bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal D-Dimer Trajectories and the Risk of Mortality in Abdominal Trauma Patients: A Group-Based Trajectory Modeling Analysis
Authors: Sun Chuanrui , Xi Fengchan , Li Jiang , Yu Wenkui , Wang Xiling
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to identify the long-term D-dimer trajectory patterns and their associations with in-hospital all-cause mortality in abdominal trauma patients. This is a retrospective cohort study of general adult abdominal trauma patients admitted to Jinling Hospital (Nanjing, China) between January 2010 and April 2020. Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to model D-dimer trajectories over the first 50 days post-trauma. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate the associations between D-dimer trajectories and in-hospital all-cause mortality. A total of 309 patients were included. We identified four distinct D-dimer trajectories: group 1 (57.61%; “stable low”), group 2 (28.16%; “moderate-decline”), group 3 (8.41%; “high-rapid decline”), and group 4 (5.83%; “high-gradual decline”). The SOFA score (p = 0.005) and ISS (p = 0.001) were statistically higher in groups 3 and 4 than in groups 1 and 2. The LMWH and UFH did not differ between groups 3 and 4. Compared with the patients in group 1, only the patients in group 4 were at a higher risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality (OR = 6.94, 95% CI: 1.20–40.25). The long-term D-dimer trajectories post-trauma were heterogeneous and associated with mortality. An initially high and slowly-resolved D-dimer might function as the marker of disease deterioration, and specific interventions are needed.
Laboratory Diagnostic of Acute Kidney Injury and Its Progression: Risk of Underdiagnosis in Female and Elderly Patients
Authors: Kister Thea Sophie , Schmidt Maria , Heuft Lara , Federbusch Martin , Haase Michael , Kaiser Thorsten
Published: January 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common disease, with high morbidity and mortality rates. In this study, we investigated the potential influence of sex and age on laboratory diagnostics and outcomes. It is known that serum creatinine (SCr) has limitations as a laboratory diagnostic parameter for AKI due to its dependence on muscle mass, which may lead to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis for certain patient groups, such as women and the elderly. Overall, 7592 cases with AKI, hospitalized at the University of Leipzig Medical Center (ULMC) between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnosis and staging of AKI were performed according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, based on the level and dynamics of SCr. The impact of sex and age was analyzed by the recalculation of a female to male and an old to young SCr using the CKD-EPI equation. In our study cohort progressive AKI occurred in 19.2% of all cases (n = 1458). Female cases with AKI were underrepresented (40.4%), with a significantly lower first (−3.5 mL/min) and last eGFR (−2.7 mL/min) (p < 0.001). The highest incidence proportion of AKI was found in the [61–81) age group in female (49.5%) and male (52.7%) cases. Females with progressive AKI were underrepresented (p = 0.04). By defining and staging AKI on the basis of relative and absolute changes in the SCr level, it is more difficult for patients with low muscle mass and, thus, a lower baseline SCr to be diagnosed by an absolute SCr increase. AKIN1 and AKIN3 can be diagnosed by a relative or absolute change in SCr. In females, both stages were less frequently detected by an absolute criterion alone (AKIN1 ♀ 20.2%, ♂ 29.5%, p < 0.001; AKIN3 ♀ 13.4%, ♂ 15.2%, p < 0.001). A recalculated SCr for females (as males) and males (as young males) displayed the expected increase in AKI occurrence and severity with age and, in general, in females. Our study illustrates how SCr, as the sole parameter for the diagnosis and staging of AKI, bears the risk of underdiagnosis of patient groups with low muscle mass, such as women and the elderly. A sex- and age-adapted approach might offer advantages.
Effect of the Combination of Torsional and Tensile Stress on Corrosion Behaviors of Biodegradable WE43 Alloy in Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Wang Bowen , Gao Wei , Pan Chao , Liu Debao , Sun Xiaohao
Published: January 2023

The real physiological environment of the human body is complicated, with different degrees and forms of loads applied to biomedical implants caused by the daily life of the patients, which will definitely influence the degradation behaviors of Mg-based biodegradable implants. In the present study, the degradation behaviors of modified WE43 alloys under the combination of torsional and tensile stress were systematically investigated. Slow strain rate tensile tests revealed that the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution could deteriorate the ultimate tensile stress of WE43 alloy from 210.1 MPa to 169.2 MPa. In the meantime, the fracture surface of the specimens tested in the SBF showed an intergranular corrosion morphology in the marginal region, while the central area appeared not to have been affected by the corrosive media. The bio-degradation performances under the combination of torsional and tensile stressed conditions were much more severe than those under unstressed conditions or single tensile stressed situations. The combination of 40 MPa tensile and 40 MPa torsional stress resulted in a degradation rate over 20 mm/y, which was much higher than those under 80 MPa single tensile stress (4.5 mm/y) or 80 MPa single torsional stress (13.1 mm/y). The dynamic formation and destruction mechanism of the protective corrosion products film on the modified WE43 alloy could attribute to the exacerbated degradation performance and the unique corrosion morphology. The dynamic environment and multi-directional loading could severely accelerate the degradation process of modified WE43 alloy. Therefore, the SCC susceptibility derived from a single directional test may be not suitable for practical purposes. Complex external stress was necessary to simulate the in vivo environment for the development of biodegradable Mg-based implants for clinical applications.
Bioactive Synthetic Polymer-Based Polyelectrolyte LbL Coating Assembly on Surface Treated AZ31-Mg Alloys
Authors: Kunjukunju Sangeetha , Roy Abhijit , Ohodnicki John , Lee Boeun , Candiello Joe E. , Patil Mitali , Kumta Prashant N.
Published: January 2023

Polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) films on pretreated Mg containing 3 wt.% Al and 1 wt.% Zn (MgAZ31) alloy surfaces were prepared under physiological conditions offering improved bioresponse and corrosive protection. Pretreatments of the model MgAZ31 substrate surfaces were performed by alkaline and fluoride coating methods. The anti-corrosion and cytocompatibility behavior of pretreated substrates were evaluated. The LbL film assembly consisted of an initial layer of polyethyleneimine (PEI), followed by alternate layers of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), which self-arrange via electrostatic interactions on the pretreated MgAZ31 alloy substrate surface. The physicochemical characterization, surface morphologies, and microstructures of the LbL films were investigated using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro stability studies related to the LbL coatings confirmed that the surface treatments are imperative to achieve the lasting stability of PLGA/PAH layers. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that pretreated and LbL multilayered coated substrates enhanced the corrosion resistance of the bare MgAZ31 alloy. Cytocompatibility studies using human mesenchymal stem cells seeded directly over the substrates showed that the pretreated and LbL-generated surfaces were more cytocompatible, displaying reduced cytotoxicity than the bare MgAZ31. The release of bovine serum albumin protein from the LbL films was also studied. The initial data presented cooperatively demonstrate the promise of creating LbL layers on Mg-related bioresorbable scaffolds to obtain improved surface bio-related activity.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Dual-Reinforced Cold-Sprayed Al Coatings
Authors: Phua Kia Min , Stapel Thomas , Ansell Troy Y.
Published: January 2023

The aluminum cold spray feedstock powder was single- and dual-reinforced with no greater than 2 vol% boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNP) and/or nanometric boron carbide (nB4C). These powders were cold sprayed onto Al-6061 substrates and then heat-treated in an argon environment. In addition, micro- and nano-indentation hardness and wear testing were performed on the heat-treated samples. Further microscopy and optical profilometry were used to characterize the microstructure and wear track volumes. Minimal changes to the splat structure were observed after heat treatment. However, when compared to the pure Al coating, microhardness improved with reinforcement after treatment at 500 °C, while nanohardness improved only in the dual-reinforced coatings, again after treatment at 500 °C. The elastic modulus generally decreased for the reinforced coatings after treatment; however, indentation test results were mixed. The wear testing done on samples heat treated at 500 °C for one hour showed increases in the specific wear rate for single-reinforced coatings but decreases in the dual-reinforced coatings. These results indicate that both dual-reinforcement and heat treatment are required for improvements in the mechanical and tribological properties of Al nanocomposites.
Functional Expression of Recombinant Candida auris Proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Enables Azole Susceptibility Evaluation and Drug Discovery
Authors: Toepfer Stephanie , Lackner Michaela , Keniya Mikhail V. , Monk Brian C.
Published: January 2023

Candida auris infections are difficult to treat due to acquired drug resistance against one or multiple antifungal drug classes. The most prominent resistance mechanisms in C. auris are overexpression and point mutations in Erg11, and the overexpression of efflux pump genes CDR1 and MDR1. We report the establishment of a novel platform for molecular analysis and drug screening based on acquired azole-resistance mechanisms found in C. auris. Constitutive functional overexpression of wild-type C. auris Erg11, Erg11 with amino acid substitutions Y132F or K143R and the recombinant efflux pumps Cdr1 and Mdr1 has been achieved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phenotypes were evaluated for standard azoles and the tetrazole VT-1161. Overexpression of CauErg11 Y132F, CauErg11 K143R, and CauMdr1 conferred resistance exclusively to the short-tailed azoles Fluconazole and Voriconazole. Strains overexpressing the Cdr1 protein were pan-azole resistant. While CauErg11 Y132F increased VT-1161 resistance, K143R had no impact. Type II binding spectra showed tight azole binding to the affinity-purified recombinant CauErg11 protein. The Nile Red assay confirmed the efflux functions of CauMdr1 and CauCdr1, which were specifically inhibited by MCC1189 and Beauvericin, respectively. CauCdr1 exhibited ATPase activity that was inhibited by Oligomycin. The S. cerevisiae overexpression platform enables evaluation of the interaction of existing and novel azole drugs with their primary target CauErg11 and their susceptibility to drug efflux.
Studying Fungal-Bacterial Relationships in the Human Gut Using an In Vitro Model (TIM-2)
Authors: Maas Evy , Penders John , Venema Koen
Published: January 2023

