bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enterobius vermicularis Related Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chhetri Shabnam , Al Mamari Ahmed Hamood , Al Awfi Mahmood Mausd , Al Khaldi Nasser Humaid Nasser , Abed Nibras Mejbel , Pandak Nenad , Khamis Faryal , Balushi Zakariya Al , Alalawi Rashid Mohammed Khamis , Al Lawati Sultan , Ba’Omar Muna , Shukaili Nasser , Al-Abri Seif
Published: July 2023

While the debate on the association between Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) and acute appendicitis has not been settled, a few case reports of this very rare encounter are beginning to come to light. E. vermicularis is one of the most common parasitic infections around the world, and acute appendicitis, on the other hand, is also a commonly encountered condition in general surgery. However, the association between these two conditions remains controversial. Here we present a case report of a young woman with appendicitis associated with E. vermicularis.
Aerodynamics and Sealing Performance of the Downstream Hub Rim Seal in a High-Pressure Turbine Stage
Authors: Merli Filippo , Krajnc Nicolas , Hafizovic Asim , Patinios Marios , Göttlich Emil
Published: July 2023

The purpose of the paper is to characterize the aerodynamic behavior of a rotor-downstream hub cavity rim seal in a high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage. The experimental data are acquired in the Transonic Test Turbine Facility at the Graz University of Technology: the test setup includes two engine-representative turbine stages (the last HPT stage and first LPT stage), with the intermediate turbine duct in between. All stator-rotor cavities are supplied with purge flows by a secondary air system, which simulates the bleeding air from the compressor stages of the real engine. The HPT downstream hub cavity is provided with wall taps and pitot tubes at different radial and circumferential locations, which allows the performance of steady pressure and seed gas concentration measurements for different purge mass flows and HPT vanes clocking positions. Moreover, miniaturized pressure transducers are adopted to evaluate the unsteady pressure distribution, and an oil flow visualization is performed to retrieve additional information on the wheel space structures. The annulus pressure asymmetry depends on the HPT vane clocking, but this is shown to have negligible impact on the minimum purge mass flow required to seal the cavity. However, the hub pressure profile drives the distribution of the cavity egress in the turbine channel. The unsteady pressure field is dominated by blade-synchronous oscillations. No non-synchronous components with comparable intensity are detected.
Genome and Transcriptome Analyses Facilitate Genetic Control of Wohlfahrtia magnifica, a Myiasis-Causing Flesh Fly
Authors: Jia Zhipeng , Hasi Surong , Zhan Deng , Hou Bin , Vogl Claus , Burger Pamela A.
Published: July 2023

Myiasis caused by Wohlfahrtia magnifica is a widespread parasitic infestation in mammals. The infested host suffers from damage as the developing larvae feed on its tissues. For the control of myiasis infestation, genetic methods have been shown to be effective and promising as an alternative to insecticides. Combining genome, isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq), and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, we isolated and characterized two sex-determination genes, W. magnifica transformer (Wmtra) and W. magnifica transformer2 (Wmtra2), whose orthologs in a number of insect pests have been utilized to develop genetic control approaches. Wmtra transcripts are sex-specifically spliced; only the female transcript encodes a full-length functional protein, while the male transcript encodes a truncated and non-functional polypeptide due to the presence of the male-specific exon containing multiple in-frame stop codons. The existence of five predicted TRA/TRA2 binding sites in the male-specific exon and the surrounding intron of Wmtra, as well as the presence of an RNA-recognition motif in WmTRA2 may suggest the auto-regulation of Wmtra by its own protein interacting with WmTRA2. This results in the skipping of the male-specific exon and translation of the full-length functional protein only in females. Our comparative study in dipteran species showed that both the WmTRA and WmTRA2 proteins exhibit a high degree of similarity to their orthologs in the myiasis-causing blow flies. Additionally, transcriptome profiling performed between adult females and adult males reported 657 upregulated and 365 downregulated genes. Functional analysis showed that among upregulated genes those related to meiosis and mitosis Gene Ontology (GO) terms were enriched, while, among downregulated genes, those related to muscle cell development and aerobic metabolic processes were enriched. Among the female-biased gene set, we detected five candidate genes, vasa (vas), nanos (nanos), bicoid (bcd), Bicaudal C (BicC), and innexin5 (inx5). The promoters of these genes may be able to upregulate Cas9 expression in the germline in Cas9-based homing gene drive systems as established in some flies and mosquitoes. The isolation and characterization of these genes is an important step toward the development of genetic control programs against W. magnifica infestation.
Objective Assessment of Syndesmosis Stability Using the Hook Test
Authors: Hallbauer Jakob , Schenk Philipp , Herrmann Lea , Ullrich Bernhard Wilhelm , Biedermann Uta , Wildemann Britt , Hofmann Gunther Olaf , Kohler Felix Christian
Published: July 2023

