bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unilateral Hypofunction of the Masseter Leads to Molecular and 3D Morphometric Signs of Atrophy in Ipsilateral Agonist Masticatory Muscles in Adult Mice
Authors: Balanta-Melo Julián , Eyquem-Reyes Andrea , Blanco Noelia , Vásquez Walter , Kupczik Kornelius , Toro-Ibacache Viviana , Buvinic Sonja
Published: September 2023

Mice are commonly used to study mandibular dynamics due to their similarity in chewing cycle patterns with humans. Adult mice treated unilaterally with botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) in the masseter exhibit atrophy of this muscle characterized by an increase in the gene expression of atrophy-related molecular markers, and a reduction in both muscle fiber diameter and muscle mass at 14d. However, the impact of this muscle imbalance on the non-treated masticatory muscles remains unexplored. Here, we hypothesize that the unilateral masseter hypofunction leads to molecular and 3D morphometric signs of atrophy of the masseter and its agonist masticatory muscles in adult mice. Twenty-three 8-week-old male BALB/c mice received a single injection of BoNTA in the right masseter, whereas the left masseter received the same volume of saline solution (control side). Animals were euthanized at 2d, 7d, and 14d, and the masticatory muscles were analyzed for mRNA expression. Five heads were harvested at 14d, fixed, stained with a contrast-enhanced agent, and scanned using X-ray microtomography. The three-dimensional morphometric parameters (the volume and thickness) from muscles in situ were obtained. Atrogin-1/MAFbx, MuRF-1, and Myogenin mRNA gene expression were significantly increased at 2 and 7d for both the masseter and temporalis from the BoNTA side. For medial pterygoid, increased mRNA gene expression was found at 7d for Atrogin-1/MAFbx and at 2d–7d for Myogenin. Both the volume and thickness of the masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid muscles from the BoNTA side were significantly reduced at 14d. In contrast, the lateral pterygoid from the BoNTA side showed a significant increase in volume at 14d. Therefore, the unilateral hypofunction of the masseter leads to molecular and morphological signs of atrophy in both the BoNTA-injected muscle and its agonistic non-injected masticatory muscles. The generalized effect on the mouse masticatory apparatus when one of its components is intervened suggests the need for more clinical studies to determine the safety of BoNTA usage in clinical dentistry.
Loss of Key EMT-Regulating miRNAs Highlight the Role of ZEB1 in EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Resistant NSCLC
Authors: Gohlke Linus , Alahdab Ahmad , Oberhofer Angela , Worf Karolina , Holdenrieder Stefan , Michaelis Martin , Cinatl Jindrich , Ritter Christoph A
Published: September 2023

Despite recent advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), acquired drug resistance to targeted therapy remains a major obstacle. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been identified as a key resistance mechanism in NSCLC. Here, we investigated the mechanistic role of key EMT-regulating small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) in sublines of the NSCLC cell line HCC4006 adapted to afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, or osimertinib. The most differentially expressed miRNAs derived from extracellular vesicles were associated with EMT, and their predicted target ZEB1 was significantly overexpressed in all resistant cell lines. Transfection of a miR-205-5p mimic partially reversed EMT by inhibiting ZEB1, restoring CDH1 expression, and inhibiting migration in erlotinib-resistant cells. Gene expression of EMT-markers, transcription factors, and miRNAs were correlated during stepwise osimertinib adaptation of HCC4006 cells. Temporally relieving cells of osimertinib reversed transition trends, suggesting that the implementation of treatment pauses could provide prolonged benefits for patients. Our results provide new insights into the contribution of miRNAs to drug-resistant NSCLC harboring EGFR-activating mutations and highlight their role as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Protein/DNA Binding Properties of Pyridoxylidene-Aminoguanidine-Metal (Fe, Co, Zn, Cu) Complexes
Authors: Jevtovic Violeta , Alhar Munirah Sulaiman Othman , Milenković Dejan , Marković Zoran , Dimitrić Marković Jasmina , Dimić Dušan
Published: September 2023

Pyridoxylidene-aminoguanidine (PLAG) and its transition metal complexes are biologically active compounds with interesting properties. In this contribution, three new metal-PLAG complexes, Zn(PLAG)(SO4)(H2O)].∙H2O (Zn-PLAG), [Co(PLAG)2]SO4∙2H2O (Co-PLAG), and [Fe(PLAG)2]SO4∙2H2O) (Fe-PLAG), were synthetized and characterized by the X-ray crystallography. The intermolecular interactions governing the stability of crystal structure were compared to those of Cu(PLAG)(NCS)2 (Cu-PLAG) within Hirshfeld surface analysis. The structures were optimized at B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)(H,C,N,O,S)/LanL2DZ (Fe,Co,Zn,Cu), and stability was assessed through Natural Bond Orbital Theory and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules. Special emphasis was put on investigating the ligand’s stability and reactivity. The binding of these compounds to Bovine and Human serum albumin was investigated by spectrofluorometric titration. The importance of complex geometry and various ligands for protein binding was shown. These results were complemented by the molecular docking study to elucidate the most important interactions. The thermodynamic parameters of the binding process were determined. The binding to DNA, as one of the main pathways in the cell death cycle, was analyzed by molecular docking. The cytotoxicity was determined towards HCT116, A375, MCF-7, and A2780 cell lines. The most active compound was Cu-PLAG due to the presence of PLAG and two thiocyanate ligands.
Limiting Monoamines Degradation Increases L-DOPA Pro-Locomotor Action in Newborn Rats
Authors: Khsime Inès , Boulain Marie , Fettah Abderrahman , Chagraoui Abdeslam , Courtand Gilles , De Deurwaerdère Philippe , Juvin Laurent , Barrière Grégory
Published: September 2023

