bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hysteroscopic Removal of Intrauterine Device in Pregnancy: A Scoping Review to Guide Personalized Care
Authors: Stabile Guglielmo , Cracco Francesco , Nappi Luigi , Sorrentino Felice , Vitale Salvatore Giovanni , Angioni Stefano , Carlucci Stefania , Ricci Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives: Pregnancies that occur with an intrauterine device (IUD) in situ are at increased risk for developing severe conditions which may affect the fetus and the mother. The incidence of such adverse consequences significantly drops after device removal. A scoping review of the literature was performed to highlight the risks, benefits, and outcomes of hysteroscopic removal of intrauterine devices in early pregnancy. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. The review included all reports from 1990 to October 2022. The research strategy adopted included different combinations of the following terms: (“hysteroscopy”) AND (“pregnancy”) AND (“intrauterine device” or “IUD”) AND (“intrauterine system” or “IUS”). A scoping review of the hysteroscopic removal of IUDs during pregnancy was performed. All studies identified were listed by citation, title, authors, and abstract. Duplicates were identified by an independent manual screening performed by two researchers and then removed. For the eligibility process, two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of all non-duplicated papers and excluded those not pertinent to the topic. Results: PRISMA guidelines were followed. Nine manuscripts were detected, accounting for 153 patients. Most IUD removals occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy. Most of the time, the procedure was safe and without consequences. Conclusions: This review highlights the safety and efficacy of operative hysteroscopy as a method of IUD removal in early pregnancy. We recommend using a 3 to 5 mm hysteroscope, avoiding cervical dilation, and maintaining low infusion pressure during the procedure to avoid potential damage to the gestational sac and IUD fragment displacement. Heating the distension media to 30 °C should be considered.
Organic Bone Matrix Component Type I and V Collagen Are Not Destructed in Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaws
Authors: Acil Yahya , Weitkamp Jan-Tobias , Wieker Henning , Flörke Christian , Wiltfang Jörg , Gülses Aydin
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives: The investigation of the pathophysiology behind medication-related osteonecrosis (MRONJ) of the jaw mostly focuses on alterations in osteoclast and osteoblast cell activity, but changes in the organic and inorganic bone matrix have rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate whether collagen, the main organic component of extracellular bone matrix, is destructed in osteonecrosis of the jaw secondary to antiresorptive medication. Material and methods: Bone samples of patients with MRONJ (n = 15, control group n = 3) were demineralized, and collagen fragments were separated from intact collagen pellets by ultrafiltration. The quantification of mature collagen cross-links hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP) in pellets and ultrafiltrates was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The detection of hydroxyproline (Hyp) was carried out using a spectrophotometric assay. In addition, collagen chains were analyzed by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE). Results: The results revealed significantly higher concentrations of HP, LP and Hyp in pellet samples. In addition, there were no significant differences between samples from MRONJ patients and those of the control group. These results were paralleled by SDS- PAGE. Conclusion: These findings suggest that MRONJ does not involve the destruction of type I and V collagen molecules, in contrast to previously reported destruction by osteoradionecrosis.
Assessment of Therapeutic Responses Using a Deep Neural Network Based on 18F-FDG PET and Blood Inflammatory Markers in Pyogenic Vertebral Osteomyelitis
Authors: Shin Hyunkwang , Kong Eunjung , Yu Dongwoo , Choi Gyu Sang , Jeon Ikchan
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the usefulness of deep neural network (DNN) models based on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and blood inflammatory markers to assess the therapeutic response in pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study with prospectively collected data. Seventy-four patients diagnosed with PVO underwent clinical assessment for therapeutic responses based on clinical features during antibiotic therapy. The decisions of the clinical assessment were confirmed as ‘Cured’ or ‘Non-cured’. FDG-PETs were conducted concomitantly regardless of the decision at each clinical assessment. We developed DNN models depending on the use of attributes, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation ratio (ESR), and maximum standardized FDG uptake values of PVO lesions (SUVmax), and we compared their performances to predict PVO remission. Results: The 126 decisions (80 ‘Cured’ and 46 ‘Non-cured’ patients) were randomly assigned with training and test sets (7:3). We trained DNN models using a training set and evaluated their performances for a test set. DNN model 1 had an accuracy of 76.3% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.768 [95% confidence interval, 0.625–0.910] using CRP and ESR, and these values were 79% and 0.804 [0.674–0.933] for DNN model 2 using ESR and SUVmax, 86.8% and 0.851 [0.726–0.976] for DNN model 3 using CRP and SUVmax, and 89.5% and 0.902 [0.804–0.999] for DNN model 4 using ESR, CRP, and SUVmax, respectively. Conclusions: The DNN models using SUVmax showed better performances when predicting the remission of PVO compared to CRP and ESR. The best performance was obtained in the DNN model using all attributes, including CRP, ESR, and SUVmax, which may be helpful for predicting the accurate remission of PVO.
Engineering a New Polymeric Heart Valve Using 3D Printing—TRISKELION
Authors: Tschorn Philip , Schröter Filip , Hartrumpf Martin , Kühnel Ralf-Uwe , Ostovar Roya , Albes Johannes M.
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Developing a prosthetic heart valve that combines the advantageous hemodynamic properties of its biological counterpart with the longevity of mechanical prostheses has been a major challenge for heart valve development. Anatomically inspired artificial polymeric heart valves have the potential to combine these beneficial properties, and innovations in 3D printing have given us the opportunity to rapidly test silicone prototypes of new designs to further the understanding of biophysical properties of artificial heart valves. TRISKELION is a promising prototype that we have developed, tested, and further improved in our institution. Materials and Methods: STL files of our prototypes were designed with FreeCad 0.19.2 and 3D printed with an Agilista 3200W (Keyence, Osaka, Japan) using silicones of Shore hardness 35 or 65. Depending on the valve type, the support structures were printed in AR-M2 plastics. The prototypes were then tested using a hemodynamic pulse duplicator (HKP 2.0) simulating an aortic valve cycle at 70 bpm with 70 mL stroke volume (cardiac output 4.9 L/min). Valve opening cycles were visualized with a high-speed camera (Phantom Miro C320). The resulting values led to further improvements of the prototype (TRISKELION) and were compared to a standard bioprosthesis (Edwards Perimount 23 mm) and a mechanical valve (Bileaflet valve, St. Jude Medical). Results: We improved the silicone prototype with currently used biological and mechanical valves measured in our setup as benchmarks. The regurgitation fractions were 22.26% ± 4.34% (TRISKELION) compared to 8.55% ± 0.22% (biological) and 13.23% ± 0.79% (mechanical). The mean systolic pressure gradient was 9.93 ± 3.22 mmHg (TRISKELION), 8.18 ± 0.65 mmHg (biological), and 10.15 ± 0.16 mmHg (mechanical). The cardiac output per minute was at 3.80 ± 0.21 L/min (TRISKELION), 4.46 ± 0.01 L/min (biological), and 4.21 ± 0.05 L/min (mechanical). Conclusions: The development of a heart valve with a central structure proves to be a promising concept. It offers another principle to address the problem of longevity in currently used heart valves. Using 3D printing to develop new prototypes provides a fast, effective, and accurate way to deepen understanding of its physical properties and requirements. This opens the door for translating and combining results into modern prototypes using highly biocompatible polymers, internal structures, and advanced valve layouts.
The Incidence and Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Real-World Observational Study
Authors: Uitrakul Suriyon , Aksonnam Krittika , Srivichai Pimchanok , Wicheannarat Sorawit , Incomenoy Supatcha
Published: November 2022

