bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction and Vasomotor Dysregulation in Myocardial Bridging
Authors: Toya Takumi
Published: February 2025

Myocardial bridging (MB), a congenital variant where a coronary artery segment is tunneled within the myocardium, is increasingly recognized as a contributor to coronary endothelial and vasomotor dysfunction. Beyond the hallmark systolic compression observed on angiography, MB disrupts endothelial integrity, impairs the release of vasoactive substances, and induces vasomotor abnormalities. These effects exacerbate ischemic symptoms and predispose to atherosclerosis in the proximal segment, particularly in conditions such as ischemia/myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries. Recent studies underscore MB’s association with coronary vasospasm, microvascular endothelial dysfunction, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including sudden cardiac death. These findings highlight the interplay between MB’s structural anomalies and functional impairments, with factors such as the bridge’s length, depth, and orientation influencing its hemodynamic significance. Advances in imaging and coronary physiology assessment, including acetylcholine testing and stress diastolic fractional flow reserve/iFR/RFR, have enhanced diagnostic precision. This review explores the multifaceted impact of MB on coronary physiology, emphasizing its role in endothelial dysfunction and vasomotor regulation. Recognizing MB’s contribution to cardiovascular disease is essential for accurate diagnosis and tailored management strategies aimed at mitigating ischemic risk and improving patient outcomes.
Pantalar Intact Dislocation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dell’Agli Eleonora , Sapienza Marco , Castiglione Mirko Domenico , Musumeci Maria Agata , Pitronaci Sebiano , Sodano Andrea , Pavone Vito , Testa Gianluca
Published: February 2025

Background: This scoping review analyzes the available literature on pure total talar dislocation, focusing on its epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging techniques, surgical options, rehabilitation protocols, and complications. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The search yielded 185 articles, of which 30 satisfied the inclusion criteria and focused on pure total talar dislocation without fractures. Data from each study were extracted, including patient demographics, injury characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes. Results: The studies included case reports, case series, and reviews. Despite the heterogeneity of the studies, the key findings suggest that early reduction, careful wound management, and soft tissue preservation are crucial in minimizing complications such as avascular necrosis (AVN), post-traumatic arthritis, and infection. The long-term outcomes varied, and the risk of AVN remained high, particularly in cases with compromised blood supply to the talus. Conclusions: Pure total talar dislocation is a rare and challenging condition with no established management protocol. While talar reimplantation and joint fixation offer promising outcomes in preserving function, the risk of complications, particularly AVN, remains significant. Additional research is necessary to standardize treatment protocols and improve clinical outcomes for this rare but severe injury.
Pano-GAN: A Deep Generative Model for Panoramic Dental Radiographs
Authors: Pedersen Søren , Jain Sanyam , Chavez Mikkel , Ladehoff Viktor , de Freitas Bruna Neves , Pauwels Ruben
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the development of a generative adversarial network (GAN) for the generation of synthetic dental panoramic radiographs. While this is an exploratory study, the ultimate aim is to address the scarcity of data in dental research and education. A deep convolutional GAN (DCGAN) with the Wasserstein loss and a gradient penalty (WGAN-GP) was trained on a dataset of 2322 radiographs of varying quality. The focus of this study was on the dentoalveolar part of the radiographs; other structures were cropped out. Significant data cleaning and preprocessing were conducted to standardize the input formats while maintaining anatomical variability. Four candidate models were identified by varying the critic iterations, number of features and the use of denoising prior to training. To assess the quality of the generated images, a clinical expert evaluated a set of generated synthetic radiographs using a ranking system based on visibility and realism, with scores ranging from 1 (very poor) to 5 (excellent). It was found that most generated radiographs showed moderate depictions of dentoalveolar anatomical structures, although they were considerably impaired by artifacts. The mean evaluation scores showed a trade-off between the model trained on non-denoised data, which showed the highest subjective quality for finer structures, such as the mandibular canal and trabecular bone, and one of the models trained on denoised data, which offered better overall image quality, especially in terms of clarity and sharpness and overall realism. These outcomes serve as a foundation for further research into GAN architectures for dental imaging applications.
Optimization of Key Parameters of Fracturing Flooding Development in Offshore Reservoirs with Low Permeability Based on Numerical Modeling Approach
Authors: Zhao Zitong , Jiang Shan , Lei Ting , Wang Jinwei , Zhang Yafei
Published: February 2025