L-DOPA, the precursor of catecholamines, exerts a pro-locomotor action in several vertebrate species, including newborn rats. Here, we tested the hypothesis that decreasing the degradation of monoamines can promote the pro-locomotor action of a low, subthreshold dose of L-DOPA in five-day-old rats. The activity of the degrading pathways involving monoamine oxidases or catechol-O-methyltransferase was impaired by injecting nialamide or tolcapone, respectively. At this early post-natal stage, the capacity of the drugs to trigger locomotion was investigated by monitoring the air-stepping activity expressed by the animals suspended in a harness above the ground. We show that nialamide (100 mg/kg) or tolcapone (100 mg/kg), without effect on their own promotes maximal expression of air-stepping sequences in the presence of a sub-effective dose of L-DOPA (25 mg/kg). Tissue measurements of monoamines (dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin and some of their metabolites) in the cervical and lumbar spinal cord confirmed the regional efficacy of each inhibitor toward their respective enzyme. Our experiments support the idea that the raise of monoamines boost L-DOPA’s locomotor action. Considering that both inhibitors differently altered the spinal monoamines levels in response to L-DOPA, our data also suggest that maximal locomotor response can be reached with different monoamines environment.
Fabrication, Structural Characteristics, and Properties of Sericin-Coated Wool Nonwoven Fabrics
Authors: Lee Hye Gyeoung , Jang Mi Jin , Um In Chul
Published: September 2023

Recently, nonwoven fabrics from natural silk have attracted considerable attention for biomedical and cosmetic applications because of their good mechanical properties and cytocompatibility. Although these fabrics can be easily fabricated using the binding character of sericin, the high cost of silk material may restrict its industrial use in certain areas. In this study, sericin was added as a binder to a cheaper material (wool) to prepare wool-based nonwoven fabrics and investigate the effect of the amount of sericin added on the structural characteristics and properties of the wool nonwoven fabric. It was found using SEM that sericin coated the surface of wool fibers and filled the space between them. With an increase in sericin addition, the porosity, moisture regain, and the contact angle of the sericin-coated wool nonwoven fabric decreased. The maximum stress and initial Young’s modulus of the nonwoven fabric increased with the increase in sericin amount up to 32.5%, and decreased with a further increase in the amount of sericin. Elongation at the end steadily decreased with the increase in sericin addition. All of the nonwoven fabrics showed good cytocompatibility, which increased with the amount of sericin added. These results indicate that sericin-coated wool-based nonwoven fabrics may be successfully prepared by adding sericin to wool fibers, and that the properties of these fabrics may be diversely controlled by altering the amount of sericin added, making them promising candidates for biomedical and cosmetic applications.
Facilitation of Ovarian Response by Mechanical Force—Latest Insight on Fertility Improvement in Women with Poor Ovarian Response or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Chang Chia Lin
Published: September 2023

The decline in fertility in aging women, especially those with poor ovarian response (POR) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a major concern for modern IVF centers. Fertility treatments have traditionally relied on gonadotropin- and steroid-hormone-based IVF practices, but these methods have limitations, especially for women with aging ovaries. Researchers have been motivated to explore alternative approaches. Ovarian aging is a complicated process, and the deterioration of oocytes, follicular cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the stromal compartment can all contribute to declining fertility. Adjunct interventions that involve the use of hormones, steroids, and cofactors and gamete engineering are two major research areas aimed to improve fertility in aging women. Additionally, mechanical procedures including the In Vitro Activation (IVA) procedure, which combines pharmacological activators and fragmentation of ovarian strips, and the Whole Ovary Laparoscopic Incision (WOLI) procedure that solely relies on mechanical manipulation in vivo have shown promising results in improving follicle growth and fertility in women with POR and POI. Advances in the use of mechanical procedures have brought exciting opportunities to improve fertility outcomes in aging women with POR or POI. While the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to fertility decline in aging women remains a major challenge for further improvement of mechanical-manipulation-based approaches, recent progress has provided a better view of how these procedures promote folliculogenesis in the fibrotic and avascular aging ovaries. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the potential mechanisms that contribute to ovarian aging in POI and POR patients, followed by a discussion of measures that aim to improve ovarian folliculogenesis in aging women. At last, we discuss the likely mechanisms that contribute to the outcomes of IVA and WOLI procedures and potential future directions.
Evaluation of Smart Contract Vulnerability Analysis Tools: A Domain-Specific Perspective
Authors: Lashkari Bahareh , Musilek Petr
Published: September 2023