The complex microbial community found in the human gut consist of members of multiple kingdoms, among which are bacteria and fungi. Microbiome research mainly focuses on the bacterial part of the microbiota, thereby neglecting interactions that can take place between bacteria and fungi. With the rise of sequencing techniques, the possibilities to study cross-kingdom relationships has expanded. In this study, fungal-bacterial relationships were investigated using the complex, dynamic computer-controlled in vitro model of the colon (TIM-2). Interactions were investigated by disruption of either the bacterial or fungal community by the addition of antibiotics or antifungals to TIM-2, respectively, compared to a control without antimicrobials. The microbial community was analyzed with the use of next generation sequencing of the ITS2 region and the 16S rRNA. Moreover, the production of SCFAs was followed during the interventions. Correlations between fungi and bacteria were calculated to investigate possible cross-kingdom interactions. The experiments showed that no significant differences in alpha-diversity were observed between the treatments with antibiotics and fungicide. For beta-diversity, it could be observed that samples treated with antibiotics clustered together, whereas the samples from the other treatments were more different. Taxonomic classification was done for both bacteria and fungi, but no big shifts were observed after treatments. At the level of individual genera, bacterial genus Akkermansia was shown to be increased after fungicide treatment. SCFAs levels were lowered in samples treated with antifungals. Spearman correlations suggested that cross-kingdom interactions are present in the human gut, and that fungi and bacteria can influence each other. Further research is required to gain more insights in these interactions and their molecular nature and to determine the clinical relevance.
Novelties in Microthyriaceae (Microthyriales): Two New Asexual Genera with Three New Species from Freshwater Habitats in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Liu Lingling , Yang Jing , Zhou Si , Gu Xiaofeng , Gou Jiulan , Wei Quanquan , Zhang Meng , Liu Zuoyi
Published: January 2023

Microthyriaceae is typified by the sexual genus Microthyrium, with eight asexual genera. Three interesting isolates were collected during our investigation of freshwater fungi from the wetlands in Guizhou Province, southwest China. Three new asexual morphs are identified. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS and LSU gene regions revealed the placement of these isolates in Microthyriaceae (Microthyriales, Dothideomycetes). Based on the morphology and phylogenetic evidence, two new asexual genera, Paramirandina and Pseudocorniculariella, and three new species, Pa. aquatica, Pa. cymbiformis, and Ps. guizhouensis, are introduced. Descriptions and illustrations of the new taxa are provided, with a phylogenetic tree of Microthyriales and related taxa.
An Analysis of Journalism Specialized in Art and Architecture in the Print Cultural Supplements of the Spanish Newspapers (1993–2018)
Authors: Fernández Maestre Marina
Published: January 2023

The present article examines journalism specialized in art and architecture in the print editions of the cultural supplements of three Spanish newspapers with the highest circulation in the country: Babelia (El País), ABC Cultural (ABC), and El Cultural (previously El Mundo, and currently, El Español) covering a twenty-five-year period. All three supplements consolidate visual arts and architecture into a unified section called Art. The main objective of this research is to analyze the Art sections, using the year 2018 as a case study and the twenty-five-year period (1993 to 2018) to investigate the evolution of cultural supplements. To undertake this study, I used the content analysis method. The results show a noticeable reduction in the length of the cultural supplements during the study period. This decline also entails a significant decrease in art content, with architecture severely affected. The conclusions of this study highlight the current precarious state of cultural supplements, the fundamental role of criticism, and the marginalization of architecture in these publications.
PD-L1, CD4+, and CD8+ Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) Expression Profiles in Melanoma Tumor Microenvironment Cells
Authors: Caraban Bogdan Marian , Matei Elena , Cozaru Georgeta Camelia , Aşchie Mariana , Deacu Mariana , Enciu Manuela , Bălţătescu Gabriela Izabela , Chisoi Anca , Dobrin Nicolae , Petcu Lucian , Gheorghe Emma , Hangan Laurențiu-Tony , Roșu Mihai Cătălin , Orasanu Cristian Ionuț , Nicolau Antonela-Anca
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Because melanoma is an aggressive tumor with an unfavorable prognosis, we aimed to characterize the PD-L1 expression in melanomas in association with T cell infiltrates because PD-1/PD-L1 blockade represents the target in treating melanoma strategy. (2) Methods: The immunohistochemical manual quantitative methods of PD-L1, CD4, and CD8 TILs were performed in melanoma tumor microenvironment cells. (3) Results: Most of the PD-L1 positive, expressing tumors, have a moderate score of CD4+ TILs and CD8+TILs (5−50% of tumor area) in tumoral melanoma environment cells. The PD-L1 expression in TILs was correlated with different degrees of lymphocytic infiltration described by the Clark system (X2 = 8.383, p = 0.020). PD-L1 expression was observed often in melanoma cases, with more than 2−4 mm of Breslow tumor thickness being the associated parameters (X2 = 9.933, p = 0.014). (4) Conclusions: PD-L1 expression represents a predictive biomarker with very good accuracy for discriminating the presence or absence of malign tumoral melanoma cells. PD-L1 expression was an independent predictor of good prognosis in patients with melanomas.
Port Placement Variations for Robotic Lung Resection: Focusing on Their History, Conventional Look-Up-View and Horizontal Open-Thoracotomy-View Techniques, and More
Authors: Sakakura Noriaki , Eguchi Takashi
Published: January 2023

