bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Medical Treatment of Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus on Cerebral and Renal Tissue Oxygenation Measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Authors: Navikienė Jūratė , Liubšys Arūnas , Viršilas Ernestas , Žvirblis Tadas , Jankauskienė Augustina
Published: March 2022

Background and objective: Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) can cause ductal steal and contribute to poor outcomes in preterm infants. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows us to continuously evaluate regional tissue oxygenation (rSpO2) and perfusion changes in underlying organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of medical treatment for hsPDA on cerebral and renal rSpO2 in infants less than 32 weeks of gestational age, and older than 72 h of life. Materials and methods: Infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks with hsPDA were prospectively studied before and during medical treatment. Two-site (cerebral and renal) rSpO2 monitoring by NIRS was performed 1 h before treatment (T0) and 24 h (T1), 24–48 h (T2), 48–72 h (T3) after the infusion of the first drug dose. Results: A total of 21 infants were studied. The mean day of life at treatment initiation was 8.2 (SD, 2.75). The DA diameter, LA/Ao ratio, and resistive index in the anterior cerebral artery (RI ACA) were significantly lower after treatment (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in cerebral rSpO2, cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE), and SpO2 comparing different time points. A significantly higher renal SpO2 value was recorded at T2 as compared with T0 (75.0%, SD 4.9%, vs. 69.4%, SD 7.6%; p < 0.013), while for renal FTOE, a tendency to lower values at T2 was observed (0.18, SD 0.05, vs. 0.24, SD 0.09; p = 0.068). Conclusions: Late (later than 7 days postpartum) hsPDA medical treatment with paracetamol or ibuprofen completely closed the duct only in a small proportion of preterm infants, despite a statistically significant reduction in the DA diameter, LA/Ao ratio, and RI ACA. Continuous renal, not cerebral, NIRS measurements can help to anticipate the efficacy of medical treatment of hsPDA in preterm infants. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to ascertain that renal and cerebral NIRS can be used as a reliable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatment for hsPDA.
A New Treatment Algorithm That Incorporates Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spines: The Results of Its Clinical Application to a Series of 34 Patients
Authors: Tani Yoichi , Saito Takanori , Taniguchi Shinichiro , Ishihara Masayuki , Paku Masaaki , Adachi Takashi , Ando Muneharu , Kotani Yoshihisa
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: Spinal minimally invasive surgery (MIS) experts at the university hospital worked as a team to develop a new treatment algorithm for pyogenic spondylodiscitis in lumbar and thoracic spines. They modified a flow chart introduced for this condition in a pre-MIS era to incorporate MIS techniques based on their extensive experiences accumulated over the years, both in MIS for degenerative lumbar diseases and in the treatment of spine infections. The MIS procedures incorporated in this algorithm consisted of percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS)–rod fixation and transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). The current study analyzed a series of 34 patients treated with prospective selection of the methods according to this new algorithm. Materials and Methods: The algorithm first divided the patients into those who had escaped complicated disease conditions, such as neurologic impairment, extensive bone destruction, and the need to be mobilized without delay (Group 1) (19), and those with complicated pyogenic spondylodiscitis (Group 2) (15). Group 1 had image-guided needle biopsy followed by conservative treatment alone with antibiotics and a spinal brace (12) (Group 1-A) or a subsequent addition of non-fused PPS–rod fixation (7) (Group 1-B). Group 2 underwent an immediate single-stage MIS with non-fused PPS–rod fixation followed by posterior exposure for decompression and debridement through a small midline incision (12) (Group 2-A) or an additional LLIF procedure after an interval of 3 weeks (3) (Group 2-B). Results: All patients, except four, who either died from causes unrelated to the spondylodiscitis (2) or became lost to follow up (2), were cured of infection with normalized CRP at an average follow up of 606 days (105–1522 days). A solid interbody fusion occurred at the affected vertebrae in 15 patients (50%). Of the patients in Group 2, all but two regained a nearly normal function. Despite concerns about non-fused PPS–rod instrumentation, only seven patients (21%) required implant removal or replacement. Conclusions: Non-fused PPS–rod placements into infection-free vertebrae alone or in combination with posterior debridement through a small incision worked effectively in providing local stabilization without contamination of the metal implant from the infected tissue. MIS LLIF allowed for direct access to the infected focus for bone grafting in cases of extensive vertebral body destruction.
Effects of Repeated Injection of 1% Lidocaine vs. Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Treating Myofascial Trigger Points: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Suputtitada Areerat , Chen Carl P. C. , Ngamrungsiri Narin , Schmitz Christoph
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives: This study tested the hypothesis that treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle (UTM) with repeated injection of 1% lidocaine results in better alleviation of muscular stiffness and soreness as well as improved metabolism in the hypercontracted MTrP area than treatment with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT). Materials and Methods: A single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients suffering from MTrPs in the UTM. Thirty patients were treated with repeated injection of 2 mL of 1% lidocaine (three injections; one injection per week). Another 30 patients were treated with rESWT (three treatment sessions; one treatment session per week; 2000 radial extracorporeal shock waves per treatment session; positive energy flux density = 0.10 mJ/mm2). The primary outcome measure was pain severity using the VAS score. The secondary outcome measures included muscle elasticity index, pressure pain threshold and neck disability index. Evaluation was performed at baseline (T1), 15–30 min after the first treatment in order to register immediate treatment effects (T2), before the second treatment (i.e., one week after baseline) (T3) and one week after the third treatment (i.e., four weeks after baseline) (T4). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the primary and secondary outcome measures between the patients in the lidocaine arm and the patients in the rESWT arm at T1 and T4. Within the arms, the mean differences of all outcomes were statistically significant (p < 0.001) when comparing the data obtained at T1 with the data obtained at T3 and the data obtained at T4. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study suggest that the use of rESWT in patients with MTrPs in the UTM is safe and leads to reduced pain and improved muscle elasticity, pressure pain threshold and neck disability index, without adverse effects. Larger trials are necessary to verify this. Clinicians should consider rESWT instead of injections of lidocaine in the treatment of MTrPs in the UTM.
Predictors of Quality of Life Six Years after Curative Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Results of the Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Valeikaite-Tauginiene Gintare , Kraujelyte Agne , Poskus Eligijus , Jotautas Valdemaras , Saladzinskas Zilvinas , Tamelis Algimantas , Lizdenis Paulius , Dulskas Audrius , Samalavicius Narimantas Evaldas , Strupas Kęstutis , Poškus Tomas
Published: March 2022