With the widespread adoption of blockchain platforms across various decentralized applications, the smart contract’s vulnerabilities are continuously growing and evolving. Consequently, a failure to optimize conventional vulnerability analysis methods results in unforeseen effects caused by overlooked classes of vulnerabilities. Current methods have difficulty dealing with multifaceted intrusions, which calls for more robust approaches. Therefore, overdependence on environment-defined parameters in the contract execution logic binds the contract to the manipulation of such parameters and is perceived as a security vulnerability. Several vulnerability analysis tools have been identified as insufficient to effectively identify certain types of vulnerability. In this paper, we perform a domain-specific evaluation of state-of-the-art vulnerability detection tools on smart contracts. A domain can be defined as a particular area of knowledge, expertise, or industry. We use a perspective specific to the area of energy contracts to draw logical and language-dependent features to advance the structural and procedural comprehension of these contracts. The goal is to reach a greater degree of abstraction and navigate the complexities of decentralized applications by determining their domains. In particular, we analyze code embedding of energy smart contracts and characterize their vulnerabilities in transactive energy systems. We conclude that energy contracts can be affected by a relatively large number of defects. It also appears that the detection accuracy of the tools varies depending on the domain. This suggests that security flaws may be domain-specific. As a result, in some domains, many vulnerabilities can be overlooked by existing analytical tools. Additionally, the overall impact of a specific vulnerability can differ significantly between domains, making its mitigation a priority subject to business logic. As a result, more effort should be directed towards the reliable and accurate detection of existing and new types of vulnerability from a domain-specific point of view.
The Effect of Cold Application to the Lateral Neck Area on Peripheral Vascular Access Pain: A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Canikli Adıgüzel Senay , Akyurt Dilan , Ültan Özgen Gökçe , Bahadır Altun Hatice , Çakır Aleyna , Süren Mustafa , Okan İsmail
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Various types of vagus nerve stimulation are employed in the treatment of a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, epilepsy, headache, tinnitus, atrial fibrillation, schizophrenia, and musculoskeletal pain. The objective of this study was to apply vagal stimulation to the neck area using standardised cold, and then analyse the level of vascular access discomfort experienced by individuals who underwent venous cannulation from the dorsal side of the hand prior to anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 patients, aged 18–75, who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery, were categorised into three distinct groups: the Sham group (Group S), the Control group (Group K), and the Cold group (Group M), with each group consisting of 60 individuals. Bilateral cold application to the lateral side of the neck was performed prior to the commencement of vascular access in Group M patients, followed by the subsequent opening of vascular access. The alterations in heart rate among patients was assessed subsequent to the application of cold and following the establishment of vascular access. The participants were instructed to assess their level of vascular access pain on a numerical pain scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10. Results: A statistically significant difference (p = 0.035) was seen when comparing the pain ratings of patients during vascular access. The study revealed that the NRS values exhibited a statistically significant decrease in Group M compared to both Group K (p = 0.038) and Group S (p = 0.048). Group M had a higher prevalence of individuals experiencing mild pain compared to other groups, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.029). In Group M, the average heart rate following vagal stimulation exhibited a statistically significant decrease compared to the average heart rate observed at the beginning of the study (p < 0.05). Upon comparing the original heart rate measurements with the heart rate values following vascular access, it was observed that there was an elevation in heart rate for both Group S and Group K. Conversely, Group M exhibited a decrease in heart rate after vascular access when compared to the initial heart rate values. Conclusions: In the present investigation, it was discovered that the application of cold to the neck region resulted in a drop in heart rate among the patients, which persisted throughout the process of vascular access. Furthermore, the level of pain experienced by these individuals was reduced during vascular access procedures.
Safety and Effectiveness of Intensive Treatments Administered Outside the Intensive Care Unit to Hematological Critically Ill Patients: An Intensive Care without Walls Trial
Authors: Vergnano Beatrice , Signori Davide , Benini Annalisa , Calcinati Serena , Bettini Francesca , Verga Luisa , Borin Lorenza Maria , Cavalca Fabrizio , Gambacorti-Passerini Carlo , Bellani Giacomo , Foti Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Historically, the admission of hematological patients in the ICU shortly after the start of a critical illness is associated with better survival rates. Early intensive interventions administered by MET could play a role in the management of hematological critically ill patients, eventually reducing the ICU admission rate. In this retrospective and monocentric study, we evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intensive treatments administered by the MET in a medical ward frame. The administered interventions were mainly helmet CPAP and pharmacological cardiovascular support. Frequent reassessment by the MET at least every 8 to 12 h was guaranteed. We analyzed data from 133 hematological patients who required MET intervention. In-hospital mortality was 38%; mortality does not increase in patients not immediately transferred to the ICU. Only three patients died without a former admission to the ICU; in these cases, mortality was not related to the acute illness. Moreover, 37% of patients overcame the critical episode in the hematological ward. Higher SOFA and MEWS scores were associated with a worse survival rate, while neutropenia and pharmacological immunosuppression were not. The MET approach seems to be safe and effective. SOFA and MEWS were confirmed to be effective tools for prognostication.
Current Management of Diaphyseal Long Bone Defects—A Multidisciplinary and International Perspective
Authors: Rosslenbroich Steffen , Oh Chang-Wug , Kern Thomas , Mukhopadhaya John , Raschke Michael , Kneser Ulrich , Krettek Christian
Published: September 2023