The hook test is a widely used intraoperative method for assessing syndesmosis stability. However, there are no recommendations regarding the force required to perform this test. Furthermore, the reliability of the test is unclear. Ten experienced surgeons performed hook tests on a cadaver bone model. The applied forces were recorded in a blinded manner. In addition, standardized hook tests with defined forces (50, 80, and 100 N) were performed on 10 pairs of cadaver lower legs and the syndesmosis was sequentially destabilized. Diastasis of the syndesmosis was recorded using an optical 3D camera system. A median force of 81 N (Range: 50 N–145 N) was applied. A proportion of 82% of the tests showed a force < 100 N. The data showed good intraraterreliability and poor interraterreliability. In the standardized investigation of the hook test on the cadaver bone model, both the force and the instability of the syndesmosis had a significant influence on the syndesmosis diastasis. Nevertheless, even with maximum instability of the syndesmosis, diastasis > 2 mm could only be measured in 12 of the 19 evaluable specimens. The widely used hook test shows a high variability when performed in practice. Even in a standardized manner, the hook test cannot detect a relevant syndesmosis injury.
Mid-Term Results of a New Transobturator Cystocele Repair by Vaginal Patch Plastron without Mesh
Authors: Chene Gautier , Cerruto Emanuele , Moret Stephanie , Nohuz Erdogan
Published: July 2023

Cystoceles are the most common prolapses. Limitation of the use of synthetic mesh has led to the comeback of native tissue repair procedures. We have developed a new transobturator technique with native tissue based on a mix of a vaginal plastron technique and the transobturator procedure. We present the functional and anatomical mid-term results. In this retrospective study, the vaginal plastron technique and the transobturator procedure were performed in 32 patients. Functional assessment with several validated quality-of-life questionnaires (SF-12, PFIQ-7, PFDI-20, PISQ12) and anatomical evaluation with pelvic examination were performed at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The anatomical success rate was 94.4% at 12 months. There was one Clavien–Dindo grade 2 postoperative complication (one urinary tract infection). All of the quality-of-life scores were statistically significantly improved at one year follow-up. The transobturator technique combined with the vaginal plastron seems to be a promising, effective, innovative, and relevant technique for the repair of high-stage cystoceles.
Cognitive Performance in Asymptomatic Elderly People with Hepatitis C: The Role of Education
Authors: Fakoury Max Kopti , Schmidt Sergio Luis , Brandão Mello Carlos Eduardo , Filho Aureo do Carmo , Amendola Pires Marcia Maria
Published: July 2023

Background: Neurotropism of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be the source of subtle neuropsychological symptoms in non-cirrhotic patients. Age is a risk factor for cognitive impairment (CI). Thus, asymptomatic elderly people who carry HCV might be at a greater risk of CI. Education can influence test performance. Objectives: (1) To verify whether elderly people with HCV performed poorer than controls on cognitive tests. (2) To analyze how education affects performance. (3) To verify whether the extent of the effect of education on performance depends on the group (HCV vs. controls) and the type of cognitive test. Methods: Asymptomatic HCV carriers older than 60 years (n = 41) were matched with 41 corresponding controls. All participants performed the following tests: Mini-Cog, Mini Mental State Examination, clock drawing test (CDT), and verbal fluency. Results: (1) There were no significant differences in cognitive performance between the two groups. (2) Higher education was always associated with better performance. (3) There was a significant group difference in the slopes of the regression lines between years of education and CDT performance. No differences were found for the other three tests. Conclusion: Considering the scores on the CDT, the rate of improvement in performance when schooling increases is higher in HCV carriers.
Echocardiographic Parameters for Risk Prediction in Borderline Right Ventricle: Review with Special Emphasis on Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum and Critical Pulmonary Stenosis
Authors: Cantinotti Massimiliano , McMahon Colin Joseph , Marchese Pietro , Köstenberger Martin , Scalese Marco , Franchi Eliana , Santoro Giuseppe , Assanta Nadia , Jacquemyn Xander , Kutty Shelby , Giordano Raffaele
Published: July 2023

The aim of the present review is to highlight the strengths and limitations of echocardiographic parameters and scores employed to predict favorable outcome in complex congenital heart diseases (CHDs) with borderline right ventricle (RV), with a focus on pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and critical pulmonary stenosis (PAIVS/CPS). A systematic search in the National Library of Medicine using Medical Subject Headings and free-text terms including echocardiography, CHD, and scores, was performed. The search was refined by adding keywords “PAIVS/CPS”, Ebstein’s anomaly, and unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect with left dominance. A total of 22 studies were selected for final analysis; 12 of them were focused on parameters to predict biventricular repair (BVR)/pulmonary blood flow augmentation in PAIVS/CPS. All of these studies presented numerical (the limited sample size) and methodological limitations (retrospective design, poor definition of inclusion/exclusion criteria, variability in the definition of outcomes, differences in adopted surgical and interventional strategies). There was heterogeneity in the echocardiographic parameters employed and cut-off values proposed, with difficultly in establishing which one should be recommended. Easy scores such as TV/MV (tricuspid/mitral valve) and RV/LV (right/left ventricle) ratios were proven to have a good prognostic accuracy; however, the data were very limited (only two studies with <40 subjects). In larger studies, RV end-diastolic area and a higher degree of tricuspid regurgitation were also proven as accurate predictors of successful BVR. These measures, however, may be either operator and/or load/pressure dependent. TV Z-scores have been proposed by several authors, but old and heterogenous nomograms sources have been employed, thus producing discordant results. In summary, we provide a review of the currently available echocardiographic parameters for risk prediction in CHDs with a diminutive RV that may serve as a guide for use in clinical practice.
Adrenal Abscesses: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Gligorijevic Nikola , Kaljevic Marija , Radovanovic Natasa , Jovanovic Filip , Joksimovic Bojan , Singh Sandra , Dumic Igor
Published: July 2023

