bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Topical and Oral Botanicals for Skin Redness, Pigmentation, Sleep, and Mood: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Maloh Jessica , Chakkalakal Mincy , Sulaiman Fatima , Burney Waqas , Chambers Cindy , Sivamani Raja
Published: November 2022

External and internal stressors have been found to adversely affect skin health and overall wellness. There is growing interest in the use of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant-derived ingredients, such as ashwagandha, saffron, l-theanine, and tocopherol, to mitigate the impact of these stressors. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of oral and topical products (InnerCalm and SuperCalm, respectively) that contain naturally derived ingredients on skin redness, skin pigmentation, sleep, and mood in healthy females with Fitzpatrick skin type 1–4 and self-perceived sensitive skin. Subjects were randomized to an oral (oral group), a topical (topical group), or a combination of both the oral and topical interventions (combined group). Standardized photography-based image analysis was used to assess skin redness and pigment. Self-assessments of mood and sleep were measured with the abbreviated profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh sleep-quality index (PSQI), respectively. Assessments were made at the baseline, 1-week, 4-weeks, and 8-weeks of the intervention. The average facial redness decreased in the topical group at 8-weeks (p < 0.001) and in the combined group at 4-weeks (p < 0.05) and 8-weeks (p < 0.001), relative to the baseline. The average facial pigmentation decreased in the oral (p < 0.05) and combined (p < 0.05) cohorts at 8-weeks, relative to the baseline. The oral group exhibited an improvement in sleep quality at 1-week relative to the baseline (p < 0.05) and at 8-weeks relative to the baseline (p < 0.05). Finally, the combined group demonstrated improvement in fatigue (p < 0.01) and confusion (p < 0.05) at 8-weeks relative to the baseline, though total mood disturbance increased in all 3 groups over the course of the study. Measured outcomes relating to mood may be confounded with the timing of the study, which ran during the COVID pandemic. Overall, we demonstrate the role of oral and topical herbs and of nutraceuticals for skin health and wellness. Further research will be needed to elucidate synergistic effects in oral and topical combination regimens.
Glycated Haemoglobin A1c Variability Score Elicits Kidney Function Decline in Chinese People Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhou Yiling , Huang Hongmei , Yan Xueqin , Hapca Simona , Bell Samira , Qu Furong , Liu Li , Chen Xiangyang , Zhang Shengzhao , Shi Qingyang , Zeng Xiaoxi , Wang Miye , Li Nan , Du Heyue , Meng Wentong , Su Baihai , Tian Haoming , Li Sheyu ,   on behalf of the WECODe Study Group
Published: November 2022