Background: The incidence and risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who use sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are still controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of using SGLT2 inhibitors, particularly in Thai patients. Methods: Electronic medication records of all patients, who started the treatment of T2DM between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Thailand, were reviewed. The patients were divided into SGLT2 inhibitor and non-SGLT2 inhibitor groups to compare the incidence of UTI. Results: The overall incidence rate of UTI was 33.49% in the SGLT2 inhibitor group and 11.72% in the non-SGLT2 inhibitor group. The incidence rates of UTI were not different between dapagliflozin and empagliflozin treatment (34.00% and 33.03%, respectively). Patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors had a 3.70 higher risk of UTI compared with those treated with non-SGLT2 inhibitors (95%CI 2.60–5.29). Moreover, the significant risk factors for UTI found in this study were gender, age, and occupation. Conclusions: This study highlighted the high incidence of UTI in patients using dapagliflozin and empagliflozin compared with non-SGLT2 inhibitors. Additionally, patients of female gender and older age had a significantly higher risk of UTI when treated with SGLT2 inhibitors, whereas those with permanent jobs had a lower risk.
The Growth of Intermetallic Compounds and Its Effect on Bonding Properties of Cu/Al Clad Plates by CFR
Authors: Li Long , Deng Guangping , Zhai Weiguo , Li Sha , Gao Xiangyu , Wang Tao
Published: November 2022

Cu/Al clad plates prepared using a corrugated + flat rolling (CFR) technique were annealed at 300–450 °C for 10–240 min. Furthermore, the interfacial diffusion behavior and the bonding properties of the Cu/Al clad plates were studied in detail. The results demonstrated that, at the initial stage of the annealing process, the development of the first IMCs layer was restrained by the high atomic concentration gradient in the new bonding interface zone, and the second intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layer preferentially formed in the new bonding interface zone, leading to a slight increase in the growth activation energy of the clad plates. In addition, the atoms’ diffusion behavior at the peak and trough interfaces was not significantly affected by the matrix microstructure, and there was no discernible difference in the growth activation energy at these two positions. Ultimately, it was shown that the maximum average peel strength at the peak and trough interfaces reached 53.07 N/mm and 41.23 N/mm, respectively, when annealing at 350 °C for 10 min.
Tuning the Hardness of Produced Parts by Adjusting the Cooling Rate during Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion of AlSi10Mg by Adapting the Process Parameters
Authors: Leis Artur , Traunecker David , Weber Rudolf , Graf Thomas
Published: November 2022

