bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Relevance of FGFR2 on the Prognosis of HCV-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Khan Walizeb , Ahmad Washaakh , Hashem Anwar M. , Zakai Shadi , Haque Shafiul , Malik Muhammad Faraz Arshad , Harakeh Steve , Haq Farhan
Published: May 2022

The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs) are known to regulate cancer metabolism in different tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several risk factors are associated with HCC, of which viral infections (Hepatitis B and C) and cirrhosis are prominent. In Pakistan as well as in highly developed countries like the United States, hepatitis C virus HCV infections are most commonly reported in HCC. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of FGFR receptors in HCC and their role in HCV-positive HCC cases. 264 HCC samples along with their clinical information and 96 normal liver samples were collected. qPCR was done to estimate the expression of FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4. Three independent HCV-induced HCC cohorts (containing 293 HCC samples) were used for validation. According to in vitro results, FGFR1 was upregulated in HCV+ HCC patients. However, in all three independent cohorts of HCC, significant a down-regulation of FGFR1 was observed. FGFR2 overexpression was observed in the in vitro cohort as well as in three independent HCC cohorts. Interestingly, a strong correlation of FGFR2 expression was observed between cirrhosis and HCV in all four HCC cohorts. Our study suggested that FGFR2 expression can be used to classify HCC patients based on HCV infection. This FGFR2-based classification may lead to new therapeutic strategies against HCV-positive HCC subtypes.
Long-Term Experience with Balloon Dilation for Short Bulbar and Membranous Urethral Strictures: Establishing a Baseline in the Active Drug Treatment Era
Authors: Beeder Lauren A. , Cook Grayden S. , Nealon Samantha W. , Badkhshan Shervin , Sanders Sarah C. , Perito Dylan P. , Hudak Steven J. , Morey Allen F.
Published: May 2022

Transurethral balloon dilation (BD) is a minimally invasive treatment for urethral stricture disease (USD) performed primarily or as a recurrence salvage maneuver. With the introduction of drug-coated balloons, we sought to characterize patient outcomes using non-medicated balloons. A retrospective review identified patients who underwent BD from 2007 to 2021. Patient and stricture characteristics were collected. All dilations employed the 24Fr UroMaxTM system. Clinical failure was defined by patient-reported lower urinary tract symptom recurrence or need for further stricture management. Ninety-one patients underwent BD with follow-up median (IQR) 12 (3–40) months. Most (75/91, 82%) had prior treatment for USD (endoscopic 50/91 (55%), 51/91 (56%) urethroplasty) before BD. Recurrence rates did not significantly differ between treatment-naïve and salvage patients (44% vs. 52% (p = 0.55)). Median (IQR) time to failure was 6 (3–13) months. The most common complications were urinary tract infection (8%) and post-operative urinary retention requiring catheterization (3%). Radiation history was noted in 33/91 (36%) with 45% recurrence. Patients without previous radiation had a similar recurrence rate of 52% (p = 0.88). Balloon dilation had minimal complications and overall, 50% recurrence rate, consistent regardless of stricture characteristics, radiation history, or prior treatments. These results represent an important clinical benchmark for comparing outcomes using drug-coated balloons.
The Role of Heparin in COVID-19: An Update after Two Years of Pandemics
Authors: Mangiafico Marco , Caff Andrea , Costanzo Luca
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and coagulopathy, especially in critically ill patients. Endothelial damage induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is emerging as a crucial pathogenetic mechanism for the development of complications in an acute phase of the illness and for several postdischarge sequalae. Heparin has been shown to have a positive impact on COVID-19 due to its anticoagulant function. Moreover, several other biological actions of heparin were postulated: a potential anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect through the main protease (Mpro) and heparansulfate (HS) binding and a protection from the damage of vascular endothelial cells. In this paper, we reviewed available evidence on heparin treatment in COVID-19 acute illness and chronic sequalae, focusing on the difference between prophylactic and therapeutic dosage.
Serum Nardilysin as a Prognostic Biomarker in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Yongfeng , Xiong Qunli , Yang Yang , Weng Ningna , Li Junjun , Liu Jinlu , Yang Xiaojuan , Zeng Zhu , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhu Qing
Published: May 2022