Our aim was to investigate the association of glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) variability score (HVS) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope in Chinese adults living with type 2 diabetes. This cohort study included adults with type 2 diabetes attending outpatient clinics between 2011 and 2019 from a large electronic medical record-based database of diabetes in China (WECODe). We estimated the individual-level visit-to-visit HbA1c variability using HVS, a proportion of changes in HbA1c of ≥0.5% (5.5 mmol/mol). We estimated the odds of people experiencing a rapid eGFR annual decline using a logistic regression and differences across HVS categories in the mean eGFR slope using a mixed-effect model. The analysis involved 2397 individuals and a median follow-up of 4.7 years. Compared with people with HVS ≤ 20%, those with HVS of 60% to 80% had 11% higher odds of experiencing rapid eGFR annual decline, with an extra eGFR decline of 0.93 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year on average; those with HVS > 80% showed 26% higher odds of experiencing a rapid eGFR annual decline, with an extra decline of 1.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year on average. Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes and HVS > 60% could experience a more rapid eGFR decline.
Significance of the Lung Immune Prognostic Index for Assessment of the Reliability of the Clinical Treatment Outcome for Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Patients with COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Krpina Kristina , Mavrinac Martina , Samarzija Miroslav , Tolic Ena , Darapi Dora , Baticic Lara
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Lung cancer is one of the most diagnosed malignancies with increasing incidence worldwide. Immunotherapy is the main oncological treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), for which the discovery of new efficient biomarkers is crucial. Scientific evidence points to the importance of the Lung Immune Prognostic Index (LIPI), but its predictive significance is unclear. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance and predictive role of LIPI in patients with advanced NSCLC and PD-L1 mutation who are eligible for immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. In addition, to our knowledge, this is the first time that the association between COVID-19 infection and the course and outcome of oncologic treatment of NSCLC has been investigated. Patients and Methods: Patients were divided into four study groups according to strictly defined clinical parameters, therapeutic approach, and COVID-19 infection. LIPI was determined and its predictive power was evaluated in all studied groups, as well as overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease control rate (DCR). Results: This study confirmed the understudied and uncertain predictive power and clinical relevance of LIPI as a biomarker in patients with advanced NSCLC. Patients infected with COVID-19 had a higher survival rate than uninfected patients despite the therapeutic approach, which may be attributed to their hospitalization and intensive medical management during the pandemic. Conclusions: Findings obtained in this study may help to determine treatment options according to the clinical condition of the patient by using LIPI values as a non-invasive, readily available and economically acceptable predictive biomarker in lung oncology.
The Reflux and BariClip: Initial Results and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Noel Patrick , Layani Laurent , Manos Thierry , Adala Mourad , Carandina Sergio , Nedelcu Anamaria , Nedelcu Marius
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Laparoscopic BariClip Gastroplasty (LBCG) represents a new bariatric procedure that mimics the principle of the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG), but using a completely reversible mechanism, which is essential for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the evolution of GERD following the initial experience with LBCG. Methods: The first 43 obese patients who underwent LBCG performed by the same surgeon in two different medical centers in May 2018–December 2019 were included in the current study. Twelve patients had issues of reflux, regularly receiving PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) treatment in eight cases, and occasionally in four cases. Thirty-two patients completed the follow-up at one year and the GERD was evaluated using the PPI medications and the GerdQ. Results: The median preoperative GerdQ score was (14.58 ± 1.9). Three patients out of the twelve who had complained about preoperative GERD did not consent to the one year follow-up form. For the rest of nine patients, the median post-operative GerdQ score was (10.11 ± 3.2). The PPIs were used at one year follow-up in six patients: four with occasional use, one patient with regular use showing no improvement, and one who experienced de novo GERD symptomatology (3.1%). No statistically significant difference between the groups was recorded in terms of GERD. We recorded no intraoperative complications. No case of erosion occurred in the post-operative period, but we encountered two cases of slippage. One additional BariClip was removed at 14 months. Conclusion: LBCG represents a new bariatric procedure that mimics the principle of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, but with a completely reversible mechanism. Even with limited cases, our experience reports several mechanisms of action that will be evaluated and discussed in further prospective clinical trials. After this preliminary clinical study, LBCG’s effects on GERD and its safety are highly encouraging.
Retinal Microvascular Dysfunction Occurs Early and Similarly in Mild Alzheimer’s Disease and Primary-Open Angle Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Mroczkowska Stephanie , Shokr Hala , Benavente-Pérez Alexandra , Negi Anil , Bentham Peter , Gherghel Doina
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To assess the similarities and differences in retinal microvascular function between mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, early-stage primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and healthy controls. Methods: Retinal vessel reactivity to flickering light was assessed in 10 AD, 19 POAG and 20 healthy age matched control patients by means of dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DVA, IMEDOS, GmbH, Jena, Germany) according to an established protocol. All patients additionally underwent BP measurements and blood analysis for glucose and lipid metabolism markers. Results: AD and POAG patients demonstrated comparable alterations in retinal artery reactivity, in the form of an increased arterial reaction time (RT) to flicker light on the final flicker cycle (p = 0.009), which was not replicated by healthy controls (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the sequential changes in RT on progressing from flicker one to flicker three were found to differ between healthy controls and the two disease groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: AD and POAG patients demonstrate comparable signs of vascular dysfunction in their retinal arteries at the early stages of their disease process. This provides support for the concept of a common underlying vascular aetiology in these two neurodegenerative diseases.
The Spectrum of Still’s Disease: A Comparative Analysis of Phenotypic Forms in a Cohort of 238 Patients
Authors: Neau Pierre-Antoine , El-Jammal Thomas , Javaux Clément , Fournier Nicolas , Chol Orlane , Adelaïde Léopold , Ly Kim , Gerfaud-Valentin Mathieu , Perard Laurent , Fouillet-Desjonqueres Marine , Le Scanff Julie , Vignot Emmanuelle , Hot Arnaud , Belot Alexandre , Durieu Isabelle , Sève Pascal , Jamilloux Yvan
Published: November 2022

Still’s disease (SD) is a heterogeneous autoinflammatory disorder for which several phenotypes have been described. We conducted a retrospective study to re-evaluate the dichotomous view of the disease, to compare the juvenile and adult forms, and to look for prognostic factors. We collected data from ten French centers, seeking patients with a diagnosis of adult-onset SD (AOSD) or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). We identified 238 patients, 152 (64%) of whom had AOSD while 86 (36%) had sJIA. The median age at SD onset was 26.6 years. In patients with identifiable patterns, the course of SD was systemic in 159 patients (74%), chronic in 55 (26%). Sore throat and myalgia were more frequent in patients with AOSD. Abnormal liver tests, serum ferritin and C-reactive protein levels were higher in AOSD group. Fever and skin rash were predictive of complete remission or recovery and high lactate dehydrogenase level was a poor prognosis factor. Symptoms such as splenomegaly, skin rash, high polymorphonuclear neutrophils count and macrophage activation syndrome were predictive of a systemic phenotype. Overall, there were no major differences between sJIA and AOSD. Our results are consistent with the “biphasic” model of an autoinflammatory disease that can progress to chronic arthritis if not treated early.
Laparoscopic Adenomyomectomy under Real-Time Intraoperative Ultrasound Elastography Guidance: A Case Series and Feasibility Study
Authors: Ota Yoshiaki , Ota Kuniaki , Takahashi Toshifumi , Morimoto Yumiko , Suzuki Soichiro , Sano Rikiya , Shiota Mitsuru
Published: November 2022

