bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiofrequency Pulmonary Vein Isolation without Esophageal Temperature Monitoring: Contact-Force Characteristics and Incidence of Esophageal Thermal Damage
Authors: Hartl Stefan , auf der Heiden Carsten , Bejinariu Alexandru , Clasen Lukas , Füting Anna , vom Dahl Stephan , Lüdde Tom , Kelm Malte , Makimoto Hisaki
Published: November 2022

Esophageal thermal lesions following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) potentially harbor lethal complications. Radiofrequency (RF)-PVI using contact force-technology can reduce collateral damage. We evaluated the incidence of endoscopically detected esophageal lesions (EDEL) and the contribution of contact force to esophageal lesion formation without esophageal temperature monitoring. One hundred and thirty-one AF patients underwent contact force-guided RF-PVI. Contact force, energy, force-time-integral, and force-power-time-integral were adopted. During PVI at the posterior segment of the wide antral circumferential line, limits were set for energy (30 W), duration (30 s) and contact force (40 g). Ablations were analyzed postero-superior and -inferior around PVs. Endoscopy within 120 h identified EDEL in six patients (4.6%). In EDEL(+), obesity was less frequent (17% vs. 68%, p = 0.018), creatinine was higher (1.55 ± 1.18 vs. 1.07 ± 0.42 mg/dL, p = 0.016), and exclusively at the left postero-inferior site, force-time-integral and force-power-time-integral were greater (2973 ± 3267 vs. 1757 ± 1262 g·s, p = 0.042 and 83,547 ± 105,940 vs. 43,556 ± 35,255 g·J, p = 0.022, respectively) as compared to EDEL(−) patients. No major complications occurred. At 12 months, arrhythmia-free survival was 74%. The incidence of EDEL was low after contact force-guided RF-PVI. Implementing combined contact force-indices on the postero-inferior site of left-sided PVs may reduce EDEL.
Treatment Strategy for Pyoderma Gangrenosum: Skin Grafting with Immunosuppressive Drugs
Authors: Nishimura Mai , Mizutani Kento , Yokota Naho , Goto Hiroyuki , Akeda Tomoko , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Habe Koji , Hayashi Akinobu , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: November 2022

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a relatively rare neutrophilic dermatosis presenting as a rapidly progressive and painful skin ulcer characterized by undermined borders and peripheral erythema. Immunosuppressive therapy is the first-line treatment for PG; however, large ulcers often take months or years to heal. Surgical treatments, such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and skin grafting, are still controversial due to the risk of inducing the pathergy phenomenon and eliciting PG development by traumatic factors. Herein, we report on four cases of PG treated with skin grafting, with or without NPWT, under the control of immunosuppressive drugs at our institution. All cases adapted well, but one case showed recurrence at the periphery of the grafted area five months postoperatively. The current patients were treated with the following doses of oral prednisolone (PSL): PSL 10 mg daily, PSL 5 mg daily + adalimumab 40 mg/week, PSL 12 mg + 6 mg of tacrolimus daily, and PSL 20 mg daily during skin grafting. No severe complications, including infections, were observed. Surgical treatments, such as skin grafting with or without NPWT, may accelerate wound healing, shorten the administration of analgesics and long-term immunosuppressive therapy, and reduce the risk of infection.
Long Term Effectiveness of ESWT in Plantar Fasciitis in Amateur Runners
Authors: Kapusta Joanna , Domżalski Marcin
Published: November 2022

Background: Shock wave therapy is one of the modern methods of treatment used to treat diseases of muscles, tendons, and entheses in orthopedics, as well as in sports medicine. The therapy is increasingly used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis—a disease that is very difficult and burdensome to treat. Where basic conservative treatment for heel spurs fails, the only alternative consists of excision of the bone outgrowth, and shock wave therapy: a modern, minimally invasive, and relatively safe method. The aim of the study was to determine the long-term effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of painful ailments occurring in the course of plantar fasciitis in amateur runners. Materials and methods: The study includes a group of 39 men and women, aged 34–64 (mean age 54.05 ± 8.16), suffering from chronic pain in one or both feet, occurring in the course of plantar fasciitis. The patients had to meet five criteria to qualify for the study. The group was divided into two subgroups: those who had not undergone other physiotherapeutic procedures prior to the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT-alone; 23 people), and those who had received other procedures (ESWT-plus; 16 people). The therapy was performed using extracorporeal shock wave (ESWT). No local anesthesia was used. The effectiveness of the extracorporeal shock wave therapy was evaluated using the visual analogue scale of pain (VAS), Modified Laitinen Pain Index Questionnaire, the AOFAS scale (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society), and a survey questionnaire consisting of 10 questions concerning metrics and subjective assessment of the effects of therapy. The interview was conducted before ESWT, and again five years later. Results: The use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy reduced the intensity and frequency of pain, and improved daily and recreational activity. Moreover, a reduction in the level of pain sensation on the VAS scale and pain symptoms during walking was demonstrated. More favorable results were obtained in the ESWT-plus group; however, the first effects were observed later than in the ESWT-alone group. Conclusions: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is an effective form of therapy for amateur runners. It reduces pain associated with plantar fasciitis that amateur runners may experience at rest, while walking, and during daily and recreational activity.
Novel Potential Therapeutic Targets of PTPN Families for Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Chin-Chou , Shen Wan-Jou , Anuraga Gangga , Khoa Ta Hoang , Xuan Do , Chen Sih-Tong , Shen Chiu-Fan , Jiang Jia-Zhen , Sun Zhengda , Wang Chih-Yang , Wang Wei-Jan
Published: November 2022

