bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Composite Resin with Myristyltrimethylammonium Bromide (MYTAB) and Alpha-Tricalcium Phosphate (α-TCP): Antibacterial and Remineralizing Effect
Authors: Pontons-Melo Juan Carlos , Balbinot Gabriela de Souza , Sauro Salvatore , Collares Fabrício Mezzomo
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to develop an experimental composite resin with the addition of myristyltrimethylammonium bromide (MYTAB) and α -tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) as an antibacterial and remineralizing material. Experimental composite resins composed of 75 wt% Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate (BisGMA) and 25 wt% Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) were produced. Some 1 mol% Trimethyl benzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) was used as a photoinitiator, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BTH) was added as a polymerization inhibitor. Silica (1.5 wt%) and barium glass (65 wt%) particles were added as inorganic fillers. For remineralizing and antibacterial effect, α-TCP (10 wt%) and MYTAB (5 wt%) were incorporated into the resin matrix (α-TCP/MYTAB group). A group without the addition of α-TCP/MYTAB was used as a control. Resins were evaluated for their degree of conversion (n = 3) by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The flexural strength (n = 5) was assessed based on ISO 4049:2019 requirements. Microhardness was assessed to calculate softening in solvent (n = 3) after ethanol immersion. The mineral deposition (n = 3) was evaluated after immersion in SBF, while cytotoxicity was tested with HaCaT cells (n = 5). Antimicrobial activity (n = 3) was analyzed against S. mutans. The degree of conversion was not influenced by the antibacterial and remineralizing compounds, and all groups reached values > 60%. The α-TCP/MYTAB addition promoted increased softening of polymers after immersion in ethanol and reduced their flexural strength and the viability of cells in vitro. A reduction in S. mutans viability was observed for the α-TCP/MYTAB group in biofilm formation and planktonic bacteria, with an antibacterial effect > 3log10 for the developed materials. Higher intensity of phosphate compounds on the sample’s surface was detected in the α-TCP/MYTAB group. The addition of α-TCP and MYTAB promoted remineralizing and antibacterial effects on the developed resins and may be a strategy for bioactive composites.
Analysis of the Ability of Different Allografts to Act as Carrier Grafts for Local Drug Delivery
Authors: Bormann Nicole , Schmock Aysha , Hanke Anja , Eras Volker , Ahmed Norus , Kissner Maya S. , Wildemann Britt , Brune Jan C.
Published: June 2023

Bone defects and infections pose significant challenges for treatment, requiring a comprehensive approach for prevention and treatment. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the efficacy of various bone allografts in the absorption and release of antibiotics. A specially designed high-absorbency, high-surface-area carrier graft composed of human demineralized cortical fibers and granulated cancellous bone (fibrous graft) was compared to different human bone allograft types. The groups tested here were three fibrous grafts with rehydration rates of 2.7, 4, and 8 mL/g (F(2.7), F(4), and F(8)); demineralized bone matrix (DBM); cortical granules; mineralized cancellous bone; and demineralized cancellous bone. The absorption capacity of the bone grafts was assessed after rehydration, the duration of absorption varied from 5 to 30 min, and the elution kinetics of gentamicin were determined over 21 days. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity was assessed using a zone of inhibition (ZOI) test with S. aureus. The fibrous grafts exhibited the greatest tissue matrix absorption capacity, while the mineralized cancellous bone revealed the lowest matrix-bound absorption capacity. For F(2.7) and F(4), a greater elution of gentamicin was observed from 4 h and continuously over the first 3 days when compared to the other grafts. Release kinetics were only marginally affected by the varied incubation times. The enhanced absorption capacity of the fibrous grafts resulted in a prolonged antibiotic release and activity. Therefore, fibrous grafts can serve as suitable carrier grafts, as they are able to retain fluids such as antibiotics at their intended destinations, are easy to handle, and allow for a prolonged antibiotic release. Application of these fibrous grafts can enable surgeons to provide longer courses of antibiotic administration for septic orthopedic indications, thus minimizing infections.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with a P(VDF-TrFE)/BaTiO3 Scaffold and Photobiomodulation Therapy Enhance Bone Repair in Rat Calvarial Defects
Authors: Adolpho Leticia Faustino , Ribeiro Larissa Mayra Silva , Freitas Gileade Pereira , Lopes Helena Bacha , Gomes Maria Paula Oliveira , Ferraz Emanuela Prado , Gimenes Rossano , Beloti Marcio Mateus , Rosa Adalberto Luiz
Published: June 2023