Background: This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics of 11 patients undergoing laparoscopic adenomyomectomy guided by intraoperative ultrasound elastography and this technique’s feasibility. Patients and Methods: Eleven patients undergoing laparoscopic adenomyomectomy using ultrasound elastography for adenomyosis at Kawasaki Medical School Hospital in Okayama, Japan between March 2020 and February 2021 were enrolled. Operative outcomes included operative time, operative bleeding, resected weight, operation complications, percent change in hemoglobin (Hb) values, and uterine volume pre- and postoperatively. Dysmenorrhea improvement was evaluated by changes in visual analog scale (VAS) scores pre- and 6- and 12-months postoperatively. Results: The median operative time and bleeding volume was 125 min (range, 88–188 min) and 150 mL (10–450 mL), respectively. The median resected weight was 5.0 g (1.5–180 g). No intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusions or perioperative complications were observed. The median changes in uterine volume, Hb value, and VAS score were −49% (−65 to −28%), −3% (−11 to 35%), and −80% (−100 to −50%), respectively. The median follow-up period post-surgery was 14 months (7–30 months). Adenomyosis recurrence was not observed in the patients during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy using ultrasound elastography guidance is minimally invasive and resects as many adenomyotic lesions as possible.
Comparison of Graft Materials in Multilayer Reconstruction with Nasoseptal Flap for High-Flow CSF Leak during Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Kim Byung Kil , Kong Doo-Sik , Nam Do-Hyun , Hong Sang Duk
Published: November 2022

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a crucial complication after endoscopic skull base surgery. Therefore, multilayer reconstruction with grafts is as essential as a reconstruction with pedicled flaps. Although widely used, the multilayer technique with autologous fascia lata has drawbacks, such as additional wound and donor site complications. We compared acellular dermal graft and banked homologous fascia lata graft (alternative grafts) with autologous fascia lata graft for high-flow CSF leak repair. We retrospectively enrolled 193 subjects who underwent endoscopic skull base reconstruction with multilayer fascial grafts and nasoseptal flap for high-flow CSF leaks from November 2014 to February 2020 at a single institution. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM), banked homologous fascia lata, and autologous fascia lata were used in 48 (24.9%), 102 (52.8%), and 43 (22.3%) patients, respectively. Postoperative CSF leaks occurred in 23 (11.9%) patients and meningitis in 8 (4.1%). There was no significant difference in postoperative CSF leak (p = 0.36) and meningitis (p = 0.17) across the graft groups. Additionally, we could not find out contributing risk factors for postoperative CSF leak and meningitis. ADM and banked homologous fascia lata are non-inferior to autologous fascia lata for endoscopic skull base reconstruction in water-tight reconstruction or safety without additional donor site morbidities.
Assessment of Thigh MRI Radiomics and Clinical Characteristics for Assisting in Discrimination of Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Hu Minfei , Zheng Fei , Ma Xiaohui , Liu Linke , Shen Chencong , Wu Jianqiang , Wang Chaoying , Yang Li , Xu Yiping , Zou Lixia , Fei Ling , Lu Meiping , Xu Xuefeng
Published: November 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important non-invasive examination in the early diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of radiomics to establish a quantitative analysis of MRI images. Radiomics and machine learning were used to retrospectively analyze MRI T2 fat suppression sequences and relevant clinical data. The model associated with radiomics features was established using a cohort of patients who underwent thigh MRI at the children’s hospital from June 2014 to September 2021. In total, 75 patients with JDM and 75 control children were included in the training cohort (n = 102) and validation cohort (n = 48). The independent factors including lower muscle strength (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59–0.90), higher creatine kinase (CK) level (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.20–2.38), and higher radiomics score (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.63–3.62) were associated with a clinical diagnosis of JDM. The combined model achieved good discrimination performance compared the radiomics score model under linear discriminant analyses in the training cohort (AUC, 0.949; 95% CI, 0.912–0.986 vs. AUC, 0.912; 95% CI, 0.858–0.967; p = 0.02) and in the validation cohort (AUC, 0.945; 95% CI, 0.878–1 vs. AUC, 0.905; 95% CI, 0.812–0.998; p = 0.03). The combined model showed the diagnostic value was not weaker than the biopsy (AUC, 0.950; 95% CI, 0.919–0.981, n = 150 vs. AUC, 0.952; 95% CI, 0.889–1, n = 72; p = 0.95) and electromyogram (EMG) (AUC, 0.950; 95% CI, 0.919–0.981 vs. AUC, 0.900; 95% CI, 0.852–0.948; p = 0.10) among all the patients. The combination of radiomics features extracted from the MRI and non-invasive clinical characteristics obtained a pronounced discriminative performance to assist in discriminating JDM.
Impact of Smoking Status on Mortality in STEMI Patients Undergoing Mechanical Reperfusion for STEMI: Insights from the ISACS–STEMI COVID-19 Registry
Authors: De Luca Giuseppe , Algowhary Magdy , Uguz Berat , Oliveira Dinaldo , Ganyukov Vladimir , Zimbakov Zan , Cercek Miha , Jensen Lisette , Loh Poay , Calmac Lucian , Ferrer Gerard , Quadros Alexandre , Milewski Marek , Scotto D’Uccio Fortunato , von Birgelen Clemens , Versaci Francesco , Ten Berg Jurrien , Casella Gianni , Wong Sung Lung Aaron , Kala Petr , Díez Gil José , Carrillo Xavier , Dirksen Maurits , Becerra-Munoz Victor , Lee Michael , Juzar Dafsah , Joaquim Rodrigo , Paladino Roberto , Milicic Davor , Davlouros Periklis , Bakraceski Nikola , Zilio Filippo , Donazzan Luca , Kraaijeveld Adriaan , Galasso Gennaro , Arpad Lux , Lucia Marinucci , Vincenzo Guiducci , Menichelli Maurizio , Scoccia Alessandra , Yamac Aylin , Ugur Mert Kadir , Flores Rios Xacobe , Kovarnik Tomas , Kidawa Michal , Moreu Josè , Vincent Flavien , Fabris Enrico , Martínez-Luengas Iñigo , Boccalatte Marco , Bosa Ojeda Francisco , Arellano-Serrano Carlos , Caiazzo Gianluca , Cirrincione Giuseppe , Kao Hsien-Li , Sanchis Forés Juan , Vignali Luigi , Pereira Helder , Manzo Stephane , Ordoñez Santiago , Özkan Alev , Scheller Bruno , Lehtola Heidi , Teles Rui , Mantis Christos , Antti Ylitalo , Silveira João , Zoni Rodrigo , Bessonov Ivan , Savonitto Stefano , Kochiadakis George , Alexopulos Dimitrios , Uribe Carlos , Kanakakis John , Faurie Benjamin , Gabrielli Gabriele , Barrios Alejandro , Bachini Juan , Rocha Alex , Tam Frankie , Rodriguez Alfredo , Lukito Antonia , Saint-Joy Veauthyelau , Pessah Gustavo , Tuccillo Andrea , Cortese Giuliana , Parodi Guido , Bouraghda Mohamed , Kedhi Elvin , Lamelas Pablo , Suryapranata Harry , Nardin Matteo , Verdoia Monica
Published: November 2022