Objective: To summarize the existing knowledge about adrenal gland abscesses, including etiology, clinical presentation, common laboratory and imaging findings, management and overall morbidity and mortality. Design: Systematic literature review. Methods: We performed a search in the PubMed database using search terms: ‘abscess and adrenal glands’, ‘adrenalitis’, ‘infection and adrenal gland’, ‘adrenal abscess’, ‘adrenal infection’ and ‘infectious adrenalitis’. Articles from 2017 to 2022 were included. We found total of 116 articles, and after applying exclusion criteria, data from 73 articles was included in the final statistical analysis. Results: Of 84 patients included in this review, 68 were male (81%), with a mean age of 55 years (range: 29 to 85 years). Weight loss was the most frequent symptom reported in 58.3% patients, followed by fever in 49%. Mean duration of symptoms was 4.5 months. The most common laboratory findings were low cortisol (51.9%), elevated ACTH (43.2%), hyponatremia (88.2%) and anemia (83.3%). Adrenal cultures were positive in 86.4% cases, with Histoplasma capsulatum (37.3%) being the leading causative agent. Blood cultures were positive in 30% of patients. The majority of the adrenal infections occurred through secondary dissemination from other infectious foci and abscesses were more commonly bilateral (70%). A total of 46.4% of patients developed long-term adrenal insufficiency requiring treatment. Abscess drainage was performed in 7 patients (8.3%) and adrenalectomy was performed in 18 (21.4%) patients. The survival rate was 92.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent risk factor for mortality was thrombocytopenia (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Our review shows that adrenal abscesses are usually caused by fungal pathogens, and among these, Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common. The adrenal glands are usually involved in a bilateral fashion and become infected through dissemination from other primary sources of infection. Long-term adrenal insufficiency develops in 46% of patients, which is more common than what is observed in non-infectious etiology of adrenal gland disorders. Mortality is about 7%, and the presence of thrombocytopenia is associated with worse prognosis. Further prospective studies are needed to better characterize optimal testing and treatment duration in patients with this relatively rare but challenging disorder.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Update—A Dermatological Perspective
Authors: Mihele Dana , Nistor Paul , Bruma Gabriela , Mitran Cristina , Mitran Madalina , Condrat Carmen , Tovaru Mihaela , Tampa Mircea , Georgescu Simona
Published: July 2023

Mast cells (MCs) are infamous for their role in potentially fatal anaphylaxis reactions. In the last two decades, a more complex picture has emerged, as it has become obvious that MCs are much more than just IgE effectors of anaphylaxis. MCs are defenders against a host of infectious and toxic aggressions (their interactions with other components of the immune system are not yet fully understood) and after the insult has ended, MCs continue to play a role in inflammation regulation and tissue repair. Unfortunately, MC involvement in pathology is also significant. Apart from their role in allergies, MCs can proliferate clonally to produce systemic mastocytosis. They have also been implicated in excessive fibrosis, keloid scaring, graft rejection and chronic inflammation, especially at the level of the skin and gut. In recent years, the term MC activation syndrome (MCAS) was proposed to account for symptoms caused by MC activation, and clear diagnostic criteria have been defined. However, not all authors agree with these criteria, as some find them too restrictive, potentially leaving much of the MC-related pathology unaccounted for. Here, we review the current knowledge on the physiological and pathological roles of MCs, with a dermatological emphasis, and discuss the MCAS classification.
Surgical Site Infections in Glioblastoma Patients—A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Scheer Maximilian , Spindler Kai , Strauss Christian , Schob Stefan , Dietzel Christian T. , Leisz Sandra , Prell Julian , Rampp Stefan
Published: July 2023

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after craniotomy lead to additional morbidity and mortality for patients, which are related to higher costs for the healthcare system. Furthermore, SSIs are associated with a longer hospital stay for the patient, which is particularly detrimental in glioblastoma patients due to their limited life expectancy. Risk factors for SSIs have already been described for craniotomies in general. However, there is limited data available for glioblastoma patients. As postoperative radiation influences wound healing, very early radiation is suspected to be a risk factor for SSI. Nevertheless, there are no data on the optimal timing of radiotherapy. To define risk factors for these patients, we analyzed our collective. We performed a retrospective analysis of all operations with histological evidence of a glioblastoma between 2012 and 2021. Open biopsy and tumor removal (gross total resection, subtotal resection) were included. Stereotactic biopsies were excluded. Demographic data such as age and gender, as well as duration of surgery, diameter of the trepanation, postoperative radiation with interval, postoperative chemotherapy, highest blood glucose level, previous surgery, ASA score, foreign material introduced, subgaleal suction drainage, ventricle opening and length of hospital stay, were recorded. The need for surgical revision due to infection was registered as an SSI. A total of 177 patients were included, of which 14 patients (7.9%) suffered an SSI. These occurred after a median of 45 days. The group with SSIs tended to include more men (57.1%, p = 0.163) and more pre-operated patients (50%, p = 0.125). In addition, foreign material and subgaleal suction drains had been implanted more frequently and the ventricles had been opened more frequently, without reaching statistical significance. Surprisingly, significantly more patients without SSIs had been irradiated (80.3%, p = 0.03). The results enable a better risk assessment of SSIs in glioblastoma patients. Patients with previous surgery, introduced foreign material, subgaleal suction drain and opening of the ventricle may have a slightly higher for SSIs. However, because none of these factors were significant, we should not call them risk factors. A less radical approach to surgery potentially involving these factors is not justified. The postulated negative role of irradiation was not confirmed, hence a rapid chemoradiation should be induced to achieve the best possible oncologic outcome.
Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Macular Thickness in Alzheimer’s Dementia with Different Neuropsychological Severities
Authors: Kao Chia-Chen , Hsieh Hui-Min , Chang Yo-Chen , Chu Hui-Chen , Yang Yuan-Han , Sheu Shwu-Jiuan
Published: July 2023

