bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Approach in the Management of Secondary Immunodeficiency in Patients with Hematological Malignancies: Spanish Expert Consensus Recommendations
Authors: Boqué Concepción , Sánchez-Ramón Silvia , Córdoba Raúl , Moreno Carol , Cabezudo Elena
Published: October 2023

A Delphi-based survey was designed to assess the opinions of clinical hematologists (n = 17) and clinical immunologists (n = 18) from across Spain on secondary immunodeficiencies (SID) in the management of oncohematological patients. There was 100% agreement on the need to have available guidelines for the management of immunodeficiency in hematological patients; to perform a baseline immunological evaluation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma (MM), lymphoma and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients; and to quantify serum IgG, IgA and IgM levels when SID is suspected. More than 90% agreed on the need for active immunization against seasonal influenza and H1N1, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae. There was a consensus on the monitoring of IgG levels every 3 months (83%) and the need to have available a clinical protocol for the use of IVIG in the management of SID (94%), to monitor trough IgG levels to determine the correct IVIG dose (86%) and to discontinue IVIG after the recovery of IgG levels after 12 months of follow-up (77%). The findings of the present survey may be useful recommendations for hematologists and immunologists to improve the management of SID in daily practice.
A Data-Driven Method to Discriminate Limb Salvage from Other Combat-Related Extremity Trauma
Authors: Goldman Stephen M. , Eskridge Susan L. , Franco Sarah R. , Souza Jason M. , Tintle Scott M. , Dowd Thomas C. , Alderete Joseph , Potter Benjamin K. , Dearth Christopher L.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to address and enhance our ability to study the clinical outcome of limb salvage (LS), a commonly referenced but ill-defined clinical care pathway, by developing a data-driven approach for the identification of LS cases using existing medical code data to identify characteristic diagnoses and procedures, and to use that information to describe a cohort of US Service members (SMs) for further study. Methods: Diagnosis code families and inpatient procedure codes were compiled and analyzed to identify medical codes that are disparately associated with a LS surrogate population of SMs who underwent secondary amputation within a broader cohort of 3390 SMs with lower extremity trauma (AIS > 1). Subsequently, the identified codes were used to define a cohort of all SMs who underwent lower extremity LS which was compared with the opinion of a panel of military trauma surgeons. Results: The data-driven approach identified a population of n = 2018 SMs who underwent LS, representing 59.5% of the combat-related lower extremity (LE) trauma population. Validation analysis revealed 70% agreement between the data-driven approach and gold standard SME panel for the test cases studied. The Kappa statistic (κ = 0.55) indicates a moderate agreement between the data-driven approach and the expert opinion of the SME panel. The sensitivity and specificity were identified as 55.6% (expert range of 51.8–66.7%) and 87% (expert range of 73.9–91.3%), respectively. Conclusions: This approach for identifying LS cases can be utilized to enable future high-throughput retrospective analyses for studying both short- and long-term outcomes of this underserved patient population.
Perinatal Outcomes in Foetuses with Increased Nuchal Translucency and Normal Karyotype: A Retrospective Cohort Study from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Khair Howaida , Hilary Serene , Al Awar Shamsa , Zareba Kornelia , Maki Sara , Sayed Gehan , Mutare Sharon , El-Hattab Ayman W. , Al Ibrahim Ali Hussein
Published: October 2023

This retrospective case-controlled study analysed the outcome of pregnancies with first-trimester enlarged nuchal translucency (NT) and a normal karyotype. A total of 479 pregnancies with first-trimester NT measurements were grouped as control (370 cases; normal NT) and study (109 cases; enlarged NT, ≥95th percentile; with normal karyotype). Adverse outcomes included miscarriage, intrauterine foetal death, termination of pregnancy, neonatal death, and structural/chromosomal/genetic abnormalities. The study was conducted between June 2016 and June 2022 at the Foetal Maternal Unit of Kanad Hospital, UAE. Overall, the live birth rate in the study group was significantly lower (74.3%) compared to the control (94.1%, p < 0.001). All pregnancy outcomes of this group significantly differed compared to the control. The observed miscarriage level was 9.2% (vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001), intrauterine foetal death was 2.8% (vs. 0%, p = 0.001), spontaneous preterm birthwas 11% (vs. 4.9%, p = 0.020), and termination of pregnancy was 3.7% (vs. 0%, p < 0.001). The presence of foetal abnormalities was also significantly higher in the enlarged NT group at 21% (vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001). Results indicate that enlarged NT is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes even when the karyotype is normal. Based on these results, a comprehensive review of the guidelines for counselling and managing pregnancies with enlarged NT and a normal karyotype is recommended.
Subsyndromal Delirium in Critically Ill Patients—Cognitive and Functional Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Paulino Maria Carolina , Conceição Catarina , Silvestre Joana , Lopes Maria Inês , Gonçalves Hernâni , Dias Cláudia Camila , Serafim Rodrigo , Salluh Jorge I. F. , Póvoa Pedro
Published: October 2023

Subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is associated with an increased morbidity with unknown post-discharge functional and cognitive outcomes. We performed a prospective multicenter study to analyze the mental status of patients during their first 72 h after ICU admission and its trajectory, with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge. Amongst the 106 included patients, SSD occurred in 24.5% (n = 26) and was associated with the duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.003) and the length of the ICU stay (p = 0.002). After the initial 72 h, most of the SSD patients (30.8%) improved and no longer had SSD; 19.2% continued to experience SSD and one patient (3.8%) progressed to delirium. The post-hospital discharge survival rate for the SSD patients was 100% at 3 months and 87.5% at 6 months. At admission, 96.2% of the SSD patients were fully independent in daily living activities, 66.7% at 3-month follow-up, and 100% at 6-month follow-up. Most SSD patients demonstrated a cognitive decline from admission to 3-month follow-up and improved at 6 months (IQCODE-SF: admission 3.13, p < 0.001; 3 months 3.41, p = 0.019; 6 months 3.19, p = 0.194). We concluded that early SSD is associated with worse outcomes, mainly a transitory cognitive decline after hospital discharge at 3 months, with an improvement at 6 months. This highlights the need to prevent and identify this condition during ICU stays.
Ranking Ship Detection Methods Using SAR Images Based on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Niang Abdoul Jelil , Hossain Md Sakaouth , Islam Qamar Ul , Yang Qian , Yin Yuhang
Published: October 2023

We aimed to improve the performance of ship detection methods in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images by utilizing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The maritime industry faces challenges in collecting precise data due to constantly changing sea conditions and weather, which can affect various maritime operations, such as maritime security, rescue missions, and real-time monitoring of water boundaries. To overcome these challenges, we present a survey of AI- and ML-based techniques for ship detection in SAR images that provide a more effective and reliable way to detect and classify ships in a variety of weather conditions, both onshore and offshore. We identified key features frequently used in the existing literature and applied the graph theory matrix approach (GTMA) to rank the available methods. This study’s findings can help users select a quick and efficient ship detection and classification method, improving the accuracy and efficiency of maritime operations. Moreover, the results of this study will contribute to advancing AI- and ML-based techniques for ship detection in SAR images, providing a valuable resource for the maritime industry.
Ecdysteroid UDP-Glucosyltransferase Expression in Beauveria bassiana Increases Its Pathogenicity against Early Instar Silkworm Larvae
Authors: Mao Xueqin , Xing Dongxu , Liu Die , Xu Haoran , Hou Luyu , Lin Ping , Xia Qingyou , Lin Ying , Shen Guanwang
Published: October 2023

Beauveria bassiana (B. bassiana) is a broad-spectrum entomopathogenic fungus that can control pests in agriculture and forestry. In this study, encoding ecdysteroid uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase gene (egt) was successfully screened in B. bassiana on the medium containing 500μg/mL G418 sulfate solution through the protoplast transformation method. This enzyme has the function of 20E (20-hydroxyecdysone) inactivation, thus increasing the mortality of the early instar larvae infected with B. bassiana. In this study, we transformed B. bassiana with the egt gene, which deactivates 20-hydroxyecdysone, a key hormone in insect development. The results showed that transgenic B. bassiana killed more silkworms of the 2nd instar larvae than the wild-type with a shorter LT50 time, which was reduced by approximately 20% (day 1 of the 2nd instar silkworm infection of B. bassiana) and 26.4% (day 2 of the 2nd instar silkworm infection of B. bassiana) compared to the wild-type, and also showed a higher mortality number before molting. The transgenic B. bassiana had a higher coverage of the body surface of silkworms compared to the wild type on the 3rd instar. In summary, improving entomopathogenic fungi using biological methods such as genetic engineering is feasible.
Sustaining Retirement during Lockdown: Annuitized Income and Older American’s Financial Well-Being before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sun Qi , Curnutt Gary
Published: October 2023

The landscape of employer-sponsored retirement plans in the U.S. has changed dramatically during the past few decades as more and more private-sector employers have decided to freeze or terminate traditional pension plans. Defined contribution (DC) plans became the primary choice or the only choice for employees to participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans. In the next ten to twenty years, the income from pension plans will only count for a third of the total retirement income for GenXers when compared to their baby boomer counterparts. It is important for research to provide evidence on how the change in retirement income resources impacts retirees’ retirement security and financial wellness. Using Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines the association between annuitized income and various measures of older Americans’ financial well-being over time, particularly during the pandemic. This study finds that receiving annuitized income has a statistically significant relationship with reduced subjective financial well-being for both measurements, while only one of the measures of objective well-being, having liquid assets greater than the median household income, has a statistically significant positive relationship with receiving annuitized income.
Family Farmers in Short and Long Marketing Channels: Lessons for Rural Development in Goiás, Brazil
Authors: Verano Thiago de Carvalho , Neto Carlos de Melo e Silva , Medina Gabriel da Silva
Published: October 2023