Background and objectives: Improving early diagnosis and advances in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment leads to longer survival of these patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the main surgical factors affecting long-term Quality of life (QoL) among colorectal cancer patients after surgery. Materials and Methods: QoL was prospectively evaluated in patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer resection operations in three CRC surgery centers of Lithuania using EORTC generic (QLQC-30) and disease-specific (QLQ-CR29) questionnaires at the time of preoperative admission and 1, 24, and 72 months after surgery. QoL was evaluated among different patient groups, diagnostic and treatment modalities, disease, and postoperative complications. Non-parametric tests and multivariate logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results: Eighty-eight consecutive CRC patients from three institutions were included in the study over a three-month inclusion period, 42 (47.73%) women and 46 (52.27%) men, mean age 64.2 ± 11.5 years. Most tumors were localized in the sigmoid colon and rectum. The largest number of patients had stage III cancer. Twenty-nine patients died—a 6-year survival rate was 67%. 50 of 59 live patients (84.8%) responded to the questionnaire 6 years after their operation. Evaluating changes in quality of life 72 months after surgery with assessments before surgery, both questionnaire responses revealed good long-term CRC surgical treatment results: improved general and functional scale estimates and decreased symptom scale ratings. The multivariate analysis found that age, stoma formation, and rectal cancer were independent risk factors for having worse QoL six years after surgical intervention. Conclusions: Six years after surgery, QoL returns to preoperative levels. Age, stoma formation, adjuvant treatment, and rectal cancer reduce long-term QoL.
The Impact of Postoperative Renal Function Recovery after Laparoscopic and Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kawase Kota , Enomoto Torai , Kawase Makoto , Takai Manabu , Kato Daiki , Fujimoto Shota , Iinuma Koji , Nakane Keita , Kato Seiichi , Hagiwara Noriyasu , Uno Masahiro , Koie Takuya
Published: March 2022

Background and objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between warm ischemic time (WIT) and postoperative renal function using Trifecta achievement in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who underwent robotic (RAPN) or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with RCC who underwent RAPN (RAPN group) or LPN (LPN group) at three institutions in Japan between March 2012 and October 2021. The primary endpoints were the rate of trifecta achievement in both surgical techniques and the association between WIT and recovery of postoperative renal function surgical outcomes. Results: The rate of trifecta achievement was significantly lower in patients with LPN than in those with RAPN (p < 0.001). WIT ≥ 25 min were 18 patients (18%) in the RAPN group and 89 (52.7%) in the LPN group. The postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was almost the same. However, 13 patients (7.7%) had a decreased in eGFR ≥ 15% at 3 months after LPN compared with the preoperative eGFR. Conclusions: The rate of trifecta achievement in the RAPN group was significantly higher than that in the LPN group. However, eGFR was identified as relatively better preserved after PN in both groups.
Study on the Control of Membrane Fouling by Pulse Function Feed and CFD Simulation Verification
Authors: Li Chen , Zhang Dashuai , Liu Jinrui , Xiong Hanyu , Sun Tianyi , Wu Xinghui , Shi Zaifeng , Lin Qiang
Published: March 2022