The so-called “smoking paradox”, conditioning lower mortality in smokers among STEMI patients, has seldom been addressed in the settings of modern primary PCI protocols. The ISACS–STEMI COVID-19 is a large-scale retrospective multicenter registry addressing in-hospital mortality, reperfusion, and 30-day mortality among primary PCI patients in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the 16,083 STEMI patients, 6819 (42.3%) patients were active smokers, 2099 (13.1%) previous smokers, and 7165 (44.6%) non-smokers. Despite the impaired preprocedural recanalization (p < 0.001), active smokers had a significantly better postprocedural TIMI flow compared with non-smokers (p < 0.001); this was confirmed after adjustment for all baseline and procedural confounders, and the propensity score. Active smokers had a significantly lower in-hospital (p < 0.001) and 30-day (p < 0.001) mortality compared with non-smokers and previous smokers; this was confirmed after adjustment for all baseline and procedural confounders, and the propensity score. In conclusion, in our population, active smoking was significantly associated with improved epicardial recanalization and lower in-hospital and 30-day mortality compared with previous and non-smoking history.
Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Pomegranate Extract on Skin Wrinkles, Biophysical Features, and the Gut-Skin Axis
Authors: Chakkalakal Mincy , Nadora Dawnica , Gahoonia Nimrit , Dumont Ashley , Burney Waqas , Pan Adrianne , Chambers Cindy J. , Sivamani Raja K.
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: The pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) has been widely used in traditional medicine and has increasingly gained popularity among consumers in order to manage different facets of health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the fruit extract of P. granatum L. on different parameters of skin health. (2) Methods: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on both healthy males and females aged 25–55 years. Subjects were supplemented with a standardized punicalagin enriched oral pomegranate extract [Pomella® (Verdure Science, Noblesville, IN, USA), PE group] or a placebo (control group) daily for four weeks. Changes in wrinkle severity, facial biophysical properties, skin microbiome, and the gut microbiome were assessed. (3) Results: The PE group had significant reductions in wrinkle severity (p < 0.01) and a decreasing trend in the forehead sebum excretion rate (p = 0.14). The participants in the PE group with a higher relative abundance of Eggerthellaceae in the gut had a decrease in their facial TEWL (p < 0.05) and wrinkle severity (p = 0.058). PE supplementation led to an increase in the Staphylococcus epidermidis species and the Bacillus genus on the skin. (4) Conclusions: Overall, the study demonstrated improvements in several biophysical properties, wrinkles, and shifts in the skin microbiome with oral PE supplementation in healthy subjects.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Macular Perfusion Evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography after Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Surgery
Authors: Bartolomé-Sesé Isabel , Díaz-Barreda María D. , Orduna-Hospital Elvira , Boned-Murillo Ana , Ascaso Francisco J. , Pinilla Isabel
Published: November 2022