Background: Family farmers’ access to markets is key for rural development. This study seeks to assess to what extent short and long marketing channels promote or inhibit the commercial inclusion of family farmers. Methods: The research was conducted in the Brazilian state of Goiás through questionnaires and interviews with rural outreach agents and family farmers’ leaders. Results: The results reveal that 31.28% of sampled farmers are not included in any marketing channel. High inclusion rates in long channels (such as commodity markets) are related to high inclusion rates in short channels (such as farmers’ markets), with some regions having greater availability of marketing channels than other regions. Conclusions: The high participation of family farmers in long channels linked to the cattle supply chain and agricultural commodities is related to the low participation of this category in other channels. Such results provide lessons for public policies by demonstrating the need to encourage a greater diversity of both short and long channels to greater marketing opportunities for family farmers.
Development of Accelerated Test Method to Evaluate the Long-Term Thermal Performance of Fumed-Silica Vacuum Insulation Panels Using Accelerated Conditions
Authors: Bae Minjung , Kim Sunsook , Kang Jaesik
Published: October 2023

International standards for vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) include an accelerated test method and a minimum quality standard for evaluating their long-term thermal performance after 25 years. The accelerated test method consists of various tests according to the characteristics of the core material and requires six months (180 days) at minimum. Herein, we propose an accelerated method for determining the long-term thermal performance of fumed-silica VIPs by shortening the required time and simplifying the procedure. Highly accelerated conditions (80 °C and 70% Relative humidity (RH)) were set for the evaluation method, using the maximum temperature (80 °C) cited in international standards and compared with the accelerated test method under accelerated conditions (50 °C and 70% RH). The inner-pressure increase rate of the VIP samples after conditioning for approximately 70 days was similar to that after conditioning for 180 days under highly accelerated and accelerated conditions, respectively. In addition, the estimated long-term thermal conductivities of the fumed-silica VIP were derived as 0.0076 and 0.0054 W/m·K under highly accelerated and accelerated conditions, respectively. These accelerated methods can be used to produce fumed-silica VIPs with similar long-term thermal conductivities. Therefore, the accelerated test method for long-term thermal performance using the highly accelerated conditions can be evaluated using a test that involves conditioning the sample for approximately 70 days under 80 °C and 70% RH.
Carbon-Based Composites with Mixed Phosphate-Pyrophosphates with Improved Electrochemical Performance at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Harizanova Sonya , Tushev Trajche , Koleva Violeta , Stoyanova Radostina
Published: October 2023

Sodium iron phosphate-pyrophosphate, Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP) emerges as an excellent cathode material for sodium-ion batteries. Because of lower electronic conductivity, its electrochemical performance depends drastically on the synthesis method. Herein, we provide a simple and unified method for synthesis of composites between NFPP and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and standard carbon black, designed as electrode materials for both sodium- and lithium-ion batteries. The carbon additives affect only the morphology and textural properties of the composites. The performance of composites in sodium and lithium cells is evaluated at elevated temperatures. It is found that NFPP/rGO outperforms NFPP/C in both Na and Li storage due to its hybrid mechanism of energy storage. In sodium half-cells, NFPP/rGO delivers a reversible capacity of 95 mAh/g at 20 °C and 115 mAh/g at 40 °C with a cycling stability of 95% and 88% at a rate of C/2. In lithium half-cells, the capacity reaches a value of 120 mAh/g at 20 and 40 °C, but the cycling stability becomes worse, especially at 40 °C. The electrochemical performance is discussed on the basis of ex situ XRD and microscopic studies. The good Na storage performance of NFPP/rGO at an elevated temperature represents a first step towards its commercialization.
Strong Magneto-Optical Kerr Effects in Ni-Doped ZnO Nanolaminate Structures Obtained by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Galluzzi Armando , Buchkov Krastyo , Blagoev Blagoy S. , Paskaleva Albena , Avramova Ivalina , Mehandhziev Vladimir , Tzvetkov Peter , Terziyska Penka , Kovacheva Daniela , Polichetti Massimiliano
Published: October 2023

The magneto-optical (MO) Kerr effects for ZnO and ZnO:Ni-doped nanolaminate structures prepared using atomic layer deposition (ALD) have been investigated. The chemical composition and corresponding structural and morphological properties were studied using XRD and XPS and compared for both nanostructures. The 2D array gradient maps of microscale variations of the Kerr angle polarization rotation were acquired by means of MO Kerr microscopy. The obtained data revealed complex behavior and broad statistical dispersion and showed distinct qualitative and quantitative differences between the undoped ZnO and ZnO:Ni-doped nanolaminates. The detected magneto-optical response is extensively inhomogeneous in ZnO:Ni films, and a giant Kerr polarization rotation angle reaching up to ~2° was established. This marks the prospects for further development of magneto-optical effects in ALD ZnO modified by transition metal oxide nanostructures.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis as a Promising Tool for the Preparation of Materials Containing Defective Carbon Nanostructures: Implications on Properties and Applications
Authors: Pawelski Damian , Plonska-Brzezinska Marta E.
Published: October 2023