Background: Nardilysin, (N-arginine dibasic convertase, NRDC) has been reported to play an important role in cancer progression, and is associated with tumor proliferation signals and inflammatory signals, such as tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), through the activation of disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) proteases. NRDC has recently been revealed to be involved in the tumorigenesis of various types of cancer, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, malignant cerebral infarction, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and gastric cancer. However, the expression profiles and biological relevance of NRDC in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have rarely been reported. Methods: We analyzed the NRDC expression profile in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and identified NRDC as a circulating biomarker in the serum of 112 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. The diagnostic value of NRDC was analyzed by the area under the curve (AUC) and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) test. Results: Our results demonstrated that the clinical prognosis significance of NRDC with the clinical characteristics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). NRDC was notably decreased in PDAC patient serum compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the present study found that the NRDC expression level was correlated with T grade (p < 0.001), metastasis(p < 0.001), differentiation(p < 0.001), and TNM stage (p = 0.011). Further bioinformatics analysis revealed that NRDC correlated with proliferation and migration pathways; in particular, it mediated cell-matrix adhesion-dependent activation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: Serum NRDC may play a useful diagnostic biomarker to evaluate the aggressive clinical features in PAAD patients.
Pathophysiology and Clinical Management of Bile Acid Diarrhea
Authors: Marasco Giovanni , Cremon Cesare , Barbaro Maria Raffaella , Falangone Francesca , Montanari Davide , Capuani Federica , Mastel Giada , Stanghellini Vincenzo , Barbara Giovanni
Published: May 2022

Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) represents a common cause of chronic diarrhea whose prevalence is under-investigated. We reviewed the evidence available regarding the pathophysiology and clinical management of bile acid diarrhea (BAD). BAD results from dysregulation of the enterohepatic recirculation of bile acids. It has been estimated that 25–33% of patients with functional diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea have BAM. Currently, the selenium homotaurocholic acid test is the gold standard for BAD diagnosis and severity assessment. However, it is an expensive method and not widely available. The validation of the utility in the clinical practice of several other serum markers, such as 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) and the fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is ongoing. The first-line treatment of patients with BAD is bile acid sequestrants. Patients that are refractory to first-line therapy should undergo further diagnostics to confirm the diagnosis and to treat the underlying cause of BAD. An early and correct diagnosis of BAD would improve patient’s quality of life, avoiding additional diagnostic tests that burden health care systems. Considering the limited availability and tolerability of specific medications for BAD treatment, future research is awaited to identify other therapeutic approaches, such as gut microbiota modulating therapies.
Glucose Metabolism Derangements and Thyroid Nodules: Does Sex Matter?
Authors: Gobbo Alberto , Gagliardi Irene , Gobbo Andrea , Rossi Roberta , Franceschetti Paola , Lupo Sabrina , Rossi Martina , Bondanelli Marta , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria , Zatelli Maria Chiara
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Glucose metabolism derangements (GMD) and thyroid nodules (TNs) are the most frequent endocrine disorders, and their relationship is still controversial; little evidence is reported regarding sex differences. We aim to evaluate the association between GMDs and TNs according to sex and the sex differences in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity (IS). (2) Methods: We evaluated 342 patients (268 females and 74 males) at high GMD risk undergoing an oral glucose tolerance test and a thyroid ultrasound. (3) Results: The TN prevalence was 61% (n = 210), with no significant differences according to sex and GMD classes. The TN presence is significantly associated with age and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in females. Males and females with normal fasting glucose (NFG) had a significantly lower OR of having TNs than females with IFG. IFG females had a significantly higher predicted probability of having TNs than NFG males and females but not IFG males. Impaired glucose tolerance/Type 2 diabetes mellitus (IGT/T2DM) is significantly associated with age and male sex, while IFG is associated with age. Females had significantly lower HOMA-index values than males. (4) Conclusions: No significant association between IGT/T2DM and TNs according to sex was found. IFG seems to play a role in TN development independently of sex. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between TNs and GMD to identify subgroups with a higher TN risk.
Untangling the Modern Treatment Paradigm for Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Morel Brent C. , Wittenberg Blake , Hoffman Jessa E. , Case David E. , Folzenlogen Zach , Roark Christopher , Seinfeld Joshua
Published: May 2022

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) often present treatment challenges. Patients with unruptured AVMs must consider not only whether they want to be treated, but what treatment modality they would prefer. Vascular neurosurgeons, neurointerventional surgeons, and stereotactic radiosurgeons must in turn guide their patients through the most appropriate treatment course considering the risk of AVM rupture, an individual AVM’s characteristics, and patient preferences. In this review we will look at how the clinical trial “A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (ARUBA)” has influenced the approach to unruptured brain AVMs and the treatment modalities available to clinicians to deal with these formidable lesions.
Assessing the Impacts of Population Growth and Roads on Forest Cover: A Temporal Approach to Reconstruct the Deforestation Process in District Kurram, Pakistan, since 1972
Authors: Hussain Kamal , Rahman Fazlur , Ullah Ihsan , Ahmad Zahir , Schickhoff Udo
Published: May 2022

Deforestation in remote mountainous regions is considered to be one of the fundamental elements for triggering changes in the biophysical environment driven by various socioeconomic parameters, particularly population growth and road construction in a previously inaccessible environment. A sudden increase in population exerts adverse impacts on the local natural resources, specifically forests. The present study is conducted in Tribal District Kurram, located in the northwestern mountainous belt of Pakistan. This study is aimed to analyze the temporal pattern of deforestation and to explore the impacts of population growth and accessibility on forest cover. It is based on remotely sensed data, focused group discussions, interviews and field observations. The satellite images were processed and classified using ArcGIS and ERDAS IMAGINE. The time span of this study is 1972 to 2019, which is further divided into three periods. The results revealed that almost half (48%) of the forest cover was reduced in ca. five decades. However, considerable variation has been observed in the deforestation rate during the study period. The results of this study revealed that both population change and accessibility have played a vital role in the deforestation process.
From Seed to System: The Emergence of Non-Manual Markers for Wh-Questions in Nicaraguan Sign Language
Authors: Kocab Annemarie , Senghas Ann , Pyers Jennie
Published: May 2022