This is a narrative review that summarizes the variations in approaches and port placements used for performing robotic lung resections on the da Vinci Surgical Platforms. Currently, the four-arm, look-up-view method, in which the intrathoracic cranial side is viewed from the caudal side, is considered the mainstream approach worldwide. Several variations were devised from this conventional technique, including the so-called horizontal open-thoracotomy-view techniques in which the intrathoracic craniocaudal axis is aligned with the horizontal direction of the console monitor, and fewer port and incision techniques. In September 2022, 166 reports were surveyed using a PubMed English literature search, and this review finally included 30 reports describing the approaches. We categorized the variations into four-phase groups considering advent histories: (I) early era, three-arm technique with utility incisions; (II) four-arm, total port technique without robotic staplers; (III) four-arm technique using robotic staplers; (IV) maximizing the functional features of the Xi, significant alterations in viewing directions, and reducing ports, including the ultimate uniport technique. To comprehensibly visualize these variations for practical use, we created elaborate illustrations based on the literature. The familiarity of thoracic surgeons with the variations and characteristics allows them to choose the optimal procedure that best suits each patient and their preferences.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Genetic Analysis of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies in Africa, a Literature Review
Authors: Onyango Oscar , Mureithi Marianne , Kithinji Dennis , Jaoko Walter , Fujinami Kaoru
Published: January 2023

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a global problem that is largely unaddressed, especially in Africa. Black indigenous Africans are rarely represented in research that develops genetic tests and genetic therapies for IRDs, yet their genomes are more diverse. The aim of this literature review is to synthesize information on the IRD genetic research conducted among indigenous black Africans to identify challenges and opportunities for progress. PubMed was searched to identify empirical publications reporting the genetic analysis of IRDs among indigenous Africans. A total of 11 articles were selected for the review. Based on the information in the articles, the main genetic testing methods in use include next-generation, whole exome, and Sanger sequencing. The main IRDs characterized by the genetic tests include retinitis pigmentosa, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stagardt disease, and cone dystrophy. Examples of implicated genes include MERTK, GUCY2D, ABCA4, and KCNV2 for the four IRDs, respectively. Research activities on the genetics of IRDs are generally scanty in Africa. Even in South Africa and North Africa where some research activities were noted, only a few indigenous black Africans were included in the study cohorts. There is an urgent need for genetic research on IRDs, especially in East, Central, and West Africa.
Analysis of Retinal Microstructure in Eyes with Dissociated Optic Nerve Fiber Layer (DONFL) Appearance following Idiopathic Macular Hole Surgery: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study
Authors: He Shucheng , Ye Xin , Qiu Wangli , Yang Shangchao , Zhong Xiaxing , Chen Yiqi , He Rui , Shen Lijun
Published: January 2023

(1) Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate morphological changes of the retina in eyes with dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL) appearance following internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for full-thickness idiopathic macular hole (IMH) on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 39 eyes of 39 patients with type 1 macular hole closure after a vitrectomy with ILM peeling procedure at a six-month minimum postoperative follow-up. The retinal thickness maps and cross-sectional OCT images were obtained from a clinical OCT device. The cross-sectional area of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) on cross-sectional OCT images was manually measured by ImageJ software. (3) Results: The inner retinal layers (IRLs) thickness thinned down much more in the temporal quadrant than in nasal quadrants at 2 and 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). However, the cross-sectional area of the RNFL did not change significantly at 2 and 6 months postoperatively (p > 0.05) when compared to preoperative data. In addition, the thinning of the IRL did not correlate with the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months postoperatively. (4) Conclusions: The thickness of the IRL decreased in eyes with a DONFL appearance after ILM peeling for IMH. The thickness of the IRL decreased more in the temporal retina than in the nasal retina, but the change did not affect BCVA during the 6 months after surgery.
The Method and Software Tool for Identification of the Machine Code Architecture in Cyberphysical Devices
Authors: Kotenko Igor , Izrailov Konstantin , Buinevich Mikhail
Published: January 2023

This work solves the problem of identification of the machine code architecture in cyberphysical devices. A basic systematization of the Executable and Linkable Format and Portable Executable formats of programs, as well as the analysis mechanisms used and the goals achieved, is made. An ontological model of the subject area is constructed, introducing the basic concepts and their relationships. The specificity of the machine code is analyzed, and an analytical record of the process of identifying the architecture of the machine code (MC) processor is obtained. A method for identifying the MC architecture has been synthesized, which includes three successive phases: unpacking the OS image (for a set of identified architectures); building signatures of architectures (their “digital portraits” from the position of MC instructions); identification of the MC architecture for the program under test (using the collected architecture signatures), implemented using four operating modes. A software tool for identifying the MC architecture has been developed in the form of a separate utility that implements the algorithms of the method. The principle of operation of the utility is presented in the form of functional and informational diagrams. Basic testing of the identification utility has been conducted. As a result, a probabilistic assessment of the utility’s work was obtained by assigning various programs to the Top-16 selected architectures.
Incentive-Driven Information Sharing in Leasing Based on a Consortium Blockchain and Evolutionary Game
Authors: Cheng Hanlei , Li Jian , Lu Jing , Lo Sio-Long , Xiang Zhiyu
Published: January 2023