In this review, we focus on a small section of the literature that deals with the materials containing pristine defective carbon nanostructures (CNs) and those incorporated into the larger systems containing carbon atoms, heteroatoms, and inorganic components.. Briefly, we discuss only those topics that focus on structural defects related to introducing perturbation into the surface topology of the ideal lattice structure. The disorder in the crystal structure may vary in character, size, and location, which significantly modifies the physical and chemical properties of CNs or their hybrid combination. We focus mainly on the method using microwave (MW) irradiation, which is a powerful tool for synthesizing and modifying carbon-based solid materials due to its simplicity, the possibility of conducting the reaction in solvents and solid phases, and the presence of components of different chemical natures. Herein, we will emphasize the advantages of synthesis using MW-assisted heating and indicate the influence of the structure of the obtained materials on their physical and chemical properties. It is the first review paper that comprehensively summarizes research in the context of using MW-assisted heating to modify the structure of CNs, paying attention to its remarkable universality and simplicity. In the final part, we emphasize the role of MW-assisted heating in creating defects in CNs and the implications in designing their properties and applications. The presented review is a valuable source summarizing the achievements of scientists in this area of research.
Elasticity and Characteristic Stress Thresholds of Shale under Deep In Situ Geological Conditions
Authors: Nie Xiaofang , Fan Zidong , Zhou Qin , Yao Zilong , Zhu Zheming , Ren Li
Published: October 2023

The mechanical properties of shale are generally influenced by in situ geological conditions. However, the understanding of the effects of in situ geological conditions on the mechanical properties of shale is still immature. To address this problem, this paper provides insight into the elasticity and characteristic stress thresholds (i.e., the crack closure stress σcc, crack initiation stress σci, and crack damage stress σcd) of shales with differently oriented bedding planes under deep in situ geological conditions. To accurately determine the elastic parameters and crack closure and initiation thresholds, a new method—i.e., the bidirectional iterative approximation (BIA) method—which iteratively approaches the upper and lower limit stresses of the linear elastic stress-strain regime, was proposed. Several triaxial compression experiments were performed on Longmaxi shale samples under coupled in situ stress and temperature conditions reflecting depths of 2000 and 4000 m in the study area. The results showed that the peak deviatoric stress (σp) of shale samples with the same bedding plane orientation increases as depth increases from 2000 m to 4000 m. In addition, the elastic modulus of the shale studied is more influenced by bedding plane orientation than by burial depth. However, the Poisson’s ratios of the studied shale samples are very similar, indicating that for the studied depth conditions, the Poisson’s ratio is not influenced by the geological conditions and bedding plane orientation. For the shale samples with the two typical bedding plane orientations tested (i.e., perpendicular and parallel to the axial loading direction) under 2000 and 4000 m geological conditions, the ratio of crack closure stress to peak deviatoric stress (σcc/σp) ranges from 24.83% to 25.16%, and the ratio of crack initiation stress to peak deviatoric stress (σci/σp) ranges from 34.78% to 38.23%, indicating that the σcc/σp and σci/σp ratios do not change much, and are less affected by the bedding plane orientation and depth conditions studied. Furthermore, as the in situ depth increases from 2000 m to 4000 m, the increase in σcd is significantly greater than that of σcc and σci, indicating that σcd is more sensitive to changes in depth, and that the increase in depth has an obvious inhibitory effect on crack extension. The expected experimental results will provide the background for further constitutive modeling and numerical analysis of the shale gas reservoirs.
An Analysis of the Vibration Transmission Properties of Assemblies Using Honeycomb Paperboard and Expanded Polyethylene
Authors: Xing Yueqing , Sun Deqiang , Deng Zelong
Published: October 2023