Fracturing flooding is a new technology that combines traditional conventional water drive, chemical drive, and hydraulic fracturing technologies and injects water under proximity fracture pressure to increase the wave area. It is currently applied in onshore low-permeability oilfields with good results, but the research on the design method of fracturing flooding in offshore low-permeability reservoirs is still lacking. Numerical simulation studies of well fracturing flooding are needed to optimize the key parameters of fracturing flooding development. This study simulates the real-time fracture dynamic expansion process of micro-level fracture expansion for hydraulic fracturing, combines it with a numerical simulation of well pressure-driving, and finally optimizes the parameters of hydraulic flooding. By studying the fracture expansion law, this study determined that the total amount of injection volume had a large influence on both fracture half-length and inflow capacity; the larger the injection rate, the larger the fracture half-length, but the inflow capacity was basically unchanged. It was also found that multiple rounds of fracturing flooding had no effect on fracture morphology or length. In studying the key fracturing flooding parameters in oil wells, it was concluded that the higher the total injection amount, the higher the oil increase in fracturing flooding and the wider the wave area of pressure-driving. Moreover, the higher the displacement, the higher the pressure near the bottom of the well, but there was little difference in the spreading area; in addition, the longer the well shut-in time, the higher the early oil production. Finally, these results were combined with the fracture expansion mechanism model and A21 well model, and the analysis of fracturing flooding parameters based on the simulation results allowed for the following recommendations to be made: the total amount of fracturing flooding injection should be 15,000 m3, the injection rate should be 6 m3/min, the simmering time should be 3–7 days, and only one round of fracturing flooding is required. The mechanism of fracture expansion revealed in this paper can guide the design of fracturing flooding programs in the process of reservoir fracturing flooding development, which is of some significance to the development of the fracturing flooding of offshore reservoirs with low permeability.
Composition and Biodiversity of Culturable Endophytic Fungi in the Roots of Alpine Medicinal Plants in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Hou Mengyan , Zhu Jun , Leng Chunyan , Huang Xinjie , Yang Mingshu , Yin Yifei , Xing Yongmei , Chen Juan
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Endophytic fungi play an important role in plant growth and stress resistance. The presence of a special fungal taxon such as the dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi in alpine environments is particularly important for plant resistance to environmental stresses. However, the composition of root endophytic fungi in different environments and between different host plants has not been well studied. (2) Results: A total of 408 culturable endophytic fungi were isolated from the roots of Saussurea involucrata and Rhodiola crenulata which were collected in 5 plots from the Tianshan and Karakoram Mountains of the Xinjiang region, belonging to 91 species, 54 genera, 31 families, and 3 phyla based on the morphological characteristics and molecular sequence. Among them, DSE fungi were the dominant group, accounting for 52.94%, and Leptodontidium orchidicola was the dominant species. In addition, we also compared the composition and diversity of root endophytic fungi from different plants and different sites, with emphasis on special fungal taxa such as DSE. (3) Conclusions: The composition and diversity of cultural endophytic fungi are significantly different in the two alpine medicinal plant species and across various locations. Some fungi showed the preferences of the host or environment. The endophytic fungal resources, especially DSE, were very rich in the two alpine medicinal plants, indicating that these fungi may play a crucial role in the ecological adaptation of host plants in harsh environments.
The Design and Feasibility of Optimal Treatment for Coronary Drug-Eluting Stent In-Stent Restenosis (OPEN-ISR)—A Prospective, Randomised, Multicentre Clinical Trial
Authors: Kulyassa Péter Márton , Németh Balázs Tamás , Hizoh István , Jankó Laura Krisztina , Ruzsa Zoltán , Jambrik Zoltán , Balázs Brúnó Bánk , Becker Dávid , Merkely Béla , Édes István Ferenc
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) is a cornerstone of the management of ischemic heart disease. However, in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a significant clinical challenge, occurring in approximately 5–10% of patients undergoing PCI. This study is designed to compare the efficacy and safety of the primary therapeutic approaches for DES-ISR, specifically drug-coated balloons (DCBs)—paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) and sirolimus-coated balloons (SCBs)—with a new-generation everolimus-eluting stent (EES), contributing to the evolving field of personalized medicine. Methods and Analysis: This prospective, multicentre, randomised, non-inferiority trial aims to enroll 150 patients with DES-ISR, who will be randomised into one of the following: SCB, PCB, or EES. The primary endpoint comparing DCB and EES is late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months, as measured by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). Secondary endpoints comparing the three arms include a device-oriented composite endpoint, intraluminal gain, optical coherence tomography (OCT) measured LLL, and correlations between LLL and quantitative flow ratio (QFR). The primary endpoint will be analysed using a non-inferiority design, with a margin set at 0.25 mm, for which the sample size was calculated. Statistical analysis of the primary endpoint will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis with a one-tailed Mann–Whitney U test with a significance level of 95. Secondary endpoints will be analysed via superiority testing using ANOVA, the Kruskal–Wallis test, logistic regression, or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. Ethics and Dissemination: The study protocol has been approved by the Medical Devices Department of the Hungarian National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition, ensuring compliance with ethical standards as outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. All investigators declare no conflicts of interest related to this study. The trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under the ID: NCT04862052.
Assessing the Effects of Climate Change and Anthropogenic Contributions in Parishan Wetland, Iran
Authors: Kazemi Garajeh Mohammad , Valizadeh Kamran Khalil , Feizizadeh Bakhtiar , Ghaffari Aliabad Omid , Saei Mousa , Sadeqi Amin
Published: February 2025