A complex-function fluid controller placed in front of a membrane module was used to control the velocity change with feed fluid and reduce membrane fouling. Using humic acid as the simulated pollutant, the effects of the square wave function, sine function, reciprocal function, and power function feeding on the membrane flux were investigated. For sine function feeding, the membrane-specific flux was the largest and was maintained above 0.85 under the intermittent frequency of 9 s. Compared with the final membrane-specific flux with steady-flow feeding of 0.55, functional feeding could significantly reduce membrane fouling. SEM results showed that sine feeding led to slight contamination on the membrane surface. Furthermore, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation results showed that the shear force of sine function feeding was about three times that of the steady flow (6 × 105 N). Compared with steady feeding, functional feeding could significantly improve the shear force on the membrane surface and reduce membrane fouling.
New Insights into Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children: A Practical Review
Authors: Moscheo Carla , Licciardello Maria , Samperi Piera , La Spina Milena , Di Cataldo Andrea , Russo Giovanna
Published: March 2022

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most frequent hematological disorder in children, with an incidence in industrialized countries of 20.1% between 0 and 4 years of age and 5.9% between 5 and 14 years (39 and 48.1% in developing countries). Although IDA has been recognized for a long time, there are still uncovered issues and room for improving the management of this condition. New frontiers regarding its diagnosis and therapeutic options emerge every day; recently, innovative formulations of iron have been launched, both for oral and parenteral administration, with the aim of offering treatment schedules with higher efficacy and lower toxicity. As a matter of fact, glycinate and liposomal preparations, while maintaining a satisfying efficacy profile, have significantly fewer side effects, in comparison to the traditional elemental iron salts; parenteral iron, usually considered a second-choice therapy reserved to selected cases, may evolve further, as a consequence of the production of molecules with an interesting clinical profile such as ferrocarboxymaltose, which is already available for adolescents aged >14 years. The present article reports the clinically relevant latest insights regarding IDA in children and offers a practical guide to help pediatricians, particularly to choose the most appropriate prevention and therapy strategies.
A Study on Biocompatible Polymer-Based Packaging of Neural Interface for Chronic Implantation
Authors: Park HyungDal , Choi Wonsuk , Oh Seonghwan , Kim Yong-Jun , Seok Seonho , Kim Jinseok
Published: March 2022

This paper proposed and verified the use of polymer-based packaging to implement the chronic implantation of neural interfaces using a combination of a commercial thermal epoxy and a thin parylene film. The packaging’s characteristics and the performance of the vulnerable interface between the thermal epoxy layer and polyimide layer, which is mainly used for neural electrodes and an FPCB, were evaluated through in vitro, in vivo, and acceleration experiments. The performance of neural interfaces—composed of the combination of the thermal epoxy and thin parylene film deposition as encapsulation packaging—was evaluated by using signal acquisition experiments based on artificial stimulation signal transmissions through in vitro and in vivo experiments. It has been found that, when commercial thermal epoxy normally cured at room temperature was cured at higher temperatures of 45 °C and 65 °C, not only is its lifetime increased with about twice the room-temperature-based curing conditions but also an interfacial adhesion is higher with more than twice the room-temperature-based curing conditions. In addition, through in vivo experiments using rats, it was confirmed that bodily fluids did not flow into the interface between the thermal epoxy and FPCB for up to 18 months, and it was verified that the rats maintained healthy conditions without occurring an immune response in the body to the thin parylene film deposition on the packaging’s surface.
Particle Deposition in the Vicinity of Multiple Film Cooling Holes
Authors: Peng Yubo , Xu Guoqiang , Luo Xiang , He Jian , Liu Dongdong
Published: March 2022

Particle deposition on film cooling surface is an engineering issue that degrades the thermal protection of turbine blade. Here, we present a combined experimental and numerical investigation on the particle deposition in the vicinity of multiple film cooling holes to reveal the effect of interactions between cooling outflows on particle deposition. The numerical simulation of film cooling with a group of three rows of straight film cooling holes is conducted and validated by experimental data with blowing ratios ranging from 0 to 0.08. Wax particles with size range from 5 to 40 μm are added in the heated mainstream to simulate the particle deposition in the experiment. The simulation results show the decrease of particle deposition with blowing ratio and various deposition characteristics in different regions of the surface. The flow fields from numerical results are analyzed in detail to illustrate deposition mechanism of the particles in different regions under the interactions of cooling outflows. The cooling air from the holes in the first row reduces the particle concentration near the wall but causes particle deposition in or between the tail regions by the generated flow disturbance. The cooling air from the latter hole separates the diluted flow in the upstream from the wall, and creates a tail region without particle deposition. This revealed particle deposition characteristics under the effect of outflows interaction can benefit the understanding of particle deposition in engineering applications, where multi-row of cooling holes are utilized.
Structure Fabrication on Silicon at Atomic and Close-To-Atomic Scale Using Atomic Force Microscopy: Implications for Nanopatterning and Nanodevice Fabrication
Authors: Mathew Paven Thomas , Han Wei , Rodriguez Brian J. , Fang Fengzhou
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the atomic-scale structure fabrication on Si (100) substrate using atomic force microscopy (AFM) with the aid of electrochemical and mechanical processes in a humid environment and under ambient conditions is studied. The local oxidation patterns are formed using platinum-coated tips with the aid of bias applied to the tip-substrate junction, and direct removal has been achieved using single crystal diamond tips, enabling the structure fabrication at the atomic and close-to-atomic scale. The depth and height of the etched trenches reached about 1 nm, which provides an approach for the fabrication of atomic-scale electrodes for molecular device development. Furthermore, material removal close to about three silicon atoms (~3.2 Å) has been achieved. This is important in molecular device fabrication. A detailed comparison among the nanopatterns and the material removal over bare and hydrofluoric acid (HF) treated silicon substrates is provided. This comparison is useful for the application of fabricating atomic-scale electrodes needed for the molecular electronic components. A deep understanding of atomic-scale material removal can be pushed to fabricate a single atomic protrusion by removing the neighbouring atoms so that the molecule can be attached to a single atom, thereby the AFM tip and Si substrate could act as the electrodes and the molecule between them as the channel, providing basic transistor actions in a molecular transistor design. In this paper, platinum-coated and single-crystal diamond tips are used to explain the oxide formations and direct material removal, respectively.
Design of Functionally Stacked Channels of Oxide Thin-Film Transistors to Mimic Precise Ultralow-Light-Irradiated Synaptic Weight Modulation
Authors: Yang Ji Sook , Jung Sung Hyeon , Kim Dong Su , Choi Ji Hoon , Suh Hee Won , Lee Hak Hyeon , Lee Kun Woong , Cho Hyung Koun
Published: March 2022