In the process of logistics, shock and vibration are the most important factors contributing to product damage. Assembling honeycomb paperboard and EPE is commonly used to provide cushioning and anti-vibration effects to materials. Therefore, it is necessary to study the vibration transmission properties of this kind of assembly in the anti-vibration process. The aim of this paper was to experimentally determine the vibration transmission properties of assemblies with honeycomb paperboard and expanded polyethylene (EPE). Through a sinusoidal sweep vibration test of this assembly, the vibration transmission characteristic curves of assemblies with honeycomb paperboard and EPE of different thicknesses were obtained and compared. Assuming the assembly and mass block as a single degree of freedom with a small damping linear system, the damping energy dissipation of the assembly and the resonance frequency were obtained. The vibration transmission property curves of the assembly can be divided into four regions. With an excitation acceleration of 0.5 g and a honeycomb paperboard with a thickness of 60 mm (F60), the vibration transmission rate and the resonance frequency—of the material dampened with EPE at a thickness of 60 mm (E60), and the assembly (F30/E30) with a 30 mm thick honeycomb paperboard and 30 mm thick EPE—increased by −2.5% and −17.5%, −86.9% and 79.3%, and −95.9% and −85.7%, respectively. Compared to the assembly with 20 mm thick honeycomb and 20 mm thick EPE (F20/E20), the vibration transmission rate, the resonance frequency, and the material damping and damping energy dissipation of F40/E20, F30/E30, and F20/E40 increased by 75.6%, 48.3%, and 66.1%; 1.2%, −21.5%, and −38.9%; 241.5%, 82.8%, and 13.3%; and 12.5%, 98.9%, and 106.8%, respectively. Compared to F60 and E60, the damping energy dissipation of F30/E30 increased by 2816.7% and 133.3%, respectively. The assembly of F30/E30 has the smallest vibration transmission rate and the most vibration energy dissipation among these assemblies. This means that the assembly of F30/E30 absorbs the most external vibration energy, while the acceleration that is transmitted to the internal product is minimal. Therefore, in the design of cushioning packaging, according to the characteristics and natural frequency of the internal products, an appropriate assembly can be selected, which should have a lower vibration transmission rate and more vibration energy dissipation, and should not resonate with the internal product. This will provide a theoretical basis for the design of cushioning packaging.
Tangent Bundles Endowed with Quarter-Symmetric Non-Metric Connection (QSNMC) in a Lorentzian Para-Sasakian Manifold
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Colney Lalnunenga , Shenawy Samesh , Bin Turki Nasser
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the present paper is to study the complete lifts of a QSNMC from an LP-Sasakian manifold to its tangent bundle. The lifts of the curvature tensor, Ricci tensor, projective Ricci tensor, and lifts of Einstein manifold endowed with QSNMC in an LP-Sasakian manifold to its tangent bundle are investigated. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the lifts of the Ricci tensor to be symmetric and skew-symmetric and the lifts of the projective Ricci tensor to be skew-symmetric in the tangent bundle are given. An example of complete lifts of four-dimensional LP-Sasakian manifolds in the tangent bundle is shown.
The Effect of Arthrocentesis Treatment for Maximum Mouth Opening and Pain in Temporomandibular Joint Diseases and the Effect of Splint, Drug, and Physical Therapy on This Treatment
Authors: Demir Mehmet Gökhan
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases involving the temporomandibular joint complex and the surrounding muscle and osseous structure. TMD can be classified as intra-articular or extra-articular. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of arthrocentesis in terms of maximum mouth opening (MMO) and pain in patients with TMD of intra-articular origin. In addition to this treatment, the effects of factors such as splints, medication, and physical therapy on arthrocentesis were examined. Material and methods: This retrospectively designed study was conducted with 79 patients who had previously undergone arthrocentesis. These patients were divided into three groups according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorder: disc displacement (DD) with locking (Group 1), DD without locking (Group 2), and degenerative joint diseases (Group 3) groups. The maximum mouth opening (MMO) and visual analog score (VAS) values of the groups were recorded before arthrocentesis (Baseline: T0), on the third day after arthrocentesis (T1), and at the sixth month (T2) after arthrocentesis. Information about whether the patients received concurrent medical treatment, splint treatment, and physical therapy was also recorded. These data were compared between groups. Results: It was observed that the VAS scores in all three groups decreased from T1 compared to T0 (p < 0.05). Likewise, the MMO value increased in all groups at T1 compared to T0. (p < 0.05). It was observed that splint treatment, pain killer and muscle relaxant treatment, and physical therapy made no additional contribution to arthrocentesis in terms of reducing pain or increasing MMO value (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Arthrocentesis was observed to be effective in terms of pain and function in TMJ patients in this study. It was observed that splint therapy, physical therapy, and medical therapy made no additional contribution to arthrocentesis in terms of MMO or pain.
Optimally Controlled Diabetes and Its Influence on Neonatal Outcomes at a Level II Center: A Study on Infants Born to Diabetic Mothers
Authors: Muntean Mihai , Prelipcean Irina , Racean Maria-Andreea , Cucerea Manuela , Fagarasan Amalia , David Carmen Tamara , Marginean Claudiu , Suciu Laura Mihaela
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: We investigated the effect of optimal maternal glycemic control on neonatal outcomes among infants born to mothers with diabetes. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, we assessed 88 eligible mothers admitted to the obstetrics department for pregnancy evaluation. Our analysis included 46 infants born to diabetic mothers (IDMs) and 138 infants born to unaffected mothers, all admitted to the Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Results: Mothers affected by diabetes were generally older and exhibited a higher body mass index (BMI) and a greater number of gestations, although parity did not differ significantly. Cesarean section emerged as the most frequently chosen mode of delivery. A significantly higher proportion of infants in the affected group presented with respiratory disease (3% vs. 19.5%), which required NICU admission (4.3% vs. 23.9%), phototherapy (18.1% vs. 43.5%), and had congenital heart defects or myocardial hypertrophy (15.2% and 26% vs. 3% and 4.3%) compared to matched controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study underscores the persistence of adverse neonatal outcomes in IDMs, even when maternal glycemic control is optimized. It calls for further investigation into potential interventions and strategies aimed at enhancing neonatal outcomes in this population.
Gastritis Cystica Profunda: A Rare Disease, a Challenging Diagnosis, and an Uncertain Malignant Potential: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: De Stefano Francesca , Graziano Giorgio M. P. , Viganò Jacopo , Mauro Aurelio , Peloso Andrea , Peverada Jacopo , Fellegara Raffaele , Vanoli Alessandro , Faillace Giuseppe G. , Ansaloni Luca
Published: October 2023

Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) has been defined as a rare submucosal benign gastric lesion with cystic gland growth. Due to its unclear etiopathogenesis, this lesion is often misdiagnosed and mistaken for other gastric masses. Currently, a standardized treatment for GCP lesions is still missing. Here, we illustrate a case of a patient admitted to our general surgery department for melena and general discomfort. No history of peptic ulcer or gastric surgery was present. Upper GI endoscopy was performed, showing a distal gastric lesion with a small ulceration on the top. CT-scan and endoscopic ultrasound confirmed the presence of the lesion, compatible with a gastric stromal tumor, without showing any eventual metastasis. Surgical gastric resection was performed. Histological findings were diagnostic for GCP, with cistically ectasic submucosal glands, chronic inflammation, eosinophilic infiltration and foveal hyperplasia. GCP is a very exceptional cause of upper-GI bleeding with specific histological features. Its diagnosis as well as its therapy are challenging, resulting in several pitfalls. Even though it is a rare entity, GCP should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric submucosal lesions.
The Structural and Mechanical Properties of CrAlTiN-Si Nanostructured Coatings Deposited by the Means of High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Ordóñez Jiménez Andrés Felipe , Vanegas Henry Samir , Moreno Carlos Mauricio , Olaya Jhon Jairo , Pineda Yaneth
Published: October 2023

CrAlTiN-Si coatings have demonstrated their ability to prolong the operational life and improve the performance of cutting tools, primarily attributable to their exceptional mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties. Consequently, this investigation focused on the deposition of CrAlTiN-Si coatings utilizing the high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) technique. The chemical composition, morphology, and microstructure of these coatings, as well as their mechanical and tribological properties, were investigated. The obtained results revealed that the incorporation of silicon into the CrAlTiN matrix significantly influenced the chemical composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the coatings. Specifically, silicon contents ranging from 0 to 1.0 at.% led to the formation of a face-centered cubic (fcc) solid solution within the coatings, resulting in a reduction in the lattice parameter from 0.412 nm to 0.409 nm. However, when the silicon content reached 1.9 at.%, a nanocomposite phase comprising an fcc solid solution of CrAlTiSiN and an amorphous phase of SiNx was observed, along with an increase in the lattice parameter from 0.409 nm to 0.413 nm. An XPS analysis confirmed the presence of oxides in all the coatings, but only the sample with a silicon content of 1.9 at.% showed the presence of Si-N bonds. Furthermore, all the coatings exhibited a distinctive cauliflower-type morphology. The nano-hardness testing demonstrated that the incorporation of silicon resulted in coatings with high nano-hardness values, from 20.0 GPa for the sample without silicon to 22.2 GPa when the silicon content was 1.9 at.%. Moreover, as the Si content increased, the presence of silicon contributed to enhancements in the toughness and fracture resistance of the coating.
Influence of the Geometrical Aspect Ratio on the Magneto-Structural Properties of Co2MnSi Microwires
Authors: Wederni Asma , Salaheldeen Mohamed , Ipatov Mihail , Zhukova Valentina , Zhukov Arcady
Published: October 2023

This present study illustrates the strong effect of geometrical parameters on the magneto-structural properties of Co2MnSi glass-coated microwires prepared using the Taylor–Ulitovsky method. Thus, there are three samples with different geometrical aspect ratios (ρ). The XRD analysis shows a significant change by modifying the aspect ratio; for ρ = 0.42, the main peak with miller indices (220) is recognized as an A2-type disordered cubic structure. For the sample with ρ = 0.46, mixed L21 and B2 cubic structures are observed. Meanwhile, in the sample with a low aspect ratio, ρ = 0.30, the perfect L21 ordered cubic structure is attained. Magnetic characterization has been carried out at a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields. A significant increase in coercivity and normalized reduced remanence by decreasing the aspect ratio is detected. The change in the magnetic properties is attributed to the modification in the microstructure, which is induced during the fabrication process. Such a dependence on the microstructure and magnetic properties on the ρ-ratio can be associated either with the internal stress distribution and magnitude or with different quenching rates of microwires with different aspect ratios. The current findings demonstrate the tunability of the microstructure and magnetic properties of Co2MnSi-glass-coated microwires simply via a small modification in the geometric properties during the manufacturing process and without excreting any additional post-processing. The variation in the geometric parameters of Co2MnSi glass-coated microwires allows us to tune the magnetic properties and structure, which is essentially advantageous for sensing device development.
A Planar-Type Micro-Biopsy Tool for a Capsule-Type Endoscope Using a One-Step Nickel Electroplating Process
Authors: Moon Sangjun
Published: October 2023

Millimeter-scale biopsy tools combined with an endoscope instrument have been widely used for minimal invasive surgery and medical diagnosis. Recently, a capsule-type endoscope was developed, which requires micromachining to fabricate micro-scale biopsy tools that have a sharp tip and other complex features, e.g., nanometer-scale end-tip sharpness and a complex scalpel design. However, conventional machining approaches are not cost-effective for mass production and cannot fabricate the micrometer-scale features needed for biopsy tools. Here, we demonstrate an electroplated nickel micro-biopsy tool which features a planar shape and is suitable to be equipped with a capsule-type endoscope. Planar-type micro-biopsy tools are designed, fabricated, and evaluated through in vitro tissue dissection experiments. Various micro-biopsy tools with a long shaft and sharp tip can be easily fabricated using a thick photoresist (SU8) mold via a simple one-step lithography and nickel electroplating process. The characteristics of various micro-biopsy tool design features, including a tip taper angle, different tool geometries, and a cutting scalpel, are evaluated for efficient tissue extraction from mice intestine. These fabricated biopsy tools have shown appropriate strength and sharpness with a sufficient amount of tissue extraction for clinical applications, e.g., cancer tissue biopsy. These micro-scale biopsy tools could be easily integrated with a capsule-type endoscope and conventional forceps.
Design of Single-Mode Single-Polarization Large-Mode-Area Multicore Fibers
Authors: Rashidi Kamyar , Fathi Davood , Maleki Javad , Taleb Hussein , Mirjalili Seyed Mohammad , Abbott Derek
Published: October 2023