Background: The goal of this study was to investigate macular microvascular changes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at one year after successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery. Methods: We performed a cross-section study including RRD treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without scleral buckling and SF6 tamponade. After 12 months, DRI-Triton SS-OCTA was performed. Superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP), choriocapillaris (CC) vessel density (VD), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) morphology were analyzed. Results were compared with the unaffected contralateral eye. Results: Sixty eyes were included. We observed an increase in VD in the central area of both the SCP and DCP in macula-off eyes treated with PPV + SB and in the SCP of macula-off eyes treated with PPV. Macula-off eyes had a diminished VD for both plexuses in the superior quadrant and in the SCP inferior quadrant in those treated with PPV + SB. The CC flow was diminished in the temporal quadrant of macular-off eyes treated with PPV + SB. Healthy eyes presented higher diameter values than macula-off eyes treated with PPV + SB. FAZ horizontal and vertical diameters were smaller in patients with macula-off RRD vs. macula-on RRD and control groups. Conclusion: Macular vascularity remains almost unchanged one year after successful RRD surgery, irrespective of the surgical technique or prior macular status.
Studies of the Application of Electrically Conductive Composite Copper Films to Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Abzhalov Ramshad , Sataev Malik , Koshkarbayeva Shaizada , Sagitova Guzaliya , Smailov Bakyt , Azimov Abdugani , Serikbaeva Bagdagul , Kolesnikova Olga , Fediuk Roman , Amran Mugahed
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a technology for applying copper and silver films to cotton fabrics by combining photochemical and chemical methods for the reduction of the compounds of these metals. The resulting metal-containing films have inherent electrical conductivity of metals. All the main processes described in the work were carried out by means of the compounds being sorbed by the surface of the fabric when they were wetted in appropriate solutions. The aim of the work was to study the application of electrically conductive composite copper films on cotton fabrics. The tasks to achieve this aim were to perform scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis to confirm that as a result of the experiment, CuCl with a semiconductor ability was formed on the surface of the sample. The driving force behind the photochemical reduction of copper and silver halides on cotton surfaces is that, as a result of the photooxidation of cellulose molecules in the fabric, copper monochloride is first formed on the cotton surface. Subsequently, the process of obtaining silver particles based on semiconductor silver chloride obtained as a result of the transformation of copper monochloride was carried out. The physicochemical and photochemical processes leading to the formation of monovalent copper chloride, which provides sufficient adhesion to the substrate, are considered. It is shown that in this case, the oxidation of monovalent copper also occurs with the formation of soluble salts that are easily removed by washing. Since the proposed technology does not require special equipment, and the chemical reagents used are not scarce, it can be used to apply bactericidal silver films to various household items and medical applications in ordinary laundries or at home. This article examines an affordable and simple technology for producing metal films on a cotton surface due to the presence of disadvantages (time duration, high temperature, scarce reagents, special installations, etc.) of a number of well-known methods in the production of chemical coatings.
The Mineralization of Various 3D-Printed PCL Composites
Authors: Egorov Artem , Riedel Bianca , Vinke Johannes , Schmal Hagen , Thomann Ralf , Thomann Yi , Seidenstuecker Michael
Published: November 2022

In this project, different calcification methods for collagen and collagen coatings were compared in terms of their applicability for 3D printing and production of collagen-coated scaffolds. For this purpose, scaffolds were printed from polycaprolactone PCL using the EnvisionTec 3D Bioplotter and then coated with collagen. Four different coating methods were then applied: hydroxyapatite (HA) powder directly in the collagen coating, incubation in 10× SBF, coating with alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and coating with poly-L-aspartic acid. The results were compared by ESEM, µCT, TEM, and EDX. HA directly in the collagen solution resulted in a pH change and thus an increase in viscosity, leading to clumping on the scaffolds. As a function of incubation time in 10× SBF as well as in ALP, HA layer thickness increased, while no coating on the collagen layer was apparently observed with poly-L-aspartic acid. Only ultrathin sections and TEM with SuperEDX detected nano crystalline HA in the collagen layer. Exclusively the incubation in poly-L-aspartic acid led to HA crystals within the collagen coating compared to all other methods where the HA layers formed in different forms only at the collagen layer.
Tribological Behavior of Additively Manufactured Metal Components
Authors: Shah Raj , Pai Nikhil , Rosenkranz Andreas , Shirvani Khosro , Marian Max
Published: November 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) has recently become an increasingly popular form of production due to its advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, such as accessibility, the potential to produce parts with complex geometry, and reduced waste. For the widespread industry adoption of AM components, metal AM has the most potential. The most popular methods of metal AM are powder-based manufacturing techniques. Due to the layer-by-layer nature of AM, the mechanical and tribological properties of an additive manufactured part differs from those of traditionally manufactured components. For the technology to develop and grow further, the tribological properties of AM components must be fully explored and characterized. The choice of material, surface textures, and post-processing methods are shown to have significant impact on friction and wear. Therefore, this paper focuses on reviewing the existing literature with an emphasis on the development of advanced materials for AM applications as well as the optimization of the resulting surface quality via post-processing and presents areas of interest for further examination in this prospective technology.
Spatial Variability of Surface Waves and Nearshore Currents Induced by Hurricane Harvey along the Southern Texas Coast
Authors: Romero-Arteaga Angélica , Ruiz de Alegría-Arzaburu Amaia , Esquivel-Trava Bernardo
Published: November 2022