The mechanical properties of parts produced by laser-based powder bed fusion (LPBF) are mainly determined by the grain structure in the material, which is governed by the cooling rate during solidification. This cooling rate strongly depends on the scan velocity and the absorbed laser power. Experiments with varying process parameters were performed to develop and validate an analytical model that predicts the hardness of printed AlSi10Mg parts. It was found that it is possible to tune the hardness of additively manufactured parts of AlSi10Mg in a range between 60 ± 9 HV0.5 and 100 ± 10 HV0.5 by adjusting the cooling rate during solidification with adapted process parameters.
Natural Products Targeting Hsp90 for a Concurrent Strategy in Glioblastoma and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Mitra Sarmistha , Dash Raju , Munni Yeasmin Akter , Selsi Nusrat Jahan , Akter Nasrin , Uddin Md Nazim , Mazumder Kishor , Moon Il Soo
Published: November 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common aggressive, resistant, and invasive primary brain tumors that share neurodegenerative actions, resembling many neurodegenerative diseases. Although multiple conventional approaches, including chemoradiation, are more frequent in GBM therapy, these approaches are ineffective in extending the mean survival rate and are associated with various side effects, including neurodegeneration. This review proposes an alternative strategy for managing GBM and neurodegeneration by targeting heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). Hsp90 is a well-known molecular chaperone that plays essential roles in maintaining and stabilizing protein folding to degradation in protein homeostasis and modulates signaling in cancer and neurodegeneration by regulating many client protein substrates. The therapeutic benefits of Hsp90 inhibition are well-known for several malignancies, and recent evidence highlights that Hsp90 inhibitors potentially inhibit the aggressiveness of GBM, increasing the sensitivity of conventional treatment and providing neuroprotection in various neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, the overview of Hsp90 modulation in GBM and neurodegeneration progress has been discussed with a summary of recent outcomes on Hsp90 inhibition in various GBM models and neurodegeneration. Particular emphasis is also given to natural Hsp90 inhibitors that have been evidenced to show dual protection in both GBM and neurodegeneration.
Quantification of the Tissue Oxygenation Delay Induced by Breath-Holding in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Quiroga Andrés , Novi Sergio , Martins Giovani , Bortoletto Luis Felipe , Avelar Wagner , Guillaumon Ana Terezinha , Li Li Min , Cendes Fernando , Mesquita Rickson C.
Published: November 2022

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is a common vascular disease with long-term consequences for the brain. Although CAS is strongly associated with impaired cerebral hemodynamics and neurodegeneration, the mechanisms underlying hemodynamic impairment in the microvasculature remain unknown. In this work, we employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to introduce a methodological approach for quantifying the temporal delay of the evoked hemodynamic response. The method was validated during a vasodilatory task (breath-holding) in 50 CAS patients and 20 controls. Our results suggest that the hemodynamic response to breath-holding can be delayed by up to 6 s in the most severe patients, a significant increase from the median 4 s measured for the control group (p = 0.01). In addition, the fraction of brain regions that responded to the task decreased as the CAS severity increased, from a median of 90% in controls to 73% in the most severe CAS group (p = 0.04). The presence of collateral circulation increases the response to breath-holding and decreases the average time delays across the brain, although the number of communicating arteries alone cannot predict these fNIRS-based hemodynamic variables (p > 0.09). Overall, this work proposes a method to quantitatively assess impaired cerebral hemodynamics in CAS patients.
Phenotypic Evaluation of Nucleoside Analogues against Trypanosoma cruzi Infection: In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches
Authors: Fiuza Ludmila F. de A. , Batista Denise G. J. , Girão Roberson D. , Hulpia Fabian , Finamore-Araújo Paula , Aldfer Mustafa M. , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb , De Koning Harry P. , Moreira Otacílio , Van Calenbergh Serge , Soeiro Maria de Nazaré C.
Published: November 2022

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is a serious public health problem. Current treatment is restricted to two drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, displaying serious efficacy and safety drawbacks. Nucleoside analogues represent a promising alternative as protozoans do not biosynthesize purines and rely on purine salvage from the hosts. Protozoan transporters often present different substrate specificities from mammalian transporters, justifying the exploration of nucleoside analogues as therapeutic agents. Previous reports identified nucleosides with potent trypanocidal activity; therefore, two 7-derivatized tubercidins (FH11706, FH10714) and a 3′-deoxytubercidin (FH8513) were assayed against T. cruzi. They were highly potent and selective, and the uptake of the tubercidin analogues appeared to be mediated by the nucleoside transporter TcrNT2. At 10 μM, the analogues reduced parasitemia >90% in 2D and 3D cardiac cultures. The washout assays showed that FH10714 sterilized the infected cultures. Given orally, the compounds did not induce noticeable mouse toxicity (50 mg/kg), suppressed the parasitemia of T. cruzi-infected Swiss mice (25 mg/kg, 5 days) and presented DNA amplification below the limit of detection. These findings justify further studies with longer treatment regimens, as well as evaluations in combination with nitro drugs, aiming to identify more effective and safer therapies for Chagas disease.
The Development of the Antibacterial Microcapsules of Citrus Essential Oil for the Cosmetotextile Application: A Review
Authors: Julaeha Euis , Nurzaman Mohamad , Wahyudi Tatang , Nurjanah Sarifah , Permadi Nandang , Anshori Jamaludin Al
Published: November 2022