In laser science and industry, considerable effort is directed toward designing fibers for fiber laser and fiber amplifier applications, each of which offers a particular advantage over the others. Evanescently coupled multicore fibers, however, have been studied less extensively due to the relatively small mode area in the single-mode regime. Here, by proposing a new structure with stress-applying parts in a 37-core fiber and optimizing this structure through a comprehensive framework, we present 21 solutions characterized by large-mode-area and high beam quality in the single-mode, single-polarization regime. Different fiber designs are optimal for different output parameters. In one design, the mode area can significantly increase to above 880 μm2, which is comparable with that of photonic-crystal fibers. Moreover, besides the single-mode operation, the beam quality factor (M2 factor) of the fundamental mode is considered an output parameter in the bent state and is improved up to 1.05 in another design. A comprehensive tolerance analysis is then performed to assess the performance of the designs under deviations from normal conditions. Moreover, in spite of the shifts in the loss of modes, the proposed high beam quality LMA fibers maintain single-polarization, single-mode operation across a wide range of core pitches, bending orientation angles, and bending radius deviations. Our results highlight the potential of multicore fibers for the efficient operation of fiber lasers and amplifiers.
Vaccination of White-Tailed Deer with Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG): Effect of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis Infection
Authors: Palmer Mitchell V. , Kanipe Carly , Lehman Kimberly A. , Thacker Tyler C. , Putz Ellie J. , Boggiatto Paola M.
Published: October 2023

In many parts of the world, bovine tuberculosis eradication efforts are hampered by wildlife reservoirs of Mycobacterium bovis, which serve as a constant source of M. bovis for nearby cattle. The human tuberculosis vaccine, M. bovis BCG has been investigated for use in several wildlife species, including deer. In the US, white-tailed deer in Michigan have been the source of infection for over 82 cattle herds since M. bovis was discovered in free-ranging deer in 1995. The efficacy of BCG may be influenced by many factors, including prior exposure or infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria, that is, species other than members of the M. tuberculosis complex. M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) infection is not uncommon in ruminants such as deer. Using natural exposure to Map and experimental infection with M. bovis, we demonstrate that Map infection increased BCG vaccine efficacy as measured by lesion severity scores.
The Late Carboniferous Mafic–Ultramafic Complex Induced by Slab Breakoff in Eastern North Tianshan, Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Gao Feng , Cheng Yuanfeng , Guo Ruiqing , Liu Xiaoqiang , Liu Zengxin
Published: October 2023

The Late Carboniferous to Early Permian is a critical period of the Chinese Tianshan, witnessing the tectonic transition from subduction to post-collisional extension during the final amalgamation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The late Carboniferous Mozbaysay mafic–ultramafic complex in the Qijiaojing–Balikun area, eastern North Tianshan, provides important clues for revealing the nature and timing of this tectonic transition. The Mozbaysay complex comprises mainly hornblende gabbros and lherzolites. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon ages of hornblende gabbro yielded a weighted mean age of 306 ± 1.9 Ma for this complex. These mafic–ultramafic rocks have high contents of MgO (up to 30 wt.%), Cr (up to 2493 ppm), and Ni (up to 1041 ppm), but low contents of SiO2 (40.34–47.70 wt.%). They are enriched in LREE and show characteristics of enriched mid-ocean ridge basalts (E-MORB). The relatively high Th/Yb and Ba/Nb ratios imply the mantle sources could have been metasomatized by slab–mantle interaction with aqueous fluids from dehydration of the subducted slab. Thus, these mafic–ultramafic rocks were most likely produced by partial melting of the asthenospheric and lithospheric mantle with a slight influence of slab-derived fluids. Therefore, we suggest that the formation of these Late Carboniferous mafic–ultramafic rocks was triggered by the decompression-induced influx of asthenospheric heat and melting through a slab window during post-collisional slab breakoff. Combined with geological data, the petrogenetic links of the Late Carboniferous mafic–ultramafic rocks in eastern North Tianshan to slab breakoff suggest that the tectonic transition from convergence to post-collision most likely initiated in situ at ca. 306 Ma and lasted to ca. 300 Ma.
Viability of Bauxite Deposits from Catalonia (Spain) for Ceramic Applications
Authors: Martínez Arnau , Garcia-Valles Maite , Alfonso Pura
Published: October 2023