This retrospective case-control study aimed to investigate associations between disease severity of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) and macular thickness. Data of patients with AD who were under medication (n = 192) between 2013 and 2020, as well as an age- and sex-matched control group (n = 200) with normal cognitive function, were included. AD patients were divided into subgroups according to scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Macular thickness was analyzed via the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid map. AD patients had significant reductions in full macula layers, including inner circle, outer inferior area, and outer nasal area of the macula. Similar retinal thinning was noted in ganglion cells and inner plexiform layers. Advanced AD patients (MMSE score < 18 or CDR ≥ 1) showed more advanced reduction of macular thickness than the AD group (CDR = 0.5 or MMSE ≥ 18), indicating that severe cognitive impairment was associated with thinner macular thickness. Advanced AD is associated with significant macula thinning in full retina and inner plexiform layers, especially at the inner circle of the macula. Macular thickness may be a useful biomarker of AD disease severity. Retinal imaging may be a non-invasive, low-cost surrogate for AD.
Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score as a Predictive Marker in Hospitalized Frail Elderly Patients
Authors: Lo Buglio Aurelio , Bellanti Francesco , Capurso Cristiano , Vendemiale Gianluigi
Published: July 2023

The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is a simple screening tool able to detect altered nutritional status as well as to predict clinical adverse outcomes in specific populations. No data are available in frail patients. This study aims to investigate the predictive role of the CONUT score on mortality and length of stay (LOS) in frail patients admitted to an Internal Medicine Department. We consecutively enrolled 246 patients aged 65 years or older, divided into two groups based on frailty status. The two groups were further divided according to low (<5) or high (≥5) CONUT score. Length of stay (LOS) was higher in frail patients than not-frail patients, as well as in the frail group with high CONUT scores compared to the frail group with low CONUT scores. Multiple linear regression showed an increase of 2.1 days for each additional point to the CONUT score. In-hospital mortality was higher in frail compared to not-frail patients, but it did not differ between frail patients with high CONUT scores and frail patients with low CONUT scores. An analysis of the survival curve for 30-day mortality showed a higher mortality rate for frail/high-CONUT-score patients as compared to the not-frail/low-CONUT-score group. The CONUT score shows high prognostic value for higher LOS—but not mortality—in the clinical setting of internal medicine departments for old frail patients.
A New Prognostic Instrument for Predicting the Probability of Completion of Cisplatin during Chemoradiation for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Rades Dirk , Zwaan Inga , Idel Christian , Pries Ralph , Bruchhage Karl L. , Hakim Samer G. , Yu Nathan Y. , Soror Tamer
Published: July 2023

Many head and neck cancer patients assigned to definitive or adjuvant chemoradiation treatment do not complete the concurrent cisplatin dose. We determined corresponding risk factors and developed a prognostic instrument to help identify these patients. Ten pre-treatment characteristics were retrospectively analyzed in 154 patients with head and neck cancer who were treated via chemoradiation with cisplatin. These pre-treatment characteristics included age, sex, Karnofsky performance score, tumor site, primary tumor stage, nodal stage, histologic grade, upfront surgery, human papilloma virus status, and history of smoking. The characteristics significantly associated with the completion of cisplatin-based treatment, the receipt of ≥80% cisplatin, or showing a strong trend of association after multivariate analyses were used for the prognostic instrument. For each characteristic, 0 points were assigned for worse outcomes, and 1 point was assigned for better outcomes. Patients’ scores were calculated by adding these points. Age ≤ 60 years and a Karnofsky performance score of 90–100 were significantly associated with both endpoints after multivariate analysis, and male gender showed a trend for association with the receipt of ≥80% cisplatin. Patient scores were 0, 1, 2, and 3 points. The corresponding rates of completion of cisplatin-based treatment were 14%, 41%, 62%, and 72%, respectively (p = 0.004). The rates of receipt of ≥80% cisplatin were 29%, 54%, 72%, and 94%, respectively (p < 0.001). This new prognostic instrument helps to predict whether head and neck cancer patients scheduled for chemoradiation will receive cisplatin as planned.
Progressions in Cardiac Arrhythmia: Specific Populations and the Need for Precision Medicine
Authors: Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Hendriks Jeroen M.
Published: July 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the general population [...]
Loss Process at an AQM Buffer
Authors: Chydzinski Andrzej
Published: July 2023