Background: Tissue engineering and cell therapy have been the focus of investigations on how to treat challenging bone defects. This study aimed to produce and characterize a P(VDF-TrFE)/BaTiO3 scaffold and evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with this scaffold and photobiomodulation (PBM) on bone repair. Methods and results: P(VDF-TrFE)/BaTiO3 was synthesized using an electrospinning technique and presented physical and chemical properties suitable for bone tissue engineering. This scaffold was implanted in rat calvarial defects (unilateral, 5 mm in diameter) and, 2 weeks post-implantation, MSCs were locally injected into these defects (n = 12/group). Photobiomodulation was then applied immediately, and again 48 and 96 h post-injection. The μCT and histological analyses showed an increment in bone formation, which exhibited a positive correlation with the treatments combined with the scaffold, with MSCs and PBM inducing more bone repair, followed by the scaffold combined with PBM, the scaffold combined with MSCs, and finally the scaffold alone (ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The P(VDF-TrFE)/BaTiO3 scaffold acted synergistically with MSCs and PBM to induce bone repair in rat calvarial defects. These findings emphasize the need to combine a range of techniques to regenerate large bone defects and provide avenues for further investigations on innovative tissue engineering approaches.
Why Should We Study the Foreign Language Effect: Debiasing through Affecting Metacognition?
Authors: Białek Michał
Published: May 2023

Debiasing is a method of improving people’s decisions by reducing their reliance on salient intuitions causing them to behave suboptimally or biasedly. However, many of the known debiasing techniques have limited effectiveness or can only remedy a one-shot decision, rather than having a lasting impact. In this work, I focus on the role of metacognition in debiasing decision-making and discuss how it can be better understood through the lens of the foreign language effect. The foreign language effect suggests that using a foreign language can sometimes benefit people’s decision-making without providing them with additional information or instructions regarding the task. However, we do not fully understand how the foreign language effect works and its limitations. I conclude by urging scientists to research this effect with the hope of having a lasting positive impact on society.
Effects of Inclination Angles on the Hydrodynamics of Knotless Net Panels in Currents
Authors: Wang Gang , Cui Yong , Guan Changtao , Gong Pihai , Wan Rong
Published: May 2023

Knotless nets have been extensively used in sea cages and offshore fish farms; the explicit illustrations of local flow patterns and subjected hydrodynamic loads have practical implications for the safe operations of aquaculture pens in open oceans. However, the effects of inclination angles of knotless nets on local flow patterns have not yet been fully discussed. In this paper, the effects of inclination angles on local time-averaged and instantaneous flow fields, velocity reductions and force coefficients are investigated using a k-ω shear stress transport-improved delayed detached eddy simulation (SST-IDDES) high-fidelity turbulence model. It is demonstrated that the inclination angles have dominant effects on the time-averaged velocity magnitudes around the net meshes. Secondly, the considerable flow interactions amongst the transverse and longitudinal net meshes, as well as cross-flow effects, are observed but weakened with the inclination angles. Thirdly, the profiles of velocity decelerations behind the net panels for 0∘–45∘ are not as trivial as those for 45∘–90∘. The associations between the embedded mechanism of subjected loads and pressure fields are established to analyse the current loads on nets in small inclination angles. The inclination angles are finally elaborated into the area-averaged velocity reduction and screen force models, then the improved characteristics are validated against the experimental data.
Temporal Prediction of Landslide-Generated Waves Using a Theoretical–Statistical Combined Method
Authors: Meng Zhenzhu , Zhang Jinxin , Hu Yating , Ancey Christophe
Published: June 2023

For the prediction of landslide-generated waves, previous studies have developed numerous empirical equations to express the maximums of wave characteristics as functions of slide parameters upon impact. In this study, we built the temporal relationship between the wave characteristics and slide features. We gave specific insights into impulse waves generated by snow avalanches and mimicked them using a buoyant material called Carbopol whose density is close to that of water. Using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique, the slide’s temporal velocity field and thickness, as well as the temporal free water surface fluctuation, were determined experimentally. Using a statistical method denoted as panel data analysis, we quantified the temporal wave amplitude from the time series data of the thickness and depth-averaged velocity of the sliding mass at the shoreline. Then, the slide’s temporal thickness and velocity at the shoreline were estimated from the parameters of the stationary slide at the initial position, based on the viscoplastic theory. Combining the panel data analysis and the viscoplastic theory, the temporal wave amplitudes were estimated from the initial slide parameters. In the end, we validated the proposed theoretical–statistical combined predictive method with the support of experimental data.
Numerical Simulation of the Beach Response Mechanism under Typhoon Lekima: A Case Study of the Southern Beach of Chudao
Authors: Xing Hao , Li Pingping , Zhang Lili , Xue Huaiyuan , Shi Hongyuan , You Zaijin
Published: June 2023