Wetlands provide essential benefits, including flood control, water quality enhancement, shoreline erosion prevention, natural resource conservation, recreational opportunities, and esthetic value. However, climate change and human activities have recently posed significant threats to these ecosystems. To address this issue, we employed an integrated approach combining remote sensing and the cloud-free Google Earth Engine (GEE) to monitor the impacts of climate change and human activities on Parishan Wetland in Iran. In this study, various climatic and anthropogenic factors, including air temperature (AT), precipitation, built-up area, croplands, and groundwater storage, were analyzed over the period from 2001 to 2010 to explore their potential effects on wetland conditions. The Pearson correlation test was used to assess the relationships between these variables and wetland health. Also, non-parametric Mann–Kendall (MK) and Pettitt tests were employed to identify monotonic trends and shifts in the time series. The findings suggest a complex interplay of climatic and anthropogenic factors impacting the wetland’s ecosystem. Groundwater availability emerged as the most influential factor, with a very strong positive correlation of 0.92, highlighting the critical role of groundwater in sustaining wetland ecosystems. Air temperature values in recent years have shown a significant increasing trend, while precipitation exhibits a statistically significant decreasing trend. These factors, along with the slightly increasing built-up area, which negatively impacts the natural ecosystem, indicate an urgent need to restore the wetland.
Structure Modulation and Self-Lubricating Properties of Porous TiN–MoS2 Composite Coating Under Humidity–Fluctuating Conditions
Authors: Ye Tiancheng , Le Kai , Wang Ganggang , Ren Zhenghao , Liu Yuzhen , Zheng Liwei , Tian Hui , Xu Shusheng
Published: February 2025

To improve the friction performance and service life of protective coatings in humidity-fluctuating environments, porous hard titanium nitride (TiN)–molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) composite coatings were prepared by using direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) with the mode of oblique angle deposition (OAD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technologies. The structure and chemical component were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The tribological properties of these TiN–MoS2 composite coatings were investigated. The results indicate that the porous TiN–MoS2 composite coating exhibited outstanding friction performance and long service life under humidity-fluctuating environments. At the initial 20% relative humidity (RH) stage, the MoS2 on the porous TiN–MoS2 composite coating surface worked as an effective lubricant; thus, the coating demonstrated excellent lubrication performance, and the friction coefficient (COF) was about 0.05. As the humidity was alternated to 70% RH, the lubrication effect diminished due to the production of molybdenum oxide (MoO3), and the COF was about 0.2, which was attributed to the degradation of MoS2 on the wear track and the release of fresh MoS2 from the porous TiN matrix. After the environmental conditions shifted from 70% to 20% RH, the MoO3 was removed, and the lubrication effect was restored. In summary, TiN–MoS2 porous composite coating offers a promising approach for lubrication in humidity-fluctuating environments.
Viable Use of Tire Pyrolysis Oil as an Additive to Conventional Motor Oil: A Tribological and Physical Study
Authors: Alazemi Abdullah A. , Alajmi Abdullah F. , Al-Salem Sultan M.
Published: February 2025

Stockpiled end-of-life tires (ELTs) pose a serious environmental concern. In the current investigation, ELT pyrolysis oil (i.e., pyro-oil) was studied as a potential additive to conventional motor oil. The pyro-oil samples were mixed in different concentrations of 10 to 50 wt.% with commercial virgin motor oil to obtain a lubricant mixture. Chemical analyses were performed for the tire-recycled derivative material, as a potential route to utilize pyro-oils, valorize ELT waste, and reduce production costs of motor oil lubricants. Rheological examinations were performed to explore the impact of the pyro-oil on the rheological properties of the motor oil under several shearing rates and temperatures. Tribological analyses of the lubricant mixtures and the pure motor oil were accomplished to study the influence of the pyro-oil additive on the tribological behavior of motor oils. Lastly, thermal stability and wettability examinations were executed to assess the thermal and wetting properties of lubricant mixtures. The obtained results showed that adding a low concentration of the pyro-oil (≤10%) will sustain the motor oil’s chemical, wettability, thermal stability, rheological, and tribological properties, signifying a viable application of recycled ELTs and helping to reduce their environmental and economic impact. These findings offer a feasible route of use in the future to obtain low-cost oils with market specifications, utilizing pyro-oil as a sustainable and environmental oil additive.
Catalytic Combustion of Biodiesel Wastewater on Red Mud Catalyst
Authors: Yu Shangzhi , Yuan Wenyu , Xie Qinglong , Liang Xiaojiang , Nie Yong
Published: February 2025

The resource utilization of red mud (RM) has attracted widespread attention for achieving the waste-to-waste treatment goal. In this work, the RM catalysts were synthesized at different calcination temperatures by a simple method. The calcination temperature had a great effect on catalyst activity in the catalytic combustion of biodiesel wastewater. The RM catalyst calcined at 350 °C (RM350) exhibited the best catalytic activity. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and COD removal rate of the treated wastewater reached almost 0 mg/L and 100%, respectively. The COD removal rate was significantly higher than 90.703% of the catalyst prepared by α-Fe2O3 at the same calcination temperature. Characterization results showed that the RM catalyst exhibited a high specific surface area of 60.03–64.15 m2/g and a well-developed mesoporous structure, as the calcination temperature did not exceed 400 °C, which was beneficial for adsorption and diffusion. Meanwhile, most of the Fe2O3 in the catalyst existed in an amorphous form and was abundantly presented on the catalyst surface, significantly lowering the reduction temperature of the catalyst and enhancing its reducibility. Furthermore, the α-Fe2O3 in the catalyst had higher dispersion, leading to an increase in utilization efficiency.
Surface-Modification Strategy to Produce Highly Anticorrosive Ti3C2Tx MXene-Based Polymer Composite Coatings: A Mini-Review
Authors: Zhang Shufang , Zhang Guoqin , Fang Liang , Wang Zhiheng , Wu Fang , Liu Gaobin , Wang Qirui , Nian Hongen
Published: February 2025