Despite the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) having partially improved in recent years, LUAD patients still have poor prognosis rates. Therefore, it is especially important to explore effective biomarkers and exploit novel therapeutic developments. High-throughput technologies are widely used as systematic approaches to explore differences in expressions of thousands of genes for both biological and genomic systems. Recently, using big data analyses in biomedicine research by integrating several high-throughput databases and tools, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), cBioportal, Oncomine, and Kaplan–Meier plotter, is an important strategy to identify novel biomarkers for cancer therapy. Here, we used two different comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and revealed protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type (PTPN) family genes, especially PTPN1 and PTPN22, were downregulated in lung cancer tissue in comparison with normal samples. The survival curves indicated that LUAD patients with high transcription levels of PTPN5 were significantly associated with a good prognosis. Meanwhile, Gene Ontology (GO) and MetaCore analyses indicated that co-expression of the PTPN1, PTPN5, and PTPN21 genes was significantly enriched in cancer development-related pathways, including GTPase activity, regulation of small GTPase-mediated signal transduction, response to mechanical stimuli, vasculogenesis, organ morphogenesis, regulation of stress fiber assembly, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, cell migration, and angiogenesis. Collectively, this study revealed that PTPN family members are both significant prognostic biomarkers for lung cancer progression and promising clinical therapeutic targets, which provide new targets for treating LUAD patients.
Analysis of HR-HPV Infection Concordance Rates in Cervical and Urine Specimens; Proposal of Additional Cervical Screening Process for Women Who Refuse Invasive Cervical Sampling
Authors: Kim Dong Hyeok , Jin Hyunwoo , Lee Kyung Eun
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to provide basic data for the clinical application of urine samples to prevent cervical cancer due to persistent HR-HPV infection in women who refuse invasive cervical sampling. Pairs of cervical swabs and urine samples were collected from 210 asymptomatic women who visited the obstetrics and gynecology department from August to December 2020, and a total of 420 samples were collected. Using the PANA RealTyper™ HPV Screening Kit as a real-time PCR method, paired cervical swabs and random urine samples were tested. A total of 19 samples (9.1%) were both HPV positive and 177 (84.3%) were both negative. The concordance between the two types of samples was 93.3%, with κ = 0.69 (moderate, 95% CI 0.54–0.84). The HPV infection rate by age was highest in both cervical swabs and urine samples in women in their 30s, followed by those in their 20s. Thus, the HPV infection rate was high in young women under 40 at 69.2% in cervical swabs and 61.8% in urine samples. Urine samples are considered a valuable screening test for women who refuse invasive Pap tests to prevent cervical cancer caused by persistent HPV infection.
The Coupling Coordination between the Competitiveness Level and Land Use Efficiency of Green Food Industry in China
Authors: Li Zhongming , Fu Wei , Luo Mingcan , Chen Jiancheng
Published: November 2022

With the development of the green food industry, land conflicts are gradually escalating, and the coordinated development of competitiveness level and land use efficiency is crucial to the green food industry. The competitiveness level of China’s green food industry at the provincial level between 2011 and 2020 was measured by constructing an index system using the entropy method and VlseCriterion Optimisation and Compromise Resolution (VIKOR) method, and then the land use efficiency was evaluated using the super efficiency Slacks-based Measurement (SBM) model, and the coupling coordination degree was analyzed using the coupling coordination model based on the results of both measurements. The results showed that the competitiveness level of the green food industry was “high in the west and low in the east”; most provinces and cities were with the middle competitiveness level. Land use efficiency generally showed a trend of rising and then falling and leveling off, and the average value of the three regions was ranked as eastern (1.13) > western (0.84) > middle (0.63). The mean value (0.82) of the overall coupling coordination in China floated at the boundary of high-quality coordination, and all three regions showed a trend of rising and then falling and leveling off, and the number of provinces and cities in high-quality coordination in China was shifting from the north to the south during 2011–2020. This study can provide theoretical support for the coordinated development between industrial development and land use, and provide feasible suggestions for the intensive and efficient use of resources.
From Wooded Savannah to Farmland and Settlement: Population Growth, Drought, Energy Needs and Cotton Price Incentives Driving Changes in Wacoro, Mali
Authors: Sanogo Nagalé Dit Mahamadou , Dayamba Sidzabda Djibril , Renaud Fabrice G. , Feurer Melanie
Published: November 2022