Essential oils (EOs) obtained from the Citrus genus were reported to exhibit good antimicrobial activity. Therefore, they can potentially be applied in daily necessities such as textile sectors as antibacterial functional fabric products. However, a packaging technique to retain such volatile and labile active substances is compulsory. In particular, microencapsulation was found to be a common coating technique employed to protect EOs from the effects of light, heat, humidity, stability, and controlled release of active substances. Various microencapsulation techniques have been introduced, but the most widely used method is complex coacervation, as it is simple, inexpensive, and capable of snaring high essential oils. Hence, this review focused on the microencapsulation of the most consumable citrus EOs with complex coacervation methods and their immobilization on commonly carried-out fabrics. In addition, it also discusses the isolation methods of the EOs, their chemical composition, and the mechanism of antibacterial action.
Evaluation of Spinning Cone Column Distillation as a Strategy for Remediation of Smoke Taint in Juice and Wine
Authors: Puglisi Carolyn , Ristic Renata , Saint Jamie , Wilkinson Kerry
Published: November 2022

Where vineyard exposure to bushfire smoke cannot be avoided or prevented, grape and wine producers need strategies to transform smoke-affected juice and wine into saleable product. This study evaluated the potential for spinning cone column (SCC) distillation to be used for the remediation of ‘smoke taint’. Compositional analysis of ‘stripped wine’ and condensate collected during SCC treatment of two smoke-tainted red wines indicated limited, if any, removal of volatile phenols, while their non-volatile glycoconjugates were concentrated due to water and ethanol removal. Together with the removal of desirable volatile aroma compounds, this enhanced the perception of smoke-related sensory attributes; i.e., smoke taint intensified. Stripped wines also became increasingly sour and salty as ethanol (and water) were progressively removed. A preliminary juice remediation trial yielded more promising results. While clarification, heating, evaporation, deionization and fermentation processes applied to smoke-tainted white juice gave ≤3 µg/L changes in volatile phenol concentrations, SCC distillation of smoke-tainted red juice increased the volatile phenol content of condensate (in some cases by 3- to 4-fold). Deionization of the resulting condensate removed 75 µg/L of volatile phenols, but fermentation of reconstituted juice increased volatile phenol concentrations again, presumably due to yeast metabolism of glycoconjugate precursors. Research findings suggest SCC distillation alone cannot remediate smoke taint, but used in combination with adsorbents, SCC may offer a novel remediation strategy, especially for tainted juice.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Pyrimidine Amine Derivatives Bearing Bicyclic Monoterpene Moieties
Authors: Zhang Mingguang , Wang Yunyun , Wang Shifa , Wu Hongyan
Published: November 2022

A series of novel pinanyl pyrimidine amine derivatives (1e~1n) and camphoryl pyrimidine amine derivatives (2b~2f) bearing bicyclic monoterpene moieties were designed and synthesized from natural and renewable nopinone and camphor. All chemical structures of target compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS spectra analyses, and the antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The results indicated that most compounds showed considerable antibacterial and antifungal activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans. Among them, 1f showed potent antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria, 1i exhibited excellent inhibition against Streptococcus pneumoniae (1 μg/mL) and Escherichia coli (1 μg/mL), which was better than the control drug amikacin (2 μg/mL). As to antifungal activity against Candida albicans (C. albicans), compound 1l showed comparable activity (16 μg/mL) to the control drug ketoconazole. Furthermore, five active compounds with better antimicrobial activities also showed anti-inflammatory potencies against mouse mononuclear macrophages leukemia cells (RAW). Especially, 1f (IC50 = 1.37 μM) and 2f (IC50 = 1.87μM) are more potent than the control drug aspirin (IC50 = 1.91 μM).
Impact of Sample Pretreatment and Extraction Methods on the Bioactive Compounds of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Leaves
Authors: Ebrahimi Peyman , Mihaylova Dasha , Marangon Christine Mayr , Grigoletto Luca , Lante Anna
Published: November 2022