MXenes are a group of novel two-dimensional (2D) materials with merits such as large specific surface area, abundant surface-functional groups, high chemical activity, excellent mechanical properties, high hydrophilicity, and good compatibility with various polymers. In recent years, many novel high-performance organic anticorrosion coatings using MXenes as nanofillers have been reported and have attracted widespread attention. As the first successfully prepared MXene material, Ti3C2Tx is the most extensively studied and typical member of the MXene family. Therefore, it is taken as the representative of its family, and the status of Ti3C2Tx MXene/epoxy resin (EP) and MXene/waterborne polyurethane (WPU) polymer anticorrosive composite coatings is reviewed. Firstly, the structure, characteristics, and main synthesis methods of MXenes are briefly introduced. Then, the latest progress of four surface-modification strategies to improve the dispersion, compatibility, stability, and anti-aggregation properties of MXenes, namely functionalization grafting, orientation regulation, heterostructure nanocomposite design, and stabilization and greening treatment, are analyzed and summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities regarding MXene-based corrosion-resistant organic composite coatings are discussed prospectively.
Output Characteristics of Carbon Nanotube Thermoelectric Generator with Slitted Kirigami Structure
Authors: Terashima Shingo , Iwasa Yuki , Tanaka Naoki , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Iwase Eiji
Published: February 2025

The objective of our research is to improve the power generation of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) using a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) sheet by applying the out-of-plane deformation of a slitted kirigami structure. In order to obtain a large amount of power from a TEG using a thin-film thermoelectric (TE) element such as a SWCNT sheet, it is necessary to generate a large temperature difference in the in-plane direction of the thin-film TE element. However, it is difficult to realize a large temperature difference when the thin-film TE element is in contact with a heat source due to the need for a layer with high heat insulation. In this research, we proposed and fabricated a TEG with the out-of-plane deformation of a kirigami structure with slits using a p-n patterned SWCNT sheet as the thin-film TE material and evaluated the open circuit voltage with respect to the out-of-plane deformation and the number of TE elements. As a result, the output performance of SWCNT TEG was clarified when the out-of-plane deformation and the number of TE element pairs were varied.
Study on Bending Performance of High-Ductility Composite Slab Floor with Composite Ribs
Authors: Jiang Yuchen , Liu Libo , Wang Xiaolei , Liu Run , Yang Haibo
Published: February 2025

In order to solve the problems of high production cost and complex control of the inverted arch of an unsupported prestressed concrete composite slab, a flange truss high-ductility concrete composite slab floor is proposed to change the structure and pouring material to meet the requirements of no support during construction. The crack distribution and bending performance of the flange truss high-ductile concrete composite slab floor (CRHDCS) under different structures are clarified through the test and numerical analysis of four different rib plate structure floors. According to the analysis results, the calculation formulas of the cracking moment and short-term stiffness before cracking are modified, and the equivalent short-term stiffness formula of a single web member of the “V” truss to this kind of bottom plate is established. The results show that, unlike the short-term stiffness-change law of typical concrete composite slabs after cracking, the short-term stiffness of the designed bottom plate in this paper includes a short-term increase stage. The numerical simulation results are the same as the experimental ones; the maximum error is 10%. The maximum errors between the modified cracking moment and the short-term stiffness calculation formula are 6% and 8%, respectively. The influence rates of removing flange plate, truss-inverted binding, and adding rib plate on the cracking bending moment of foundation structure are −81.5%, 11.0%, and 22.2% respectively, and the influence rates on short-term stiffness are −87.6%, −1.5%, and 37.5% respectively.
Modeling the Carbothermal Chlorination Mechanism of Titanium Dioxide in Molten Salt Using a Deep Neural Network Potential
Authors: Zhang Enhao , Chen Xiumin , Zhou Jie , Wu Huapeng , Chen Yunmin , Huang Haiguang , Li Jianjun , Yang Qian
Published: February 2025