At a language’s inception, what determines which elements are taken up to build a grammar? How is the initial raw material reshaped through intergenerational language learning? We approached this question by focusing on the emergence of non-manual wh-question markers in Nicaraguan Sign Language (LSN), a young sign language. We asked whether the seeds of non-manual markers originate in the facial gestures of the hearing Nicaraguan community, and we explored the iterated process by which a form becomes selected and then systematized through generational transmission. We identified six non-manual facial and body movements produced with questions by 34 deaf LSN signers, representing three sequential age cohorts of learners, and compared them to those produced by 16 non-signing Spanish speakers. We examined the frequency and duration of each non-manual, and its temporal overlap with a question word. One non-manual, the brow furrow, was overwhelmingly represented among LSN signers, despite appearing rarely among non-signers and not being initially favored in duration or temporal overlap. With the second and third cohorts, the brow furrow emerges as a frequent and systematic marker. With each cycle of child learners, variable input was transformed into a more constrained set of grammatical forms.
Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Cells: Focus on a Possible Strategy Plan to Address Colon Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Karthika Chenmala , Sureshkumar Raman , Zehravi Mehrukh , Akter Rokeya , Ali Faraat , Ramproshad Sarker , Mondal Banani , Kundu Milton Kumar , Dey Abhijit , Rahman Md. Habibur , Antonescu Angela , Cavalu Simona
Published: May 2022

Even though various treatment methods are available for cancer, the death curve is not reducing. The diagnosis of cancer at the fourth stage and drug resistance are the leading reasons for treatment failure and lower survival rates. In this review article, we summarize the possible pitfalls during cancer treatment in general, which mainly include multidrug resistance, and propose a hypothesis for colorectal cancer specifically. We also evaluate multidrug resistance in cancer in general and colorectal cancer in particular and hypothesize a concept based on combination therapy with 5-fluorouracil, curcumin, and lipids for the possible management of colorectal cancer. In addition, a hypothetical approach, combining a synthetic agent and a natural chemotherapeutic agent, to treating colorectal cancer is also discussed. This hypothesis could improve the management of colorectal cancer.
3′-[4-({[3β,28-Bis(acetyloxy)lup-20(29)-en-30-yl]oxy}carbonyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]-3′-deoxythymidine
Authors: Bębenek Ewa , Kadela-Tomanek Monika , Chrobak Elwira , Latocha Małgorzata
Published: May 2022

The reaction of the azidothymidine (AZT) with the 30-propynoylated derivative of 3,28-O,O′-diacetylbetulin gave a 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole. The chemical structure of new derivative was characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HR-MS. The triterpene-AZT conjugate was tested against a human cancer cell lines such as glioblastoma (SNB-19), amelanotic melanoma (C-32), ovarian adenocarcinoma (SKOV-3) and breast cancer (T47D, and MCF-7). 3′-[4-({[3β,28-Bis(acetyloxy)lup-20(29)-en-30-yl]oxy}carbonyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]-3′-deoxythymidine shown significant activity against MCF-7 cells, with an IC50 value of 4.37 µM.
Synthesis and In Vitro/Ex Vivo Characterizations of Ceftriaxone-Loaded Sodium Alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) Clay Reinforced Nanocomposites: Possible Applications in Wound Healing
Authors: Bibi Shabana , Mir Sadullah , Rehman Wajid , Menaa Farid , Gul Alia , Alaryani Fatima Saad Salem , Alqahtani Ali M. , Haq Sirajul , Abdellatif Magda H.
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Nanocomposite films are widely applied in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g., nanodrug delivery systems—NDDS). Indeed, these nanomaterials can be produced at a large industrial scale and display valuable properties (e.g., antibacterial, renewability, biodegradability, bioavailability, safety, tissue-specific targeting, and biocompatibility), which can enhance the activity of conventional marketed drugs. (2) Aim: To fabricate and investigate the in vitro properties of the antibiotic ceftriaxone sodium (CTX) once encapsulated into sodium alginate (SA)/poly(vinyl alcohol)PVA-clay reinforced nanocomposite films. (3) Methods: Different ratios of the polymers (i.e., SA, PVA) and CTX drug were used for the synthesis of nanocomposite films by solvent casting technique. Montmorillonite (MMT), modified organically, was added as a nanofiller to increase their thermal and mechanical strength. The prepared samples were physically characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The physicochemical behavior (i.e., swelling, erosion, dissolution/drug release behavior and rat skin permeation) was also assessed. Comparisons were made with the currently marketed free CTX dosage form. (4) Results: TGA of the nanoformulation showed increased thermostability. XRD revealed its semi-crystalline nature. SEM depicted a homogeneous drug-loaded SA/PVA nanocomposite with an average size ranging between 300 and 500 nm. EDX confirmed the elemental composition and uniform distribution of mixing components. The water entrapment efficiency study showed that the highest swelling and erosion ratio is encountered with the nanoformulations S100(3) and S100D15(3). Ex vivo permeation revealed a bi-step discharge mode with an early burst liberation chased by continued drug discharge of devised nanoparticles (NPs). The dissolution studies of the drug-loaded polymer nanocomposites elicited sustained pH-dependent drug release. The cumulative drug release was the highest (90.93%) with S100D15(3). (5) Conclusion: S100D15(3) was the finest formulation. To the best of our knowledge, we also pioneered the use of solvent casting for the preparation of such nanoformulations. Polymers and reinforcing agent, concentrations and pH were rate-deterring features for the preparation of the optimized formulation. Thus, CTX-loaded SA/PVA-MMT reinforced nanocomposite appeared as a promising nanodrug delivery system (NDDS) based on its in vitro physicochemical properties.
Debonding of Thin Bonded Rubberised Fibre-Reinforced Cement-Based Repairs under Monotonic Loading: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Gillani Syed Asad Ali , Shahzad Shaban , Abbass Wasim , Abbas Safeer , Toumi Ahmed , Turatsinze Anaclet , Mohamed Abdeliazim Mustafa , Sayed Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: May 2022