Land includes vegetation and water bodies and provides the basis for human livelihoods through primary production, food and freshwater supply, and multiple other ecosystem services. The last three decades have recorded frequent drought events as well as rapid population growth, which has often resulted in adverse land use and land cover change (LULCC) in the Sahel of Sub-Saharan Africa. In order to propose sustainable land management strategies, it is a prerequisite to investigate the rate of LULCC and its driving factors in specific locations. This study investigated the case of Wacoro municipality in Mali using a combined approach of remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and focus group discussions. Satellite images and local people’s perceptions on LULCC and drivers were collected and analyzed for the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. We found that the study area faced a rapid decrease in wooded savannah that was degraded and converted to shrub savannah and later to farmland and settlement. Changes were directly or indirectly related to the rapid population growth, high cotton price (which encouraged cropland expansion), drought, firewood extraction, and charcoal production, which was exacerbated by poverty. We suggest promoting integrated land management strategies that consider current and future livelihood needs and preserve the environment for the benefits of future generations. New agricultural policies, such as cotton price incentives, should always be accompanied by an assessment of their potential environmental impacts and design of adequate mitigation measures.
Introducing Geotourism to Diversify the Visitor Experience in Protected Areas and Reduce Impacts on Overused Attractions
Authors: Sumanapala Daminda , Wolf Isabelle D.
Published: November 2022

Sri Lankan National Parks are highly popular among international and local visitors, as they offer close-up encounters with large animal species. Yala National Park is one of the top five parks in the country attracting larger crowds than any other parks especially during the holiday season. Most visitors flock to the park to observe the highly sought-after Asian Elephant and Asian Leopard. This has led to safari operators pursuing these animals aggressively to satisfy visitor expectations, thereby threatening wildlife populations. In this article, we present a straightforward methodology to identify high-potential geotourism sites in order to diversify visitor experiences as a means to alleviate pressure from wildlife tourism. To identify sites, firstly this study has evaluated various place characteristics important for the development of geotourism, including scientific, tourism and ‘additional’ value indicators. As a result, three sites out of four were selected to promote geotourism in Yala National Park. Secondly, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was performed, which builds on the results from the numerical evaluation but provides a more in-depth narrative assessment. Ultimately, this study serves as an example of how to seize the opportunities that geotourism offers for diversifying tourism offers in protected areas.
Verbs That Express Passive Hearing in Catalan and French: Semantic Change of the Forms sentir (Catalan) and entendre (French)
Authors: Ferrerós-Pagès Carla
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to study the meanings of passive auditory perception verbs in Catalan (sentir) and French (entendre) with regards to diachronic semantic change and from the point of view of cognitive semantics. These verbs do not originally encode the meaning related to perception, at least not historically. By taking examples drawn from diachronic and synchronic lexicographical sources, I have analyzed the meanings conveyed by these two verbs and their metaphorical and metonymic projections from their origin to their current use. This research provides new data on semantic extensions related to verbs of perception: certain projections that are frequently related to this kind of verb do not always occur in the direction predicted by inter-linguistic studies. Particularly, the study of the evolution in the French form entendre contradicts the expectations that can be drawn from other studies of verbs on this conceptional domain in that it seems to have evolved in the opposite direction, i.e., from intellectual understanding to sensorial perception.
Salinity and Heavy Metal Tolerance, and Phytoextraction Potential of Ranunculus sceleratus Plants from a Sandy Coastal Beach
Authors: Ievinsh Gederts , Landorfa-Svalbe Zaiga , Andersone-Ozola Una , Karlsons Andis , Osvalde Anita
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was to evaluate tolerance to salinity and different heavy metals as well as the phytoextraction potential of Ranunculus sceleratus plants from a brackish coastal sandy beach habitat. Four separate experiments were performed with R. sceleratus plants in controlled conditions: (1) the effect of NaCl gradient on growth and ion accumulation, (2) the effect of different Na+ and K+ salts on growth and ion accumulation, (3) heavy metal tolerance and metal accumulation potential, (4) the effect of different forms of Pb salts (nitrate and acetate) on plant growth and Pb accumulation. A negative effect of NaCl on plant biomass was evident at 0.5 g L−1 Na+ and growth was inhibited by 44% at 10 g L−1 Na+, and this was associated with changes in biomass allocation. The maximum Na+ accumulation (90.8 g kg−1) was found in the stems of plants treated with 10 g kg−1 Na+. The type of anion determined the salinity tolerance of R. sceleratus plants, as Na+ and K+ salts with an identical anion component had a comparable effect on plant growth: nitrates strongly stimulated plant growth, and chloride treatment resulted in slight but significant growth reduction, but plants treated with nitrites and carbonates died within 4 and 5 weeks after the full treatment, respectively. The shoot growth of R. sceleratus plants was relatively insensitive to treatment with Mn, Cd and Zn in the form of sulphate salts, but Pb nitrate increased it. Hyperaccumulation threshold concentration values in the leaves of R. sceleratus were reached for Cd, Pb and Zn. R. sceleratus can be characterized as a shoot accumulator of heavy metals and a hyperaccumulator of Na+. A relatively short life cycle together with a high biomass accumulation rate makes R. sceleratus useful for dynamic constructed wetland systems aiming for the purification of concentrated wastewaters.
Remediation of Cadmium Stress in Strawberry Plants Using Humic Acid and Silicon Applications
Authors: Dogan Meral , Bolat Ibrahim , Karakas Sema , Dikilitas Murat , Gutiérrez-Gamboa Gastón , Kaya Ozkan
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Strawberry plants are strongly affected by heavy-metal-contaminated soils, which affects plant growth, yield and fruit quality. The aim of this work was to study the effects of a combination and individual application of silicon (Si) and humic acid (HA) on growth and development of Rubygem strawberries exposed to cadmium (Cd) in greenhouse conditions. (2) Methods: Morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters, including minerals in roots and leaves were determined. (3) Results: Cd stress in strawberry plants decreased plant fresh and dry weight; leaf stomatal conductance; leaf relative water content and chlorophyll content; number of leaves; leaf area; leaf N, P and K levels; and root P, N, Mg, K and Ca contents. Cd increased membrane permeability, leaf temperature, proline levels and lipid peroxidation. Si and HA individual applications to strawberries mitigated the negative effect of Cd stress on biochemical, physiological, morphological and minerals parameters by decreasing membrane permeability, leaf temperature, proline levels and lipid peroxidation. (4) Conclusions: Our findings highlighted that applications of Si, HA and Si + HA were effective in conferring Cd tolerance in strawberry plants by upregulating their many morphological, physiological and biochemical properties and reducing Cd stress.
Identifying MicroRNA Markers That Predict COVID-19 Severity Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Ren Jingxin , Guo Wei , Feng Kaiyan , Huang Tao , Cai Yudong
Published: November 2022