The molten salt chlorination method is one of the two main methods for producing titanium tetrachloride, an important intermediate product in the titanium industry. To effectively improve chlorination efficiency and reduce unnecessary waste salt generation, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of the molten salt chlorination reaction, and consequently this paper conducted studies on the carbon chlorination reaction mechanism in molten salts by combining ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) and deep potential molecular dynamics (DeePMD) methods. The use of DeePMD allowed for simulations on a larger spatial and longer time scale, overcoming the limitations of AIMD in fully observing complex reaction processes. The results comprehensively revealed the mechanism of titanium dioxide transforming into titanium tetrachloride. In addition, the presence form and conversion pathways of chlorine in the system were elucidated, and it was observed that chloride ions derived from NaCl can chlorinate titanium dioxide to yield titanium tetrachloride, which was validated through experimental studies. Self-diffusion coefficients of chloride ions in pure NaCl which were acquired by DeePMD showed good agreement with the experimental data.
Effects of Red Mud on Microstructures and Heat Resistance of ZL109 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Huang Zhuofang , Li Anmin , Zhou Wendi , Li Jinjin , Zhang Jinkai
Published: February 2025

The effects of red mud on the microstructures and high-temperature tensile properties of the ZL109 aluminum alloy have been investigated. Red mud/ZL109-based composite materials with added red mud (a major byproduct of the aluminum industry), which has been coated with nickel by chemical deposition, have been prepared through gravity casting. The results show that the addition of red mud promotes the alloy’s microstructure and helps to uniformly distribute the eutectic silicon. It also increases the content of heat-resistant phases, such as the Q-Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 and γ-Al7Cu4Ni phases. These changes significantly enhance the alloy’s high-temperature tensile properties. The alloy with 1% (wt.%) red mud exhibits the best tensile strength at both room temperature and 350 °C, reaching 295.4 MPa and 143.3 MPa, respectively. The alloy with 1.5% (wt.%) red mud demonstrates excellent performance at 400 °C, achieving a tensile strength of 86.2 MPa through the cut-through method and Orowan mechanism. As a reinforcing material, red mud not only improves the high-temperature resistance of the aluminum alloy but also provides a way to recycle industrial waste. This study offers a new way to address the red mud waste problem and helps develop high-performance, heat-resistant aluminum alloys. It shows the potential of these alloys in high-temperature applications.
Thermoanalytical Investigation of the Curing Kinetics of Sodium Silicate as an Inorganic Binder for 3D Sand Printing
Authors: Glück Jakob , Dommaschk Timon , Jüngst Daniel , Arimont Jonas , Schilling Andreas , Fehlbier Martin
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the development and application of climate friendly processes in the foundry industry, particularly with regard to the use of inorganic binders to reduce emissions and pollution. An inorganic binder system based on water glass, which is used in 3D printing technology for the production of sand molds and core, is being tested and the possibility of determining a kinetic model for the curing kinetics of sodium silicate as an inorganic binder is investigated. The aim is to use a kinetic model to better describe the microwave process currently required in binder jetting for drying the binder and catalyzing the chemical reaction of the binder during curing. For sodium silicate in particular, there is still no scientific knowledge available in this respect, which is why basic investigations based on thermogravimetry or heat flow difference calorimetry must first be carried out. In this way, it should be possible to simulate the drying process in the microwave, which has so far been based on empirical values, in order to maximize the efficiency of this process and also the quality of the components. The results indicate that the weight loss and weight changes depend on the heating rates and that a heating rate of 30 K/min is not sufficient to fully cure the sample at 500 °C. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the fastest weight loss occurs at the beginning of the measurement, indicating a partial pre-curing of the sample before the measurement. From the measurements, an average activation energy of 144.18 kJ/mol could be determined using the Friedman method and 123.36 kJ/mol and 123.31 kJ/mol using the Ozawa–Flynn–Wall and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose methods, respectively. Measurements of the heat flow at a heating rate of 30 K/min indicate partially exothermic reactions during the curing process.
Utilization of Pineapple Fruit Waste in Greener Alternative Agents for Thai Silk Pretreatment and Acid Dyeing Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Setthayanond Jantip , Chuenjai Patintida , Kampeerapappun Piyaporn , Tooptompong Porntip
Published: February 2025

Pineapple, extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, contains bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme that is highly valued in the food and beverage industries. Pineapple residues from food processing retain these enzymes and can be repurposed for silk processing. This research utilized Smooth Cayenne pineapple juice as a degumming agent and its pulp as an adsorbent for dyeing effluent treatment. Pineapple juice, containing bromelain with a protease activity of 16.40 µg/mL·min, effectively removed 22% of sericin from raw silk using a liquid ratio of 30:1 at pH 7 and 60 °C for 60 min. Unlike alkaline degumming, which weakened silk fibers (maximum load 6.18 ± 1.56 N), pineapple juice-treated silk retained higher strength (maximum load 7.80 ± 1.32 N), offering a gentler alternative. The remaining pineapple pulp, after juice extraction, was processed into a porous adsorbent with a surface area of 3.63 m2/g and a pore size of 6.15 nm. This material absorbed acid dyes effectively at pH 5, the normal pH used in the acid dyeing of silk. Valorizing pineapple residues reduces chemical use, energy consumption, and environmental impact while lowering production costs and enhancing local resources.
Efficient Solution of Fokker–Planck Equations in Two Dimensions
Authors: McFarland Donald Michael , Ye Fei , Zong Chao , Zhu Rui , Han Tao , Fu Hangyu , Bergman Lawrence A. , Lu Huancai
Published: February 2025