The treatment of defects of the long bones remains one of the biggest challenges in trauma and orthopedic surgery. The treatment path is usually very wearing for the patient, the patient’s environment and the treating physician. The clinical or regional circumstances, the defect etiology and the patient´s condition and mental status define the treatment path chosen by the treating surgeon. Depending on the patient´s demands, the bony reconstruction has to be taken into consideration at a defect size of 2–3 cm, especially in the lower limbs. Below this defect size, acute shortening or bone grafting is usually preferred. A thorough assessment of the patient´s condition including comorbidities in a multidisciplinary manner and her or his personal demands must be taken into consideration. Several techniques are available to restore continuity of the long bone. In general, these techniques can be divided into repair techniques and reconstructive techniques. The aim of the repair techniques is anatomical restoration of the bone with differentiation of the cortex and marrow. Currently, classic, hybrid or all-internal distraction devices are technical options. However, they are all based on distraction osteogenesis. Reconstructive techniques restore long-bone continuity by replacing the defect zone with autologous bone, e.g., with a vascularized bone graft or with the technique described by Masquelet. Allografts for defect reconstruction in long bones might also be described as possible options. Due to limited access to allografts in many countries and the authors’ opinion that allografts result in poorer outcomes, this review focuses on autologous techniques and gives an internationally aligned overview of the current concepts in repair or reconstruction techniques of segmental long-bone defects.
Path Planning of Deep-Sea Landing Vehicle Based on the Safety Energy-Dynamic Window Approach Algorithm
Authors: Pan Zuodong , Guo Wei , Sun Hongming , Zhou Yue , Lan Yanjun
Published: September 2023

To ensure the safety and energy efficiency of autonomous sampling operations for a deep-sea landing vehicle (DSLV), the Safety Energy-Dynamic Window Approach (SE-DWA) algorithm was proposed. The safety assessment sub-function formed from the warning obstacle zone and safety factor addresses the safety issue arising from the excessive range measurement error of forward-looking sonar. The trajectory comparison evaluation sub-function with the effect of reducing energy consumption achieves a reduction in path length by causing the predicted trajectory to deviate from the historical trajectory when encountering “U”-shaped obstacles. The pseudo-power evaluation sub-function with further energy consumption reduction ensures optimal linear and angular velocities by minimizing variables when encountering unknown obstacles. The simulation results demonstrate that compared with the Minimum Energy Consumption-DWA algorithm, the SE-DWA algorithm improves the minimum distance to an actual obstacle zone by 68% while reducing energy consumption by 11%. Both the SE-DWA algorithm and the Maximum Safety-DWA (MS-DWA) algorithm ensure operational safety with minimal distance to the actual obstacle zone, yet the SE-DWA algorithm achieves a 24% decrease in energy consumption. In conclusion, the path planned by the SE-DWA algorithm ensures not only safety but also energy consumption reduction during autonomous sampling operations by a DSLV in the deep sea.
Distributed Dual Closed-Loop Model Predictive Formation Control for Collision-Free Multi-AUV System Subject to Compound Disturbances
Authors: Zhang Mingyao , Yan Zheping , Zhou Jiajia , Yue Lidong
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on the collision-free formation tracking of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) with compound disturbances in complex ocean environments. We propose a novel finite-time extended state observer (FTESO)-based distributed dual closed-loop model predictive control scheme. Initially, a fast FTESO is designed to accurately estimate both model uncertainties and external disturbances for each subsystem. Subsequently, the outer-loop and inner-loop formation controllers are developed by integrating disturbance compensation with distributed model predictive control (DMPC) theory. With full consideration of the input and state constraints, we resolve the local information-based DMPC optimization problem to obtain the control inputs for each AUV, thereby preventing actuator saturation and collisions among AUVs. Moreover, to mitigate the increased computation caused by the control structure, the Laguerre orthogonal function is applied to alleviate the computational burden in time intervals. We also demonstrate the stability of the closed-loop system by applying the terminal state constraint. Finally, based on a connected directed topology, comparative simulations are performed under various control schemes to verify the robustness and superior performance of the proposed scheme.
Asynchronous Pattern-Designed Channel Access Protocol in Underwater Acoustic Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ren Jie , Wu Yanbo , Zhu Min
Published: September 2023