Individuals with the SARS-CoV-2 infection may experience a wide range of symptoms, from being asymptomatic to having a mild fever and cough to a severe respiratory impairment that results in death. MicroRNA (miRNA), which plays a role in the antiviral effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, has the potential to be used as a novel marker to distinguish between patients who have various COVID-19 clinical severities. In the current study, the existing blood expression profiles reported in two previous studies were combined for deep analyses. The final profiles contained 1444 miRNAs in 375 patients from six categories, which were as follows: 30 patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms, 81 patients with moderate COVID-19 symptoms, 30 non-COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, 137 patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms, 31 non-COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms, and 66 healthy controls. An efficient computational framework containing four feature selection methods (LASSO, LightGBM, MCFS, and mRMR) and four classification algorithms (DT, KNN, RF, and SVM) was designed to screen clinical miRNA markers, and a high-precision RF model with a 0.780 weighted F1 was constructed. Some miRNAs, including miR-24-3p, whose differential expression was discovered in patients with acute lung injury complications brought on by severe COVID-19, and miR-148a-3p, differentially expressed against SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins, were identified, thereby suggesting the effectiveness and accuracy of our framework. Meanwhile, we extracted classification rules based on the DT model for the quantitative representation of the role of miRNA expression in differentiating COVID-19 patients with different severities. The search for novel biomarkers that could predict the severity of the disease could aid in the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 and in exploring the specific mechanisms of the complications caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, new therapeutic targets for the disease may be found.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum Transmission Activates Immune Pathways While Repressing Wound Healing in the Skin
Authors: Underwood Jacob , Harvey Cristina , Lohstroh Elizabeth , Pierce Branden , Chambers Cross , Guzman Valencia Stephanie , Oliva Chávez Adela S.
Published: November 2022

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), is an obligate intracellular bacterium transmitted by the bite of black-legged ticks, Ixodes scapularis. The main host cells in vertebrates are neutrophils. However, the first site of entry is in the skin during tick feeding. Given that the initial responses within skin are a crucial determinant of disease outcome in vector-borne diseases, we used a non-biased approach to characterize the transcriptional changes that take place at the bite during I. scapularis feeding and A. phagocytophilum transmission. Experimentally infected ticks were allowed to feed for 3 days on C57BL/6J mice to allow bacterial transmission and establishment. Skin biopsies were taken from the attachment site of uninfected ticks and A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks. Skin without ticks (intact skin) was used as baseline. RNA was isolated and sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The differentially expressed genes were used to identify over-represented pathways by gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment (PE). Anaplasma phagocytophilum transmission resulted in the activation of interferon signaling and neutrophil chemotaxis pathways in the skin. Interestingly, it also led to the downregulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and upregulation of metalloproteinases, suggesting that A. phagocytophilum delays wound healing responses and may increase vascular permeability at the bite site.
Impact of Left Ventricular Assist Devices on Days Alive and Out of Hospital in Hemodynamically Stable Patients with End-Stage Heart Failure: A Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Tenge Theresa , Roth Sebastian , M‘Pembele René , Lurati Buse Giovanna , Boenner Florian , Ballázs Christina , Tudorache Igor , Boeken Udo , Lichtenberg Artur , Neukirchen Martin , Huhn Ragnar , Aubin Hug
Published: November 2022