We perform a comprehensive analysis of packet losses occurring at an AQM buffer in which the packet deletion probability is relative to the size of the queue. Several characteristics of the loss process are derived: the number of deletions in an interval of length t, the temporary intensity of deletions at arbitrary time, the steady-state loss ratio, and the number of losses if there is no service. All of them are obtained for a general deletion probability function and an advanced model of the arrival process, which incorporates, among other things, the autocorrelation of traffic. Analytical results are accompanied by examples in which numerical values are obtained for several configurations of the system. Using these examples, the dependence of the loss process on the initial system state, deletion probability function, and traffic autocorrelation are discussed.
An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Remedial Teaching Education Policy
Authors: Papadogiannis Ilias , Wallace Manolis , Poulopoulos Vassilis , Vassilakis Costas , Lepouras Georgios , Platis Nikos
Published: July 2023

The remedial teaching policy is a flagship education policy of the Greek Ministry of Education that aims to create a school of equal opportunities by providing additional support to students from disadvantaged social backgrounds. In this work we utilised a data set provided by the Ministry of Education, followed a black box approach and built on previous results in order to achieve the first ever evaluation, based on data, of the remedial teaching policy. Our findings indicate that remedial teaching is very effective in supporting very weak students, helping 70% of them achieve better academic performance and one out of three of them to sustain this enhanced academic performance in the future, long after they have stopped receiving remedial teaching. On the other hand, and contrary to what is widely believed, our results show that remedial teaching has the opposite impact to what it was designed for, as it is primarily the privileged students that receive the benefits. Consequently, in the way it is currently implemented, remedial teaching widens the gap between privileged and disadvantaged students rather than reduces it. The implications of the work are wide and far reaching, including the establishment of the need to revisit the way remedial teaching is implemented, the highlighting of the value in the data gathered by the Ministry of Education and the proof that individual educational policies can be objectively assessed despite being part of a complex system in which multiple education policies are implemented concurrently.
Balancing Urban Expansion and Ecological Connectivity through Ecological Network Optimization—A Case Study of ChangSha County
Authors: Liu Shaobo , Xia Yiting , Ji Yifeng , Lai Wenbo , Li Jiang , Yin Yicheng , Qi Jialing , Chang Yating , Sun Hao
Published: July 2023

The counties have experienced urban expansion and landscape pattern fragmentation. As carriers of new urbanization, the balanced development between urban expansion and landscape connectivity in the counties needs to be emphasized. The uncontrolled expansion of land should be discouraged and planners need to clarify land use expansion patterns. Using Changsha County as the study area, the characteristics of the landscape pattern between 2000 and 2020 were analyzed. The morphological spatial pattern analysis and landscape connectivity method (CMSPACI), as well as the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, was used to construct the ecological network. We also explored the most appropriate corridor width using the buffer zone to guide future land use planning and ecological network planning. The results show that based on CMSPACI the total area of ecological sources identified was 304.91 km2, encompassing a large area of forest parks. The total length of the 25 ecological corridors identified by the MCR model was 431.97 km. Ecological sources and corridors are missing in the central region; so, their pattern was optimized using landscape connectivity and the absence of location as selection criteria. The optimized network indices showed significant improvement. The width of the ecological corridors should be controlled in order to be in the range of 30 m to 50 m to maximize the effect of the corridors on species dispersal and migration. Our proposed research framework for the construction and optimization of EN in Changsha County can provide ideas to balance the contradictions between urban expansion and landscape connectivity in Changsha County.
Special Issue: Soft and Hard Magnetic Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects
Authors: Favieres Cristina
Published: July 2023

The Special Issue Soft and Hard Magnetic Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects aims to provide researchers with an overview of some aspects of the current research in magnetic materials from theoretical studies to their applications, including their fabrication and characterization [...]
Generation of Conventional 18F-FDG PET Images from 18F-Florbetaben PET Images Using Generative Adversarial Network: A Preliminary Study Using ADNI Dataset
Authors: Choi Hyung Jin , Seo Minjung , Kim Ahro , Park Seol Hoon
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) (PETFDG) image can visualize neuronal injury of the brain in Alzheimer’s disease. Early-phase amyloid PET image is reported to be similar to PETFDG image. This study aimed to generate PETFDG images from 18F-florbetaben PET (PETFBB) images using a generative adversarial network (GAN) and compare the generated PETFDG (PETGE-FDG) with real PETFDG (PETRE-FDG) images using the structural similarity index measure (SSIM) and the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). Materials and Methods: Using the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, 110 participants with both PETFDG and PETFBB images at baseline were included. The paired PETFDG and PETFBB images included six and four subset images, respectively. Each subset image had a 5 min acquisition time. These subsets were randomly sampled and divided into 249 paired PETFDG and PETFBB subset images for the training datasets and 95 paired subset images for the validation datasets during the deep-learning process. The deep learning model used in this study is composed of a GAN with a U-Net. The differences in the SSIM and PSNR values between the PETGE-FDG and PETRE-FDG images in the cycleGAN and pix2pix models were evaluated using the independent Student’s t-test. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The participant demographics (age, sex, or diagnosis) showed no statistically significant differences between the training (82 participants) and validation (28 participants) groups. The mean SSIM between the PETGE-FDG and PETRE-FDG images was 0.768 ± 0.135 for the cycleGAN model and 0.745 ± 0.143 for the pix2pix model. The mean PSNR was 32.4 ± 9.5 and 30.7 ± 8.0. The PETGE-FDG images of the cycleGAN model showed statistically higher mean SSIM than those of the pix2pix model (p < 0.001). The mean PSNR was also higher in the PETGE-FDG images of the cycleGAN model than those of pix2pix model (p < 0.001). Conclusions: We generated PETFDG images from PETFBB images using deep learning. The cycleGAN model generated PETGE-FDG images with a higher SSIM and PSNR values than the pix2pix model. Image-to-image translation using deep learning may be useful for generating PETFDG images. These may provide additional information for the management of Alzheimer’s disease without extra image acquisition and the consequent increase in radiation exposure, inconvenience, or expenses.
Forward Osmosis Application for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants from Municipal Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Salamanca Mónica , Peña Mar , Hernandez Antonio , Prádanos Pedro , Palacio Laura
Published: July 2023