To utilize continuous ultralow intensity signals from oxide synaptic transistors as artificial synapses that mimic human visual perception, we propose strategic oxide channels that optimally utilize their advantageous functions by stacking two oxide semiconductors with different conductivities. The bottom amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (a-IGZO) layer with a relatively low conductivity was designed for an extremely low initial postsynaptic current (PSCi) by achieving full depletion at a low negative gate voltage, and the stacked top amorphous indium–zinc oxide (a-IZO) layer improved the amplitude of the synaptic current and memory retention owing to the enhancement in the persistent photoconductivity characteristics. We demonstrated an excellent photonic synapse thin-film transistor (TFT) with a precise synaptic weight change even in the range of ultralow light intensity by adapting this stacking IGZO/IZO channel. The proposed device exhibited distinct ∆PSC values of 3.1 and 18.1 nA under ultralow ultraviolet light (350 nm, 50 ms) of 1.6 and 8.0 μW/cm2. In addition, while the lowest light input exhibited short-term plasticity characteristics similar to the “volatile-like” behavior of the human brain with a current recovery close to the initial value, the increase in light intensity caused long-term plasticity characteristics, thus achieving synaptic memory transition in the IGZO/IZO TFTs.
Self-Powered Galvanic Vibration Sensor
Authors: Cheung Yik-Kin , Zhao Zuofeng , Yu Hongyu
Published: March 2022

The development of the IoT demands small, durable, remote sensing systems that have energy harvesters and storage. Various energy harvesters are developed, including piezoelectric, triboelectric, electromagnetic, and reverse-electrowetting-on-dielectric. However, integrating energy storage and sensing functionality receives little attention. This paper presents an electrochemical vibration sensor with a galvanic cell (Zn-Cu cell) as energy storage and a vibration transducer. The frequency response, scale factor, long-term response, impedance study, and discharge characteristics are given. This study proved the possibility of integrating energy storage and vibration sensing functionality with promising performance. The performance of the sensor halved within 74 min. The longevity of the sensor is short due to the spontaneous reactions and ions drained. The sensitivity can be restored after refilling the electrolyte. The sensor could be rechargeable by changing to a reversible electrochemical system such as a lead–acid cell in the future.
Study on Damage Characteristics of Deep Coal Based on Loading Rate Effect
Authors: Xue Junhua , Wang Shulou , Yang Quanlin , Du Yutong , Hou Zongxuan
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the uniaxial compression tests of coal under different loading rates are carried out by using the MTS rock mechanics loading system and the DS5 acoustic emission instrument, and the mechanical parameters and damage characteristics of coal samples under five loading rates are studied. The conclusions are as follows: The uniaxial compressive strength and the elastic modulus of the sample increase with the increase in the loading rate, whereas the strain at the peak point of stress decreases with the increase in the loading rate; at a low loading rate, the AE ring count of the coal samples is widely distributed, but the maximum AE ring count value is small. At a high loading rate, the AE ring count of the coal samples decreases, whereas the maximum AE ring count value increases significantly. With the increase in the loading rate, the maximum AE ring count and cumulative AE ring count of the sample increase. According to the damage variable curves of the coal samples under different loading rates, the damage evolution process of the samples before the stress peak is roughly divided into three stages: initial damage stage, stable damage development stage and rapid damage development stage. It is found that when the loading rate is low, the deformation time of the coal sample is relatively sufficient, whereas when the loading rate is high, the micro cracks have no time to develop and expand, the sample is destroyed instantly and the destruction of the coal sample is sudden. Therefore, with the increase in the loading rate, the damage variable value at the peak stress of the coal sample generally shows an increasing trend.
The Passa Três Granite Intrusion-Related/Hosted Neoproterozoic Gold Deposit (Paraná State, Brazil): Mineralogical, Geochemical, Fluid Inclusion and Sulphur Isotope Constraints
Authors: Dressel Bárbara Carolina , Chauvet Alain , Kouzmanov Kalin , Trzaskos Barbara , Bruguier Olivier , Monié Patrick , Villanova Sandro Notto , Newton José Bazille
Published: March 2022