The two main surgical options to treat end-stage heart failure are heart transplantation (HTx) or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. In hemodynamically stable patients, the decision for HTx listing with or without LVADs is challenging. We analyzed the impact of both options on days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) and survival. This retrospective study screened all patients with HTx or LVAD implantation between 2010 and 2020. The main inclusion criterion was hemodynamic stability defined as independence of intravenous inotropic/vasoactive support at decision. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. The primary endpoint was DAOH within one year after the decision. Secondary endpoints included survival, duration until HTx, and hospitalizations. In total, 187 patients received HTx and 227 patients underwent LVAD implantation. There were 21 bridge-to-transplant (BTT)-LVAD patients (implantation less than a month after HTx listing or listing after implantation) and 44 HTx-waiting patients included. PSM identified 17 matched pairs. Median DAOH at one year was not significantly different between the groups (BTT-LVAD: median 281, IQR 89; HTx waiting: median 329, IQR 74; p = 0.448). Secondary endpoints did not differ significantly. Our data suggest that BTT-LVAD implantation may not be favorable in terms of DAOH within one year for hemodynamically stable patients compared to waiting for HTx. Further investigations on quality of life and long-term outcomes are warranted.
Multiprotein GLI Transcriptional Complexes as Therapeutic Targets in Cancer
Authors: Yang Fan , Wynn Daniel T. , Shen Chen , Ayad Nagi G. , Robbins David J.
Published: November 2022

The Hedgehog signaling pathway functions in both embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Importantly, its aberrant activation is also implicated in the progression of multiple types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. GLI transcription factors function as the ultimate effectors of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Their activity is regulated by this signaling cascade via their mRNA expression, protein stability, subcellular localization, and ultimately their transcriptional activity. Further, GLI proteins are also regulated by a variety of non-canonical mechanisms in addition to the canonical Hedgehog pathway. Recently, with an increased understanding of epigenetic gene regulation, novel transcriptional regulators have been identified that interact with GLI proteins in multi-protein complexes to regulate GLI transcriptional activity. Such complexes have added another layer of complexity to the regulation of GLI proteins. Here, we summarize recent work on the regulation of GLI transcriptional activity by these novel protein complexes and describe their relevance to cancer, as such GLI regulators represent alternative and innovative druggable targets in GLI-dependent cancers.
Effect of Micro-Dimple Geometry on the Tribological Characteristics of Textured Surfaces
Authors: Ali Saood , Kurniawan Rendi , Xu Moran , Ahmed Farooq , Danish Mohd , Aslantas Kubilay
Published: November 2022

The introduction of external surface features on mating contact surfaces is an effective method to reduce friction and wear between the contact surfaces. The tribological properties of the contact surfaces can be improved by controlling the geometrical parameters (shape, size, depth) of the surface texture effectively. In the present study, the tribological properties of Al6061-T6 cylindrical workpieces with various micro-dimple-texture geometries and an AISI 52100 steel stationery block are tested experimentally, in a rotating cylinder-on-pin configuration of the friction test. The dual-frequency surface texturing method is employed to create micro-dimple textures using a polycrystalline diamond tool. The effect of a hierarchical micro-dimple texture is then investigated under boundary lubrication conditions. Hierarchical micro-dimples, with an increase in length, show a lower friction coefficient under high load and sliding speed conditions. Secondary hierarchical nano-structures help in improving the tribological characteristics by generating an additional hydrodynamic lift effect.
Elastic Contact Analysis of Shot-Peened Rough Surfaces
Authors: Dai Wanlin , Yuan Weike , Wang Gangfeng
Published: November 2022

Shot peening can effectively improve the mechanical performance of metal components, and thus has been widely employed in the engineering field. During the processing, the surface roughness of treated components will be completely changed, which could strongly affect their tribological behavior. However, few of the existing contact models are directed toward the rough surfaces generated by shot peening. In this study, the normal contact response between a shot-peened surface and a rigid plane is investigated based on the finite element method and the recently developed incremental contact model. The elastic contacts of the rough surfaces experimentally measured on three different shot-peened specimens are considered. Contrary to the conventional rough contact models, it is found that the dependence of the external load on the real contact area for the shot-peened surfaces is not at all linear, even for light loads. The slope of the area–load curve significantly varies at two transition points, which are intrinsically linked to the special structure of shot-peened surfaces.
Publisher’s Note: Lymphatics, a New Open Access Journal
Authors: Craciun Ioana , Gandhi Varsha
Published: November 2022

Five different organs, namely the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and a network of lymphatic vessels, constitute “lymphatics” [...]
2-Benzyl-3-morpholino-7-(thiophen-2-yl)-6-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-one
Authors: Morales-Salazar Ivette , Rincón-Guevara Mónica A. , González-Zamora Eduardo , Islas-Jácome Alejandro
Published: November 2022