In this study, the durability of cement-based repairs was observed, especially at the interface of debonding initiation and propagation between the substrate–overlay of thin-bonded cement-based material, using monotonic tests experimentally and numerically. Overlay or repair material (OM) is a cement-based mortar with the addition of metallic fibres (30 kg/m3) and rubber particles (30% as a replacement for sand), while the substrate is a plain mortar without any addition, known as control. Direct tension tests were conducted on OM in order to obtain the relationship between residual stress-crack openings (σ-w law). Similarly, tensile tests were conducted on the substrate–overlay interface to draw the relationship between residual stress and opening of the substrate–overlay interface. Three-point monotonic bending tests were performed on the composite beam of the substrate–overlay in order to observe the structural response of the repaired beam. The digital image correlation (DIC) method was utilized to examine the debonding propagation along the interface. Based on the different parameters obtained through the above-mentioned experiments, a three-point bending monotonic test was modelled through finite elements using a software package developed in France called CAST3M. Structural behaviour of repaired beams observed by experimental results and that analysed by numerical simulation are in coherence. It is concluded from the results that the hybrid use of fibres and rubber particles in repaired material provides a synergetic effect by improving its strain capacity, restricting crack openings by the transfer of stress from the crack. This enhances the durability of repair by controlling propagation of the interface debonding.
Predicting Wafer-Level Package Reliability Life Using Mixed Supervised and Unsupervised Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Su Qing-Hua , Chiang Kuo-Ning
Published: May 2022

With the increasing demand for electronic products, the electronic package gradually developed toward miniaturization and high density. The most significant advantage of the Wafer-Level Package (WLP) is that it can effectively reduce the volume and footprint area of the package. An important issue in the design of WLP is how to quickly and accurately predict the reliability life under the accelerated thermal cycling test (ATCT). If the simulation approach is not adopted, it usually takes several ACTCs to design a WLP, and each ACTC will take several months to get the reliability life results, which increases development time considerably. However, simulation results may differ depending on the designer’s domain knowledge, ability, and experience. This shortcoming can be overcome with artificial intelligence (AI). In this study, finite element analysis (FEA) is combined with machine learning algorithms, e.g., Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR), to create an AI model for predicting the reliability life of electronic packaging. Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) combined with the K-means cluster algorithm provides a highly accurate and efficient way to obtain AI models for large-scale data sets.
Sulfidized Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron Supported by Oyster Powder for Efficient Removal of Cr (VI): Characterization, Performance, and Mechanisms
Authors: Hu Hao , Zhao Donglin , Wu Changnian , Xie Rong
Published: May 2022

In this study, sulfidized nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI) supported by oyster shell (OS) powder (S-nZVI@OS) was synthesized by controlling the initial S/Fe ratios (0.1–0.5) to explore the potential synergistic effects during the adsorption and reduction of Cr (VI). X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses showed that Fe (0) and FeS were well dispersed on the OS surface. Furthermore, the stability of S-nZVI@OS composite was higher than that of nZVI, which was proved by the material ageing experiment. The effects of different S/Fe molar ratios, time, temperature, the initial concentration of Cr (VI), and initial pH on the removal efficiency were also studied. The results indicated that with the increase of the S/Fe molar ratio, the removal capacity of Cr (VI) first increased rapidly and then decreased slowly. Batch experiments showed that an optimal S/Fe molar ratio of 0.2 offered a Cr (VI) removal capacity of about 164.7 mg/g at pH 3.5. The introduction of S can not only promote Cr (VI) reduction but also combine with Cr (III) by forming precipitate on S-nZVI@OS mainly as CrxFe(1−x) OOH and Cr2S3. The adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics demonstrated that the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics model can describe the adsorption isotherms and kinetics. These results suggest that S-nZVI@OS is an effective and safe material for removing Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Penetration Performance of a Shaped Charge
Authors: Du Yanan , He Guanglin , Li Weizhe , Wang Kaipeng
Published: May 2022