Due to the significant propagation delay in underwater sensor networks, conflict retransmission in channel access protocols comes at a high cost. This poses a challenge in scenarios where multiple sensor nodes generate data frames with strong temporal correlations, such as in disaster warning applications. Traditional channel allocation and timeout-based retransmission mechanisms lead to considerable access delays, making it difficult to meet the requirements. To tackle this issue, we propose the asynchronous pattern-designed random access (APDRA) protocol. This protocol enhances the access probability by designing retransmission time intervals for data frames based on pattern design. Additionally, we introduce a successive interference cancellation (SIC) mechanism at the receiver for decoding. This mechanism facilitates the transformation of the conventional method of discarding conflicted data frames into iterative decoding, thereby enhancing transmission efficiency. Via the utilization of simulations, we compare the APDRA protocol conventional underwater medium access control (MAC) protocols and existing retransmission mechanisms. The results demonstrate that the APDRA protocol has the ability to improve both the transmission success ratio (TSR) and reduces the access delay to some extent.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Early Detection, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Delrue Charlotte , Speeckaert Marijn M.
Published: September 2023

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) constitutes a global health crisis, silently affecting millions worldwide [...]
Extremely Rare Type of Breast Cancer—Dedifferentiated Breast Liposarcoma—Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Țigăran Andrada-Elena , Abu-Baker Abdalah , Ion Daniela-Elena , Peligrad Teodora , Gheoca-Mutu Daniela-Elena , Avino Adelaida , Anghel Andrei-Wilhelm , Balcangiu-Stroescu Andra-Elena , Toma Anca , Răducu Laura
Published: September 2023

Primary liposarcoma of the breast is an uncommon soft tissue malignant tumor, comprising only 0.003% of all malignant breast tumors. The main differential diagnosis of this mass consists of malignant phyllodes tumor and metaplastic breast carcinoma. The objective of this paper is to report a case of dedifferentiated breast liposarcoma, therapeutic approach and outcome. We present a case of a 79-year-old woman complaining of a large mass in her left breast which had increased in size over the last 6 months. Physical examination revealed an enlarged left breast, and a total body CT scan showed a large tumor in contact with the musculature of the anterior thoracic wall, with no metastatic lesions. The histopathology report of a fine needle biopsy described a high-grade sarcoma. The Oncological Tumor Board recommended neoadjuvant radiotherapy sessions and reevaluation by MRI and CT scans. The patient underwent radical mastectomy with latissimus dorsi myo-cutaneous flap reconstruction. The final histopathology diagnosis was a grade 3 dedifferentiated liposarcoma (FNCLCC), with certain response to radiotherapy and positive MDM2, CDK4 markers. The postoperative period was uneventful; 12 months after surgery, the follow-up CT scan showed multiple pulmonary lesions with metastatic characteristics. Liposarcoma is a very rare type of breast cancer, and the most important treatment for breast sarcoma is surgery, the role of axillary lymph node removal, chemotherapy and radiotherapy still being controversial. Considering such cases are scarce and the development of surgical guidelines is difficult, reporting any new case is crucial.
Reflections on the Dynamics of Savanna Landscapes
Authors: Young Kenneth R.
Published: September 2023

Savanna landscapes are shaped by the interactions of disturbances with land use goals. Elephant hunting in a site in Botswana, and its consequences for wildlife, people, and landscapes, are described and discussed in order to make broader generalizations about the dynamics of savanna landscapes. Change comes from alterations in tree-grass interactions, fire regimes, predator-prey relations, livestock raising, and conservation goals. Some of these implications are specific to African landscapes, but others may be apt in global contexts.
Continuity of Parental Responsibility in Child Abduction Cases: Lesson Learned from the Case of Z. v. Croatia
Authors: Župan Mirela , Drventić Barišin Martina
Published: September 2023

The new ECtHR decision in the case of Z. v. Croatia suggests that the rule of parental responsibility acquired ex lege is not always easy to implement in child abduction cases. The case primarily raised the question of determining whether the removal or retention of the child is wrongful in situations when the unmarried left-behind father does not have the ex lege right to parental responsibility under the law of the country of habitual residence, but he has acquired it under the law of the country in which he and the child had their previous habitual residence. In addition, the case of Z. v. Croatia raises the issue of renvoi, the habitual residence of children whose lifestyle involves frequent moving with their parents, as well as the issue of the need for thorough justification of the court decision. The identified difficulties showed the need to clearly elaborate and determine the interrelationship between Article 3 of the Child Abduction Convention and Article 16(3) of the Child Protection Convention, as well as the necessity to evaluate domestic legislative solutions and the practice of the national authorities that have led to the determination of violation in the present case.
A Clinical Trial Design for Evaluating Topical Antimicrobials in Chronic Wounds: The BLEU Trial
Authors: Serena Thomas , King Emily , Boyer Theresa , Harrell Khristina
Published: September 2023