To find the most optimal green valorization process of food by-products, sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) leaves (SBLs) were freeze-dried and ground with/without liquid nitrogen (LN), as a simple sample pretreatment method, before ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polyphenols. First, the water activity, proximate composition, amino acid (AA) and fatty acid (FA) profiles, and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of dried and fresh SBLs were evaluated. Then, conventional extraction (CE) and UAE of polyphenols from SBLs using water/EtOH:water 14:6 (v/v) as extracting solvents were performed to determine the individual and combined effects of the sample preparation method and UAE. In all the freeze-dried samples, the specific activity of PPO decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Freeze-drying significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) the fiber and essential FA contents of SBLs. The FA profile of SBLs revealed that they are rich sources of oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids. Although freeze-drying changed the contents of most AAs insignificantly, lysine increased significantly from 7.06 ± 0.46% to 8.32 ± 0.38%. The aqueous UAE of the freeze-dried samples without LN pretreatment yielded the most optimal total phenolic content (TPC) (69.44 ± 0.15 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry matter (mg GAE/g DM)) and excellent antioxidant activities. Thus, combining freeze-drying with the aqueous UAE method could be proposed as a sustainable strategy for extracting bioactive compounds from food by-products.
Tetrabromobisphenol Exposure Impairs Bovine Oocyte Maturation by Inducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Guo Jing , Min Chang-Guo , Zhang Kai-Yan , Zhan Cheng-Lin , Wang Yu-Chan , Hou Sheng-Kui , Ma Xin , Lu Wen-Fa
Published: November 2022

Tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA) is the most widely used brominated flame retardant in the world and displays toxicity to humans and animals. However, few studies have focused on its impact on oocyte maturation. Here, TBBPA was added to the culture medium of bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) to examine its effect on oocytes. We found that TBBPA exposure displayed an adverse influence on oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. The results of this study showed that TBBPA exposure induced oocyte meiotic failure by disturbing the polar-body extrusion of oocytes and the expansion of cumulus cells. We further found that TBBPA exposure led to defective spindle assembly and chromosome alignment. Meanwhile, TBBPA induced oxidative stress and early apoptosis by mediating the expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). TBBPA exposure also caused mitochondrial dysfunction, displaying a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial content, mtDNA copy number, and ATP levels, which are regulated by the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3 (PDK3). In addition, the developmental competence of oocytes and the quality of blastocysts were also reduced after TBBPA treatment. These results demonstrated that TBBPA exposure impaired oocyte maturation and developmental competence by disrupting both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of the oocyte, which might have been caused by oxidative stress induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Pyrolysis and Gasification of a Real Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF): The Potential Use of the Products under a Circular Economy Vision
Authors: Alfè Michela , Gargiulo Valentina , Porto Michele , Migliaccio Renata , Le Pera Adolfo , Sellaro Miriam , Pellegrino Crescenzo , Abe Abraham A. , Urciuolo Massimo , Caputo Paolino , Calandra Pietro , Loise Valeria , Rossi Cesare Oliviero , Ruoppolo Giovanna
Published: November 2022

Refuse-Derived Fuels (RDFs) are segregated forms of wastes obtained by a combined mechanical–biological processing of municipal solid wastes (MSWs). The narrower characteristics, e.g., high calorific value (18–24 MJ/kg), low moisture content (3–6%) and high volatile (77–84%) and carbon (47–56%) contents, make RDFs more suitable than MSWs for thermochemical valorization purposes. As a matter of fact, EU regulations encourage the use of RDF as a source of energy in the frameworks of sustainability and the circular economy. Pyrolysis and gasification are promising thermochemical processes for RDF treatment, since, compared to incineration, they ensure an increase in energy recovery efficiency, a reduction of pollutant emissions and the production of value-added products as chemical platforms or fuels. Despite the growing interest towards RDFs as feedstock, the literature on the thermochemical treatment of RDFs under pyrolysis and gasification conditions still appears to be limited. In this work, results on pyrolysis and gasification tests on a real RDF are reported and coupled with a detailed characterization of the gaseous, condensable and solid products. Pyrolysis tests have been performed in a tubular reactor up to three different final temperatures (550, 650 and 750 °C) while an air gasification test at 850 °C has been performed in a fluidized bed reactor using sand as the bed material. The results of the two thermochemical processes are analyzed in terms of yield, characteristics and quality of the products to highlight how the two thermochemical conversion processes can be used to accomplish waste-to-materials and waste-to-energy targets. The RDF gasification process leads to the production of a syngas with a H2/CO ratio of 0.51 and a tar concentration of 3.15 g/m3.
A Bioinspired Ag Nanoparticle/PPy Nanobowl/TiO2 Micropyramid SERS Substrate
Authors: Li Xin , Petrescu Florian Ion Tiberiu , Danzeng Qupei , Zhu Haiyan , Li Ying , Shi Gang
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the micropyramid structure was transferred to the TiO2 substrate by soft imprinting. Then, the PPy nanobowls were assembled onto the surface of the TiO2 micropyramids through the induction of the PS template. Finally, a layer of Ag nanoparticles was deposited on the surface of PPy nanobowls to form a novel Ag nanoparticle/PPy nanobowl/TiO2 micropyramid SERS substrate. Its structure is similar to the bioinspired compound eyes. This substrate exhibited excellent antireflection, ultra-sensitivity, excellent uniformity, and recyclability. The concentration of R6G molecules can be detected as low as 10−9 mol/L, and the Raman enhancement factor can reach 3.4 × 105. In addition, the excellent catalytic degradation performance of the substrate ensures recyclability. This work proves that the micropyramid structure can be applied to other SERS materials besides silicon by the above methods, which broadens the selection range of composite SERS materials.
Effect of Polymer Substrate on Adhesion of Electroless Plating in Irradiation-Based Direct Immobilization of Pd Nanoparticles Catalyst
Authors: Uegaki Naoto , Seino Satoshi , Ohkubo Yuji , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: November 2022