Typhoons play an important role in beach evolution. The storm surge and large waves caused by typhoons can cause significant changes in beach morphology in a short period of time. The mechanism of beach evolution and profile changes during typhoons is significantly different from that under non-typhoon dynamic conditions. The XBeach numerical model provides an effective tool for predicting the response of sandy coasts to typhoons. This study is based on field-collected long-term beach profile elevations and grain size data, which were used to establish a two-dimensional XBeach model for simulating the morphological evolution of Cudao Island Beach under Typhoon Lekima. The GSA (Generalized Sensitivity Analysis) method was used to determine the sensitivity order of several important parameters in this modeling. Four different moments of wave height variation were selected during the typhoon process to analyze and study beach evolution. The results show that Chudao South Beach is always in a state of erosion during the typhoon period. The wave water increase is apparent in the nearshore wave-breaking area. The beach shoulder in the northeastern part of the beach is short, and the profile, with a short length, responds quickly to the typhoon. The eroded sediment is mainly deposited in the lower part of the intertidal zone or even transported outside of the wave-breaking zone, and a small part is transported to the shore and deposited in the high-tide zone. The continuous sediment transport along the coast of Chudao Beach is an important factor that influenced the evolution of each profile during Typhoon Lekima.
Evolution Wave Condition Using WAVEWATCH III for Island Sheltered Area in the South China Sea
Authors: Zou Li , Liu Liangyu , Wang Zhen , Chen Yini
Published: June 2023

Wave conditions around islands in the South China Sea (SCS) are of significant interest due to their importance for marine operations and coastal engineering. Understanding and accurately predicting wave characteristics in this region are crucial. In this study, the third-generation wave model WAVEWATCH III is employed to examine wave conditions around islands in the SCS. According to the water depth and significant wave height, the sea state around the island was classified into two categories: typhoon sea state and moderate sea state. Several popular wind input–dissipation source terms (ST2, ST4 and ST6) are used to assess the typhoon sea state and the moderate sea state separately. The results are validated by field wave data. ST4 and ST6 show good performance in significant wave height for moderate sea states, while ST2 is good at the mean wave period. For the typhoon sea state, ST2 gives the best results in significant wave height with larger correlation coefficients and a smaller RMSE. The above results provide valuable insights into the effects of different source terms on the accuracy of wave simulations for different sea states. The spatial distribution of the significant wave heights is also demonstrated with ST2, which may be useful for assessing the wave conditions of marine structures from the large scale of the SCS to the island scale of the Yongle Atoll.
Assessment of the TRX2p-yEGFP Biosensor to Monitor the Redox Response of an Industrial Xylose-Fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain during Propagation and Fermentation
Authors: Perruca Foncillas Raquel , Sanchis Sebastiá Miguel , Wallberg Ola , Carlquist Magnus , Gorwa-Grauslund Marie F.
Published: May 2023

The commercial production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass such as wheat straw requires utilizing a microorganism that can withstand all the stressors encountered in the process while fermenting all the sugars in the biomass. Therefore, it is essential to develop tools for monitoring and controlling the cellular fitness during both cell propagation and sugar fermentation to ethanol. In the present study, on-line flow cytometry was adopted to assess the response of the biosensor TRX2p-yEGFP for redox imbalance in an industrial xylose-fermenting strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during cell propagation and the following fermentation of wheat-straw hydrolysate. Rapid and transient induction of the sensor was recorded upon exposure to furfural and wheat straw hydrolysate containing up to 3.8 g/L furfural. During the fermentation step, the induction rate of the sensor was also found to correlate to the initial ethanol production rate, highlighting the relevance of redox monitoring and the potential of the presented tool to assess the ethanol production rate in hydrolysates. Three different propagation strategies were also compared, and it was confirmed that pre-exposure to hydrolysate during propagation remains the most efficient method for high ethanol productivity in the following wheat-straw hydrolysate fermentations.
Osmotically Activated Anion Current of Phycomyces Blakesleeanus—Filamentous Fungi Counterpart to Vertebrate Volume Regulated Anion Current
Authors: Stevanović Katarina S. , Čepkenović Bogdana , Križak Strahinja , Živić Miroslav Ž. , Todorović Nataša V.
Published: June 2023

Studies of ion currents in filamentous fungi are a prerequisite for forming a complete understanding of their physiology. Cytoplasmic droplets (CDs), obtained from sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus, are a model system that enables the characterization of ion currents in the native membrane, including the currents mediated by the channels not yet molecularly identified. Osmotically activated anionic current with outward rectification (ORIC) is a dominant current in the membrane of cytoplasmic droplets under the conditions of hypoosmotic stimulation. We have previously reported remarkable functional similarities of ORIC with the vertebrate volume regulated anionic current (VRAC), such as dose-dependent activation by osmotic difference, ion selectivity sequence, and time and voltage dependent profile of the current. Using the patch clamp method on the CD membrane, we further resolve VRAC-like ORIC characteristics in this paper. We examine the inhibition by extracellular ATP and carbenoxolone, the permeation of glutamate in presence of chloride, selectivity for nitrates, and activation by GTP, and we show its single channel behavior in excised membrane. We propose that ORIC is a functional counterpart of vertebrate VRAC in filamentous fungi, possibly with a similar essential role in anion efflux during cell volume regulation.
Machine-Learning-Based Radiomics for Classifying Glioma Grade from Magnetic Resonance Images of the Brain
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Jha Ashish Kumar , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Yadav Manender , Badhe Suvarna , Sahay Ayushi , Epari Sridhar , Sahu Arpita , Bhattacharya Kajari , Chatterjee Abhishek , Ganeshan Balaji , Rangarajan Venkatesh , Moyiadi Aliasgar , Gupta Tejpal , Goda Jayant S.
Published: May 2023