The Passa Três granite is a 5 km2 intrusion in southern Brazil with an NNE–SSW-elongated shape, hosting gold-bearing quartz veins with fluorite, carbonates, sulphides (pyrite, chalcopyrite, aikinite, molybdenite) and native gold. Orebodies are hosted by the pluton roof zone, which is marked by various textures indicating magmatic–hydrothermal transition processes. Mineralisation formed between 613 and 608 Ma in extensional pull-apart structures controlled by two conjugated N–S and E–W fault systems. We report results from petrography, quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalyses (EPMA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), trace element analyses of pyrite by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), sulphur isotope (δ34S) analyses, and fluid inclusion microthermometry. Hydrothermal alteration is dominantly developed as phengite–quartz–carbonate and sericite–carbonate–chlorite assemblages along mineralised structures. Fluid inclusion study indicates mineralising fluids with H2O-CO2-NaCl composition, low to moderate salinity (0.2–12.84 wt % NaCl eq.), and temperatures from 400 to 150 °C. The sulphur isotopic composition of pyrite (−0.1 to 1.1‰) suggests magmatic origin. These data, in conjunction with structurally controlled mineralisation enriched in Au-Bi minerals shortly post-dating the granite emplacement, appoint towards similarities between the Passa Três deposit and intrusion-related gold systems. The specific location of the mineralisation in the core (and in the roof zone, regarding its vertical position) of the Passa Três granitic intrusion defines it as “granite-hosted” thus, it is representative of a specific model that can be used for exploration of other intrusion-related/hosted gold deposits near the studied area or in other locations.
Effect of Freeze–Thaw Cycles on Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Tailings Reinforced with Cement-Based Material
Authors: Ding Pengchu , Hou Yunbing , Han Dong , Zhang Xing , Cao Shuxiong , Li Chunqing
Published: March 2022

In China, more than 10,000 Tailings storage facilities (TSF) have been created on the ground surface through mineral mining processes, these TSF occupy a large amount of land. The strength of the tailings is too low to be able to stand on its own without strengthening. In order to save land resources and alleviate the damage to the environment caused by mineral mining, it is necessary to reinforce the TSF so that they can store more tailings. China is one of the countries with the largest area of permafrost and seasonal frozen regions, accounting for about 75% of the country’s total land area. The problem can be exacerbated in these regions where the freeze–thaw effect can further degrade the strength of tailings. A review of the literature suggests that there is little research on the mechanical and microstructural properties of tailings reinforced with cement-based materials under freeze–thaw conditions, especially when the tailings are to be discharged to land for sustainable development. This study investigates the effect of freeze–thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and microstructural changes of tailings reinforced with cement-based materials to mitigate environmental hazards. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, scanning electron microscopic images, X-Ray Diffraction tests, thermogravimetry tests and mercury intrusion porosimetry tests were conducted on samples of tailings. The results from this study show that freeze–thaw cycles reduce the UCS of all the tested samples eventually, but the frozen temperature does not significantly affect the UCS. The larger number of freeze–thaw cycles, the more damage is to the surface morphology and the matrix of the tailings. The results presented in the paper can help engineers and managers to effectively transport the TSF to other locations to minimize environmental hazards to achieve sustainable production of mineral mining processes.
Facile in Situ Transformation of NiOOH into MOF-74(Ni)/NiO OH Heterogeneous Composite for Enchancing Electrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Zhou Wei-Qun , Xi Ben-Jun , Chang Xi-Wen , Wang Bin , Wu Xue-Qian , Li Shuang , Wu Ya-Pan , Li Dong-Sheng
Published: March 2022

A new MOF-74(Ni)/NiOOH heterogeneous composite was synthesized via NiOOH microsphere precursor. The electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reactions’ (MOR) performance was assessed. The as-prepared MOF-74(Ni)/NiOOH exhibited excellent activity with high peak current density (27.62 mA·cm−2) and high mass activity (243.8 mA·mg−1). The enhanced activity could be a result of the synergistic effect of the MOF-74(Ni)/NiOOH heterocomposite providing more exposed active sites, a beneficial diffusion path between the catalyst surface and electrolyte, and improved conductivity, favorable for improving MOR performance.
Quercetin-Ameliorated, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes-Induced Immunotoxic, Inflammatory, and Oxidative Effects in Mice
Authors: Sallam Amira A. , Ahmed Mona M. , El-Magd Mohammed A. , Magdy Ahmed , Ghamry Heba I. , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Abou El-Fotoh Magdy F.
Published: March 2022