In guided ammunition, because a shaped energy jet warhead is located behind the control cabin (including the guidance cabin, the steering gear cabin, and the flight control cabin), the penetration order of a shaped energy jet is the control cabin and the target plate. In order to obtain maximum penetration depth by a shaped energy jet into a Q235 steel plate, the penetration performance of shaped energy jets was studied by numerical simulation and experimental verification. Firstly, the penetration performance of a warhead under different conditions at a certain explosion height is studied, which is the penetration performance of a Q235 steel plate with and without the control cabin. Secondly, the numerical simulation results are verified by experimental method. The numerical simulation and experimental results showed that, after penetration of the shaped energy jet warhead into the control cabin, it continued to penetrate the 20 mm-thick Q235 steel plate. At a certain explosion height, the maximum penetration depth of the shaped energy jet warhead into the Q235 steel plate was about 80 mm. Alongside the numerical simulation and experiment, the armor-breaking process of the shaped charge jet was analyzed theoretically. The results show that when the shaped energy jet warhead is located behind the control cabin, although the control cabin will have a certain impact on the penetration ability of shaped energy jet, the penetration performance of the residual jet still has the ability to penetrate light armor.
Effect of Nano-SiO2/PVA on Corrosion Behavior of Steel Rebar Embedded in High-Volume Fly Ash Mortar under Accelerated Chloride Attack
Authors: Huang Jingjing , Wang Zhongkun , Li Dongsheng , Li Gengying
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the influence of Nano-silica (NS) and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers on the corrosion behavior of steel rebar embedded in high-volume fly ash cement mortars under accelerated chloride attack was studied by using an impressed voltage technique. The PVA fibers used were 1.0 vol.%, and two mass fractions of cement (50 and 60 wt.%) were replaced by fly ash. Four NS mass fractions (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt.%) were utilized in this paper. In addition, the mono and hybrid effects of NS and PVA on the mechanical properties and water absorption of mortar were also studied. The results showed that the incorporation of PVA and nano-SiO2 can improve the flexural and compressive strengths of high-volume fly ash mortar. Generally, the flexural and compressive strengths increased with the increase of nano-SiO2 content. Moreover, the incorporation NS can also reduce the capillary water–absorption rate of cement mortar. The impressed voltage corrosion test indicated that the composite incorporation of nano-SiO2 and PVA can significantly delay the deterioration process of steel bars in mortar, effectively reducing the steel rebar’s corrosion level and increasing the exposure time of the surface crack. With hybrid-incorporation 1.0 vol.% PVA and 1.0 wt.% nano-SiO2, the steel rebar had the lowest corrosion degree, which exhibited a mass loss of 49% and increased the broken time by 71% as compared to the control mortar.
Selective Laser Melting of CuSn10: Simulation of Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, and Residual Stresses
Authors: Kremer Robert , Khani Somayeh , Appel Tamara , Palkowski Heinz , Foadian Farzad
Published: May 2022

In this study, the evolution of mechanical properties, microstructure, and residual stresses during selective laser melting of CuSn10 components was studied. To provide a proper material model for the simulations, various CuSn10 parts were manufactured using selective laser melting and examined. The manufactured parts were also used to validate the developed model. Subsequently, a sequentially coupled thermal–mechanical FEM model was developed using the Ansys software package. The developed model was able to deliver the mechanical properties, residual stresses, and microstructure of the additively manufactured components. Due to introducing some simplifications to the model, a calibration factor was applied to adjust the simulation results. However, the developed model was validated and showed a good agreement with the experimental results, such as measured residual stresses using the hole drilling method, as well as mechanical properties of manufactured parts. Moreover, the developed material model was used to simulate the microstructure of manufactured CuSn10. A fine-grain microstructure with an average diameter of 19 ± 11 μm and preferred orientation in the Z-direction, which was the assembly direction, was obtained.
Modified Bernstein–Durrmeyer Type Operators
Authors: Kajla Arun , Miclǎuş Dan
Published: May 2022