The new polyheterocyclic compound 2-benzyl-3-morpholino-7-(thiophen-2-yl)-6-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-one (1) was synthesized via a one-pot process involving an Ugi-Zhu three-component reaction coupled to a cascade aza-Diels-Alder cycloaddition/N-acylation/decarboxylation/dehydration process, using toluene as the solvent, ytterbium (III) triflate as the Lewis acid catalyst, and microwave-dielectric heating to increase the overall yield by up to 73%, while decreasing the reaction time to less than one hour. Product 1 was fully characterized by its physicochemical properties and using spectroscopic techniques (IR, HRMS and NMR).
The RAAS Axis and SARS-CoV-2: From Oral to Systemic Manifestations
Authors: Maranduca Minela Aida , Vamesu Calin George , Tanase Daniela Maria , Clim Andreea , Drochioi Ilie Cristian , Pinzariu Alin Constantin , Filip Nina , Dima Nicoleta , Tudorancea Ionut , Serban Dragomir Nicolae , Serban Ionela Lacramioara
Published: November 2022

One of the essential regulators of arterial blood pressure, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) seems to be one of the most complex mechanisms in the human body. Since the discovery of its key components and their actions, new substances and functions are still being unraveled. The main pathway begins with the secretion of renin in the kidney and culminates with the synthesis of angiotensin II (Ang II)—a strong vasoconstrictor—thanks to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Research conducted in 2000 identified another enzyme, named ACE2, that converts Ang II into Ang-(1–7), a heptapeptide with opposing effects to those of Ang II: vasodilation and anti-inflammatory properties. This particular enzyme became of paramount importance during the last two decades, as a result of the confrontation of the human race with life-threatening epidemics. Multiple studies have been performed in order to uncover the link between ACE2 and human coronaviruses, the results of which we systemized in order to create an overview of the pathogenic mechanism. Human coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, attach to ACE2 via their spike proteins (S), causing the destruction of the enzyme. Because ACE2 limits the production of Ang II (by converting it into Ang-(1–7)), its destruction leads to a dysregulated inflammatory response. The purpose of this review is to decipher the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the multiorgan complications (oral, cardiac, pulmonary, systemic) that appear as a result of the interaction of the SARS CoV-2 virus with the angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2.
Spectacular and Prompt Response to Extracorporeal Photopheresis for Refractory Cutaneous Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Spałek Adrianna , Grygoruk-Wiśniowska Iwona , Gruenpeter Karolina , Panz-Klapuch Marta , Helbig Grzegorz
Published: November 2022

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a serious complication after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), negatively affecting the morbidity and mortality of recipients. Skin involvement is the most common cGVHD manifestation with a wide range of pleomorphic features, from scleroderma to ulcerations and microangiopathic changes. Despite the access to many immunosuppressive drugs, therapy for cGVHD is challenging. Systemic steroids are recommended as the first-line treatment; but, in steroid-resistant patients, extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) remains one of the subsequent therapeutic options. Here, we present a case report of a 31-year patient suffering from advanced steroid-refractory skin and oral mucosa cGVHD who was spectacularly treated with ECP. It was the first time we observed such “overnight” resolution of the graft-versus-host disease syndrome. The present report proves the important role of ECP in the treatment of steroid-resistant cGVHD, especially when other immunosuppressive therapies have failed.
MEMS-Based Tactile Sensors: Materials, Processes and Applications in Robotics
Authors: Bayer Ilker S.
Published: November 2022

Commonly encountered problems in the manipulation of objects with robotic hands are the contact force control and the setting of approaching motion. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors on robots offer several solutions to these problems along with new capabilities. In this review, we analyze tactile, force and/or pressure sensors produced by MEMS technologies including off-the-shelf products such as MEMS barometric sensors. Alone or in conjunction with other sensors, MEMS platforms are considered very promising for robots to detect the contact forces, slippage and the distance to the objects for effective dexterous manipulation. We briefly reviewed several sensing mechanisms and principles, such as capacitive, resistive, piezoresistive and triboelectric, combined with new flexible materials technologies including polymers processing and MEMS-embedded textiles for flexible and snake robots. We demonstrated that without taking up extra space and at the same time remaining lightweight, several MEMS sensors can be integrated into robotic hands to simulate human fingers, gripping, hardness and stiffness sensations. MEMS have high potential of enabling new generation microactuators, microsensors, micro miniature motion-systems (e.g., microrobots) that will be indispensable for health, security, safety and environmental protection.
Applying ZCT to Two-Phase Boost Converter with IGBT Switches Used
Authors: Hwu Kuo-Ing , Tseng Pei-Ching
Published: November 2022

A zero-current-transition (ZCT) strategy is proposed herein. This strategy is applied to a two-phase boost converter with isolated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) used as main switches. However, IGBTs have a current tail during the switch-off interval. Consequently, the proposed constant-frequency ZCT strategy along with common-ground auxiliary switches is employed to decrease the switching loss generated by the current tail. Furthermore, the light-load efficiency can be upgraded by regulating the switch-off instants and switch-on times of the two auxiliary switches. Moreover, two phases are interleaved with one phase having a phase difference of 180° from the other phase, and controlled by a current-sharing controller so that the input current can be distributed between the two phases as evenly as possible. Moreover, only one current sensing circuit is required to obtain information on currents in the two main switches. Above all, the number of phases can be extended with easy control of the ZCT and current balance.
State-of-the-Art Nanoclay Reinforcement in Green Polymeric Nanocomposite: From Design to New Opportunities
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Ahmad Ishaq , Maaza Malik , Eisa M.H.
Published: November 2022