Grading of gliomas is a piece of critical information related to prognosis and survival. Classifying glioma grade by semantic radiological features is subjective, requires multiple MRI sequences, is quite complex and clinically demanding, and can very often result in erroneous radiological diagnosis. We used a radiomics approach with machine learning classifiers to determine the grade of gliomas. Eighty-three patients with histopathologically proven gliomas underwent MRI of the brain. Whenever available, immunohistochemistry was additionally used to augment the histopathological diagnosis. Segmentation was performed manually on the T2W MR sequence using the TexRad texture analysis softwareTM, Version 3.10. Forty-two radiomics features, which included first-order features and shape features, were derived and compared between high-grade and low-grade gliomas. Features were selected by recursive feature elimination using a random forest algorithm method. The classification performance of the models was measured using accuracy, precision, recall, f1 score, and area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve. A 10-fold cross-validation was adopted to separate the training and the test data. The selected features were used to build five classifier models: support vector machine, random forest, gradient boost, naive Bayes, and AdaBoost classifiers. The random forest model performed the best, achieving an AUC of 0.81, an accuracy of 0.83, f1 score of 0.88, a recall of 0.93, and a precision of 0.85 for the test cohort. The results suggest that machine-learning-based radiomics features extracted from multiparametric MRI images can provide a non-invasive method for predicting glioma grades preoperatively. In the present study, we extracted the radiomics features from a single cross-sectional image of the T2W MRI sequence and utilized these features to build a fairly robust model to classify low-grade gliomas from high-grade gliomas (grade 4 gliomas).
Extended Complex Temporomandibular Joint Reconstructions Exploiting Virtual Surgical Planning, Navigation Assistance, and Custom-Made Prosthesis: A Comprehensive Protocol and Workflow
Authors: Raccampo Luca , Sembronio Salvatore , Tel Alessandro , Robiony Massimo
Published: June 2023

Background: Alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement is a well-established procedure in maxillo-facial surgery. However, the surgical management of large excision in this area requires complex reconstruction beyond the standard TMJ prosthesis. Objective: This study aims to describe the design and the consequential application of a protocol which involves the use of computer-assisted surgery tools to best face complex TMJ reconstruction (TMJR). Preoperative accurate study of every single case and intraoperative check of the surgical act are nowadays essential to perform such delicate surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: The study is a retrospective and single institution case series. The various processes of the management and planning of extended TMJ reconstruction (eTMJR) are extensively described, from the preoperative clinical evaluation, imaging acquisition protocols and virtual surgical planning (VSP), focusing also on the intraoperative transfer of VSP using navigation and surgical guides. Results: We included nine patients with different pathologies which were candidates for eTMJR. Overall, the application of our protocol and workflow permitted the reduction of complications and pain, and the improvement of the maximum interincisal opening (MIO) of the patients, restoring patients’ masticatory function and esthetics. Conclusions: The eTMJR should be considered as a safe and reliable surgical management modality in selected patients with large temporomandibular joint and skull base (TMJ-SB) lesions. An accurate preoperative protocol and workflow is essential to perform such insidious and complex reconstruction. However, more extensive studies on this type of device have to be conducted in order to validate its real usefulness and indications.
The Inflammatory Profile Orchestrated by Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ene Corina , Nicolae Ilinca
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves complicated and multifactorial interactions. Inducible nitric oxide synthase overactivation (iNOS or NOS2) could be involved in SLE pathogenesis and progression. This study explored the relationship between NOS2-associated inflammation profiles and SLE phenotypes. (2) Methods: We developed a prospective, case control study that included a group of 86 SLE subjects, a group of 73 subjects with lupus nephritis, and a control group of 60 people. Laboratory determinations included serum C reactive protein (CRP–mg/L), enzymatic activity of NOS2 (U/L), serum levels of inducible factors of hypoxia 1 and 2 (HIF1a–ng/mL, HIF2a–ng/mL), vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF (pg/mL), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9–ng/mL), thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1–ng/mL), and soluble receptor of VEGF (sVEGFR–ng/mL). (3) Results: CRP, NOS2, HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were significantly increased, while TSP-1 and sVEGFR were decreased in the SLE and lupus nephritis groups compared with the control group. The variations in these biomarkers were strongly associated with the decrease in eGFR and increase in albuminuria. (4) Conclusions: The inflammatory phenotype of SLE patients, with or without LN, is defined by NOS2 and hypoxia over-expression, angiogenesis stimulation, and inactivation of factors that induce resolution of inflammation in relation with eGFR decline.
Spatial Prediction of Landslides Using Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods: A Case Study of the Saqqez-Marivan Mountain Road in Iran
Authors: Tavakolifar Rahim , Shahabi Himan , Alizadeh Mohsen , Bateni Sayed , Hashim Mazlan , Shirzadi Ataollah , Ariffin Effi , Wolf Isabelle , Shojae Chaeikar Saman
Published: May 2023