Pd nanoparticles were directly immobilized on acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (ABS), acrylonitrile–styrene copolymer (AS), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) polymer substrates via chemical reactions induced by ionizing irradiation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the chemical state of the immobilized Pd nanoparticles depended on the polymer substrate type. Electroless plating was performed using the immobilized Pd nanoparticles as the catalyst, and Cu-plating films were deposited on all polymer substrates. The results of the tape-peeling test suggested that the chemical state of the immobilized Pd nanoparticles on the polymer substrates affected the plating adhesion strength. Notably, ABS with immobilized Pd particles exhibited a high adhesion strength beyond the practical level, even without prior chemical etching. It was presumed that the high adhesion strength was owing to the anchoring effect of the holes generated on the ABS surface by ionizing irradiation.
All-Optical Nanosensor for Displacement Detection in Mechanical Applications
Authors: Escandell Lorena , Álvarez-Rodríguez Carlos , Barreda Ángela , Zaera Ramón , García-Cámara Braulio
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose the design of an optical system based on two parallel suspended silicon nanowires that support a range of optical resonances that efficiently confine and scatter light in the infrared range as the base of an all-optical displacement sensor. The effects of the variation of the distance between the nanowires are analyzed. The simulation models are designed by COMSOL Multiphysics software, which is based on the finite element method. The diameter of the nanocylinders (d = 140 nm) was previously optimized to achieve resonances at the operating wavelengths (λ = 1064 nm and 1310 nm). The results pointed out that a detectable change in their resonant behavior and optical interaction was achieved. The proposed design aims to use a simple light source using a commercial diode laser and simplify the readout systems with a high sensitivity of 1.1 × 106 V/m2 and 1.14 × 106 V/m2 at 1064 nm and 1310 nm, respectively. The results may provide an opportunity to investigate alternative designs of displacement sensors from an all-optical approach and explore their potential use.
New Composite Contrast Agents Based on Ln and Graphene Matrix for Multi-Energy Computed Tomography
Authors: Suslova Evgeniya V. , Kozlov Alexei P. , Shashurin Denis A. , Rozhkov Vladislav A. , Sotenskii Rostislav V. , Maximov Sergei V. , Savilov Serguei V. , Medvedev Oleg S. , Chelkov Georgy A.
Published: November 2022

The subject of the current research study is aimed at the development of novel types of contrast agents (CAs) for multi-energy computed tomography (CT) based on Ln–graphene composites, which include Ln (Ln = La, Nd, and Gd) nanoparticles with a size of 2–3 nm, acting as key contrasting elements, and graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) acting as the matrix. The synthesis and surface modifications of the GNFs and the properties of the new CAs are presented herein. The samples have had their characteristics determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. Multi-energy CT images of the La-, Nd-, and Gd-based CAs demonstrating their visualization and discriminative properties, as well as the possibility of a quantitative analysis, are presented.
Phytochemical-Stabilized Platinum-Decorated Silver Nanocubes INHIBIT Adenocarcinoma Cells and Enhance Antioxidant Effects by Promoting Apoptosis via Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Oladipo Adewale Odunayo , Unuofin Jeremiah Oshiomame , Lebelo Sogolo Lucky , Msagati Titus Alfred Makudali
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: The increasing use of silver and platinum bimetallic nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer presents significant advances in biomedical applications due to their extraordinary physicochemical properties. This study investigated the role of aqueous phytochemical extract in stabilizing platinum nanodots-decorated silver nanocubes (w-Pt@AgNPs) for enhancing antioxidant activities and their mechanism. (2) Methods: UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the formed w-Pt@AgNPs. LC-QToF-MS/MS was used to analyze the bioactive compounds, while DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP were used to detect the scavenging potential. Flow cytometric assays were performed to investigate the cytotoxicity and the mechanism of cell death. (3) Results: Morphological studies indicated that w-Pt@AgNPs were cube in shape, decorated by platinum nanodots on the surfaces. Compared to ethanolic extract-synthesized e-Pt@AgNPs, w-Pt@AgNPs exhibited the strongest antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, as data from Annexin V and Dead cell labeling indicated higher induction of apoptosis. Despite the high proportion of early apoptotic cells, the w-Pt@AgNPs triggered a decrease in G1/G0 cell cycle phase distribution, thereby initiating a G2/M arrest. (4) Conclusions: By enhancing the antioxidant properties and promoting apoptosis, w-Pt@AgNPs exhibited remarkable potential for improved cancer therapy outcomes.
Biologic Functions of Hydroxychloroquine in Disease: From COVID-19 to Cancer
Authors: Niemann Britney , Puleo Amanda , Stout Conley , Markel Justin , Boone Brian A.
Published: November 2022