Blockchain technology (BCT) provides a new way to mitigate the default risks of lease contracts resulting from the information asymmetry in leasing. The conceptual architecture of a consortium blockchain-based leasing platform (CBLP) is first proposed to facilitate information sharing between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, the “lessees”) and leasing firms (LFs, the “lessors”). Then, based on evolutionary game theory (EGT), this study builds a two-party game model and analyzes the influences of four types of factors (i.e., information sharing, credit, incentive–penalty, and risk) on SMEs’ contract compliance or default behaviors with/without blockchain empowerment. The primary findings of this study are as follows: (1) SMEs and LFs eventually evolve to implement the ideal “win–win” strategies of complying with the contract and adopting BCT. (2) The large residual value of the leased asset can tempt SMEs to conduct a default action of unauthorized asset disposal, while leading LFs to access the CBLP to utilize information shared on-chain. (3) When the maintenance service is outsourced instead of being provided by lessors, the maintenance fee is not a core determinant affecting the equilibrium state. (4) There is a critical value concerning the default penalty on-chain to incentivize the involved parties to keep their commitments. (5) The capability of utilizing information, storage overhead, and security risk should all be taken into consideration when deciding on the optimal strategies for SMEs and LFs. This study provides comprehensive insights for designing an incentive mechanism to encourage lessees and lessors to cooperatively construct a sustainable and trustworthy leasing environment.
Regulation of Interaction between Hunters and Land Users: A Comparative Legal Study
Authors: Lisina Natalia , Ushakova Aleksandra , Ivanova Svetlana , Prosekov Alexander
Published: January 2023

Hunting is a complex type of nature management. In its process, objects of the animal world and the earth are used. Obviously, the relationship between hunters and other land users should be clearly regulated by legislation. The purpose of this work was to identify common and specific problems for different systems of interaction between hunters and land owners and to assess the possibility of spreading the existing experience of solving problems faced by the hunting sector to different countries. Three main models of the relationship between hunters and land users (direct interaction, cooperation, and division of rights) are considered. Each of the models performs its tasks and has its own degree of efficiency. The interaction organization model adopted in a country depends on the specifics of the conditions in which the hunting farm develops including economic, property, legal, social, and state aspects. It is established that the availability of hunting is best ensured within the framework of the cooperation model, the observation of the rights of owners—within the direct interaction model, the convenience of management within large territories of wild animal habitats—within the division of rights model. At the same time, it is incorrect to single out the best model by all criteria or to designate a model that is universally suitable for different conditions. In the hunting farms of Russia, the described problems of interactions are not related to the potential of the division of rights model as such, but to a lack of understanding that this particular model requires increased attention of the state. The proposals aimed at improving the practice of developing and applying models of relationships between hunters and land users are represented.
Effectiveness of Manual Trigger Point Therapy in Patients with Myofascial Trigger Points in the Orofacial Region—A Systematic Review
Authors: Müggenborg Frauke , de Castro Carletti Ester Moreira , Dennett Liz , de Oliveira-Souza Ana Izabela Sobral , Mohamad Norazlin , Licht Gunnar , von Piekartz Harry , Armijo-Olivo Susan
Published: January 2023

The objective was to compile, synthetize, and evaluate the quality of the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effectiveness of manual trigger point therapy in the orofacial area in patients with or without orofacial pain. This project was registered in PROSPERO and follows the PRISMA guidelines. Searches (20 April 2021) were conducted in six databases for RCTs involving adults with active or latent myofascial trigger points (mTrPs) in the orofacial area. The data were extracted by two independent assessors. Four studies were included. According to the GRADE approach, the overall quality/certainty of the evidence was very low due to the high risk of bias of the studies included. Manual trigger point therapy showed no clear advantage over other conservative treatments. However, it was found to be an equally effective and safe therapy for individuals with myofascial trigger points in the orofacial region and better than control groups. This systematic review revealed a limited number of RCTs conducted with patients with mTrPs in the orofacial area and the methodological limitations of those RCTs. Rigorous, well-designed RCTs are still needed in this field.
Urinary Markers of Tubular Injury and Renal Fibrosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Different Phenotypes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Korbut Anton I. , Romanov Vyacheslav V. , Klimontov Vadim V.
Published: January 2023