Forward osmosis (FO) has attracted special attention in water and wastewater treatment due to its role in addressing the challenges of water scarcity and contamination. The presence of emerging contaminants in water sources raises concerns regarding their environmental and public health impacts. Conventional wastewater treatment methods cannot effectively remove these contaminants; thus, innovative approaches are required. FO membranes offer a promising solution for wastewater treatment and removal of the contaminants in wastewater. Several factors influence the performance of FO processes, including concentration polarization, membrane fouling, draw solute selection, and reverse salt flux. Therefore, understanding and optimizing these factors are crucial aspects for improving the efficiency and sustainability of the FO process. This review stresses the need for research to explore the potential and challenges of FO membranes to meet municipal wastewater treatment requirements, to optimize the process, to reduce energy consumption, and to promote scalability for potential industrial applications. In conclusion, FO shows promising performance for wastewater treatment, dealing with emerging pollutants and contributing to sustainable practices. By improving the FO process and addressing its challenges, we could contribute to improve the availability of water resources amid the global water scarcity concerns, as well as contribute to the circular economy.
Investigation of Photocatalytic PVDF Membranes Containing Inorganic Nanoparticles for Model Dairy Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Sisay Elias Jigar , Fazekas Ákos Ferenc , Gyulavári Tamás , Kopniczky Judit , Hopp Béla , Veréb Gábor , László Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2023

Membrane separation processes are promising methods for wastewater treatment. Membrane fouling limits their wider use; however, this may be mitigated using photocatalytic composite materials for membrane preparation. This study aimed to investigate photocatalytic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based nanocomposite membranes for treating model dairy wastewater containing bovine serum albumin (BSA). Membranes were fabricated via physical coating (with TiO2, and/or carbon nanotubes, and/or BiVO4) and blending (with TiO2). Another objective of this study was to compare membranes of identical compositions fabricated using different techniques, and to examine how various TiO2 concentrations affect the antifouling and cleaning performances of the blended membranes. Filtration experiments were performed using a dead-end cell. Filtration resistances, BSA rejection, and photocatalytic cleanability (characterized by flux recovery ratio (FRR)) were measured. The surface characteristics (SEM, EDX), roughness (measured by atomic force microscopy, AFM), wettability (contact angle measurements), and zeta potential of the membranes were also examined. Coated PVDF membranes showed higher hydrophilicity than the pristine PVDF membrane, as evidenced by a decreased contact angle, but the higher hydrophilicity did not result in higher fluxes, unlike the case of blended membranes. The increased surface roughness resulted in increased reversible fouling, but decreased BSA retention. Furthermore, the TiO2-coated membranes had a better flux recovery ratio (FRR, 97%) than the TiO2-blended membranes (35%). However, the TiO2-coated membrane had larger total filtration resistances and a lower water flux than the commercial pristine PVDF membrane and TiO2-blended membrane, which may be due to pore blockage or an additional coating layer formed by the nanoparticles. The BSA rejection of the TiO2-coated membrane was lower than that of the commercial pristine PVDF membrane. In contrast, the TiO2-blended membranes showed lower resistance than the pristine PVDF membrane, and exhibited better antifouling performance, superior flux, and comparable BSA rejection. Increasing the TiO2 content of the TiO2-blended membranes (from 1 to 2.5%) resulted in increased antifouling and comparable BSA rejection (more than 95%). However, the effect of TiO2 concentration on flux recovery was negligible.
Correction: Xhaferaj, N.; Ferella, F. Extraction and Recovery of Metals from Spent HDS Catalysts: Lab- and Pilot-Scale Results of the Overall Process. Metals 2022, 12, 2162
Authors: Xhaferaj Nertil , Ferella Francesco
Published: July 2023

The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...]
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Buckling Behavior and Strength of Combined Opening Plate Girders in Passenger Ships
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhou Hong , Lv Zhengda , Ge Xi , Xu Xiao
Published: July 2023