This study provides a characterization of materials from wastes and outcrops of two inactive bauxite mines located close to Sant Joan de Mediona and Peramola, Spain. Mineralogy was determined via powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal properties were measured via differential thermal analysis–thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) and gresification tests. The crystalline phases are medium-high crystalline kaolinite and variable amounts of illite, quartz, calcite, boehmite, hematite and rutile/anatase. DTA show two endothermic peaks produced by the dehydroxylation of minerals: the first peak, at 530–538 °C, belongs to boehmite; the second peak, at 535–568 °C, corresponds to kaolinite. An exothermic peak at 950–978 °C is associated with mullite crystallization. The optimal sintering temperatures obtained from the gresification curves (firing shrinkage and water absorption) were 970 °C for carbonate-poor, illite-rich clays; 1100 °C for illite- and carbonate-poor samples; and near 1190 °C for carbonate-rich materials. The carbonate-poor samples fired at 1300 °C contain sillimanite and mullite, and the carbonate-rich materials are rich in gehlenite, anorthite, and hedenbergite. The mineralogy of these materials is sufficient to obtain ceramic materials with suitable properties, but not their low plasticity. They could be used in the formulation of bricks or as part of mixtures to produce refractory ceramics.
Novel Fluoroquinolones with Possible Antibacterial Activity in Gram-Negative Resistant Pathogens: In Silico Drug Discovery
Authors: Coba-Males Manuel Alejandro , Lavecchia Martin J. , Alcívar-León Christian David , Santamaría-Aguirre Javier
Published: October 2023

Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to public health, and the search for new antibacterial therapies is a current research priority. The aim of this in silico study was to test nine new fluoroquinolones previously designed with potential leishmanicidal activity against Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi, all of which are considered by the World Health Organization to resistant pathogens of global concern, through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using wild-type (WT) and mutant-type (MT) DNA gyrases as biological targets. Our results showed that compound 9FQ had the best binding energy with the active site of E. coli in both molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Compound 9FQ interacted with residues of quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) in GyrA and GyrB chains, which are important to enzyme activity and through which it could block DNA replication. In addition to compound 9FQ, compound 1FQ also showed a good affinity for DNA gyrase. Thus, these newly designed molecules could have antibacterial activity against Gram-negative microorganisms. These findings represent a promising starting point for further investigation through in vitro assays, which can validate the hypothesis and potentially facilitate the development of novel antibiotic drugs.
Integrating In Vitro and In Silico Approaches to Assess Monotheca buxifolia Plant Extract against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Sarcoptes scabiei
Authors: Khan Afshan , Taj Salman , Malak Nosheen , Swelum Ayman A. , Khan Adil , Nasreen Nasreen , Niaz Sadaf , Wu Wen-Feng
Published: October 2023

Tick and mite infestations pose significant challenges to animal health, agriculture, and public health worldwide. The search for effective and environmentally friendly acaricidal agents has led researchers to explore natural alternatives. In this study, we investigated the acaricidal potential of the Monotheca buxifolia plant extract against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Additionally, we employed a computational approach to identify phytochemicals from the extract that could serve as drug candidates against these ectoparasites. The contact bioassay results demonstrated that the M. buxifolia plant extract exhibited significant efficacy against R. microplus and S. scabiei, with higher concentrations outperforming the positive control acaricide permethrin in terms of mite mortality. Time exposure to the extract also showed a positive correlation with better lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values. Similarly, the adult immersion test revealed a notable inhibition of tick oviposition via the plant extract, especially at higher concentrations. The two-protein primary structure, secondary structure and stability were predicted using the Expasy’s ProtParam server, SOPMA and SUSUI server, respectively. Using Homology modeling, the 3D structure of the protein was obtained and validated through the ERRAT server, and active sites were determined through the CASTp server. The docking analysis revealed that Alpha-Amyrenyl acetate and alpha-Tocopherol exhibited the highest docking scores for S. scabiei and R. microplus aspartic protease proteins, respectively. These phytochemicals demonstrated strong binding interactions, suggesting their potential as acaricidal drug candidates. In conclusion, the M. buxifolia plant extract displayed significant acaricidal activity against R. microplus and S. scabiei. Moreover, the computational approach identified promising phytochemicals that could serve as potential drug candidates for controlling these ectoparasites.
A Simple and Fast Method for the Formation and Downstream Processing of Cancer-Cell-Derived 3D Spheroids: An Example Using Nicotine-Treated A549 Lung Cancer 3D Spheres
Authors: Papapostolou Irida , Bochen Florian , Peinelt Christine , Maldifassi Maria Constanza
Published: October 2023

Although 2D in vitro cancer cell cultures have been used for decades as a first line-of-research tool to investigate antitumoral drugs and treatments, their use presents many drawbacks, including the poor resemblance of such cultures to the characteristics of in vivo tumors. To mitigate these drawbacks, 3D culture models have emerged as a more representative alternative. Cancer cells cultured as 3D structures have the advantage of resembling solid tumors in their architecture and in their resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, in part because of restrained drug penetration. Additionally, these 3D structures create a more physiological environment for the study of immune cell invasion and migration, comparable to solid tumors. In this paper, we describe a fast and cost-effective step-by-step protocol for the generation of 3D spheres using ultra-low-attachment (ULA) multiwell plates, which can be incorporated into the normal workflow of any laboratory. Using this protocol, spheroids of different human cancer cell lines can be obtained and can then be characterized on the basis of their morphology, viability, and expression of specific markers.