This study assessed the urinary excretion of markers and mediators of tubular injury and renal fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-albuminuric and albuminuric patterns of chronic kidney disease (CKD). One hundred and forty patients with long-term T2D and different patterns of CKD and twenty non-diabetic individuals were included. Urinary retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4), glutathione-S-transferase α1 and π (GST-α1 and GST-π), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), type I and type IV collagen (Col1 and Col4), bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP-7), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were assessed by ELISA. Patients with T2D demonstrated increased urinary excretion of RBP-4, GST-π, Col4, BMP-7, and HGF (all p < 0.05 vs. control). The excretion of RBP-4, GST-π, Col1, and Col4 was increased in patients with elevated albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR; all p < 0.05 vs. control), while BMP-7 and HGF were increased innormoalbuminuric patients also (p < 0.05). Urinary RBP-4, GST-α1, Col1, Col4, and HGF correlated positively with UACR; meanwhile, no correlations with glomerular filtration rate were found. The results demonstrate that elevated urinary excretions of the markers of tubular injury (RBP-4, GST-π) and renal fibrosis (Col1, Col4), as well as HGF, an antifibrotic regulator, are associated with the albuminuric pattern of CKD in subjects with T2D.
Multiclass Mask Classification with a New Convolutional Neural Model and Its Real-Time Implementation
Authors: Campos Alexis , Melin Patricia , Sánchez Daniela
Published: January 2023

The world has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing people to remain isolated and decreasing the interaction between people. Accordingly, various measures have been taken to continue with a new normal way of life, which is why there is a need to implement the use of technologies and systems to decrease the spread of the virus. This research proposes a real-time system to identify the region of the face using preprocessing techniques and then classify the people who are using the mask, through a new convolutional neural network (CNN) model. The approach considers three different classes, assigning a different color to identify the corresponding class: green for persons using the mask correctly, yellow when used incorrectly, and red when people do not have a mask. This study validates that CNN models can be very effective in carrying out these types of tasks, identifying faces, and classifying them according to the class. The real-time system is developed using a Raspberry Pi 4, which can be used for the monitoring and alarm of humans who do not use the mask. This study mainly benefits society by decreasing the spread of the virus between people. The proposed model achieves 99.69% accuracy with the MaskedFace-Net dataset, which is very good when compared to other works in the current literature.
Citicoline for the Management of Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury in the Acute Phase: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Secades Julio José , Trimmel Helmut , Salazar Byron , González José Antonio
Published: January 2023

Background: Citicoline or CDP-choline is a neuroprotective/neurorestorative drug used in several countries for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since the publication of the controversial COBRIT, the use of citicoline has been questioned in this indication, so it was considered necessary to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether citicoline is effective in the treatment of patients with TBI. Methods: A systematic search was performed on OVID-Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Ferrer databases, from inception to January 2021, to identify all published, unconfounded, comparative clinical trials of citicoline in the acute phase of head-injured patients— that is, treatment started during the first 24 h. We selected studies on complicated mild, moderate, and severe head-injured patients according to the score of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The primary efficacy measure was independence at the end of the scheduled clinical trial follow-up. Results: In total, 11 clinical studies enrolling 2771 patients were identified by the end. Under the random-effects model, treatment with citicoline was associated with a significantly higher rate of independence (RR, 1.18; 95% CI = 1.05–1.33; I2, 42.6%). The dose of citicoline or the administration route had no effect on outcomes. Additionally, no significant effects on mortality were found, and no safety concerns were noticed. Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates some beneficial effects of citicoline’s increasing the number of independent patients with TBI. The most important limitation of our meta-analysis was the presumed heterogeneity of the studies included. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021238998
Research on the Nonlinear Stiffness Characteristics of Double-Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings under Different Working Conditions
Authors: Fang Bin , Zhang Jinhua , Hong Jun , Yan Ke
Published: January 2023

To study the variation rules of nonlinear stiffness of double-row angular contact ball bearings (DR-ACBB), this paper proposed a general mathematic model for DR-ACBB under three different configurations based on the improved quasi-static model of ball bearings, an explicit expression stiffness matrix of DR-ACBB is analytically derived, and a double-layer nested iterative algorithm based on the Newton–Raphson method is designed to realize the efficient solution of the proposed model. Then, the effects of the preload, speeds, and loads on the nonlinear stiffness variations of DR-ACBB under different arrangements are comparatively analyzed. The results show that DR-ACBB under the DB and DF configurations have the same variation rule in axial and radial stiffness; that is, a nonlinear soft-spring stiffness characteristic (i.e., the stiffness decreases with the external load) within the low-speed range and light load condition, and a nonlinear hard spring stiffness characteristic (i.e., the stiffness increases with the external load) within the high-speed range or heavy load condition.
N-isobutyl-1,8-bis(isobutylamino)-naphthalimide
Authors: Santonocito Rossella , Caruso Ivana Maria , Trusso Sfrazzetto Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Naphthalimides make up a class of organic molecules characterised by excellent spectroscopic properties due to their extended conjugate system. Furthermore, various asymmetric or symmetric compounds can be obtained from naphthalimides by the different functionalization that can be performed on the nitrogen and/or on the aromatic rings. The introduction of a wide range of substituents in different positions allows chemical and spectroscopic properties to be regulated. In this contribution, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new 4,5-amino-1,8-naphthalimide bearing three isobutyl substituents.
The Visible-Light-Driven Activity of Biochar-Doped TiO2 Photocatalysts in β-Blockers Removal from Water
Authors: Kowalczyk Agata , Zgardzińska Bożena , Osipiuk Karol , Jędruchniewicz Katarzyna , Tyszczuk-Rotko Katarzyna , Goździuk Magdalena , Wang Haitao , Czech Bożena
Published: January 2023