Finite element analysis (FEA) of the Fokker–Planck equation governing the nonstationary joint probability density function of the responses of a dynamical system produces a large set of ordinary differential equations, and computations become impractical for systems with as few as four states. Nonetheless, FEA remains of interest for small systems—for example, for the generation of baseline performance data and reference solutions for the evaluation of machine learning-based methods. We examine the effectiveness of two techniques which, while they are well established, have not to our knowledge been applied to this problem previously: reduction of the equations onto a smaller basis comprising selected eigenvectors of one of the coefficient matrices, and splitting of the other coefficient matrix. The reduction was only moderately effective, requiring a much larger basis than was expected and producing solutions with clear artifacts. Operator splitting, however, performed very well. While the methods can be combined, our results indicate that splitting alone is an effective and generally preferable approach.
A Model-Based Heuristic for Packing Soft Rotated Rectangles in an Optimized Convex Container with Prohibited Zones
Authors: Melashenko Oksana , Romanova Tetyana , Litvinchev Igor , Martínez Gomez Carlos Gustavo , Yang Rui , Sun Bingtao
Published: February 2025

Packing soft rectangular objects in an optimized convex container is considered. Each soft rectangle can be freely translated and rotated, has a fixed area, and its dimensions can vary in certain limits. The convex container may have prohibited zones where allocation of the objects is not allowed. The soft rectangles must be arranged completely inside the container; mutual intersection and overlapping with prohibited zones is not allowed. The objective is to minimize a certain metric characteristic of the container. The corresponding nonlinear mathematical problem is formulated using the phi-function technique to present non-overlapping and containment conditions. A model-based heuristic is proposed to find reasonable solutions to the problem. Numerical results are provided for triangular, circular, and scaled polygonal containers to validate the model and demonstrate the proposed approach’s efficiency.
Immersive Virtual Reality as Computer-Assisted Cognitive–Motor Dual-Task Training in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Honzíková Lucie , Dąbrowská Marcela , Skřinařová Irena , Mullerová Kristýna , Čecháčková Renáta , Augste Eva , Trdá Jana , Baníková Šárka , Filip Michal , Školoudík David , Štefková Iva , Štula Vojtěch
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of immersive virtual reality used as a short-term multifaceted activity with a focus on motor and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. The sub-objective focused on quality of life in the study group of patients. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients (64.2 ± 12.8 years) were included in this study. Inclusion criteria for this study: adult patients in Hoehn and Yahr’s stage 1–3, cooperative, with stable health status, independent and mobile. IVR therapy was performed twice a week for 20 min for one month. Input and output measurements were taken within 14 days of starting or ending therapy. The 10 Meter Walk test was used to examine and assess both comfortable and fast walking, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) + s dual task was applied to quickly assess the highest possible level of functional mobility. The Berg Balance Scale test (BBS) was used to assess balance with a 14-item balance scale containing specific movement tasks. The standardized Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) was used to assess quality of life. Data were processed in the PAST program using a nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. The value of the r score was used to evaluate the effect size. Results: A significant reduction in the time in the fast walk 10MWT (p = 0.006; r = 0.63) and TUG (p < 0.001; r = 0.80) parameter were found after therapy. Significant improvement in the BBS score was found after applied therapy (p = 0.016; r = 0.55). In the PDQ-39 questionnaire, significant improvements were found in the study group after therapy in the domains of mobility (p = 0.027; r = 0.51) and emotional well-being (p = 0.011; r = 0.58). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a positive effect of virtual reality therapy on balance and gait, which is also good in terms of reducing the risk of falls in the study group. Therapy also promoted quality of life in the study group.
Endogenous IL-7 Variation in Relation to Lymphocyte Subtypes in Septic Patients
Authors: Fodor Raluca-Ștefania , Drăgoescu Alice , Coman Oana , Huțanu Adina , Bacârea Anca , Grigorescu Bianca-Liana
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Sepsis triggers a complex immune response, disrupting the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory signals and causing widespread immune cell apoptosis. Interleukin 7 (IL-7) is emerging as one of the most promising immunoadjuvants to boost host immunity during the immunosuppressive phase of the disorder. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of endogenous plasma levels of IL-7 during sepsis and septic shock, correlating its levels with lymphopenia and various lymphocyte subtypes, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer T cells (NKT), in both survivors and non-survivors. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 87 critically ill patients. We categorized the patients into four subgroups based on their diagnosis (sepsis or septic shock) and survival status (survivors and non-survivors). The parameters were monitored on day 1 (when sepsis was diagnosed according to the Sepsis-3 Consensus) and again on day 5. Eighty-two healthy volunteers were included as a control group to establish the cut-off values for IL-7. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in median values between days 1 and 5 for lymphocytes (p = 0.01) and NKT cells (p = 0.01), observed only in sepsis survivors. In the group of sepsis survivors, we observed a negative correlation between IL-7 levels and NKT cells but only on day 1. Additionally, we identified negative correlations between Th cells (CD4+) and Tc cells (CD8+) on both day 1 and day 5. In the group of sepsis non-survivors, we observed a positive correlation between IL-7 and B cells (CD19+) but only on day 1. We also identified a negative correlation between Th cells (CD4+) and Tc cells (CD8+) on day 1. In the group of septic shock survivors, we did not observe any correlation between IL-7 levels and other parameters studied on day 1 or day 5. We identified a negative correlation between Th cells (CD4+) and Tc cells (CD8+) on both day 1 and day 5, a negative correlation between Th cells (CD4+) and NKT cells on both day 1 and day 5, and a positive correlation between Th cells (CD4+) and B cells (CD19+) on day 1. In the group of septic shock non-survivors, we did not observe any correlation between IL-7 and other parameters studied. Conclusions: Determining the IL-7 plasmatic value every five days did not demonstrate the necessary sensitivity and specificity as a biomarker to accurately assess each patient’s immune balance. Endogenous IL-7 levels appear inadequate to overcome the immunosuppressive environment induced by sepsis.
Electrospun Collagen-Coated Nanofiber Membranes Functionalized with Silver Nanoparticles for Advanced Wound Healing Applications
Authors: Iurilli Martin , Porrelli Davide , Turco Gianluca , Lagatolla Cristina , Camurri Piloni Alvise , Medagli Barbara , Nicolin Vanessa , Papa Giovanni
Published: February 2025