We constructed a summation–integral type operator based on the latest research in the linear positive operators area. We establish some approximation properties for this new operator. We highlight the qualitative part of the presented operator; we studied uniform convergence, a Voronovskaja-type theorem, and a Grüss–Voronovskaja type result. Our subsequent study focuses on a direct approximation theorem using the Ditzian–Totik modulus of smoothness and the order of approximation for functions belonging to the Lipschitz-type space. For a complete image on the quantitative estimations, we included the convergence rate for differential functions, whose derivatives were of bounded variations. In the last section of the article, we present two graphs illustrating the operator convergence.
A Novel Time-Series Transformation and Machine-Learning-Based Method for NTL Fraud Detection in Utility Companies
Authors: Badawi Sufian A. , Guessoum Djamel , Elbadawi Isam , Albadawi Ameera
Published: May 2022

Several approaches have been proposed to detect any malicious manipulation caused by electricity fraudsters. Some of the significant approaches are Machine Learning algorithms and data-based methods that have shown advantages compared to the traditional methods, and they are becoming predominant in recent years. In this study, a novel method is introduced to detect the fraudulent NTL loss in the smart grids in a two-stage detection process. In the first stage, the time-series readings are enriched by adding a new set of extracted features from the detection of sudden Jump patterns in the electricity consumption and the Autoregressive Integrated moving average (ARIMA). In the second stage, the distributed random forest (DRF) generates the learned model. The proposed model is applied to the public SGCC dataset, and the approach results have reported 98% accuracy and F1-score. Such results outperform the other recently reported state-of-the-art methods for NTL detection that are applied to the same SGCC dataset.
Structures and Biologic Activity of Chitonoidosides I, J, K, K1 and L-Triterpene Di-, Tri- and Tetrasulfated Hexaosides from the Sea Cucumber Psolus chitonoides
Authors: Silchenko Alexandra S. , Avilov Sergey A. , Andrijaschenko Pelageya V. , Popov Roman S. , Chingizova Ekaterina A. , Dmitrenok Pavel S. , Kalinovsky Anatoly I. , Rasin Anton B. , Kalinin Vladimir I.
Published: May 2022

Five new triterpene di-, tri- and tetrasulfated hexaosides (chitonoidosides I (1), J (2), K (3), K1 (4) and L (5)) were isolated from the Far-Eastern sea cucumber Psolus chitonoides, collected near Bering Island (Commander Islands) from a depth of 100–150 m. The structural variability of the glycosides concerned both the aglycones (with 7(8)- or 9(11)-double bonds) and carbohydrate chains differing from each other by the third sugar residue (Xyl or sulfated by C-6 Glc) and/or by the fourth—terminal in the bottom semi-chain—residue (Glc or sulfated by C-6 MeGlc) as well as by the positions of a sulfate group at C-4 or C-6 in the sixth—terminal in the upper semi-chain—residue (MeGlc). Hemolytic activities of these compounds 1–5 against human erythrocytes as well as cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, HeLa, DLD-1 and HL-60, were studied. The hexaosides, chitonoidosides K (3) and L (5) with four sulfate groups, were the most active against tumor cells in all the tests. Noticeably, the sulfate group at C-4 of MeGlc6 did not decrease the membranolytic effect of 5 as compared with 3, having the sulfate group at C-6 of MeGlc6. Erythrocytes were, as usual, more sensitive to the action of the studied glycosides than cancer cells, although the sensitivity of leukemia promyeloblast HL-60 cells was higher than that of other tumor cells. The glycosides 1 and 2 demonstrated some weaker action in relation to DLD-1 cells than against other tumor cell lines. Chitonoidoside K1 (4) with a hydroxyl at C 25 of the aglycone was not active in all the tests. The metabolic network formed by the carbohydrate chains of all the glycosides isolated from P. chitonoides as well as the aglycones biosynthetic transformations during their biosynthesis are discussed and illustrated with schemes.
Evolution of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Emergency and Critical Care: Therapeutic Management before and during the Pandemic Situation
Authors: Granados-Bolivar Monserrat E. , Quesada-Caballero Miguel , Suleiman-Martos Nora , Romero-Béjar José L. , Albendín-García Luis , Cañadas-De la Fuente Guillermo A. , Caballero-Vázquez Alberto