Extreme weather events such as hurricanes are expected to become more severe with the human-induced increase in average global temperatures, exacerbating the risk of major damage. Efforts to predict these events typically require detailed hydrodynamic data that are difficult to collect in the field. Here, nearshore data collected with three ADCP moorings were used to describe the hydrodynamics induced by Hurricane Harvey along the southern Texas coast. Wave spectra and nearshore current variations were analyzed along the hurricane’s trajectory and compared to other offshore locations. The results indicate that winds intensified along the coast as Harvey approached the Port Aransas coastline. Southerly wind stresses of ~−0.9 Nm−2 generated ~2 ms−1 depth-averaged flows towards the southwest close to landfall in the north, while flows of ~1 ms−1 and <1 ms−1 were measured in the center and the south of the study site, respectively. The hydrodynamics induced by the hurricane were compared to those induced by an intense synoptic-scale cold front (CF). Both events generated southward-directed alongshore wind stresses of similar magnitudes (τy ~−0.4 Nm−2) that caused similar depth-averaged flows (0.5 to 0.7 ms−1) and wave energy conditions (Hs of ~4 m) in the south. Harvey caused extremely energetic conditions close to landfall in the north compared to the CF; depth-averaged flows and Hs of 2 ms−1 and 10 m were induced by Harvey, as opposed to 0.6 ms−1 and 4 m by the CF, respectively. While intense currents (>1 ms−1) and waves (Hs > 4 m) lasted for less than a day during Harvey, these persisted a few days longer during the CF. This study highlights the relevant role of synoptic-scale cold fronts in modulating the nearshore hydrodynamics, which occur more frequently than tropical cyclones in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.
Numerical Investigation on Performance Optimization of Offshore Sandwich Blast Walls with Different Honeycomb Cores Subjected to Blast Loading
Authors: Lin Hong , Han Chang , Yang Lei , Zhang Lin , Luan Haochen , Han Pingping , Xu Hao , Zhang Shuo
Published: November 2022

As an important protective facility on offshore platform, the blast wall is of great significance in resisting oil and gas explosions. Honeycomb structures are widely used due to their unique deformation and mechanical properties under dynamic impact loads. The aim of this research is to develop an optimized design for an offshore sandwich blast wall with different honeycomb cores. The uniqueness of this paper is providing the quantitative optimization scheme for topological configurations and unit cell geometric parameters of honeycomb structures according to mass consistency and the proposed synthetic evaluation index of anti-blast performance. By using the numerical simulation software ANSYS/LS-DYNA, the CONWEP algorithm was first validated and then adopted to conduct the dynamical performance analysis of the honeycomb blast wall. For comparison purposes, simulating studies on a series of different blast walls were carried out by considering various influential parameters. According to different criteria, the blast resistance of the sandwich honeycomb structures was evaluated. It is found that the sandwich plate with concave arc honeycomb core has the best anti-blast performance compared to that of arrow honeycomb core and concave hexagonal honeycomb core. For the concave arc honeycomb structure, the geometric parameters such as concave angle and aspect ratio of honeycomb unit cell have great influence on the blast-resistance performance. Moreover, the concave arc honeycomb structure with positive gradient arrangement has better anti-blast performance than the negative one. The curved blast wall with the curvature of 1/20 achieves better anti-blast performance than the flat blast wall.
Comparison of Offline, Real-Time Models and Hardware-in-the-Loop Test Results of a Power Take-Off for Wave Energy Applications
Authors: Castellini Luca , Gallorini Federico , Alessandri Giacomo , Alves Erick Fernando , Montoya Dan , Mudigonda Bhavana , Tedeschi Elisabetta
Published: November 2022

The power take-off (PTO) of a wave energy converter (WEC) converts mechanical power extracted from the waves into electrical power. Increasing PTO performance under several operational conditions is therefore essential to reduce the levelized cost of energy of a given wave energy concept and to achieve higher levels of technology readiness. A key task in the WEC design will then be the holistic assessment of the PTO performance in combination with other subsystems. It is hence important that WEC designers are aware of the different modeling options. This paper addresses this need and presents two alternative wave-to-wire modeling approaches based on a 250 kW modular electromechanical PTO coupled to an oscillating wave surge converter (OWSC) device. The first is a detailed and accurate offline model. The second model is a simplified and faster version of the first, being adequate for rapid analyses and real-time (RT) simulation. The paper presents the benchmarking of the offline model against the RT model and the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests of the PTO. The normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) is considered as a quantitative indicator for the measurement of real-time and HIL test results against the offline simulation. Results show that the dynamics of the offline model are well represented by the RT model with execution times up to 10 times faster. The offline model also depicts well the behavior observed in the HIL tests with the NRMSE values for the PTO position, velocity, and force above 0.90, which shows the HIL test results replicates with fidelity the dynamic behavior of the complete model. Meaningful differences are however present and highlighted in this paper. An understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of these three approaches is fundamental to properly design a WEC during its project cycle and validate PTO concepts with a certain level of simplification.
Angio Cone-Beam CT (Angio-CBCT) and 3D Road-Mapping for the Detection of Spinal Cord Vascularization in Patients Requiring Treatment for a Thoracic Aortic Lesion: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Barral Pierre-Antoine , De Masi Mariangela , Bartoli Axel , Beunon Paul , Gallon Arnaud , Tradi Farouk , Hak Jean-François , Gaudry Marine , Jacquier Alexis
Published: November 2022

