the development of proton-conducting fuel cell membranes. They significantly improve the basic characteristics of electrolyte membranes, increase their film-forming ability, increase thermal stability up to 300–330 °C, increase the electrochemical stability region up to 3–4 V, promote high mechanical strength and morphological stability of membranes, and provide high ionic conductivity (up to 10−3–10−1 S/cm) under anhydrous conditions at temperatures above 100 °C. There is also an improvement in the solubility and a decrease in the glass transition temperature of polymers based on 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole, which facilitates the processing and formation of membrane films. The results obtained demonstrate the uniqueness of 1H-1,2,4-triazole and (co)polymers based on 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole and the promise of their use for the creation of heat-resistant plastic and electrochemically stable, mechanically strong proton-conducting membranes with high ionic conductivity under anhydrous conditions and at high temperatures.
Recovery of Valuable Metals by Roasting of Jarosite in Cement Kiln
Authors: Ge Hui , Pan Zhigang , Xie Feng , Lu Diankun , Wang Wei , Wu Shulin
Published: January 2023

The jarosite residue is a harmful byproduct of the zinc hydrometallurgical process and has been classified as hazardous waste due to its high content of heavy metals and poor stability. In this work, the recovery of valuable metals by synergistic disposal of jarosite residue with cement kiln has been investigated. A series of investigations were undertaken to assess the effect of amount of jarosite residue, roasting time, and the addition of CaCl2 on phase transformation and migration of valuable elements in the cement clinker. When 25% of jarosite residue was added to the raw cement materials and roasted at 1400 °C for 30 min, the silicate content in the cement clinker reached 54.4%. In the presence of CaCl2 as the mineralizer, the volatilization rates of Pb and Zn were 93% and 75%, respectively. The results indicated that jarosite residue can be used as the cement additive and valuable metals of Pb and Zn can be recovered simultaneously during the roasting process.
Multi-Objective Modified Differential Evolution Methods for the Optimal Parameters of Aluminum Friction Stir Welding Processes of AA6061-T6 and AA5083-H112
Authors: Luesak Peerawat , Pitakaso Rapeepan , Sethanan Kanchana , Golinska-Dawson Paulina , Srichok Thanatkij , Chokanat Peerawat
Published: January 2023

This study introduces a modified differential evolution approach (MoDE) for evaluating the optimal objective and parameter values of the friction stir welding (FSW) process of dissimilar materials: AA5083 and AA6061. The aim of this study is to investigate the ultimate (UTS), maximum hardness (MH), and minimum heat input (HI) of the weld zone. The controlled welding parameters were shoulder diameter, rotation speed, welding speed, tilt angle, pin type, reinforcement particle type, and tool pin movement direction. The D-optimal experimental design method was used to create the experiment and obtain the mathematical model for optimizing the targeted objectives. The optimal rotational speed, welding speed, shoulder diameter, tilt angle, pin-type, additive type, and tool pin movement are 1162.81 rpm, 52.73 mm/min, 21.17 mm, 2.37 degrees, straight cylindrical, silicon carbide, and straight movement direction, respectively. The optimal values for UTS, MH, and HI are 264.68 MPa, 105.56 HV, and 415.26 °C, respectively. The MoDE outcome exceeded particle swarm optimization (PSO), the original differential evolution algorithm (DE), and the D-optimal design (experiment) results. The MoDE provides better UTS, MH, and HI than other approaches by an average of 8.04%, 4.44%, and 2.44%, respectively. In particular, when comparing results produced by using various approaches, we discovered that the MoDE results are 7.45%, 4.45%, and 3.50% better than PSO, DE, and the experimental results, respectively. All methods were evaluated for their reliability by comparing the results of actual experiments to those predicted by theory, and we discovered that the MoDE yielded the smallest percentage difference between the two, at 1.49%, while PSO and DE yielded differences of 5.19% and 3.71%, respectively.
Recovery of Cu-Fe Alloy from Copper Smelting Slag
Authors: Qu Yi , Tan Keqin , Zhao Baojun , Xie Sui
Published: January 2023