Nanoclays are layered aluminosilicate nanostructures. Depending upon the chemical composition and microscopic structure, various nanoclay types have been discovered such as montmorillonite, bentonite, kaolinite, halloysite nanoclay, etc. Nanoclays have been organically modified to develop compatibility with polymers. Polymer/nanoclay nanocomposites have prompted significant breakthroughs in the field of nanocomposite technology. Green nanocomposites form an important class of nanomaterials using naturally derived degradable materials as matrix/nanofiller. This review essentially deliberates the fundamentals and effect of nanoclay reinforcements in the green polymer matrices. Naturally derived polymers such as cellulose, starch, natural rubber, poly(lactic acid), etc. have been employed in these nanocomposites. Green polymer/nanoclay nanocomposites have been fabricated using various feasible fabrication approaches such as the solution route, melt processing, in situ polymerization, and others. The significance of the structure-property relationships in these nanomaterials, essential to attain the desired features, has been presented. Green polymer/nanoclay nanocomposites are light weight, inexpensiveness, ecofriendly, have a low cost, and enhanced indispensable physical properties. Consequently, the green polymer/nanoclay nanocomposites have found applications towards sustainability uses, packaging, membranes, and biomedical (tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing) sectors. However, thorough research efforts are desirable to extend the utility of the green polymer/nanoclay nanocomposites in future technological sectors.
Antibacterial Activity of Two Zn-MOFs Containing a Tricarboxylate Linker
Authors: Rojas Sara , García-García Amalia , Hidalgo Tania , Rosales María , Ruiz-Camino Daniel , Salcedo-Abraira Pablo , Montes-Andrés Helena , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane , Rosal Roberto , Horcajada Patricia , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio
Published: November 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used as reservoirs of metal ions with relevant antibacterial effects. Here, two novel Zn-based MOFs with the formulas [Zn4(μ4-O)(μ-FA)L2] (GR-MOF-8) and [Zn4(μ4-O)L2(H2O)] (GR-MOF-9) (H3L: 5-((4-carboxyphenyl)ethynyl) in isophthalic acid and FA (formate anion) were solvothermally synthetized and fully characterized. The antibacterial activity of GR-MOF-8 and 9 was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Escherichia Coli (EC) by the agar diffusion method. Both bacteria are among the most relevant human and animal pathogens, causing a wide variety of infections, and are often related with the development of antimicrobial resistances. While both Zn-based materials exhibited antibacterial activity against both strains, GR-MOF-8 showed the highest inhibitory action, likely due to a more progressive Zn release under the tested experimental conditions. This is particularly evidenced in the inhibition of SA, with an increasing effect of GR-MOF-8 with time, which is of great significance to ensure the disappearance of the microorganism.
High-Reliability Perovskite Quantum Dots Using Atomic Layer Deposition Passivation for Novel Photonic Applications
Authors: Lee Tzu-Yi , Hsieh Tsau-Hua , Miao Wen-Chien , James Singh Konthoujam , Li Yiming , Tu Chang-Ching , Chen Fang-Chung , Lu Wen-Chung , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: November 2022

In this study, we propose highly stable perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) coated with Al2O3 using atomic layer deposition (ALD) passivation technology. This passivation layer effectively protects the QDs from moisture infiltration and oxidation as well as from high temperatures and any changes in the material characteristics. They exhibit excellent wavelength stability and reliability in terms of current variation tests, long-term light aging tests, and temperature/humidity tests (60°/90%). A white-light system has been fabricated by integrating a micro-LED and red phosphor exhibiting a high data transmission rate of 1 Gbit/s. These results suggest that PeQDs treated with ALD passivation protection offer promising prospects in full-color micro-displays and high-speed visible-light communication (VLC) applications.
Nanoparticles in Chemical EOR: A Review on Flooding Tests
Authors: Al-Asadi Akram , Rodil Eva , Soto Ana
Published: November 2022

The use of nanofluids is showing promise as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method. Several reviews have been published focusing on the main mechanisms involved in the process. This new study, unlike previous works, aims to collect information about the most promising nano-EOR methods according to their performance in core-flooding tests. As its main contribution, it presents useful information for researchers interested in experimental application of nano-EOR methods. Additional recoveries (after brine flooding) up to 15% of the original oil in place, or higher when combined with smart water or magnetic fields, have been found with formulations consisting of simple nanoparticles in water or brine. The functionalization of nanoparticles and their combination with surfactants and/or polymers take advantage of the synergy of different EOR methods and can lead to higher additional recoveries. The cost, difficulty of preparation, and stability of the formulations have to be considered in practical applications. Additional oil recoveries shown in the reviewed papers encourage the application of the method at larger scales, but experimental limitations could be offering misleading results. More rigorous and systematic works are required to draw reliable conclusions regarding the best type and size of nanoparticles according to the application (type of rock, permeability, formation brine, reservoir conditions, other chemicals in the formulation, etc.)
Visible-Light-Active N-Doped TiO2 Photocatalysts: Synthesis from TiOSO4, Characterization, and Enhancement of Stability Via Surface Modification
Authors: Kovalevskiy Nikita , Svintsitskiy Dmitry , Cherepanova Svetlana , Yakushkin Stanislav , Martyanov Oleg , Selishcheva Svetlana , Gribov Evgeny , Kozlov Denis , Selishchev Dmitry
Published: November 2022