Background: Spinal cord ischemia is a major complication of treatment for descending thoracic aorta (DTA) disease. Our objectives were (1) to describe the value of angiographic cone-beam CT (angio-CBCT) and 3D road-mapping to visualize the Adamkiewicz artery (AA) and its feeding artery and (2) to evaluate the impact of AA localization on the patient surgical strategy. Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, all patients referred to our institution for a surgical DTA disorder underwent a dedicated AA evaluation by angio-CBCT. If the AA feeding artery was not depicted on angio-CBCT, selective artery catheterization was performed, guided by 3D road-mapping. Intervention modifications, based on AA location and one month of neurologic follow-up after surgery, were recorded. Results: Twenty-one patients were enrolled. AA was assessable in 100% of patients and in 15 (71%) with angio-CBCT alone. Among them, 10 patients needed 3D road-mapping-guided DSA angiography to visualize the AA feeding artery. The amount of contrast media, irradiation dose, and intervention length were not significantly different whether the AA was assessable or not by angio-CBCT. AA feeding artery localization led to surgical sketch modification for 11 patients. Conclusions: Angio-CBCT is an efficient method for AA localization in the surgical planning of DTA disorders.
The Association between Fear of COVID-19 and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Greek General Population
Authors: Kontodimopoulos Nikolaos , Poulaki Effimia , Fanourgiakis John , Talias Michael A.
Published: November 2022

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the level of fear related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the association of fear, and of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A large sample of the Greek general population (N = 583) completed the validated versions of the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19s) and the 12-item Short Form (SF-12), and provided data on socio-demographic status, health history and COVID-19 protective behaviors. Variables were compared with Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests and associations with Spearman’s correlations. Gamma regression models investigated the influence of sociodemographic and COVID-related variables on HRQoL. The mean FCV-19s score for the sample was 18.3 ± 5.6, and physical and mental component summary scores were 50.2 ± 7.9 and 46.7 ± 10.1, respectively. More fear of COVID-19 was expressed by females (p < 0.001), individuals with comorbidities (p < 0.01), those with contacts with comorbidities (p < 0.001), and individuals not having caught COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Contrastingly, less fear was expressed by unvaccinated individuals and those with less frequent intake of information about the pandemic. Item level and overall FCV-19s scores were negatively associated with SF-12 summary scores, and fear of COVID-19 was the most important predictor of both physical and mental HRQoL. The findings from this and other similar studies could help to identify specific population groups in need of interventions to improve their physical and mental health, which had deteriorated due to the pandemic.
A Single Center Initial Experience with Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (RA-MIDCAB)
Authors: Piperata Antonio , Busuttil Olivier , Jansens Jean-Luc , Modine Thomas , Pernot Mathieu , Labrousse Louis
Published: November 2022

Background: Minimally invasive procedures have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing the recovery times while ensuring optimal results and minimizing complications. Regarding the coronary artery surgical revascularization field, the evolution of techniques and technology is permitting new surgical strategies that are increasingly precise and suitable for each patient. We present an initial single center experience with a case series of patients successfully treated with combined robotic harvesting of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass graft (MIDCAB) for the anastomosis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent minimally invasive coronary artery revascularization with the use of two combined techniques at our Institution between January 2021 and October 2022. Results: A total of 17 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with the described approach. The median cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cross-clamp times were 83 min (76–115) and 38 min (32–58), respectively. The median intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay were 2 days (1–4) and 8 days (6–11), respectively. The procedure’s success was achieved in 100% of patients. The 30-day mortality was 0%. Conclusions: Considering all the limitations related to the small sample, the presented results of a hybrid approach for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) appears to be encouraging and acceptable. The main advantage of this approach is related to the reduction of postoperative pain and pulmonary complications.
Implementation of the LADM-Based Cadastral Model for Mongolia towards Transition to a 3D Cadastre
Authors: Buuveibaatar Munkhbaatar , Lee Kangjae , Lee Wonhee
Published: November 2022

Most countries have considered the adoption of the international standard ISO 19152—Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) mostly for the improvement of their cadastral systems in the context of developing the 3D cadastre. However, the adoption of LADM is yet to be considered in Mongolia. The aim of the study is to create an LADM-based cadastral data model–Country profile for Mongolia, presenting how the standard can be tailored to the cadastral systems based on an understanding of current legal and systematic requirements. We conducted this study by taking steps to understand the current cadastral system in Mongolia, the implementation of the LADM Country profile, and the LADM conformance test for the developed model. The LADM Country profile has been created based on two parts–Administrative and Spatial. The developed country profile conformed to all classes from the low and medium levels and several classes from the high level of the Abstract Test Suite provided by the standard. In addition, we provide object-instance diagrams to help understand how the developed model can be applied to real situations. The study results will be used when considering the adoption of the standard and moving towards fulfilling modern cadastral requirements (e.g., multi-dimensional cadastres) in Mongolia.
Topographic Wetness Index as a Proxy for Soil Moisture in a Hillslope Catena: Flow Algorithms and Map Generalization
Authors: Winzeler Hans Edwin , Owens Phillip R. , Read Quentin D. , Libohova Zamir , Ashworth Amanda , Sauer Tom
Published: November 2022