Complex wounds pose a significant healthcare challenge due to their susceptibility to infections and delayed healing. This study focuses on developing electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber membranes coated with Type I collagen derived from bovine skin and functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to address these issues. The collagen coating enhances biocompatibility, while AgNPs synthesized through chemical reduction with sodium citrate provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. The physical properties of the membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results showed the formation of nanofibers without defects and the uniform distribution of AgNPs. A swelling test and contact angle measurements confirmed that the membranes provided an optimal environment for wound healing. In vitro biological assays with murine 3T3 fibroblasts revealed statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in cell viability among the membranes at 24 h (p = 0.0002) and 72 h (p = 0.022), demonstrating the biocompatibility of collagen-coated membranes and the minimal cytotoxicity of AgNPs. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), with the significant inhibition of biofilm formation observed for VRE (p = 0.006). Overall, this novel combination of collagen-coated electrospun PCL nanofibers with AgNPs offers a promising strategy for advanced wound dressings, providing antimicrobial benefits. Future in vivo studies are warranted to further validate its clinical and regenerative potential.
Molecular Epidemiology of Dengue Viruses in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 2020–2023
Authors: Troupin Cécile , Intavong Kedkeo , Somlor Somphavanh , Viengphouthong Souksakhone , Keosenhom Sitsana , Chindavong Thep Aksone , Bounmany Phaithong , Vachouaxiong Longthor , Xaybounsou Thonglakhone , Vanhnollat Chittaphone , Khattignavong Phonepadith , Phonekeo Darouny , Khamphaphongphane Bouaphanh , Xangsayarath Phonepadith , Lacoste Vincent , Buchy Philippe , Wong Gary
Published: February 2025

Dengue fever is a widespread mosquito-borne viral disease caused by infections with dengue virus (DENV). Since its initial detection in 1979, the disease has posed a significant public health threat to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Surveillance is crucial for understanding the circulation of DENV in endemic regions and identifying potential hot spots with higher-than-expected case numbers of dengue fever. In this study, we present the results from our surveillance activities in the Lao PDR spanning 2020–2023. While quarantine restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic posed substantial disruptions to performing DENV surveillance, over 8800 samples were tested during this period, with a positive rate of close to 60%. Cases were reported from all three regions (northern, Central, and southern) of the Lao PDR. Three circulating serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-4) were detected, with DENV-1 dominant in 2021 and 2022, while DENV-2 was dominant in 2020 and 2023. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the genotypes of DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-4 were closely related to corresponding isolates from neighboring countries. These findings provide an update on the nature of DENV cases detected in the Lao PDR and underscore the critical importance of sustaining a robust surveillance network to track infections.
Association of Longitudinal Oral Microbiome Activity and Pediatric Concussion Recovery
Authors: Ceasar Justin , Pugalenthi Saravanan Deepika , Harding Brennen A. , Hicks Steven D.
Published: February 2025

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) results in a constellation of symptoms commonly referred to as a concussion. It is unclear why certain individuals experience persistent symptoms. Given the growing evidence linking the microbiome with cognition and inflammation, we examined whether longitudinal microbiome patterns were associated with concussion symptoms. A cohort study of 118 children (aged 7–21 years) was conducted. Symptoms were assessed at three timepoints post-injury (4, 11, and 30 days) using the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory. Saliva microbial activity was measured at each timepoint using RNA sequencing. A linear mixed model assessed the relationship between microbial activity and symptom burden while controlling for age, sex, and days post-mTBI. The participants’ mean age was 16 (±3) years. The symptom burden decreased across all three timepoints (25 ± 22, 13 ± 17, and 5 ± 12). The longitudinal symptom burden was associated with elevated activity of Lactobacillus (F = 5.47; adj. p = 0.020) and Saccharomyces (F = 6.79; adj. p = 0.020) and reduced activity of Micrococcus (F = 7.94, adj. p = 0.015). These results do not establish a causative relationship, or support the use of microbial measures as a concussion test. Further studies are needed to explore the role of the gut–brain axis in mTBI.
Engineering the Marine Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125 via the pMEGA Plasmid Targeted Curing Using PTasRNA Technology
Authors: Severino Angelica , Lauro Concetta , Calvanese Marzia , Riccardi Christopher , Colarusso Andrea , Fondi Marco , Parrilli Ermenegilda , Tutino Maria Luisa
Published: February 2025