Water is the most important life-giving resource on earth. Nowadays, intensive growth of the world population has resulted in increased water consumption and the production of wastewater. Additionally, the presence of pharmaceuticals in treated conventional wastewater or even in the environment is strictly indicating that present techniques of wastewater treatment are not efficient enough and are not designed to remove such pollutants. Scarce water resources in the world are the main driving force for the innovation of novel techniques of water and wastewater treatment. Photocatalysis, as one of the advanced oxidation processes, enables the transformation of recalcitrant and toxic pollutants into CO2, water, and inorganic salts. In the present paper, the photocatalytic oxidation of β-blockers—metoprolol and propranolol—are described. For photocatalytic oxidation, novel TiO2 photocatalysts modified with biochar were used. Photocatalysts were prepared by sol-gel method and the effect of photocatalysts type, presence of inorganic ions, dissolved organic matter, and different water matrix was established. The results indicate that using only the decrease in the tested pollutant concentration is not effective enough in establishing the treatment method’s safety. There is a need to use additional testing such as ecotoxicity tests; however, the key parameter is the properly chosen tested organism.
Effect of Superfine Cement Modification on Properties of Coral Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Wang Fei , Hua Jianmin , Xue Xuanyi , Wang Neng , Yan Feidong , Feng Dou
Published: January 2023

In marine engineering, using corals as aggregates to prepare concrete can reduce both the exploitation of stones and the transportation cost of building materials. However, coral aggregates have low strength and high porosity, which may affect the workability and mechanical properties of concrete. Hence, superfine cement is used innovatively in this study to modify coral aggregates; additionally, the effects of the water–cement ratio and curing time on the water absorption and strength of modified coral aggregates are investigated. Modified coral aggregate concrete is prepared, and the effect of using modified superfine cement on its workability and strength is investigated. Experimental results show that when the water-cement ratio exceeds 1.25, the slurry does not form a shell on the surface of the coral aggregates and the water absorption of the coral aggregates increases significantly. The strength of the modified coral aggregates cured for a short duration is slightly lower than that of unmodified coral aggregates, whereas that cured for 28 days is approximately 20% higher than that of unmodified coral aggregates. Using superfine cement to modify coral aggregate concrete can improve its workability, but not its compressive properties.
3D Printing and Performance Study of Porous Artificial Bone Based on HA-ZrO2-PVA Composites
Authors: Bie Hongling , Chen Honghao , Shan Lijun , Tan C. Y. , Al-Furjan M. S. H. , Ramesh S. , Gong Youping , Liu Y. F. , Zhou R. G. , Yang Weibo , Wang Honghua
Published: January 2023

An ideal artificial bone implant should have similar mechanical properties and biocompatibility to natural bone, as well as an internal structure that facilitates stomatal penetration. In this work, 3D printing was used to fabricate and investigate artificial bone composites based on HA-ZrO2-PVA. The composites were proportionally configured using zirconia (ZrO2), hydroxyapatite (HA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), where the ZrO2 played a toughening role and PVA solution served as a binder. In order to obtain the optimal 3D printing process parameters for the composites, a theoretical model of the extrusion process of the composites was first established, followed by the optimization of various parameters including the spray head internal diameter, extrusion pressure, extrusion speed, and extrusion line width. The results showed that, at the optimum parameters of a spray head diameter of 0.2 mm, extrusion pressure values ranging from 1–3 bar, a line spacing of 0.8–1.5 mm, and a spray head displacement range of 8–10 mm/s, a better structure of biological bone scaffolds could be obtained. The mechanical tests performed on the scaffolds showed that the elastic modulus of the artificial bone scaffolds reached about 174 MPa, which fulfilled the biomechanical requirements of human bone. According to scanning electron microscope observation of the scaffold sample, the porosity of the scaffold sample was close to 65%, which can well promote the growth of chondrocytes and angiogenesis. In addition, c5.18 chondrocytes were used to verify the biocompatibility of the composite materials, and the cell proliferation was increased by 100% when compared with that of the control group. The results showed that the composite has good biocompatibility.
Carbon Quantum Dots Accelerating Surface Charge Transfer of 3D PbBiO2I Microspheres with Enhanced Broad Spectrum Photocatalytic Activity—Development and Mechanism Insight
Authors: Yan Ruyu , Liu Xinyi , Zhang Haijie , Ye Meng , Wang Zhenxing , Yi Jianjian , Gu Binxian , Hu Qingsong
Published: January 2023