The expanding uses of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in industry and medicine have raised concerns about their toxicity on human and animal health. CNTs, including multi-walled nanotubes (MWCNTs), have been reported to induce immunotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidative effects. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid present in many vegetables and fruits and has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Herein, we investigated the protective effects of quercetin on pristine MWCNTs-induced immunotoxicity in mice. In comparison with two doses of MWCNTs, high doses [0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW), once intraperitoneally (IP)] caused higher immunotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidative effects than low doses (0.25 mg/kg BW, once IP). Administration of quercetin (30 mg/kg BW, IP for 2 weeks) relieved these deleterious effects as evidenced by (1) reduced spleen weight, (2) increased number of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, (3) elevated serum levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA, (4) decreased lipid peroxide malondialdehyde levels and increased levels of antioxidant markers reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the spleen, (5) decreased concentrations and mRNA levels of inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1 beta (IL1ß), and IL6 in the spleen, (6) downregulated expression of immunomodulatory genes transforming growth factor-beta (TGFß), cyclooxygenase2 (COX2), and IL10, and (7) regenerative histological changes as indicated by decreased mononuclear cell infiltration, minimized degenerative changes and restored lymphocytes depletion in the spleen. These results infer that quercetin can ameliorate MWCNTs-induced immunotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidative effects.
Prediction of Low-Dose Aspirin-Induced Gastric Toxicity Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy-Based Pharmacometabolomics in Rats
Authors: Sha’aban Abubakar , Zainal Hadzliana , Khalil Nor Azlina , Abd Aziz Fatimatuzzahra’ , Ch’ng Ewe Seng , Teh Chin-Hoe , Mohammed Mustapha , Ibrahim Baharudin
Published: March 2022

Background: Low-dose aspirin (LDA) is the backbone for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, although limited by gastric toxicity. This study aimed to identify novel metabolites that could predict LDA-induced gastric toxicity using pharmacometabolomics. Methods: Pre-dosed urine samples were collected from male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with either LDA (10 mg/kg) or 1% methylcellulose (10 mL/kg) per oral for 28 days. The rats’ stomachs were examined for gastric toxicity using a stereomicroscope. The urine samples were analyzed using a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Metabolites were systematically identified by exploring established databases and multivariate analyses to determine the spectral pattern of metabolites related to LDA-induced gastric toxicity. Results: Treatment with LDA resulted in gastric toxicity in 20/32 rats (62.5%). The orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model displayed a goodness-of-fit (R2Y) value of 0.947, suggesting near-perfect reproducibility and a goodness-of-prediction (Q2Y) of −0.185 with perfect sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (100%). Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) displayed was 1. The final OPLS-DA model had an R2Y value of 0.726 and Q2Y of 0.142 with sensitivity (100%), specificity (95.0%) and accuracy (96.9%). Citrate, hippurate, methylamine, trimethylamine N-oxide and alpha-keto-glutarate were identified as the possible metabolites implicated in the LDA-induced gastric toxicity. Conclusion: The study identified metabolic signatures that correlated with the development of a low-dose Aspirin-induced gastric toxicity in rats. This pharmacometabolomic approach could further be validated to predict LDA-induced gastric toxicity in patients with coronary artery disease.
Research Progress of Natural Small-Molecule Compounds Related to Tumor Differentiation
Authors: He Xiaoli , Liao Yongkang , Liu Jing , Sun Shuming
Published: March 2022

Tumor differentiation is a therapeutic strategy aimed at reactivating the endogenous differentiation program of cancer cells and inducing cancer cells to mature and differentiate into other types of cells. It has been found that a variety of natural small-molecule drugs can induce tumor cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Relevant molecules involved in the differentiation process may be potential therapeutic targets for tumor cells. Compared with synthetic drugs, natural small-molecule antitumor compounds have the characteristics of wide sources, structural diversity and low toxicity. In addition, natural drugs with structural modification and transformation have relatively concentrated targets and enhanced efficacy. Therefore, using natural small-molecule compounds to induce malignant cell differentiation represents a more targeted and potential low-toxicity means of tumor treatment. In this review, we focus on natural small-molecule compounds that induce differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells, osteoblasts and other malignant cells into functional cells by regulating signaling pathways and the expression of specific genes. We provide a reference for the subsequent development of natural small molecules for antitumor applications and promote the development of differentiation therapy.
Analytical and Structural Tools of Lipid Hydroperoxides: Present State and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kontogianni Vassiliki G. , Gerothanassis Ioannis P.
Published: March 2022

Mono- and polyunsaturated lipids are particularly susceptible to peroxidation, which results in the formation of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) as primary nonradical-reaction products. LOOHs may undergo degradation to various products that have been implicated in vital biological reactions, and thus in the pathogenesis of various diseases. The structure elucidation and qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipid hydroperoxides are therefore of great importance. The objectives of the present review are to provide a critical analysis of various methods that have been widely applied, and more specifically on volumetric methods, applications of UV-visible, infrared, Raman/surface-enhanced Raman, fluorescence and chemiluminescence spectroscopies, chromatographic methods, hyphenated MS techniques, NMR and chromatographic methods, NMR spectroscopy in mixture analysis, structural investigations based on quantum chemical calculations of NMR parameters, applications in living cells, and metabolomics. Emphasis will be given to analytical and structural methods that can contribute significantly to the molecular basis of the chemical process involved in the formation of lipid hydroperoxides without the need for the isolation of the individual components. Furthermore, future developments in the field will be discussed.
The Role of Hydrogen Bonds in Interactions between [PdCl4]2− Dianions in Crystal
Authors: Wysokiński Rafał , Zierkiewicz Wiktor , Michalczyk Mariusz , Maris Thierry , Scheiner Steve
Published: March 2022