High-stiffener-web combined opening girders used on passenger ships are prone to plastic hinge failures around the opening area and overall instability under combined and vertical loads, exhibiting complex buckling behaviors. In response to such situations, a series of numerical simulations and experiments on combined opening girders were conducted, considering several affecting factors such as opening shapes, initial crack defects, strengthening measures and stiffener web dimensions. On the basis of the verification of the reliability of the numerical method, the load-bearing characteristics of the combined open plate girders were investigated. It is concluded that the lumbar round opening can lead to localized plastic hinge failure phenomena, complicating the buckling behavior. In contrast, the inclusion of stiffeners can significantly improve the load-bearing capacity after the point at which instability occurs in the original specimen. In addition, detailed relationships between deformation trends and external loads are illustrated, which can be used as a reference for the optimal design of combined opening plate girders in actual ship structures.
Ensemble Learning for Breast Cancer Lesion Classification: A Pilot Validation Using Correlated Spectroscopic Imaging and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging
Authors: Joy Ajin , Lin Marlene , Joines Melissa , Saucedo Andres , Lee-Felker Stephanie , Baker Jennifer , Chien Aichi , Emir Uzay , Macey Paul M. , Thomas M. Albert
Published: July 2023

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the application of individual and ensemble machine learning models to classify malignant and benign breast masses using features from two-dimensional (2D) correlated spectroscopy spectra extracted from five-dimensional echo-planar correlated spectroscopic imaging (5D EP-COSI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Twenty-four different metabolite and lipid ratios with respect to diagonal fat peaks (1.4 ppm, 5.4 ppm) from 2D spectra, and water and fat peaks (4.7 ppm, 1.4 ppm) from one-dimensional non-water-suppressed (NWS) spectra were used as the features. Additionally, water fraction, fat fraction and water-to-fat ratios from NWS spectra and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) from DWI were included. The nine most important features were identified using recursive feature elimination, sequential forward selection and correlation analysis. XGBoost (AUC: 93.0%, Accuracy: 85.7%, F1-score: 88.9%, Precision: 88.2%, Sensitivity: 90.4%, Specificity: 84.6%) and GradientBoost (AUC: 94.3%, Accuracy: 89.3%, F1-score: 90.7%, Precision: 87.9%, Sensitivity: 94.2%, Specificity: 83.4%) were the best-performing models. Conventional biomarkers like choline, myo-Inositol, and glycine were statistically significant predictors. Key features contributing to the classification were ADC, 2D diagonal peaks at 0.9 ppm, 2.1 ppm, 3.5 ppm, and 5.4 ppm, cross peaks between 1.4 and 0.9 ppm, 4.3 and 4.1 ppm, 2.3 and 1.6 ppm, and the triglyceryl–fat cross peak. The results highlight the contribution of the 2D spectral peaks to the model, and they demonstrate the potential of 5D EP-COSI for early breast cancer detection.
Low-Profile Millimeter-Wave Metasurface-Based Antenna with Enhanced Bandwidth
Authors: Han Ke , Yan Yuchu , Yan Ze , Wang Chongwei
Published: July 2023

A millimeter-wave broadband metasurface-based antenna with a low profile is proposed. In order to guide the mode excitation, the characteristic mode analysis (CMA) is used for the design and optimization of the proposed antenna. Four sets of coplanar patches with different dimensions on a thin printed circuit board are used to generate four adjacent broadside modes, which are directly fed by a coaxial probe. Then, to expand low-frequency bandwidth, a new resonant mode is introduced by etching slots on the parasite patch. Meanwhile, the extra mode introduced does not significantly change the radiation performance of the original modes. Moreover, dual slots are etched on the mid patch fed by the coaxial probe, which moves the orthogonal modes of the chosen modes out of the operating band to reduce cross-polarization levels. The proposed antenna realized 25.02 % (30–38.58 GHz) impedance bandwidth with dimensions of 1.423×1.423×0.029λ0 3 (λ0 is the wavelength at 34 GHz in free space), and the realized gain in the band is 8.35–11.3 dB.
Evidence of Brucellosis in Hospitalized Patients of Selected Districts of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Azam Amna , Pall Shahid Saleem , Khan Iahtasham , Ahmad Waqas , Jamil Tariq , Rehman Abdul , Imran Muhammad , Shehzad Wasim , Melzer Falk , Qamar Muhammad Fiaz , El-Adawy Hosny
Published: July 2023

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis worldwide and a potential health risk in Pakistan due to socio-economic reasons and lack of awareness, veterinary health and modern dairy-processing facilities. The aim of this study was to determine the burden of brucellosis in hospitalized patients of selected districts of Punjab, Pakistan. To this end, a total of 280 serum samples were collected from suspected patients in districts Lahore, Okara and Khushab between 2016 and 2018. Anti-Brucella antibodies were detected in 89 (31.8%) sera by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and Brucella abortus DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 42 (15%) samples. In univariable analysis, the seroprevalence varied significantly (p < 0.05) between districts with Lahore indicating 41/101 (40.6%) Odds ratio (OR) = 53.98 (7.22–403.67; 95% CI), Okara 47/99 (47.5%) OR = 71.4 (9.55–533.65; 95% CI) and Khushab 1/80 (1.3%) as reference. Similarly, exposure to aborted materials and a history of blood transfusion did associate significantly (p < 0.05), posing OR = 2.91 (1.58–5.36; 95% CI) and OR = 4.48 (2.56–7.84; 95% CI) risk. However, consumption of raw milk and history of blood transfusion did associate significantly (p < 0.05) in multivariable analysis indicating OR = 1.91 (1.09–3.34; 95% CI) and OR = 4.92 (2.76–8.75; 95% CI), respectively. The association of history of blood transfusion as a brucellosis risk factor underscores the need to create brucellosis awareness programs both at public and institutional levels in the medical and veterinary fields, as well as facilities and capacity building to delve deeper into the epidemiology of brucellosis in the country. Particular attention should be paid to chronically infected patients. Therefore, laboratory modernization, standardization and validation of the diagnostic tests, and staff trainings are required. Finally, pasteurization of the milk is recommended before consumption.
Doping Silica Fume Enhances the Mechanical Strength of Slag/Fly Ash Geopolymer Paste under Frost Attack
Authors: Wang Sen , Liang Yuqing , Mo Duosi , Zhang Chonghui , Xue Jiwei , Song Xuewen , Wang Yachao
Published: July 2023