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting to the lungs and blood. The causes can be varied, although since the COVID-19 pandemic began there have been many cases related to this virus. The management and evolution of ARDS in emergency situations in the last 5 years was analyzed. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was carried out in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Using the descriptors Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), the search equation was: “Emergency health service AND acute respiratory distress syndrome”. The search was conducted in December 2021. Quantitative primary studies on the care of patients with ARDS in an emergency setting published in the last 5 years were included. Results: In the initial management, adherence to standard treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is recommended. The use of extracorporeal membrane reduces the intensity of mechanical ventilation or as rescue therapy in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The prone position in both intubated and non-intubated patients with severe ARDS is associated with a better survival of these patients, therefore, it is very useful in these moments of pandemic crisis. Lack of resources forces triage decisions about which patients are most likely to survive to start mechanical ventilation and this reflects the realities of intensive care and emergency care in a resource-limited setting. Conclusions: adequate prehospital management of ARDS and in emergency situations can improve the prognosis of patients. The therapeutic options in atypical ARDS due to COVID-19 do not seem to vary substantially from conventional ARDS.
Predictive Values of Procalcitonin and Presepsin for Acute Kidney Injury and 30-Day Hospital Mortality in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Kim Sin-Young , Hong Dae-Young , Kim Jong-Won , Park Sang-O , Lee Kyeong-Ryong , Baek Kwang-Je
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We investigated the values of procalcitonin (PCT) and presepsin (PSS) for predicting AKI and 30-day hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 151 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the hospital via the emergency department. The diagnosis of AKI was based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes clinical practice guidelines. Results: The median patient age was 77 years, and 86 patients (57%) were male. Fifty-six patients (37.1%) developed AKI, and 19 patients (12.6%) died within 30 days of hospital admission. PCT and PSS levels were significantly higher in patients with AKI and non-survivors. The cutoff values of PCT levels for predicting AKI and mortality were 2.26 ng/mL (sensitivity, 64.3%; specificity, 89.5%) and 2.67 ng/mL (sensitivity, 68.4%; specificity, 77.3%), respectively. The cutoff values of PSS levels for predicting AKI and mortality were 572 pg/mL (sensitivity, 66.0%; specificity, 69.1%) and 865 pg/mL (sensitivity, 84.6%; specificity, 76.0%), respectively. Conclusion: PCT and PSS are valuable biomarkers for predicting AKI and 30-day hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19.
Postoperative Rehabilitation Protocol Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Single-Arm Pragmatic Interventional Study
Authors: Kim Hyunjoong , Lee Seungwon
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: Rotator cuff tear is the most common cause of shoulder pain. If nonsurgical treatment fails, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is recommended. Since the standards for rehabilitation after ARCR are not clear, various rehabilitation methods have been suggested. This study intends to investigate the effect on the recovery phase of ARCR patients through a postoperative rehabilitation protocol (PRP) that considers the healing process and rehabilitation trend. Materials and Methods: This single-arm, pragmatic intervention study was conducted on 30 patients, two weeks postoperative day (POD) after ARCR. ARCR patients received intervention for six weeks from POD two-week, and pain intensity and shoulder function were evaluated at two-week intervals until POD 12-week, and range of motion (ROM) was evaluated at POD four-week and eight-week. Results: In this study, all variables improved over time (p < 0.05). As a result of the comparison between time points, a significant improvement was found in shoulder function at POD 6-week. In addition, the effect size had a large effect on ROM (flexion, scaption flexion, abduction, and external rotation) and shoulder function. Conclusions: Management through the PRP based on scientific evidence in the strategy of postoperative rehabilitation of patients with ARCR is effective for pain intensity, ROM, and shoulder function.
Application of Kampo Medicines for Treatment of General Fatigue Due to Long COVID
Authors: Tokumasu Kazuki , Ueda Keigo , Honda Hiroyuki , Sunada Naruhiko , Sakurada Yasue , Matsuda Yui , Nakano Yasuhiro , Hasegawa Toru , Otsuka Yuki , Obika Mikako , Hagiya Hideharu , Kataoka Hitomi , Otsuka Fumio
Published: May 2022