Chronic wound management is a global challenge. Millions of patients suffer from nonhealing ulcers and health systems are overwhelmed by the growing demand for treatment. Despite the prevalence of chronic wounds, the emergence of wound centers and specialized physicians is a recent phenomenon. Likewise, clinical research in wound healing is in its infancy. To date, many of the products in wound care have little or no clinical evidence. The field needs standardized clinical trial design, endpoints recognized by clinicians and payers, and improved overall clinical evidence. Wound healing is impeded by the presence of bacterial biofilms, which exist in most chronic wounds. It is not surprising that biofilm disruption is the focus of wound management and essential to the healing process. Multiple laboratory and preclinical studies demonstrate promising efficacy of several antimicrobials in treating biofilms; however, the field lacks in vivo clinical studies. In addition, a standardized trial design to evaluate efficacy of antimicrobials in chronic wounds does not exist. The advent of new diagnostic technologies, such as fluorescence imaging, has led to clinical trial designs that are reliable, easier to conduct, and cost efficient. The protocol presented here describes a randomized controlled double-blind trial designed to evaluate antiseptics in chronic wounds.
EULAR Sjogren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) and Other Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Assessment of Glandular Dysfunction in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Ture Hirut Yadeta , Kim Na Ri , Nam Eon Jeong
Published: September 2023

The EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), EULAR Sjogren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), and other patient-reported outcomes (PROs), such as the visual analog scale (VAS) for symptoms and EULAR sicca score (ESS), are used to assess the disease activity of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Recently, Clinical ESSDAI (ClinESSDAI) and Clinical Trials ESSDAI (ClinTrialsESSDAI) were developed for objective clinical disease activity indexes. However, the relationship of ClinESSDAI and ClinTrialsESSDAI with PROs as well as that between ESSPRI and other PROs and the objective parameters of glandular function in pSS have not been established. Herein, we investigated the correlation of ESSPRI and other PROs with the objective parameters of glandular function and the relationship of PROs with ClinESSDAI and ClinTrialsESSDAI in 66 patients with pSS. Correlations were calculated with Spearman’s correlation coefficient. ClinTrialsESSDAI was correlated with ESSPRI, dryness (ESSPRI-Dryness), fatigue, and pain domains of ESSPRI, VAS for oral dryness (oral-VAS), and patient’s global assessment. Although ESSPRI did not correlate with the objective parameters of glandular function, ESSPRI-Dryness, ESS, and oral- and ocular-VAS did. These results suggest that ESSPRI-Dryness, ESS, and VAS for symptoms, but not ESSPRI, reflect the glandular dysfunction and that ClinTrialsESSDAI correlates with PROs for dryness in pSS.
Effects of Post-Annealing on the Properties of ZnO:Ga Films with High Transparency (94%) and Low Sheet Resistance (29 Ω/square)
Authors: Wang Li-Wen , Chu Sheng-Yuan
Published: September 2023

This study presents gallium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ga, GZO) thin films. GZO thin films with both high transparency and low sheet resistance were prepared by RF sputtering and then post-annealed under nitrogen and hydrogen forming gas. With post-annealing at 450 °C, the proposed films with a film thickness of 100 nm showed high transparency (94%), while the sheet resistance of the films was reduced to 29 Ω/square, which was comparable with the performances of commercial indium tin oxide (ITO) samples. Post-annealing under nitrogen and hydrogen forming gas enhanced the films’ conductivity while altering the thin-film composition and crystallinity. Nitrogen gas played a role in improving the crystallinity while maintaining the oxygen vacancy of the proposed films, whereas hydrogen did not dope into the thin film, thus maintaining its transparency. Furthermore, hydrogen lowered the resistance of GZO thin films during the annealing process. Then, the detailed mechanisms were discussed. Hydrogen post-annealing helped in the removal of oxygen, therefore increasing the Ga3+ content, which provided extra electrons to lower the resistivity of the films. After the preferable nitrogen/hydrogen forming gas treatment, our proposed films maintained high transparency and low sheet resistance, thus being highly useful for further opto-electronic applications.
Anisotropic Deformation Behavior and Indentation Size Effect of Monocrystalline BaF2 Using Nanoindentation
Authors: Du Guangyuan , Yang Xiaojing , Deng Jiayun , Guo Yanjun , Yao Tong , Li Maozhong , Geng Ruiwen
Published: September 2023