Chloroquine (CQ) and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), initially utilized in the treatment of malaria, have now developed a long list of applications. Despite their clinical relevance, their mechanisms of action are not clearly defined. Major pathways by which these agents are proposed to function include alkalinization of lysosomes and endosomes, downregulation of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) expression, high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) inhibition, alteration of intracellular calcium, and prevention of thrombus formation. However, there is conflicting data present in the literature. This is likely the result of the complex overlapping pathways between these mechanisms of action that have not previously been highlighted. In fact, prior research has focused on very specific portions of particular pathways without describing these in the context of the extensive CQ/HCQ literature. This review summarizes the detailed data regarding CQ/HCQ’s mechanisms of action while also providing insight into the overarching themes. Furthermore, this review provides clinical context to the application of these diverse drugs including their role in malaria, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, thrombus formation, malignancies, and viral infections.
Experimental Detection of Initial System–Environment Entanglement in Open Systems
Authors: Zhu Gaoyan , Qu Dengke , Xiao Lei , Xue Peng
Published: November 2022

We experimentally investigate how initial entanglement between the system and environment can be detected in an open system by using some prior knowledge of the joint evolutions. The protocol we employed requires classical optimization on the results after performing measurements on the system state. Such an approach does not require a full 2-qubit QST, and works in scenarios where one has access to the system only. We demonstrate the protocol on both pure entangled states and mixed entangled states. The obtained results show the experimental accessibility and validity of the protocol. Compared with the previous methods, which also assume access only to the system, this protocol is less demanding in terms of measurement and state preparation. The experimental results also show that, using the knowledge of the interaction, we can fine-tune the protocol, thus showing the potential of the protocol for developing experimentally feasible and practical entanglement detection methods.
Development of Smart Bilayer Alginate/Agar Film Containing Anthocyanin and Catechin-Lysozyme
Authors: Romruen Orapan , Kaewprachu Pimonpan , Karbowiak Thomas , Rawdkuen Saroat
Published: November 2022

Smart packaging can provide real-time information about changes in food quality and impart a protective effect to the food product by using active agents. This study aimed to develop a smart bilayer film (alginate/agar) with a cellulose nanosphere (CNs) from corncob. The bilayer films were prepared using 1.5% (w/w) sodium alginate with 0.25% (w/v) butterfly pea extract incorporated (indicator layer) and 2% (w/w) agar containing 0.5% (w/v) catechin–lysozyme (ratio 1:1) (active layer). The CNs were incorporated into the alginate layer at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30% w/w-based film) in order to improve the film’s properties. The thickness of smart bilayer film dramatically increased with the increase of CNs concentration. The inclusion of CNs reduced the transparency and elongation at break of the smart bilayer film while increasing its tensile strength (p < 0.05). The integration of CNs did not significantly affect the solubility and water vapor permeability of the smart bilayer film (p > 0.05). The smart bilayer film displayed a blue film with a glossy (without CNs) or matte surface (with CNs). The developed bilayer film shows excellent pH sensitivity, changing color at a wide range of pHs, and has a good response to ammonia and acetic acid gases. The film possesses exceptional antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The integration of CNs did not influence the antibacterial activity of the film, despite the presence of a higher level of DPPH in film containing CNs. The smart bilayer film was effectively used to monitor shrimp freshness. These findings imply that smart bilayer films with and without CNs facilitate food safety and increase food shelf life by monitoring food quality.
Moisture-Related Shrinkage Behavior of Wood at Macroscale and Cellular Level
Authors: Gao Yufa , Fu Zongying , Zhou Yongdong , Gao Xin , Zhou Fan , Cao Huimin
Published: November 2022

Due to wood moisture sensitivity, shrinkage cracks tend to present wooden structures. These failures are caused by moisture-related shrinkage behavior. In order to avoid it, it is necessary to have a better understanding of shrinkage behavior. In this respect, studying the dimension changes in wood at different scales is of utmost significance for a better understanding of the shrinkage properties. Herein, the shrinkage behavior of Masson pines (Pinus massoniana) wood was investigated at macroscopic and cellular levels during moisture loss via digital image correlation using VIC-3D and digital microscopic systems, respectively. According to the full-field strain maps, shrinkage strain near the external face was higher than that at the internal face, which increased susceptibility to cracking at the external face of lumber. Additionally, the anisotropic shrinkage of wood was explored. The shrinkage ratio at the end of drying was about 5.5% in the tangential (T) direction and 3.5% in the radial (R) direction. However, at a cellular level, the shrinkage ratios in the T and R directions of earlywood tracheids were 7.13% and 2.46%, whereas the corresponding values for latewood tracheid were 9.27% and 5.52%, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum T/R shrinkage ratio at the macroscopic level (1.7) was found to be similar to the value of latewood tracheid (1.72). The earlywood showed high anisotropic, its T/R shrinkage ratio was 2.75. The macroscopic shrinkage was the result of the interaction of the tracheids of earlywood and latewood and was mainly dominated by latewood tracheids.
Low Molecular Weight Bio-Polyamide 11 Composites Reinforced with Flax and Intraply Flax/Basalt Hybrid Fabrics for Eco-Friendlier Transportation Components
Authors: Sergi Claudia , Vitiello Libera , Dang Patrick , Russo Pietro , Tirillò Jacopo , Sarasini Fabrizio
Published: November 2022