Landslides along the main roads in the mountains cause fatalities, ecosystem damage, and land degradation. This study mapped the susceptibility to landslides along the Saqqez-Marivan main road located in Kurdistan province, Iran, comparing an ensemble fuzzy logic with analytic network process (fuzzy logic-ANP; FLANP) and TOPSIS (fuzzy logic-TOPSIS; FLTOPSIS) in terms of their prediction capacity. First, 100 landslides identified through field surveys were randomly allocated to a 70% dataset and a 30% dataset, respectively, for training and validating the methods. Eleven landslide conditioning factors, including slope, aspect, elevation, lithology, land use, distance to fault, distance to a river, distance to road, soil type, curvature, and precipitation were considered. The performance of the methods was evaluated by inspecting the areas under the receiver operating curve (AUCROC). The prediction accuracies were 0.983 and 0.938, respectively, for the FLTOPSIS and FLANP methods. Our findings demonstrate that although both models are known to be promising, the FLTOPSIS method had a better capacity for predicting the susceptibility of landslides in the study area. Therefore, the susceptibility map developed through the FLTOPSIS method is suitable to inform management and planning of areas prone to landslides for land allocation and development purposes, especially in mountainous areas.
Spatial–Temporal Pattern Characteristics and Impact Factors of Carbon Emissions in Production–Living–Ecological Spaces in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Guo Rong , Wu Xiaochen , Wu Tong , Dai Chao
Published: May 2023

Under the threat of global climate change, China has proposed a dual carbon goal of peak carbon and carbon neutrality. As the vital carrier for territorial spatial planning, production–living–ecological (PLE) spaces drive carbon emissions and are important to the dual carbon goals. In this study, carbon emissions and sinks of PLE spaces in cities in Heilongjiang Province from 2005 to 2020 were calculated and spatial–temporal changes were analyzed. The carbon emission structure was analyzed in segmentation sectors. The land use changes and socioeconomic factors on carbon emissions were analyzed, and emission reduction strategies were implemented. The results show the following: (1) Carbon emissions from production and living spaces increased yearly. Carbon sinks were smaller than emissions, but capacity was stable. (2) Higher-emission cities were concentrated in southwest Heilongjiang, and carbon emission differences between regions gradually increased. (3) Among carbon emission sectors, agricultural and household made up smaller proportions, while animal husbandry, industrial, transportation, and traffic travel contributed most. Carbon emission structures were transformed by adjusting urban development and industrial structure. (4) For most cities, industrial space was the main emission space, but agricultural production and urban–rural living spaces dominated in some cities. (5) GDP, urbanization rate, and area of city paved roads suppressed emissions in cities with decreased carbon emission grades. The industrial structure and coal consumption inhibited emissions in cities with maintaining and increasing carbon emissions grades.
Prioritizing Tree-Based Systems for Optimizing Carbon Sink in the Indian Sub-Himalayan Region
Authors: Dey Tanusri , S Dinesha , Singh Manendra , A Arshad , Tamang Mendup , N Shahina N , Nath Arun Jyoti , Shukla Gopal , Chakravarty Sumit
Published: May 2023

Land use of the sub-Himalayan region is not that intensive like the intensively land-managed region of Punjab, India. Land resources of the sub-Himalayas must be managed effectively for sustainable development by preparing carbon inventories and data banks. Such macro-level studies have not been conducted yet in the present study area, and thus were conducted to suggest sustainable land use management options. To achieve the present study’s desired goal, 33 tree-based land uses were identified from forested and agricultural landscapes of the sub-humid tropical region of West Bengal, India. Stratified random nested quadrat sampling was adopted for the study. The SOC, biomass, and carbon accumulation significantly differed. Mixed forests had the highest soil primary nutrients and carbon stock. Positive correlations were observed between SOC, total standing biomass, litter production, and ecosystem carbon. The sequence of land uses based on carbon stock was mixed-species forest > sole tree species stands in a forest landscape > tea plantations > homegardens. This baseline information can be used for developing prediction models for future interventions towards sustainable land management. The study, however, could not estimate the carbon fluxes in and out of the systems due to the absence of detailed land use land-cover databases.
What Do We Know about Surface Proteins of Chicken Parasites Eimeria?
Authors: Britez Jesica Daiana , Rodriguez Anabel Elisa , Di Ciaccio Lucía , Marugán-Hernandez Virginia , Tomazic Mariela Luján
Published: May 2023