[PdCl4]2− dianions are oriented within a crystal in such a way that a Cl of one unit approaches the Pd of another from directly above. Quantum calculations find this interaction to be highly repulsive with a large positive interaction energy. The placement of neutral ligands in their vicinity reduces the repulsion, but the interaction remains highly endothermic. When the ligands acquire a unit positive charge, the electrostatic component and the full interaction energy become quite negative, signalling an exothermic association. Raising the charge on these counterions to +2 has little further stabilizing effect, and in fact reduces the electrostatic attraction. The ability of the counterions to promote the interaction is attributed in part to the H-bonds which they form with both dianions, acting as a sort of glue.
Clay, Zeolite and Oxide Minerals: Natural Catalytic Materials for the Ozonation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Inchaurrondo Natalia Soledad , Font Josep
Published: March 2022

Ozone has been successfully employed in water treatment due to its ability to oxidize a wide variety of refractory compounds. In order to increase the process efficiency and optimize its economy, the implementation of heterogeneous catalysts has been encouraged. In this context, the use of cheap and widely available natural materials is a promising option that would promote the utilization of ozone in a cost-effective water treatment process. This review describes the use of natural clays, zeolites and oxides as supports or active catalysts in the ozonation process, with emphasis on the structural characteristics and modifications performed in the raw natural materials; the catalytic oxidation mechanism; effect of the operating parameters and degradation efficiency outcomes. According to the information compiled, more research in realistic scenarios is needed (i.e., real wastewater matrix or continuous operation in pilot scale) in order to transfer this technology to the treatment of real wastewater streams.
Comparative Evaluation of the Essential Oil of the New Ukrainian Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia Cultivars Grown on the Same Plots
Authors: Pokajewicz Katarzyna , Białoń Marietta , Svydenko Liudmyla , Hudz Nataliia , Balwierz Radosław , Marciniak Dominik , Wieczorek Piotr Paweł
Published: March 2022

New cultivars of lavender adapted to arid steppe conditions were developed by the Institute of Rice of Ukrainian National Academy of Agrarian Sciences (NAAS). This work is a part of the characterization process of the new cultivars. The chemical composition of the essential oil of the seven new Lavandula angustifolia and eight new Lavandula x intermedia cultivars was investigated and compared. In total, 71 different compounds were identified. Linalool and linalool acetate were the main components in both species in ranges of 26.14–57.07% and 9.08–24.45%, respectively. They were followed by terpinen-4-ol (2.16–22.44%), lavandulyl acetate (2.12–10.23%), and lavandulol (1.30–3.14) in the case of L. angustifolia and camphor (10.11–12.55%), borneol (5.49–8.71%), and eucalyptol (0.47–7.41%) in the case of L. x intermedia. The oils had a valuable terpene profile—a high linalool content and the substantial presence of lavandulol and its ester. Nevertheless, they did not comply with the industry standards, mostly due to high levels of terpinene-4-ol. Evidently, a high content of terpinen-4-ol is a characteristic feature of L. angustifolia oils bred in Ukraine. Additionally, the LA3 cultivar yielded an oil with some of the highest linalool contents reported in the literature. Statistical analysis and literature data allowed for the comparative analysis of the gathered data. MANOVA, PCA, and HCA marked caryophyllene oxide as another potential differentiating compound between studied species.
225Ac-rHDL Nanoparticles: A Potential Agent for Targeted Alpha-Particle Therapy of Tumors Overexpressing SR-BI Proteins
Authors: Hernández-Jiménez Tania , Ferro-Flores Guillermina , Morales-Ávila Enrique , Isaac-Olivé Keila , Ocampo-García Blanca , Aranda-Lara Liliana , Santos-Cuevas Clara , Luna-Gutiérrez Myrna , De Nardo Laura , Rosato Antonio , Meléndez-Alafort Laura
Published: March 2022