In this study, our objective is to investigate the anisotropic deformation behavior and the indentation size effect (ISE) of monocrystalline barium fluoride (BaF2) using nanoindentation experiments with a diamond Berkovich indenter. BaF2 is known for its anisotropy, which results in significant variations in its mechanical properties. This anisotropy poses challenges in achieving high processing quality in ultra-precision machining. Through our experiments, we observed numerous pop-in events in the load–displacement curves, indicating the occurrence of plastic deformation in BaF2 crystals, specifically in the (100), (110), and (111) orientations; these pop-in events were observed as the indentation depth increased to 56.9 nm, 58.2 nm, and 57.8 nm, respectively. The hardness–displacement and elastic modulus–displacement curves were obtained from the tests exhibiting the ISE. The nanoindentation hardness of BaF2 is found to be highly dependent on its crystallographic orientation. Similarly, for BaF2 in the (100) orientation, the range is from 2.43 ± 0.74 and 1.24 ± 0.12 GPa. For BaF2 in the (110) orientation, the values range from 2.15 ± 0.66 to 1.18 ± 0.15 GPa. For BaF2 in the (111) orientation, the values range from 2.12 ± 0.53 GPa to 1.19 ± 0.12 GPa. These results highlight the significant influence of crystallographic orientation on the mechanical properties of BaF2. To better understand the ISE, we employed several models including Meyer’s law, the Nix–Gao model, the proportional specimen resistance (PSR) model, and the modified PSR (mPSR) model, and compared them with our experimental results. Among these models, the mPSR model demonstrated the best level of correlation (R2>0.9999) with the experimental measurements, providing a reliable description of the ISE observed in BaF2. Our reports provide valuable insights into the anisotropic mechanical characteristics of BaF2 materials and serve as a theoretical guide for the ultra-precision machining of BaF2.
Modeling and Machine Learning of Vibration Amplitude and Surface Roughness after Waterjet Cutting
Authors: Leleń Michał , Biruk-Urban Katarzyna , Józwik Jerzy , Tomiło Paweł
Published: September 2023

This study focused on analyzing vibrations during waterjet cutting with variable technological parameters (speed, vfi; and pressure, pi), using a three-axis accelerometer from SEQUOIA for three different materials: aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and steel. Difficult-to-machine materials often require specialized tools and machinery for machining; however, waterjet cutting offers an alternative. Vibrations during this process can affect the quality of cutting edges and surfaces. Surface roughness was measured by contact methods after waterjet cutting. A machine learning (ML) model was developed using the obtained maximum acceleration values and surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, and RSm). In this study, five different models were adopted. Due to the characteristics of the data, five regression methods were selected: Random Forest Regressor, Linear Regression, Gradient Boosting Regressor, LGBM Regressor, and XGBRF Regressor. The maximum vibration amplitude reached the lowest acceleration value for aluminum alloy (not exceeding 5 m/s2), indicating its susceptibility to cutting while maintaining a high surface quality. However, significantly higher acceleration amplitudes (up to 60 m/s2) were registered for steel and titanium alloy in all process zones. The predicted roughness parameters were determined from the developed models using second-degree regression equations. The prediction of vibration parameters and surface quality estimators after waterjet cutting can be a useful tool that for allows for the selection of the optimal abrasive waterjet machining (AWJM) technological parameters.
Study on Early Hydration Mechanism of Double-Liquid Grouting Material Modified by Composite Early Strength Agent
Authors: Chen Xinming , Wang Jie , Jiao Huazhe , Yang Zhi , Zheng Diantao , Sun Jinyu
Published: September 2023

To achieve an adjustable setting time and significantly improved early strength of a new type of sulphoaluminate cement-based double-liquid grouting material (SACDL), the effects of calcium formate, sodium sulfate, lithium carbonate, and a composite early strength agent on the setting hardening and early hydration behavior of SACDL paste were studied by means of setting time, fluidity, compressive strength, and viscosity tests. The results showed that the adsorption and osmosis of calcium formate, the complex decomposition of sodium sulfate, the precipitation polarization of lithium carbonate and the synergistic action of the composite early strength agent could accelerate the early hydration rate of SACDL, shorten the coagulation time, and improve the early strength of SACDL. The composite effect of 0.8% calcium formate and 0.5% sodium sulfate is the most significant in promoting coagulation and early strength; the initial setting time and final setting time of the slurry were shortened to 5 min and 10 min, respectively; and the 3 h compressive strength was capable of reaching 16.7 MPa, 31% higher than that of the blank group. In addition, X-ray diffraction and SEM morphology observation were used to study the composition of the hydration products and the evolution of the microstructure, which revealed the early hydration mechanism of SACDL under the synergistic effect of the composite early strength agent: (1) The solubility of tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and dihydrate gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) increased under the low content composite early strength agent condition, which increased the ettringite (AFt) formation rate. HCOO− was able to penetrate the hydration layers of tricalcium silicate (C3S) and dicalcium silicate (C2S), accelerating the dissolution of C3S and C2S and promoting the early hydration of SACDL. (2) Under the condition of a high dosage of the composite early strength agent, the further increase in Ca2+ concentration promoted the crystallization nodules and precipitation of CH and accelerated the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel. C-S-H was filled between a large number of rod-like AFt crystals, thus making the structure more dense.
FeIII Chelated with Humic Acid with Easy Synthesis Conditions and Good Performance as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Youkui , Zhao Ruili , Kou Meimei , Guo Mengyao , Xu Ke , Tian Gang , Wei Xinting , Jiang Song , Yuan Qing , Zhao Jinsheng
Published: September 2023