Poultry is the first source of animal protein for human consumption. In a changing world, this sector is facing new challenges, such as a projected increase in demand, higher standards of food quality and safety, and reduction of environmental impact. Chicken coccidiosis is a highly widespread enteric disease caused by Eimeria spp. which causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide; however, the impact on family poultry holders or backyard production—which plays a key role in food security in small communities and involves mainly rural women—has been little explored. Coccidiosis disease is controlled by good husbandry measures, chemoprophylaxis, and/or live vaccination. The first live vaccines against chicken coccidiosis were developed in the 1950s; however, after more than seven decades, none has reached the market. Current limitations on their use have led to research in next-generation vaccines based on recombinant or live-vectored vaccines. Next-generation vaccines are required to control this complex parasitic disease, and for this purpose, protective antigens need to be identified. In this review, we have scrutinised surface proteins identified so far in Eimeria spp. affecting chickens. Most of these surface proteins are anchored to the parasite membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) molecule. The biosynthesis of GPIs, as well as the role of currently identified surface proteins and interest as vaccine candidates has been summarised. The potential role of surface proteins in drug resistance and immune escape and how these could limit the efficacy of control strategies was also discussed.
Cardiovascular Diseases in COPD: From Diagnosis and Prevalence to Therapy
Authors: Papaporfyriou Anastasia , Bartziokas Konstantinos , Gompelmann Daniela , Idzko Marco , Fouka Evangelia , Zaneli Stavrina , Bakakos Petros , Loukides Stelios , Papaioannou Andriana I.
Published: June 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered one of the leading causes of mortality. Cardiovascular comorbidities are diagnosed often in COPD patients, not only because of the common risk factors these two diseases share, but also because of the systemic inflammation which characterizes COPD and has deleterious effects in the cardiovascular system. The comorbid cardiovascular diseases in COPD result in several difficulties in the holistic treatment of these patients and affect outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. Several studies have reported that mortality from cardiovascular causes is common among COPD patients, while the risk for acute cardiovascular events increases during COPD exacerbations and remains high for a long time even after recovery. In this review, we focus on the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD patients, presenting the evidence regarding the interaction of the pathophysiological pathways which characterize each disease. Furthermore, we summarize information regarding the effects of cardiovascular treatment on COPD outcomes and vice versa. Finally, we present the current evidence regarding the impact of cardiovascular comorbidities on exacerbations, quality of life and survival of COPD patients.
Serum Neurofilaments in Motor Neuron Disease and Their Utility in Differentiating ALS, PMA and PLS
Authors: McCluskey Gavin , Morrison Karen E. , Donaghy Colette , McConville John , McCarron Mark O. , McVerry Ferghal , Duddy William , Duguez Stephanie
Published: June 2023

Neurofilament levels are elevated in many neurodegenerative diseases and have shown promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of Motor Neuron Disease (MND). This study assesses serum neurofilament light (NFL) and neurofilament heavy (NFH) chain concentrations in patients with ALS, other variants of motor neuron disease such as Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), and a range of other neurological diseases. It aims to evaluate the use of NFL and NFH to differentiate these conditions and for the prognosis of MND disease progression. NFL and NFH levels were quantified using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays (ECLIA). Both were elevated in 47 patients with MND compared to 34 patients with other neurological diseases and 33 healthy controls. NFL was able to differentiate patients with MND from the other groups with a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90 (p < 0.001). NFL correlated with the rate of disease progression in MND (rho 0.758, p < 0.001) and with the ALS Functional Rating Scale (rho −0.335, p = 0.021). NFL levels were higher in patients with ALS compared to both PMA (p = 0.032) and PLS (p = 0.012) and were able to distinguish ALS from both PMA and PLS with a ROC curve AUC of 0.767 (p = 0.005). These findings support the use of serum NFL to help diagnose and differentiate types of MND, in addition to providing prognostic information to patients and their families.
A Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Groove Texture on the Dynamics of a Water-Lubricated Bearing–Rotor System
Authors: Feng Huihui , Gao Zhiwei , Van Ostayen Ron. A. J. , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to investigate the combined effects of working condition and structural parameters of groove texture on the dynamic characteristics, stability and unbalance response of a water-lubricated hydrodynamic bearing–rotor system to avoid instability and excessive vibration of the rotor. The Navier–Stokes equation, standard K-ε model with enhanced wall treatment and Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model are considered using the commercial software Fluent to calculate the stiffness and damping coefficients of a groove-textured, water-lubricated bearing based on the dynamic mesh method; the critical mass to express the stability and the unbalance response solved by the fourth order Runge–Kutta method of the rotor are calculated based on dynamic equations. The results indicate that shallower and longer groove textures can improve the direct stiffness along the load direction kyy, weaken the stiffness in the orthogonal direction kxx, improve stability and decrease the unbalance response amplitude of the water-lubricated bearing–rotor system at a greater rotational speed and smaller eccentricity ratio; however, the impact of grooves on damping parameters is not as great as it is on stiffness—there exists an optimum groove width to achieve a best dynamic performance.
Hot Deformation Behavior and Processing Maps of an As-Cast Al-5Mg-3Zn-1Cu (wt%) Alloy
Authors: Lei Chuan , Wang Qudong , Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Li Dezhi , Tang Huaping , Zhang Nannan , Cai Huisheng
Published: June 2023