The transportation sector is striving to meet the more severe European legislation which encourages all industrial fields to embrace more eco-friendly policies by exploiting constituents from renewable resources. In this framework, the present work assessed the potential of a bio-based, low molecular weight PA11 matrix reinforced with flax and intraply flax/basalt hybrid fabrics. To this aim, both quasi-static and impact performance were addressed through three-point bending and low-velocity impact tests, respectively. For hybrid composites, the effect of stacking sequence, i.e., [0/0] and [0/90], and fiber orientation were considered, while the effect of temperature, i.e., −40 °C, room temperature and +45 °C, was investigated for laminates’ impact response. The mechanical experimental campaign was supported by thermal and morphological analyses. The results disclosed an improved processability of the low molecular weight PA11, which ensured a manufacturing temperature of 200 °C, which is fundamental to minimize flax fibers’ thermal degradation. Both quasi-static and impact properties demonstrated that hybridization is a good solution for obtaining good mechanical properties while preserving laminates’ lightness and biodegradability. The [0/90] configuration proved to be the best solution, providing satisfying flexural performance, with an increase between 62% and 83% in stiffness and between 19.6% and 37.6% in strength compared to flax-based laminates, and the best impact performance, with a reduction in permanent indentation and back crack extent.
Investigation of the Flame Retardant Properties of High-Strength Microcellular Flame Retardant/Polyurethane Composite Elastomers
Authors: Wu Xiaoxia , Zhang Xudong , Wu Jingpeng , Li Xiaodong , Jiang Hao , Su Xing , Zou Meishuai
Published: November 2022

Flame retardants (FRs) often reduce the mechanical properties of polymer materials, and FR/microcellular polyurethane elastomer (MPUE) composite materials have not been systemically studied. Hence, we conducted this study on FR/MPUE composites by using multiple liquid FRs and/or expandable graphite (EG). Compared with liquid flame retardants, the LOI of an expandable graphite/dimethyl methylphosphonate (EG/DMMP) (3:1) combination was significantly increased (~36.1%), and the vertical combustion grade reached V-0 without a dripping phenomenon. However, the corresponding tensile strength was decreased by 17.5%. With the incorporation of EG alone, although the corresponding LOI was not a match with that of DMMP/EG, there was no droplet phenomenon. In addition, even with 15 wt% of EG, there was no significant decline in the tensile strength. Cone calorimeter test results showed that PHRR, THR, PSPR, and TSR were significantly reduced, compared to the neat MPUE, when the EG content surpassed 10 wt%. The combustion process became more stable and thus the fire risk was highly reduced. It was found that flame retardancy and mechanical properties could be well balanced by adding EG alone. Our proposed strategy for synthesizing FR/MPUE composites with excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties was easy, effective, low-cost and universal, which could have great practical significance in expanding the potential application fields of MPUEs.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Thermomechanical and Tribological Properties of Graphene-Reinforced Natural Rubber Nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Zepeng , Su Minglong , Duan Xinwu , Yao Xiulong , Han Xiaoying , Song Junping , Ma Lianxiang
Published: November 2022

The thermomechanical and tribological properties of graphene (GNS)-reinforced NR were investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The amorphous molecular dynamics models of two nanocomposites, i.e., natural rubber (pure NR) and graphene/natural rubber (GNS/NR), were established. In addition, the thermodynamic properties of the two materials, before and after the incorporation of graphene into the natural rubber matrix, were investigated through analytical comparison. The results showed that after the graphene was added to the rubber matrix as a reinforcing material, the elastic modulus and shear modulus were increased by 110% and 94.8%, respectively, the tensile property was increased by 178%, the overall thermal conductivity of the composite system was increased by 59%, the glass transition temperature increased from 223 K to 236 K, and the rigidity of the material matrix was significantly improved. The inherent interactions and wear mechanisms of the polymer nanocomposites were discussed at the atomic scale by analyzing the changes in temperature, atomic velocity, relative atomic concentration, and radial distribution functions at the friction interface in the thickness direction.
Application of High-Photoelasticity Polyurethane to Tactile Sensor for Robot Hands
Authors: Mitsuzuka Masahiko , Takarada Jun , Kawahara Ikuo , Morimoto Ryota , Wang Zhongkui , Kawamura Sadao , Tajitsu Yoshiro
Published: November 2022

We developed a tactile sensor for robot hands that can measure normal force (FZ) and tangential forces (FX and FY) using photoelasticity. This tactile sensor has three photodiodes and three light-emitting diode (LED) white light sources. The sensor is composed of multiple elastic materials, including a highly photoelastic polyurethane sheet, and the sensor can detect both normal and tangential forces through the deformation, ben sding, twisting, and extension of the elastic materials. The force detection utilizes the light scattering resulting from birefringence.