In this work, we prepared a green, cheap material by chelating humic acid with ferric ions (HA-Fe) and used it as an anode material in LIBs for the first time. From the SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption experimental results, it was found that the ferric ion can chelate with humic acid successfully under mild conditions and can increase the surface area of materials. Taking advantage of the chelation between the ferric ions and HA, the capacity of HA-Fe is 586 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1 after 1000 cycles. Moreover, benefitting from the chelation effect, the activation degree of HA-Fe (about 8 times) is seriously improved compared with pure HA material (about 2 times) during the change–discharge process. The capacity retention ratio of HA-Fe is 55.63% when the current density increased from 0.05 A·g−1 to 1 A·g−1, which is higher than that of HA (32.55%) and Fe (24.85%). In the end, the storage mechanism of HA-Fe was investigated with ex-situ XPS measurements, and it was found that the C=O and C=C bonds are the activation sites for storage Li ions but have different redox voltages.
A Robust Adaptive Mesh Generation Algorithm: A Solution for Simulating 2D Crack Growth Problems
Authors: Alshoaibi Abdulnaser , Fageehi Yahya
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces a robust algorithm that efficiently generates high-quality unstructured triangular meshes to model complex two-dimensional crack growth problems within the framework of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). The proposed Visual Fortran code aims to address key challenges in mesh generation including geometric complexity, required simulation accuracy, and computational resource constraints. The algorithm incorporates adaptive refinement and updates to the mesh structure near the crack tip, resulting in the formation of rosette elements that provide accurate approximations of stress intensity factors (SIFs). By utilizing the maximum circumferential stress theory, the algorithm predicts the new crack path based on these SIFs. Throughout the simulation of crack propagation, a node splitting approach was employed to represent the progression of the crack, while the crack growth path is determined by successive linear extensions for each crack growth increment. To compute stress intensity factors (SIFs) for each increment of crack extension, a displacement extrapolation method was used. The experimental and numerical results demonstrated the algorithm’s effectiveness in accurately predicting crack growth and facilitating reliable stress analysis for complex crack growth problems in two dimensions. The obtained results for the SIF were found to be consistent with other analytical solutions for standard geometries.
Whey Protein Isolate/Calcium Silicate Hydrogels for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications—Preliminary In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Ivory-Cousins Tayla , Nurzynska Aleksandra , Klimek Katarzyna , Baines Daniel K. , Truszkiewicz Wieslaw , Pałka Krzysztof , Douglas Timothy E. L.
Published: September 2023

Whey protein isolate (WPI) hydrogels are attractive biomaterials for application in bone repair and regeneration. However, their main limitation is low mechanical strength. Therefore, to improve these properties, the incorporation of ceramic phases into hydrogel matrices is currently being performed. In this study, novel whey protein isolate/calcium silicate (WPI/CaSiO3) hydrogel biomaterials were prepared with varying concentrations of a ceramic phase (CaSiO3). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the introduction of CaSiO3 to a WPI hydrogel matrix on its physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties. Our Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy results showed that CaSiO3 was successfully incorporated into the WPI hydrogel matrix to create composite biomaterials. Swelling tests indicated that the addition of 5% (w/v) CaSiO3 caused greater swelling compared to biomaterials without CaSiO3 and ultimate compressive strength and strain at break. Cell culture experiments demonstrated that WPI hydrogel biomaterials enriched with CaSiO3 demonstrated superior cytocompatibility in vitro compared to the control hydrogel biomaterials without CaSiO3. Thus, this study revealed that the addition of CaSiO3 to WPI-based hydrogel biomaterials renders them more promising for bone tissue engineering applications.
In Situ, Real-Time Temperature Mapping and Thermal FE Simulations of Large-Format 3D Printed PETG/CF Vertical Wall
Authors: Robles Poblete Felipe , Ireland Matthew , Slattery Lucinda , Davids William G. , Lopez-Anido Roberto A.
Published: September 2023

This work focuses on simulating the thermal history of a vertical wall consisting of a thermoplastic composite material, poly(ethylene terephthalate) glycol (PETG) with short carbon fiber reinforcement, manufactured using a Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system. The incremental deposition process used in additive manufacturing, which corresponds to the repeated deposition of hot material onto cooler material, contributes to the presence of residual stresses and part warping. The prediction of these mechanisms is dependent on thermal history of the part, and the major motivation of this work was to improve the accuracy of finite element (FE) models used to quantify the thermal history of large-format additively manufactured parts. Thermocouples were placed throughout the part at varying heights to measure temperature as a function of time. The FE model developed found a thermal contact conductance between the printed part and the bed of 10 W/m2K and convection coefficient values that linearly varied from 3 to 15 W/m2K through the wall height when making a temperature comparison with the output from the thermocouples. It is also demonstrated that the FE model with a constant convection coefficient under-predicts model temperature at the beginning of the manufacturing process when compared against the model with a variable convection coefficient. The impact of this difference was seen in the stress values, which were larger for the model with a constant convection coefficient. Finally, a correlation equation was derived which allows the findings to be generalized to other vertical structures manufactured on the BAAM. In summary, this work offers valuable insights on material characterization, real-time thermocouple placement, and FE modeling of large-format additively manufactured parts.