One of the key issues limiting the application of Al-Mg-Zn-Cu alloys in the automotive industry is forming at a low cost. Isothermal uniaxial compression was accomplished in the range of 300–450 °C, 0.001–10 s−1 to study the hot deformation behavior of an as-cast Al-5.07Mg-3.01Zn-1.11Cu-0.01Ti alloy. Its rheological behavior presented characteristics of work-hardening followed by dynamic softening and its flow stress was accurately described by the proposed strain-compensated Arrhenius-type constitutive model. Three-dimensional processing maps were established. The instability was mainly concentrated in regions with high strain rates or low temperatures, with cracking being the main instability. A workable domain was determined as 385–450 °C, 0.001–0.26 s−1, in which dynamic recovery (DRV) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occurred. As the temperature rose, the dominant dynamic softening mechanism shifted from DRV to DRX. The DRX mechanisms transformed from continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX), discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX), and particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN) at 350 °C, 0.1 s−1 to CDRX and DDRX at 450 °C, 0.01 s−1, and eventually to DDRX at 450 °C, 0.001 s−1. The eutectic T-Mg32(AlZnCu)49 phase facilitated DRX nucleation and did not trigger instability in the workable domain. This work demonstrates that the workability of as-cast Al-Mg-Zn-Cu alloys with low Zn/Mg ratios is sufficient for hot forming.
Effects of La Addition on Microstructure Evolution and Thermal Stability of Cu-2.35Ni-0.59Si Sheet
Authors: Wang Mingfei , Chen Shuaifeng , Wang Songwei , Zhang Mengxiao , Song Hongwu , Zhang Shihong
Published: June 2023

A Cu-2.35Ni-0.69Si alloy with low La content was designed in order to study the role of La addition on microstructure evolution and comprehensive properties. The results indicate that the La element demonstrates a superior ability to combine with Ni and Si elements, via the formation of La-rich primary phases. Owing to existing La-rich primary phases, restricted grain growth was observed, due to the pinning effect during solid solution treatment. It was found that the activation energy of the Ni2Si phase precipitation decreased with the addition of La. Interestingly, the aggregation and distribution of the Ni2Si phase, around the La-rich phase, was observed during the aging process, owing to the attraction of Ni and Si atoms by the La-rich phase during the solid solution. Moreover, the mechanical and conductivity properties of aged alloy sheets suggest that the addition of the La element showed a slight reducing effect on the hardness and electrical conductivity. The decrease in hardness was due to the weakened dispersion and strengthening effect of the Ni2Si phase, while the decrease in electrical conductivity was due to the enhanced scattering of electrons by grain boundaries, caused by grain refinement. More notably, excellent thermal stabilities, including better softening resistance ability and microstructural stability, were detected for the low-La-alloyed Cu-Ni-Si sheet, owing to the delayed recrystallization and restricted grain growth caused by the La-rich phases.
Elucidating the Effects of Interconnecting Layer Thickness and Bandgap Variations on the Performance of Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cell by wxAMPS
Authors: Mohamad Ili Salwani , Doroody Camellia , Alkharasani Wabel Mohammed , Norizan Mohd Natashah , Chelvanathan Puvaneswaran , Shahahmadi Seyed Ahmad , Amin Nowshad
Published: June 2023

In this study, we investigated the pathways for integration of perovskite and silicon solar cells through variation of the properties of the interconnecting layer (ICL). The user-friendly computer simulation software wxAMPS was used to conduct the investigation. The simulation started with numerical inspection of the individual single junction sub-cell, and this was followed by performing an electrical and optical evaluation of monolithic 2T tandem PSC/Si, with variation of the thickness and bandgap of the interconnecting layer. The electrical performance of the monolithic crystalline silicon and CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite tandem configuration was observed to be the best with the insertion of a 50 nm thick (Eg ≥ 2.25 eV) interconnecting layer, which directly contributed to the optimum optical absorption coverage. These design parameters improved the optical absorption and current matching, while also enhancing the electrical performance of the tandem solar cell, which benefited the photovoltaic aspects through lowering the parasitic loss.
Roughness Control of Surfaces Using a Laser Profilometer with the Selected Material Cutting Technology
Authors: Ružbarský Juraj
Published: June 2023

The article aims to assess the roughness of parting surfaces in the context of abrasive water jet technology for various materials. The evaluation is based on the feed speed of the cutting head, which is adjusted to achieve the desired final roughness, taking into consideration the stiffness of the material being cut. We used non-contact and contact methods to measure selected parameters of the roughness of the dividing surfaces. The study included two materials—namely, structural steel material S235JRG1 and aluminum alloy AW 5754. In addition to the above, the study involved using a cutting head with varying feed rates to achieve different surface roughness levels required by customers. The roughness parameters Ra and Rz of the cut surfaces were measured using a laser profilometer (laser profilometer). To ensure the accuracy of the laser profilometer, a control roughness measurement was conducted using a contact roughness gauge. The roughness values obtained for Ra and Rz from both measurement methods were plotted on a graph to illustrate their dependencies and were subsequently evaluated and compared. By measuring the roughness parameters Ra and Rz, the study was able to provide insights into the effectiveness of the cutting head’s feed rates in achieving the desired roughness levels. Additionally, by comparing the results of the laser profilometer and contact roughness gauge, the accuracy of the measurement non-contact method used in the study was verified.
Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration on Microstructure and Fluidity of Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Li An , Wang Zhiming , Sun Zhiping
Published: June 2023