Marine bacteria that have adapted to thrive in extreme environments, such as Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125 (PhTAC125), offer a unique biotechnological potential. The discovery of an endogenous megaplasmid (pMEGA) raises questions about its metabolic impact and functional role in that strain. This study aimed at streamlining the host genetic background by curing PhTAC125 of the pMEGA plasmid using a sequential genetic approach. We combined homologous recombination by exploiting a suicide vector, with the PTasRNA gene-silencing technology interfering with pMEGA replication machinery. This approach led to the construction of the novel PhTAC125 KrPL2 strain, cured of the pMEGA plasmid, which exhibited no significant differences in growth behavior, though showcasing enhanced resistance to oxidative stress and a reduced capacity for biofilm formation. These findings represent a significant achievement in developing our understanding of the role of the pMEGA plasmid and the biotechnological applications of PhTAC125 in recombinant protein production. This opens up the possibility of exploiting valuable pMEGA genetic elements and further advancing the genetic tools for PhTAC125.
Novel Mesoporous Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide-Modified Magnetic Nanomaterials for Trace Extraction and Analysis of Bisphenol Endocrine Disruptors in Diverse Liquid Matrices
Authors: Gong Yichao , Guo Yajing , Sun Qizhi , Liu Pengyan
Published: February 2025

In this study, Fe3O4 was used as a magnetic core, combined with the characteristics of mesoporous adsorbents, to prepare a novel magnetic mesoporous composite material named MMC. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) were used as functional monomers, and a simple etching method was employed. The resulting MMC was used as an effective adsorbent for the magnetic solid-phase extraction of trace residues of six bisphenol endocrine disruptors (bisphenol A, bisphenol B, bisphenol C, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, and bisphenol AP) from environmental water and food samples. Characterization results indicated that the surface of MMC exhibited a distinct wormhole-like mesoporous structure, with the successful incorporation of CTAB functional groups and Si-OH. The crystal structure of Fe3O4 remained stable throughout the preparation process. Mapping analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of CTAB functional groups without aggregation and demonstrated high magnetic intensity, enabling rapid separation and collection under an external magnetic field. Extraction and elution conditions were optimized, and tests were conducted for interfering substances such as humic acid, glucose, fructose, and sucrose under optimal parameters. The results showed that recovery rates were not significantly affected. The quality evaluation of the method demonstrated good linearity, a broad linear range, low limits of detection and quantification, and satisfactory recovery rates. Blank and spiked analyses were conducted for seven real samples, including environmental water (rivers and lakes) and food samples (dairy, juice, and carbonated beverages), with satisfactory spiked recovery rates achieved. Thus, the developed analytical method enables the analysis and detection of trace residues of various bisphenol pollutants in complex matrices, such as environmental water and food samples, providing a valuable reference for trace analysis of similar contaminants in complex matrices.
An Environmental Engineering Study Case: Constructing Cataluminescence Sensors Based on Octahedral Nanocomposites for Isovaleraldehyde Detection
Authors: Sun Bai , Cai Mao , Shi Guoji , Wang Yun , Bao Lining , Zhao Qiang , Yi Mingjian , Zhu Shuguang
Published: February 2025

Isovaleraldehyde is an important chemical raw material for the production of flavors, which is volatile and flammable and poses a health risk to humans. It is, therefore, essential to develop a rapid assay for the identification of isovaleraldehyde. In this study, octahedral NiCo2O4/MIL-Fe53 nanocomposites were successfully fabricated for the rapid detection of isovaleraldehyde. The prepared NiCo2O4/MIL-Fe53 nanocomposites were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, and XPS to analyze the material properties. The effects of temperature, carrier gas flow rate, selectivity, and stability on the cataluminescence performance of this sensor were investigated. The results showed that NiCo2O4/MIL-Fe53 nanocomposites have excellent selectivity to isovaleraldehyde with response and recovery times of 6 and 8 s, respectively. A linear relationship was found between the CTL signal and isovaleraldehyde concentration Y = 9.56X − 23.3 (R2 = 0.99) over the concentration range of 13.66 to 437.22 ppm with a detection limit of 2.44 ppm. The relative deviation RSD = 4.18% for multiple tests of the sensor indicates good stability and longevity. Mechanistic studies have shown that the heterojunction formed by NiCo2O4/MIL-Fe53 nanocomposites has the advantage of improving CTL sensing performance. This study may advance the application of cataluminescence sensors in the detection of isovaleraldehyde.