Actinium-225 and other alpha-particle-emitting radionuclides have shown high potential for cancer treatment. Reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (rHDL) specifically recognize the scavenger receptor B type I (SR-BI) overexpressed in several types of cancer cells. Furthermore, after rHDL-SR-BI recognition, the rHDL content is injected into the cell cytoplasm. This research aimed to prepare a targeted 225Ac-delivering nanosystem by encapsulating the radionuclide into rHDL nanoparticles. The synthesis of rHDL was performed in two steps using the microfluidic synthesis method for the subsequent encapsulation of 225Ac, previously complexed to a lipophilic molecule (225Ac-DOTA-benzene-p-SCN, CLog P = 3.42). The nanosystem (13 nm particle size) showed a radiochemical purity higher than 99% and stability in human serum. In vitro studies in HEP-G2 and PC-3 cancer cells (SR-BI positive) demonstrated that 225Ac was successfully internalized into the cytoplasm of cells, delivering high radiation doses to cell nuclei (107 Gy to PC-3 and 161 Gy to HEP-G2 nuclei at 24 h), resulting in a significant decrease in cell viability down to 3.22 ± 0.72% for the PC-3 and to 1.79 ± 0.23% for HEP-G2 at 192 h after 225Ac-rHDL treatment. After intratumoral 225Ac-rHDL administration in mice bearing HEP-G2 tumors, the biokinetic profile showed significant retention of radioactivity in the tumor masses (90.16 ± 2.52% of the injected activity), which generated ablative radiation doses (649 Gy/MBq). The results demonstrated adequate properties of rHDL as a stable carrier for selective deposition of 225Ac within cancer cells overexpressing SR-BI. The results obtained in this research justify further preclinical studies, designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the 225Ac-rHDL system for targeted alpha-particle therapy of tumors that overexpress the SR-BI receptor.
Secondary Metabolites from Hericium erinaceus and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Xie Guangbo , Tang Lan , Xie Yu , Xie Liyuan
Published: March 2022

Hericium erinaceus, a culinary and medicinal mushroom, is widely consumed in Asian countries. Chemical investigation on the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus led to the isolation of one new ergostane-type sterol fatty acid ester, erinarol K (1); and eleven known compounds: 5α,8α -epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-yl linoleate (2); ethyl linoleate (3); linoleic acid (4); hericene A (5); hericene D (6); hericene E (7); ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (8); hericenone F (9); ergosterol (10); ergosterol peroxide (11); 3β,5α,6α,22E-ergosta-7,22-diene-3,5,6-triol 6-oleate (12). The chemical structures of the compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy, mass spectra, etc. Anti-inflammatory effects of the isolated aromatic compounds (5–7, 9) were evaluated in terms of inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediator (TNF-α, IL-6 and NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The results showed that compounds 5 and 9 exhibited moderate activity against TNF-α (IC50: 78.50 μM and 62.46 μM), IL-6 (IC50: 56.33 μM and 48.50 μM) and NO (IC50: 87.31 μM and 76.16 μM) secretion. These results supply new information about the secondary metabolites of Hericium erinaceus and their anti-inflammatory effects.
Effects of Volume Changes on the Thermal Performance of PCM Layers Subjected to Oscillations of the Ambient Temperature: Transient and Steady Periodic Regimes
Authors: Santiago-Acosta Rubén D. , Hernández-Cooper Ernesto M. , Pérez-Álvarez Rolando , Otero José A.
Published: March 2022

The Stefan problem regarding the formation of several liquid–solid interfaces produced by the oscillations of the ambient temperature around the melting point of a phase change material has been addressed by several authors. Numerical and semi-analytical methods have been used to find the thermal response of a phase change material under these type of boundary conditions. However, volume changes produced by the moving fronts and their effects on the thermal performance of phase change materials have not been addressed. In this work, volume changes are incorporated through an additional equation of motion for the thickness of the system. The thickness of the phase change material becomes a dynamic variable of motion by imposing total mass conservation. The modified equation of motion for each interface is obtained by coupling mass conservation with a local energy–mass balance at each front. The dynamics of liquid–solid interface configurations is analyzed in the transient and steady periodic regimes. Finite element and heat balance integral methods are used to verify the consistency of the solutions to the proposed model. The heat balance integral method is modified and adapted to find approximate solutions when two fronts collide, and the temperature profiles are not smooth. Volumetric corrections to the sensible and latent heat released (absorbed) are introduced during front formation, annihilation, and in the presence of two fronts. Finally, the thermal energy released by the interior surface is estimated through the proposed model and compared with the solutions obtained through models proposed by other authors.
Improving the Photocatalytic Activity of Mesoporous Titania Films through the Formation of WS2/TiO2 Nano-Heterostructures
Authors: Ren Junkai , Stagi Luigi , Malfatti Luca , Paolucci Valentina , Cantalini Carlo , Garroni Sebastiano , Mureddu Marzia , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: March 2022

Heterostructures formed by anatase nanotitania and bidimensional semiconducting materials are expected to become the next-generation photocatalytic materials with an extended operating range and higher performances. The capability of fabricating optically transparent photocatalytic thin films is also a highly demanded technological issue, and increasing the performances of such devices would significantly impact several applications, from self-cleaning surfaces to photovoltaic systems. To improve the performances of such devices, WS2/TiO2 heterostructures obtained by incorporating two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides layers into titania mesoporous ordered thin films have been fabricated. The self-assembly process has been carefully controlled to avoid disruption of the order during film fabrication. WS2 nanosheets of different sizes have been exfoliated by sonication and incorporated in the mesoporous films via one-pot processing. The WS2 nanosheets result as well-dispersed within the titania anatase mesoporous film that retains a mesoporous ordered structure. An enhanced photocatalytic response due to an interparticle electron transfer effect has been observed. The structural characterization of the heterostructure has revealed a tight interplay between the matrix and nanosheets rather than a simple additive co-catalyst effect.