Topographic wetness index (TWI) is used as a proxy for soil moisture, but how well it performs across varying timescales and methods of calculation is not well understood. To assess the effectiveness of TWI, we examined spatial correlations between in situ soil volumetric water content (VWC) and TWI values over 5 years in soils at 42 locations in an agroforestry catena in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA. We calculated TWI 546 ways using different flow algorithms and digital elevation model (DEM) preparations. We found that most TWI algorithms performed poorly on DEMs that were not first filtered or resampled, but DEM filtration and resampling (collectively called generalization) greatly improved the TWI performance. Seasonal variation of soil moisture influenced TWI performance which was best when conditions were not saturated and not dry. Pearson correlation coefficients between TWI and grand mean VWC for the 5-year measurement period ranged from 0.18 to 0.64 on generalized DEMs and 0.15 to 0.59 for on DEMs that were not generalized. These results aid management of crop fields with variable moisture characteristics.
Land in Water: The Study of Land Reclamation and Artificial Islands Formation in the UAE Coastal Zone: A Remote Sensing and GIS Perspective
Authors: Subraelu P. , Ebraheem Abdel Azim , Sherif Mohsen , Sefelnasr Ahmed , Yagoub M. M. , Rao Kakani Nageswara
Published: November 2022

The United Arab Emirate’s rapid population growth is coupled with an increase in the consumption of natural resources such as fresh air, sunlight, land, and water. In the past two decades, the demand for land has augmented both away from the coast and significantly near the coast. Within coastal zones, artificial reclamation of land in the sea is the most desirable way to meet the demand for land necessary for the development of the most modern urban areas. Seaward reclamation (land in the water) necessitates the construction of artificially reclaimed areas that are extended into the sea using innovative modern construction techniques. The majority of these building requirements are necessitated by a number of key factors and have diverse outcomes. Even though this type of urban expansion is not new, the scale and motivations of land reclamation have been drastically altered due to geological and human-induced factors. The purpose of this paper is to assess the increase in seaward land expansion, particularly in the seven UAE coastal emirates. Using satellite data, particularly from 1990 to 2021, the total increase in land due to newly developed reclaimed areas in all UAE coastal emirates is calculated. Satellite images from the Landsat series are used to analyze the tremendous growth since the early 2000s. In addition, the study of shoreline maps of 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2021 for the seven emirates revealed that the 22 km long Ajman and UAQ front coast experienced a notable shoreline retreat with a net erosion area of 300 m2 and an annual rate of 30 my−1 over the past 21 years (2000–2021). Depending on the type of construction design used to describe the process, a methodical sorting is also recommended. The impacts of the Dubai offshore reclaimed islands on the adjacent coastlines in Ajman and Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), as well as the potential impact of earthquake tremors along the Zagros fold belt region, are the subjects of this study. In this study, all seven coastal emirates are considered, and the largest reclamation projects are located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras-Al Khaimah (RAK), and Fujairah, with Dubai leading the way; it has expanded its coastal areas by more than 68 km2 at present, and another 35 km2 will be reclaimed soon to finish Palm Deira.
Superpixel-Based Long-Range Dependent Network for High-Resolution Remote-Sensing Image Classification
Authors: Li Liangzhi , Han Ling , Miao Qing , Zhang Yang , Jing Ying
Published: November 2022

Data-driven deep neural networks have demonstrated their superiority in high-resolution remote-sensing image (HRSI) classification based on superpixel-based objects. Currently, most HRSI classification methods that combine deep learning and superpixel object segmentation use multiple scales of stacking to satisfy the contextual semantic-information extraction of one analyzed object. However, this approach does not consider the long-distance dependencies between objects, which not only weakens the representation of feature information but also increases computational redundancy. To solve this problem, a superpixel-based long-range dependent network is proposed for HRSI classification. First, a superpixel segmentation algorithm is used to segment HRSI into homogeneous analysis objects as input. Secondly, a multi-channel deep convolutional neural network is proposed for the feature mapping of the analysis objects. Finally, we design a long-range dependent framework based on a long short-term memory (LSTM) network for obtaining contextual relationships and outputting classes of analysis objects. Additionally, we define the semantic range and investigate how it affects classification accuracy. A test is conducted by using two HRSI with overall accuracy (0.79, 0.76) and kappa coefficients (κ) (0.92, 0.89). Both qualitative and quantitative comparisons are adopted to test the proposed method’s efficacy. Findings concluded that the proposed method is competitive and consistently superior to the benchmark comparison method.