This paper describes the chemical engineering aspects for the preparation of highly active and stable nanocomposite photocatalysts based on N-doped TiO2. The synthesis is performed using titanium oxysulfate as a low-cost inorganic precursor and ammonia as a precipitating agent, as well as a source of nitrogen. Mixing the reagents under a control of pH leads to an amorphous titanium oxide hydrate, which can be further successfully converted to nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 through calcination in air at an increased temperature. The as-prepared N-doped TiO2 provides the complete oxidation of volatile organic compounds both under UV and visible light, and the action spectrum of N-doped TiO2 correlates to its absorption spectrum. The key role of paramagnetic nitrogen species in the absorption of visible light and in the visible-light-activity of N-doped TiO2 is shown using the EPR technique. Surface modification of N-doped TiO2 with copper species prevents its intense deactivation under highly powerful radiation and results in a nanocomposite photocatalyst with enhanced activity and stability. The photocatalysts prepared under different conditions are discussed regarding the effects of their characteristics on photocatalytic activity under UV and visible light.
Gold Nanocolumnar Templates for Effective Chemical Sensing by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Barbillon Grégory , Humbert Christophe , González María Ujué , García-Martín José Miguel
Published: November 2022

Herein, we investigate the chemical sensing by surface-enhanced Raman scattering regarding two templates of gold nanocolumns (vertical and tilted) manufactured by glancing angle deposition with magnetron sputtering. We selected this fabrication technique due to its advantages in terms of low-cost production and ease of implementation. These gold nanocolumnar structures allow producing a high density of strongly confined electric field spots within the nanogaps between the neighboring nanocolumns. Thiophenol molecules were used as model analytes since they have the principal property to adsorb well on gold surfaces. Regarding chemical sensing, the vertical (tilted) nanocolumnar templates showed a detection threshold limit of 10 nM (20 nM), an enhancement factor of 9.8 × 108 (4.8 × 108), and a high quality of adsorption with an adsorption constant Kads of 2.0 × 106 M−1 (1.8 × 106 M−1) for thiophenol molecules.
Effect of Nano-Sized γ′ Phase on the Ultrasonic and Mechanical Properties of Ni-Based Superalloy
Authors: Jie Ziqi , Yang Zhaoning , Xu Tao , Sun Chongfeng
Published: November 2022

The effect of the nano-sized γ′ phase on the ultrasonic and mechanical properties of the IN939 superalloy was investigated. The results indicate that the microstructure characteristics of the nano-sized γ′ phase directly affected the ultrasonic longitudinal velocity, the attenuation coefficient, and the mechanical properties. The ultrasonic longitudinal velocity increased with the volume fraction of the γ′ phase, whereas the attenuation coefficient was similar to the fractional change in the γ channel width. The lower fractional change in the γ channel width, in combination with a high volume fraction of the γ′ phase, was conducive to improving the mechanical properties of the superalloy. Additionally, the variation in the ultrasonic properties could reflect the variation in the mechanical properties of the IN939 superalloy, which was beneficial for optimizing the heat treatment process and characterizing the γ′ phase precipitation behavior in a nondestructive manner.
Chlamydia abortus Isolation and Identification in Aborted Ovine Fetus in Mari El Republic of Russia
Authors: Matveeva Irina , Nikitin Nikolai , Evtushenko Ekaterina , Azimov Karim , Zaberezhny Alexey , Bogomolova Olesya , Kruglova Maria , Yeremets Vladimir , Markova Evgeniya , Yeremets Natalia
Published: November 2022

Reproductive disorders, presumably caused by Chlamydia abortus, are common among the ovine population of the Mari El Republic, Russia. C. abortus infection was determined by serologic testing or isolation and detection of the organism by PCR and direct immunofluorescence in tissue samples. Rams, ewes, and lambs (10 individuals each) were randomly chosen for serological testing by the complement fixation test and 7 of 30 (23%) animals tested were positive. Tissue samples were collected from ewes and aborted fetuses for isolation by inoculating chicken embryo yolk sacs (n = 41). The same samples were analyzed by PCR using commercial and in-house PCR kits and by direct immunofluorescence. C. abortus was detected in 58.5% of samples using PCR and in 60.9% of the samples by direct immunofluorescence. Five Chlamydia isolates were cultured in egg yolk sacs and adapted for growth in cell cultures. Phylogenetic analysis showed no substantial difference between Russian isolates and those from other parts of the world. The results of the study further demonstrate the usefulness of PCR for detection of C. abortus as a faster, simpler, and more reliable approach in comparison to culturing the organism and underscoring the necessity of screening for chlamydiosis as a cause of ovine abortion.