Copper smelting slag usually contains 1–6 wt% copper, which can be recovered by pyrometallurgical and flotation processes. However, the tailing slags still consist of 0.3–0.7 wt% Cu and 35–45 wt% Fe equivalents to those in the copper and iron ores, respectively. Most of the research was focused on the recovery of iron from the tailing slags. Copper can increase the mechanical strength, corrosion resistance and antibacterial property of some steels. A new process to recover copper and iron directly and fully from hot copper smelting slag is proposed to produce Cu-Fe alloy for steel production. Effects of flux, temperature, reaction time, reductant type and addition on the recovery of copper and iron were investigated by high-temperature experiments and thermodynamic calculations. It was found that, with 5% CaO and 13–16% carbon additions, most of the copper and iron can be recovered from copper smelting slag at 1350–1400 °C. The copper and iron contents of the reduced slag are lower than 0.1% and 0.5%, respectively, at optimum condition. The new process has the advantages of low energy consumption, low flux addition and high recovery of copper and iron.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Palladium Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Salman Susan , Khashan Khawla , Hadi Aseel
Published: January 2023

In this study, the technique of pulsed laser ablation in liquid PLAL media was successfully used to synthesize Palladium structures in nanoscale for antibacterial activity. The synthesized palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-Visible spectroscopy analysis. The crystalline nature of Pd NPs with face-centered cubic structure is revealed by XRD analysis. The TEM images clearly demonstrated the spherical shape, with average particle sizes ranging from a few nanometers to several tens of nanometers. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy revealed that the absorbance intensity of the prepared Pd NPs increased as the laser fluences increased. Palladium nanoparticles were tested for antibacterial activity against two bacterial strains: Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus). The agar well diffusion method results revealed that Pd NPs prepared at 10.2 J/m2 had a higher antibacterial activity for both bacterial strains due to the higher concentration. Furthermore, the effect of Pd NPs was stronger against Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of TiC Coating over Inconel 625 Obtained by Vacuum Electron Beam Surface Alloying
Authors: Yao Jiaye , Li Juan , Zhao Guanghui , Li Huaying , Ma Lifeng , Liu Jie
Published: January 2023

Inconel 625 nickel-base alloy was modified by electron beam surface alloying (EBSA) with TiC as the coating at different scanning speeds (80 mm/min, 100 mm/min, and 120 mm/min). Its microstructure evolution and friction and wear evolution were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), a microhardness tester, and a friction and wear tester (RTEC). The results indicated that the FCC phase in the microstructure of the Inconel 625 nickel-base alloy is island-shaped after EBSA. At different scanning speeds, the austenitic texture types will eventually form primarily S-texture accompanied by Goss texture and Brass texture of varying strengths. With an increase in scanning speed, the surface hardness of nickel-base alloys decreases. The highest surface hardness was 457 HB at 80 mm/min, and the surface hardness was 1.936 times higher than that of the base material. With an increase in scanning speed, the wear resistance of the nickel-base alloy plates decreased gradually. At the scanning speed of 80 mm/min, the wear volume and wear rate were the lowest, which were 0.9131 mm3 and 3.0437, respectively, and the wear rate decreased by 30.48%.
Role of Oxidative Stress in Ocular Diseases: A Balancing Act
Authors: Shu Daisy , Chaudhary Suman , Cho Kin-Sang , Lennikov Anton , Miller William , Thorn David , Yang Menglu , McKay Tina
Published: January 2023

Redox homeostasis is a delicate balancing act of maintaining appropriate levels of antioxidant defense mechanisms and reactive oxidizing oxygen and nitrogen species. Any disruption of this balance leads to oxidative stress, which is a key pathogenic factor in several ocular diseases. In this review, we present the current evidence for oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in conditions affecting both the anterior segment (e.g., dry eye disease, keratoconus, cataract) and posterior segment (age-related macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma) of the human eye. We posit that further development of therapeutic interventions to promote pro-regenerative responses and maintenance of the redox balance may delay or prevent the progression of these major ocular pathologies. Continued efforts in this field will not only yield a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ocular diseases but also enable the identification of novel druggable redox targets and antioxidant therapies.