Evidence regarding treatment for the acute phase of COVID-19 has been accumulating, but specific treatment for long COVID/post-COVID-19 condition has not yet been established. Treatment with herbal medicine might be one treatment option for long COVID, but there has been little research on the effectiveness of herbal medicine for long COVID. The aim of this study was to clarify the prescription patterns of Kampo medicines, which are herbal medicines that originated in China and were developed in Japan, for the treatment of general fatigue due to long COVID. A retrospective descriptive study was performed for patients who visited a COVID-19 aftercare clinic established in Okayama University Hospital during the period from Feb 2021 to Dec 2021 with a focus on symptoms accompanying general fatigue and prescriptions of Kampo medicine. Among the clinical data obtained from medical records of 195 patients, clinical data for 102 patients with general fatigue and accompanying symptoms were analyzed. The patients had various symptoms, and the most frequent symptoms accompanying general fatigue were dysosmia, dysgeusia, headache, insomnia, dyspnea, and hair loss. Prescriptions of Kampo medicine accounted for 24.1% of the total prescriptions (n = 609). The most frequently prescribed Kampo medicine was hochuekkito (71.6%) and other prescribed Kampo medicines were tokishakuyakusan, ryokeijutsukanto, juzentaihoto, hangekobokuto, kakkonto, ninjin’yoeito, goreisan, rikkunshito, and keishibukuryogan. Since the pathophysiology of general fatigue after an infectious disease is, in general, considered a qi deficiency in Kampo medicine, treatments with such compensation agents can be the major prescription as a complement for the qi. In conclusion, Kampo medicine can be one of the main pharmacological treatments for long COVID accompanying general fatigue.
The Usefulness of the Athens Insomnia Scale for Evaluating Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease Comparing with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Authors: Kawaratani Hideto , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Hiraoka Atsushi , Nakao Kazuhiko , Hiasa Yoichi , Yoshiji Hitoshi , Okita Kiwamu , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: Sleep disturbance due to muscle cramps or hepatic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) can lead to a reduced quality of life. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) is commonly used for evaluating sleep disturbance; however, this questionnaire is time-consuming owing to the large number of questions. As the usefulness of the Athens insomnia scale (AIS) in patients with CLD is not sufficiently known, the present study aimed to determine whether the AIS and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) could be used as simple alternative questionnaires for evaluating sleep disturbances in patients with CLD. Materials and Methods: A total of 117 patients with CLD were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy were excluded. All patients were examined using the AIS, PSQI, and ESS, and their responses to these questionnaires were statistically analyzed. Results: The number of patients diagnosed with sleep disturbance using the AIS, PSQI, and ESS were 39 (33.3%), 37 (31.6%), and 9 (7.7%), respectively. There was no correlation between PSQI and ESS scores (r = 0.011, p = 0.910); in contrast, the AIS scores showed a significant correlation with the PSQI scores (r = 0.689, p < 0.001). When the PSQI was considered as the standard for evaluating sleep disturbance, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the AIS were 76.9%, 91.0%, 81.1%, and 88.8%, respectively. In the sleep medication group, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the AIS were 100%, 70%, 78.6%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: This is the first report to indicate that the AIS is an alternative questionnaire to the PSQI and that it can be a useful tool for detecting cirrhosis-related complications in patients with CLD.
Ultra-Hypofractionated vs. Moderate Fractionated Whole Breast Three Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ivanov Olivera , Milovančev Aleksandra , Petrović Borislava , Prvulović Bunović Nataša , Ličina Jelena , Bojović Marko , Koprivica Ivan , Rakin Milijana , Marjanović Milana , Ivanov Dejan , Lalić Nensi
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: Reducing time of treatment during COVID-19 outbreaks has been recommended by the leading Radiation Oncology societies. Still minimizing radiation induced tissue toxicity is one of the most important issues in breast cancer patients. The study aimed to investigate compliance, clinical and dosimetry normal tissue toxicity, and cosmetic results between moderated and ultra-fractionated regimes for breast cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This pilot prospective randomized study included 60 patients with early breast cancer after preserving surgery, 27 patients advocated to ultra-hypofractionated whole-breast three dimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy of 26 Gy in 5 fractions over 1 week and 33 patients with moderate fractionated breast 3D conformal radiotherapy patients between March 2020 and July 2020, during the COVID pandemic outbreak. The compliance to treatment, dosimetric parameters, acute and late skin toxicity, subcutaneous tissue toxicity, cosmetic results and clinical follow up for 18 months for the two regimes were analyzed and compared. Results: When two regimes were compared 5 fraction group had significantly lower prevalence of newly infected cases of SARS-CoV-2 and thus delayed/interrupted treatment (p = 0.05), comparable grade 1 CTCAE v5, acute skin toxicity (p = 0.18), Grade 1 Radiation Morbidity Scoring Scheme (RESS) subcutaneous tissue toxicity (p = 0.18), Grade 1 RESS late skin toxicity (p = 0.88) and cosmetic results (p = 0.46). Dosimetric results reveled that patients in 5 fraction group received significantly lower median ipsilateral lung doses (p < 0.01) in addition to left breast cancer patients that received significantly lower median heart dose (p < 0.01) and median left anterior descending artery (LAD) dose (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy for breast cancer is comparable to moderate hypofractionation regimen regarding grade 1 acute skin toxicity, grade 1 subcutaneous tissue toxicity, late skin toxicity and cosmetic results. Application of ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy with significantly lower radiation doses for lung and heart could be crucial in reducing the risk of acute/late pulmonary and heart radiation-induced toxicity.
Characterization of Electrospun Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nano/Micro Fibrous Membrane as Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering: Effects of the Type of Collector Used
Authors: Clavijo-Grimaldo Dianney , Casadiego-Torrado Ciro Alfonso , Villalobos-Elías Juan , Ocampo-Páramo Adolfo , Torres-Parada Magreth
Published: May 2022

Electrospinning is an electrohydrodynamic technique that transforms a polymer solution into nano/microscopic diameter fibers under the influence of a high-voltage electric field. Its use in the fabrication of nano/micro fibrous membranes as scaffolds for tissue engineering has increased rapidly in recent years due to its efficiency and reproducibility. The objective of this study is to show how the use of the same polymeric solution (polycaprolactone 9% w/v in chloroform: isopropanol 50:50) and identical electrohydrodynamic deposition parameters produces fibers with different characteristics using a flat collector platform with movements in the X and Y axes vs. a conventional rotary collector. The manufactured nano/microfibers show significant differences in most of their characteristics (morphology, roughness, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties). Regarding the diameter and porosity of the fibers, the results were similar. Given that scaffolds must be designed to guarantee adequate survival and the proliferation and migration of a certain cell type, in this study we analyze how the variations in the characteristics of the fibers obtained are essential to defining their potential application.