Benign design of alkali-activated slag/FA geopolymer paste has attracted increasing attention for optimizing its service performance. Therefore, the replacement of fly ash (FA) with 10 wt% silica fume (SF) is investigated by mechanical strength after freeze–thawing cycles and microstructure characterization. The results show that an appropriate dosage (30 wt%) of slag is necessary to prepare heat-free curing alkali-activated slag/FA geopolymer paste with excellent mechanical performance. The SF/slag/FA (SF:slag:FA = 10:30:60, wt%) geopolymer paste exerts an enhanced compressive and flexural strength of 95.2 and 3.2 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the doped 10 wt% SF facilitates the propagation of (N, C)-A-S-H chains, rather than the formation of C-S-H gels. It is evidenced by the absent exothermic peak at about 861 °C from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves. The pores volume and tortuosity also rise for the pore diameter < 20 nm from mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP) results, corresponding to an improved freezing–thawing resistance with the residual compressive strength of 52.8 MPa and the weight loss of 10.5% after 300 freeze–thawing cycles. It explores a cost-effective and benign facile approach to designing heat-free curing alkali-activated slag/FA geopolymer paste with good freezing–thawing resistance.
REE Geochemical Characteristics of the Huri Karst-Type Bauxite Deposit, Irano–Himalayan Belt, Northwestern Iran
Authors: Abedini Ali , Khosravi Maryam
Published: July 2023

The Huri bauxite deposit is located 40 km northwest of Maragheh City, East Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran. Bauxite horizons at Huri develop within karstic depressions and sinkholes of carbonate footwalls of the Ruteh Formation, overlain by carbonate of the Elika Formation. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscope, coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analyses show that the Huri bauxite ores consist of hematite, diaspore, kaolinite, and lesser amounts of halloysite, pyrophyllite, illite, goethite, clinochlore, amesite, rutile, zircon, and monazite. Based on geochemical studies (Eu/Eu* vs. Sm/Nd and U/Th bivariate diagrams), basalt rocks interbedded in limestone of the Ruteh Formation are the possible precursor rocks of the Huri bauxite deposit. The pH variations of weathering solutions, fluctuations in the groundwater table level, the function of carbonate bedrock as a geochemical barrier, simultaneous precipitation of Fe-bearing minerals, and preferential scavenging of light rare earth elements (LREE) by hematite played an important role in the fractionation of LREE from heavy rare earth elements (HREE) in the Huri bauxite ores. Fluctuations in groundwater table level, increasing pH of acidic solutions percolating downward, preferential adsorption of Ce onto hematite at the base of the profile, and the possible presence of Ce-bearing fluorocarbonates played an important role in increasing Ce anomaly from the top of the profile downward.
Fabrication of Composite Gel Electrolyte and F-Doping Carbon/Silica Anode from Electro-Spun P(VDF-HFP)/Silica Composite Nanofiber Film for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Caiyuan , Fang Xin , Peng Hui , Li Yi , Yang Yonggang
Published: July 2023

The aim of this work is to effectively combine the advantages of polymer and ceramic nanoparticles and improve the comprehensive performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) diaphragm. A flexible film composed of electro-spun P(VDF-HFP) nanofibers covered by a layer of mesoporous silica (P(VDF-HFP)@SiO2) was synthesized via a sol–gel transcription method, then used as a scaffold to absorb organic electrolyte to make gel a electrolyte membrane (P(VDF-HFP)@SiO2-GE) for LIBs. The P(VDF-HFP)@SiO2-GE presents high electrolyte uptake (~1000 wt%), thermal stability (up to ~350 °C), ionic conductivity (~2.6 mS cm−1 at room temperature), and excellent compatibility with an active Li metal anode. Meanwhile, F-doping carbon/silica composite nanofibers (F-C@SiO2) were also produced by carbonizing the P(VDF-HFP)@SiO2 film under Ar and used to make an electrode. The assembled F-C@SiO2|P(VDF-HFP)@SiO2-GE|Li half-cell showed long-cycle stability and a higher discharge specific capacity (340 mAh g−1) than F-C@SiO2|Celgard 2325|Li half-cell (175 mAh g−1) at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 after 300 cycles, indicating a new way for designing and fabricating safer high-performance LIBs.