The development of a highly efficient, visible-light responsive catalyst for environment purification has been a long-standing exploit, with obstacles to overcome, including inefficient capture of near-infrared photons, undesirable recombination of photo-generated carriers, and insufficient accessible reaction sites. Hence, novel carbon quantum dots (CQDs) modified PbBiO2I photocatalyst were synthesized for the first time through an in-situ ionic liquid-induced method. The bridging function of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([Bmim]I) guarantees the even dispersion of CQDs around PbBiO2I surface, for synchronically overcoming the above drawbacks and markedly promoting the degradation efficiency of organic contaminants: (i) CQDs decoration harness solar photons in the near-infrared region; (ii) particular delocalized conjugated construction of CQDs strength via the utilization of photo-induced carriers; (iii) π–π interactions increase the contact between catalyst and organic molecules. Benefiting from these distinguished features, the optimized CQDs/PbBiO2I nanocomposite displays significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance towards the elimination of rhodamine B and ciprofloxacin under visible/near-infrared light irradiation. The spin-trapping ESR analysis demonstrates that CQDs modification can boost the concentration of reactive oxygen species (O2•−). Combined with radicals trapping tests, valence-band spectra, and Mott–Schottky results, a possible photocatalytic mechanism is proposed. This work establishes a significant milestone in constructing CQDs-modified, bismuth-based catalysts for solar energy conversion applications.
The Influence of Chemical Activity Models on the Description of Ion Transport through Micro-Structured Cementitious Materials
Authors: Szyszkiewicz-Warzecha Krzysztof , Wilczek-Vera Grażyna , Lewenstam Andrzej , Górska Anna , Tarasiuk Jacek , Filipek Robert
Published: January 2023

The significance of ion activity in transport through a porous concrete material sample with steel rebar in its center and bathing solution is presented. For the first time, different conventions and models of ion activity are compared in their significance and influence on the ion fluxes. The study closes an interpretational gap between ion activity in a stand-alone (stagnant) electrolyte solution and ion transport (dynamic) through concrete pores. Ionic activity models developed in stationary systems, namely, the Debye–Hückel (DH), extended DH, Davies, Truesdell–Jones, and Pitzer models, were used for modeling the transport of ions driven through the activity gradient. The activities of ions are incorporated into a frame of the Nernst–Planck–Poisson (NPP) equations. Calculations were done with COMSOL software for a real concrete microstructure determined by X-ray computed tomography. The concentration profiles of four ions (Na+, Cl−, K+, OH−), the ionic strength, and the electric potential in mortar (with pores) and concrete samples (with aggregates and pores) are presented and compared. The Pitzer equation gave the most reliable results for all systems studied. The difference between the concentration profiles calculated with this equation and with the assumption of the ideality of the solution is negligible while the potential profiles are clearly distinguishable.
Modified Compression Test of Corrugated Board Fruit Tray: Numerical Modeling and Global Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Garbowski Tomasz , Mrówczyński Damian , Grabski Jakub Krzysztof
Published: January 2023

This article presents a modified configuration of the box compression test (BCT), which reflects the actual behavior of the vegetable or fruit trays during transport and storage. In traditional load capacity tests, trays are treated as classic transport boxes, i.e., they are compressed between two rigid plates, which does not take into account the specific geometry of this type of packaging. Both the boundary conditions and the loads acting on the tray were modified. The paper presents the concept of a new test, as well as numerical models and a sensitivity analysis of the modified BCT to the basic geometrical dimensions of the tray. The conducted research clearly shows that the proposed configuration of the load-bearing capacity test of a tray is closer to the actual operation of the packaging. As a result, most of the parameters that are not active under the conditions of the classical BCT become more important in the new configuration, which corresponds to the observations on the real performance of the packaging.
Numerical Investigations on Seismic Behavior of Segmental Assembly of Concrete Filled Steel Tube Piers with External Replaceable Energy-Dissipating Links
Authors: Wang Chengquan , Yin Chongli , Zou Yun , Ping Boyan , Wu Xi , Liao Juan , Sun Miaomiao
Published: January 2023

In order to reduce the damage sustained by the substructure of bridges during an earthquake, reduce economic loss, avoid casualties, and ensure the quick repair of bridges after an earthquake, this paper, inspired by the good seismic performance of the rhombic opening in the shear wall structure, proposes a precast segmental concrete-filled steel tubular (PSCFST) pier with external replaceable energy-dissipating links (EREDL).Through finite element simulation analysis, it can be found that the energy dissipation capacity of a PSCFST pier with external EREDL is increased by 104% compared with that of a PSCFST pier without EREDL, and the lateral bearing capacity is increased by 76.9%. Through parameter analysis, it can be found that the change of initial prestress has little effect on the energy dissipation capacity of PSCFST piers, and the seismic performance of PSCFST piers can be improved by properly increasing the ultimate tensile strength of the energy dissipator materials. Compared with the energy dissipators made of Q235 steel, the energy dissipation capacity of PSCFST piers made of Q435 steel energy dissipators is increased by about 85.4%; At the same time, the thicker the energy dissipator, the stronger the energy dissipation capacity of the PSCFST pier, and the lateral bearing capacity is further improved.