The effect of ultrasonic vibration on the fluidity and microstructure of cast aluminum alloys (AlSi9 and AlSi18 alloys) with different solidification characteristics was investigated. The results show that ultrasonic vibration can affect the fluidity of alloys in both solidification and hydrodynamics aspects. For AlSi18 alloy without dendrite growing solidification characteristics, the microstructure is almost not influenced by ultrasonic vibration, and the influence of ultrasonic vibration on its fluidity is mainly in hydrodynamics aspects. That is, appropriate ultrasonic vibration can improve fluidity by reducing the flow resistance of the melt, but when the vibration intensity is high enough to induce turbulence in the melt, the turbulence will increase the flow resistance greatly and decrease fluidity. However, for AlSi9 alloy, which obviously has dendrite growing solidification characteristics, ultrasonic vibration can influence solidification by breaking the growing α (Al) dendrite, consequently refining the solidification microstructure. Ultrasonic vibration could then improve the fluidity of AlSi9 alloy not only from the hydrodynamics aspect but also by breaking the dendrite network in the mushy zone to decrease flow resistance.
Bone Grafts in Dental Medicine: An Overview of Autografts, Allografts and Synthetic Materials
Authors: Ferraz Maria Pia
Published: June 2023

This review provides an overview of various materials used in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgeries to replace or repair bone defects. The choice of material depends on factors such as tissue viability, size, shape, and defect volume. While small bone defects can regenerate naturally, extensive defects or loss or pathological fractures require surgical intervention and the use of substitute bones. Autologous bone, taken from the patient’s own body, is the gold standard for bone grafting but has drawbacks such as uncertain prognosis, surgery at the donor site, and limited availability. Other alternatives for medium and small-sized defects include allografts (from human donors), xenografts (from animals), and synthetic materials with osteoconductive properties. Allografts are carefully selected and processed human bone materials, while xenografts are derived from animals and possess similar chemical composition to human bone. Synthetic materials such as ceramics and bioactive glasses are used for small defects but may lack osteoinductivity and moldability. Calcium-phosphate-based ceramics, particularly hydroxyapatite, are extensively studied and commonly used due to their compositional similarity to natural bone. Additional components, such as growth factors, autogenous bone, and therapeutic elements, can be incorporated into synthetic or xenogeneic scaffolds to enhance their osteogenic properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of grafting materials in dentistry, discussing their properties, advantages, and disadvantages. It also highlights the challenges of analyzing in vivo and clinical studies to select the most suitable option for specific situations.
Electroplastic Effect during Tension and Bending in Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Pakhomov Mikhail , Korolkov Oleg , Pigato Mirko , Gennari Claudio , Calliari Irene , Stolyarov Vladimir
Published: June 2023

The deformation behavior of duplex stainless steel under tension and bending, accompanied by a pulsed current and when heated by an external source, is investigated. The stress–strain curves are compared at the same temperatures. The contribution to the decrease in flow stresses is greater when using a multi-pulse current at the same temperature, compared to external heating. This confirms the presence of an electroplastic effect. An increase in the strain rate by an order of magnitude reduces the contribution of the electroplastic effect from single pulses to the reduction in flow stresses by 20%. An increase in the strain rate by an order of magnitude reduces the contribution of the electroplastic effect from single pulses to the reduction in flow stresses by 20%. However, in the case of a multi-pulse current, the strain rate effect is not observed. Introducing a multi-pulse current during bending reduces the bending strength by a factor of two and the springback angle to 6.5.
Morphological Analyses of W/Cu Functional Graded Materials Obtained by Conventional and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Nicolicescu Claudiu , Nicoară Victor Horia , Pascu Cristina Ileana , Gheorghe Ștefan , Burada Cristian Oliviu , Marinca Traian Florin , Popa Florin
Published: June 2023

The paper presents the analysis of two compaction methods for obtaining W/Cu Functional Graded Materials (FGMs) consisting of three layers with the following compositions (% weight): first layer 80 W/20 Cu, second layer 75 W/25 Cu, and third layer 65 W/35 Cu. Each layer composition was obtained using powders obtained through mechanical milling. The two compaction methods were Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and Conventional Sintering (CS). The samples obtained after the SPS and CS were investigated from morphological (scanning electron microscopy-SEM) and compositional (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy-EDX) points of views. Additionally, the porosities and the densities of each layer in both cases were studied. It was found that the densities of the sample’s layers obtained through SPS are superior to those obtained through CS. The research emphasizes that, from a morphological point of view, the SPS process is recommended for W/Cu-FGMs, having raw materials as fine-graded powders against the CS process.